I detest singing just as much as I adore it. When everything is in order and functioning properly, there is nothing more exhilarating than belting out a song or aria that fits my voice. And nothing is more depressing than having a voice that is unresponsive or in poor condition. I’ve learned from friends and coworkers that I’m not alone in this. Sometimes I become frustrated with all the attention my singing career requires. I have to literally live like a monk for a few days before a big performance by wrapping myself in gauze. I started singing later in life, and occasionally I feel that all the sacrifices were in nothing because I missed my chance to pursue a “big” career. My life is now occupied with writing, teaching voice, and doing workshops on how to get over performance anxiety. With all of these pursuits combined with the inevitable disappointments and frustrations that come with singing, it can be easy to consider “hanging up my spurs.” I’ve almost done it before, but what kept me from doing so was finally comprehending how beneficial singing is to me overall, especially as music plays a significant role in my spiritual life. Regarding my physical well-being, I’m positive that deep breathing helps my respiratory system, calms me down, and lowers my blood pressure. Certainly, singing enables me to inhabit my body. That can be rare for me, as it is for most others.
