Posts Tagged ‘power’
Today marks the start of using more video – and the start of a new YouTube channel called “The Performance of Your Life,” which you’ll hear more about in the future.
Let me know what you think. -Jonathan
The Power of Your Voice
Posted on: September 6, 2014
Most of us have no idea about what we can do with our voice, or how to use it in all of its potential. Many people don’t conceive of what it means to discover their true range of vocal power.
Then again, perhaps it’s difficult to grasp what it means to truly reside in our power.
This is a topic I think about quite often; it’s been a big part of my own journey, from feeling very powerless early in life, to eventually coming more fully into my power. This is a life journey for many of us…. It’s about owning all that we are, and embodying and wielding it responsibly, and with heart.
And the same thing goes for your voice. Did you realize that your voice reflects your experience, your power, and what aspects of yourself are easily accessible?
For example, if you’re uncomfortable (be it in life talking with one person, or in a speaking engagement), it’s incredibly common to freeze up and lose a lot of your vocal and physical expression. Your voice gets “flat” and your TMJ area may get tighter. In this case, you’re locking up your true expression, which perhaps only those closest to you get to see – and are not releasing into our power. Power isn’t about trying to be “big” or forcing it out; it’s about relaxing into all that we are.
Having a Dynamic Voice – and Thoughts on Authenticity
As well, we have so many vocal dynamics available to us… and yet most people generally utilize very few of them. With my clients and in workshops, I often address dynamics like pitch, tempo, volume, enunciation variation, and powerful pronunciation. Did you know that each of them has a different energetic and psychological correlation? For example, I’ve found that if you don’t enunciate strongly, that’s energetically associated with holding back from really impacting others. In terms of pitch, if you habitually have a high voice, your voice is likely disconnected from your power center – and needs to be reclaimed.
You can radically enhance your voice – and, as you do, reclaim more of your power. This is, of course, not power over others… but power within. And yet, it affects others strongly. All sound is vibration – and your voice resonates within other people when they hear it.
Because 50-80% of communication is nonverbal – both body language and vocal tone – how we speak often matters more than what we say. For example, learning how to have a more resonant, fuller voice will affect others’ feelings about you (even though they typically won’t know why).
When we transform how we speak, it challenges our ideas about ourselves because we’ve never heard our voice that way before. Some people tell me, “Oh, using my voice that way isn’t authentic!” My response is, typically, “No – that’s not being habitual.” Because enhancing self-expression is a process of self-expansion.
What’s needed first?
Before you start to radically enhance your voice, however, it’s essential to begin with stepping into your power – and your presence – as a speaker… and in your life. Foundations must be laid that will open up your voice and your presence. Once those are set, you can then start to find the incredible self-expression of which you are fully capable.
And, on that note… keep an eye out for a special invitation soon. I’ll be announcing an intensive 3-day retreat in the San Francisco Bay Area mid-November, that you won’t want to miss. Hint: it has to to do with finding power and presence – as a speaker and in life.
How aware are you of the potential that your voice holds? Do you realize when you freeze up and are holding back? And… do you know that this can radically change?
Please leave your comments and questions below!
what is real power? (2 of 2)
Posted on: October 21, 2011
*So what’s Real power?*
…Real power emanates from within.
…Speaking with power means standing in your truth – and declaring it to the world.
…True power means that you are as present to your own personal experience, as you are to the person or audience to whom you are speaking. You don’t give yourself away.
…And, most importantly…
True power is deeply connected to living and expressing your life purpose.
Which, right now, others desperately need to hear.
I don’t know if you’ve felt it, but things are accelerating. So many people, including myself, are being asked to make sure our work in the world is truly in alignment with our real selves.
This is why my work has taken new shape. My coaching and workshops have always derived from combining public speaking and theater methods with self-development tools and business savvy… but I used to be afraid to declare it, wondering if the performers I coach would get put off by the business emphasis, or feeling unsure about how entrepreneurs and professionals would react to this deeper approach. But by doing so, I’m speaking the true power of what I do… and the reaction has been amazing, validating my highest purpose.
… And the same can go for you.
Are you ready to speak the real truth?
what is real power? (1 of 2)
Posted on: October 20, 2011
I’ve been really interested for the past several months with the idea of “power.” It’s rife with misunderstandings and negative connotations… and so much potential. For some, power equates to “power over” – where one person must win out over others. As the media, both alternative and mainstream, regularly depicts both abuses and atrocities by those who possess power, this is of course a common misunderstanding, But it’s not true power.
True power does not arise from oppressing others or through fights. Speaking with power does not mean anyone else is being diminished or controlled. And it doesn’t mean that you have to Push to make your Point. It also does not mean you are trying to influence or control others – or please them.
Next: the real deal.
