The Peace of Release

The Peace of Release It takes a lot of courage to release the familiar and seemingly secure, to embrace the new. But there is no real security in what is no longer meaningful. There is more security in the adventurous and exciting, for in movement there is life, and in change there is power. - Alan Cohen

Dear Friend We're all going on a Singing Holiday.... Here in the Northern hemisphere, many folks are embarking on summer adventures to release them from their everyday routines.  The word release comes from the French relaissier - to relinquish, the Latin relaxare - to loosen and PIE root words meaning to slacken.  In other words, we need to let it all hang out sometimes and summer holidays are one way to do that.  We can also find daily sources of creative inspiration to release and refresh us. I invite those of you still in London to come on a Family Summer Sing this Saturday August 12th 2-4pm at The Paxton Centre, Crystal Palace - all welcome!

Arts Enable Release I think I just get excited by music, and, like, singing is a very physical thing. It releases endorphins in your body. You're using almost muscle in there, and I think that adrenaline really helps to kind of make the songs fresh every time. - Florence Welsh, Singer Florence & The Machine

This image by David Shrigley is featured in the recent report by the All Party Parliamentary Report on Arts, Health and Wellbeing which celebrates the demonstrable and wonderful benefits of the arts at all ages. From various case studies of arts activities in healthcare settings, a cost-benefit analysis showed a 37% drop in GP consultation rates and a 27% reduction in hospital admissions. That represents an NHS saving of £216 per patient. Click here to read the report

Release Brings Real Ease (Peace) The purpose of art is not the release of a momentary ejection of adrenaline but is, rather, the gradual, lifelong construction of a state of wonder and serenity. - Glenn Gould

Why people return to artistic activities time and time again is for the cumulative effects.  Yes there is a great endorphin rush after singing, just the same as any sporting activity.  But just like sports, we know we build inner and outer strength and ability when we do our reps - whether thats showing up at choir every week, committing to our community garden or turning up and tuning in for daily meditation.  The result - we get a regular release that builds lasting peace.

Thank you so much for the flood of lovely birthday messages- I had a wonderful seaside weekend with family (featuring the full cycle of English weather from thunderstorms to glorious sunshine) Peaceful thanks also to the generous pledgers, including the Mayor of London, who have helped us reach 52% of our crowdfunder to help us launch the Festival of Peace and LMP's #AnthemForPeace. You can find out more and make your Pledge for Peace here: https://www.spacehive.com/anthem-for-peace Wishing you much peaceful rest and release this August