We close our eyes when we sing. It helps us “listen.” It helps us “feel the music.” It helps us emote. I believe it also helps us disconnect. It can help us create a boundary between our audience, our fellow singers and ourselves.

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In Songtaneous sessions, participants often close their eyes. I understand this — it’s a way to concentrate by turning our focus inward. If we’re struggling to hear, find or hold a part, it can help to close our eyes and focus our attention inward. Once the part is found, however, it’s important to open our eyes and direct our focus outward again. Spontaneous singing offers the challenge of focusing inwardly and outwardly at the same time.

Watching is almost as important as listening during spontaneous singing. Watching allows us to connect. Watching (and having others watch us) makes us available. A lot of information about the circle and our part in it comes to us visually. It’s astonishing how vulnerable this can feel. Rarely in our day-to-day interactions do we watch and connect while we communicate.