Listen to your soul

by Jill Sockman

I’m not sure who coined the phrase “you teach what you need to learn,” but I know that even while words are spilling out of my mouth, I am often aware the message coming forth applies to me at least as much as it applies to anyone else in the room. So it shouldn’t be a big surprise to me that I’ve been talking a lot lately about how necessary it is to cultivate an awareness — a relationship — with the part inside of us that Knows. It’s a gentle nudge for me to take a closer look: am I practicing what I preach? I think so, but I can tell you I’m paying extra attention. Maybe you should be, too.

So what we’re talking about here is not the thinking mind, the ego, the voices of others that have taken up residence in our heads and hearts who all think they know, but the Truth that resides in the very center of who we are. Until we nurture the discernment to sort out which voice is which with all the noise inside, it can be a guessing game. But once we get quiet (Enter: Meditation) day after day, we become clear on the voice of the soul, and how very different that voice is from all the others.

Here’s the thing about the soul. It’s not interested in convenience, popularity or ease of travel. The advice, guidance and directives that come from the soul are generally short, sweet and to the point, and ask us, in no uncertain terms, to make decisions that will lead us into better alignment with who are meant to be. How far that is from who we currently are and the life we are choosing to live is often directly proportional to the amount of discomfort required to act on what we’ve heard. From what we eat on any given day to where we go (seemingly on a whim) and end up meeting up with someone we really needed to see. From the job we take, keep or leave to the people with whom we choose to spend our time. How many of your decisions are coming from the mind, ego, habit, external pressure — and how many are coming from an inner longing for your highest and best: the directive of the soul?

In this sweet week of chaos (Happy Birthday Blue!!), I’m doing my best to address but not be ruled by the endless coulds, shoulds, and would like tos. I’m dedicating myself 100% to the musts — not the ones that come down from the tyranny of the to-do list, but from the part of me that has only my well-being in mind. Because what I know to be true is that when we are at our best, it’s also the best thing for everyone around us.

I hope to see you this weekend for Blueversary 8. Thank you for being a part of this amazing community. Come home to the blue to celebrate, supporting CASA and the many homes they provide for those in need.