Variance: Flight Risk

This moment in history is interesting for many reasons. One of them is the way people interact with the concept of risk.

In a way, risk is abstract. It can be quantified but, as a whole, people are not that rigorous. So we guess and we say we understand the risk. I think we actually believe that we do understand it.

There are risks, however, that we always avoid. Fully embodied voice use is often one of them. If I let my voice be completely supported, enabled by the body, and put the full force of my neurology behind it -- What happens if someone doesn't like it? Does it mean they do not like me? What happens if I fail?

Voice is a risk. It is an audible, tangible extension of Self. It is also something that improves as you risk more, offer more, breathe more. It is a physiological event but it carries within it something else. Something we have sought to define in our humanity for as long as we have thought about our humanity. I call it -- Will.

This all reminds me of something I was told early on in my singing career by a more experienced singer.

The voice requires you to run, full-speed, off a cliff. Don't worry though, in this instance, you can fly.

She was right. I did fly and further, so can you.

I'd love to hear from you. What feels risky about speaking for you? What makes you feel powerful when you do? What will you risk today?