There is something about using our voices to sing that elevates the soul. Singing, chanting and making music have been an integral part of our sacred connection to the Divine since the beginnings of recorded history. I love singing in church (something I dearly miss during this pandemic), singing along to favorite tunes and hymns and sometimes chanting when I meditate.
Singing and chanting not only improve our mood, fill us with peace and enhance our connection to God, they have physical benefits as well. The all important vagus nerve is called the "master nerve" because it extends from the cranium to the abdomen, connecting the brain to the gut and other organs. Because the vagus nerve is stimulated by the vocal chords, singing, chanting and humming are especially beneficial to our physical well-being.
The many functions of this important nerve include:
- Keeping the larynx open for breathing.
- Regulating our heartbeat and our hunger levels.
- Stimulating the secretion of hormones and liquids such as saliva, oxytocin or bile.
- Reducing anxiety, depression, stress AND inflammation (the main cause of chronic diseases).
- Increasing immunity and longevity.
- Balancing the sympathetic and parasympathetic branches of the nervous system.
- Balancing the heart and brain, creating higher states of consciousness and developing our compassion, telepathy, intuition and empathy towards others * (singersfit.com)
Other ways to stimulate the vagus nerve include slow breathing, exposure to cold (splash some cold water on your face every morning!), meditation, exercise and massage. *(psychologytoday.com)
Coincidentally, these are all healthy lifestyle practices that can put us on a path to body/mind/spirit healing and keep us focused on the positive during this very stressful time.
This morning, stretch, breathe deeply and slowly, spend a few minutes meditating, go for a walk and most importantly, SING OUT!
"When you want to sing out, sing out, when you want to be free, be free..."- Cat Stevens
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