Listening to our own Good Advice

“You are the Truth from foot to brow. Now, what else would you like to know?” declares Rumi. Can it really be that simple? And can it really be that true?! 

One of the self-care insights I’ve shared with my clients over the years is this: 

‘Remember what has worked for you in the past. Likely beneath all the doubts, fears, recriminations, and self-criticism that are swirling around your head, you hear a few faint and muffled words of your own good advice telling you what is good for you. This counsel may be barely audible, but listen carefully to it. Unbeknownst to you, you already have everything you need to be happy, including the wisdom you have developed over your life so far’. 

That sounds a bit like Rumi. I’ve shared it for decades now, though the author is unknown, as far as I can tell. I share it again now because people tell me they've experienced these recent pandemic years as some of the most stressful in their living memory. 

They tell me there've been opportunities for growth too, and for remembering what has always worked for them. I've been wondering how more people can more fully tap into this inner wisdom - what they’ve drawn on in the past to keep themselves feeling centred during challenging times. 

Here are some questions to ask yourself that might remind you of your precious life learnings so far - the 'faint and muffled words of your own good advice'. 

'How have I tackled the problem up till now, and what has helped?

'What do I need right now? What can I do for myself today to help me?' 

‘What has helped me deal with personal troubles or life transitions in the past’?

'What did I do that helped me overcome these past adversities?'

'What qualities do I have within me that have helped me overcome challenges in the past?'

‘How would a trusted friend advise me in this moment?' 

'If my friend had the same problem, what would I think his/her goal would be? What solutions would he or she find?'

'When I'm at my best, what does that look like? What am I doing then?'

‘What is good and going well in my life right now?’

‘What uplifts or delights my soul and allows me to lose track of time?’