Consider this fable by Aesop:
The Ass & His Driver
An Ass was being driven along a road leading down the mountain side when he suddenly took it into his silly head to choose his own path. He could see his stall at the foot of the mountain, and to him the quickest way down seemed to be over the edge of the nearest cliff. Just as he was about to leap over, his master caught him by the tail and tried to pull him back, but the stubborn Ass would not yield and pulled with all his might.
“Very well,” said his master, “go your way, you willful beast, and see where it leads you.”
With that he let go, and the foolish Ass tumbled head over heels down the mountain side.
Though this wise, old fable focuses on interpersonal communication, I would add that the communication we receive from within ourselves, our intuition, connection to Source, or whatever we may call it, is even more important. If we cultivate an awareness of how we receive wisdom, then we can avoid much chaos and pain. I believe with a little consistent effort with self-reflection and turning inward, we can build a bridge to a powerful personal guidance system.
Many of us were not taught the value of stillness when we were young. Others might have been raised in a restrictive environment where meditation was something foreign and forbidden. And still others may feel that this way of knowing is only open to psychics or people who have “the gift.” I’ll tell you a big secret: We were all born with the gift! We just need to recognize it, honor it, and make sure we listen when it calls to us.
There really is no right or wrong way to be still. Whether it is an elaborate ritual with sound and scents or lighting a single candle for meditation, the more we make a regular practice of stillness and reflection, the more aware and in tune we become with our wisest Selves. And we are upon the New Year! What a perfect season to become still, to listen, to reflect, to make the intention of deepening this most precious gift, inner wisdom.
Dianne Bachman, LCSW 