Your voice is needed

“Ha, you haven’t heard me sing,” I thought to myself as one of the Kirtan* musicians reassured the group of us that no one has a bad voice.

We were sitting in a semi-circle on the floor in the yoga studio, the lights dimmed, candles glowing, cold air lightly seeping in on a brisk wintry night in Florida.

The two musicians/singers sat facing us, tuning their instruments and adjusting the small projector and screen that had the songs on it.

I sat towards the front, relaxed from the previous hour of yin yoga, now bundled up in a blanket, looking forward to the singing, yet also feeling a bit shy, as I always do at Kirtan.

I love the call-and-response of the repetitive Sanskrit phrases that become melodious chants as the room fills with many voices that merge into one, the distinctive sound of the harmonium and the steady beat of the drums, the slow start that rises to a pulsating crescendo, like a wave that builds and builds and finally crests, releases its energy, and ends by gently lapping at the shore.

No, really, I thought, *I* have a bad voice. I’ve always wished I could sing but tone deafness runs in my family. Hence my shyness and apprehension and why I usually sing quietly to myself, to make sure no one else can hear.

But then the musician said it again, “There are no bad voices. Each one of us contributes to the whole.”

Oh. That’s the lesson I was there for.

I realized in that moment that I was denying the group my contribution by discounting my ability and diminishing my role.

What if everyone did that? It would be a very quiet Kirtan! Which would, of course, be the opposite of its purpose: to raise our voices in unity, to feel the collective vibration, to know that we are not alone.

So, as the first song began, I sang a little louder than I usually do. As the pace picked up and the room filled with joyous harmony, I sang louder still. I felt connected and complete.

And it was the best Kirtan experience I’ve ever had.

Where are you feeling shy or unworthy of participating?

Where are you denying others your contribution?

What would happen if you took a chance and did it anyway?

Where can you add your voice?

Whether it’s publishing a blog post, giving a speech, or offering a program for sale, I bet it would be transformative, both for you and for them.

Looking for a safe space to share and learn? Come into the Facebook group.

*Kirtan is a call-and-response style of singing or chanting, with ancient roots in Hinduism. Here’s one of my favorites.

Stand-Out Speakers Spotlight

I was so impressed with the women who were in my Stand-Out Speakers online group program this past fall that I’m sharing a couple of them with you in each of my upcoming newsletters so you can follow them too.

Heather Ryan looks like a kindergarten teacher, but for 14 years she served as a Special Agent with NCIS (no wonder she was so effective under cover and as an interrogator!). Now, she teaches effective safety techniques for women and offers innovative prevention education for men, from college campuses to organizations and corporations. Heather is one of the warmest, most authentic, and heartfelt women I’ve ever met. Her keynotes are inspiring and educational. Check out her site to get a list of apps and websites to help keep you and your family safe.

Tara Foster spent her career in corporate America, dutifully climbing the ladder, until she realized she was on the wrong ladder. Now, she helps professional women define what success looks like, identify and eliminate roadblocks, and create a practical path to achieve their goals, whether it’s a promotion, a change in industries, or starting a different career. Tara is naturally hilarious and her stories will leave you with a smile on your face and an a-ha in your head. Get her free PDF on how to say “no” diplomatically so you can take back your time. 

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