The Inner Voice

"One of the main problems that we face as human beings in modern America is a declining sense of responsibility for our own lives. Living in a society where the influences are so powerful, it is very difficult to hear the voice of our own inner power.

The volume of external influences such as television, popular music, and other cultural inputs overwhelm us. Bombarded by fashions, foods, and fads, our appetites remain highly aroused. With images of self-indulgence such as adultery, deception, greed and corruption, it becomes difficult to imagine life in any form. With songs of seduction and easy drug availability, we begin to conclude that these impulses cannot be controlled, but are the inevitable result of living.

With appetites aroused and pleasure-seeking as our only orientation, we are programmed to be taken by any little force that comes our way. The biggest joke of all is that we have the notion that we are the powerful ones, getting, having, and possessing all of the foods, tokens and pleasures that are dangled before us. Instead, we are being had, gotten and actually possessed by the things that we think we own, seduce, or take. The irony is that these things that we have learned to find so attractive are actually the forces that are destroying the one thing of power that we do have, and that is our freedom.

The voice of our freedom or "free will" is a subtle voice that makes itself heard only if we listen to it. There are few things that we do not have power to resist or control if we can listen to this voice and use its power. The voice comes from inside, however, and it becomes necessary to adjust our hearing so that we can listen to the insides of ourselves. The superior powers of the human being are all inner powers. Our muscles, our physical appearance, even our sexuality are all very weak forces in comparison to the inner forces that move the muscles and interpret the physical appearance.

These inner powers are the ones that must be developed both in the individual and on the collective level. With the development of these powers, we can achieve greater responsibility for both our individual and our collective lives."

The above is quoted from one of my favorite books, "The Community of Self" by Dr. Na'im Akbar. In this particular section, "Developing Responsibility For Self" the author speaks of an innate "messenger" we all have -- the inner voice. This inner voice will warn and guide us, if we are wise enough to listen to it. The beauty of this truth is that each of us actually has the answer to every problem we are confronted with.

I just wanted to remind you -- and just as important remind myself -- to start or continue to listen to "The Inner Voice". We won't be guided astray.

If you haven't read "The Community of Self" by Dr. Na'im Akbar. I'd like you to know that it's a short read (only 80 pages). It's a great book and is available online for as little as $11. Check it out and let me know what you think.

Much Love

Soul