The Singing Cure

Sing!

“When was the last time you sang?”
Native American Medicine Man's Question to the sick.

I wonder whether your doctor has ever asked you this question. Probably not, even though some ninety percent of all doctor visits are for psychosomatic illness—that is, illness of spirit. Singing or listening to upbeat music can cure a multitude of maladies. Singing is one way of giving voice to the soul. That is why this weekend, the music of Easter will be so inspiring and rousing and joyful. We will sing the songs of resurrection and hope. My favorite is:

Christ the Lord is ris’n today, Alleluia.
Sons of men, and angels say, Alleluia.
Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia.
Sing ye heav’ns, and earth reply, Alleluia.

Another rousing chorus is:

He lives! He lives! Christ Jesus lives today!
He walks with me and talks with me along life’s narrow way.
He lives! He lives! Salvation to impart!
You ask me how I know He lives? He lives within my heart!

I have the voice of a crow, but I will belt them out along with everyone else. These hymns connect all my ages; childhood, young adulthood, right up to this ‘senior’ time of my life. When I sing them, I come full circle with all the blanks filled in, all the pieces in place. The songs of our spiritual traditions are like that, whatever our spiritual tradition. We are part of the songs and they are part of us.

I hope, whether you are a ‘believer’ or not, that you will go to some service tomorrow, or turn on the radio, or in some way connect with the fabulous music of the season. Allow it to lift your heart and send all those happy chemicals coursing through your body. You’ll feel better—I guarantee it. Singing is just what the doctor ordered.

In the spirit,
Jane