Meditation: Reconnect With Your Inner-Inspiration [ep. 194]

The science is clear that we humans are wired to tap into something deeper than just the surface layer of our day-to-day activities. It doesn't matter your beliefs, this drive for meaning and purpose is universal. That's why we practice having a conversation with our soul or wisest self in the Joy Lab Program. It's a practice we do every month as we work to build our Elements of Joy. If you're not part of the Program, this will likely be a new practice for you. The practice is designed to help you connect with your wise, authentic self and tap into the Elements of Joy in ways that really resonate with you. We thought we'd share this practice with the hope that it opens you up to new avenues of creativity and joy while offering a glimpse into the transformative practices we work on in the full Joy Lab program.

Sources and Notes:

• Joy Lab Program: Take the next leap in your wellbeing journey with step-by-step practices to help you build and maintain the elements of joy in your life.

Full transcript here.

Please remember that this content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice and is not a replacement for advice and treatment from a medical professional. Please consult your doctor or other qualified health professional before beginning any diet change, supplement, or lifestyle program.

Please see our terms for more information.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call the NAMI HelpLine: 1-800-950-6264 available Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m., ET. OR text "HelpLine" to 62640 or email NAMI at [e-mail]. Visit NAMI for more. You can also call or text SAMHSA at 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.

Episode Transcript

(00:00):
Welcome to the Joy Lab podcast,where we help you uncover and

(00:03):
foster your most joyful self.
Your hosts, Dr.
Henry Emmons and Dr.
Aimee Prasek, bring you the ideal mix ofsoulful and scientifically sound tools to
spark your joy, even when it feels dark.
When you're ready to experiment withmore joy, combine this podcast with the
full Joy Lab program over at JoyLab.coach

(00:26):
Hey everyone.
It's me, Aimee.
And we have a little somethingdifferent for you in this episode.
It is a really nice followupthough, to last episode.
We wanted to share this practice with you.
It's something we do in the Joy Labprogram called Dialogue with your Soul.
And it is a really powerful wayfor you to connect with you.

(00:49):
Your wise, resilient self.
And it's a way for you to see, toconnect with inspiration that really
is waiting for you to notice it.
So, that is our element this month.
Inspiration.
Those of you in the program, the Joy Labprogram, this experiment, this Dialogue
with your Soul is waiting for you already.

(01:10):
So you can head overthere to experiment four.
And those of you not in theprogram, this is a wonderful
taste of some of what we do.
So.
All of us, we can grab a journal
if you like to write things down.
Let's get in a comfortableplace where you can have as
little distractions as possible.
Maybe locking yourself in your bathroom,if you need to, I've done that.

(01:33):
Um, and then just settlein for this practice.
First, take just a few momentsto experience the rhythm of your
breathing, to meditate, to do anythingelse that you find quiets your mind.

(01:59):
Just inviting yourself to comeinto this particular moment.
You might notice your breath.
You might notice your body.

(02:21):
Anything that gets you grouted and at thesame time allows your mind to quiet a bit.

(02:46):
Now you are going to invite yourimagination to come into play.
Try to picture yourself justexactly as you are now at this
particular time in your life.
So, seeing that image of yourself,place yourself on a path.

(03:12):
As if you're walking along a forest path.
Maybe you're heading towarda clearing in the woods or a
mountain lake if you prefer.
You create the images thatare most appealing to you.
As you set off on this path,you are going with a purpose.

(03:36):
You're going to meet someone.
You're going to spend some time withthis authentic part of yourself.
Just continue to see yourselfwalking along this path,

(04:01):
knowing that when you get toyour destination, he or she
will be there waiting for you.
Try to see in your mind's eye asmany details as you possibly can.

(04:25):
You might notice the path.
How wide is it?
What's the surface like?
See what's in front of you.
Is it a hill or a mountain orsimply are you surrounded by trees?
Are there streams?

