Sing: Listening to the Body

Singers spend a lot of time listening to our own voices.

In the best of circumstances, we also mark sensation in order to determine whether we are being efficient. We sense the quality of the flow and sound wave. Perhaps, we even sense where our dramatic goals are being met.

At the root of it all is the body itself. The body is actually doing the singing, it is not abstract. It is us and how we exist in the world.

For example, you could be under-nourished, even if you are completely fed. Your body will tell you by impacting the energy and/or vitality you feel. You may need more rest or more water. The body will inform you of these things as well. It is the whole ballgame.

The challenge before us is that we can misunderstand the disconnect between the body and the function of singing. It isn't your health, your disabilities, your tension, or your size -- those are your physical realities. The challenge is in understanding how those realities exist in the way you function so that you can fully express yourself. The voice does not lie. It also doesn't run from difference.

The invitation today is to engage yourself fully and physically as you sing. This means exploring, understanding, and respecting the function of your body. That is a far more interesting place for vocal expression to begin.