I never expected a singing circle to change my life.
When I first signed up for an online community singing session with Voice of Tradition, I was looking for something to pass the time. I had always loved singing, but I wasn’t sure if I would truly belong. At the time, I was in the middle of a rough patch. Work had become overwhelming, personal life was turbulent, and I just felt… disconnected.
But what I didn’t know then was that I was about to rediscover something more powerful than technique or talent—a sense of belonging.
The session began with a simple greeting. Everyone, from all over the world, was invited to share their names and what tradition they were bringing with them. I was struck by the diversity in the room—voices from places I had never visited, singing songs I had never heard. It wasn’t just an international gathering; it was a true community, woven together by the love of tradition and voice.
The leader of the singing circle welcomed us with warmth and openness, immediately creating a safe space. They invited us to sing a lullaby, one passed down through generations in a small village far away from where I sat. As the melody unfolded, something unexpected began to happen. I felt my shoulders relax. My breath, usually shallow and tight, started to deepen. For the first time in months, I wasn’t worried about anything.
I was singing—not for performance or praise—but simply for connection.
The best part? I wasn’t alone. The other voices, though virtual, felt incredibly close. There was something incredibly powerful about hearing a group of strangers singing in harmony, lifting each other up with each note. The sound was imperfect and raw, but that was the beauty of it. We weren’t striving for perfection—we were just being, together.
As the circle continued, we sang more than lullabies. We sang field songs, ceremonial chants, and work songs. Each song told a story, connected us to the earth, and reminded us of the ancestral voices that still live in us. In those songs, I felt like I was holding something that had been passed down for centuries, something that transcended my personal struggles.
By the end of the session, I wasn’t just feeling better—I was changed. The burden I had carried into that circle had lightened, not because of any one person’s advice or because of a quick fix, but because of the collective power of song and community.
That day, I learned something profound: Singing isn’t just about hitting the right notes. It’s about soul. It’s about sharing energy. It’s about holding space for one another, even when the world feels chaotic. It’s about healing, in ways both subtle and deep.
I’ve continued to participate in these circles, and each time, I feel more grounded, more centered. The connections I’ve made—whether with fellow singers or the traditions we’re honoring—have been nothing short of transformative.
Singing has always been a part of who I am, but now I know that it’s also a way to heal who I am. And for that, I’ll always be grateful to Voice of Tradition and the community that made it possible.
— A Reconnected Voice