(04:48):
Are there any sounds?
Is there wind rustling through the trees?
Or a sound of water cascadinggently down the hillside?
Or maybe birds singing.
Just let your imagination go.

(05:12):
Likewise, you can notice any smells.
Pine needles, an earthiness, wildflowers,
anything that helps to bringthis more and more to life.
You are getting closer, closerand closer, with each step.

(05:41):
Soon you will be there.
Just notice what you feel.
Is there any sense of anticipation?
Any sense of fear?
Any feeling of boredom, anything?
Just notice and do your best to let it go.

(06:05):
And now you see yourself arrive.
And you greet this other warmly,and you both take a seat.
So take another momentnow just to settle in.
Notice if you can justhow natural this feels.

(06:31):
So first, see if there are anyquestions that are just right
on the surface for you to ask.
If so, work with those.
If not, here are some ideas.

(06:52):
What can I do to staymore open to inspiration?
And when it's gone, how can I beconfident that it will return?

(07:18):
What is it that I evenneed inspiration for?
What is my work or my creativeexpression that is ready to be sparked?
What more do I need to do to preparefor that moment of inspiration?

(07:49):
Once ignited, how can Ikeep the fire burning?
How can I keep doing the workwhen inspiration is not there?
And how will I know when thework is finished and it's time
to just allow the fire to go out?

(08:17):
So whatever question grabs you, justhold it very lightly in your mind.
And if you'd like, writeit down in your journal.
And then sit quietly for amoment, just until some kind of
response begins to come up in you.

(08:40):
Usually is not a fully formed answer.
In fact, it might be just aword or an image or a feeling or
simply an urge to begin writing.
As soon as you feel any hint of aresponse arising, begin writing.

(09:02):
As you do, imagine that it is your wisecompanion who is creating these words.
It's not your usual everyday self.
Without even thinking about whatyou're saying or going to say
next, just let the writing flow.
Or if you're just imaginingthis, just let the words flow.

(09:24):
Go with anything that comes to you.
You don't need to filterit in any way at all.
Do notice that the tone will alwaysbe kind, non judging, and affirming.

(09:46):
I'm going to encourage youto just keep writing until
you have nothing more to say.
And when you are done, pause, closeyour eyes, and take a moment to see if
there's another question that comes up.
And you can do this over and overagain until you feel done for now.

(10:08):
So, if you'd like, you may want to turnoff the audio for a few moments and just
come back to it when you feel that you arecompletely finished with your dialogue.

(10:30):
Okay, take a moment now, just to sitwith your wise companion and thank
them for spending this time together.
Now picture yourself sayinggoodbye, knowing that you can

(10:52):
return anytime you'd like.
So you stand up and you begin walking,going back down the path that you came on.
Again, noticing any detailsthat help to bring this to life.

(11:18):
Before long, you are back to whereyou started, back to the here and now.
You're back to your body in this moment.
Let your awareness return tothe fact that you are sitting.

(11:42):
Let yourself feel thesupport from beneath you.
In fact, the support from all around you.
Put your awareness very lightly onyour heart center, just to notice.

(12:06):
how you feel at this moment.
You might find that youare a little bit more open.
And if that's true for you, justenjoy that feeling for a little bit.
And if that's not truefor you, that is okay too.
It really is.

(12:28):
Just notice and accept whatever it isthat you're experiencing right now.
You can be very confident that youhave received exactly what you needed.
And again, you can return to thisanytime that you feel a need.

(12:54):
Thank you for listeningto the Joy Lab podcast.
If you enjoy today's show, visitJoyLab.coach to learn more
about the full Joy Lab program.
Be sure to rate and review us whereveryou listen to your favorite podcasts.
Please remember that thiscontent is for informational
and educational purposes only.
It is not intended to provide medicaladvice and is not a replacement for advice

(13:17):
and treatment from a medical professional.
Please consult your doctor orother qualified health professional
before beginning any diet change,supplement, or lifestyle program.
Please see our terms for more information.