The easiest and fastest way to strengthen your relationship with yourself is to spend some quality time being your own companion.  Physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, we enrich our lives through attentive presence not only to others but also, fundamentally, to ourselves.  When we pay attention to ourselves, we learn our own rhythms.  We uncover ways in which we lie to ourselves to remain trapped in resentments.  We awaken to the strengths that support us as we unravel old self-images and lay the foundations to new understandings.  We find ourselves less reactive to external events because, by nurturing our core selves, we understand where we end and the rest of the world begins.

The most important element of inner listening is the willingness to pay attention to body sensations.  Many people scan their bodies from the top of their heads to the tips of their toes, checking in with every part of themselves.  Others learn that simply by noticing their inhales and exhales, without trying to change them, they gain an amazing sense of calm.  Still others sit quietly and simply listen to all the sounds around them.  For some, physical activities like practicing yoga or tai chi help them reach the quiet calm that inner listening fosters.  People who practice inner listening on a regular basis frequently experience insights they would never have reached, absent their practice.

The best approach to inner listening is to find what works for you, and that you will practice on a regular basis.  Find a style that suits your personality, lifestyle, beliefs, ideals, and time constraints.  If you have never tried inner listening, start simply.  You could select a brief, calming musical piece and listen to it at roughly the same time every day.  If no musical selection comes to mind, try Pachelbel’s Canon in D.

By creating space in each day for inner listening, you signal yourself that you are important enough to take seriously.  Many people are amazed at how profoundly their lives change when they begin to listen lovingly to themselves.  By staying in the moment and connecting with their bodies, they open the door to self-knowledge and a profound appreciation for the gift of life.

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Persistence    Patience    Emotions