We all have the little voice inside our head, the one that whispers words of encouragement or articulates warning signs. Some people listen intently to this personal sage, heeding its foresight and prudence. While others never truly welcome its wisdom. This instinctual, insightful, intentional master is often an untapped resource. It knows us better than we know ourselves, for it can be unbiased and unrelenting. But, the din of its whisper is only audible if we choose to hear it.
It senses our wants and desires and yet leads us to where our needs will be met. It understands our frustration and listens to us rant and vent, all the while helping us calm down and accept our situation. It never yields to pressure. This mental murmur reverberates within our mind and spirit, reminding us to focus, clarifying our mixed emotions and making them tangible. This voice, this utterance, this fluency of thought- can it be honed, sharpened, strengthened?
When as a teacher I watch and listen to my students interact, I learn a lot about their inner voices: those moments before they speak, the distant stares I see when they are processing new information, their thoughtfulness. I recognize the importance of reminding my students about the presence of this cerebral censor that constantly guides them and nurtures their ego and intellect. It is a moral compass that nudges them in the right direction. But, we often lose contact with this craftsman, the builder of our character and personality. We need to be taught how to reforge communication because this is what makes us unique, individual and mindful.
How can we help our students find a bridge between their actions and the little voice inside their head? When the sounds of dissent and confusion are upon them, how can we train them to stop and listen and accept the advice of their own conscience? As adults we often meditate or contemplate in silence until the answer presents itself. These are skills that apply to young adults as well. A turn of phrase I use in all of my classes is "Concentrate, mediate then execute. Use the silence as the canvas on which to paint your impact on the world. Do you want it to be a masterpiece or junk mail?"
If we teach our students to listen to others, as well as themselves, they will hone this skill on their own. It will become a part of their daily interactions. I have my students write questions to themselves, asking their personal sage for advice. I do the same. I am trying to get them to be comfortable with the choices they make. To believe in themselves. To solidify their listening skills, interpersonal relationships and individual identity. As humans we often 'follow the pack' or yield to peer pressure but if we can provide our students with strategies to find and embrace their essential foundation, they will begin to rely on it, rather than the ideals of others. They will find their purpose and the strength within themselves to stay the course, light the way for others and be beacons of change in situations of conflict.
It all begins with a belief in ourselves. An understanding of not only the way we think but how we want to think. How we want to see the world. Our inner voice should never be muted but rather broadcast from every corner of our being because it is the call to action and the yawp of mindful reason. Every day I take a moment to tune into the frequency of my exclusive transmission: thoughts and ideas, sights and sounds that make up my reality. Each of us has our own oscillation and pulsation of truth all we need to do is believe it is there and dial in to its wisdom. This is what shapes us and provides us with the spectrum of colors that we use to make our impact on those around us.
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