Living the Inner Life: Recent Episodes
Chris Sheridan
We all live two lives: an outer world of people, things and events; and our inner world of thoughts, feelings and beliefs.
Living the Inner Life explores this vast and mysterious landscape of the mind, heart and soul. We discuss practical and useful tools of consciousness to help grow and develop ourselves from within, and improve our relationship with the world and people around us.
Chris Sheridan (M.A. Transformational Psychology), has been studying and speaking on ancient wisdom, consciousness and the mind-body connection for over 30 years.
Never lose sight of the big picture. Re-state your mission statement. When the goal becomes more about the tasks and to-do lists, focusing more on the means than the end, it's easy to lose sight of what you're doing and more important - why you are doing it.
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Shakespeare wrote: "Now is the Winter of our Discontent" and this episode explores the idea of Divine Discontent - that there is a soul stirring, a restlessness that occurs when we are not fully living our best life. The discontent is more of an indicator or signal that is telling us something, but we often try to numb these uncomfortable feelings.
However, it is a Divine Discontent, and not merely an unpleasant annoyance. It is our Soul's longing, reaching out to us from within and pointing us in the right direction - upwards and onwards to a more whole, enlightened and divine part of our own individual lives.
Listen to the discomfort, find out what it needs from you and for you. Then as you are moving in the right direction, the discontent will disappear.
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It is easy to be thankful and grateful for good things that come our way. But what about the negative things? How can we be thankful for pain or difficulty?
For me, physical pain from being in a wheelchair is an indicator that it is time to shift my weight, sit in a different chair, or lie down for awhile. Otherwise, I might get a pressure sore, as is the case with many people with paralysis - they can't feel that pain and that can lead to worse and serious problems. Thankfully, I will never experience that - because I can feel physical pain.
Same with the inner life. If something is painful to do - or it hurts when you don't do something - that is an indicator that you may need to shift the way you are doing something, or, to resume doing the things that keep that emotional pain at bay.
This is sometimes called "Divine Discontent", in that if we don't follow our soul's longing, we will be in trouble. Honoring our true selves will keep us out of trouble, but we need that discontent to recognize that.
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People say, facts don't care about feelings. Perhaps with scientific laws of physics, this may be true. But in the human experience, feelings can completely overpower the facts. Even if we know the facts, we can convince ourselves that something else is true. Especially with ourselves. We can tell ourselves a lie, and believe it, and have that rule our conduct regardless of the facts.
We can also use our convictions - energized and vitalized - to transcend any situation, in the face of compelling evidence. William James called this the passional over the rational - that our emotional passions can supersede our rational, logical sensibilities.
Living the Inner Life
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One of the greatest conflicts we ever have to face is the battle with ourselves. Man vs. Nature, Man vs. Man, and Man vs. God are the other three, but Man vs. Himself is within and not 'out there'. So, if you 'win' this conflict, do you also lose? How can you defeat yourself and yet be victorious?
The solution lies in understanding this inner conflict and turning our inner adversary into an eternal ally. Together, undivided, the individual will not only live harmoniously with one's self, but also profoundly affect and improve the other conflicts as well.
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There are different ways to learn something or do just about anything. Some need a lot of instruction, while others learn best on their own. We have different body types and chemistry, so there isn't a one-size-fits-all when it comes to diet and nutrition.
Same is true with spiritual growth. The various religions and spiritual practices all suggest the same goal - enlightenment - but their specific methods and rules to follow may be completely different from each other, or even in conflict.
Your path is your own. You may find the right group or religion to join that works for you. But even if your true path is different or opposite from the conventional wisdom or people around you, you must take your own road.
See you at the top!
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In the wake of A.I. and UFO Disclosure of "non-human intelligence", we are at a crossroad where we may want to look at not just who we are, but what we are. What does it mean to be a human being? We share many similarities with other earth creatures but we are somehow different. With the knowledge that we are no longer alone in the universe, how do we fit in? And with the advent of A.I., we are willingly giving up our own human intelligence and handing it over to a computer algorithm. These two events in history may either mark the beginning of a greater experience as a human, or signify the end of our unrealized potentials. So, just what are you?
