Photo art by Laila Kujala

I’ve found I have to be very quiet to hear what I call my inner wisdom. Whether you use that name for it, or “higher self” or “superego,” it is the voice that can guide us to greater understanding of our lives and ourselves.

Click here for the audio version. Thanks to Laz Slomovitz for the accompanying music, “Tenderness” and “Kindness.”

So, let’s get quiet. Turn off any devices that might disturb you. If possible eliminate any visual stimulation. Even darken your computer screen as you listen to this. Form a question that you’d like your inner voice to answer. It can be concrete: “Should I do such and such? or it can be more open: “How can I approach this problem differently?”

As soon as you’re ready, sit comfortably and close your eyes. Take a long, slow, deep breath. Welcome in the air that sustains you. Now exhale, letting the air go slowly. Take your time. Now gently shake your hands…your arms…your head. Take another long breath — inhaling deeply and exhaling long. Notice your body begin to relax more.

With your mind focused on my voice, continue to be aware of your body, sending soothing attention to any part that is holding tension or feeling fatigued. Allow your body to feel heavier, supported by the chair or floor. Let all your muscles soften; let them relax.

Now that you’re quiet, remember the question you want help with. Recall all the different thoughts you’ve had about it. When you notice you’re repeating those thoughts, you know you’re ready to move on. You no longer have to remember this internal conversation. If these thoughts emerge again, simply acknowledge them and refocus on your breathing.

The next step is to listen. In this quiet, relaxed place, allow your inner wisdom to have the space to be heard. Sometimes the voice comes quickly during meditation; sometimes it doesn’t come for several hours or even days. Sometimes I hear "There's not enough information at this time" or "Keep going, and the best action will get clearer."

Be open to hearing the perfect answer that is meant just for you and trust it will come at the perfect moment. Maintain an open curiosity. Now just breathe, relax and listen. That’s all you have to do.

Breathe… relax…listen….

As a mental health professional, an owner of a fitness studio, a writer and a wife, mother and grandmother, I have found meditation to be helpful in every aspect of my life. To find out about my meditation classes this fall or my newly published novel, A Barroom View of Love, contact me at susanmmorales@yahoo.com or check out my websites: susanscottmorales.com and bodiesinbalancefitness.com