After being on the airline on a trip suddenly I realized I wasn’t hearing well in my left ear. I went for a week or so feeling like one ear was plugged up until I could get to a doctor and find out the cause.  I tried multiple home remedies but nothing seemed to work.  I was pretty sure it was a wax build up, but until I knew I imagined what it would be like going without being able to hear. It was quite challenging not being able to comprehend things that people were telling me and feeling rather stupid.  It really made me so much aware of how much I depend on my hearing.  Finally I got in to a doctor and they did that inner irrigation of the wax and voila my hearing returned.  I was so relieved!

Being the therapist that I am, I always look for the growth in all of these experiences I go through. What I was aware of is when I tuned out a lot of the sounds from the external world …. conversations about what people think of me… and feeling like I was somewhat intelligent in my conversing with others,  I was more aware of hearing what my internal world was communicating.  It was an interesting opportunity to listen to those inner feelings, impressions, and not be so drawn to the physical needs to win others approval or be so outwardly focused on performing well.

I do believe there is a gift in everything we experience.  I feel like many times we don’t tune into those inner feelings, voices, and guidance that is available to us. It takes quieting our mind and being able to slow down and listen. What I find many times with people is their analytical mind kicks in and they hear from their head with all the “shoulds” rather than what is in their heart of hearts. Usually the messages are more spontaneous than having to try to figure them out and wrestle with what you are hearing.

Don’t get me wrong sometimes when we are making a decisions we have to evaluate the pros and cons and determine what is best which does require a little of our analytical thinking. But many of the times over thinking gets in our way and creates a blockage to our connecting to our emotions and intuitive guidance.I was able to release the feelings and pain I was experiencing over feeling so incoherent.  Suddenly a new level of peace has come over me and I am feeling freedom to listen better to those inner feelings and move through them when they come up.

I encourage you to try during this holiday season to listen better, slow down, and hear what you really think you need rather than just reacting to all the “shoulds” that come up in our minds.  Many times the “shoulds” condemn us and tell us we haven’t done enough.  We haven’t pleased enough relatives, or done enough of the right gift giving. I can remember my mother walking away from Christmas gift giving feeling so discouraged because she hadn’t pleased us enough with what she had given. The reality is you won’t be able to please everyone so let go of that expectation and you will be a lot happier.

Here’s to better hearing and listening to our inner world!