The Answers are Inside You – Get Them Out!

Raise your hand if you resonate or have resonated with any of the following statements:

• I feel stuck and I don’t know why.
• Things are going well in some parts of my life, but not in others.
• I am not sure if I am doing the right thing.
• I’m doing everything right, but something is missing.
• I just want to be happy.
• I need more money and I don’t know how to get it.
• I feel alone.

My hands are both raised high!  The bad news is that this article is not full of magic fairy dust that will solve all your “problems” right now.  The good news, is that this article will give you some pretty nifty tools that WILL lead to some breakthroughs when they are put into practice.  You WILL hear your OWN inner wisdom above the calamity of everyday life and you WILL feel a bit like a self-aware badass!  All you need is a little time by yourself, a piece of paper and a writing utensil.

 

The Question in Your Heart

We worry daily about paying the bills, getting the kids to school, taking the dog for a walk, keeping up with our parents, doing the shopping, getting to the gym… Heck, we even stress about getting our meditation time in!  (Think about how crazy that is for a second…)  Our lives are like roadrunners while our hearts are more like cats lounging on their backs in the afternoon sun.  So let’s take a few minutes to get you to your sunny spot.

You are going to make some lists.  They should each only take 15-30 seconds.  Don’t overthink!

On a piece of paper, write a few things you see right now.  List a few things you hear right now. List a few things you smell right now. List a few things you taste right now.  List a few things you can touch right now.

Now that you are more grounded in the present moment, check in and list a few emotions that you are feeling right now.  List a few things you really value right now.  List something that makes you laugh.  List a few things that scare you.

Lastly, take a deep breath and write down the question that is in your heart.  Don’t judge it.  It can’t be too serious or too silly.  I can’t be too lofty or too shallow.  It is what it is and it is being asked for a reason.  Trust your heart and write it down.

 

Getting an Answer

Go you.  You are doing absolutely awesome.  Asking the right question is no easy task.  Revel in that for a minute.  And now get ready to find some answers.

Put your pen down and get comfortable in your chair.  Make sure your body is balanced, your feet are grounded and your hands are open to receive.  Take a slow breath.  We are going to activate your imagination.

The first thing I want you to imagine is someone who you see as wise.  They can be someone you know or someone you look up to.  They could be alive or from times past.  They can even be completely fictional.  As long as they are wise.

Take three deep long breaths.

Imagine that you get up out of your seat, leave the building you are in and walk outside to a busy street full of cars and people and hustle and bustle.  You begin walking along.  It is a really gorgeous day.  The weather is perfect.  You have absolutely nowhere to be.  No one needs anything from you in this moment.  Nothing needs to be done.  You are free to roam about for as long as you wish.  This day is just yours.

Eventually you turn off this busy street and begin walking down a side road. There are still some people and cars around.  There is the sound of some dogs barking and kids playing on a school playground.  It is a tree-lined street and very pleasant to walk along.

The sidewalk turns into a path and this path leads you to a field.  All the people and cars are gone now.  You hear the wind blowing the grass, you hear birds chirping, you feel the sun on your face and breeze on your skin.  It is a scene full of beauty as you mosey down the path.

Up ahead are trees and soon you are in a forest.  You walk into the canopy of trees with the sun filtering through them.  Deer and squirrels are roaming around.  The air smells fresh and lush.  The shade of the trees is welcoming and calming.

After happily walking for a while you come to the middle of the forest where there is a clearing.  In the middle of the clearing, sitting on the branch of a fallen tree, is the wise person you pictured.  They are beckoning you to sit next to them. They want to know the question in your heart. 

You tell them and a wonderful conversation begins with experiences, insight and questions shared.  Imagine that conversation for a while.  Take as long as you need.  Don’t be afraid to keep asking them questions as they come up to get as much from this opportunity as you can.  This person’s sole purpose is to be with you at this time.

As your time comes to a close, this wise person gives you something that relates to your conversation.  It might not be clear right now how it relates.  That is OK.  Take a few minutes to observe it closely before putting it safely in your pocket.

When you are ready, thank this person.  Show your gratitude.  Then say goodbye and start the walk back through the forest.  Take your time.  Notice everything around you.  If others show up on your path, they may have a message for you as well.  Be open to that.  Walk back out to the field and enjoy the view and feel the object safe in your pocket as you approach the neighborhood street.  Walk down the sidewalk and back out to the busy street, back into the building and return to your seat.  Take three slow, deep breaths.

Capture the object given to you by drawing or describing it.

 

Interpreting the Message

You just began a really important conversation with yourself.  The wise person you envisioned is a part of you and, chances are, they are the rock star guru of your authentic being.  They just gave you a morsel and now you have a choice: forget about it or deepen it.  I suggest you deepen it.  See what it means for you and get clear on actions to take or not take.  Here are some ideas on how to continue the conversation:

• Turn the conversation and/or object into a finished work of visual art, poetry, song, play, etc. As you work on it, what the message means for you will become clearer and clearer.
• Continue dialoguing. Write it as if it were a play.  Start with your name and your question.  Write the wise person’s name and their response.  Keep going.  Don’t try to make it make sense.  Let go and let whatever comes out, come out.  Try to do it for at least 10 minutes.
• Share it with others. Extroverts might find it helpful to process it out loud with someone.  Please be sure that it is someone who is truly for your expansion.
• Go back. As you get more questions or need more clarity, take time to visit the wise person in the woods.  Or, perhaps you now need to visit someone else there.  Trust that whenever you visit this place, wisdom awaits.

If you are like me and are always HUNGRY to go deeper with this kind of work, schedule a free exploratory Creative Coaching session now.  I have a passion for creatively empowering others to live a life of purpose, meaning and joy and I would love to create an experience that works for you.  Learn more at www.karenlight.com or www.facebook.com/creativecoachkaren.

Women Belong members always receive 15% off all services, but the first three people to email me to schedule a session will get 50% off their first session or program!   (Sessions can be done via Zoom or in person.)

Content provided by Women Belong member  Karen Light