Shame Storms, Passion & Other Hidden Treasures
We often think of our voice as just our voice—“It’s not the best, but it’s okay; this is it, this is all I’ll have.”
Yesterday, I spoke to a group about the misconception that our voice is simply “what it is.” I emphasized that the real issue isn’t the voice itself, but the vitality and energy from the solar plexus that it relies on for singing. This energy needs to be explored and understood for us to sing freely.
A weak voice indicates feelings of weakness, while a strong voice shows vitality and aliveness. By working on the solar plexus, diaphragm, and rib cage, we can address our experiences of powerlessness or empowerment.
We can do this through voice exercises as well as through developing an understanding of why this powerful energy in the solar plexus is not open and empowering the voice.
As children, when we expressed our excitement and enthusiasm but faced rejection—whether by being told we shouldn’t sing, or being laughed at in school—we experienced deep feelings of shae that we often bury inside us. These emotions become hidden treasures that shape our relationship with our voice and get stuck inside of the power centre making us believe we are weak, or strong, or somewhere in-between.
These imprints from what I call the ‘Just like when world’ can create a tidal wave of beliefs and safety nets designed to protect us from ever experiencing that humiliation again.
If we’re not too big, too loud, too small, or too anything, if we stay under the radar, we believe we’ll be safe from the looming humiliation we remember all too well.
This looming feeling can arise whenever we open ourselves to life, including singing or any form of self-expression like public speaking.
So, we build walls on top of this energy of humiliation, shame, and embarrassment (take your pick). These walls can remain in place indefinitely. The good news is that it’s also covering up other energies such as - joy, fun, excitement, passion and love.
Everything in life interacts with this energy, right? Its purpose is to challenge us and force us to confront what lies within—the good, the bad, and the ugly. I encourage you to embrace this disturbance; let it impact you so you can transform your relationship with power and allow your inner energy to flow more strongly and healthily.
Trying this in a controlled setting, like a voice class designed for uncovering and addressing hidden energy, can be transformative.
This is my specialty. I help singers connect with the buried, secret energy that causes them to live carefully, quietly, and safely.
This is all for the purpose of them having the voice they’ve always wanted - a voice that’s real, that’s in there but just needs the life force and passion from below to support it so the voice has real legs to stand on.
To paint a picture of these inner workings -
The solar plexus, at the center of our body, works with the diaphragm to enable singing. It is also our center of power, self-esteem, confidence, and action.
According to Chakra Yoga, this is where shame, humiliation, and embarrassment can also reside.
It follows that if this area of our body is focused on holding onto past energies, it can’t fully support the flow, passion, and expression needed for a vibrant voice. It's occupied with the energy, shame, and traumas from our past experiences.
Once these old energies are acknowledged and brought to light, you may be amazed by the strength of your voice—it can truly transform your world. This process can be challenging, but there is more of you than you think and I am here to support you on this journey of passion and self-expression.