Following Your Inner Voice: Learning to listen to your Soul
“Thomas said to him, “Master, we do not know where you are going; how can we know the way?” ~ Jn 14:5
Today, I’m using the Gospel of John, chapter 14, verses one through six, as inspiration for a life lesson I am currently learning.
This time, Jesus is talking about preparing the way and alluding to his resurrection and ascension to heaven. In verse 4 he says, “Where I am going you know the way.” And, that troubles Thomas a bit. So, Thomas’ logical mind jumps in and says, “Sorry, Jesus but we don’t really know where you’re going, so how can you claim we know the way there?”
This interaction with Thomas reminded me of the journey I’m on related to this idea of trusting the Father, trusting the spirit to tell me where to go.
I’ve discovered there is truth in Jesus’ statement. There is truth in already knowing what I’m supposed to do and where I’m supposed to go. I already know everything and anything I need to succeed in life here on Earth.
My problem is that truth is not a logical knowing. It’s a spiritual one. It is what some people refer to as instinct. We have an instinct to know what is the right thing for us at any given moment in time. We simply tend to ignore it. We tend to ignore this voice because it is subtle. It tends to be a light touch, a whisper, or some small nudge in a certain direction.
I ignore the nudge with statements like:
- Well…that doesn’t make any sense
- That doesn’t align with my plan
- That doesn’t align with what other people tell me is the right way to live life
- That doesn’t align with my planning, time management schedule, strategy, and vision
It is a weird experience because we are accustomed to thinking there’s a strategy to life. I’m guessing that back in Jesus’ days, there was some planning but there was also a lot of room for listening, prayer, meditation, walking around, and observing nature to allow life to catch up. That doesn’t seem to be as available these days.
When it comes down to it, I have noticed that if I can settle my mind enough, I’m able to disconnect from all the things that cloud my head for a few minutes, I get to a place where I quiet down enough that I’m able to sense what is the answer.
Surprisingly, I discovered the answers are not extensive. The answers are either yes, no, or not right now. Additionally, the answer doesn’t necessarily come with an emotion attached to them. It’s a clear yes no, or not right now.
I wonder, isn’t that what Jesus was saying when he said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life,” in response to Thomas. Like, trust that we are all one. And, if I’m one with the Father, then I’m able to access all that wisdom and knowledge.
But, the trick is disconnecting ourselves from the earthly things so that we can allow this spirit, this soul, to talk to God, to connect with that space that knows everything and anything. From there, we’ll receive whatever the next step might be.
It’s a very interesting proposition to me because I’m very logical and intellectual, but it’s proving to be true. If it’s real for me, it might as well be real for you. Maybe, you want to give it a try.
In peace,
~Juan
