Many years ago, when my husband and I were experiencing multiple challenges of the death of a parent and loss of a job, I had a blast from the quiet voice of my soul that shook me to my core.

I will never forget. One evening while I was preparing dinner in the kitchen, my mind was completely overtaken by the critical and fearful voice. I’m sure you know the one!

I remember yelling out to the universe with my mind the question, “Why do we have to feel so much fear?!”

In a microsecond, an answer appeared in my mind so loud that it drowned out the fearful diatribe. The answer was, “To learn not to be afraid.”

This was not the voice of my ego. In a microsecond, it silenced that voice, and I stood there in shock.

Once I recovered from my shock, I sent a thank you to the voice that yelled that answer into my mind. It wasn’t the answer I wanted to hear, but it was what I needed to know in that moment. And it gave me great courage.

THE EGO’S VOICE: voice of protection

The voice of the ego is usually laced with fear. It speaks only from the level of the personality and is devoid of any connection or understanding of inspiration and creativity. It’s main role it to protect you.

This is the voice we usually give free reign to in our minds. This is the voice we attempt to silence during meditation.

Why we give such a voice free reign is beyond comprehension! This voice can destroy self-esteem, relationships, confidence and everything that we hold dear.

The mantra – know thyself – has been taught by most of the greatest teachers this planet has produced. Where this learning starts is with knowing, understanding, and transforming this critical voice of the ego.

I say transforming instead of silencing. Attempting to silence this voice often leads to intensifying it. Understanding its purpose and enlisting its support can decrease errors, increase productivity and literally change your life.

The critical voice is an essential part of your brain’s learning process. When you make a mistake, there is an electrical jolt from your medial-frontal cortex. Scientists call it the ‘oops’ response.

Because the language of this critical voice is couched in disapproval, from mild to extreme, (you idiot! or that’s stupid! and so on) many of us get caught up in an emotional reaction towards the disapproval.

We end up focusing on the emotional reaction instead of what the learning message is that created the electrical signal in the brain in the first place.

It’s important for you to remember that this critical voice is not who you are. It is a learning mechanism hard-wired into your brain. It is essential to your survival. Whether that is a bear chasing you in the forest or you are giving a presentation at work.

So, let’s explore some ways to enlist the support of the ‘know-it-all’ in your head. Here are a few tips for transforming the voice of the ego:

1. Gratitude

When the critical voice pipes up with its negative or disapproving diatribe about a mistake, thank the voice for keeping you safe and bringing to your attention something that needs to be learned. Focus on what is to be learned.

2. The Real You

If this critical voice pushes emotional buttons, remember that it is NOT who you are. This voice is a learning mechanism. It uses negative or disapproving stimulation to get your attention. If you continue to dwell on and/or believe its negative diatribe, you give it importance beyond its purpose.

3. Reframe

Do you find the critical voice using the words, should, would, could, a lot? These words are favorites. Instead, ask your critical voice to use phrases like “Let’s try this next time” or “let’s try it differently next time.”

4. Kindness

Be kind and compassionate towards yourself. Many of us give this critical voice more credence than it deserves. Remember – it is NOT you.

THE SOUL’S VOICE: voice of inner guidance

The soul’s voice often speaks when the critical voice is quiet. Unless you are completely overwhelmed, like I was. Then it will YELL at you.

This voice has nothing to do with quick fixes. This voice has your long-term plan in mind and your purpose.  (Your soul wants you to grow, be happy and be in peace.)

The soul’s voice shows up in two ways:

1.  One aspect of this voice shows up when you are engaged in something that you are passionate about. Passion connects this voice to your highest inspiration.

This voice also connects us with each other and speaks with compassion.

This voice expresses itself through you in ways that show your brilliance and move other people’s hearts. Like music, art, gardening, crafts, sports, cooking and so many more!

2. Another aspect of the soul’s voice is the quiet inner voice of the soul.
This voice speaks clearly and carries a deep ring of truth, even if it is a truth that you don’t want to hear. This voice is compassionate, patient and loving.

This voice is best heard when you are quiet and the critical voice is silenced. The soul’s voice can change your life with a few quiet words that shake your entire being.

EXERCISE to listen to the Soul’s Voice:

1. Breath

Breathe deeply.  Notice the air moving in and out. Notice how the air fills the top, middle and bottom of your lungs.

2. The Pause

Begin to notice beginning and ending of your breaths. Notice the small pause at the end of the exhale and at the end of the inhale. After a few breaths of noticing the pauses, you may experience them getting longer. Continue to focus on the pauses between inbreath and outbreath and allow them to lengthen.

3. Ask

Ask a question during the pause and listen for an answer. You might receive an answer in words, or images or feelings. Here are a few examples of questions you might ask…

• What is true for me?
• What feels right?
• What feels good?
• What is my next step?

4. Listen

If you feel you didn’t get a response. Be patient. You might need a little more practice to hear this voice. Remember, answers may appear as words, images or feelings. Or even a synchronicity following the exercise.

5. Journal

Journal your answers.

The quiet voice of the soul brings to us the solutions to many of the problems we face as a human family. As we all learn to listen and to tell the difference between the voice of the ego and the voice of the soul, we will find our way back to the brilliant beings that sit in the heart of every one of us.

You are at your most brilliant and effective when you understand these voices and create ways for them to work together.

 

In Health and Harmony,