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The Greek Philosopher, Heraclitus, said: "You can't step in the same river twice." The water has changed - and more importantly - YOU have changed. But sometimes we approach new situations with old ways of thinking that no longer work. One definition of insanity is: trying the same thing, over and over, and expecting different results. And much of the time, we are playing these old tapes unconsciously. The first step is to become conscious of the way we react to things - ask: is this really the best policy, or am I just on auto pilot? Some reaction habits started when we were much younger, and used whatever tools we had. Once triggered, we can be sent back to that time and not only respond the same way, we also bring up the way we felt then. That's why many adults sometimes act childish - because the emotional state from that has been re-activated, and hasn't yet been matured.
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St. Paul said it was the Christ in YOU that is the hope of glory. Jesus said it was not him but the Father within him that doeth the works. Socrates had an inner advisor, or daemon, who guided his philosophic life. Throughout time and across cultures, the idea of a higher power - one that can guide and direct our lives - is a common theme. Animals rely on instinct, which is in a way, similar to the idea of an inner divinity. It is a knowing beyond knowing, a sense that transcends our five senses, a loving father that wants only the best for his children. Ask yourself if there is a divine within, and how it can work in you and through you to improve your life.
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Natural fears are needed for survival. Our bodies respond to the threat by engaging the fight or flight response. False Evidence Appearing Real. Many fears that we have are really not that scary, but constantly thinking about them, feeling fearful, we make things harder than they need to be. Chronic fear (like chronic worry) can tax our systems and deplete our energy. Look to times when you've overcome a fear or made it through a situation that felt scary and uncertain. Realize that you survived and so will you this time. Or: F*** Everything And Run! No, face your fears...and you will.
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Well, it started out as a discussion on abundance and lack but turned into a metaphor for growing new ideas. An acorn is small, but when it is planted in the ground, it suddenly comes to life to fulfill its destiny of becoming a mighty oak tree. Ideas are the same. We need to plant them in the fertile sanctuary of the inner life. Just as the seed in the soil is protected from the elements and is supplied with rich nourishment vital for its growth. Fresh ideas need to be planted, protected as well as nourished, and that earth is our own inner lives.
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Intuition - what it is and what it is not. A lot of times, we get a hunch or idea from within and think it's our intuition. Often, it may just be a fear that says 'no' - and other times it may be wishful thinking or an impulse that says 'yes'. A true intuitive insight comes from deep within and is not influenced by any emotional state. But to know the difference, we must develop a relationship in our inner lives that gets us in tune with that part of ourselves. Quiet reflection and a restatement of our values and mission will help cut through the static and noise, and we can then hear that small, still voice within - and trust it.
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Listening is not waiting for the other person to stop talking, or rehearsing your response until it's your turn. Listening is an art form and requires a combination of passive, non-invasive hearing, and, an active and very present 'here and now' consciousness. Or is that Hear and now? Same with the inner life. We have to listen to our bodies, our heart, intuitive impulses and other signals we get from within. Listen clearly, openly. Avoid the tendency to interpret or justify or explain what you are hearing. Just listen. Then figure out what it means.
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Actually, we need a mature Ego. The ego is that part of ourselves that we feel is 'Me or I". But it's only part of our total Self. Ego will defend itself over bad decisions, justify emotions and behavior, and doesn't like to be called out. But the ego shouldn't be in control over everything - it plays a very important part, but it should not be driving the boat. Hamlet was an allegory for the Copernican revolution, where we went from a Geo-centric (or, Ego-centric) cosmology to the Heliocentric model. No longer did the universe revolve around us. Hamlet couldn't accept that in his own life and he ended in tragedy. Eventually, the public accepted this new worldview, where we are just part of a larger Universe. So the Ego really needs to become stronger, wiser, and take its proper place in our lives.
