Accelerate Thru Conflict Magazine Issue 1 | Page 5

" GIVE YOURSELF PERMISSION TO BE HEARD. YOUR TRUTH IS JUST AS VALUABLE AS EVERYONE ELSE’S! and sugarcoating. This will liberate every single relationship you have and not only set you free, but every other person in the circumstance or moment, as well. remove ourselves from the emotion of the moment and pause to drop into your center, or Core Self, and feel what is underneath the surface and needs to be said. Before you begin to speak, take a moment to drop in + let go: " 4. HAVE NO ATTACHMENT TO HOW OR IF YOUR TRUTH IS RECEIVED. Your Truth is subjective. It may not be anyone else’s truth or they may very well have their own version of it. However, your Truth is valid! It deserves to be spoken. It deserves to be heard. We can’t control someone else’s perception, but we can give our truth a voice. • Feel into your center. • Take a couple of deep breaths. 3. TRUST THAT 'THE TRUTH SHALL SET YOU FREE'. • Yes, this is a nearly universal tenant in the world’s ancient wisdom traditions (the Bible, the Yoga Sutras). Get grounded and dissolve your attachment to any outcome. • Release your attachment to it being heard or validated in any way from the outside. In yoga, Satya, or Truth, is the second (only after non-violence) of 10 lifestyle foundations (yamasand niyamas) that naturally set us up for freedom and happiness. Unequivocally, when we live a life based in truth (actions and words), we are happier. It may be the road less traveled, and seem a little more arduous at times, but all those little ways we lie to ourselves and each other clog and sap our energy and unconsciously hold us back from what we really want. We end up wasting a lot of time when we drag our feet and stall instead of facing the music. Often we end up depressed or negative and aren’t sure why – but our energy is actually turning in on itself and on some level we feel this self-abandonment and mistrust. Truth cuts through illusion. When we speak truth, we are wielding a sword. It slices the fog of illusion • Know that your speaking truth and standing up for your inner voice is enough. 5. PRACTICE THIS AFFIRMATION: 'MY VOICE IS NECESSARY. WHAT I HAVE TO SAY IS VALUABLE.' Many of us did not have role models who demonstrated healthy communication. Perhaps, you had a sibling who was always dominating the conversation and you could never get a word in edgewise. Or you were one in a long line of siblings and home was chaotic, loud and overwhelming. Maybe, your mother always deferred to your father and never voiced her true opinions and feelings. Or maybe your family was living a pack of lies to cover up alcoholism, sexual abuse or family secrets. These patterns are deeply ingrained and it’s necessary to lay down new tracks in the unconscious mind. Practice this mantra every time you feel yourself hesitating to speak your honest opinion and state your needs: 'My voice is necessary. What I have to say is valuable.' Give yourself permission to be heard. Your truth is just as valuable as everyone else’s! Speak your truth — not just out loud, but in the written word, too. MEET ASHLEY TURNER Elevating personal growth as a lifestyle, Ashley Turner, M.A., MFTI (#62103) is a yoga/meditation teacher, registered Marriage + Family Therapist Intern, writer, speaker and Initiated Priestess. Ashley is a sought after presenter at international events and conferences and contributor to top tier media publications including Self, Shape, Mantra, Origin, Women’s Health, Yoga Journal and Natural Health. Ashley consults Hollywood creatives, distinguished CEOs, couples, adolescents and individuals. With a diverse palate and ability to speak directly to her audience, Ashley has toured with rock stars, lectured in academic settings and led transformational events worldwide. + Contact Ashley at AshleyTurner.org CULTURESTHAT WORK.COM • 5