I WAS WALKING IN THE MALL RECENTLY and when I rounded a corner, I heard someone singing. At first I thought it was a recording being played over the PA, but then saw that it was a cleaning lady singing loudly as she worked. She was singing in Spanish, but the tone and melody was beautiful. Obviously she enjoyed her work and was not intimidated by myself or the other fellow walkers. This set me to thinking about the power of music, to move people in the positive sense. It reminded me of the song, “Whistle While You Work,” from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Remember it?

Just whistle while you work
And cheerfully together we can tidy up the place
So hum a merry tune
It won't take long when there's a song to help you set the pace

And as you sweep the room
Imagine that the broom is someone that you love
And soon you'll find you're dancing to the tune

(Spoken: Oh, no, no, no, no! Put them in the tub)
When hearts are high the time will fly so whistle while you work

*(Another version)*
Just whistle while you work
Put on that grin and start right in to whistle loud and long
Just hum a merry tune
Just do your best and take a rest and sing yourself a song

When there's too much to do
Don't let it bother you, forget your troubles,
Try to be just like a cheerful chick-a-dee

And whistle while you work
Come on get smart, tune up and start
To whistle while you work

Research has shown that music has a profound effect on your body and psyche. In fact, there’s a growing field of health care known as Music Therapy, which uses music to heal. Those who practice music therapy are finding a benefit in using music to help cancer patients, children with ADD, and others, and even hospitals are beginning to use music and music therapy to help with pain management, to help ward off depression, to promote movement, to calm patients, to ease muscle tension, and for many other benefits that music and music therapy can bring. This is not surprising, as music affects the body and mind in many powerful ways. Consider some of effects of music, which help to explain the effectiveness of music therapy: Breathing and heart rate can be altered—can be slowed; relaxing effect can be a great stress reducer; put one in a more positive state of mind, helping to keep depression and anxiety at bay; lower blood pressure; boost immunity; ease muscle tension. These are but a few benefits to the body and mind, say nothing of the spirit.

I can tell you this. I felt better and my gait was accelerated. There’s just something about a happy sounding song that makes you feel good.

There an old Jewish legend which says that after God had created the world, He called the angels to Him and asked what they thought of it, and one of them said, “One thing is lacking—the sound of praise to the Creator.” So God created music and it was heard in the whisper of the wind and in the song of the birds. And to man also was given the gift of song. And all down the ages this gift has indeed proved a blessing to countless multitudes.