Day 323, Saturday, November 23, 2024
Reflections
Inspiration
Each individual writer has a unique voice. What does yours sound like when you write or speak at a gathering? It involves not only what you say but also how you say it. When you share your thoughtful opinions about the topics of your interest, what do you think your readers gather about you?
Are your intentions clear and authentic? Are your body language and facial expressions sincere? Can you speak with words and without words? Do you feel “fire in your belly?” Does its flame light up those who are listening to you?
You may have doubts, but be audacious and trust your voice. Humility hones it. Express yourself passionately but honestly. Let words flow from your heart before opening your mouth. You will come alive as a creative person with a fiery voice. Go with it!
At first, you’ll feel nervous and uncomfortable. But this is part of the process until you find your voice. Keep allowing yourself to expand your boundaries. Discomfort is part of the learning process.
When you are confident your voice is clear, heartfelt, and wise… when you lose yourself in what your heart is saying… when you explore and then find yourself… pour out that inner self with complete authenticity. It will reflect on your face as an afterglow. Do it over and over again.
Journal Prompt
What thoughts have you contemplated? What words have you spoken and what actions have you done that reflect as an afterglow on your face?
Today’s Practice
Meditation: “Arriving Home”
Read, reflect, and journal.
Lorraine
Speaking kindly from my heart is difficult for me. I’m passionate about many things and protective of my opinions— now I need to learn to express myself softly and genuinely (not so direct and commanding — and not holding it in to protect feelings)
Madhu B. Wangu
Yes dear Lorraine, as Roshi Joan Halifax says, “We must build strong backs and soft fronts” to deal with the people and situations around us.
Lorraine
That’s exactly what I need to do!! It’s a great visual guide. Perfectly said – strong backs and soft fronts! Love it!
kathleen shoop
A perfect post to start the holiday season. Protecting myself and those around me also means not tolerating aggressively reductive actions and words. No one is required to live their lives a certain way, but to limit others in doing so isn’t something I can go along with. This of course means backing away sometimes rather than announcing my opinions. Depends on the context and other complicating factors for how I approach tricky issues. But for me it’s clear that kindness for those who are more vulnerable sometimes means not going along to get along with those who have zero empathy for others. Love you, Madhu!
Madhu B. Wangu
Very well said Kathie! Love you too!
Jenn Diamond
Good late evening, Madhu. I hope to improve my ability to express my “fiery voice” for public speaking purposes. I tend to feel very nervous when speaking in front of a group and then I end up talking from a distance… a bit out-of-body… but I LOVE allowing a flow of my authentic voice onto the page while writing. Time to hone it for speaking! Thank you!
Madhu B. Wangu
Best of luck to you in your speaking adventures! You well know how things improve with practice, so whenever you get an opportunity to speak, go ahead and accept it. You’ll hesitate first but tell yourself, I can do it! I will do it!