A Journey Within

If the sounds and noises of the outside muffle the voice of the inside, what can one learn? If chaos of the outside stirs chaos within, where can one go? If the rules and restrictions of the outside limits the passions and aspirations of the inside, when does one fly? If the shaky ground of the outside ignites confusion and fear within, who does one rely on?

If despite the outside, one knows oneself truly, how could one be affected?

The journey inward is far more treacherous than the journey lived outward — if one chooses to embark on it. This journey starts by being present with ourselves and getting used to our own company. But be forewarned, there is:

…no driving, only walking.
…no sidewalks, only dirt roads.
…no houses, only experiences from life.
…no buildings and skyscrapers, only adopted beliefs and perceptions.
…no enemies, only your pasts’ gallant risk-takers.
…no judgment, only understanding.
…no wondering, only knowing.

This journey starts with a single conscious choice to go inward, and each step you take brings you closer to yourself. As the noise, chaos and disturbances of the outside becomes quieter, we can truly understand ourselves. How so? Our emotions inform and update us constantly, however we have not been trained to identify this exchange.

We have all been taught how to listen to others…

A pause before the last word adds…emphasis.
A shuffling look implies nervousness.
Wide glistening eyes express excitement.
A sarcastic tone suggests disagreement.
A little giggle preceding the joke reveals guilelessness.

…yet never how to listen to ourselves.

Fear warns: “There is something to be cautious of.”
Stress reveals: “There is a lot on the plate, please consciously decide what to do and not do.”
Anxiety shares: “There is something here that is uncomfortable and unwelcoming.”
Overthinking discloses: “This topic/conversation/person unnerves me. It needs to be understood so that proper action can be taken.”
Sadness allows: “Take some time to be compassionate with yourself.”
Anger unveils: “There is something here that infuriates me. It needs to be processed, not ignored.”
Happiness communicates: “There is calmness, peace and contentment at this moment.”
Excitement enjoins: “The consequences have been considered and an adventure awaits!”

Once we develop the habit of giving our emotions proper recognition, we will be able to respond intentionally to its revealments. Challenges arise when we shut ourselves away from understanding the emotions and therefore are unable to learn the reason behind our reactions.

For example, in a moment of fear we tend to hide behind fear itself, expecting that submission to fear will save us from danger. However, fear does not have the capacity to protect. Similarly, stress cannot make decisions. Anxiety cannot run away. Overthinking cannot produce a solution. Sadness cannot not hide. Anger cannot resolve a problem. Happiness settles into familiarity. And excitement simmers down. Emotions are ever-changing, but with clear awareness of the basis of the emotion, we will be able to direct our responses towards a self-determined direction. So, next time instead of giving into fear, listen to the warning and choose the response — whether that is practicing a presentation numerous times, walking out of a place, starting that new project or investing in yourself.

This is not easy to do (trust me, I know), not only because we have been conditioned to react a certain way to our emotions, but also because determining a response requires responsibility. The more freedom, the greater the responsibility to not misuse that freedom. And human beings have been presented with the freedom of free will. This brings with it the opportunity to make decisions. The recognition that our actions have consequences. The choice to love. The willingness to forgive and accept. And the open-heartedness to provide space for others to learn and grow in their own ways.

Also, by becoming more aware of ourselves, we will be able to enhance our interactions with others. We will understand the effort, forgiveness, acceptance, love, compassion, kindness, strength and perseverance it takes for us to reform ourselves. We will realize the complexity of making a decision, intending to act accordingly, but forgetting in the moment, and then learning to forgive ourselves. All of this will change what we expect from others, since we know that all anyone can truly do, at any moment, is try.

So take a moment: close your eyes, focus on your breath, listen to the sounds around you (rain falling or birds chirping), feel the faint beating of your heart and step inward.

Coming soon…extension of this blog, where I share an approach to understand our emotions by including some personal stories.

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Proofreader: Kellyn Jeremy

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