‘Truth lies hidden in subtle clues which are only made known to us during rare moments of revelation, realisation or intuition for which we are often unable to find words, or even to understand in terms of our day to day experience. Such perfect knowledge can only be revealed in the beauty of a desert flower, the passing whispers of the wind, a fleeting impression in a forest glade, a feeling which suddenly comes over us, or even in the content of our dreams, much of which we usually choose to ignore.’
Jimmy Henderson (Multi-Dimensional Thinking, 2007)
Many names have been given to our inner voice, which include a ‘sixth sense’, ‘intuition’ or ‘gut’ feelings. This idea of an inner guiding voice is not exclusive to metaphysics and may also find resonance in religious circles in the form of divine guidance or warnings from guardian angels. There is no doubt that this faculty exists, as it is even acknowledged in psychology in a slightly different form as ‘insight’ or an ‘immediate understanding’. It has been said that this sixth sense is highly developed in animals, and it is not difficult to imagine the power that it may bring into our own lives if it can be fully unfolded.
This inner guidance or ‘voice’ usually takes on the form of uncomfortable sensations, impressions or feelings associated with a particular situation which involves a threat to our physical, emotional or psychological well-being. Unfortunately, we often choose to ignore these promptings, as they are fleeting and usually felt rather than understood, having to pass through the content of our minds and being mediated by our inner symbolic processes. In some people the faculty of interpreting incoming cues and messages in the form of actual words (thoughts and ideas), is fully developed. However, for most of us, this skill has to be cultivated over time.
In some cases our ‘inner voice’ can sound quite familiar. The reason for this being that it is usually our own voice being ‘superimposed’ by our subconscious mind, that part of our consciousness which lies just below the surface of our day-to-day thinking and is responsible for our involuntary functions such as breathing, healing and heartbeat.
This ability of our subconscious mind to detect and respond to external cues and threats is well-documented in metaphysical texts and can also be demonstrated during hypnosis. However, in order for our inner voice to be heard, there are a number of important prerequisites. For example, our minds first have to be open to the idea of inner guidance and reasonably clear and quiet, as the promptings are very subtle and can easily be lost in the clutter of our daily thoughts. This can usually be achieved and enhanced through the practice of meditation.
Second, we need to have established a reasonable relationship of trust with our subconscious mind in order to secure its cooperation. This occurs over time during communication with our subconscious by constantly repeating affirmations such as ‘I am open to my inner voice / intuition’, or by setting intentions such as ‘I now open my mind to receive inner guidance’ (once only).
Finally, we should at least have some insight into our own symbolic processes (the set of personal symbols and meanings which we have built up from our experiences). This is necessary in order to interpret and extract the true meaning of the sensation, image or message. This level of self-insight is normally achieved through dream-work (learning to interpret our dreams and symbolism) and the practice of visualisation (imagery).
The process
We can all prepare ourselves for inner guidance and to hear our inner voice by following a few simple steps. Decide on a question beforehand, for example, ‘What am I to do in this situation?’ Relax your body and mind until it is completely quiet and free of thought. Focus on your breathing, this will help. Whilst in this relaxed state, pose your question simply, clearly and unambiguously. Continue to keep your mind relaxed for at least a minute and wait patiently for a sudden thought, image, impression or feeling to spontaneously present itself. In the early stages you may think this is only your imagination, but remember that your thinking has been stilled and this thought is therefore coming from your subconscious mind. Always acknowledge it as real.
A true inner message is short, immediate, sharp and precise. There is no thinking involved. It will also be fleeting and transient and one has to be quick in acknowledging it. You may also see the flash of an image or experience a sudden impression or feeling which relates to the problem highlighted in your question. This will have to be interpreted in terms of an understanding of your personal symbols within the context of the present situation.
By acknowledging your inner voice and accepting intuitive thoughts with a sense of gratitude, you will soon begin to cement the relationship of trust with your subconscious mind. Once you have established this relationship, communications will flow more easily and freely. Do not be disillusioned if you are not successful at first. This process could take a while to perfect.
Also bear in mind that this particular process does not exclude the possibility that the guidance could also be coming from a higher spiritual level and is merely being channeled through your subconscious processes.
Jimmy Henderson is a metaphysical teacher and the author of a number of books and articles on self-development. His latest book ‘Multi-dimensional Thinking’ (Kima Global, 2007) is available at selected bookshops. He is also a facilitator with Metavarsity.
http://www.kimaglobal.co.za/cgi-bin/go.pl/author_books.html?author_name=Jimmy%20Henderson
www.jimmyhendersonbooks.blogspot.com
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