Hi Reader!
This week, I reflected on a theme that seemed to echo throughout various conversations and moments of introspection: the power of listening to ourselves.
It all began with a conversation about persistent anxiety, a familiar foe that once plagued my own journey through moments of deep turmoil.
Later, a friend’s reflection on the comfort of hearing her own voice guide her through a restorative yoga practice resonated deeply.
Continuing this theme, today, a participant in the Write Now Mind community beautifully articulated the essence of being our best companion. It struck a chord.
These encounters reminded me of the solace I found in my voice, times when I recorded first words of frustration and then, in response, words of wisdom that became my beacon through various anxiety storms.
Last week, I introduced the idea of writing a love letter to ourselves, exploring the depths of our quirks, and learning from them. But I should have mentioned one crucial step I took: recording that letter and listening to it repeatedly.
During a challenging time while I was writing my memoir, More: Journey to Mystical Union Through the Sacred and the Profane, and revisiting tough times, I spent a year doing this recording and listening practice almost every day—typically when I went out to walk my dog; I still use it sometimes. It is a remarkable tool for accepting ourselves as we find ourselves and realizing the inner wisdom that is always there, even when we don’t feel like it is. It is a tool to help us learn to trust ourselves, discern which voices are harmful and not worth listening to, and which ones are grounded in presence. (Hint: the inner beloved always speaks kindly and lovingly and does not overlay a sense of urgency. When urgent action is needed, the inner beloved acts; it doesn’t talk about it.)
This practice, borrowed from Cheri Huber’s teachings and shared in my book Naked in the Now, is a profound journey inward. It’s about embracing our inner wisdom, our quiet voice of compassion, even when life feels anything but compassionate.
Here’s how you can try it:
- Record yourself pouring out all that weighs on your heart—the doubts, fears, frustrations.
- Listen to yourself; truly listen as if hearing a dear friend confide in you.
- Respond with love and kindness, as you would to that friend in need.
- Erase the first recording, letting go of the negativity.
- Keep and cherish your response, your sweet, loving voice.
It’s a byproduct of living in society to be hard on ourselves. We tend to have high expectations and be disappointed in ourselves for not meeting them. However, we can learn the value of showing ourselves kindness and being our best companion when the world feels lonely.
As I wrote in Naked in the Now, “Life isn’t always easy. We need to feel love. We can offer that unconditional love to ourselves.”
I encourage you to try this practice for three weeks, committing to hearing your voice of compassion. It may prove transformative, offering unwavering support as you navigate life’s ups and downs. (Note: most smartphones have a built-in voice recorder!)
Smiles,
https://marijkemccandless.com
P.S. Okay okay – I’ve said it before…but my publisher says it’s worth repeating! (We authors are so needy!) If you already have your copy of Naked in the Now, please leave a review on Amazon and Goodreads! Just a few words or only a rating is fine!
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Becoming my own best companion |
Kirkus Reviews endorses Naked in the Now!
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