“Your voice is not only your unique sound but your unique story.” – Ben Harper
Have you ever felt like you couldn’t sing to save your life?
Or maybe the mere thought of singing in front of others sends shivers down your spine?
Perhaps you’ve even felt a nagging sense that your voice is blocked, knowing deep down that there’s something within you yearning to be expressed…
—a voice that longs to be unlocked, not just for the sake of singing, but as a vital part of your healing and spiritual journey. It’s that feeling of being trapped, where words, emotions, and creativity are stifled, yearning for release. This block isn’t just about singing; it’s tied to something deeper within—our communication, our self-worth, our ability to express who we truly are.
The Rise of Vocal Activation and Sound Healing
In recent years, there’s been a beautiful resurgence of interest in vocal activation and sound healing, practices that have deep roots in ancient traditions. Across cultures, our ancestors used sound and song as sacred tools for healing, connecting with the divine, and coming together as a community.
With the resurgence of ancient practices such as kirtan, mantra chanting, frequency healing and toning have laid the groundwork for a broader understanding of how sound influences our physical, emotional, and spiritual states. This has led to a revival of interest in vocal practices as powerful tools for self-healing, personal growth, and community connection. Now, these practices are finding their way back into our lives, helping us reconnect with ourselves and each other in profound ways.
The rise of vocal activation is especially powerful, inviting us to explore our voices not just for singing but as a way to open our hearts, release what no longer serves us, and embrace the deeper mysteries of life. This journey is about more than just making sound; it’s about tuning into the rhythm of our own being and letting our voices guide us toward healing and joy.
Unblocking the Throat Chakra:
From a yogic perspective, this sense of being blocked is often linked to the throat chakra, or Vishuddha, known as the “soul’s gate.” The throat chakra is a powerful energy center that governs communication, self-expression, creativity, willpower, and the ability to speak our truth. It’s a bridge that connects the emotions of the heart with the thoughts of the head, enabling us to express our innermost feelings and ideas. When this chakra is balanced, we feel confident in our ability to express ourselves, communicate effectively, and trust in our worthiness to be heard. But when it’s blocked, it can manifest as a fear of speaking up, a lack of creativity, or a feeling of unworthiness.
Chakras are critical regulators of the flow of life’s energy, acting as the biological batteries of your emotional biography. In other words, your biography—your life experiences and emotional history—becomes your biology. Understanding your chakras helps you learn what saps your energy and how to secure your sense of self so that your personal power can thrive.
Many of us carry trauma from life’s infinite array of sufferings, in our bodies, in our cells, and this trauma often manifests in our voice – in a wider potential variety of issues such as sore throat, loss of voice, thyroid problems. Whether it’s from the memory of being told to be quiet as a child, the shame of being judged for how we sound or express, or the fear of not being good enough, these experiences can leave deep imprints on our throat chakra. But the good news is that our voices are incredibly resilient. They have the power to heal, transform, and reconnect us to our true selves.
Singing & Spirituality
The relationship between singing and spirituality is a path that many are now exploring to deepen their practices towards joy and awakening. And it’s no wonder—our voices are more than just sounds. They’re messengers of the heart, the conduit through which our deepest emotions flow. Singing isn’t just about making beautiful sounds; it’s about reclaiming your voice, stepping into your power, and expressing your truth. It’s about clearing the blocks in your throat chakra, allowing your energy to flow freely and empowering you to live authentically.
Image courtesy of GuidedbyAnura
In my classes, I often share that the throat is the gateway connecting the heart and the mind. When we close off the upward energy of the heart—holding back our truth, keeping ourselves small—it can manifest as disease, illness, or destructive forces. The fear of singing or speaking up can be deeply rooted in these energetic blockages, often tied to past experiences where our voices were silenced or invalidated. But finding and awakening our voices is a powerful way to clear the cobwebs of the heart, connect to the present moment, and truly express who we are.
In my own journey, singing has been both a refuge and a revelation. I lost my voice for over a year and a half, a physical manifestation of the emotional turmoil I was experiencing. The process of reclaiming my voice was a journey of healing, connection, and self-discovery. It taught me that singing isn’t about perfection—it’s about tapping into the essence of who we are and allowing that essence to be expressed without fear.
