Have you ever felt like you intellectually understand the singing technique your teacher gives you, but your body has other ideas when it comes to implementing it correctly or consistently? Do you sometimes worry that maybe this is as good as you’re ever going to sing?
If so, you’re not alone. Nearly every singer I know has been through this at one time or another. You’ve become so good at second-guessing, self-doubt and control that you can’t see the forest through the trees. But the solution lies in your ability to internalize two key truths:
Singing is a metaphor for life. And as such, the journey is the thing! We never arrive. Our lives are an ever-changing and constantly evolving odyssey and so too is our singing. It is incumbent on us to figure out how to enjoy the journey because if we don’t, then we’re missing the whole point.
Changing your thinking = changing your singing. How and what we think about our singing has a direct effect on what our body does to produce the sound, so get under the hood and begin to understand your mindset. We all have a conditioned set of beliefs (some from our upbringing, some from our experiences) that can subconsciously effect our ability to realize the full potential of our voice. These beliefs can sabotage our ability to fully internalize our singing technique because we carry the emotional responses to them in our bodies as old self-protective mechanisms, the physical effects of which play out when we sing. So do not sing on autopilot!! Start to gain awareness around your thinking because your body can not do what your brain is sabotaging.
How to gain awareness? Begin a meditation practice, read a book or take a course on mindfulness, start to journal, take my 4 Month Intensive which incorporates guided meditations and thought exercises along side traditional weekly voice lessons to peel away the layers, gain awareness of the old beliefs, shift your thinking and dramatically improve your singing.
In whatever way you decide to do it, make this New Year’s resolution for yourself:
This year I will focus as much time, energy and resources on my thinking as I do on my singing.
There is a limit to how much the latter can improve without attention paid to the former.
Now I’d love to hear from you. What are three ways that your thinking sabotages your singing? Let me know in the comments below.
Remember to share in as much detail as possible. So many incredible singers come here each week for insight and inspiration, and your willingness to share your story may help someone else have the “ah ha!” breakthrough moment they’ve been needing. Thank you for adding your unique voice to the conversation to build an inspiring community of supportive singers.
Never forget, it’s progress, not perfection. Believe in yourself because you have an endless ability to evolve, learn and grow while contributing your talent to the world’s special gifts.
Happy New Year to all of you wonderful singers. May this be the year you stand in what’s possible for yourself and your singing rather then in your old story.
Share this post with your most dedicated singer friends. They’ll thank you for it!
All my love,
Arden
P.S. If you’re interested in diving deeper into learning how to sing with a greater mind/body connection, email me for more information about my 4 Month Intensive.