I begin singing Christmas Carols in October. I “sing along with Mitch,” and duet with Barbra Streisand, Bette Midler and James Taylor listening to CDs in my car. Ella Fitzgerald once said, “The only thing better than singing is more singing.”
Studies have linked singing with all kinds of health benefits. Music therapist Patricia Preston-Roberts uses song to help patients who suffer from a variety of psychological and physiological conditions (www.SixWise.com).
Dr. Ben Kim, pinpointing the impact singing has on our immune system, wrote that we need to sing “from our belly”. He stated, “Do your health a favor and belt out a few tunes on a regular basis. Your immune system will thank you for it.” (http://drbenkim.com/articles-singing-for-health.htm).
Many of us love to sing. Not because we think clinically about the health benefits, but just because it just makes us feel good.
Singing also has a deeper meaning and benefit – it can be inspirational, providing spiritual blessings. Reminding us of Jesus’ beatitude, “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled”, Christian Science founder Mary Baker Eddy wrote in her monumental book on spirituality and healing, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, “Whatever inspires with wisdom, Truth, or Love – be it song, sermon, or Science [divine Science, an understanding of God] – blesses the human family with crumbs of comfort from Christ’s table, feeding the hungry and giving living waters to the thirsty.”
Singing is a great way to express gratitude, love, and joy – key elements to developing greater spirituality and better health. Singing hymns and spiritual songs has given individuals strength and courage – qualities that can diminish anxiety and fear. “Sing to the Lord”, the Bible exhorts several times. On many occasions, I “sing my prayers” – singing hymns (a wonderful way to pray) has often helped me to overcome pain and feel better.
Want a good way to celebrate the holidays, and feel inspired and well? This Christmas season, start singing! Join a choir, pull out those old cassettes and 8 tracks, grab a CD, download your iPod, and join in. This is a great time of year to express your gratitude and reverence for the Divine. I think I can hear you singing already!
