“Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.” – Maya Angelou
Recently I wrote an instagram post about taking a social media break. Basically one morning while cleaning my office I realized that I had stopped taking the time to be present and feel everything. What does this chair or robe feel like? Was I fully tasting my food, hearing my daughter’s laughter fill the room, smelling my morning coffee, or looking at my husband's beautiful blue eyes? Was I giving myself the opportunity to enjoy the full benefits of the human experience? No. No, I wasn’t.
I think we all struggle with this at times. We can easily get caught in this quick productivity loop and eventually we find ourselves needing to pause. But I also believe this is part of the human experience as well. This falling in and out of balance. So what does this have to do with singing?
Everything.
First and foremost, each individual singer must navigate their own singing experience. You are at the helm. You are the only one who really truly knows what you are feeling and experiencing. Unfortunately young or inexperienced artists often give that authority to other people. But true artistic growth happens when artists accept that the only “right” is something felt deep inside each individual. That’s the first step. Then the balancing act happens.
The act of building and supporting your voice as a singer is about balancing inspiration, learning and often relearning ( because our bodies are always changing), feeling how your body responds to new ideas, and then applying those ideas in creative and authentic ways. This process does not always feel good and at times it can be frustrating. But if we slow down and continually check in on our wellbeing, we can get closer to acceptance and enjoying the process. Think of yourself like a tree. Even in darkness the roots are always growing, searching for nutrients so that the tree can grow tall enough to reach the heavens. You have a choice. You can choose to see this act as “too hard” or even “pointless", but I must say, choosing to slow down and pour love into the parts of you expanding and reaching for the light can truly change everything.
So we need to feel. We need to feel it all. We need to be fully present to pour love into ourselves. Hear your voice fill the room. Feel your clothes and look at your body in a mirror. Feel your jaw and touch your belly and your ribs as you breathe. Feel the vibrations of your voice ring through your entire body. Shed the echoes of a world that tell you what you're supposed to be and allow one moment for the world to stop. Ah yes, there you are.
Now having said all that, I think it’s still important to remember that moving fast and smart phones aren’t bad things. It's just key that we remember balance. Personally I struggle at times with getting distracted by things that allow me to numb out ( like devices 👀🤣). I deleted my social media apps on my phone to quickly replace them with other apps.Yup, ya girl has a problem. But the act of decluttering my devices has helped me get curious about my motivations and has inspired me to declutter other things in my life.
So if you happen to see me at St Patrick’s Episcopal Church in between lessons, and I’m singing to myself or sitting on the front stoop spaced out, just know that I am simply taking it all in. I’m right there with you, full of questions. Forever a student and so incredibly grateful.
If anything, I hope this post is just a little reminder that there is so much beauty around us and in our voices. If we get out of balance a little (or alot, if you’re like me..lol!), we can give ourselves a little hug and try again tomorrow. Remember you are extraordinary.
Sending Light & Love!!
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