Begin this meditation for reflection and contemplation by sitting in a quiet area. Fold your hands in your lap or rest them palms up or palms down on your thighs. Close your eyes and begin even and regular breathing, for example: breathe in 2 counts; breathe out 2 counts; breathe in 2 counts and continue this rhythmic pattern without actually thinking or saying the counts.

Now reflect on the following ideas - the guidance of our Individual Soul comes to us as the prodding of our conscience.

When we mentally ask for a resolve to a situation, the answer comes up in our mind via our conscience, letting us know what action is for the highest good. The choice is ours to follow or ignore.

How do we recognize the inner voice, our conscience?

Recognizing the voice of conscience is developed by holding a caring attitude, and acting for the highest good, repeatedly.

We know we are following our conscience by these signs:
1. our body feels relaxed with our decision;
2. our mind is content and peaceful;
3. no one is negatively affected.

While we are in process of learning how to follow our conscience, we can rely on the dictates and moral guidelines laid out by religions and society. These outer rules guide us safely while we use a caring attitude and develop the strength of character to follow our own conscience consistently. The basic golden rule to treat others as we wish to be treated is easy to remember and reliable guidance while we are not yet steady in recognizing and following our personal conscience.

As our conscience is our personal link with Divine Guidance, it is worth the effort to develop this intimate relationship that will always serve our highest experience of peace and happiness.

In acting for the highest good of which we are aware, we nourish our self-esteem. We continually feel more in control of our life knowing there is a best way to resolve any situation. As our self-assurance and self-esteem increase, we feel a growing sense of fulfillment and joy in living.

"Joy in living is the goal
Of each awakening human soul
Attained by consistently following
The voice of Inner Guidance
Our conscience."

Finish your meditation by writing down new insights in your journal for periodic review in the future.

Article and photo credit Susan Kramer

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For offsite reading

Meditation for Teens and Adults
More than 70 offerings, from guided meditation techniques to on-the-go stress relief and relationship meditations interspersed with verse, and a section of special occasion prayers. 114 pages.

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Meditation for all Kids
Sitting, walking, dance and group circle meditations, along with positive affirmations, verses and benefits of meditation for kids of all ages and abilities in a 100 page book with illustrations.