The Still, Small Voice: Can you hear it?
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| The true temple is your mind, your heart... |
Do you know when that “still, small voice within” is speaking to you, or are you distracted by all the outer voices, sounds, and noises that surround you on a daily basis? Sometimes we think we hear that Voice, but are we certain? Here are three ways to know:
1. The Inner Voice does not condemn. Never listen to anyone that tells you you’re a worthless sinner, be it priest, minister, rabbi, mullah, or your mother!
2. The Inner Voice does not criticize. Never listen to people who speak badly of others. They’ll do the same about you when you’re not around!
3. The Inner Voice does not compare. Never listen to anyone (including yourself) who puts you down for any reason, even if “it’s for your own good.” It’s almost always for THEIR own good, anyway.
I have a friend who thinks God is always telling her what to tell other people to do. You probably have encountered folks like that in your journey through life. But bare this in mind: God will not tell me to tell you anything. If God does not speak to you directly, and then only about you, it’s not God. It’s ego.
The Buddha once quipped that the wise never accept anything as truth unless it resonates at the deepest levels. He said, “Don’t even believe me if it goes against your senses.” How many of those who claim to speak for God will tell you that? Next time a group or individual tries to convince you that they have the Only Truth, remember those words from the Buddha. Listen if you choose, but always make up your own mind. The real power within you will almost always direct you away from any path that attempts to manipulate you through fear--fear of hell, fear of death, fear of God, fear of thinking for yourself.
Finally, the Inner Voice is the voice of love. Love is not just a feeling; it is way of being. Love is always just that: LOVE. It speaks gently and is free from fear. It will move you through the world in compassion. If you will take the time, you’ll know it when you hear it. With practice, you won't be misled by the outer gurus again. Now, that's listening!
“He who looks outside, dreams; he who looks inside, awakens.” Carl Jung
The Buddha once quipped that the wise never accept anything as truth unless it resonates at the deepest levels. He said, “Don’t even believe me if it goes against your senses.” How many of those who claim to speak for God will tell you that? Next time a group or individual tries to convince you that they have the Only Truth, remember those words from the Buddha. Listen if you choose, but always make up your own mind. The real power within you will almost always direct you away from any path that attempts to manipulate you through fear--fear of hell, fear of death, fear of God, fear of thinking for yourself.
Finally, the Inner Voice is the voice of love. Love is not just a feeling; it is way of being. Love is always just that: LOVE. It speaks gently and is free from fear. It will move you through the world in compassion. If you will take the time, you’ll know it when you hear it. With practice, you won't be misled by the outer gurus again. Now, that's listening!
“He who looks outside, dreams; he who looks inside, awakens.” Carl Jung
thanks for your kindness and love to share
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