Public Speaking as a Spiritual Path
By Lee Glickstein
The phrase “outer space” points to the infinite expanse beyond our solar system. You won’t find many outer space deniers, but what of the notion that this vast outer space is matched by a vast inner space?
Whether due to early childhood trauma, genetic neuro-diversity, or a combination of factors, my inner space consciousness has been extremely limited. Despite exposure to modalities designed to expand that realm (meditation, breathwork, spiritual practices), I remained stranded on the launching pad when it came to solo inner space travel.
But I discovered at the age of 50 that I can find inner spaciousness and a sense of oneness when I am witnessed and listened to by conscious others. And this is why my soul’s calling was to invent Speaking Circles to heal my extreme public speaking anxiety.
Speaking to a group evokes unease for so many because the confrontation throws them into existential fragility. This predictable response provides a golden opportunity to stop the world, take a deep breath, and intentionally invite our oneness with humanity into the mix.
Conventional physics had no place for non-material concepts, but quantum physics now supports the core spiritual value of the oneness of humanity as a scientific reality. Sharing from a sense of oneness is where authentic connection begins for a speaker.
You see, if you try to bring a sense of oneness into a room through technique or effort, it doesn’t get you there because you are coming from a mindset of separateness. Rather, the core practice in Speaking Circles—being with one person at a time and seeing them so they feel seen—naturally leads to a group experience of oneness. Next time you are feeling a strong connection with a speaker, notice if you are also feeling connected with the others in the audience.
Invitation—In the mirror (aloud or silently), or in turns
And coming from oneness with audiences is a spiritual practice that naturally shows up in one-on-one relationships in life.
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