Speak Your Truth with Passion & Freedom
In past articles I've talked a lot about how we can use yogic technology to help us better understand aspects of singing & performing. I like to call this VOGA! Yoga means yoking mind and body – Voga is connecting our Voice with our body & being (nifty word, huh?)
When I talk about Voice, this refers to both the singing/speaking voice and the creative voice, our emotional expression. This is a powerful place to tap into. Have you ever heard an amazing singer who is technically brilliant, but your heart doesn't jump when you hear them? In contrast, have you ever heard a singer who might not hit all the 'right' notes but you feel the emotions when they sing? Why is that? Which voice is more 'powerful?' In an ideal world we have the ability to do both. Good vocal technique enables us to emote freely when we sing. The heart of it all is being able to access our creative expression. And then the question is How?!?!
First let's understand how sound is made. You take a breath, the air rises up and passes through the Layrnx (aka Adams apple, voice box), it resonates at the back of the throat and throughout the sinus cavities (also called the vocal 'mask'). Finally, the sound travels out from your mouth. The actual Sound is created by vocal chords which are housed inside the Larynx. Our vocal chords are also called vocal folds –because they actually look more like pieces of skin than strings/chords. The faster they move, the higher the sound, the slower they move, the lower the sound.
Since we are talking Voga…., I want to use the Yogic approach to help take you to a deeper level of understanding of why it is important not to sing From the throat and how this information can help YOU link your emotions to your voice.
The sound is initiated with the Breath. When we take in air for singing it begins in our belly. This area corresponds with our 3rd Chakra located a few inches below the navel. THIS is our center. In yoga we say the 3rd chakra is where we speak from. It is our presence and our power of projection, how we are heard in the world. Now you see Why it's so important to start your breath there? Also, this helps create the necessary foundation and support for the sound.
As a singer it is crucial to understand that we Never sing From the throat. That will create vocal damage and problems. We must always remember to initiate the sound from the Breath.
The throat corresponds with our 5th Chakra, which is located in the Larynx. (remember that's where the vocal chords live). This is our center of Truth. This is the center of creativity through subtle sound. The throat is the place from where we inspire others with healthy expression. By keeping the throat relaxed & open we allow the sound to pass over the chords freely. The result?
We are able to express our emotions from a place of truth, That's the magic to touching our audience.
Opening this area enables you to access your inspiration, your words, your creativity in all aspects of life – writing, playing an instrument, cooking, drawing, creating an ad campaign… etc et al, Whatever it is You do? Accessing your truth opens the potential for it to reach others.
One last note is that this area is also associated with the Thyroid and Parathyroid glands. Keeping this area balanced also helps to regulate our glandular system!
Here's just a few simple things you can do to open up!
1. First always begin by connecting with your breath – Place your hand on your belly feel your stomach expand out as you inhale (imagine your tummy filling up like a balloon) and feel your stomach relax back towards the spine on the exhale. Take 5-8 slow breaths and feel this area relaxing as you visualize the air rising up freely and out of the mouth or nose. Be aware to keep your chin level and slightly dropped down.
2. The next key is connecting the movement with your Breath as we stretch the throat.
So go on, Speak your Truth, with Passion and Freedom
When I talk about Voice, this refers to both the singing/speaking voice and the creative voice, our emotional expression. This is a powerful place to tap into. Have you ever heard an amazing singer who is technically brilliant, but your heart doesn't jump when you hear them? In contrast, have you ever heard a singer who might not hit all the 'right' notes but you feel the emotions when they sing? Why is that? Which voice is more 'powerful?' In an ideal world we have the ability to do both. Good vocal technique enables us to emote freely when we sing. The heart of it all is being able to access our creative expression. And then the question is How?!?!
First let's understand how sound is made. You take a breath, the air rises up and passes through the Layrnx (aka Adams apple, voice box), it resonates at the back of the throat and throughout the sinus cavities (also called the vocal 'mask'). Finally, the sound travels out from your mouth. The actual Sound is created by vocal chords which are housed inside the Larynx. Our vocal chords are also called vocal folds –because they actually look more like pieces of skin than strings/chords. The faster they move, the higher the sound, the slower they move, the lower the sound.
Since we are talking Voga…., I want to use the Yogic approach to help take you to a deeper level of understanding of why it is important not to sing From the throat and how this information can help YOU link your emotions to your voice.
The sound is initiated with the Breath. When we take in air for singing it begins in our belly. This area corresponds with our 3rd Chakra located a few inches below the navel. THIS is our center. In yoga we say the 3rd chakra is where we speak from. It is our presence and our power of projection, how we are heard in the world. Now you see Why it's so important to start your breath there? Also, this helps create the necessary foundation and support for the sound.
As a singer it is crucial to understand that we Never sing From the throat. That will create vocal damage and problems. We must always remember to initiate the sound from the Breath.
The throat corresponds with our 5th Chakra, which is located in the Larynx. (remember that's where the vocal chords live). This is our center of Truth. This is the center of creativity through subtle sound. The throat is the place from where we inspire others with healthy expression. By keeping the throat relaxed & open we allow the sound to pass over the chords freely. The result?
We are able to express our emotions from a place of truth, That's the magic to touching our audience.
Opening this area enables you to access your inspiration, your words, your creativity in all aspects of life – writing, playing an instrument, cooking, drawing, creating an ad campaign… etc et al, Whatever it is You do? Accessing your truth opens the potential for it to reach others.
One last note is that this area is also associated with the Thyroid and Parathyroid glands. Keeping this area balanced also helps to regulate our glandular system!
Here's just a few simple things you can do to open up!
1. First always begin by connecting with your breath – Place your hand on your belly feel your stomach expand out as you inhale (imagine your tummy filling up like a balloon) and feel your stomach relax back towards the spine on the exhale. Take 5-8 slow breaths and feel this area relaxing as you visualize the air rising up freely and out of the mouth or nose. Be aware to keep your chin level and slightly dropped down.
2. The next key is connecting the movement with your Breath as we stretch the throat.
- First, Neck Turns - Keeping your head straight on the spine Inhale as you gently move your head to the left and Exhale as your move to the right. Lead with your chin, Keep your shoulders level, neck relaxed and eyes closed (or you will get dizzy!)
- Second, Head Rolls – Slowly, Gently roll your head in a complete circle to the left. Feel all of the muscles relaxing and releasing as your make the circle. You can even visualize drawing a circle in the air with your nose. Inhale as you roll back and Exhale as you come around to the front. Be aware that you are not creating pressure on the spine as your roll. After a few turns, switch sides.
- Third, Inhale raise your shoulders all the way up to ears and Exhale as you allow them to drop down. Make the drop gentle.
- With all the exercises be aware to connect the movement of the body with the breath.
- And remember to keep the back of neck long, straight and relaxed.
So go on, Speak your Truth, with Passion and Freedom
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