a black and white line drawing of a person holding their had to their ear, listening
Image by 愚木混株 Cdd20 


This is Marie T. Russell, co-publisher of InnerSelf.com, wishing you a day of deeply listening to others (today and every day).

Comment from Marie:
Listening. Seems like something we do all the time, right? Except hearing and listening are two different things. And also, how often do we quickly jump in with our own story or experience instead of truly listening and tuning in to what the person is sharing with us. It is suggested we count to ten before responsing in ager... well perhaps we should always count to ten before responding to anthing anyone says. Perhaps that will help up be more focused on the other person and not so much on what we need or want to say or share.  

InnerSelf's Daily Inspiration

October 30, 2024


The focus for today is:

I expand my listening skills to be truly present.

Today's inspiration was written by Mara Branscombe:

Can you expand your listening skills to be truly present? Rather than listening only to figure out your response, enter the world of the one you are listening to and elevate them with your presence.

The practice of presence and steadiness allows for greater clarity, connection, and balance in your relationship to self and others. 

To become present to which daily fires you are tending, observe when you are feeding lower energies of greed, guilt, or righteousness. This way of listening requires patience and the willingness to put your own agenda aside. 

CONTINUE READING: Read the complete article here.
Today's inspiration was adapted from the InnerSelf.com article:

Finding The Inner Strength of the Huntress

by Mara Branscombe. 

Read the complete article here.

The focus for today: I expand my listening skills to be truly present.

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RELATED BOOK: Sage, Huntress, Lover, Queen

Sage, Huntress, Lover, Queen: Access Your Power and Creativity through Sacred Female Archetypes
by Mara Branscombe.

Journey through the archetypal wisdom of the divine feminine to reclaim your authentic self and to follow your soul’s longing. Embodiment teacher Mara Branscombe takes an intriguing look at the seven feminine archetypes that prevail in the modern psyche—Maiden, Mother, Sage, Huntress, Lover, Mystic, and Queen—and traces their continuing influence throughout different stages of our life, sometimes dormant, sometimes prominent.

As she explores each archetype’s beneficial qualities, its connections to the physical-emotional-mental body, and its shadow aspects, Mara highlights the positive impact these models can have if we embrace them and live them consciously. Step-by-step creative practices, guided visualizations, mind-body rituals, and soulful poetry allow you to embody each archetype, inviting in the light aspects as well as integrating the shadow.

Click here for more info and/or to order this paperback book. Also available as an audiobook and as a Kindle edition.

About the Author

photo of Mara Branscombe, author of Ritual as RemedyMara Branscombe is a yoga and meditation teacher, writer, mother, artist, ceremonialist, and spirit coach, who finds great joy in leading others along the path of self-transformation. She is passionate about weaving the art of mindfulness, self-care, mind-body practices, and earth-based rituals into her offerings. 

Visit her website at MaraBranscombe.com