Milena Origgi, founder of Inborn Voice, is my guru.
What’s a guru?
A guru is a cross between a teacher, a parent and a best friend.
The student/guru relationship transcends the payee/payor service provided; it’s mutually caring and supportive.
Corny? Perhaps, but I think of Milena as an experienced gardner and I’m one of the flowers in her garden! I literally stand taller and grow more aware (open?) every day, in large part because she nurtures, and encourages me to nurture, my personal “inborn voice”: the naturally unique aspects of my self.
Milena markets herself simply as a vocal coach. I get it; it’s the bread and butter, the practical aspect, of what she does (helping people who rely on their voice to make a living – teachers, singers, corporate officers and politicians)
BUT SHE’S SO MUCH MORE!
Something she said recently particularly resonated (pun intended) with me: We ALL rely on our voice to appeal, convince, motivate – but my favorite verb was “caress”.
How often have you thought of using your voice to caress your partner?
OK – I’m slow!!
Two quick personal stories:
- The first time I met Milena, after listening to me vent for five minutes, she motioned me into her soundproof studio – and told me to start screaming. Short version: it was more cathartic than all the time I’d previously spent in therapy combined!
- Last year Milena could tell that I was hesitant about teaching my first large outdoor group yoga class (I’d been invited as part of a fundraiser) and I was making excuses. She leaned over, looked directly at me and all-but sternly said “You can’t get over there and teach for 15 minutes?!” So I did. And Milena and Damiano came! ❤
How do you find a guru? Step #1: be open to the concept!
Blessings & thanks, Skip
