Perform: Shining The Light

My major resolution this year has been to show up more. It is a process. One that is often counter my introverted tendencies.
Case in point, this morning. I had reserved a spot for Creative Mornings Boston which meant that I had to dress and be out in public first thing this morning. It was a classic introvert night owl meets morning networking situation.
Still, I went -- reluctantly. As I entered a friend immediately greeted me with a hug. He then proceeded to introduce me with such praise and beauty that I wished I was meeting me. I felt like a rock star. I also immediately copied the technique. I spent the next hour shining the light on others, including that dear friend, and using my voice to bridge some divides.
It is an incredible gift to be able to use the voice to empower ourselves and meet our goals. The ability to use it to lift up others is priceless.
Enjoy the weekend.
Related posts

What Happens in Vagus Part 2: Five Ways to Find Your Vocal Sweet Spot
This follow-up post delivers five evidence-based techniques for balancing your nervous system before, during, and after high-stakes speaking situations. Learn quick regulation methods like the Physiological Sigh (30 seconds) and Micro-Orienting (15 seconds) for in-the-moment reset, plus foundational practices like Coherent Breathing and the Voo Sound for vocal-specific nervous system preparation. Based on research from Stephen Porges, Peter Levine, and Bessel van der Kolk, these tools help speakers achieve "calm intensity" - the optimal state of high arousal matched with high regulation for dynamic, engaging performance.

When Voices Disappear: The True Cost of Silencing Ourselves in Collaboration
In "When Voices Disappear: The True Cost of Silencing Ourselves in Collaboration," I examine how we often diminish our voices in collaborative settings, believing we're serving the team when we're actually limiting everyone's potential. Inspired by a revealing moment on Project Runway, this post challenges the false binary between harmony and discord, offering a more powerful alternative: bringing our full "voltage" while remaining curious about others. Learn a simple five-step practice to maintain your authentic voice in your next collaborative project.