Parker J. Palmer, author of Let Your Life Speak challenges us to listen for guidance from deep within ourselves.
“I sometimes lead retreats, and from time to time participants show me the notes they are taking as the retreat unfolds. The pattern is nearly universal: people take copious notes on what the retreat leader says, and they sometimes take notes on the words of certain wise people in the group, but rarely, if ever, do they take notes on what they themselves say. We listen for guidance everywhere except from within.” - Parker J. Palmer, Let Your Life Speak
This powerful story describes how we often seek authority, meaning, and direction from external sources, whilst ignoring our inner voice. We have been conditioned to prioritised insights of those in authority, experts and leaders. The underlying assumption is the truth can be found out there.
We tend to undervalue our own internal insights and lived experience. Yet, it’s our inner voice which holds our most authentic truths. We want to start to practice listening to our inner world. Shifting our focus not only on what others say, but also on your own thoughts, reactions and insights.
What we you do to cultivate a deeper listening practice? How can we learn to trust our own inner voice and knowing? Here are three things you can do over the next week.
- Wake: When waking up, each morning, before reaching for your phone or reading the news, spend time with your inner world and explore asking, “What is alive in me today?” or “What is my deepest intention?”
- Walk: Make time to walk, reflect, or simply be. Walking in nature is especially helpful.
- Write: Set aside time to reflect or journal asking, “What is my life teaching me right now?”, What is surfacing? What am I avoiding?
Some prompts to support your listening this week:
- Morning: “Today I feel…”; “My intention is…”
- Evening: “Where was I fully myself today? Where did I feel resistance?”
- Weekly Review: “What am I learning about myself right now?”; “What is wanting to change?”