One of the things I often hear after facilitating a leadership workshop or retreat is, will you come back in six months to refresh all this that is so vital and positive? Of course, I would love to, but that sends the message that they need someone or something outside themselves to keep at their best selves. And I do not believe that is so.
I ran across a short list of ways to find one’s inner silence in the wise Book of Earth by Steven Forrest and I thought, THIS could be a really simple way to find your way back to your best versions. I have summarized it here.
- Spend time in Nature.
- Hang out with an animal that calms you.
- Be mindful of your body, pay attention to its messages, eat when you are hungry, sleep when you are tired.
- Touch and allow yourself to be touched.
- Move your body joyfully.
- Sing in the shower, lose yourself to a magical inner rhythm.
I would add a few things, specifically, look at your intention, or create one, or what you came away with for yourself. Review it, let it sink in, not just the words, but the energy and intention behind it. Try it on again, does it still fit or does it need further expanding?
Let your conscience be your guide. When you hear from your inner voice: better to leave that story in the past, do it. When you hear: say something now, don’t let this moment pass, act. Assuming you can find some quiet time with nature, even if it is the sanctuary of your own back yard or corner park, know that it will bump up the sound of your conscience for better hearing! Listen and follow your own list!
It’s just a matter of making the effort, taking the time, allocating just a little bit of your life to remind you what your best self looks and feels like. The results are definitely worth it.
