Hello Everyone and Happy Monday,
I hope you all had a restful weekend and are ready to embrace the week ahead with energy and positivity.
Last night, as I settled into bed, I decided to wear ear buds to block out the external noises. Living in Zone One of London, I really should have seen the noise coming! After what felt like ages, I realized the ear buds were hindering rather than helping me fall asleep. To my surprise, I found it easier to drift off to the gentle hum of the city rather than the uncomfortable feeling of being blocked off from my surroundings. This simple experience struck me as a powerful metaphor for a crucial aspect of life, especially in the context of voice coaching through somatic exercises.
In my line of work, I often encounter the idea that confronting discomfort, trauma, and turbulent thoughts head-on is more effective than trying to suppress or ignore them. Carl Rogers, a renowned psychologist, emphasized the importance of acceptance and understanding in personal growth. He believed that "The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change." This resonates deeply with the idea of finding ease amidst the noise rather than blocking it out.
Attempting to block out inner turmoil can create a sense of dissonance, much like the discomfort I felt with those ear buds. Instead, finding ease amidst the noise—embracing and working through our thoughts and emotions—can lead to greater harmony and well-being. Brené Brown, a researcher known for her work on vulnerability, states, "We cannot selectively numb emotions; when we numb the painful emotions, we also numb the positive emotions." This means that by acknowledging and integrating all our feelings, we can live more fully and authentically.
Through somatic exercises, I encourage a deeper connection with the body and voice, allowing us to confront and process internal turbulence. Peter Levine, a pioneer in the field of somatic experiencing, highlights that "Trauma is a fact of life. It does not, however, have to be a life sentence." By working through the 'noise' within, we can transform it into a source of strength and authenticity in our vocal expression.
Kristin Neff, a leading researcher on self-compassion, suggests that "Self-compassion involves acting the same way towards yourself when you are having a difficult time, fail, or notice something you don’t like about yourself, as you would act towards a dear friend." By acknowledging and working through our internal struggles, we can enhance our vocal delivery, making it more resonant and impactful.
As I move forward this week, I’m reminded of the lesson from last night's bedtime experience: rather than blocking out the turbulence within, it's better to find ease amidst it. Embrace the inner noise, work through it, and let it enrich your vocal presence and influence.
Have a great week,
M x
Sources:
1. Rogers, C. (1961). On Becoming a Person: A Therapist's View of Psychotherapy.
2. Brown, B. (2012). Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead.
3. Levine, P. (1997). Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma.
4. Neff, K. (2011). Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself.