Coming together with others
We learned during lockdown how important human connection is for our own sense of wellbeing, getting out of the house and into contact with other human beings is already a big benefit of singing with others. During the times in the session when we are not singing, we can chat to people and get to know them. Given that we all decided to come to the same event it’s likely that the other people in the group are kindred spirits, so there are new friends to be made. Meeting new people and slowly over time developing friendships is a major benefit of singing with others.
Singing
Singing is really good for you. When we are really happy we might find ourselves singing or humming for joy. By singing when we are not particularly happy we can induce happiness with ourselves. When we sing endorphins, or feel good hormones, are released which can reduce pain and elevate our moods contributing to a sense of pleasure and well being. Singing also stimulates dopamine production which makes singing feel rewarding. It also releases Serotonin which creates a feeling of happiness and stability. Meanwhile Cortisol, the stress hormone, is reduced when we sing, especially in a relaxed setting. This decrease leads to an overall sense of calm and relaxation. As we sing more our voice is strengthened and the more this becomes a habit, these benefits come more and more easily.
Singing Together
Singing with others releases Oxytocin, the love hormone, which helps us strengthen feelings of connection and empathy, and reduces feelings of loneliness. When we sing in the presence of others we overcome our fears and rest in mutual acceptance of one another. This is very empowering and helps with our self esteem, confidence and sense of self worth. Being part of a singing group we realise that although we are only contributing one small voice, our part goes towards making the whole beautiful sound. We learn our contribution is important but also that the sound will also carry on without us, which is humbling. Humility is a key quality that helps us to suffer less, when we take ourselves less seriously and focus less on ourselves we become happier. Focusing on the sound we make together rather than our own voice is an active way of training this.
Breathing Together
When we sing together, we automatically breathe together. Our state of consciousness is intrinsically linked to our breath. When we are stressed our breathing is fast and shallow, when we are relaxed it is slow and deep, by taking conscious control of our breathing we can affect our state of mind. As we sing mantras our breathing is regulated by the song and the speed of the mantra, after a while we find our normal state of consciousness has gone and we are in a deep state of meditation, aided by the singing, breathing and breathing with others whose state of consciousness is also changing. If we spend time with someone angry, soon we become angry, in the same way, if we spend time with someone calm we too become calm, if we then spend time with many people who are calm we all help each other to get into a deep meditative state.
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