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Dear friends, Many of you know that last year I began a 3.5-year Yoga Therapy certification program. I dove into my continued commitment to lifelong learning and to these ancient (and still very relevant) mindfulness practices of integration and liberation. Through that program, I once again find myself in exploratory spaces I’ve either not been in in awhile or haven’t ever been so immersed within. I’ve also found myself surrounded by so much depth and wisdom – from my teachers, my sangha, a plethora of books, and yes, even myself. This brings me to something to ponder: How to we best set ourselves up for true and deep listening? Yes, of course, to others.
But, very importantly, how about to ourselves!? Because externally, there’s a wild and ceaseless cacophony of sights, sounds, voices, platforms, tastes, people, media, and experiences clamoring for our attention. In this, it’s extremely easy to lose track of our own inner wisdom, our most authentic truth. That wisdom voice doesn’t shout or yell, but it’s always within. Always. So, how can each of us best create the conditions to hear that inner voice?
And why is it so important to do so? I cannot answer those questions for you.
But I can for myself. I have found that when I do not set myself up for consistent, suitable opportunities for the deep listening, I tend toward poor judgement, hasty decision making, or actions that are not in alignment with my core values and/or goals. Those things all have consequences… that very probably could have been avoided (or at least shifted) had I set aside the time to sit in stillness and just listen. In other words, I practice this so that I do not abandon myself… and therefore can show up more wholly and authentically for others. At this point in my life, deep listening is pretty darn simple for me. (Note I said simple, not easy.) I sit down in silence, set a timer, close my eyes, and observe what’s present. Afterwards, I often journal. It is here – “just sitting” – where I most reliably find my North Star. I call it meditation, but you may know it as another name. :) The most frequent challenge for me is consistency; it’s so easy to let the day become like a run-on sentence. My commitment to myself this year has been to set aside meditation time more consistently, for the express purpose of simply getting quiet enough to hear what’s within. I encourage you to explore these questions for yourself with compassion and curiosity, if you haven’t pondered them recently. And, however you find your truest inner wise guide, may you make space for it in this new year. Much love,
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