No matter what type of work you’re doing, finding a “like” community can help you accomplish more and have more fun with what you’re doing.

In Daniel Pink’s book, When, he writes about the benefits of choral singing – a unique kind of community. If you’ve ever sung with a group, you know how it lifts your spirit even more than singing solo. “Happy” countries, like the Netherlands, have regular gatherings where everyone sings. And I think group singing is why so many of us love theater – both participating in it and being part of the audience.

It’s not a stretch to think that singing makes you feel good. But check out the other benefits Pink lists for choral singing:

• Calms your heart rate
• Boosts endorphin levels
• Improves lung function
• Increases pain thresholds and reduces the need for pain medication
• Increases production of immunoglobulin making it easier to fight infections
• Gives you a significant boost of positive mood
• Lifts self-esteem
• Reduces feelings of stress
• Reduces symptoms of depression
• Enhances a sense of purpose
• Increases sensitivity toward others
• Improves coordination
• Promotes social cohesion

If you’re not a singer, you can gain many of the same benefits from other group activities – like running in a group, rowing crew, dancing with a group, joining a yoga class, joining a story-telling group, or even cooking in tandem.

We are tribal. Working as a group toward a fun purpose is inspiring and joyous. If you’re not part of a group like this, is this the week for you to do a search, and reach out to find a group to help raise your energy level?

I love that Pink writes that “choral singing may be the new exercise.” Why not get all the joy – and maybe a little less of the pain (said the woman who broke her ankle while out running :). Here’s a link to more on Daniel Pink’s writing.

I’ll close today with a hummingbird. I was lucky enough to have a Shaman stop by this weekend. After sending healing vibes to my ankle, she told me she was seeing a hummingbird as one of my spirit animals.

“The hummingbird spirit animal symbolizes the enjoyment of life and lightness of being. Those who have the hummingbird as a totem are invited to enjoy the sweetness of life, lift up negativity wherever it creeps in and express love more fully in their daily endeavors. This fascinating bird is capable of the most amazing feats despite its small size, such as traveling great distances or being able to fly backwards. By affinity with the hummingbird, those who have this bird as totem may be encouraged to develop their adaptability and resiliency while keeping a playful and optimistic outlook.”

Sending you healing thoughts and hummingbird love 🙂

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