I haven’t had the occasion to do much (okay…any) singing this summer. Way too many events, visitors and home improvement projects have chewed up my days like locusts through a wheat field. At least the TV hasn’t take up much of my time. No summer sports I care about and the steaming pile of reality shows and horrific just-a-few-bad-episode-series fare (seriously…yet another asteroid that’s going to destroy the earth and the government is covering it up and a a plucky nerd will save us against all odds?) keep the screen mercifully dark. Okay, there IS “House of Cards” but the Blogmeisters aren’t binge-watchers.

Luckily an old friend saved the day and a few hours of ukes and guitars (and beer) took shape. It wasn’t long before we broke out “Ua Mau”

and harmony started to roll and our respect for this beautiful piece really pushed us to open our throats and really SING. In the words of my favorite hay-filled character:

Break out those drugs that that I’d almost forgotten that the pure joy and rapture of singing drive into your veins. Let’s get a little science-like for a second (sorry, too many Neil deGrasse Tyson lectures on YouTube):

Endorphins: from “endogenous and morphine”, intended to mean a morphine-like substance originating from within the body. The principal function of endorphins is to inhibit the transmission of pain signals; they may also produce a feeling of euphoria very similar to that produced by other opioids.

Oxytocin: Oxytocin is typically remembered for the effect it has on prosocial behaviors (voluntary behavior intended to benefit another), such as its role in facilitating trust and attachment between individuals. Consequently, oxytocin is often referred to as the “love hormone”.

Yeah baby, bring on the euphoria and love AND without worrying about prescriptions or making the police mad. Break out the good stuff.

There’s just nothing quite like making music, working to make those harmonies mesh and reveling in the moments that really click. It’s a social interaction that digs way down deep and grabs you like no other and the few hours we jammed together reminded me of just how awesome it truly is. I promised myself that I would sing a little every day (best drug addiction ever) and it makes every day just a little better. The TV is back on but now it’s on a music channel when I’m doing something around the house and I let fly.

By myself of course. It would be very awkward to try to explain how belting out “Smoke on the Water” while wearing an apron will enhance the lemon beure blanc sauce I’m building. It works. Try it:

Yummy, saute some fish.

My friends, SING. Find a way, find a place, find someone to sing with, sing along with the TV, sing in the car to the radio, SING. It’s on the short list of drug-inducing activities that are good for you (I’m also a big proponent of adrenaline but that’s just me…). Don’t wait for the fall semester (see you at open house in September), get your fix today. And tomorrow. And the next day.