Lifting the Spirit

All year 'round I talk to my singers about the positive benefits of Singing.  The research   

demonstrating how good it is for us -
 physically - heart health, lung health, energising us - and how good it is for us
mentally - keeping the 'blues' at bay, connecting with others in the group gives us a sense of belonging
- but at this time of year particularly, I want to remind my singers about the spiritual benefits associated with singing.  This time of year is difficult for so many people - struggling with loneliness, family splits, the pressures society imposes in trying to create the 'perfect Christmas'.  Sharing the joy of song with others gives US even more benefits. 
Knowing that we can lift the heart of others simply by giving away a song, lifts our own heart as well.  The joy of giving to others is the true gift of Christmas - and that cannot be measured in dollar value.  Sharing a song, from your heart to theirs, is a most powerful gift - probably far more than you will ever know in some cases.
So lift your voices singers ....give the gift of a song, freely and with the pure joy of singing .... to share the true Spirit of Christmas.

THIS DECEMBER my 3 community chorus groups:  Heart of Erin, Hot Gospel, and the New Leaf Singers, will be "Busking for Bucks" on the 13th December in the Newcastle area - we'll be handing 'round a bucket for donations and passing these on to Lifeline. 

Making Song Making Magic

Research from around the world continues to prove the beneficial effect of singing – especially in a group.  Some examples:  

• “In previous studies experts claimed that joining a choir could improve symptoms of Parkinson’s, depression and lung disease.

•   Swedish research has suggested that it not only increases oxygen levels in the blood but triggers the release of “happy” hormones such as Oxycontin, which is thought to help lower stress levels and blood pressure.

•   A year long study on people with mental health problems, carried out by  the Sidney De Haan Research Centre for Arts and Health, Canterbury, has also shown that some 60 per cent of participants had less mental distress when retested a year after joining, with some people no longer fulfilling diagnostic criteria for clinical depression”

An article I read recently about continuing ongoing research, reported that singing in a choir even had the edge over team sports partly because in a choir, members synchronise their breathing.  There is also some speculation that singing in a group gives us something that we have lost as a society.  Perhaps that sense of social interaction, being part of a community?

No matter which way you look at it – or listen – there’s just no denying that making song has magic properties which benefits everyone.