“You are perfect just as you are, and you can use a little improvement.”
- Shunryu Suzuki

The simple, flat “I” that we so casually and often habitually refer to when thinking about or speaking about ourselves is actually a much more interesting and nuanced collection of “voices.” For example, in response to the ubiquitous question “How are you?” I sometimes think, “Well, which voice shall I respond from?” I could answer the question from the voice of great success, of continuing struggle, or of tremendous failure. I could speak from the voice of plans and desires, of busyness, or of composure and satisfaction. I could respond in the voice of a family member, a friend, a spiritual practitioner, or a work colleague. All of these roles, feelings, and voices exist inside me and are true, and each contributes to defining my state of mind in any moment. At the same time, none of these voices completely defines me.

Becoming familiar with our many voices (and recognizing the many voices of others) can increase the depth of our personal awareness and self-understanding. This gives us more choices in how to respond to a situation and increases our flexibility in how we picture ourselves. This suppleness, I believe, simply makes us happier. Underneath, or perhaps at the center, of these voices is a larger, softer, and more subtle voice that is clear and composed; it comes from a place where nothing is lacking and where there are many possibilities. This is composure within the realm of effectiveness and productivity.

What are some of your most prominent voices? Can you name them: the voice of fear, the voice of anger, the voice of compassion, the voice of humor. Perhaps you can identify with the voice of the victim, or the voice of the hero.

Notice the energy that exists in each of these voices. Experiment with writing from the viewpoint of each of the voices that resides within you.

Make sure to allow enough time to explore and write about the voice of compassion, the voice of success, and the voice of composure.

What do you think? Is exploring your voices a useful practice?