“Who follows the flock lands on the ass,” proclaims an old proverb. The wisdom in this is notable since we all can, at one time or another, feel the urge to blend in with everyone else and lose track of our own feelings, thinking, state of mind, not to mention our proverbial soul. Mass movements, organized systems of thought, mob mentalities undermine individual consciousness, the life of the soul compromised with psychic decay and death potentially in the offing. Charismatic gurus, silver-tongued teachers risk casting a spell over unwary listeners, lulling them into blind loylaty, allegiance. Such followers often become militant idealogues; but their mind and countenance betrays a hallowness and lostness that is nothing short of tragic. I am reminded of that wonderous poet and bard, Bob Dylan, as he sings, “don’t follow no leaders, and watch your parking meters!” A friend noted, “When I’m listening to me, I feel good, content. When I don’t, I feel a scratching like sensation inside that lets me know that I need to get back with it….back to myself.” Contentment, a subtle inner bliss, is life’s confirmation that we are listening to self and not to the flock that inevitably lands us on our ass. In the end, what matters is that we are able to hear and respond to our own inner voice, the instincts that arise from the deep unconscious mind, proceeding in life knowing that the best wisdom comes not from without but from within.