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The fact that we all have a favorite food makes us all the same. We all have different ideas on what that food is, and on this level, we can greatly differ and disagree. This is the paradox that we face today. We are so caught up in our petty differences and personal identities that we lose sight of the basic, fundamental values that we all share. All the waves on the surface of the ocean seem very different. But when you go beneath, the ocean is the same and the individual waves seem to disappear. So let's celebrate our differences, not get in a conflict of them. Diversity is strength, but too much emphasis on the particular differences becomes a fatal weakness, if we don't recognize the sameness. There is only one race - the human race. We all live on the same planet and breathe the same air.
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St. Francis lived around the year 1200 and may or may not have written this prayer, but that's not important. The words have so much meaning and are quite relevant today in a world that needs to not only hear them - but to live these words as a personal philosophy of life. I will read through the entire prayer, then break it down, line by line. This is as much a practical set of instructions as it is a prayer.
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Just as junk food is unhealthy for the body, junk ideas and poison thoughts can lead to poor mental, emotional and spiritual health. Feed your inner life with good thoughts, harmonious ideas, beautiful imagery and soulful stories. Try to limit the news pieces and social media posts that make you angry, disillusioned and defeated. Make sure the bulk of your inner diet is healthy and pure -- then, the unavoidable bad news, discouraging thoughts, and horrific images will not have a detrimental effect. It's really a matter of proportion and intensity. Feed your soul, and your body, with life affirming, energizing and relaxing things.
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Caregivers who unselfishly dedicate themselves to the service of others are the unsung heroes of society. Most are caring for a disabled child, elderly parent or other close person at home. Yet, caregivers often do not take care of themselves very well, nor do they accept and receive help that is offered to them. Like the air masks on a flight - you are supposed to put yours on first, before helping a child or other person with theirs - caregivers need this help. You can't feed from an empty bowl, nor can you be effective in the care of others if you neglect yourself. So, take care, all you care takers!
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We need a mirror to see our outer self. To look within, we also need a mirror - the mirror of the other. This reflection coming from another person is a strange one - distorted and exaggerated like a circus mirror - but if we can see through the glass, we can recognize a part of ourselves that needs too be looked at. This is an often overlooked part of 'psychological projection' - when we throw our undesirable shadow traits on to another person. Then, like a movie screen, the projection is immediately reflected back. It looks like another person - and it is - but it is really a reflection of you.
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Cultivate an attitude of gratitude and you will see even the smallest positive parts of your life grow into more and more. If you focus instead on lack or what is wrong in your life, you will get more of that. The tiny mustard seed can grow into a whole field of plants or make a powerful spice. So too, with the inner life. If you only have one thing that is going right, or is good and positive, be grateful for what you have. Make that bigger and stop giving your time and energy to what you don't have or what you don't like. If you aren't grateful for the good things in your life, don't expect life to give you more of them. At the time of this upload, I may only have a dozen or so listeners, but I am grateful that each and every one of you are reading this and listening to my podcast, thank you!
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Forgiveness is for the one who forgives. To forgive someone who did something harmful to you does not mean that you approve of what they did. Forgiveness releases you from the chains that bind you to the initial injury or insult. We can carry this around with us for years, re-living and feeling over and over that pain. In Buddhism, this is the second arrow - the first is the injury, the second is licking that wound and keeping it from being healed. We also have to learn to forgive ourselves. We are here to learn, grow and share. Growth comes from learning from our mistakes - and allowing others to learn from theirs.
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While the term 'discipline' may often refer to punishment, or self-discipline as being an unpleasant chore, actually the word comes from the same root as 'disciple'. This simply means that we are dedicated and enthusiastic about something. All of us have something we enjoy, spend time being involved with, learning about, and sharing with others. We can actually be disciples of these hobbies or interests. Same is true with our inner life. If we can bring this same interest and enthusiasm toward self-growth and improvement, we can make some of these lasting changes that can be so difficult at times to approach. Be a disciple of health, an apostle of self development, dedicated to being the best you that you can be.
