Being An Expert

Over the past few weeks, I have been doing a course by Ram Dass. The former psychologist turned spiritual leader is known for being somewhat of an expert on mindfulness. Given my own experience in mindfulness, I am not an expert.

Whilst the course was very interesting and he did make me think and challenge my own belief system. I do not agree with all that he had to say.

For example, his concept of loving everyone equally, even people you do not know. This may be a concept of mindfulness in his eyes and I may be deemed as not being spiritually mature, but I still have my favourites. There are some peopled that are more dear to me than others.

Whilst I do believe that it is good to have an open mind and allow yourself to be challenged by others, including experts. It doesn’t mean that you are not able to stand firm in what works for you. Just because Ram Dass is regarded as an expert, that doesn’t mean what he says is right for everyone.

Deep down inside you know what is right for you. You know what you believe or perhaps you aren’t sure. So, you listen to friends or ‘experts’ to give you an idea of what they believe but at the end of the day, it’s up to you.

It is your life and you decide what it is that you believed. Society will try and convince you of just about anything depending on what you read or who you listen to, but the most important person to listen to regardless of how renowned they are, is yourself.

You are an expert in your own life. You are the one that knows exactly what is right for you. No one else. Sometimes you look to others for support or guidance but they are not you. You are the expert in your own life.

Just like when you go for an interview. They interview you because you are the one that knows yourself best and the potential employer is wanting to know who you are.

In a world where we are overstimulated with information and media, it can get confusing at times. You were born with an internal guiding system. That little voice that says yes or no, or just gives you a feeling that something isn’t right. Listen to it. It is never wrong.

If you are quite enough, you will know what is right for you. All the overthinking is just noise. You know in your heart what you believe and what is right for you.

Your beliefs may change over time and that is OK as it is part of growth, but ultimately you know what is right for you. Listen to that. Listen to yourself. 

Even if other people give their opinion on what they believe is best for your life. They are only talking from their own experience which is different from yours. You always know best, always.

Trust yourself!