Do NOT underestimate the power of:
One of the primary ways our deepest self communicates with our conscious self is via symbolism/ abstraction/ art.
What I’ve been taking for granted for most of my life, I’m slowly learning, are key insights encoded as symbolic messages from deep within.
Our roots entrench themselves deeper through inner work.
Our branches extend themselves out further through outer engagement.
If you find yourself uneasy, ridden with anxiety, like your standing on unstable ground…
It’s root work that’s needed.
Don’t fool yourself into thinking that something more is needed from the outer (money, status, travel, etc). It’ll only end up making you feel more unstable by further extending out your branches without having any effect on the depth of your roots.
Proportional is what makes the tree stand firm.
We move up by going down. And the more we go down… the higher up we can go. Go too high without enough down… and we’ll tip and crash. Find the balance in up and down and stable, calm, secure, is where we’ll be found.
P.s. Know someone who may enjoy reading these? This is me kindly asking if you’d forward it to them :)
Good questions.
…Not good question. My answer is: with good questions. Although it is a good question.
Okay moving on.
Here’s a great starting formula:
A good question + a good block of uninterrupted time + honest attempts at answering = excellent inner work.
It doesn’t have to be any more complicated than that.
Going on meditation retreats, taking intense treks through nature, doing intensive therapy sessions are undoubtedly powerful and worth every ounce of effort that you invest into them.
But, the barrier to actually doing those things is quite high. And anything that’s hard to do will get avoided and confronted with a proportional amount of resistance.
This is why we need to simplify our process. We need to meet ourselves where we are. We need to invest in little steps, start with small inquisitions, and explore our inner caves one piece of tunnel at a time.
Step by step, question by question, day by day is the way forward that fits into the busy person’s life. You just have to decide and commit.
Questions you might consider starting with:
P.s. Each question above was pulled from my guide: The Art of Forward (Direction > Speed). More info here.
“Lonely” is the state of being avoidant and discontent with yourself—an indication that inner work is required.
“Alone” is the state of being present and content with yourself—a healthy indication of inner acceptance.
The transition from lonely to alone will vary in difficulty one person to the next.
But, in each case, when we start small and commit to incremental increases in things like journaling, meditating, solo walking, etc… we can slowly head in the direction of alone.
Which, is an imperative direction to head as being without people will only increase as we grow older. Better to learn the skill now and acclimate before you’re thrusted into the position, unprepared later.
Just as the universe expands forever outwards…
So, too, does our inner universe expand forever inwards.
There is no limit to the depth we can reach through introspection.
And, just as the universe only seems to get more interesting the more we learn…
So, too, does our inner universe only get more captivating the more we choose to return.
P.s. Looking for a good read? Check out my library of books that I’ve uploaded quotes from. You might even find your next favorite read…? :)
I’m on a mission to help busy people do inner work.
You know… the kind of work that most busy people skip and ignore because they prioritize outer work instead.
But, the reality is: outer work doesn’t lead to a more fulfilled life—inner work does.
Outer work might lead to money, power, fame… but, inner work is how the feelings we’re actually after are tapped into and cultivated.
Ask yourself: What feeling am I really after in wanting more money (as an example)?
…Is it security? Freedom? Recognition?
…And how can I nurture those feelings in life in spite of copious amounts of money?
There are a million different ways to answer this question and it’s not one I can answer for you. But, here are some thoughts to get you started:
Your turn…
P.s. Today I hosted a LIVE talk on Happiness and How It’s A Daily Choice with my friend Tyler Todt—it was one hour of pure gold. Tyler is the real deal and every moment of this chat was packed with insight. Enjoy.
BIG reactions from small happenings—both positive and negative—are events worth exploring (both in yourself and others).
BIG positive reactions (from small happenings) is a sign of emotional maturity—those who have done inner work.
BIG negative reactions (from small happenings) is a sign of emotional immaturity—those who are avoiding inner work.
If you find yourself having a disproportionately large reaction to something small… use it as an opportunity to explore your inner workings. Challenge yourself to set the huge reaction aside (if negative) and channel your inner curiosity instead.
Remember: big reactions don’t just come from nowhere.
They must stem from some deeper rooted source. The huge reactions, in many cases, are just distractions and coverups for what’s trying to remain unseen and in the background. But, the longer you ignore it (and allow the distractions to distract you), the worse it’ll get.
Because things don’t get better until you get better, eh?
Questions worth asking yourself when a disproportionate reaction arises: