“Finding Self is finding God within.”
What I have discovered in my therapy room is that people often know much more than they think they do. There is a wealth of information inside each of us. Sometimes all it takes is slowing down, taking a deep breath or two and a willingness to look deeper into ourselves, to retrieve a knowing that is wiser than what our head tells us. What is it that we are accessing? I would be lying if I said I knew the answer. What I believe happens is that we are able to connect to our Higher/Divine Self, to our Soul, to God within. This Higher Self helps us to see the greater perspective of life and of our place in it; where as our small self only has access to what we ‘actually know’. It is limited and often stuck in fear or the past.
When we are connected to our hearts, to ‘our God within’, not only do we start to feel a greater connection to self and our deeper wisdom but we also feel a greater connection to our surrounding. People, whether family, friends or strangers, as well as nature become more important to cherish and protect. Kindness starts to expand the heart; the need to be careful with words and deeds grows. God within, is a new guiding post. Suddenly I want to be kind, I want to look out for the well being of others and I understand that we are ultimately all the same. When you hurt, I hurt; when you are joyous, I am joyous.
How can I find this wiser part of myself you might wonder? One of my favorite questions to help you connect with your Higher Self is, “When do you feel most like yourself?” Sometimes the answer almost jumps out of the person’s mouth, “When I am painting. When I am with my children. When I am in nature”. And for some the answer is a blank stare; then we have to do a more extensive search for the Self.
I love this part of my work; it seems like a miracle unfolding right in front of my eyes. The room gets quiet, almost holy. It is such a privilege to assist another person in discovering her own, deep knowing. I use guided meditations, mindfulness practices and lots of time. The focus shifts from head to heart, from thinking to feeling and noticing. As mentioned above, I want you to access your wider, wiser perspective and the ability to trust our own decision making without needing someone else’s opinion. It can be difficult to discern your intuition, your heart’s wisdom from the overlay of your upbringing and the cultural norms and expectations. However, with patience and perseverance we find the gem, that is truly You.