We typically use concentrated intellectual effort to figure things out,
Solve problems,
And find meaning in life.
But thinking is a very limited way of knowing,
And it often is when we are relaxed and our minds are relaxed that we finally do get our answers.
Have you ever tried to make a decision by writing a list of the pros and cons of two different choices?
You probably wrote out your list in a sincere attempt at making the right choice,
And then read it over and still didn't know what you wanted to do.
That's because reason doesn't tell us what we want.
Most likely,
After making the list,
You eventually chose to do what you knew you wanted to do on some level all along,
Regardless of which side of the list was longer.
In the art of deep listening,
We skip making the list,
Bypass the intellect,
And go directly into the heart,
Where we know what we want.
There are answers are all there,
And they're usually more simple than what our intellect have us believe.
The heart is a place most of us inhabit from time to time,
When we're feeling especially relaxed and open.
In these exercises,
We cultivate the ability to go into the heart space at will and receive higher guidance.
It's the only place within us where we truly know what we want.
Now make yourself comfortable and close your eyes.
Take a slow,
Deep breath and let go of any tension.
As you feel yourself sinking into the surface you're resting on.
Becoming still,
More comfortable,
And relaxed.
Take another slow,
Deep breath and release your thoughts,
Letting them drift far away.
And take another slow,
Deep breath and know that this is your moment all is well.
Bring your awareness into your heart center,
In the center of your chest,
And notice a softness there.
Imagine all the energy you've sent out into the world lately,
Coming back gently back to your heart.
Like the last pieces of a puzzle,
Making you feel more whole and complete.
Follow your breathing in and out as you relax and settle in still more.
Breathing is your connection to life and the natural world,
And like all of nature,
It has a rhythm.
Take a few moments to do nothing more than simply follow the rhythm of your breath and relax.
Now imagine you're lying on a chaise lounge on the sand at the seashore on your own private beach.
It's a beautiful morning and you've got the whole day ahead of you to rest.
Relax and just be.
The temperature is perfect.
The cloud cover just so.
There's a light breeze now and then.
And all is right within your world.
The ocean is calm today and the waves are gentle.
Far down the beach,
You can make someone fishing in the surf.
And closer by,
A flock of pelicans soar close to the water,
Fishing as well.
The sand between you and the water is smooth and unmarked,
Offering only a few shells and bits of seaweed.
And you're watching the water come thinning out toward you.
Recede and come back again.
Take a few moments to enjoy being here.
Watch the waves lap the shore and follow your breathing.
As you continue to enjoy your peaceful beach,
You find yourself settling in deeper,
Becoming one with this scene.
It's almost as if the air,
The water and the sand were part of your own soul,
On display for you to observe.
A pod of dolphins swim by,
Affirming your connection to this ocean setting and to all life.
Take some time to settle down further.
Appreciate this time of reflection and follow your breathing.
The peace and quiet carries you still deeper within.
And the beach scene fades into you,
Now a part of you,
As you focus softly on the gentle rhythm of your breath.
It synchronizes with the ocean waves as you breathe in and out until you and the sea are one.
Continue to let your breathing carry you inward as you consider this question.
What do I want?
Sit with this question for some time without trying to analyze or think.
Enjoy the waves and allow any answers to come up from deep within.
No need to strain or analyze.
Take your time to simply let it be as you ask,
What do I want?
It will soon be time to bring this inner journey to a close.
But first,
Take a moment to thank yourself for giving yourself this gift.
Bring your awareness gently back to your physical surroundings.
Take your time and when you're ready,
Open your eyes and feel awake,
Alert and refreshed.
While it's still fresh in your mind,
Take time to write down anything you may have heard,
Felt or learned in this process.
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