3 ways to stay humble
Posted on: September 30, 2011
If you are making a difference in the world, it can be hard to be humble, and live with humility. Keep in mind that this does not mean being “humiliated,” but to live graciously and without trying to prove yourself with a big ego. Here are three easy ways:
- Put things in perspective. No matter what, there is always someone doing things much bigger than you are doing. And, there are many people suffering, who would consider you their idol. Sound like a good middle ground?
- Turn it over to Divine Source. You are here to serve and help others. It is your privilege to do so in your own unique way. Know that you have been given gifts, and exercise them with heartfelt love.
- Do menial labor. What? Am I serious? You bet. If you think you’re so great, try out a task that pays minimum wage. Chances are, you’ll find out that someone earning very little is very likely working very hard. For all that you do, remember that others are in need. Help them – when you’re in their debt, pay more than necessary and overtip waiters.
How can we be both powerful and humble? Where does humility play a role within empowerment?
Some perspective:
If we are in our power, and fully stand in the truth of what we are here to do on this planet and in our own communities, we simply need to do our work. When we try to be powerful, we effort from the ego. That is not true power. Real powerful is effortless.
In the Law of Attraction, it’s essential to know you are deserving of what you visualize – that you are worthy. Don’t confuse worthiness with being humble.
Humility comes more around receiving what we have visualized – and, in my book, the bigger the gift, the more humble we should be. To know that we are truly worthy of something wonderful is to let go of the ego.
And… don’t try so much.
Trying hard to create results means trying to force results. And that’s just not how the world works – or, not without repercussions. If you try to force someone to do something, they may do it, but it’ll fly back in your face sooner or later.
Action: Relax into your power. Be thankful for all you have received, and all that is coming your way… whether or not you can see it.
Next: 3 ways to stay humble.
I more often talk about empowerment, and how we need to step into our power. What goes along with it as its important sidekick is humility.
It’s too easy for power to bring hubris. Many amazing people are so afraid to really be powerful – because so may strong figures in current and past world history have also been dominating and abusive. And many people suffered through difficult childhood experiences – and then have walked in the world as the mild-mannered counterpart of their true self, which is waiting to be powerful and strong.
Yes, we must be powerful – to live our soul’s purpose in the world is to live our full truth.
The secret? Don’t try to be powerful. Just be true to yourself.
Part 2: Don’t try so hard – and keep perspective.
transforming nervousness into power (4 of 5): investment and perfectionism
Posted on: April 13, 2011
At its very core, why do you get nervous or fearful?
Because you care. Because something is important to you.
If you were apathetic to an issue or situation, you wouldn’t be nervous at all. But apathy is not exactly a desired experience, is it?
Wherever it may happen, and for whatever reason it rears its head, getting nervous means that you desire to live fully, and to be the best version of yourself. Yes, it’s good: it means you’re invested in life.
The dark side of this investment, which creates fear and nervousness, is perfectionism – the imaginary idea that it’s somehow possible to be “perfect.” This myth, aided by Hollywood movies and TV “reality” shows that purport to portray people’s actual lives, provides standards that no real person can match.
Action: Instead of fixating on imaginary perfection that doesn’t exist, and makes you uncomfortable and nervous, simply take action and try something new. Embrace mistakes, and learn from them.
One oft-overlooked aspect of the Law of Attraction, the idea that we can manifest in our lives what we desire, is the importance of emotional investment. That is, we must fill what we want with love and positivity.
Ironically, if we are not manifesting intentionally, we can fill our emotional body with fear, mistrust, or negative emotions. In fact, if we have positive thoughts for five minutes a day, but fear or such the rest of the time, those few minutes only make so much a difference because they’re largely negated.
In order to truly manifest what we desire, it’s essential to:
- Trust.
- Envision our lives already changed – not see it in the future.
- Love our new life that is already coming into being.
- Be thankful, and hold gratitude.
That being said, if negative emotions surface, don’t be in denial that it’s happening. Acknowledge them, and tell that part of yourself that’s afraid that it’s okay. Then choose to refocus.
Action: Today, create your life intentionally by filling your desired goals with love and affection.
your true power
Posted on: February 3, 2011
Just a wild guess, but maybe you are more powerful than you imagine.
Want inspiration? Picture yourself stirring millions. Yes. You have that in you. But we lose faith in ourselves. Maybe something happened when we were young that caused us to forget our true essence. Unfortunately, it happens to most of us.
And media coverage of primarily negative events doesn’t help. We can begin to equate power with abuse of power – stealing, killing, swindling. It’s a sad attempt to make ourselves bigger. Ourselves? Yes, that’s right – we all have that ability. Scary.
But we also have the potential to move in the opposite direction: to exercise power both strongly and wisely. To choose to make a real difference in people’s lives. To follow our soul’s purpose. To feel fulfilled, and make the world a better place.
The ability to trust in that vision, to follow your heart, and to take action is true power.
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