Breaking Silence

"It took me quite a long time to develop a voice, 

and now that I have it, I am not going to be silent."

Madeleine Albright

A sense of empowerment is experienced when we speak up using our voice. It doesn't matter if we are uncertain or open ended, it is healthy to share our feelings, opinions, and observations with selected friends. We speak our truth as we know it in the moment, open to shifts in our understanding or strengthening what we believe.

Often when words are shared out loud, we hear ourselves in differing ways. We may be surprised by what we have said or realize we no longer feel that particular way. Shared words can reduce our fears and lift our awareness.  In so doing, we may be nudged to further our beliefs by adding new resources.

Whether physically, mentally or spiritually researching, new space needs to be created in order to make additions. This is the act of transitioning. With clarity, we become aware of what no longer supports us. Then we begin a search for new additions to shape our character. These will be met with clarity created by fresh leeways. 

Speak Truth

"It took me quite a long time to develop a voice,

and now that I have it, I am not going to be silent."

Madeleine Albright

Take a time out and give yourself permission to evaluate the holiday unfolding around you. Using your heart instead of the mind, determine what aspects of the season no longer resonate with you. Gathering strength, give voice to adjusting family traditions or reaching out for what you most need.

The Universe mirrors back to us whatever it is we project. So is this not a valid reason to be honest with the self and facilitate changes? When adjustments are made, we may be surprised by the positive response of others. Creative adaptations allow for less stress, emotional release, and happier memories.

Once we acknowledge the shift of our longings, new energy erupts. We gain strength with each step towards revision. Acknowledge what is in the heart and bring that feeling out into the world.  Whether accepted or not, we have the right to speak our truth. As we shine our light, blessings ripple out whether we see them or not. 

 

A Scream In The Woods

"It took me quite a long time to develop a voice,

and now that I have it, I am not going 

to be silent."

Madeleine Albright

Once again I have allowed my lovely self to feel powerless. In the desire to be accepted, I have silenced myself, hiding all of the beautiful parts I have diligently strived to unearth. The eagerness to please, the extension to share light energy, and the desire to be needed have once again created an identity of victimhood.

When I do not allow myself to stand in my own power, feelings of anxiety erupt. I begin to see life as happening to me rather than creating the life I long to live. I allow others to have power over me which pushes me into a downward spiral. It is then that I run to the woods, to the trees that know me best, and I scream.

As my voice echoes throughout the woods, vibrations are stirred within me. Once again, I become determined to return to being me.  I give myself permission to speak out, disagree, and ask questions burning in my soul. I can feel my power returning and I cannot wait to get back to being fully me!

Guttural Screams

"It took me a long time to develop a voice, and now 

that I have it, I am not going to be silent."

Madeleine Albright

Christmas is passing and emotions just might be compiled within us.  Things we didn't say and wish we did or things we did say and wish we had not.  It is necessary to articulate what lies within us, using creative expression.

The voice can be heard within silence or in guttural screams.  Words that are stockpiled need to be released whether finding escape onto paper or into the ear of a trusted friend.  The importance is in the honoring of our voice.

We have an obligation to speak our truth.  It is necessary to hear our words resonating within us.  There is a significant blessing in holding our words in chosen silence and liberation in freeing them out into the world.

Presence of Otherlings

 

"It took me quite a long time to develop a voice,

and now that I have it,

I am not going to be silent!"

Madeleine Albright

The voice can whimper in silence or shout from a rooftop.  It can be expressed and deeply understood through the arts, journaling or simply listening within.  There was a time the act of exchanging words was singularly referred to as communication; whereas, in today's world, it has been expanded into more lofty terms or sense of empowerment.

The inner voice whispers knowledge and insight while the projected outer voice shares what we have experienced.  The deep longing to be seen and embraced  can happen through the written word, articulating the self to others or reflecting through song, dance or artistic endeavors.

Other than the obvious meditation, yoga or visualization, one can be comforted by silence in nature.  No matter what the season, one senses the presence of otherlings from vibration of trees, the rippling of water, sunshine on our skin or whispers in the wind.  The voice is empowered when we embrace the sense of all being one.

Expression for Integrated Lesson

"It took me quite a long time to develop a voice,

and now that I have it, I am not going to be silent."

Madeleine Albright

As I listen to the cardinal sing a song, my spirit is calmed. The melody of the bird is fluent and heartfelt.  The same is true for human voices even though they may be using a foreign language, they can fill us with emotion.

To use a voice is not not limited to harsh, belligerent or offensive language.  A voice can be whispered or screamed according to the element of emotion wanting to be expressed.  Either way, as an individual we choose the words and tone we want to utilize.

A a youngster my voice was suffocated, so it was challenging to project even the smallest phrase.  I would immediately withdraw thinking I would be silenced.  Time carries us into challenges and without exchange of expression, the lesson will never be integrated.  The outcome of being right or wrong matters not.  The importance is in speaking inner truth out into the world.