“Your first mind” refers to your first feeling, first thought, first sensation that offers you the answers you seek. 

The answer of which direction to go; what steps to take; what words to speak; when, where, and how to take action. 

It is called “first” because the elders both knew for themselves and understood that we have been socialized to ignore our inner voice, the voice that always speaks first. 

We instead listen to the second voice, the voice of conformity, of group-think, of fear, of self-doubt, and of servility masquerading as humility. 

This second voice is often the loudest and the most commanding. It often sojourns in us long past its welcome, leading our lives for years, even lifetimes. 

But because the second voice isn’t you, because it is not born out of your inner sanctum, because it is a foreigner that has invaded your temple, it can never be your “first” voice, the voice that will never forsake you. 

And it will never be your “last” voice, the voice you will always return to.