As SoulSpeak ideas have grown over the last few years, the ladies that come have ideas for SoulSpeaks and topics that are living within them. Usually, when someone has an idea, it means that it’s alive for someone else, too.
Lynaya Morris has a soulful way about her and a power with words that’s unparalleled. When she mentioned that we needed a SoulSpeak: Women’s Voices, I knew she was right. As a Career Coach, she works with students every day to figure out their next steps. She’ll be co-facilitating this week’s SoulSpeak, and so I sat down with her to hear about why this topic feels so important.
You’ve shared a lot about the importance of using your voice. What did you learn as a child about using your voice in the world?
I learned a lot from my parents and then in relationships. With my parents, I remember that I had this thought, “They are bigger than me. They must know more than me, so I must be quiet. I don’t have anything to say that’s of enough substance. My needs and wants are not important.” For example, I remember a time when my brother and I were walking into the house. He’s younger than me and so I went in first and he started to cry. My grandmother asked me to go back outside and to let him come in first. This happened often. At some point, I realized: What about what I want + what I need? I said to her, “I’m not going back out the door.” Recently, I was home and she described me as being a stubborn person using that story. If that’s being stubborn, then I can accept that.
What do you get from speaking your truth?
Power. It’s like magic. It’s really an overall sense of connection that brings a sense of peace and order. I also see other people shift or move because of what I say. That’s just amazing and breath-taking, I think. I feel a huge sense of peace. I’m connecting more and more with myself, and it connects me with other people.
What happens when you don’t speak your truth?
I feel small and sad, and I don’t operate as smoothly. There’s a total lack of flow in my life all of a sudden. It’s really a stopper. I can’t do the things that I want to do. Even the simple things. There’s a worrying and a sense of anxiety.
What do you get out of this practice of speaking your truth in a group?
It’s more sacred and safe. I actually might share more than when I’m one-on-one. It’s freeing. I think it’s because, even if one person rejects me, there’s more people in the group that won’t. Also, I get to feel fed by witnessing their power and authenticity. It’s feeling other people’s energy and being held up and supported by that.
If you can’t wait to see Lynaya on Thursday at SoulSpeak, you can check out her writing at rebelsoulpriestess.com.
TO YOUR GORGEOUS AND WONDROUS VOICE and the power of belonging,
Jess
Leave a Reply