Make Room to Listen to Your Inner Wisdom
I hear a lot of people say they aren't sure who they are, they're unclear on what's important to them, they can't remember what they love doing, and that they just don't have time to figure it out -- even though they know it's important. I believe a lot of this has to do with not making room to listen to our inner wisdom
Notice I used the phrase "making room". Not taking time, not making time, but making room - that is, allowing your inner self/inner wisdom to expand; to literally take up space within your body, your thoughts, your mind. Take a few seconds and think about that. Close your eyes. What would allowing your inner wisdom to expand within you feel like? What would giving room for your inner thoughts feel like?
Listening (and hearing) your inner wisdom is the truth. It's your truth. It's what will guide you and help you answer all those questions you have about your place in life, your values, what to do next, what's important to you, what you need to thrive and be well, how to create your best life, how to be truly and genuinely you.
The question then is, how do we make room for our inner wisdom, with our busy lives, our endless to-do lists, deadlines, our responsibilities, the proverbial lack of time?
A few ideas to get you started:
Sit still (and in silence) for 5 minutes per day - if that feels too long, start with 2 minutes. You can also just stare out the window for a few minutes too and let your mind wander.
When you're driving to places, turn off the radio. Just drive in silence observing what you see around you.
Read an inspiring or motivational book for 10 minutes before bed.
Disconnect from social media for one day per week (Did you know that Canadians spend an average of 1 hour and 46 minutes per day on social media?) Social media can be particularly toxic to making room for our thoughts, because often it's a mindless activity.
Instead of watching a netflix show, go for a walk (Canadians watch an average of 24 hours of tv per week - that's over 3 hours per day!) Try walking without listening to music or a podcast and see what happens.
Spend time in nature - even sitting in your backyard or going to your neighbourhood park and observing the trees and flowers will do wonders.
Journal - there are lots of journaling techniques you can learn about, but you can start with simply writing down three things you're grateful for each day (this is simple, yet extremely powerful).
Try guided meditations - there are lots of free apps out there. First thing in the morning or right before bed are great times to meditate.
Do something creative with your hands like colouring, knitting, gardening or baking (again, try doing this without the tv or radio on).
Check in on your values. If you're not sure what your core values are, you can get my free worksheet when you sign up for my newsletter that will help you define and clarify your values.
💚Most of all, breathe, and allow your inner wisdom to expand within you. Listen to yourself. Make room for yourself. 💚
-- I totally get that listening to yourself can be scary, because we've been so conditioned to question ourselves. Doubt can be debilitating. I have felt this doubt many times in my life and this has caused me to spiral into negative thoughts, questioning myself, comparing myself to others, and feeling like I'm not good enough. But, when I make room to really listen to myself, I always get an answer.
I also know that sometimes we need help with this process. We need someone who can help us make room. As a coach, this is what I do. I provide space and guidance and techniques to help my clients make room for their inner wisdom. Because when they do, they're able to get clear on what they desire, how they want to feel and be, where they want to go, and how to get there. Schedule a free 30 minute consult to find out how I can help you make room to listen to your inner wisdom so that you can create the life you want to live. --