When you're unable to speak, sing! Or... hum?
I cracked the code. The "sound code" that is...
If you’re an overthinker like me, this one’s for you.
Back in the day, I remember being so frustrated with myself when I hit writer’s block mid-way through a song… I used to think every tune had to “sound good.”
That’s probably why I stopped writing for a while…
Because the real songs…the trembling voice, cracked-open heartist ones, sounded different from the stuff I was hearing on the radio.
They were gritty. No polish.
They were demos. Unperfect.
They were just… what I was going through.
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One of the first Sound Codes I ever heard was less of a song, more of a fragment of a song... and I did it by accident, ages ago. In a yoga class, of all places.
It’s even something we can all do.
Humming.
That’s right. A raw, low hum is absolute magic. More recently, I discovered the physiological benefits of humming after listening to the GOAT, Jonathan Goldman, on Paul Chek’s podcast, Spirit Gym. It reduces stress and increases the happy feelings… even more than exercise! And, with waaaaay less effort. Give it a go…
(Chek 😏 out the episode here. Ps. I had the honour to write that theme song of Spirit Gym for Paul. It’s called “Meet Your Heroes”, ‘cause well, he’s one of mine. 😊 —> Listen here)
Back to the hum… It was a total accident. I was just trying to make a sound.
Then bam! It just… came. I felt the vibes immediately.
And that’s when I started to understand:
My voice is beautiful. It’s beautiful when it’s honest. And yours is too.
SOUND CODE: “Start with the sound that’s already in you.”
Here’s a little ritual I give to clients (and to myself when I forget):
Sit somewhere quiet and by yourself (double down and go outside).
Put a hand on your heart.
Take a deep breath in and hum whatever note is natural on the exhale
Feel the vibration.
Let it shift. Let it break. Let it wobble.
Refrain from fixing it or judging yourself. Just let it be.
You are a tuning fork.
Stop thinking your way into clarity.
Feel it.
Let your body ring.
If you wanna do it with me, I’ve dropped a hum-along practice at the end!
Why I’m Sharing This
I’ve been taking some time away from all the wild consumption of media and embracing what I want to create and share with the world. In doing so, I’ve created a way to share with folks how music can help human potential. Business, relationships, performance, you name it, there’s a “song for that”. And I have been honing the craft since high school, when I made a joke song with Arnold Schwarzenegger movie quotes. 😆
Over the next few days, I’ll be sharing more of these Sound Codes.
Some will be stories.
Some will be exercises.
Some will be songs.
They’re for the coaches, the creatives, the conscious brands and anyone who’s got a message to share.
If that’s you, I see you. You’ve got a song in ya… I know it.
I’m excited to hear it.
Sending you all the positive vibes,
Mike
PS. If you wanna try humming with me, here’s a 90-second exercise for you to start the day. Let me know how you feel below if you decide to try it. Love you!