“Seek first to understand, then to be understood,” was the fifth habit in Stephen Covey’s bestselling book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. The last blog pointed out the importance of good listening skills to really get to know the Speaker. That same skill is required to begin developing a balanced, cooperative, loving relationships with yourself. What does that really mean? Do we need to read more books on understanding ourselves and others, learn the current “buzz word” used to identify different behaviors, take a psychology class, or use the modern method to learn . . . Google it? In my many years on this planet, I have discovered, the best way to learn is to ask your inner guidance. Some call that guidance, God, Creator, Divine Mother, Inner Wisdom, Buddha. Whatever word feels comfortable for you, use it! The world seems to be searching for the “perfect” word. Here’s a hint; it is found in your Heart.
As a person who has always searched for answers, I have used many methods to gain knowledge, to the point the search became the main focus. That is to say, all the information became a toolbox full of ideas, techniques, practices, and information that after a while required a bigger toolbox to hold them all. What am I saying? I’m saying all the wisdom we need is within ourselves. The bits and pieces we gather as we search for answers eventually leads us back to Heart. Each of us must discern what is true and not true for us, personally. If we truly want to understand others, we must start first with knowing ourselves. Once we have examined the beliefs we were given throughout our lives, we can then step back and take an honest look at whether that belief is still true for us at this moment in our lives. Life is forever evolving, and things that were important ten years ago may not be as important to you today. It may be time to pull out your toolbox, take a look inside and see what tools would be of assistance with getting to know the wise self that resides in your heart. You may rediscover a very useful tool you had forgotten about. If so, pull it out of your toolbox, clean it up and put it to use. Of course you may also discover there are tools you no longer need. If that’s the case, consider gifting those to someone you know who is searching. The last thing you need when doing an inner exploration of yourselves is heavy, unnecessary weight. The whole purpose of the search is to lighten the load of your Head information, to hear what your Heart desires to enlighten you about. Everything begins within, or as the old phrase goes, “Know thyself!” As the relationship between your human self and your divine heart deepens, the toolbox will become much smaller. Can you imagine how the world would change if we used the Toolbox of experience to strengthen our actions as a means to support our thoughts and words? My hunch is, we would be less critical and judgmental of others, and replace it with compassion and understanding for the journey we are all on. “The West: A place to listen to the voice of our Hearts.” The old woman in the woods Head to Heart Talks: Walking a Sacred Path
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Vicky Kelm WilliamsI find people absolutely fascinating! Archives
October 2024
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