August 31, we observed the 20th anniversary of Princess Diana’s death. My daughter and I watched a couple of the many television programs commemorating her life. I found myself paying close attention to “Diana: Her Own Words” based on the interviews she gave for Andrew Morton’s book, Diana: Her True Story.
“Everyone who wills can hear their inner voice. It is within everyone.” ~Mahatma Ghandi
What struck me most as I listened to Diana reflect on her life was the number of times she referred to “the voice inside.” Throughout, her inner voice of wisdom spoke to her powerfully and humbly. Despite all the hoopla that surrounded her, she noticed and observed the wisdom that lived within her. She did not always heed the wisdom revealing the truth aligned with her soul.
I suppose I took note of this part of Diana’s story because I could relate. I, too, did not always heed the guidance coming from my inner voice of wisdom. I paid more attention to outside influences than to nudges from my soul. It is in that juncture that true suffering is born. It is part of what contributed to my awakening to grace being so long.
“I took note of this unmistakable warning–the first time I had received such an unambiguous message from the still, small voice of wisdom within. The next day I tried to give expression … I was unable to advocate for myself. Sadly, I possessed little relationship with my depths, my inner voice of wisdom. … I didn’t know myself or the importance of choosing a path in alignment with my soul.” ~excerpts from A Long Awakening to Grace.
Just as Diana did, I tried to make the best of the wrong turns I had taken in my life. I discovered that if I kept my heart open and trusting, I would learn valuable lessons along the way.
- All is not lost when we take a wrong turn.
- There are treasures to be found in our suffering and in our search for the meaning of our life.
- In silence and stillness, and sometimes in our dreams, we are more likely to hear our inner voice of wisdom.
- Contemplative writing often results in wisdom flowing from our pen. (We can experience wisdom flowing from any form of meditation or artistic expression.)
- In nature, if we pay attention, Divine wisdom and guidance often emerges.
“If you have a deep desire to move forward, a way is being prepared for you.” ~Bryant McGill
It was speculated that Diana was looking for a new way to move forward in her life when she died at thirty-six. And while we will never know the extent of the life lessons she learned in her short life, it was clear to me as I watched this program that she had already learned a few valuable lessons. Perhaps the intensity of her experience forced her to learn more quickly. I have no doubt that if she had lived, she would have grown in her ability to trust her “voice inside.”
Fortunately for me, I had many more years to learn to listen to the still small voice of wisdom within me … to glean the treasures from my life experience…treasures I share in
I do and will continue looking forward to hearing ‘YOUR inner voice of wisdom’ when expressed as it is also one of my guides…..
Diana, you honor me. I hope to be worthy of your faith in me.
Linda, so very meaningful. Thank you for once again inspiring me. Hugs.
So nice to hear that what I wrote was meaningful and inspiring. Hugs to you and hope sometime before long they can be in person.
Still learning………..getting better at listening to my inner voice. We are blessed that you listened to yours and gave us your memoir!
Isn’t that part of the journey, Ruth … to be still learning. I find that is what makes it worthwhile. For so many reasons, I’m glad I have learned to listen to my inner voice of wisdom … and most of the time I actually heed its guidance.
Anxious to get your book and read it. My husband will order it for me!
Susan K. Beall
Appreciate your interest in reading my book, Susan. I’ll be interested to know what you think after you’ve read it. It is available on Amazon now.
Lovely, Linda. A masterful weaving of Diana’s story and your own. Looking forward to reading Awakening to Grace, such a beautiful title and cover and fascinating quotation from the book.
Thank you, Mary Jo, Was great to connect with you by phone yesterday. Don’t forget the “Long” in the title. It was a LONG journey of awakening for sure. Glad you like the title and cover. The title was a gift from the Universe. I had a lot of human hands helping with the cover and am very pleased with how it turned out.