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Simple
Questions; Simple Answers
In it's simplest
form, communication is agreement, disagreement and 'more information needed.'
You can agree with a statement, because you think it is true; you can
disagree with it; or you can remain neutral for a time, waiting to see
what might transpire ... what new information might be gained.
This exercise is much
the same. In beginning to establish internal communication, we must begin
at a basic level. While it is difficult to reach an in-depth understanding
of any issue in these terms – though it is not impossible – there is substantial
information to be gained in simple agreement and disagreement.
While we may consider
the more direct 'Yes' and 'No' to be most meaningful, in fact, the opposite
is true. 'I don't know' or 'uncertain' can be the most interesting
and informative impetus for exploring inner wisdom.
That aside for now, let
us look to the exercise. In this process you will:
- Begin a meaningful
internal dialog
- Establish a 'link'
with your own inner wisdom
- Begin to create an
effective dialog process
Again, it is important
to remain open and positive. Many people experience doubts, as if they
expect something or someone to 'trick' them. An interesting question in
this case is: 'Who or what is doing the tricking?'
Exercise:
Opening Inner Dialog
Begin
with the Centering exercise. Come to the highest, best level of
openness and attentiveness you have achieved. It is not necessary
to achieve 'Nirvana' to continue, but it is important to achieve
a good level of relaxation and centeredness. Trust the feeling
of centeredness. You will know when you are there – certainly
you will know when you are not!
Begin right away
to develop this feeling that things are settled and centered.
This will be an important element in your future development.
Indeed, it is the key to it! Eventually, this feeling itself will
lead you directly to your Center.
Once you are
centered, ask 'Which way is 'Yes?'
There are three
possible directions: Forward/backward, side-to-side and in a circle.
Let your body move in answer to the question. Do not judge the
response. Forward/backward usually suggests agreement, but not
always! Your answers are for you.
If you do not
sense an impulse in any direction, take a deep breath and, as
you exhale, pose the question again. As soon as the exhalation
is complete, you will feel an urge to move. Go with that motion
– whatever it might be – and accept it as 'Yes' for you.
Repeat the procedure,
asking 'Which way is 'No'?' Again accept and remember the response.
Ask again for 'Uncertain' or 'I Don't Know.'
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Repeat
this exercise several times – at least three. This is not a matter of
distrust or disbelief. It is the feeling that is important.
If you sense that something is not quite right, you should check again.
More than the Yes-No-Uncertain
response, it is the feeling that is important to develop. Trust your
feelings. When responses feel right, they are
right.
You will soon realize
that your body doesn't need to move in response. When you have
learned to be centered, the smallest sense of movement will be all you
need.
Expand upon this exercise
over the next several days by:
- Posing some questions
about which you would like an answer, and which can be answered with
'Yes' or 'No.'
- Practice formulating
the questions to be as unambiguous as possible.
- Keep notes in your
Journal, not only about the responses, but also how correct or accurate
they feel to you.
- Do not judge the responses;
only observe.
This exercise can be used
at almost any time and any place. With practice, you will quickly be able
to use this simple code to communicate with your inner wisdom – even in
a crowd.
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