Or are you "asleep", going through life blindfolded?
If this is you, you are not alone!
But sometimes there’s a feeling of unease, deep discomfort, boredom, or yearning for something we can’t quite explain. Something just doesn't feel right! Even – when on the surface – everything looks good. Nothing is necessarily wrong... although nothing is quite right either.
These are the moments when our inner voice is whispering to us. This inner voice – intuition, gut feeling or inner knowing, call it what you will – is always there. But it doesn’t speak in a loud voice. It’s just a nudge and very easy to miss. "What's missing in my life?" we wonder.
Often too, we try and ignore the whisper from within. We tell ourselves everything is fine. We keep ourselves busy, hoping that the small voice within goes away… the small voice whispering, "Is this all there is?" But the whisper gets louder and louder. It’s persistent, often finding us during quiet moments. Do we choose to hear it? Do we choose to "wake up" to our inner voice?
Or do we continue ignoring it?
Sometimes, a relationship breakdown, a sudden illness, an unexpected loss, or some other personal crisis is our "wake-up" call. These major disruptive changes can't be ignored! However, they do offer us opportunities to remove our blindfolds. They offer us opportunities to "awaken" and transform major life changes into stories of personal growth.
I firmly believe that the setbacks and difficult events in my own life are there for a reason. I can’t stop these disruptive events – or "life quakes" as they are sometimes called – from happening, but I can try and embrace them. Instead of playing the "blame game", dwelling in self-pity, or seeing myself as the "victim", I shift my perspective from "Why me?" to "Why NOT me?"
I don’t let difficulties and challenges define me.
Of course, this isn’t easy and takes a lot of self-reflection. While turning inward can be transformative, it can also be difficult and uncomfortable as we confront our fears and insecurities. However, by tuning into our inner guide, we start to remove our blindfolds. We start to understand ourselves on a deeper level… and see the world with "new" eyes.
I often reflect on my own actions and experiences to learn more about myself... and to become more aware of my "blind spots". For me, reflective practice is a lifelong journey. Just like the process of "waking up" and removing my blindfolds, there's no final destination.
Do you think you might be sleepwalking through life?
Here are some ways to start tuning into your inner guide:
- ACKNOWLEDGE: The first step is to acknowledge that vague emptiness and a longing for something you can’t quite explain.
- SLOW DOWN: Find some quiet time. Create a space to get in touch with your inner voice. Be still. I know this is easier said than done! But it’s hard to hear it if you are rushing through your days. So, slow down a bit. And turn off your mobile and other distractions.
- GET OUT OF YOUR HEAD: We are in our heads way too much these days! While there’s nothing wrong with analysing, thinking and planning, this needs to be balanced with slowing down and being present. We need to stop "doing" and start "being".
- RE-CONNECT WITH YOUR BODY: Try and become more aware of the physical sensation within your body. Ask yourself, "How am I feeling right now?" Calm and relaxed or tense and stressed? Another great way to tune into yourself is to ask, "If my body could speak right now, what would it say?". Going for a slow walk in nature is yet another powerful way to be more present. Gentle movement helps you to notice how your body feels.
- PRACTISE: Getting in touch with your inner guidance system is like strengthening a muscle. Slowly, step by step. Continuous, intentional practise is important. But it doesn’t have to be a daily, hour-long commitment. Just a few quiet moments can help you feel more connected to your inner voice. Try different things. What works for me, might not work for you. Often, combining different methods works really well. Gradually, you’ll become more aware of your thoughts, feelings and beliefs. You'll start to remove your blindfolds. You'll start to "awaken" – physically, emotionally, psychologically and spiritually.
- SEEK SUPPORT: Sometimes speaking with a trained therapist can be helpful. They can provide tools and insights to navigate the journey of self-discovery with more clarity and purpose.
Do you feel like there’s something missing in your life? Perhaps it’s time to start removing your blindfolds?
It’s never too late to start tuning into your inner wisdom!
Eila Mikkonen
Counsellor, Clinical Supervisor & Mental Fitness Facilitator