We all have it. When we least expect it, even if we are not really listening, we hear it. If we are paying attention, it comes to us more often, offering timeless wisdom and guidance. It is called by different names to different people: a still small voice, the voice of God, intuition, the voice of reason, one’s inner guide. Regardless of what you call it, most of us have experienced it and for those who have listened, rarely has the “voice” been wrong. Theories about what the “voice” is may be contemplated, but that too is up to the individual to decide. Some may believe the voice is God, while others say it is only our self, or our Higher Self; I offer that there is no difference, but recognize that the individual must consider that for him or herself. For now, let us simply think of it in terms of Higher Self, a self that is in constant contact with the Universe. So how to access it?
Be willing to open to it. First and foremost there must be the intention of listening, hearing, and receiving. Must of us will acknowledge that listening and hearing really are two very different experiences. We can listen all we like, but really hearing that sound vibration and taking it deep within requires a little more attention and a deeper intention. We also must be willing to receive whatever comes to us, even if it is not necessarily what we want to hear or know. We must open our minds and allow the process.
Guided meditation is one of the best ways to begin opening to your inner guidance. This type of meditation follows a clear pattern and always begins with intention of some kind. In this intention will be to receive guidance or answers about a particular issue or challenge you are facing. A few simple tools are recommended, namely a pen and paper or journal. Prior to beginning your meditation, you may want to write down the specific question you wish to have answered. Keep the pen and paper nearby as you begin.
1. It is best to find a quiet space, if you do not already have a meditation spot, a place where you will not be disturbed by others, a phone, or outside noise, is the best choice.
2. Get comfortable. There is no right or wrong position for meditation, although laying down is not usually recommended as we tend to fall asleep! If the traditional lotus position appeals to you and is comfortable that is fine, otherwise simply sitting in an upright position, with back straight, is just as useful.
3. Relax. Begin by closing your eyes to block out the world around and begin deep breathing to relax. You may want to think about your question as you relax your body.
4. Get pure. Imagine that you’re at the edge of an opening in the forest. It opens onto a beautiful acre of land with a clear stream running through. Consciously remove whatever footwear you have on. This is symbolic of leaving cares and worries outside your sacred place. After removing your shoes and leaving behind “the world”, step into the clearing.
5. Wash away the world. To complete the process of cleansing, walk to the sacred stream and lay yourself in the warm rush of pure water. Allow the water to wash away any lingering concerns. In many Incan tribes, washing in “sacred” waters was always performed before ceremonies and rituals. This practice continues to this day.
6. Enter your Sanctuary. When you emerge from the waters, walk across the field and picture in your mind’s eye a small building. Approach it knowing that this is your personal sanctuary. As you enter you will notice ahead of you a circular room. You go into the room and note you have created an alter in the center of the room. You may imagine any items you wish to be a part of your alter: statues of Buddha, Jesus, Mary; pictures of Avatars or family members, and other sacred items you wish.
7. Meet your Higher Self. As you stand at your alter you note a window in which a bright perfect white light is approaching. The Light enters the room and you recognize the light as you, as your Higher Self. You understand this Higher Self is a part of you and yet also still deeply connected to Divine Mind. You may greet your Higher self in anyway that feels appropriate to you.
8. Listen and hear and write. AS you dialogue with your Higher Self, you may seek an answer to the question you have written in your journal. At this point, pick up your pen and journal and begin writing. Whatever you are moved to write, should be written down. Do not stop to try to analyze what you are documenting, just allow it to flow from you into the pen and onto the paper. You will be able to go back to it later and read it. The purpose in this process is to allow your Higher Self to guide you in whatever way it needs to.
9. Gratitude. When you have feel finished writing, close your eyes again and resume your place in your sanctuary. Give thanks to your Higher Self for offering wisdom and guidance and invite it to continue to be heard at any time.
10. Come home. As you leave your sanctuary, know that you can return at any time. Stop at the edge of the meadow to pick up or put on your shoes. In this way you consciously return to the world we reside in. Slowly open your eyes.
Practice as often as you can. As you allow your inner voice to be heard, it will be heard more often. As you follow those instincts and “gut” reactions, you begin to receive them more and more.
