Wednesday, April 22, 2015

#A to Z Challenge: S is for ... Singing (Your Heart Out!)


Today's 'heart things, heart strings' theme for the letter S in the A to Z challenge is Singing. (I was originally considering writing about Spirit or senses or sensitivity.)

Everyone can sing if they have the correct anatomy to do so; however, not everyone sings with heart or from their heart. That is ideal as it 'expands' the heart in a good-feel kinda way! ;)

And did you know that singing is also good for the heart? Singing can strengthen the immune system, reduce heart rate, live longer (!) and well, in fact there are quite a number of benefits on a physical, mental (especially if memorizing music), emotional, and social level.

Rather than repeat all the various benefits, I will draw your attention to two websites: (1) http://www.moresingingplease.com/benefits-of-singing and (2) http://ideas.time.com/2013/08/16/singing-changes-your-brain/. You can choose to google others if you wish just by typing "benefits of singing."

And ahem, start singing, alone at least though preferably in a group. Join a choir! What are you waiting for? (Men especially are often lacking in numbers in many choral groups.)

In my blog post about Mother's Day, May 26, 2013 (http://xpressyouressence.blogspot.ca/2013/05/httpyoutu.html), I featured a video of me singing a duet, my first (thus somewhat nervous ...)



Do you enjoy singing and what do you enjoy most about it?

21 comments:

  1. I discovered that I could sing at the first year at MBA during the ice-breaking sessions with the seniors. I like to sing when I am alone with music playing in the backdrop! It is truly therapeutic and uplifts the mood immediately :)

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    1. I'm glad you sing Shilpa, whether alone or in a group, it's all therapeutic! :) <3

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  2. The only time I sing is when I'm home. Alone :D Guess that speaks volumes of the way I sound ;)

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    1. Better to sing alone Aathira than not at all! ;) If anything, it's therapeutic for just you! ;) <3

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  3. Great post about singing, Elly. I agree about singing being therapeutic and they even say being involved with music can hold off dementia. I just love being involved in my women's choir. Our motto is that "Singing is Cheaper than therapy!" Our big concert is coming up soon. Too bad you're so far away or I'd invite you. I enjoyed watching you singing that duet of that mummer's song. Fun stuff! Glad you enjoy your choirs so much.

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    1. I know you love to sing too as you do in a choir Cat: great for you! :) And yes, I heard it's great for dementia - one of the many benefits (mentioned on the website above). :) I think I read something about that, that singing is cheaper than therapy! ;) <3

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  4. I love to sing, however I only sing when I am alone. But yeah, it can be very therapeutic. :)
    *Shantala @ ShanayaTales*

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    1. Well, better to sing alone at least than not at all Shanaya! ;) And glad to see you receive the value and benefits of doing so! :) <3

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  5. I love to sing too and even had aspirations of becoming a professional singer at one time. That didn't happen, because the talent wasn't good enough, but I still sing in the shower, the car, around the house....Was never interested in joining any choirs or groups though. Not my thing. Good to know it can ward off dementia!

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    1. Great that you love to sing Debbie! :) And better alone than not at all! ;) <3

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  6. I didn't realize all the physical benefits of singing. For sure I can see how singing can be good for the spirit. I know I always feel lifted when I sing. Great video of your duet. I would probably faint: I'm not good at being the center of attention... You did great!
    Michele at Angels Bark

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    1. I'm glad you are aware of the benefits of singing now Michele! :) Thanks for your comments! <3

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  7. Singing really is fun. I do it in my truck, often, when tooling about. Occasionally, I look over to see someone is cutting me a hard glance. When I get busted like that, I either pipe down, or if I feel I am really on a roll, I just sing louder... This was an entertaining and enlightening post. Really glad I happened upon it today...

    You take care now, Elly... Thanks!

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    1. Great to hear that you love to sing Michael (though never heard the term "tooling about" before)! :) And I think it's great - amusing too - that you sing even louder: good for you! Perhaps you wish to join a choir? Then you'll reap even more (health) benefits! ;) <3

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  8. ohhh what a beautiful song Elly, both of you have such sweet voices. I am in love with the tune and music :)

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    1. Thanks Raj: I think likewise that it is a lovely song. :) I am glad you liked it - "The Mummer's Dance" by Loreena McKennitt. :) <3

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  9. Lovely song and rendition :) Over the years, I have come to enjoy singing and realized how vast and important it is. When I was a child, I tried to learn from my mother (who has learnt for quite some years) but I never took it seriously so I have an action item now to learn it and enjoy it :) Thanks for sharing.

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    1. Thanks! :) I am glad I inspired you to start singing: what a joy for me to hear and a joy for you to reap the rewards (benefits) of singing! :) <3

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  10. You sing so well. Thanks for sharing. When I was younger, I used to sing in competitions and at home - I was always singing and skipping. Now I sing in the shower :)

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    1. Thanks Suzy though it could be because I was nervous! ;) I'm curious what happened that you stopped singing publicly...sorry to hear. <3

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  11. Nice performance in the video. I like the style of music.

    I enjoy singing, but have gone in cycles with it. I have sung some duets in church in the past, but these days I don't sing much other than at home on occasion. Maybe I need to add some singing back into my regimen for health's sake.

    Arlee Bird
    A to Z Challenge Co-host
    Join us on May 4 with your post of Reflections about this year's A to Z.
    Tossing It Out

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