I was instructed in a technique of meditation practice called shamatha-vipashyana which are Sanskrit words meaning dwelling in peace and clear seeing or insight. One of the first teachings which I was taught is that from birth we possess all the necessary wisdom and skills that we need for life's journey. This wisdom or innate intelligence is not a product of thinking. It is called basic goodness. In spite of our problems or confusion there is something basically good about our existence as human beings regardless of our emotional highs or lows.
Basic goodness is unconditional, undiluted and pure.
It is primordial and exists before, during and after confusion. Good in this case means confidence or simply accepting ourselves for who we are, complete with all of our perceived strengths and imperfections. Hearing this and experiencing the truth of it can be particularly powerful and a useful reminder when we find ourselves getting caught up in the estrangement. For example, it is the mundane things like catching a bus and not knowing where to get off or not knowing how to use a bathroom which can make us feel like children ill-equipped to handle the most fundamental of activities. At times like this being our own best friend and having the ability to laugh at ourselves is extremely helpful.