Singing, which is even more natural than talking, is one way we reveal ourselves to others.
Marco Visscher | May/June 2012 Issue
Some people make every effort to sing beautifully. But according to “voice liberator” Jan Kortie, author of Your Soul Wants to Sing, all you need to do is sing what’s inside you.
Why do people sing?
“We all have a basic desire to express ourselves and be heard. And no two voices are alike. So singing, which is even more natural than talking, is one way we reveal ourselves to others. If you give space to your individuality, it naturally becomes music. Singing connects us with others and reminds us that, as humans, we are attuned to each other.”
Why is all that so important?
“I’ve seen a lot of people find real delight in singing. It brings happiness. If you can express what’s inside, it gives you a tremendous sense of satisfaction. If you hold yourself back, it makes you unhappy. Some people are trapped, or they feel like part of them isn’t being expressed. Singing has the potential to allow who you really are to emerge. That’s why singing is, quite literally, healing: It makes you whole. And your voice is naturally exactly right for you.”
Except, of course, if you sing off-key…
“That’s really an overrated phenomenon. You can only sing off-key if you compare your voice to someone else’s. I always try to remove that comparison. No one ever decides by themselves that they can’t sing. A child sings, dances and draws without preconception, until an authority figure steps in to express an opinion. But all that is a natural part of who you are. If you learn to nurture it, you might find yourself singing in the bathroom or joining a choir.”
What does singing do for us that dancing and drawing don’t?
“The vibration of the voice is magical, which makes singing the most direct way to connect our internal and external worlds. Singing can bring out the real you. And you don’t need anything extra to do it.”
I’ve experienced profound soothing experiences singing to those who are dying. They turn towards me and their eyes say more than any words. I can feel the peace it brings them as it soothes their fears and lonliness. I sometimes use words and sometimes not. It doesn’t seem to matter. It’s the sound vibration of the voice that seems to make a difference.
I will never forget the day my beautiful baby boy was diagnosed with cancer at only 10 yrs of age . Little Robert was dying – dying right before my eyes .. After countless surgeries and 100′s of “almost dead” moments my baby boy miraculously pulled through and was allowed to go home. Daddy too went home, went home broken in spirit and overwhelmed in soul . I needed help ! Luckily the pastor of my church and other church leaders saw through my “happy” persona and encouraged me to join the choir where i can release the burden on my soul. Now 15 yrs later i am still a choir member ( a very good one ) and alive in spirit and soul. My burdens are a thing of the past and i aspire to one day sing to pediatric cancer patients ” AVE MARIA” !!