On Singing

I recently re-discovered the joy of spontaneous singing. I attended a morning session on singing at this mountain retreat last month, and was pleasantly surprised at how I felt afterward. During the session, the facilitator invited us to vocalize the vowel sounds at different times: "aaah"... "Ehhh"... "ee"... "ohhhh"... "youuu".... We did this at the same pitch for a while, then we played around with harmonizing to each other, alternating together between the vowel sounds. Then, we played around with alternating vowel sounds and harmonies independently, each person choosing which vowel to sing at whatever time at whatever pitch they wanted. We did this all with sounds, and without using words for at least 40 minutes. Then, we sang something inspired by American Indian tradition, having to do with acknowledging the wind, water, earth and fire; it was easy enough that we all could join in during the second, third and fourth refrains before breaking for breakfast.

I was surprised at how much fun I was having being creative in my own way, but also enjoying how my voice blended with the voices of the other participants - how our harmonies blended into a sort of community of sound. I also noticed a similar body sensation to when I practice Tai Chi Chuan, focused in my chest and through my arms - as though they are more alive and awake than usual. All of these things reminded me of the chanting that some monasteries practice in the mornings, and thinking how much I'd enjoy doing this on a regular basis with others. Sadly, I can't see myself doing this in my currently dwelling place, as it may disturb the neighbors (i.e. showing regard). But I look forward to doing it next time I'm in the mountains...