In the words of Stacy Horn, author of “Imperfect Harmony: Finding Happiness Singing With Others,” singing is “when musical vibrations move through you, altering your physical and emotional landscape.”
And you don’t have to be what is considered “good” at sining to enjoy the rewards of singing. In Horn’s words “singing is like the infusion of the perfect tranquilizer, the kind that both soothes your nerves and elevates your spirits.”
Science supports Horn’s claim. I feel good when I sing because of the release of hormones called Endorphins. You will too. These endorphins are associated with feelings of pleasure. Research also shows that another hormone, Oxytocin, is released during singing. Oxytocin enhances feelings of trust and bonding.
Another recent study cited by Horn tries to make the case that “music evolved as a tool of social living.” So, the pleasure that comes from singing together is our “evolutionary reward” for coming together in communities instead of remaining isolated cave dwellers.
So, as we sing together today, next week and in the weeks, months and years to come, hold this in your heart: When you sing, wherever it may be, you celebrate the community. When we sing, we sing as one and we sing together.