Wisdom at Work
by Eric Klein
In a society of dizzying complexity we have become ever more dependent of the expertise of specialists to solve our problems. Medically we have divided the body into pieces, with each piece being cared for by a different specialist. Our homes and offices are filled with computer operated equipment that require specially trained technicians to diagnose and repair. This pattern of reliance on outer authorities has separated many of us from the innate intuitive capacity to guide our own personal and professional lives. We look for answers outside, rather than from within. Yet, there is an unerring source of wisdom within you - and everyone else in your workplace.
Acknowledging this is an important step. The idea is not to discredit external authorities - but rather to reclaim your own authority - not in an egotistical way but in a recognition that you have more to offer than you have previously allowed. The next step is to begin to exercise your intuitive muscles. They may have atrophied from neglect! Learning to listen to your inner knowing takes practice.
Do you remember the childhood game "telephone" where a message was progressively whispered from person to person and finally spoken aloud. The predictable and hilarious result was a garbled version of the original message which had been reshaped by the interpretations, assumptions, and deletions of many receivers. Well, we are in a similar situation when it comes to listening to our inner wisdom.
When we start out, our minds are filled with hopes, fears, and preconceptions that automatically distort the messages coming from our wisdom source. What we end up with, like the results of the telephone game, no longer reflects the authentic wisdom message.
When we turn inward for guidance it is important that we be truly empty of hopes, fears, preconceptions. Wisdom speaks to us in simple ways. It presents us with the direct, though not always easy, path to greater fulfillment. Wisdom does not scheme or manipulate.
In seeking guidance from your inner wisdom, be honest. Before "listening" take the time to clear your mind by examining and identifying the various hopes, dreams and fears that fill your inner being. Momentarily let them go.
Affirm your wish to know the truth, regardless of whether it conforms with your desires or beliefs. Become genuinely and passionately committed to living and working in a way that is truthful.
From this state turn inward and be still. Pose your question in a simple and unambiguous way. Await the reply. It will often come instantaneously. Like dropping a pebble into a quiet pond, there will be a response.
Follow the guidance of inner wisdom and observe the results in your life.
Again, be honest. By observing the results of acting on your inner wisdom you gain valuable feedback. As your ability to listen becomes clearer and clearer, your confidence will grow and your reliance on external authorities will lessen. Your life and work will become a moment-to-moment pattern that flows consciously from deep within.
|
