Do You Trust Your Inner Wisdom?

Why it’s time to be your own guide

For too long, many of us seek external validation, approval, & praise to enable us to feel good about ourselves.

We become so reliant on fitting into the ideals of others that we move further & further away from our true selves.

This can lead to incongruence within us, which begins to show up in different ways including low self-esteem, anxiety, self-doubt, or a detachment from their own values & beliefs.

I’ve spoken in previous articles about how this incongruence or inner disturbance can go on to impact our physical & mental well-being, potentially even causing burnout (See link below).

As a therapist, I’ve seen it in so many people, and as a human, I’ve seen it in myself as well as in my children, and in my friends. Every time I think how much I wish they (and I) could see just how amazing they are in their own unique ways, through their individuality & their personalities & everything that goes into making them who they are.

But sadly, the pull of external validation can just be too strong & it can feel like a battle to keep rising up above the thoughts & beliefs dragging them down & keeping them stuck.

How meditation has helped me…

As part of my ongoing self-development & love of learning, I’ve dipped in & out of meditation a few times over the years, but since January I’ve meditated almost every single day (I’ve missed 6 days since then).

The impact has been subtle & gradual but it’s now becoming much more obvious in how I react or respond to situations, how I am able to bring my awareness into the mix & shift my mindset fairly quickly now when faced with stress triggers.

As someone who has always loved to connect with and help others, I’m still a work in progress myself & there are still areas within my life that I am working on right now.

Remember… just because I’m a therapist, it doesn’t mean that I have it all together — the human me has been around for 44 years — onboarding external messages & pressures.

It’s one of the reasons I’m open & honest about my own experiences & will continue to be. Most of us are simply finding our way in life without things being picture-perfect.

I’ve learned to place more trust in my own wisdom & whilst I may continue to face imposter syndrome & experience some self-doubt along the way, I’m making decisions based on my own choices & needs.

Reflections from 6 months of daily meditating…

· I can find the pause most of the time — that moment between reaction & response where I get the space for my logic, wisdom & reasoning to kick in

· I consider my own beliefs & values in whatever situation I’m facing or decision I’m currently making.

· I listen when I’m feeling reluctant about something, to work through what it is before instantly turning it down. I tend to ask myself ‘what’s going on here?’

· I can sit in stillness & trust that my intuition will guide me.

· I feel totally different in the mornings. It sets my day up so well & I notice when I have missed it.

· I’m able to take quiet moments when I need to — whether this is when I am home & can close my eyes or if I am out & about.

Added bonus: Health Improvement: For over 6 years I’ve had insomnia. I would wake between 1:30 am-3:30 am every single day. Nowadays I need to set an alarm to wake me so that I get to do my morning routine whilst it’s still peaceful! This is huge & has made the biggest difference in my life.

Remember…

Allowing yourself to trust your inner guide doesn’t mean ignoring guidance or advice from others, or to stop seeing different perspectives on things — I love to learn, and others always inspire me. But what I no longer do is base my worth on being someone whom I am not aligned with.

Have you learned to trust your inner guide more? How has it helped you? What have you noticed?

Thank you for reading, Lynsey💚

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