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Missing years and Dark Ages are found throughout history, just as there are blank spots and memory lapses in our own individual lives. This 'selective amnesia' can keep us from remembering traumatic events that might otherwise haunt us. Other times, there are memories that we want banished to the shadow. One of the greatest mysteries is that of our own purpose and nature as human beings, and the answer is behind this dark curtain. By sharpening our tools of consciousness and enriching our connection to our inner lives, we can lift this curtain and reveal our destiny.
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Anger is something with which we are all familiar - in ourselves and in others. Manly P. Hall defined anger as "an intense emotion caused by real or imaginary injury or insult". The Dalai Lama suggests that anger can be a positive, motivational emotion for good, but when it turns to hatred, it becomes bad. Both these points are discussed in this talk, along with strategies for reducing the anger impulse in ourselves.
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In our busy lives, we often wear many hats to do different things. Multi-tasking is an attempt to do several things at once, but can we really? If our attention is divided, we may only be semi-tasking, or doing things half a$$ed. Often, we cycle or flip from one task to the next, and then back again, but not simultaneously. The more we try to multi-task, the less presence and attention we have for any one thing.
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Do we actually have free will or are things pre-determined from the start? Einstein believed in immutable, predictable laws of physics, differing from the quantum physics of Niels Bohr and Werner Heisenberg, who instead believed in probabilities that were not always predictable. This has also been a philosophical debate for centuries, perhaps as old as history. In this talk I explore both ideas and share my personal views on the possibility that both - in a way - are true. Like paddling down a river, the current is pre-determined to flow downstream, yet the free will of the person paddling plays a vital part for navigating a safe journey. Same with life. Arch Angel Gabriel
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Silence is Golden, Be Still and Know... Our minds can become cluttered with 'voices' and static and a constant ringing of thoughts and feelings. We need to clear inner space to hear the still, small voice within. The wisdom of our inner higher power, or intuition, or creative inspiration often gets drowned out by the endless thought stream and emotional river. Breathing techniques and meditation can help calm the mind and feelings to where we can better function and live more harmoniously in our total lives.
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Personal Transformation is a process like Alchemy. It is also a journey - an Inner Hero's Journey - which is also process. Jung's termed this as Individuation - or going from the small 's' self to the capital 'S' Self. In Buddhism, this is releasing the inner Buddha nature. This all points to the fact that each of us have within us the seeds and substance for transformation into something larger and greater. If anything, we play too small, not realizing that our true nature is one that is much more powerful that we believe. This is the 'great secret' that becomes a Great Awakening once the light of wisdom shines upon the darkness.
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The story of The Odyssey is the archetype for mythic storytelling. Yet even with the incredible journey filled with dramatic encounters and battles, it is essentially an inner journey of Odysseus. Same with Star Wars. Even though Luke traveled across the galaxy, the real journey was one of him coming of age and stepping into his destiny - an inner odyssey. We take this Hero's Journey many times in life, sometimes many at the same time. In all cases, there is a Departure from the known world and ways, then and Initiation of trials and tests, victories and loss (including an encounter with death), until finally, the hero - that is, YOU - is ready to Return and put everything together for a purpose greater than one's self. Joseph Campbell.
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Consciousness can be difficult to define, and William James wondered if consciousness was even a 'thing'. Consciousness is more than just our thoughts and sense of awareness - it is the sum total of our inner lives and all the tools and powers that we can utilize to think better thoughts, and, to think if better ways.
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The meaning of life may come down to what meaning we bring to it. To make a meaningful life, each of us not only has to find meaning and purpose, we also have to make life meaningful - full of meaning. When asked what is the meaning of life, the Buddha held up a flower and asked, "What is the meaning of this flower?" (or, the answer is 42)
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041: Reconciling the Opposites: Get Your Yin and Yang Together
There is no difference between night and day - the Earth is always in a constant state of half day, half night. But from our perspective, it really seems like they are completely separate things. Same with people. Each of us are seemingly different individuals yet deeply connected with One Humanity.
