So often it happens to us, in the midst of life’s relentless chaos, that suddenly a feeling deep within invites us to silence. Right at the moment when all paths seem to lead to a dead end, or when we are stuck at a fateful crossroads, our hearts unexpectedly find assurance in something strange. It’s as if a voice from the depths of our being whispers: “Go this way.” What is that voice? Where does that feeling come from? Let’s sit together and witness this inner marvel.
On the very first day we opened our eyes to the world, our parents had many dreams for us. But we ourselves also brought a basket of gifts with us; those things that were ingrained in our very nature. Some call them “human instincts,” some say “pure nature,” and the mystics named it “Fitrat.”
Decoding a Pure Human Essence
The subtle point here is this: we are born with the potential for goodness, not with goodness fully realized. Like a small seed meant to become a mighty tree. It needs water, it needs light, it needs care. If you abandon it, it either withers away or weeds spring up in its place.
Allameh Tabatabai, in his interpretation Al-Mizan, considers this inner call to be precisely what summons a person towards perfection. It is as if an ever-bright compass works within us, even when we ourselves are asleep.
What Does Psychology Say About This?
You might find it hard to believe, but after extensive field research and experimentation, the science of psychology has arrived at the same point where the people of spiritual wayfaring stood centuries ago. Martin Seligman, the father of positive psychology, strived for years to understand that true happiness comes to us when we recognize and cultivate those things inherent in our being.
And Viktor Frankl, who survived the hell of Nazi camps, says in his famous book “Man’s Search for Meaning”: “Those who found meaning in their suffering survived.” It was as if that inner voice had told them: “Stand firm, for something worth enduring.”
How Can We Tell If We’re in Harmony with Ourselves?
You might ask, “How can I tell if I’m in tune with that inner feeling or not?” Well, it has signs. Let’s review them together:
When your heart yearns for others: No one truly enjoys prolonged loneliness. Deep down, we want to talk with someone, to be with someone, to matter to someone. This desire isn’t random; this is that very call.
When you’re searching for something greater: There’s always something that feels off. We have money, we’re comfortable, but still, something is missing. We search for meaning. Frankl says this very search is a sign of our health.
When doing good makes your heart happy: Have you noticed that when you help someone, without anyone knowing, a deep joy stirs inside you? This is no accident. Our inner system is wired to reward doing good.
When you become grateful, the world becomes more beautiful: Robert Emmons, a researcher who dedicated his life to studying gratitude, says that people who spend a few minutes each day thinking about things they are grateful for sleep better, are healthier, and have better relationships.
The Secret of People Who Don’t Break
Surely you’ve seen people who have faced immense calamity but still stand strong, like ancient trees that remain steadfast even in fierce storms. What is the secret of this resilience?
One word: Hope. Not a superficial, illusory hope, but a hope that looks to the sky even from the bottom of a well. Charles Snyder, a great psychologist, defines hope as the ability to map out paths to achieve goals and maintain the motivation to follow them.
Second: Self-belief. Albert Bandura calls this “self-efficacy”; that very feeling that says, “I can handle this.” This feeling also springs from those same depths.
Third: Having an anchor. When we truly believe in something deep in our hearts, we have a place to lean on. This anchor saves us in storms.
How Can We Flourish?
We all have an innate inclination to flourish, like a tree reaching towards the light. For this flourishing, we can take a few simple steps:
Discover yourself: Sometimes, be alone with yourself. Ask yourself: What do I passionately love doing? When do I feel like my true self? These questions are the keys to a treasure chest.
Bring out what’s within you: You’ve found your talent? Now it’s time to sit down and work. Practice, learn, make mistakes, get up again. Rumi says: “Seek treasure amidst ruins, seek the secret in letting go.”
Have a goal: Being aimless is like a ship without a sail. It goes wherever the wind blows. A goal gives direction to life. As Saadi beautifully put it: “The successful one reaches the destination who remains steadfast in their purpose.”
What Muffles Our Inner Voice?
But in practice, not everything is so simple. There are things that settle on this mirror like dust:
Surrounding environment: Family, friends, school, university, the virtual space. All of these affect us. Sometimes they are so loud that we can’t hear the inner voice.
The need for approval: Sometimes, just to hear others say “Well done!”, we do things our heart isn’t satisfied with.
Momentary whims: Fleeting pleasures can be so sweet that they knock us off the main path. But regret always follows.
Pointless preoccupations: Our modern life is filled with futile busyness. We are so occupied that we don’t have a moment to ourselves.
How Can We Hear Its Voice Again?
The beauty of it is that it’s never too late. You can always return and listen again:
Seek solitude: A few minutes a day, put your phone aside, turn off the TV. Sit in silence. Gradually, the sounds will come. Inspiration and intuition might visit you too.
Reflect: Sometimes, think about the meaning of your life. Where you came from and where you are going.
Live in the now: Empty your mind of the past and future. Taste this moment. This very breath.
Help someone: Selflessly, just to help. This act strangely revitalizes a person.
Go into the heart of nature: An hour in the forest, by the sea, in the mountains. Nature polishes the soul.
Keep learning: Always learn something new. Read books, take courses, gain experiences.
The Final Word
That lost thing we are searching for, that thing we feel the absence of, that voice we hear sometimes and sometimes not… all of this is ourselves. Our deeper self. If we can reconcile with it, life takes on a different color. Deep peace arrives, contentment arrives, meaning arrives.
Books That Will Nourish Your Soul:
- آرونسون، الیوت. (1394). روانشناسی مثبتگرا. تهران: نشر روان. (Aronson, E. (2015). Positive Psychology. Tehran: Ravan Publications.)
- بهرامی، محمد. (1395). روانشناسی مثبت و تابآوری. تهران: انتشارات ارسباران. (Bahrami, M. (2016). Positive Psychology and Resilience. Tehran: Arsbaran Publications.)
- دینمحمدی، علیاکبر. (1396). روانشناسی مثبت و خوشبختی. تهران: انتشارات سمت. (Dinmohammadi, A. A. (2017). Positive Psychology and Happiness. Tehran: Samt Publications.)
- شریعتمداری، علی. (1397). روانشناسی مثبت و معنا در زندگی. تهران: انتشارات دانژه. (Shariatmadari, A. (2018). Positive Psychology and Meaning in Life. Tehran: Danjeh Publications.)
- فرهادی، بهرام. (1398). روانشناسی مثبت و توسعه فردی. تهران: انتشارات آوای نور. (Farhadi, B. (2019). Positive Psychology and Personal Development. Tehran: Avay-e Noor Publications.)
