Photo by Flickr user Tony the Misfit

In my last blog I wrote about using guided meditations as a way to “give over” your effort to another person’s words, to assist you in shifting to your “right” brain — that is, away from the analytic, critical-thinking mode.

A guided meditation is also a way to increase your capacity to receive.

I’m not talking about receiving things. I’m speaking of receiving support, wisdom, love — all of which we need in order to live a full life. In our society, we are conditioned to value independence, to not rely on others — often to our detriment.

In my work as a psychotherapist, I saw that pattern routinely in men and women — people not knowing what they needed from each other and then not knowing how to ask.

What I’ve found in my own meditation practice is that I become more self-aware, more tuned into the subtle needs of my mind, body and emotions. In order to do this, I have to quiet my mind and listen — that is, to receive what my mind, my body and my emotions are telling me.

Is the tightness in my gut from hunger, anger, loneliness, boredom or excitement? It’s amazing to me how often, when I take the time to turn inside, I find the answer is different from what I had thought.

Have you ever confused thirst with hunger, fatigue with sadness, anxiety with overstimulation? In my experience, people do this all the time and end up not getting their needs met.

Take a moment right now to tune into yourself. How do you feel physically, mentally and emotionally? What do you need?

Try meditation to tap into your own inner wisdom. If you’d like to try one of my guided meditations or meditation techniques, check out my index.

Susan Scott Morales is a meditation teacher, psychotherapist, published poet, novelist, and community contributor to AnnArbor.com. Tweet her @susanscottmoral, reach her at susanmmorales@yahoo.com or visit her website: susanscottmorales.com or find her on Facebook.