“The answers are all inside you.”
When you’re struck dumb by one of life’s quandaries, or frustrated to the point of wanting to tear your hair out because even after multiple tries, you still can’t figure out how to change your situation, this simple platitude seems like a slap in the face.
I’ve often searched outside myself for the answers from others who have accomplished more than I have, have more talent, degrees or certification. And no question about it, it can be helpful to get an outside perspective on the things that challenge us. We weren’t meant to live in isolation, doing everything on our own. We are communal creatures, and we benefit from the different views and ideas from others.
However, the key is not to put others’ opinions and ideas above our own internal guidance.
We are each so unique, there is no ONE SIZE FITS ALL solution for anything from diet to personal religion. While it can be incredibly helpful to get insight, suggestions or advice on what’s worked for other people, each of us then takes that input and weighs it against our own “bullshit meter” inside to determine what’s true or best for ourselves.
While I believe there is truth in the statement “The answers are all inside you,” I believe the answers come from our higher self, our soul, or our heart. They rarely come from our mind, so getting stuck in the activity of “figuring it out” doesn’t work.
There are times when you have to recalibrate your internal meter. Sometimes enmeshed relationships can create a disconnection with our sense of self. Other times, loss, grief, and/or uncertainty can shake us from our sense of self and make it difficult to hear or feel our inner truth.
I like to remember that even when I can’t feel the connection, I am still connected to my soul. It requires some trust, but I know that even during the darkest night, the sun will rise again. (Or as in Seattle: even when it’s overcast and I can’t see Mount Rainier, I know it’s still there.)
If you’d like to practice connecting to your soul’s wisdom and guidance, join us for the virtual class series, Messages from Your Soul, beginning June 2nd.