A few weeks ago I was preparing a speech. Not just any speech. This was to be a performance that would inspire my listeners to create change in their lives as they heard my story. I was crafting a talk that would describe a challenge I had overcome in my life. And, in the process, I wanted to offer the possibility of transformation for my listeners.
Turns out that writing the speech was the easy part. Part of the preparation included video recording myself giving this talk. And, sending it off for feedback.
I don’t know how this would impact you….. and I know that I cringed at this idea!
My inner critic was arguing loudly with me. Are you serious? Marjorie on a video? For others to watch?
This was a huge step of vulnerability for me. I don’t even like taking selfies! Seeing myself on the screen was not easy for me. I found myself feeling embarrassed, shy and critical of how I looked and sounded.
I sent off the first draft. I got feedback. I was encouraged to be more authentic. How could I be ‘myself’ using this format?
In the midst of this process I met with my coach. As I shared my dilemma, she wondered, ‘What would your Wise Woman have to offer to you right now?’
My ‘Wise Woman’ is a metaphor for my deep, inner wisdom. She talks to me through my body, my emotions and my heart. Rarely does she communicate to me through my thoughts and brain power. I had not been listening to her whispers. I had forgotten to pay attention to her. She was there all the time.
Here is what my ‘Wise Woman’ had to say:
1. Slow down
Wisdom can’t catch up with me if I am speeding along the path to ‘getting it done’. I had a deadline to meet, and I was rushing to complete the task. I did not have time to stop and listen.
So, I took a break and rested. I took time to practice my gestures and expressions. Instead of pushing myself to finish I trusted it would get done on time.
2. Step Back
As I step back I see the big picture. What patterns were showing up? How did this speech fit together?
Yes, the details are important and yes, little things matter. Significance resides in the small pieces of the puzzle. The thing is, I was getting bogged down by the details.
The big question for me was: Why am I doing this? What is my motivation?
In five years, would this matter? Will the anxiety I feel today seem as important then? Where do I want to focus my energy? What might shift as I widen my view of this project?
My perspective changed as I stepped back and viewed my speech with a wide-angle lens.
I realized I wanted to inspire my listeners and share my insights.
I was excited to have them hear what I was learning.
Somehow my nervousness and worry about how I looked on the video was lessened as I focused on my big why.
3. Stay Present
I had been rushing ahead, missing what was happening right now. I ignored the offers of help and the clues of what was already going well. I focused on the future and believed I would be content ‘when it was done’. Rather than being aware of what was occurring right here, right now, I was living in tomorrow. And, tomorrow never arrived. I was chasing a mirage that always kept two steps ahead of me.
I breathed deeply. I looked at what was already complete. I celebrated the courage I had taken to post my first video. I heard the wise words and brought myself back to the now. My body relaxed and I felt a sense of hope. All would be well.
4. Sit in Silence
My Wise Woman speaks softly. Her voice had been drowned out by the distractions in my life. The well-meaning advice of others. The comparison game when I saw the videos of other speakers. The frenzied pace to complete the speech on time. I stopped and was quiet. The silence created space for wisdom.
5. Search inward
As I practiced presence and silence, I found riches awaiting me. I asked my inner wisdom ‘What is possible?’ I imagined what I was longing for. Even though my dreams seemed impossible, I knew this was the first step to completing a powerful speech.
6. Savour the Signs of Wisdom
As I listened to my inner wisdom, I gained confidence in following the nudges and whispers. I experienced ease and flow as I prepared my speech. I trusted my judgment as to how I would speak. I let go of pleasing others and the comparison game. I began to see the positive effects of being myself. A coaching colleague offered to record my final draft, and I found playfulness and fun creating with her. I saw signs in my life that wisdom was supporting me.
I am still on the path of completing my speech and preparing for the performance. As I create, I am conscious of my quiet, inner voice of wisdom that is always there for me. What a difference this makes!
There may be a crossroads in your life that is causing you fear and anxiety. Perhaps you are facing a tough situation, or a big project is weighing you down. I wonder what your inner wise voice would have to offer? I encourage you to practice these ideas and be open to the wisdom that is waiting to be discovered.
I would love to hear your story. Share in the comments below or message me to explore these ideas further.
0 Comments