Dan and I strive to walk our dog George every morning. We have a specific loop we make in the neighborhood to make sure we can enjoy all the beautiful gardens while getting in our steps.  On our walk we often pass by other dog walkers and even several houses with dogs who get all worked up as we pass by. 

One dog, in particular always catches our attention. He is perched on the second floor window with what appears to be bars across the window (probably to keep him from jumping out as he sees dogs walk by). The interesting thing about this dog is his muted voice; he makes breathy grunty frustrated sounds but doesn't bark and you can even hear him scratching at the windowsill as if he's trying to get out and at us (from the second floor) as we walk by.

I wondered why the dog wasn't barking. Was he trained not to bark? Did he have one of those collars on that vibrate or shock when the dog barks? It was clear the dog was having a strong emotion about us walking by but was unable to express himself in what appeared to be a natural way.

The dog made me think of instances when I have had strong emotions about a situation but due to the context or my 'training' it was not acceptable for me to give voice to my emotions, my thoughts or ideas.  Sad to say, I believe this dog is not alone.

There are LOTS of examples of tolerance and acceptance of the muted voice, heck there is even a communications theory called MUTED GROUP THEORY that focuses on how marginalized groups are muted and excluded.

Mothers have 'voiced' concerns about being muted, female political leaders have been muted by the press, and lots of healthcare professionals, particularly nurses, around the globe, working in a super hierarchical culture are often muted or mute themselves in order to be accepted (and potentially stay employed) in their settings. 

Do you have any idea what is muting your voice?

So, I guess the question is, how is this muting working for you? working for your patients? working for your loved ones? working for the world? Personally, I don't think it's working at all. Just like the dog in the window, we all must be heard, we all must speak to live our truth. 

Sure, the dog's bark was muffled but his true nature could not be silenced. And neither can yours. Around the world more and more people are speaking out for social justice, equity, inclusivity, LOVE! 

What is calling you to speak out?

Thanks for taking the time to read me today.

Take care and care well,

Mary