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Most inner work involves relaxation, meditation, contemplation and quietude. Sometimes you need to use brute force to plow your way through obstacles. Often these obstacles are ones we set in the way of our own goals. Resistance, self-doubt, and overthinking can become blocks that frustrate our aspirations and dreams. A brute force approach to these obstacles is to dig in, lean into it and push your way through. Force your small self out of your own way. You have already set a goal or have a dream to pursue. You know the steps and procedures you need to do to accomplish this. This is often where resistance takes hold. Use that brute force to plow through and keep going. Ganesha energy.
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In Plato's "Allegory of the Cave", people are watching shadow forms cast on the wall, thinking that they are seeing the real world. In the movie, "The Matrix", most are also living in a false reality. Simulation Theory is very popular now, and it makes for an interesting thought exercise. How would you live your life differently if you found out that we are actually living in a computer simulation (or dream world)? The philosopher Rene Descartes, who is famous for the quote "I think, therefore I AM", gave it a lot of thought and came to the conclusion that, as long as he was thinking or feeling, he did indeed exist - even if the world was an illusion. Food for thought.
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Emmet Fox was a popular speaker and writer whose works include "The Sermon on the Mount" and this very small booklet, "The Golden Key". In it, Fox describes a method by which you visualize a 'golden key' as a mediator between you and what troubles you. This could be a person in your life, a condition in the world, or an inner conflict that is in need of resolution or healing. We all try so solve problems directly, at least at first. Use the Golden Key method to take your mind off the problem, and think about God (or your Higher Power, Infinite Wisdom, etc.) instead. This will keep your mind on thoughts of healing, harmony, peace, serenity and solution - which is the goal you seek and the opposite of focusing solely on what it wrong. Better thoughts and attitudes lead toward better solutions and reconciliation. So, when you are faced with a difficult situation or person, give them "The Golden Key" treatment.
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The practice of Divination - seeking divine wisdom - is as old as history. From dream interpretation and astrology to Tarot cards and Rorschach tests, people have long used various methods of ganging insight that goes beyond conscious thought. Whether you take the advice from these oracles or not, such a practice is a great way to get another angle or viewpoint on whatever situation or problem you are facing. There is also a random element involved, such as the picking of a card, flipping coins or the placement of tea leaves. This leaves the 'choosing' of the answer to fate, the gods, or luck - either way, the idea is that it comes from somewhere else, and not from your own ideas or opinions of others.
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Joseph Campbell suggested there are 4 functions of myth - the fourth being the psychological function that helps to show us who we are in the world. A myth in this case is not a falsehood, but an archetypal story about who we are as human beings. Told and re-told throughout the ages, from mythology and scriptures to Hollywood movies, these are the stories of our lives. And, by paying attention to them and to which ones resonate with you personally, we can use the lessons of myth to find meaning and hope for becoming more. Ultimately, myths and movies are about transformation - physical and psychological - as the hero(ine) in the story accomplishes an outer goal in order to solve an inner need. "A myth is a story that never was, but always is."
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Spirit + Ritual = Spiritual • In older, tribal cultures, as well as modern secret societies and military groups, a candidate has to go through an initiation before being accepted in the group. Most are difficult, yet possible to accomplish. Some are even more severe, which is a way of weeding out those who are not capable of what is required for membership. Yet no matter how physical and outer these ordeals are, the point is to bring about an inner transformation. By having the person go through a visceral experience - and not just an intellectual exercise - the whole body is involved in such a way that her or she goes beyond what they previously thought were possible. This brings about an inner knowing, on a deeply personal and individual level, that leaves the person forever changed - inside and out. In this talk, I outline the difference between a routine and ritual, and describe how we can make rituals in our everyday lives.
