Having a Voice vs. Dominating

It needs to be said: there is a vast spectrum that includes being silent, being heard, having a voice, contributing, listening, supporting, amplifying, interacting, expressing, and dominating. More often than not, I have to remind my clients that speaking up is not dominating. Of course, we all can fall into dominating (see Stop Talking), so awareness of ourselves and others is key. But we all deserve time, space, self-expression, and a voice. To be heard. All of us. And when any of us stifle our expression, we all suffer. Voice can mean simply speaking up, being bold, having a say, asking a question, supporting other people and ideas, contributing. And speaking up also includes other modes of expression: writing, painting, performance, photography, dance. As the iconic choreographer, Martha Graham wrote to her friend and choreographer, Agnes de Mille:

There is a vitality, a life force, an energy, a quickening, that is translated through you into action. And because there is only one you in all time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium…the world will not have it. It is not your business to determine how good it is, nor how valuable, nor how it compares with other expressions. It is your business to keep it yours, clearly and directly, to keep the channel open.

This week, notice when you might be stiffling, muffling, holding back, inhibiting your true expression. And practice using this intention: to contribute.