Singing has health benefits. It’s proven.  When you sing your brain releases endorphins or those feel good chemicals into your body. People who sing actually say they have a better quality of life.  There are some studies out there that show that when people sing together their hearts actually align with their beating and rhythm.  Singing also builds confidence and lessens anxiety.  Singing has been used recently to work with people with dementia.  It brings people out of the malaise and into a different kind of connection.  Where memories don’t exist anymore, well known hymns and songs do.

Group singing adds a whole different dimension to all of this.  Time recently published an article saying that if we group sing, it actually transforms us.  We are energized and calmed all at the same time.  Studies show that benefits increase over time when we sing with other people.  “The benefits of singing regularly seem to be cumulative. In one study, singers were found to have lower levels ofcortisol, indicating lower stress.  A very preliminary investigation suggesting that our heart rates may sync upduring group singing could also explain why singing together sometimes feels like a guided group meditation. Study after study has found that singing relieves anxiety and contributes to quality of life.”  (Time Magazine, Aug. 15, 2013)

Isn’t that amazing?   God seemed to know what God was doing when the capacity to sing was created.  And if you are like me, you really can’t help BUT sing on a regular basis.  I find myself walking around my house singing whatever…to the dog, about the house, what I am doing, lalalalala.

I grew up in a singing household.  My dad plays guitar and would start playing and before too long I and a few of my brothers would be around singing.  We were put into cherub choir at church at an early age.  And every once in a while for special music at church my dad and my brothers and I would sing something (my mom takes a pass on this:)). Singing aligned my family on a regular basis and I am so thankful for it.  I couldn’t imagine life without out it.  Singing adds joy, allows us to vocalize sorrow and grief, and aligns us with community.  Singing together is not just about the song, it is about exuding community.

God knew what God was doing with the whole singing thing.  Ok….now you are saying, “but I can’t sing.” I’m just going to say it…RIDICULOUS! Notice the Psalmist says, “Make a joyful noise.” We ALLLLL can do that.  We were created to make music in some capacity…a noise, a movement, a song from our heart that may not even be vocal but is music and noise. As long as you are there rejoicing to God and finding ways to exude what God has created you to do…well, you are benefiting.  Your heart is racing. Your endorphins are exuding.  All is well.  Just try it.

Today sing.  Sing around the house. Sing a song. Sing.

Enjoy!

C