Speak Up: The World Needs to Hear Your Voice

“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” Martin Luther King Jr

Does what you say, really matter?

God gave us a voice and our voice is one of our creative expressions. And I’m not talking about just singing. But any words we say!

Sometimes we get plugged up and we don’t speak. Maybe fear keeps us quiet or maybe we are just shy by nature. So we don’t speak. But the things you say can be a blessing to someone else, and to yourself! And the things you don’t say can be a source of remorse and regret.

The throat chakra is the energy center in our body responsible for speaking our truth, effectively communicating our needs and expressing ourselves. Why do we want to clear out and open our chakras?

I love this analogy shared by Joy Gardner, “When the chakras are clear and open, you are like a master of martial arts, standing totally relaxed, able to respond instantly and appropriately to whatever comes your way. You are in a state of ready alertness, totally alive and in the moment.”

So how do we do that?

1. Have the courage of your convictions. Identify what you believe in. Prayerfully consider what you know and believe. How do you anchor yourself? What keeps you steady and strong right now, for instance?

2. Pray to know when to speak up and when to be silent. When is it right to speak out? Stay tethered to the Holy Spirit to know when you should. There are times it’s appropriate to speak and other times when it’s not. Remember speaking out does not mean you have to verbalize every thought that comes to mind! Put space between your thought and your speech if necessary.

3. Take action – speak! When you make your words congruent with your beliefs, and your actions you feel alive. You feel free and that you are living your purpose!

4. Use words to speak truth and not to do damage. Always check your intent behind the words when you choose to speak. People will be able to discern your meaning by your intent and your energy even if your words say otherwise. When Alma was speaking to his son, Shiblon, about how to speak to others he said, “Use boldness, but not overbearance , and also see that ye bridle all your passions; that ye may be filled with love…” Alma 38:12

Speaking up and out requires courage. At times it means we express ourselves when our opinion is contrary to others.

I love this excerpt from Joy Jones’ talk, “Stand up, Speak up and Shine”

“Did everyone agree with the Savior as he taught His seemingly new doctrine to the Jews? Of course not. Did He tolerate the sins of his day that we see so rampant before us today? No, He did not stay silent. He was bold in his proclamations because He knew He was doing His Father’s will. Not everyone agreed with what He taught, but He stood for the truth. He had enemies, but He loved them and always treated others with kindness. His example stands supreme.”

What are the benefits of speaking up and out, responsibly? Your throat chakra opens up and you feel more in harmony:

• Your will to live is strong, you can follow your dreams

• You say what you mean, and mean what you say

• You are congruent

• You express yourself easily, creatively and authentically

• You balance silence and speech

So open your mouth and speak your truth! Use your voice as a power for good and it will bless many lives, including your own.