When things in life go awry, it’s common to look outward
Out at the problems and for the solutions.
Nothing wrong with that, but I’m here to suggest something different.
Dive inward.
Take a look at yourself, before you look at anything or anyone else
When things feel askew, start with you
Look at yourself in the mirror and inquire
What did I do? How did I get myself here?
Don’t expect answers right away. Don’t expect a conversation with yourself.
But ask the questions of yourself that you’d ask anyone else.
Why did I do this? How did I get here?
And then sleep on it.
Or give yourself some quiet time, some calm, some meditative time
But you can sleep on it.
And see what comes up.
As you are likely to contain the problem
(As we tend to)
You are likely to contain the solution.
So dive inward.
Then talk about what comes up for you
With someone else who listens with their soul.
A life coach tends to be a great person for this,
But the listener could be your parent, it could be your partner,
It could be your sibling, or a complete stranger.
Talking out what comes up from inside
with someone in touch with their inside
Will help you get deeper inward.
Do not be afraid to take responsibility for your contributions
Even when that contribution lead to your discomfort
It’s likely that, if you’re there, you were not a victim
(Exceptions to this, of course)
But if there’s shit of yours to be owned, then own it
If there’s blame to be passed around, take some of it
Explore your inner mind and your limiting beliefs
Tell your story differently – tell it
In a way that empowers you.
Talk it out, but don’t miss the part
Where the story you tell is about you
(Even when you think it’s about someone else).
Dive inward.
And find the place of power inside
That place you were born with – that thing called inner strength
Your true foundation
And let that be the source of energy for how you overcome your situation
You will not find that place if you seek to merely stifle the pain
You will not find that place if you blame everyone else
You will only find it if you close your eyes,
Quiet your mind
Breathe deeply
And dive inward.
– PGB