Emotions are universal. Not an ethnic or socio-economic group does not experience emotions. Emotions are also very valuable. They give us information about ourselves and those around us and help us make decisions. For these reasons, how we expend our emotions is very important. Wasting emotions for the wrong reasons or assumptions can be costly. To decide when and how to use the right emotions, we must learn how to manage our emotions. One way of managing emotions is through music.
My family and I recently received a private invitation to a choir video recording from the reunited Dallas-Fort Worth Mass Legacy Choir. Each retake of the song gained more momentum from the choir members. Of course, the director gave directions to show exuberant expressions. However, each time seemed to uplift them more. The words settled more into their minds and made a connection. The lead singer, overcome with praise and gratitude, led the choir into a celebratory worship. This celebratory worship led the audience to praise as well.
Music Bonds People Together
Music creates community. Music brings people together. From concerts to family gatherings, a song brings participation in singing, rhythmic movements, and a shared experience. “Listening to music and singing together has been shown in several studies to directly impact neurochemicals in the brain, many of which play a role in closeness and connection (Jill Sutte, 2016). As I watched the DFW Mass Choir sing, I saw a community sharing in the exuberant expression and experience of a moment that resonated with those in the audience. A bond strengthened through one song and one voice.
According to Jill Suttie’s article, How Music Bonds Us Together, researchers found that larger choir groups, compared to smaller groups, experienced bigger changes in social closeness after singing than the smaller group. Endorphins produced in singing can act to draw large groups together quickly. Both groups benefitted from singing as their pain threshold increased. Music is pleasurable and creates a sense of group identity.
Process Emotions with Songwriting
Writing songs can help us process our emotions. Songs naturally elicit feelings. Songwriters understand that if the music connects with them, it may connect with the intended audience. Processing feelings through songwriting causes the writer to consider the “why” behind the words and phrases. This process helps to become more self-aware. Songwriting often tells a story from the songwriter’s perspective and experiences. This is why listeners cry at a song, whether sad or happy because music explains the human experience. It helps us deal with our pain or give us hope to move forward.
Songwriting is a form of music therapy. It is an inexpensive coping technique that helps a person identify, express, and release thoughts and feelings. Songwriting, like poetry, helps increase resilience and overall well-being. It is an open path to express complex emotions without judgment.
Music as a Coping Technique
Music is a therapeutic technique to help manage health conditions and improve the quality of life. Common interventions include rhythmic auditory stimulation, which helps improve motor control and gait. Music therapy supports cognitive functioning, enhances executive functioning tasks, improves verbal memory, and increases focused attention. Expressive language, as well as voice functioning, can be improved with music therapy. Music can decrease depression and increase the quality of life in those with brain injuries. Music therapy can treat those with various mental health disorders, physical health problems as well as addictions (https://www.musictherapy.org).
The invitation to listen to the DFW Mass Legacy Choir created a safe and familiar space. The song reminded me of God’s authority and desire to fulfill my purpose. The repetitive lyrics remained in my mind and heart for many days. The connection between the song and private Bible study bonded and strengthened my faith. The song reminded me of Psalm 46:10, “Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted the earth!” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s0XNqThBb5c.
Although many people won’t have the advantage of music therapy, we can benefit from using music to cope with daily life events. Regardless of genre, music offers many benefits. Music can manage anxiety and stress, support social and emotional development, promote family bonding, and be an outlet for emotional expression and support. During a challenging time as a school counselor, I often used music to fulfill my spiritual needs. Gospel music kept me steadfast and grounded. It eased my anxiety and decreased the hopelessness I consistently faced.
Gospel music is one way I gain strength and joy found only in my heavenly Father. During a very challenging time in my life, I coped with managing negative emotions through music. Each lyric in each song gave me faith to continue the journey. I wrote in my memoir, I Ate the Cake: A Journey for Justice,
“Music was my saving grace through the entire ordeal.” I Ate the Cake: A Journey for Justice; Darline Amos-McElroy p. 149 Revised Edition.
Music benefits the mind, spirit, and soul, whether singing, listening, or writing. It increases mood and decreases anxiety. Music brings others together in a shared experience or community. It allows feelings to be expressed and understood. Music communicates what is challenging to convey. Music is therapy. So, get your playlist together for those days when healing will be needed. Listen daily to connect with others or take a mental break from the hustle and bustle of life.
Sources:
Comments