I think singing can be the secular mantra. Abandoning yourself to the faith that all the words are there and listening to all the feelings inside and around you.

I sing because I feel. Nothing else will do. I appreciate an audience but I sing for my muse.

anecdote.

I spent a wonderful year singing\performing as a 'medieval' bard for a traveling show in the country of southern Ontario. Weekends I would don my gear and drive to a legion hall or gym in the middle of nowhere.

On one night in Warkworth, a small town whose only industry is a Prison there were 50 people for a dinner in the basement of the legion. There was a real warm feeling in the room and I could feel the gratitude from the people enjoying the show.

I learned the guests of honour were a couple celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary that night. A small graying couple asked if we (myself and two guitar players)could play a waltz. You don't dissapoint the guests of honour so I sang 'The Anniversary Song' [Oh how we danced on the night we first met....] while the guitars did their best to support.

As we sang I could see the couple grow from small and wizened to the center of everyone's love. I could see this golden web hang in the air supported by the song and the feelings of all the people. It was such a priveledge to be part of that.

Thats why I sing.