When navigating the constant unfolding of life and ourselves, we can come across practices that seem so incredibly simple it might be easy to dismiss them. But it is often these most simple of practices that have the most impact. One such practice, which I have been using on a daily basis lately, is the magick of voice notes. I have found it is such a simple tool with an extraordinary therapeutic impact.
In essence
Our emotional experiences, day-to-day struggles, and everyday stresses are a rich tapestry of events that often go unprocessed. When they aren't addressed, they can become a heavy burden. However, what if there was a way for us to work through these feelings ourselves?
A way to truly 'hear' what we're going through?
You don’t need a two hundred dollar an hour therapists to begin the process of sorting out how you feel, you can get to it right away with just your phone and a desire to get things to shift.
Instead of confining the chaos to our body / minds, how about we create a way to process it? And not just processing it internally, but externally, through your own voice. This is where a voice recording app on your phone can be your confidante.
The energetic purge
Vocalising our thoughts and emotions has a magickal and tangible impact on our energy levels. Speaking out loud creates a powerful purging window; the act of speaking can offer relief to feelings of trapped energy. While everyone's particular form of expression may differ, the fundamental need is the same: release.
Being neurodivergent often translates to an intensified urge to express. Express, even if it doesn’t make complete sense, without necessarily expecting a reaction. The intention isn't always to find a solution but to externalise the feelings, making them tangible and acknowledged. Solutions, especially when offered by friends or partners in the immediate moments after one has shared, can sometimes feel dismissive. With this solitary practiceInstead, what's crucial is the movement of energy and acknowledgment of what is being experienced. It's about making emotions palpable, material, in this case to the self through verbalisation.
The practical stuff
The essence of this exercise is straightforward:
Open your voice notes app.
Begin speaking about what weighs on you.
Vocalise your feelings, making them real and acknowledged.
Whether it's anger, despair, or any other emotion, remember, you don't need to act on them. They just need acknowledgement and you just speak your truth at that moment without playing anything down or trying to find solutions in that moment.
Now listen back to yourself
Even in therapy, sometimes, the most therapeutic moments are those of silent listening. The simple act of having someone listen can be transformative, which just emphasises the value and transformational power of being heard.
After recording, play it back to yourself. This serves a dual purpose:
Validation: Listening to your recorded feelings provides validation. Often, our inner critic tells us we're overreacting or being ungrateful. However, hearing yourself express genuine concerns helps end this self-gaslighting. It reminds you that your feelings and struggles are valid.
Perspective: As you listen, you start to see your experiences in their larger context. That issue might not be about what you think it's about. It could be about underlying stress, perhaps related to a significant other, a friend, or other deeper issues. Listening helps pinpoint these connections, offering a clearer understanding of your emotional landscape.
You're not necessarily seeking solutions when you do this. The goal isn't clarity or attainment. The main aim is to allow the surge of emotions, the energetic whirlwind within you, to find an outlet. Speaking it out. The very act of verbalising can sometimes act as a catalyst in transforming pent-up energy.
Emotions, when trapped, can create unrest. By simply talking them out, even to ourselves, we can discover a fresh perspective, unburden ourselves, and perhaps find a momentary peace. So, give this practice a go. Customise it as you wish. Own it. Embrace the magic of your own voice and the confidence that you can tap into a way to release and be heard.
Another way this can be used
Apart from personal introspection, this technique can also be a game changer in interpersonal relationships. If you’re feeling the urge to send an impulsive angry text you can record yourself first. Let out all the rage and frustration in multiple voice messages to yourself if you need to, and delete them afterwards. This cathartic process helps to drain the reactive emotions, enabling you to communicate from a calmer, more balanced place and be clearer with your response. It also helps you release and transform those feelings that may have arisen in your body as a reaction to this person.
There's immense power in being heard. Even if the only listener is you, it can make all the difference. Next time you feel overwhelmed, instead of spiralling, voice out your feelings, listen back, stay curious and gain perspective. You might find you can move forward with newfound clarity and compassion for yourself. It's a simple yet transformative tool for personal development.
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