the inner "of course"

Spiritual seekers often yearn for a simple tidbit of wisdom that will bring them clarity whenever they implement it. The wish for it is the only reason it doesn't come true. But here's a pretty good one for the sake of experiment. It's called the inner "Of course".

Whatever stirs in you, say, "Of course". As soon as you notice the slightest hint of it, rather than telling yourself it's not there or reacting against it strongly, practice a different response and tell yourself, "Of course". Make it a habit and see what develops.

The inner "Of course" will never be necessary for the things you like feeling, because you already welcome those without reservation. The purpose of the inner "Of course" is primarily to address the things you don't want to feel, and tend to refuse to.

But consider them a moment. Are they not occurring anyway? Is your effort to keep them away really working? Does it serve your best interests? The unfortunate truth about denying or avoiding your feelings is they own you that way. Every single one you exclude.

Your excluded feelings create a false self out of you. You become their greatest champion by refusing to accept them. No one means to be judgmental. No one means to be unkind. These things happen in spite of us because excluded feelings are present.

The remedy is to include them. Let your hardest feelings exist. Greet them with the inner "Of course" and do nothing else about them. Remember: this is an experiment. If it makes you feel uncomfortable, admit you feel that way and repeat the magic words.