Syndicated Columns

Listen to your inner voice for life's signs

Posted September 9, 2006

Q. I am at a crossroad in my life and uncertain how to proceed. What signs do I look for that can help me move forward confidently? -- M.D., Boca Raton

A. The signs you are looking for can be direct or subtle; they can come from within or from without.

Direct internal signs come through dreams, in meditation and from your inner voice.

Subtle internal signs may take the form of an inclination or a nudging to act or move in a certain direction.

Direct external signs may show up through conversation with family, friends and mentors.

More subtle external signs may take the form of a book finding its way into your hand, a movie that provokes greater awareness or hearing the lyrics in a song.

Many people use experiences with nature, the appearance of specific animals or serendipitous events to gain insight and help them take right action.

"If you need wisdom -- if you want to know what God wants you to do -- ask him, and he will gladly tell you. He will not resent your asking" (James 1:5).

When looking for guidance, it is wise to establish your willingness to receive direction.

Be on the alert. Look for the signs. Awaken all your senses and allow even the small indicators to contribute to gaining awareness. You will then have greater confidence to move forward.

Leo Tolstoy offers this wisdom: "The means to gain happiness is to throw out from oneself like a spider in all directions an adhesive web of love, and to catch in it all that comes."

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