When something in your life is off balance and you need guidance, who or what do you turn to? What if you can connect to yourself so that you always know how to find the answer to any life question?

Your magnificent inner guide…

Believe or not, we’re all wise. We all have this great depth of knowledge that speaks to every question we wish to answer. My truth may be different from your truth, but it is truth nonetheless.

Too often, though, the ego–the fear–drowns out truth. Fear can be so loud that we reach out externally–to others, to jobs, to substances, to facebook–to give us the wisdom that we seek. Because externals can’t give us the answers we need for self-love, resentment, self-hate, and doubt manifest.

For example, I used to berate myself when I didn’t enjoy going to crowded bars. For too long, I thought there was something wrong with me. I kept trying to change into someone else and listen to others advice. It was making them happy, why didn’t it work for me?

“When you’re trying to make something happen, you’re communicating with your ego. Your [inner guide] won’t ask you to change anything on the outside. Instead it will guide you to change your mind.” -Gabrielle Bernstein

Indeed, my inner guide was there the whole time just waiting to be heard. I was seeking some sort of external answer when really the only thing I needed was to listen internally.

I’m referring to the nagging voice deep down, the gut, the intuition, that is telling you something is off–that there is something more. That voice inside me was screaming!

When you can’t decipher between what your inner guide is saying and what your head is saying, the inner guide is likely the less popular, more uncomfortable choice.

How can you connect to your inner guide?

Begin by knowing that you have an inner guide. Notice times in your life when you feel at peace, when something feels wrong, when foods make you feel good. In others words, feel. We have a tendency to run from too much sensation, so if you struggle with this, start small. Feel the clothes you’re wearing. Feel the air on your skin. Try to get in touch with your body.

When you begin to connect with your reactions, move forward with the communication.

I recently began a daily practice of prayer, talking to my inner guide, and meditation, listening for the answer, inspired by Gabrielle Bernstein…

She recommends asking your inner guide, “Where would you have me go? What would you have me do? What would you have me say? And to whom? ” I like to tack on the question, “How would you have me live?”

Then I do a 5-10 minute meditation. On the inhale, I say “I welcome guidance.” On the exhale, I say, “I will receive guidance.” The prayer is putting energy into the universe that I am going to trust myself. The meditation is surrendering to my inner guide.

Every answer is inside of you. When you connect with your inner guide, you will discover that.