I’m writing a series of posts that will give you a taste of the six qualities of voice that I work with to heal trauma. These qualities broaden your vocal range and empower your voice. The first quality is called Lullaby. It teaches us how to self-soothe, to resource, and to have compassion for ourselves. . When was the last time you sang a lullaby to yourself? A lullaby slows time down…and we sing to the part of ourselves that is weary of life… Sleep my child and peace attend thee, all through the night… (Verses from a Welsh lullaby by Edward Jones) Lullaby is about being with ourselves in our pain, just as we are. Of course, we want our pain to go away….more than anything. But if we have an agenda that it needs to go away, then it digs in its heels and hollers out NO! Lullaby is about acceptance and inclusion, rather than pushing away. The healing and change we long for, will come through slowing down and being with what hurts, not through fixing and figuring it out. There’s empowerment in lullaby for the one who sings and healing for the one who receives. Voice Practice for the week – Take a few minutes to sing a lullaby to a part of yourself that hurts and is secretly longing for attention. There are likely to be challenges with doing this practice! And this is a great opportunity to set them aside and do it anyway. So let’s do that together! I set aside the one who is self-conscious! I set aside the one who is critical and judgmental about my voice! I set aside the one who feels this is corny and stupid. That’s a great start! Now, I hope you’ll give yourself this sweet gift today, and whenever you’re feeling blue. If it’s comfortable, bring your hands to your heart or to the part of your body that hurts, or gently embrace yourself. Let your breath move gently in and out, and bring your attention to it. Let go of your busy mind for a few moments. Begin with a low hum. Feel the vibration in your chest. Pay more attention to the feeling of the sound than to needing it to be pretty or pleasing. Let a few simple words come. Whatever comes to you spontaneously is perfect. A simple word or phrase that feels good and hits the spot. I’m here now… Everything’s ok… You can rest now… Sing your words in a very simple way. Sing them 3 – 5 times and breathe as you do. Notice the impact and how it is for you. Then take a few moments to be in silence, enjoying the space you’ve created. You can message me and let me know how it goes. Sending song your way, Eve |
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