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Soothing Songs Bring Comfort to the Dying: A Global Movement Emerges
16 Nov
Summary
- Threshold Choir, a global organization, sings to the dying to provide comfort and peace
- Ballina, Australia chapter started in 2020 and now has over 20 members
- Singers create a "calming spell" through lullaby-like songs for terminally ill patients
A worldwide movement to sing gentle songs to the dying is providing comfort, peace, and release to both the suffering and the singers. Founded in California 25 years ago, Threshold Choir is a global organization that has now expanded to 185 chapters, including six in Australia.
The Ballina, Australia chapter started in 2020 and currently has over 20 members. They gather weekly to rehearse and then visit terminally ill patients, invited by family members or caregivers, to sing lullaby-like songs such as "You Are Not Alone" and "Healing Light." The singers create a "calming spell" in the room, with the air infused by their gentle voices.
While Threshold Choir members rarely sing to people while they are actively dying, they have witnessed several patients passing away within days or hours of their visits. The experience is often deeply moving for the family members, who find the songs provide immense comfort and release during a difficult time.
