Use your voice, find your voice, speak your voice… These phrases are common expressions. Maybe someone has said them to encourage you to share your inner thoughts, to affirm what you want or don’t want, or to make your needs known to others. I have heard them a lot lately in relation to events, changes, and uncertainty in our world, urging me to use my energy and my voice in support of peace, equality, and compassion.

“When we speak with clarity and conviction, we engage in the creative process, calling forth the life we desire. Self-advocacy affirms the divine presence within. In a world where injustices and inequities persist, we must not shrink from speaking up. We begin by advocating for ourselves, and we must also advocate for others...” (Soni Cantrell-Smith)

In this way, our voices can be like a doorway between our inner hopes and knowing, and our outer expression in the world. I have found that when these two aspects are aligned, I feel energized and whole. When they aren’t, or when I don’t speak up for myself or others, I feel depleted, angry, and closed off. It’s as if the doorway is shut and I can literally feel a lump in my throat. Perhaps you have noticed something similar in your experience.

This is when the 5th Chakra or Vishudda, an energy center located within the throat, can support us to courageously speak our truth. It’s linked to the vocal cords, neck, and jaw, which can become tight and tense under stress, making it more difficult to speak. In simple and practical terms, we can release this type of stuck energy by taking a few breaths, relaxing the muscles around the throat, and slowly moving the head as if saying “yes” and “no.” Next, we can hum a favorite tune or write our words down before speaking them aloud in order to build the energy and courage we need to voice an opinion or make a choice.

Our words carry vibrations and energy that affect our lives and our world. How are you using, finding, or speaking with your unique voice?