One of the most powerful human needs is to be seen and heard.
We all want to feel valued, important and that we matter. Being in a choir does all that and more.
when nobody is listening
We’ve all had that friend who loves to talk about themselves, but seldom asks us how we are.
Gaslighting has become so commonplace in society today that we often don’t notice it any more.
Remember being at school when you were just one of many, all wearing the same uniform, just a number?
And don’t get me started on customer services, when the person on the end of the phone just doesn’t seem to be hearing what you’re saying!
we all need to be seen and heard
In short, for our own mental health, we need to be regularly seen and heard. Not just one amongst a faceless crowd. Somebody who people will truly listen to.
But when we’re feeling low or lonely or unacknowledged, it can be hard to insist on being seen and heard. Our courage and assertiveness can temporarily desert us.
The ideal solution is to join a choir.
A choir (a ‘good’ community choir that is!) is a welcoming, non-judgmental place which acknowledges each individual. After all, if your voice is absent, there would be no choir at all (see You are the most important singer in your choir).
A choir is a shining example of the perfect community. Everyone has their part to play, and everyone is equally important.
And if you’re not yet ready to shine and let yourself be fully seen and heard, you can be a little quieter and merge into the greater whole until you’re comfortable to reveal yourself.
What are you waiting for? Join a choir now!
PS. if you find that the choir you’ve joined is not a welcoming, non-judgmental place, then you’ve joined the wrong choir and might like to read How to find the right choir to join.
further reading
You might also find these other posts of interest.
The healing power of choirs: how singing together is good for your mental health
Singing in a choir: meditation for those who can’t sit still
Can you join a choir if you can’t hit a note?
We’re all equal here: singing together is the great leveller
Everybody has a place in the choir
Chris Rowbury
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