The Voice

Say Your Name

Here’s a Find Your Voice breathing exercise that can further enhance your awareness and acceptance of your challenge.  I learned this simple technique from a remarkable woman I met when I was on a teaching and learning tour in India.  This woman had been a humble housekeeper all her life, but in her sixties she realized she had healing powers, so she quit her job, took up her calling, and within a few years she had become one of the most sought-after healers in all of India.  When I asked her if she would share with me her favorite technique, she told me about “Say Your Name.”  It was her gift to me, and now I’m giving it to you.

When you’re feeling in the grip of your challenge, caught up in your anxiety, anger, sadness, pain, and so on, pause for a moment and focus on your breathing.  Even if your breathing is tight, shallow, and stressful, just observe your inhale and exhale, maybe notice the turning points – just simply focusing…inhale and then exhale.

After a few breaths, on an exhale, say your name to yourself, but not out loud, just say your own name.  First name, last name, full name, nickname – whatever favorite name you use when you talk to yourself.  Just inhale, pause, and on the exhale, say your name to yourself, and continue doing this for several breaths.

Once you’re in a nice rhythm, on an inhale, say silently, “I accept” … or “I support” … or “I care about” … or even “I love,” and then pause, and on the exhale, say your name.  Do this for a minute (or for ten to fifteen breaths).  Make it a kind of silent mantra of unconditional acceptance of yourself and your challenge.  You’re speaking in the healing voice of your inner TruSage.

Give this wonderful healer’s technique some time and energy, and watch what happens.  You’ll be amazed to find yourself feeling more relaxed and accepting of what you’re going through with your challenge.

You’ll want to practice this whenever you have the chance.  This will just get better and better for you.  This is a gold medal winner.

From The Voice.  Copyright © 2011 by Dr. Brian Alman.