Bust out in song

I'm a regular contributor for the delightful My Everyday Magic blog which celebrates simple abundance and gratitude. There I am known as The Song Fairy and Mondays I start the posting with ideas for everyday music magic. Music and magic simply go together. There's an element of magic that happens each time you bust out in song----from a soft, throaty hum to a full-blown, head-back, belted interpretation of a favorite song.

We're frequently delighted and not at all surprised by our young children who sing at the "drop of a hat" and give expression to feelings, creativity, and joy by channeling words and sounds into a spontaneous song.

Think about it: singing comprises emotion, vibration, rhythm and breathing----elements that stir up the very essence of what makes us human! No wonder children are so naturally compelled to sing! It feels good, it feels right! It's freeing.

So from that first organic expression of musical joy, what happens when we grow up and stop singing? So many of us buy into the notion that singing is for kids. Or that it's for super stars who were born with golden pipes, but not for us. We think that once we pass primary grade, it's time to put the kibosh on our singing voices.

What happened? Were we told at some point to stop singing? That it was embarrassing to sing, or uncool? Or did we pick up the idea that we would never be able to sing like our idols, so stop trying?

As an adult, do you hear yourself saying that you're not a musician, or musically inclined, or that you can't sing?

If so, this it the time to rethink these misconceptions. Because if you can talk, you can sing. In fact, I believe you were born to sing. Does this mean that I think you're all destined for the stage and a professional singing career? No, of course not. (There's another blog post for those with that heart's desire!) What I want is to encourage you to rediscover your singing voice by simply singing. You had it once, and you deserve to reclaim it: the sheer joy of singing and the way the sound, rhythm, and words feel resonating through you.

And what if someone tells you to "stop doing that!" for whatever reason? Your friend, mate, or child? Especially as you warm up to reconnecting with your authentic voice? Yes, that may happen. And this is where you buck those old self-defeating notions and declare gently but firmly that singing is a good thing and you intend to keep on singing. All in an appropriate place and time, of course. (You be the judge; you'll know when it's right, or not!)

Finally, to parents and other child guardians: whatever you do, be your kid's champion as she/he sings, and don't give them the idea that there is even such a thing as a "bad singer" or a "bad voice". Explore ways to guide children in their singing and introduce them to a variety of genres. Let them become life-long lovers of the joy of singing.