Are you familiar with the still small voice within you that guides and directs you when you least expect it? Learning to recognise and listen to our personal inner guidance is generally referred to as the 'Inner Journey.' However the term 'Inner Journey' can be used to refer to many things - so next time you hear it used - ask for clarification on precisely what is meant by the term.
For today I am referring to the Tibetan idea that 'Signs from the Soul come silently, as silently as the sun enters the darkened world.' We must still ourselves and listen, so that we do not miss too much. This comes from an old book about meditation published in 1969. While times may have changed, this principle is still relevant today.
It can take a more deliberate effort to become still in today's world. There is a lot of noise and distraction outside and inside our heads most of the time. The practice of being still takes a deliberate effort. It is simple but not always easy. The advantage is, it is free and completely within our control.
If the idea of some still quiet time appeals to you, following the SMART goal guidelines may be useful to support you to begin and maintain any new routine. Saying 'I would love some quiet time' is a little too vague to bring about any actual change. See what difference applying the SMART goal guidelines makes to your plan to have some quiet time every day.
S = specific eg. 'take some quiet time each morning and evening'
M = measurable eg. '5 minutes before I leave my room in the morning, and 5 minutes when I return to my room at night, starting tomorrow.'
A = achievable 'is the goal I have set achievable?'
R = reasistic 'is the goal realistic?'
T = timeframe 'does the goal fit into a given timeframe?'
Applying these simple steps can help make any goal you set become a reality.
I welcome your feedback by hearing your thoughts, comments or questions in confidence to info@psyche.ie or via the contacts page of my website www.psyche.ie.
