Music has a way of bringing emotions to the surface. Allowing those emotions to flow out is an important way to heal the mind.
We have to express our feelings somehow, and shedding tears can be therapeutic.
That's why it seems like a positive thing if music that I provide results in people getting teary-eyed. It feels as though I have reached in and encouraged people to let go - to be vulnerable and allow themselves to stop fighting, even just for a moment.
I first noticed this when I started singing for funerals. I found that music plays a vital role in the grieving process, and the more emotion I could send out to the families just by singing, the more tears would be shed by the families - and the more meaningful the music became.
I was blessed to perform today for people who are suffering. I had my first volunteer shift at a hospital this afternoon, and many of the people who gathered around to listen became tearful.
Then, as I was packing up to leave, several people expressed their gratitude and asked when I would be returning. These individuals are in so much pain and struggling so severely, and they are constantly fighting to stay positive and hopeful, that the music allowed them to take a breath. When someone is in survival mode, it is important and healthy to break down once in a while.
Today I was able to make people cry - and that is an accomplishment.
I am very excited to be participating in this capacity, and I look forward to future performances on a volunteer basis.
Every single person deserves a little music in his/her life, and those individuals who are stuck in hospitals long-term may need it the most. They cannot get out and about to watch live music, so it felt really amazing and rewarding to bring music to them.