Only our soul can guide us towards our true destiny: the life we were meant to live when we were born. Often referred to as our true, authentic self, our soul knows what kind of life will make us feel whole and complete. Unfortunately, for most of us, this original, natural, self, has been buried under layer upon layer of social conditioning, programming and learned, “unnatural” behaviour, responses, desires and needs.

Instead of an authentic self we have a false self, a self that suits the requirements of others and the larger society we are a part of. If we are ever to fulfill our true potential, feel whole and complete within ourselves, or reach enlightenment, we need to begin searching for our “lost” soul.

Hidden deep within our psyche our soul speaks to us through feelings and desires and so it is with these that we must begin. By turning our attention inwards, by reflecting upon and examining what is really going on inside us, and then being scrupulously honest with ourselves, we can begin the process of identifying what it is our soul longs for and yearns to experience.

We need to take the time to reflect on and examine the different aspects of our life and our relationships; to ask ourselves if we are truly happy with the way things are. Then we must ask ourselves what would make us happy, what would make our heart sing, what would make us fall in love with ourselves, our work, the life we live?

Perhaps, even when you have done this, you don’t know for sure what it is you truly want, perhaps you only know that you want “more” or “better” than what you have now. This is ok. You have still made progress, you have still made contact with your soul and heard its’ call.

If you can identify what or who in your life is not serving you in some way, you have made tremendous progress. By “serving you,” I don’t mean pandering to you in any way. I mean, anyone or anything that is making you sad or depressed, or unhappily burdened in some way, or feel worthless, bad about yourself, guilty, or is - you believe - holding you back or preventing you from achieving your heart’s desire.

Now shed everything and everyone from your life that doesn’t serve you. Do it now, today, as soon as possible.

I can tell you are shocked rigid, possibly feeling anxious or depressed and/or scared at the idea that you should shed everything and everyone that is not serving your highest, most glorious path of evolution. I mean, it’s a very scary idea, isn’t it? Your life would change instantly and dramatically. Worst of all, you’d be leaving behind all that is familiar. It would mean leaving your safety zone,  abandoning your comfort blanket And you would have to start taking responsibility for your own life and happiness. You couldn’t blame anyone or anything else any more for holding you back. You’d be out there. On stage for all to see and watch. No longer hiding in the wings . . . I’m sure you get my drift.

Scary.

Freeing.

Empowering.

If you are having a strong emotional reaction to the idea of shedding, it’s only because you have been programmed and conditioned to put other people’s wishes, feelings, needs and welfare, before your own. (I’m not talking about shedding those who are truly dependent on you for their survival and health, I’m talking about those people whose lives you make better at the expense of your own happiness and personal fulfillment) If staying in the same old place, same job, same old role, serving the same old people, brings you happiness and joy, fantastic. If it doesn’t, ask yourself why you put up with it.

Again, be honest with yourself. Hold nothing back. Do you remain at your job, for example, or serve other people, only because you feel you “ought” to, or “should”do? Or is it because you would feel guilty, selfish, if you put your own desires and feelings first?

If you do feel guilty or selfish, it’s only because you have been programmed and conditioned to have that kind of response. In fact, you have probably been programmed and conditioned to respond to any suggestion that you should put your needs and wants first with absolute horror. But, Who, do you think, that kind of response serves? Is it you, or someone else? Who is benefitting from your staunch commitment to self-sacrifice? From your loyal, devoted service? And are they worthy recipients of such devotion and service?

Or, do you feel anxious because you are afraid to pursue your dreams? Afraid to be different? Afraid of what other people might think of you? Be honest. It’s ok. In fact, everything’s ok, because even your fears, guilt feelings and beliefs, are the result of your past conditioning. They are not part of the “original” you; you aquired them, they are part of your false self.

So what we need to do next is go back, right back to infancy and childhood to find out how you exchanged (lost) your authentic self, and aquired a false one; a false self that seems to have been programmed to serve other people’s needs and requirements.

I’ll be back in a few days to talk about this next step in the search for your authentic, true self. In the meantime, continue to strengthen the communication between your conscious mind and your soul by regular reflection and self-examination. You might also like to give some thought to why you don’t feel entitled to have or be what you want, when there are lots of people in the world who obviously do feel a sense of entitlement.

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