In the noisy world that we live in, is it possible to find a clear voice to listen to? Something that is clearly distinguishable from the cacophony that is permanently on full blast? On this matter, even ancient teachings which came from an arguably less noisy time, directed us to find that clear voice within ourselves. But this has never been an easy task…
“I wanted only to live in accord with the promptings which came from my true self. Why was that so very difficult?” – Hermann Hesse
Why is it so very difficult to distinguish a clear and trusted inner voice? This is because our ‘true self’ is not the only place that we get promptings from, we get many more promptings from our scared self. And our inner voice that speaks in fear tends not to be as subtle as the wisdom from our true self, our fears SCREAM, and that makes it difficult to hear much else.
“You know quite well, deep within you, that there is only a single magic, a single power, a single salvation… and that is called loving. Well, then, love your suffering. Do not resist it, do not flee from it. It is your aversion that hurts, nothing else.” – Hermann Hesse
There is only one salvation, and this is love. Extend this love to all the parts of you. The parts of you that hurt, the parts of you that are scared, yes even the ‘worst’ parts of you need to be held in love. The cause of our greatest pain, is our own resistance to extend this love to ourselves.
“You are only afraid if you are not in harmony with yourself. People are afraid because they have never owned up to themselves. A whole society composed of men afraid of the unknown within them!” – Hermann Hesse
Don’t turn away, don’t run, don’t numb, but stay. Stay with it. Allow it to be felt and you will find that even the ‘worst’ parts of you really just want your love. And being held in love, they become a lot less loud.
“The true profession of a man is to find his way to himself.” – Hermann Hesse
According to Herman Hesse the only job we really have, is to find our way back to our SELF – to go on the journey that brings us face to face with every voice of fear that lives within us. When we stop running and start listening, then we get to learn what it is that we’re listening to. We get to understand where these fears came from and why they are so loud. And in the familiarity we create with all the aspects of our SELF – when our fears feel heard, and seen, and held – then the voice of wisdom becomes a lot more clear, and we can learn to trust the guidance that comes through us.
The most intimate relationship you ever have, is with your own inner dialogue. No other human will ever be as close to you as the inner commentary running through your own mind. You will form a completely new relationship with all the aspects of your SELF when you learn to listen, and grow to understand who it is that’s doing the listening… and the more you practice the more you will become the one who listens…
Today’s meditation is the practice of listening, and by listening, becoming the strongest part of your SELF.
As we embark on this inward journey, let us remember these guiding mantras:
- Embrace your entire self: Every part of you, light and shadow, deserves love and acceptance.
- Trust the process: Your journey is unique, and progress may not be linear.
- Celebrate small victories: Acknowledge and appreciate the steps you take towards self-love.
- Listen deeply: Fear screams loudly but wisdom is a whisper. Tune into the quiet whispers within, allowing them to guide your path.
By extending love to all the parts of our SELF, we get to embody our true self, and amplify the steady and unconditionally loving presence of our inner wisdom.
– pierre –
Today’s LIVE meditation is: A sense of self.