The Self-Reliant Entrepreneur

May 17Independence of Solitude

It is easy in the world to live after the world's opinion; it is easy in solitude to live after our own; but the great one is who in the midst of the crowd keeps with perfect sweetness the independence of solitude. The magnetism which all original action exerts is explained when we inquire the reason of self-trust.

Ralph Waldo Emerson—Self-Reliance (1841)

This self-trust that Emerson speaks of is a fleeting thing. It shows up when we honor our true feelings and emotions rather than shrouding ourselves in the validation of others. Self-trust, inner trust is not found outside ourselves.

Developing self-trust, however, requires that you slow down often enough to cultivate your innermost thoughts. Then, with compassion, you can enlist these thoughts when others decide to invite you into their drama. This is how you keep “with perfect sweetness the independence of solitude.”

A lack of self-trust shows up physically too. Your body's subtle genius can tell you when something has challenged your opinion—it can come in the form of uninvited business advice or even someone cutting ahead of you in line. Your body isn't telling you that they are right; it's telling that you might be wrong.

And this is how we practice. The next time something happens “in the midst of the crowd,” tune in to how your body reacts (ranging from a tightening of the jaw to a punch in the gut). Let this be your training ground for letting go.

Develop a silent release phrase—something ...