Singing as a Joy Practice
Singing, much like yoga, is a practice. The more you show up for it, the more you receive its benefits. It’s not about hitting every note perfectly or having the most beautiful voice. It’s about giving yourself permission to take up sonic space, to make mistakes, to be imperfect. It’s about stepping out of your own way and allowing your voice to flow freely, without judgment or restraint.
One of my favorite sayings is, “The journey is the destination.” Vocal activation is more about the process than the end result. It’s about releasing the blocks that keep us from expressing ourselves fully and giving ourselves permission to explore the depth and breadth of our vocal capabilities. It’s about how you feel, not how you sound.
The science behind this is fascinating. When we sing, we activate the vagus nerve, a key player in our parasympathetic nervous system, which helps us downregulate and calm our bodies from rising stress. Singing triggers the release of endorphins, dopamine, serotonin and oxytocin, the “feel-good” chemicals that enhance our mood, reduce stress, and create a sense of connection with others. It’s no coincidence that singing in groups—whether in a choir, at a concert, or even just with friends—can feel incredibly uplifting and healing.
The practice of singing also improves the tone and flexibility of your voice, helps you tap into more creative flow, and enhances your ability to harmonize with others. It’s like a muscle—the more you use it, the stronger and more versatile it becomes. Over time, you’ll notice improvements in your pitch, breath control, and overall vocal range. But beyond the physical benefits, singing is a profound emotional and spiritual practice.
Music as Community & Ritual
There’s something magical that happens when we sing with others. The pharmacological benefits are there, yes, but there’s also something about merging your voice in a sea of other voices to create one unified sound. It’s a joy practice, a healing practice, an emotional processing practice, and a spiritual practice all rolled into one. In these moments, you step out of the way, open your channel, and allow a greater force to move through you. The African proverb says it best: “If you can talk, you can sing.” It’s our birthright, a sacred expression of our humanity.
Throughout history, tribes and communities have come together in song for ritual, ceremony, and celebration. These ecstatic expressions—like dance, yoga, and singing—are at the heart of what it means to be human. They connect us to ourselves, to each other, and to something greater than ourselves.
One of the mantras I learned early on in my yoga journey was “Om mani padme hum”—the jewel is in the lotus flower. This symbolizes the idea that our greatest gifts in life often stem from the mud, rooted in struggle and challenge. It’s a philosophy that resonates deeply when we look back on our lives, even if it’s difficult to remember in the moment of our pain and struggle.
In many ways, the journey of vocal activation mirrors this philosophy. It’s about embracing the messiness, the imperfections, and the vulnerability of expressing ourselves. It’s about understanding that the process of finding and freeing our voices is where the true healing and transformation lie.
So, if you’ve ever felt that tug of curiosity, that desire to unlock the potential of your voice, know that you’re not alone. Embrace the fear, for within it lies the doorway to transformation. Your voice is waiting to be heard. It’s time to let it sing.
Start your Vocal Activation Journey today! Here’s how:
If you’re ready to begin or deepen your journey of vocal activation, start small. Practice humming or singing in a safe space, allowing yourself to explore your voice without judgment. Remember, it’s not about how you sound—it’s about how you feel.
The more you show up for your practice, the more benefits you’ll receive.
And if you’re looking to help kickstart your journey, or explore new pathways of expression, please feel welcome to join us in person for a vocal activation or sound healing class or workshop, where you can experience the profound power of singing your heart out, in a supportive, safe and warm community here in Ubud, Bali at the Yoga Barn.
Your voice is a gift—let it shine!
- Sound Healing
- Vocal Activation
- Hatha
- Vinyasa
Francie Fishman (aka Francie La Flow) is a vibrant and free-spirited Vocal Luminary and the founder of Pure Flow Yoga. With over a decade of experience in guiding transformative retreats and workshops, Francie specializes in helping individuals connect deeply with their authentic voices and inner joy. Based in Ubud, Bali, she offers a range of practices including Yoga, Vocal Activation, and Sound Healing. Known for her playful enthusiasm and compassionate approach, Francie creates safe spaces for personal growth, community connection, and spiritual awakening. Her mission is to awaken the healing power of music and voice, inspiring people to express themselves fully and live joyfully
