By: Maurice Johnson
I believe that a divine universal power speaks to, and through, each one of us, in various different ways. This universal power speaks through our inner voice; a voice different from thoughts or communication. Thoughts can consist of noise, of stories, of ego. Communication can sometimes be loud, stimulating and a little “in your face” - especially through what we take in from media and social media. In my observation, the universal power speaks softly, subtly. Unless, of course, you don’t listen. Then, it starts to get loud. Eventually placing a situation in your path intended for you to listen up!
When you neglect the inner voice for too long, it may get loud at a time when it feels like (or is) too late. I often think of this religious parable that goes something like this:
A person is trapped on a roof during a flood awaiting rescue. The person prays and asks God for a way out. A perfectly conditioned boat floats by unoccupied because it was taken from its blocks. The person lets it pass on, thinking, “God will save me.” Next, a floating car comes by and is within jumping distance from the roof. It is going in the direction of an area of safety. The person once again lets it pass on, thinking, “God will save me, I know he will.” Later, there is a momentary clearing of the flood and a loud sound from above. The person looks up to see a rescue helicopter complete with a rope ladder and guard-person gesturing for the roof dweller to grab the ladder. The person waves the rescuer off saying to them, “I’m ok! I’m waiting on God to save me!” The helicopter hovers for a bit before going over to another roof to help a family. A short time later the house crumbles due to the constant pressure of the raging flood water and the person perishes. In the afterlife, the person meets God and asks, “Why did you not save me?” To which God answers, “I sent you a boat, a car, and a helicopter rescue team. You chose not to take any of them.”
In this example, the “God” figure was speaking through the opportunities placed in that person’s path. Opportunities that the person chose not to act on, blinded by the idea that the divine intervention would look different than what it was. Refusing to listen.
As I reflect on my life to date and my experiences thus far, I can recall several instances of me being that person. Being in the thick of a situation, being presented with multiple ways out, paths to a better way or a better life, and yet I did not act. Where was my intuition? Where was my inner voice? Where was the universal power?
As I have gained more insight, perspective, and openness, I have realized that my inner voice was there, my intuition was there, the universal power was there, I just wasn’t cultivating it, or listening to it.
At some point I started to actively tune into that quiet, steady voice. The voice of reason and truth. The voice that has an all-knowing nature. And I started to let it guide me as I began to trust it more and more.
THINGS THAT DROWN OUT YOUR INNER VOICE
Opinions of others
In my youth I remember how much of a big deal I made of things. Opinions of girls and how people viewed me were of top importance to me. I made decisions based on what some of my friends thought I should do and some of those decisions cost me time, money, and financial stability (in one instance tanking my credit). I was listening to others instead of myself. And I can’t blame them, only myself. I had my own mind and my inner voice that I simply tuned out to impress others, to my own detriment.
And now, exposure to social media sometimes makes me feel external pressure to measure up to how it appears others are living. All this does is distract your energy and focus from your own life and goals.
Don’t fall into the trap. Leave the opinions of others and of society at the door.
Moving and thinking too fast
Many of us do it. Especially if you live in an area like New York. The pace and the pulse of life is fast. My wife is a yoga teacher, gravitating towards yoga to balance the rapid pace in which she thinks and moves. We notice that when she doesn’t slow down, she starts making impulse decisions, overcommitting and feeling anxious, followed by feeling depleted. I can relate because in my own way I used to do the same thing.
So we made up the acronym: SYAD- Slow Your A$$ Down. We say it to each other when we are beginning to think and move too fast.
HOW TO LISTEN UP
It is not an easy undertaking. In a world full of outside influence, stimulation, and distractions many times I found myself getting pulled into the rip currents. Next thing I know I’m in a place I didn’t want to be and I believe many can relate to this. Here are some things to help you “swim” out of the rip current of the common world and back to the shores of your grounded experience:
SYAD - Slow Your A$$ Down
It’s simple, but simple isn’t always easy. Observe yourself as your move around your home or work. Are you physically moving fast? Talking fast? Breathing fast? If so, take a moment and SYAD.
Resist the impulse to do what feels good
Oftentimes we have an impulse to do what feels good. Seeing this, I started challenging it in my everyday life. How we do anything is how we do everything.
I would seek deeper understanding and the possible benefits of taking a route that perhaps felt a bit more daunting. It could be as simple as doing laundry at 4:30am instead of laying in bed. The point is that by not seeking immediate gratification and instead embracing a more challenging path, it sharpens my ability to face challenges, learn and grow.
Try this, and then, observe the outcome. Personally, I began noticing that the more I was able to slow down and not be impulsive, the more I experienced more constructive outcomes. Also, the more comfortable path simply just doesn’t always add to your life. Sometimes the comfortable choice is loud, but deep down you know what you really need to do to better yourself and your life.
Practice relaxation techniques: deep breathing/meditation
By simply controlling your breath, the nervous system slows down a bit to allow the impulses a chance to settle. The nerves aren’t as frenzied and having to fire all over the place to get the body ready for action. Instead, they are being guided to perform the very rituals that they are so trained to do with ease. With each deep breath your muscles relax and parts of your mind are signaling calmness while the other parts are able to bear witness to the thoughts traveling around your mind. In this state you can make a choice to listen and absorb or let them pass and discard them.
In meditation you can also enter a mantra. A repeated sound, phrase or statement that becomes the program for your subconscious mind. (Side note: your subconscious mind is the major player in your ability, or lack thereof, to tap into your inner voice).
Personally, I enjoy these practices most in the earlier part of the day when I have the space to be silent and alone with minimal stimulation. Also, there are many meditation techniques and you can find many resources online and on various apps. It is very accessible to integrate into your life.
Mental programming: information input (stimulus diet)
By being mindful of what information goes into your head you are able to focus on what you want to focus on. Again, for me the prime time is the first thing in the morning, right after waking up. The subconscious mind is the most open at this time and thus, most impressionable.
I feel strongly about this: avoid social media first thing in the morning and before bed. It simply should not be the first thing you feed your mind with, or the last. In fact, those are perfect times to embrace silence or nature.
Also, avoid or limit aggressive music, graphic images/movies, the news (especially the news) and things that don’t serve the purpose of elevating your thoughts. You can ask yourself, “does this elevate me? Is this constructive for my future self?” Avoid what doesn’t serve you.
And, input more nourishing things instead. Examples are: soft ambient music (meditation music, soundscapes, Tibetan sound bowls), uplifting/motivating/thought-provoking speeches, videos, and/or audiobooks to aid in personal development and growth.
Take time for yourself… alone
Taking time to yourself away from everyone and everything. Time in nature (the forest, mountains, along beaches and other bodies of water such as rivers and lakes) makes for a great way to re-center, reset your thoughts and tune in. When external distractions drop away, it becomes easier to listen to the inner intelligence within.
THE QUALITY OF YOUR LIFE DEPENDS ON IT
You have the choice to move through life or LIVE it. When you truly listen to your inner voice, you are connected to universal power, and are being guided, step by step, decision by decision, toward your greatest self.
After practicing the techniques shared above, I haven personally found myself able to make better decisions. The soft, still voice became louder once I decided to tune into it and follow it. It feels like breaking free from a grip never intended for me.
When you truly listen to your inner voice, and follow through with your actions, you will feel the bliss of living in harmony with the universal power; and yes, it feels damn good!
Maurice is Co-Founder of Superhuman Soul LLC and Creator of Superhuman: The Class