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No one here gets out alive (Jim Morrison). Death ends a life but not a relationship. It is also an inner experience, both for the one who passes on and those left behind. I have assisted two very close people through the dying process in the last year, and have some thoughts and experiences to share. Death is most often an awkward or unpopular thing to talk about, but it is an important part of life, so to speak. Just being there is perhaps the best thing any of us can do when someone is in the final reel. Let them know they lived a good life and that those behind will be able to take care of themselves. Death in natural, so you can't really help someone die, but you can make it a little easier - for them and yourself.
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Just like the Little Pig who built his house out of brick and mortar, we need to build an inner structure that is strong and secure. Freemasonry uses the metaphor of constructing physical buildings for our inner lives. Our inner structure must be well-designed, built on a stable foundation, level and true, and designed for the purposes of our lives. *I am not a Freemason and am only using the metaphor, much in the way I did in an earlier podcast, Inner Alchemy 027.
ChatGPT and other A.I. (Artificial Intelligence) platforms making news lately. While A.I. might be powerful and potentially dangerous, the really frightening part is that we seem so eager to give up our natural intelligence for an artificial one. Before the industrial and information revolutions, we relied mostly on our human capacity to intuit, observe and inspire. When tech tools were limited, we tapped into the unlimited part of our consciousness. Now, those skills have atrophied from lack of use and we have traded the superior for the inferior - willingly. The hope for the human race depends on our shift toward a more balanced use of our own consciousness with the analytic power of our invention - A.I.
There are only two days of the week you never have to worry about - yesterday and tomorrow. We only really live in the present, but can often find ourselves mired in the past or grappled with the future. Like Ram Dass said: Be Here Now. There is power in the present. We can recognize dangers long before they become a big problem. And see opportunities that otherwise would have been missed by not being present. To be instantly in the present moment, listen to your breath, and be aware when you breathe in and breathe out. You can only hear your breath in the present moment!
What are your core values? Having a strong center, like the trunk of a tree, will strengthen and balance everything else. In exercise, developing a strong core will help make the rest of you strong, resilient and balanced. In Judo, martial arts and other sports, keeping your center is vital to success. Same with the Inner Life. We are confronted constantly with emotions and distractions that can make us feel off balance and frustrated. But the more we have an inner core, a center of strength and wisdom, the better we can keep our footing and not get thrown off by the slings and arrows of life. Your inner center can be your guiding star, and always point you in the right direction, even when you get off course. And, this powerful center of conviction and strength will give you peace of mind and heart, and help you relax.
Often we turn to government and elected leaders to solve our problems. While there are many things a government can do quite well, like the military, police and fire departments, and infrastructure, there are so many things it can't. Prohibition altered the Constitution of the United States to make drinking illegal, because people could not regulate themselves. This did not work and actually lead to worse problems like organized crime. We also want to turn to other people in our lives to fix things (or place blame for our own problems), but so many of our issues are meant to be solved within. So who is in charge or you? Are you run by an autocrat within, or tyrant, or a wiser, more evolved part of yourself. Kennedy suggested "Ask what you can do for your country." Same with our inner lives - "What can you do for your own Self?"
With all the recent UFO and UAP sightings and publicity lately, I take a look back at what Dr. Carl Jung wrote about the flying saucers in the late 1950s. Jung didn't doubt the existence of the saucers, nor the truthfulness of the eyewitness accounts, but instead focused on the psychological implications - both personal and collective. Dr. Carl Sagan said that either we are alone in the universe or we are not alone in the universe - and each is equally terrifying!
The metal Alchemists of long ago sought to change lead into gold by subjecting it to heat, chemicals, distillation and various experiments in the laboratory. We also do this in the kitchen when we mix flour, sugar, egg, water and a few other things, subject them to heat, and wind up with a cake. Same with the inner life. Dr. Carl Jung drew a parallel between these alchemical operations and the psychological process of transformation. He called it Individuation - becoming whole, complete, healed. Many believed that this is the real truth behind the Alchemists - that they were transmuting their own base emotions, thoughts and desires, refining them through several steps until they are more golden, untarnished and luminous. Inner Alchemy for improving our own Inner Lives.
