“I incorporate elements of mindfulness in all of the singing groups that I facilitate, whether that
is the beginners’ group for lung health, the weekly community choirs or the annual 100+ singer “Sing for Water” fundraiser.”
(Susie Ennals, Singing Facilitator)
Susie Ennals has a long history of practising mindfulness. From a young age she was drawn to nature-based practices and worked with the mantra ‘here and now’. Around 12 years ago, after a period of depression, she attended an MBSR course which evolved into a peer group of four students who continued to support each other’s practice on a weekly basis for several years. This, along with being in a women’s group that included a meditation element, helped her to build daily practices of mindfulness that she employs each morning and then throughout her day.
Alongside seeing benefits in her relationships, particularly her family, Susie also attributes to her practice improvements in her mental health, an increased ability to rest fully, a reduction of judgement towards herself and others and an increased capacity to be thoughtful and considered in her communication. Mindfulness has also supported her in times of emergency, including dealing with intense pain following a serious accident, when she has focused on her breath to help find her place of peace within herself once again:
“When things are overwhelming, mindfulness helps me to steady once again.”
These days Susie sits regularly with an Aberystwyth based Zen sangha and is committed to deepening her practice so that it continues to support her, both personally and in her work of setting up and facilitating community singing circles, choirs and health and wellbeing based singing groups.
These groups range from standalone singing workshops, weekly and monthly choirs and singing circles, as well as residential singing weekends. Susie brings mindfulness techniques in at the start of each session, encouraging participants to focus on their breathing and relax different parts of their bodies through a mini body scan. In being encouraged to check in with themselves and then notice each other more consciously, these short practices contribute to people feeling less alone and more present, connecting with each other, which greatly supports their confidence and ease.
“Singing with Susie is a delight, the sessions have helped my breathing and increased my
confidence, enabling me to build friendships. I come away feeling lighter in mood and always
look forward to the next one. The joy of singing with other people cannot really be put into
words, it just leaves you feeling great.”
(Leri choir member)
The way Susie relates to those she sings with is crucial to their overall singing experience. She employs mindful communication to stay encouraging rather than critical, and patient rather than pushy so that people feel welcome, included and at ease.
Some of her singing groups have had a particular focus for people with health conditions, or who have not been able to find their voice. ‘Skylarks Sing for Lung Health’, so named because Skylarks are known not to be able to sing in captivity, was a group to support people to free their voice from physical and emotional restrictions.
“Over the last few years, with Susie’s encouragement and gentle teaching style, singing for me
has become a joyful experience. It lifts my spirits and gives me a powerful way of expressing
deeply felt emotions.”
(choir member)
As people grow in confidence they sometimes join ‘Leri Voices’, the 25-plus strong Talybont based weekly community choir, or they attend the monthly Taizé and ‘Healing Harmony’ sessions that take place in Bow Street and Aberystwyth. And for those that enjoy singing in a large group to benefit others, Susie organises an Aberystwyth based ‘Sing for Water’ fundraiser. Here 100-150 singers from a variety of community choirs throughout Wales join together, perform at the bandstand and raise around £5000 for Water Aid charity.
At this point in her life, Susie is clear that she is not looking to extend her work. Instead, her main focus is to make sure that she keeps her mindfulness practice going so that she can continue to teach her existing groups into her old age.
To get in touch: