The Science of Expression: How Somatic Movement Frees Your Voice

Finding your voice isn’t just about speaking—it’s about moving, breathing, and showing up fully. Here’s how to reclaim yours

Have you ever felt a lump in your throat when you wanted to speak up—at work, in a meeting, or online as an entrepreneur? You have ideas, insights, and value to share, yet somehow your voice falters.

This isn’t about lack of confidence—it’s science. Your body, nervous system, and cultural conditioning all play a role in how your voice emerges. Understanding this can transform your presence, leadership, and business expression.

Why Your Voice Gets Suppressed: Cultural and Social Conditioning

In many cultures, including my own Taoist-influenced Chinese heritage, humility, subtlety, and restraint are not only deeply treasured, but expected Speaking up about your achievements, drawing attention to yourself, or “boasting” is not attractive for a Chinese girl/woman. I was definitely not encouraged to be self-promotory.

Contrast that with American business culture, where self-promotion, bold visibility, and unashamed advocacy for your ideas are rewarded.

When I was growing up, I had one set of values when I stepped foot outside the door – and another back at home.

It took me a while to realise that shyness wasn’t my personal weakness (though it was, in a way a handicap for quite a while…).

These mixed message create tension: How do you honour your values while navigating workplaces or entrepreneurial spaces that reward confident, visible self-expression?

The Nervous System and Your Voice: How Safety Unlocks Expression

Fear of judgment isn’t just mental—it’s physiological. Anxiety tightens our throat, shortens breath, and well our voice can come out downright squeaky at times. When we activate our parasympathetic nervous system through somatic practices, we relax the body and create conditions for natural, authentic voice.

Embodied practices allow you to step into your self-expression without abandoning your values or cultural integrity. You learn to speak up and promote your ideas in a way that feels aligned and sustainable.

Your Body as an Acoustic Chamber: Resonance Through Embodied Practices

When your body feels safe, confident, and free, you can promote yourself and your work with authenticity—not arrogance. Your body supports you, rather than fighting against you.

Cultural Conditioning vs. Business Visibility: Finding the Balance

Your values don’t need to be sacrificed for success. You can:

Honour humility while speaking up for your ideas
Stay rooted in integrity while marketing your skills
Balance subtlety with necessary visibility as an entrepreneur or leader

This integration creates a new model of leadership and self-expression: one that is culturally aware, embodied, and more receptive.

Movement as the Missing Link to Voice Liberation

Clearly mindset alone isn’t enough. Somatic practices help you:

Release tension stored from the anxiety inherited from cultural expectations
Activate grounded, confident states
Speak and promote yourself with authenticity and clarity

Trauma-Informed Voice Work: Creating Safety for Expression

Some of us carry deeper patterns of inhibition or conditioning from childhood, cultural norms, or professional experiences. Trauma-informed practices prioritize safety and pacing, letting your voice emerge naturally and sustainably. NB I always like to emphasize that if you have deep trauma, then I will refer you to an appropriate specialist.

Your Voice Liberation Journey

Your voice isn’t lost. It’s waiting for the right conditions to emerge. Somatic practices, breathwork, and movement help you reclaim authentic expression, balance humility with visibility, and speak your truth in both work and business.

Practical Steps to Begin Today

Notice where your body feels tight when speaking or promoting yourself.

Experiment with simple grounding or movement exercises to release tension.

Practice expressing your ideas in safe spaces—friends, journaling, or low-stakes presentations.

If you’d like a grounding practice to begin, just send me a message on social media - dm me the word Ground.

✨ Want to experience it live? Join my workshop tomorrow:

Lead from the Body, Unlock Your Visionary Voice

Prefer a personalized path? I also offer 1:1 sessions to guide your unique journey.

Embodied 121 Coaching & Soul-Led Mentoring | Visionary Somatic Dance | Helene Su

or fill out an application here

For a full transformational experience, explore Reclaim You, my program designed to integrate body, mind, and voice.

Reclaim You l Embodied Transformation for Coaches & Creatives

NEED SOME GUIDANCE - CONTACT ME HERE

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