When you reply to the people and events in our lives, are you reacting or responding. A reaction is an automated reply, like a knee-jerk reflex, usually without any thought. It can also be a habit of speech, triggered by a stimulus. But if you respond, there is thought involved, and at least a second of two of time that allows a more present, more useful reply.
In an emergency, there is no time to think - you have to react instinctively. In non-emergencies, you have the opportunity to consider the situation, assess your options, and choose the best way to respond to the person or situation. If you react out of habit, ask yourself if this is the habit you still want to project, or, if not, then go about changing your habits of thought, speech and action. By becoming consciously aware of how you reply - reaction or response - you can gain control of yourself and your response.
The great love stories from religious scriptures, mythology, movies and fairy tales are actually metaphors for our inner lives. It is that beauty within ourselves that is sleeping and needs to be awakened. We are under a spell of materialism that has made us beastly, which only beauty can conquer. The quest for the Holy Grail is an inner journey to find and recapture that better part of ourselves. The Hermetic Marriage of the Sun and Moon; Orpheus and Eurydice, Isis and Osiris - even the characters in Pretty Woman - all point to the Romance of the Soul that we all must awaken and marry within.
Sabotage is usually an attempt to disrupt or derail something that is deemed negative. This is a solution. But when we 'self-sabotage', it is most often something that we DO want, yet we have this urge to dismantle it. So how is self-sabotage a solution? If we want to disrupt a negative part of our personality, that would be called self-improvement. Yet we hear so many stories, as well as our own, where an attempted improvement (or new project or venture) gets squashed. Also, the 'sabotage' happens after we have already made much progress. Sometimes, we stop ourselves when the end goal is in sight. This is because, for whatever reason, we feel this new thing or positive change is uncomfortable in some way. We must get through the discomfort zone to stay in the race long enough to finish. Create a larger vision of yourself that includes these improvements and changes we want to make in our lives.
Faith is the belief in things unseen. In this podcast, I am not talking about 'faith' as being a style or sect of religion, nor a belief in a supreme being. These are great topics I hope to cover soon. Here, I am only talking about the hidden possibilities that lurk in the unseen world. When we rely too much on our senses, our understanding or what we believe, we can be missing so much more. To cultivate this 'faith factor', we have to keep the door open for these hidden possibilities, so that they may come in. Faith is truly a leap of faith. Sometimes we have to leap before the net appears.
A Subjective perspective comes from within - it is how we look at ourselves and the lease through which we look at the world. An Objective point of view is supposed to be free from feelings or bias - just the facts, Ma'am. Yet, even when we observe things with a scientific mind, we still bring in our experiences and personal viewpoints, at least to some degree. It can be advantageous to pull back from our personal perspective and just look at some things or people without prejudice or preference - even some of the bad stuff. By observing clearly, we can often find something useful and to our advantage - the silver lining that lies inside the cloud.
What is the state of your Union? We have so many facets to ourselves and they don't always get along with each other. Contradictions, complexities and conundrums are ever present in our lives. The Shamanic practice of Soul Retrieval puts back together the pieces of our psyche that have split off with each traumatic experience throughout our lives. Welcome those wayward parts back to make a strong Union, one that cannot be divided.
When confronted with a danger, our 'Fight or Flight" mechanism kicks in to make us ready for battle, or to run away. This 'sympathetic' part of our nervous system increases heart rate, enhances our eyesight, and produces adrenaline to help us survive. It also turns off our digestion and reproductive systems because they are not needed. When the danger has passed, the 'parasympathetic' system stops the adrenaline and returns our heart rate, stress levels, and digestive systems back to normal functioning. When the danger is real and visible, like a tiger or and oncoming train, the 'fight or flight' response is only temporary. Whether we win or lose in the confrontation, the danger will pass and we will return to normal. When the threat is invisible, emotional or perceived, the stress hormones respond the same way, but such threats often never go away. Nor do they every really kill us. Therefore, we can spend much more time in fight/flight than we are equipped to do so, and after time, it can do much damage to ourselves - physically and psychologically. Try to see these types of threats - even if they may risk your reputation or self-esteem - as being paper tigers that can't really hurt you. The best way to deal with these enemies, is to become calm, centered and have your stress hormones, digestion and heart rate return to normal. Then you will see a way through these, or a way to laugh at yourself so they can not pose a threat - real or imagined.
