The Inner Work of Being Seen – Why Stage Fright Is Often Soul Fright

They say public speaking is the number one fear after death. But perhaps that fear has nothing to do with microphones or audiences. It might be something much deeper. What we often call stage fright is in fact soul-level fear, a trembling of the being that occurs when we prepare to be truly visible in our essence.

The Fear Of Being Seen

To be seen is to be touched by the eyes of the world. It means opening ourselves, allowing our truth to stand in the light. That kind of exposure can awaken old wounds, some of which live not only in this lifetime, but also in cellular memory from other timelines. Being visible has not always been safe, and our nervous system remembers.

The Body Remembers

The shaking hands, the racing heartbeat, the dry mouth, these are not signs of weakness. They are signs of protection mechanisms rising to the surface. Our bodies carry stories of past moments when speaking our truth led to rejection or danger. When we begin to understand this, the fear becomes less of an enemy and more of a guide.

This Fear Is Sacred

Before one of my recent shows, I could feel it, the unease, the contraction in my chest, the silent questioning of whether I would be understood. But I recognised this as something older than me. It came from another version of myself, one who had not been allowed to speak, to shine, to dance. I welcomed her presence and let her stand on stage with me. That changed everything. It became an initiation, not a block.

Showing Up Matters

You don’t need to eliminate fear in order to lead. You simply need to walk with it, hand in hand. Every time you show up in your authenticity, even if your voice shakes, you create a field of permission and courage for others. It is your presence, not your perfection, that has the greatest impact.

Visibility Is An Inner Decision

True visibility isn’t about algorithms, followers or the size of your stage. It’s about choosing to be seen as you are. This requires inner work: comforting the parts of you that are still afraid, calming your system, and creating safety from within. When you do this, your voice carries a different frequency. It becomes magnetic, resonant, undeniably alive.

Your Voice Is A Transmission

Whether you are speaking on a podcast, writing your truth, dancing in public or saying no to something that no longer aligns, you are practicing soul visibility. Your voice carries codes. Not because of what you say, but because of who you are being as you speak. That is where the power lies. That is what people feel: the vibration of truth.

Let Them See You

So when fear arises, meet it with breath. Soften your shoulders. Touch your heart. And whisper, with gentleness and strength: “We are safe. We are ready. We are seen.” Then step forward and speak anyway. This is not just about you. This is about what your visibility activates in the collective. It is time to be witnessed and received. Your presence is medicine. Your stage is sacred.

With love,
Eva van Zeeland