A singing bowl creates a steady tone and one by one, we offer our voices into the space.
members. Our culture is one that offers an elite model of music making, where only a select few are celebrated. Many of us have inner work to do to begin to open and share our voices and remember that we can all sing. As an adage reminds us; “If you can talk, you can sing!” We can all learn to listen more deeply, and to find our voice through playful approaches. I invite you to try some of the following simple ways that may help you to enjoy your voice more and more:
1 2
Create an atmosphere of curiosity and playfulness as you begin to
explore your voice.
Stretch, shake, and jiggle your body to warm up. Let out some sighs,
moans and groans. There is no right or wrong way to do this!
3
Hum up and down slowly and gently, feeling the vibration in
your body. What notes resonate in the belly? The chest? The head? Are there any places in your body that are calling for loving attention? If so, bring the hum there.
4
Use a drone instrument (like a singing bowl or shruti box) or
download a track as a foundation. This helps to create safety and anchors the sound. Listen to the drone, make a vowel sound (ahhh, ehhh, iiii, ohhh, ooooo) that matches the note, and then begin to slide your voice up and down. Find the notes that feel good in your body and resonant for your ears.
5
Invite some friends to tone with you. Begin with a drone instrument then
make long vowel sounds. Eventually people might bring in repetitive phrases. The emphasis is on listening to each other. Keep playing!
6 7
Play with inviting intentions into the space. How is it to sing a
sunrise? How is it to sing love? What might it be like to sing sorrow, a forest, togetherness, or expansion?
If the inner critic turns up, just tell it that this is a playful space
and it’s not welcome right now. Celebrate your courage and the effort you are making in trying something new. Keep singing!
8
Notice how you feel before and after your singing. Have there been shifts?
What do you notice in your body? What is your state of mind? What feelings are present?
9
Find supportive spaces where you can explore more of your voice with others.
Singing and sharing songs has been a real gift in my life and I am confident it can be a journey of transformation for you as well. It’s never too late to begin playing and sharing our voices together and there is always deeper exploration. The benefits to our lives and community are truly priceless. Let’s create a culture where all of us sing with courage, weaving new realities with our voices and hearts. n
Connect with other readers & comment on this article at
www.livingnow.com.au
Michelle Morgan is a community singing leader, kirtanist, song- writer, artist, and author of “A Guide to Community Singing Leadership”. She is passionate
about engaging in, and supporting, creative practice.
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