It’s no accident that when we sing, we find our body and soul responding in profound and often surprising ways. This week, we break down the science of singing with the wonderful Stephanie Harris, Worship Leader at Church Project. If you’re one of those people who can’t help but lift their hands in worship, you’ll probably have a sense of the immense power that singing has to transport and transform you. From elevating your spirits to creating connection, singing has a host of proven benefits, both scientific and sublime. Tuning in you’ll hear us cover the many benefits of singing, including its effect on stress, depression, and even Alzheimers. We also discuss the power of gratitude, its ability to banish anxiety, and receive a special rendition of one of Stephanie's favorite songs! We hope you’ll join us as we chat with Stephanie about her love of singing, the many ways it’s impacted her life, and why the power of song extends far beyond your vocal cords!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Introducing today’s guest, Stephanie Harris, Worship Leader at Church Project.
• Stephanie’s talent for singing and why she chose to study Communications. 
• Why Amy has always wanted to do an episode on singing.
• The relationship between singing and communication.
• Why singing is so beneficial for our health and our spirit.
• The effect that music has on our memory and limbic system.
• How singing decreases stress by lowering our cortisol levels.
• Why singing creates a sense of belonging and connection.
• How music and singing have been shown to help people with dementia and Alzheimers.
• Examples of how singing can benefit people with depression, Autism, and other disorders.
• Why people often can’t help but raise their hands during worship.
• What it means to be truly vulnerable and accept God’s plan.
• Why gratitude is such a powerful antidote to anxiety.
• Hear Stephanie sing a beautiful song of gratitude.

Tweetables:

“I love the joy of singing. I love what it does to your spirit, what it does to your soul. It's not necessarily about what comes out, but about what God does through it.” — Stephanie Harris [0:03:53]

“This world is so self and inwardly focused, and it's all about finding your truth and what makes you happy. And worship music has this way of taking your focus off of yourself. And that is where you find freedom because you all of a sudden you're focused on the Lord.” — Stephanie Harris [0:11:58]

“I want to tell everyone listening that if you are wanting God to speak with you in song, ask him.” — Stephanie Harris [0:47:19]

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Stephanie Harris

One Thousand Gifts

Amy Cassels

Amy Cassels on Twitter

ONE Way Life

Mentioned in this episode:

Sparkle Dust

NingxiaRed