What are
you telling yourself that you cannot do, or do not deserve to have,
in your life? Take a few minutes to close your eyes, take a deep
breath, and think about what you most desire - then ask yourself
why you don't have it and listen closely for the answer. Most often,
you will hear self-defeating statements of unworthiness just below
the surface of your usual awareness. These messages are largely
unconscious thought patterns that constantly go through your mind
unbeknownst to your conscious awareness.
We all have
an inner critic that keeps us "in line" and treats our
heart's desire and longings like the wishes of errant children.
This voice is usually shame-based and does not have much trouble
keeping us in our so-called place. If we look closely we will see
that this voice often wears the face of one of our parents or authority
figures from our childhood. What was once imposed upon our innocent
psyche as a child is now imposed on our soul by our own critic.
Once we
become aware of this self-saboteur we can challenge the negative
messages it is sending. Close your eyes, and take a deep breath
into your heart chakra - there you will discover another voice beyond
the critic. This one is closer to your true self or authentic being.
It does not ever judge you and some call it the "fair witness."
By getting in touch with and listening to this deeper part of yourself
you will begin to feel a connection to your soul - or to your spiritual
self. This connection will give your life new meaning and purpose.
The longings and dreams that you once told yourself were out of
reach - or silly, or that you did not deserve - will begin to feel
like your natural birthright.
I want to
offer encouragement to each of you to begin to listen to the voice
of soul instead of the old tapes from the past. This voice is the
guiding light you are searching for. Whenever we touch in to our
source in this way there is instant recognition - although the feeling
of true awareness can easily disappear when we become distracted
once again with "life."
These are
not the times to hold back or to discredit your heart's deepest
yearning. This is the time, as the famous mythologist Joseph Campbell
said, to "Follow Your Bliss!"
If you find
your self holding back and disconnecting from your truth, take a
few minutes to recollect yourself by taking some deep breaths, dropping
back into your center, and ask yourself why? Then go deeper - remember
who you are really and what you are being called to become.
