Our Inner Voice of Wisdom

Hello,


                                                        "THE VOICE"
   
                                            There is a voice inside of you
                                            That whispers all day long,
                                             "I feel that this is right for me,
                                             I know that this is wrong."
                                             No teacher, preacher, parent, friend
                                             Or wise man can decide
                                             What's right for you- just listen to
                                             The voice that speaks inside."

                                                               ~ Shel Silverstein

Although Shel Silverstein wrote for young readers, his lines are simple life lessons for ALL ages, beautifully stated and so TRUE. Everyone has an inner voice that speaks to them. Just listen and it will guide you to make the right choice.

Our inner voice of wisdom is the part of us deep inside that just knows. It is defined as internal monologue, internal speech or thinking in words ( a running dialogue in our heads, internal conversation with self). It goes by different names: intuition, wise voice, inner strength, inner guide, conscience, superego, whispering voice, small voice, a sixth sense, and inner knowing. If you look up synonyms for inner voice, you will see two interesting terms: code of honor and sense of duty. As you can see, our understanding of "inner voice" is expansive and rich in description. Whatever you wish to call it, one thing is for certain, that voice within is there for a reason - for our survival and success. It exists to protect YOU!

The voice of inner wisdom is REAL and represents the real YOU. It consist of feelings and instincts that help us navigate through life. It is understood by many as being a tool and inner resource that is part of our natural ability for guidance. It provides us with knowledge by intuition, as well as quick and ready insights. The voice I am referring to is one that builds us, not breaks us. It is the voice of truth. It uses our bodies to speak to us. It is committed to our well-being and most importantly, is the ever-present true friend in our time of need.

What great comfort to know we have an internal guide known as our true SELF who knows what is best for us. This small voice within communicates mostly through feelings. We may experience the voice as a gut feeling that guides us to act a certain way without fully understanding why. It may also come in the form of a strong sense, hunch, thought, dream, self-talk and/or physical sensation in the body. However this wise voice comes to you, learn to pay attention, listen, trust, and act on it. The more we listen to it, the clearer it gets and the better we become at letting our inner wisdom carry us through. As Mahatma Gandhi once said, "Everyone who wills can hear the inner voice. It is within everyone." Just listen to THE VOICE that speaks inside and you will know what to do. It KNOW(s)the solutions. Trust your own knowing and remember the old saying, "If something doesn't feel right, it probably isn't."

Ultimately you must decide for yourself what feels right and what is best for you. Just remember, our intuitive voice is always there to help us and more often than not the voice of inner wisdom is right. In a recent study published in 2012 in the Journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, a research team led by Dr. Marius Usher of Tel Aviv University's School of Psychological Sciences found intuition to be a powerful and accurate tool and that it really does work. You'll be right 90% of the time. They concluded : "Gut reactions can be trusted to make a quality decision."

Undoubtedly, problems arise when we ignore our intuitive voice - in its many forms. Think back to the times in which you continued to do things that didn't feel right, or when you stopped doing the things that made you feel good. What about the other times you were guided by outside voices instead of your own or perhaps caught up with thoughts of your past or worries about your future? How many times did you ignore warnings or red flags that warranted a pause or change in course? If you can identify with any of this, you are not alone. It's okay, that's part of life. What's important is that you truly understand what's at stake here - To ignore our inner wisdom is to disregard our true self and this never feels right nor good. Be aware of any distractions that serve to disconnect you from your intuitive sense. It takes courage and commitment to be honest with ourselves about ourselves. Doing so makes it possible for us to hear what we are saying from inside. As Steve Jobs said, "Don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice."

This doesn't mean we shouldn't look outside ourselves for guidance and consider the wisdom of others we trust. Stay open to other perspectives, suggestions and good advice, but not to the exclusion of checking in with your inner knowing. It is always best to consider how the message you are getting feels in your body - the body never lies.

Trust yourself to hear and respond to your inner voice. Stop trying to be the person you think others want you to be. Instead, live by your code of honor and sense of duty to know thy self. Live your life doing what matters and has meaning. Anything different is a betrayal of your inner truth. Remember, the worst betrayal is self-betrayal. So, stay true and in tune to you. In the words of Gloria Steinem, "There is always one true inner voice. Trust it."

The following are simple ways of using your inner voice to make good decisions. When feeling stuck, confused or facing a difficult and challenging situation, ask yourself:
-How would the BRAVE, WISE, and SELF-LOVING me handle this situation?
-If this were happening to...(think of someone you love deeply), what would I honestly say?
-What is it I need to know?
Allow your trueSELF to speak and be heard!

One other approach is to hold the thought of whatever it is you are trying to decide on. Notice the emotions that come up for you and how it feels in your body. If something is right for you, you will generally feel a sense of peace, relief or joy. If something is wrong for you, you may feel a tightness, tension, or other signs of distress.
In silence we hear the truth and know the solutions!

A wise person once told me, "If you listen to the voice within, it will show its presence and help you in your time of need." The question is, will you listen?

Concluding quotes to help you along the way:

"If something on the inside is telling you that someone isn't right for you, They're NOT right for you, no matter how great they might look on paper. When it's right for you, you will know. And when it's not - it's time to go."
                                                                                   ~ Mandy Hale

"Give yourself permission to walk away from anything or anyone that gives you bad vibes. There is no need to explain or make sense of it. Just trust the inner voice when it talks to you."
                                                                                    ~ Unknown

"Intuition literally means learning from within - All of us knows well that "gut" feeling. Learn to trust your inner feeling and it will become stronger. Avoid going against your better judgment or getting talked into things that just don't feel right."
                                                                                    ~ Doe Zantamata


Enjoy!