I’ve been reading blogs from a public speaking coach who writes about how fear shows up when we speak. In a soft tone, in shakiness or a raspy throat, in mumbling, squeaking, squawking, in expanded moments of silence. When we are afraid or self-conscious or self-doubting, it is as if we have lost our voice.
We have forgotten that we have a unique song, one that is ours to share in our own unique way.
Yes, even for those of us (like me) who cannot carry a tune, there is a song stored within us. It may be caught in our throat. It surely emanates from our hearts and our souls. It may be thwarted by our head.
We have a song that, when unfurled, speaks our truth. A song that feels so good and right, that our voices ring true. A song that is beautiful and resonant. A song that conveys essential qualities of our nature. A song that lands and connects with others.
Softness is one of the qualities of my unique song. Try as I might to be louder and to take up more space when I speak, I have come to learn that softness is a truth of me. I am by nature a warm, supportive, accessible person. When I remember my unique song and speak from that deep place of knowing, it is believable to others. Yes, it is soft. It is also authentic. It engenders trust. And it rings true.
When I speak from my truth, chances are others will be receptive to me. They will open the ears of their hearts. They will sense that my song is aligned with the depth of me- my nature, my personality. and my values.
As you know, I have been pondering the importance of gifts.
Of knowing that each of us has unique gifts to be celebrated, polished and shared.
Of knowing that each of us has an individual style of giving, that we should not try to fit into someone else’s notion of the right package. Rather, get out of the box that constrains you or feels inauthentic. Give in the form and style that is true to you. Your way of giving will be better received than giving the way you are supposed to give.
Of recognizing the importance of receiving. We give of ourselves both because we want to give and because being received helps close the circle.It makes us complete. It creates connection and moves toward the possibility of an exchange, a relationship. Giving with the intention and vision of being received can help us feel enthusiasm for the giving. It might even help with letting go of the self-consciousness or fear.
The concept of having a unique song fits into the framework of gifting. If anything is a gift that is an offering, it is the gift of our essential nature, our unique song. If anything is meant to be received, it is a song. Melodies, tones, and sounds are meant to be shared and received.
All of us have a voice and a unique song. All of us have gifts to give, gifts to give in our unique package, in our unique song.