Resist!

Voicing is about connection and about communication.  Rarely is it just about the voice.

At times there is an odd synergy in the studio, this week is was multiple clients experiencing Week three of the True your Voice Process. Week three is about accelerating the change we have begun, it is about Charge and it is without exception the session during which I encounter the most resistance.

Resistance: The refusal to accept or comply with something; the attempt to prevent something by action or argument.

It made to think, not for the first time, about how delightfully and predictably self-protective humans are.

First, of all, resistance is not wrong. It is an indication that things are changing, unfolding in a way that requires reflection and perhaps even pause. It exists for good reasons:

1. Humans love Homeostasis. In short, the body likes when things stay the same, tempertature, blood pressure, our favorite habits are all good as long as they are static. The body will resist physiological change in order to maintain homeostasis even if the change is going to be beneficial.
2. Humans love pleasure. We will do things that trigger pleasurable responses even if they are bad for us such as smoking, or biting our nails. These habits satisfy a need and completing the task gets you a pellet.
3. Thinking can be disordered. Sometimes high levels of stress or disordered neurology caused by anything from depression to what might be labeled "mental illness" make it hard to adapt, making resistance the only responsible course.

Here's the thing, resistance is not rejection. It just requires care, explanation, repetition, and guidance. It makes us slow down and observe. It makes us respect the subtle neurology of safety and existence as human beings in the world. Which is probably why I have loved this week, so hard. So many humans daring greatly, dancing with fear, and living with Charge. Voicing throughout this process with varying levels of timidity and abandon. Fierce voice users all. Next week they will take an off week to process and "wait for the bus" on what they have learned so far and another cohort will enter Week three.

I am so incredibly humbled to be taking this journey with you. Breath, move, tremor, and voice whatever comes. Oh, and wait for that bus.

Gina Razón is the principal voice specialist at GROW Voice LLC, a full-service voice and speech studio in Boston’s Back Bay.  She has over 16 years of experience both as a teacher of voice and speech, and a voraciously curious voice user.  Gina has worked professionally as a classical singer for over a decade and more recently as professional public speaker.  For more information on the studio or to book Gina visit www.growvoice.com.