- The Genius of Your Inner Wisdom
- By: Jennifer Snyder
Stop everything you’re doing
for a moment…
Erase all of those racing thoughts
and fragmented to-do lists from your mind.
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Take a nice, deep breath…
and another.
Feel your heart rate slowing
down.
Now, whisper to yourself, “What
do I most need in this moment?”
Feel your excitement and hopefulness
rise at the prospect that you’re finally focusing on your
own needs. The notion almost brings goose bumps to your skin,
doesn’t it?
“What do I most need in
this moment?”
Wait a minute…don’t
allow your mind to race ahead, or give you seventeen reasons
why you can’t take time for whatever answer might be coming
forth.
You can take time… perhaps
you must take time.
Several years ago I heard best-selling
author, Jennifer Louden, ask just this question. |
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“What do you most need in
this moment?”
I considered this a fascinating
query and turned to my list endearingly labeled “Fun Projects”.
Disappointingly, while the activities looked entertaining for
someone wanting to do something, none of them resonated with
me in that moment.
Shortly thereafter, the question
was long forgotten.
Fast-forward to the middle of
last month. Life was a whirlwind, my nerves were unraveling,
and my birthday was approaching.
Traditionally, I don’t work
on my birthday and began to contemplate celebratory activities.
I could travel to Los Angeles but even the thought of jumping
on a plane felt frenzied and exhausting. I had been longing for
the east coast surf but my husband and I were planning a weekend
there together. A trip to Washington DC sounded like fun but
I want to wait to see the baby panda at the National Zoo.
Why do these ideas leave me feeling
even more tired, I wondered.
“Oh, what do I most need
in this moment?” I begged to know.
And, in a flash, my heart answered
me…
I need a leisurely bath with
plenty of hot water and Origins salt scrub. I need to read an
Oprah magazine in bed at a time when I should be working. I need
to devour a large cola Slurpee. I need to research the ideas
that have kept me awake with excitement. I need to hear my favorite
songs. I need a slice of pizza with feta cheese and fresh tomatoes.
I need to be surrounded by friends and family. I need a hazelnut
candle and apple martinis. I need to be enveloped by Fall. I
need a grocery store birthday cake with thick, sickeningly sweet
vanilla frosting. And, I need a walk in Duke Gardens at an hour
when it’s silent except for the loud squawks of migratory
geese.
It was everything I needed to
restore my energy and soothe my soul. And it was how I spent
my most relaxing day in years.
Now, sit back. Quiet your mind.
Take a deep breath. And ask…
“What do I most need in
this moment?” |
