One of the issues that comes up over and over again in my mindfulness classes is acceptance. Suffering, whether it comes as a voice disorder or in some other form, is difficult. Many people spend years seeking a diagnosis and trying various treatments. Those who come to my classes typically have not found full relief. Participants frequently ask me, “Do I need to accept my voice disorder?”
My answer is complex. Mindfulness teaches us to accept the present moment as it is. Resisting reality creates physical and mental tension that can increase our suffering. We waste precious time and energy when we focus on what was (the old voice) or what could be (a fully healed voice).
However, mindfulness — and mindful acceptance — is never a passive process. We can simultaneously accept our voice as it is while also pursuing new treatments or seeking out a new voice therapist. We can accept our voice, work for change, and remain detached from any specific outcome. I live this tension myself as I work to accept my own singing voice (which was weakened by post-viral paresis) and try to strengthen it through regularly training. This is challenging, active work. We may need to renew our commitment to acceptance daily — or even several times per day. But acceptance is a skill we can learn over time.
Sometimes my mindfulness students will say that they don't feel ready to accept their voice disorder. I gently encourage them to consider acceptance as a future goal. Sometimes simply opening our minds to a possibility is the next step on the mindful path.
