Singing As A Spiritual Practice

SOUND AND EMOTION

The voice as an instrument can activate a myriad of emotional responses, for as one lets go of sound there is an immediate release of feelings as well. Releasing sound powerfully is a very confrontational act. Sound evokes emotion, and when the instrument is the body there is nothing to hide behind; the tone is out loud and free. The sound may be raw and unprotected, resulting in feelings of extreme vulnerability. This is often a time when old myths of self judgment and fear take over, creating a very critical climate. If the sound seems too loud it can conjure up analogies to anger or aggression, leaving the vocalist with feelings that are unsafe and threatening. When fear of judgment holds us back from taking creative chances, we cease to grow, stifling creative flow.

The simple act of letting go of a loud, fully open tone can produce some startling reactions; it can bring a person to tears, activate an old painful memory from childhood or even a series of memories, evoke fear or empowerment or both, in other words when you free up your sound you in turn free up your feelings. When feelings are too powerful or unpleasant we all tend to want to cover them up in some way, but there is no hiding from the sound of our own voice. A sound that is powerfully executed must come from full body support; and in turn forces one to be present both emotionally and physically. As one pushes air up through their body expanding the rib cage area and chest to prepare for the release of a sound, the intense focus required to perform this act forces a deep awareness of one's body. The experience of being that present can initiate feelings of fear and even pain. If as a child, the vocalist experienced a trauma; either physical or sexual abuse for example, survival meant disassociating from the body, going through years of living "outside" their bodies. However, experiencing deep breathing and sound release can easily jar someone's old memories as they struggle to stay in their bodies. Feelings of shame or deep anxiety erupt from images of the past.

To be heard is often a very healing experience, and in order for us to grow creatively, we must grow emotionally. Allowing for all our feelings to be expressed--anger, fear, shame, joy, excitement, hopefulness, empowerment--provides the essential building blocks for a foundation of health. The right to self expression is not just a gift for a select few, rather it is God's gift to us all; it is our birthright. When we are true to our creative selves we are closer to our "godliness".

To all of you who are in a process of creative growth, I encourage you to examine some form of "sound therapy" to get further in touch with your feelings. Whether this experience takes place through the act of singing, acting or under the supervision of a professional practitioner, search out the joy found in the freedom of healing and creative discovery.