What distinguishes the voice of our inner knower from the voice in our head which we call “thinking?”

Our inner knower always directs us in a way that’s for our own good. Because the inner knower is aware of everything at all times, it can access and provide us with just what we need to know when we need to know it.

We can know when an answer comes from our inner knower because it evokes no fear in us, just acceptance. There is a sense of deep peace that we are on the right track. There's no uncertainty in the knowing, no further questioning, no room for doubt or hesitation.  

If we are guided by our inner knower to take action, it will be appropriate action, carried out with grace and ease. Any action we take will lead to wholeness or some other positive outcome, not only for ourselves but for all concerned.

The Importance of Asking Questions

Just as we can’t win the lottery without buying a ticket, we can’t get answers from our inner knower unless we ask it questions. “Ask and you will receive” is the key.  

Questions are powerful—and most powerful when they are addressed to our inner knower. Ask for guidance, for answers, and to know what the best solution in a particular situation is.

Once you have asked, let the question go. Then wait with confidence that the answer will come at the perfect time.

If possible, go into stillness immediately or shortly after you pose your question to your inner knower. In that stillness, just listen. In other words, become like a radio receiver. You may not receive your answer at the time. However, this extra step of going into stillness will assist you with becoming attuned to your inner knower so that you are ready to receive the information when it's given, ensuring you don't carelessly miss it.

When we go within and pose a question or make a request for guidance, sometimes the answer comes instantly or shortly thereafter. At other times, we must be patient. At such times, we need to wait, to listen, and to watch—but not with any kind of “begging” or agonizing. This is the kind of waiting that’s restful, trustful. There's no anxiety at all.

Why watch? Because our inner knower often speaks to us not only through the still inner voice, but also through things that happen in our life—people we encounter, what they say to us, incidents that occur, repetitive occurrences, synchronicity, or “signs” that may come to us from varied sources including nature.

The more we ask of our inner knower, the more we develop our inner ears to hear its voice—and the more confident we become in living our life from the inside out, as it was always meant to be lived.

Such security is especially helpful in these times of confusion and great uncertainty. With the widespread availability of information through various forms of media and the worldwide web, never before have there been so many outside voices competing for our attention, and never before have they seemed to be more varied and conflicting.

Ask your inner knower for discernment. In the past, we used to have to discern a piece of yarn in the tapestry of our life that just didn’t belong there. But in these times, we may need to discern a thread of finest silk in that same tapestry.

If you don’t yet make use of your inner knower, start by experimenting with it in some small aspect of your life. You may want to begin by asking for help with simple things such as finding your glasses or your car keys. Then ask it if there is anything in a serial dream you have been having over several months that would be helpful for you to “see.” Ask for help in writing a paper for your English Literature class, then wait for the inspiration to flow.

When you bring a large life issue to your inner knower, such as whether you are to leave a marriage or change career, you will likely have to “sit” with your question for some time—perhaps until the situation changes and the question is no longer relevant, or until you are ready to hear the guidance because it's different from what you were hoping for.

In such a situation, it’s also possible the guidance you need will be given in stages, not all at once. We are guided one step at a time, as we actually require the guidance. This is because our inner knower never reveals anything that may cause us fear. It always knows what we are ready to accept at any particular time.

Opportunity for Self-inquiry and Sharing

A.  Intentionally ask your inner knower several sincere questions. Then be open to receive the answers. Later, share your experience in doing this. Did the answers come? How did they come?