Today, I am sharing one of my favourite true stories that show the importance of speaking (or vocalizing) our truth.
Back in the 1960s, several monks in an Abbey in France mysteriously “lost their spirit”. They became depressed and fatigued.
Several solutions were trialed (including dietary changes, increased sleeping hours, and the introduction of vitamins) but nothing seemed to restore their bodies, minds, and spirits.
They discovered that a “managerial” decision had stopped the monks’ daily practice of Gregorian chanting as they went about their daily work.
The practice of chanting was reintroduced in the Abbey, and the health of the monks dramatically improved (story paraphrased from Norman Doidge’s book, The Brain’s Way of Healing).
So what had happened? The monks already lived in a state of relative solitude. When the Gregorian chanting removed from their lives, their world became even more silent.
I believe that the chanting allowed them to vocalize or verbally express their devotion to God. It also provided them with brain and nervous system stimulation that was critical for their wellbeing.
For them, it was the difference between health and dysfunction.
What is Vocalization?
Vocalization creates an “outflow of breath” that engages the parasympathetic “rest and digest” part of our nervous systems. This engagement allows us to rest and heal and is essential for good health.
When a stone is dropped into water, concentric circles or waves are formed. This is what happens when you speak your truth. There is a flow-on effect from your words that has the potential to bless and positively influence those around you.
You are literally sending your personal frequencies and messages into the world. You are adding your voice to the collective messaging.
And when you speak your truth, you also role-model to others how to share their voices as well.