Adventurous Advent
The
word adventure comes from the word advenire - meaning to arrive/ reach
and has meanings of a happening, miracle, wonder, danger, risk, chance event
which. So as we arrive at another December, we may reflect on what
adventures we’ve had during the closing year and what lies ahead on the
horizon.
Singing is an adventure where we discover and celebrate our inner and outer diversity.
At my Forest Hill Singing Group last night, one of the participants commented how singing gives voice to many different aspects of self. This was after an evening where we had sung a Ghanian work song, a Zulu spiritual and I’m Forever Blowing Bubbles complete with real bubbles, music hall style around the joanna (!?) I deliberately work with an eclectic range of music because I’m aware that singing different styles activates the immense diversity of expression available within us.
We have so many places within us which are longing to be heard and singing can touch, soothe, empower and give voice to them all.
I’m aware that singing Gospel connects me with a deep reservoir of spiritual strength during times of adversity whilst singing English folk songs brings out the Storyteller in me. Hollering an Emile Sande chorus with teens soothes my inner rebel whilst singing Jazz standards nourishes my eternal romantic. Watching the massive Sing for Water West choir sing an epic version of Tears for Fears Shout earlier this year energised my activist.
Respecting Diversity of Expression
It’s so important to respect and validate each others expression as we journey on this path, even when it’s challenging. I once lived beneath an alcoholic who used to play Meatloaf at window shaking levels, which was incredibly invasive. My sister, a Police Sergeant, encouraged me to use one of her strategies for dealing with difficult people - ‘kill them with kindness.’ So I began to befriend what turned out to be a rough diamond of a man whose way of dealing with traumatic events was to get smashed and play music at earsplitting levels. It was his medicine - whilst I would happily leave Meatloaf back in the 80s along with shoulder pads and pixie boots (shudder) - for him it activated the emotions he needed to access. Once I understood that he just needed some time to be noisy, we were able to reach a friendly understanding that he would turn the music down after an agreed time period and he began to act kindly towards me.
Claiming the full rainbow of our expression
We are not monochrome, nor are our experiences and emotions tidy or compartmentalisable. We need to be able to safely give vent to our rage and dismay at injustices, to our loves and losses, our victories and our trials and tribulations. I really believe that it’s life saving when we do, because the energy of trapped emotions and unprocessed stories sits about in our bodies. As well as preventing illness, healthy expression prevents violence - City University have launched the Changing Behaviours — Changing Futures programme of speech lessons for teens to because a research has shown a link between violent crime and communication issues. Singing and sounding gives full, healthy, radiant expression to the vibrant spectrum of our mental, spiritual, physical and emotional colours.
I warmly you invite me to join me at this months festive events
I also have a new menu of individual sessions for those of you wishing to take a personalised adventure of sound and expression.
As a special Seasonal Gift I’m offering a gift copy of your choice of one of my albums for any session booked before 21st December.
Do let me know how your adventures are proceeding - I’d love to hear from you.
Wishing you an Adventurous Festive Season
Singing is an adventure where we discover and celebrate our inner and outer diversity.
At my Forest Hill Singing Group last night, one of the participants commented how singing gives voice to many different aspects of self. This was after an evening where we had sung a Ghanian work song, a Zulu spiritual and I’m Forever Blowing Bubbles complete with real bubbles, music hall style around the joanna (!?) I deliberately work with an eclectic range of music because I’m aware that singing different styles activates the immense diversity of expression available within us.
We have so many places within us which are longing to be heard and singing can touch, soothe, empower and give voice to them all.
I’m aware that singing Gospel connects me with a deep reservoir of spiritual strength during times of adversity whilst singing English folk songs brings out the Storyteller in me. Hollering an Emile Sande chorus with teens soothes my inner rebel whilst singing Jazz standards nourishes my eternal romantic. Watching the massive Sing for Water West choir sing an epic version of Tears for Fears Shout earlier this year energised my activist.
Respecting Diversity of Expression
It’s so important to respect and validate each others expression as we journey on this path, even when it’s challenging. I once lived beneath an alcoholic who used to play Meatloaf at window shaking levels, which was incredibly invasive. My sister, a Police Sergeant, encouraged me to use one of her strategies for dealing with difficult people - ‘kill them with kindness.’ So I began to befriend what turned out to be a rough diamond of a man whose way of dealing with traumatic events was to get smashed and play music at earsplitting levels. It was his medicine - whilst I would happily leave Meatloaf back in the 80s along with shoulder pads and pixie boots (shudder) - for him it activated the emotions he needed to access. Once I understood that he just needed some time to be noisy, we were able to reach a friendly understanding that he would turn the music down after an agreed time period and he began to act kindly towards me.
Claiming the full rainbow of our expression
We are not monochrome, nor are our experiences and emotions tidy or compartmentalisable. We need to be able to safely give vent to our rage and dismay at injustices, to our loves and losses, our victories and our trials and tribulations. I really believe that it’s life saving when we do, because the energy of trapped emotions and unprocessed stories sits about in our bodies. As well as preventing illness, healthy expression prevents violence - City University have launched the Changing Behaviours — Changing Futures programme of speech lessons for teens to because a research has shown a link between violent crime and communication issues. Singing and sounding gives full, healthy, radiant expression to the vibrant spectrum of our mental, spiritual, physical and emotional colours.
I warmly you invite me to join me at this months festive events
I also have a new menu of individual sessions for those of you wishing to take a personalised adventure of sound and expression.
As a special Seasonal Gift I’m offering a gift copy of your choice of one of my albums for any session booked before 21st December.
Do let me know how your adventures are proceeding - I’d love to hear from you.
Wishing you an Adventurous Festive Season
Adventurous Voice Tips for December1. Experiment with singing and listening to music from different genres especially those out of your normal repertoire or comfort zone
2. Listen with curiosity and empathy to people who express themselves in ways that are challenging for you.
3. Find music that helps you express different aspects of yourself - which songs does your inner rebel/ teen/ lover/ warrior/ witch/ wizard want to sing?
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