Listen, Learn and Then Do Your Own Thing
Whether you are a life-learner, spiritual seeker or a business builder today’s message is for you because the world has become over-populated with band-wagon-riders and it’s time to return to a spirit of originality and authenticity. It’s good to listen, learn and then do your own thing.
I have literally traveled the world and studied with countless spiritual teachers and gurus. I have hired all kinds of healers and helpers. I’ve read all the books. I spent more years than necessary in graduate school. I have so many certifications, licenses, registrations and credentials that I have alphabet soup behind my name when I list them all. I am an information junkie. And I am not proud of any of this. This is a confession not a bragging session.
I’m here today to tell you that the ultimate source of wisdom, your greatest guru is actually not out there in the world. It’s not to be found in a library or a webinar. Your wisest teacher… the one who knows what is best for you and your life is inside of you. Plain, simple truth.
So here’s the thing. There is a lot of interesting, deeply profound, wisdom to be found by reading books and listening to teachers speak. BUT, it won’t mean a thing, or do anything for you, if you are not plugged into your inner, truest self.
I traveled to Peru in 2011. After climbing up a mountain at Machu Picchu with mild panic attack halfway up the very steep climb, I reached the top There, I enjoyed a ceremony with the shaman who was guiding us and then I looked out at the vast beauty below and beyond. As I gazed on this majesty, I was surprised to receive the message telling me, “You know, you didn’t need to come all the way to the mountain top in Peru. All the answers are inside of you”
Since 2014 I worked too hard, too many hours. I was working as a therapist, a trainer, a mentor, a yoga and meditation teacher. I was teaching others about self care with great passion and I thought I was attending to my own self care. But I wasn’t really listening to my inner voice. I wasn’t really listening to my body. If I had, I would have slowed down a lot sooner. I am now standing in a humble puddle realizing I was way off base. It took getting to the point of debilitating physical pain that brought my entire life and work to a screeching halt to realize it but I’m there now.
What was driving me to drive myself so hard? I was acting on what others had taught me instead of allowing the wisdom within myself to help me discern what was right and timely for myself.
It’s healthy to listen to what others have to say and to learn as much as possible but at some point you have to know when it is time to cut bait and do your own thing. And YOUR own thing is something you have to discover by feeling for the answers rather than following someone else’s formulas.
In a world where it is very easy to be swayed by all the messages in the media, social media, family, neighbors, society… the best thing you can do for you is to get to a quiet place away from all those messages and go in to the private recesses of your own heart and mind and listen. Really listen for what it is your body and your heart of hearts is telling you.
Suggestions for how to listen, learn and do your own thing:
- Practice the R.A.I.N. mindfulness technique.
- Meditate. This is how and why.
- Breathe into count of 7, hold for 7 exhale to count of 7, hold out for 7 and repeat 7 times.
- Learn Ho’opono’pono
- Learn to trust your gut when you feel anxious.
- Ask your body what it needs.
- Be sure to PLAY. Here’s how.
- Simply listen.
- Be the Gentle Observer: Practicing Mindfulness in Daily Life
You have a body and an inner knowing that is all yours. And it’s just waiting for you to listen to what it has to tell you. Don’t let your drive for success or the messages you see and hear push you along. Take in the information but sift it through the filter of your inner wisdom. Ask yourself, “Does this message or information feel right for me?” And wait for the answer.
Listen, learn and do your own thing… The world needs you to be whole. Be present for yourself first. See what happens.
