Advice is overrated.
How many times have you given someone advice that they didn’t follow through with?
How many online courses, or books, have you left unfinished?
Then there’s…
The hyped up promises of marketing (“Implement this advice and make $10,000 next week!”).
People projecting what they think is best onto others (“You NEED to do THIS!”).
Preaching at others more than helping them feel seen and heard.
Here’s a big realization:
The best teachers just help you find your inner teacher.
That’s why I find myself giving less and less advice lately. And focusing on two things:
Asking questions
Creating space
Let’s explore these.
Asking Questions > Advice
Questions are catalysts for new levels of awareness.
Questions open doors, while advice closes doors.
When someone contemplates a question, they activate wisdom from the inside out. They go through a process of processing, which is innately transformational.
This is why the most effective spiritual teachings, like self-inquiry, are based on questions (not answers).
It’s also why fiction and poetry are so transformational. Because they open up questions for people, instead of just doling out answers.
A perspective that you come to through contemplation is much more embodied and “real” than one you were force-fed from someone else.
Creating Space > Advice
The common term for this is “holding space,” but that implies holding other people’s energy. That’s why I like saying “creating space.”
Questions are a part of creating space. And so is your energy, your presence, your ability to listen, emotional intelligence, etc.
Creating space can also take the form of events, retreats, artwork, etc. These can all be spaces for people to tune into themselves and allow for emergent wisdom.
Again, let’s look at masterful spiritual teachers. Oftentimes, what they do is simply create space for people to meditate or pray with them.
Then, periodically, they’ll propose questions, or speak in poetry, or tell stories/parables.
There’s a reason for this. When you create proper space, beings tend to blossom on their own.
From the Depths of You
Even my intention with writing this was to open up questions for you. And create a space, through reading this, for emergent wisdom to flower in your consciousness.
Here are some ideas for you to apply all this:
Contemplate deep/interesting questions
Use questions as journaling prompts
Journal your stream of consciousness (this is creating space for self-realization)
Meditate (which is the epitome of creating space)
Again, anything related to questioning or creating space for yourself will catalyze incredible self-realization.
I’m not saying to avoid all advice. Just that the most potent practices are the ones where you acquaint more with your essence and draw wisdom from the inside out.
With gratitude,
Stephen Parato
PS - I’m creating some spaces over the next few weeks to help you leverage all this and catalyze new levels of self-realization. Stay tuned for more.
Books & Journals
Brand Messaging Upgrades
Along with being an author, I’m a copywriter too. That’s what finances my books (and helps me sharpen my writing skills). Over the years, I’ve written for brands like Prince EA, Empire State University, Robert Kiyosaki, Anik Singal, Daymond John, and more.
I recently opened spots for Brand Messaging Upgrades.
It’s a quick and effective way to clarify your brand’s voice and create content that connects and converts.
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