Monday Mantra :: Listen

{By: Shel Silverstein -- Image: from Pinterest}

It's been a month since I last updated the blog and I hope this little note finds you enjoying summer and all the fresh abundance this season has to offer! 

In June around the Summer Solstice, I traveled to Joshua Tree in California to be with my teacher and breathwork community for the final level of training.  Over the course of both days of class, we paired up with different partners and took turns breathing.  

At one point during my turn to breathe on the first day, my partner had me imagine that I was in a vast void.  This brought up some fear for me.... fear around being alone.  Thankfully this sensation didn't last long!  I could feel my own self showing up for me.  It has taken me a lot of healing work to get to the point where I can trust myself to not abandon myself, but to show up as my biggest cheerleader.  AND THEN, in the next couple breaths, I felt Spirit's presence... this most amazing, warm, nurturing energy surrounded me.  And She said to me: 

"You are never alone, Helen.  I am always with you.  You're just not listening."

Whoa.  Talk about cutting right to the core of it.  I could feel this vibrate within my cells.

There's so much information and many distractions in our busy day-to-day lives.  Gurus and self-help books and experts of all kinds.  I love me some social media and there really are some positive messages to consume and lovely people to connect with as a community.  But this gentle reminder from Spirit got me thinking:  what about the wisdom from our own hearts?  The messages from our own bodies?  The whispers from the Earth?  The secrets from the seasons and the cycles of the Moon? 

I know for me, when I'm plugged-in in an unconscious way or seeking answers outside of myself, the electronics and interwebs  and information overload begins to drown out my own inner voice.  

So whether you need to reconnect to the communication between you and your higher power (whether that be Spirit, God, Goddess, Universe), with Nature, your guides, or with your own inner intuitive voice, this week's mantra is a reminder to GET QUIET and TUNE IN.  Even if just for a moment.   

Take a deep inhale and exhale.

Close your eyes gently for a moment and feel into your heart.

Say to yourself: I AM LISTENING.  

Just giving yourself a few quiet minutes each day begins to strengthen the connection between you and your inner voice.  Some other tools, if you have time for it, would be to journal with pen and paper.  Create art by drawing, painting, collaging, cooking, crafting, pottery, working with your hands.  Get outside into nature.  Find yourself near water, even if it's just in your own bathtub.  Dance.  Move your body.  Put on a playlist and do some breathwork or meditation.  Talk out loud to your body, to your heart, to your inner wisdom.  And notice how your life feels when you listen to that wise and loving voice inside.  Let me know how it goes for you!

THIS WEEK'S MANTRA :: I AM LISTENING