Speaking our Voice

I heard some words today that reached out and touched me. It was written "For many years, I have shrunk my voice". This touched me and I know there are many of us that have been in this place.

We baby boomers grew up to agitate the world; we grew up to put cracks in the beautiful ceramic vases of the 50's transitioning into the exploration of the 60's and the voices of the 70's. We grew up learning that were not to stand out by speaking the full power of our voice. This is what we were taught by well-meaning parents and others. It is not the truth.

The first faint glimmering of the new voices came through people like Abbie Hoffmans, the Tom Haydens, the Ken Keseys, and people like Carl Rogers and Fritz Perls and Ram Dass ranging across the new landscape of life. As always those whose voices were first were the martyrs of a sort. It is always easier to attack individuals of new beliefs than the beliefs themself. But as you can see having grown up in those times I get caught up in it was the safest. It was better to not be noticed and quiet our voice rather than have a voice. It was safer.

So I think one of our jobs is a part of my quote at the beginning of a blog. How am I using my voice to be authentic and fully present? Am I caught up in the teachings of my parents around mistakes and judgements? Is it caught up in the use of anger to motivate and make it OK to speak out with strength?

I did a growth workshop for some ten years. I would get involved in the process and would dart into the circle; I would add a profound piece to the session; then I would dart out to safety. One of our instructors challenged me to offer my voice of insight and stay in the circle. It held me to accountability of my input and moved me to state things I believed. It started to move me into a voice of authentic feelings and thoughts. It was harder than hell because this was not the safe way to share while I was growing up. It took a long time to get to that point of time when I speak my piece and let it be. My voice is not always taken in a positive way - but it is my voice. It is the voice that is real. My partner Phil reminded me that if I haven't made someone angry this week, then I am probably not being authentic.

So I still have places in which my voice does not work to the level I would like. I am still learning ways to speak with more clarity. It iss a daily practice to get better.

How does your voice show up? What would you lik to change? What triggers the strength in your voice? Please explore the topic because it is who you are..........every day!