Chapter 1: The Birth of a New Perspective

Reflecting on the past, if someone had asked me a decade ago whether I would ever venture into entrepreneurship, my immediate response would have been a disbelieving "No way!" Even five years ago, I would have answered similarly. However, during my tenure as a Deputy Headteacher, I adopted the mantra “pause for a moment.” This phrase became my personal lifeline—a reminder to take a breath and find appreciation in my hectic days.

The demands of my job were relentless: dealing with cases of child neglect, rushing to meetings about students with behavioral issues, motivating hundreds of students during assemblies, and navigating through a barrage of emails—all while knowing I needed to be home for my daughter's bedtime. In the midst of this chaos, I learned the value of just stopping to breathe.

In moments of student distress, when a teenager left a lesson feeling frustrated, my instinct was to reach out, to pause, and to listen. Similarly, when a colleague felt overwhelmed by the pressures of deadlines, I would encourage them to take a moment to regroup.

It was during a peaceful weekend morning, while waiting for my one-year-old daughter to wake, that I had the urge to purchase a few domain names inspired by my mantra. I loved the phrase “pause for a moment,” even though I had no plan for it. A year later, I felt a compelling desire to start my own business, and I realized my inner voice was urging me to take action.

My mind, however, had its reservations, cautioning me with logical concerns about financial security and comfort zones. Yet, I decided it was time to listen to my inner voice—the knowing that had been overshadowed for too long.

Section 1.1: Recognizing Your Inner Voice

So, how can you discern that inner knowing? It often manifests as a gut feeling—a strong desire to act before rational thoughts take over. Our minds, while powerful, can stifle our dreams by drowning them in fear and doubt. Sometimes, it’s essential to heed that inner voice, to experiment, and to play with your ideas.

Subsection 1.1.1: Finding Stillness Amidst Chaos

For those who don't practice meditation, you might wonder if you can still connect with your inner voice. Personally, I find moments of calm at night, in the morning, during showers, or while running. Many assume that as a meditation teacher, I achieve clarity exclusively through formal meditation, but for me, it’s about finding stillness throughout my day—embracing pauses that reconnect me with what truly matters.

Consider where you often find inspiration. For me, running offers a rhythm that calms my mind. With each step and breath, I feel a connection to nature, allowing deeper thoughts to surface.

Chapter 2: The Importance of Active Listening

The first video, Finding Your Inner Voice: Karol Ward at TEDxTimesSquare, explores how to tap into your inner wisdom and make empowered decisions.

The second video, Do You Have an Inner Voice?, delves into understanding the significance of listening to your inner thoughts and feelings.

How can you truly listen to that voice? It's about being fully present, beyond the surface-level nodding we often do while distracted by our thoughts. Listening requires a quiet mind, where ideas and feelings can emerge clearly.

If you haven't recognized these inner messages before, don't worry—they will come back. Your inner wisdom will persist until it is acknowledged. Trust in yourself; you may not yet understand the path, but clarity will come with time.