Practice does not make perfect - practice makes permanent. We have muscle memory that remembers how to do things, even when our minds forget. It's how we memorize music, math tables and just about everything else. If you've ever caught yourself daydreaming when you are driving home, and you don't realize how you got there when you pull up to the driveway - this is your muscle memory, conditioned into a habit that allows us to do the thing without much conscious thought. This can be very helpful and it can work against us as well. We can get stuck in habits that are hard to change, habits of feeling and thoughts, but we can change them. Also, our bodies are always trying to tell us things we need to know about our condition. Unfortunately, we also have the habit of masking, medicating and denying these uncomfortable messages. Therefore, we can rarely get to solving the problem or healing the condition. We must learn to relax and listen to what our wise, intuitive body is saying. Ask what it needs, how you can help. Then you can get to the source and solve the issue so you no longer have the symptoms. Listen and learn.
"The mind is the slayer of the real" ~H.P. Blavatsky. By over-planning, over-analyzing and overthinking things, we make the things we do sterile, mechanical and clinical. Too much intellectualism can detract from spontaneity and excitement. Even if something is produced or performed "perfectly", without the emotion and passion, it will be dry and lifeless. Ultimately, we need a balance of both. So plan and think things through, but then set out to do the thing. And as you do, the path will be made more clear and you will find out things that would have been impossible to think of beforehand. As the great author wrote, even the best laid plans of mice and men often go astray. So go ahead and start, even before you're 100% ready - and enjoy!
The first rule of magic is containment. Also, the first rule with many other things, like containing heat in a pizza oven or preserving tomatoes in a Mason Jar. Same with the Inner Life. When we are working on something new - an idea, invention, habit, or anything else we want to accomplish - it can be really destructive if these are not contained or protected. Containment keeps what is inside from leaking out, and prevents impurities from the outside from seeping in. What is contained has value, which is why we put it in a container. Your ideas, attitudes and self-improvement are also valuable, so keep them contained until you are ready to tell the world!
You cannot give someone wisdom, any more than you can work out or practice a musical instrument for someone. This is the work we all need to do for ourselves. Teachers, coaches and trainers can help with you along the way, but this is a journey we all must make as individuals. The 'Parable of the Sower' from the New Testament (Matthew 13:3 and others) describes what happens when seeds are planted in various types of soil. Only a ground that has been properly cultivated will produce favorable results when seeds are planted. Same with our Inner Lives. New ideas, thoughts, better habits - all the things we want to grow and bear fruit - will likely fail unless we cultivate a head and heart space that is not too hard, not to porous, and not too crowded with other, competing ideas and beliefs. Clear your heart and mind for these new seeds to find a welcome home and produce a harvest more than enough for yourself and to share with others.
"Should I follow my head, or follow my heart?" The answer is yes. To both. Both the intellectual and emotional parts of ourselves are important and very powerful. The head and heart have different needs, see things differently, and speak different languages. Like Yin and Yang, they are also inseparable and work much better for us when they are in harmony - each giving to the other the best of what they have to offer. Too much intellectualism can be cold, sterile and uninspired. Too much unbridled emotion can become scattered, dramatic and even dangerous. The mind can temper the emotions. The heart can energize the intellect. Together, the head and heart can become the core of our inner lives - when the two are made One.
"Surrender, Surrender, but don't give yourself away" - the lyrics to this Cheap Trick song are more profound than I realized. Surrender does not mean defeat - it means ending the battle so you will survive. Some fights are not worth fighting for, especially the internal struggles that we have within. Sometimes our best efforts have put us in un-winable situations. Holding on to old ways of thinking, or pride, or reputation - these self defensive mechanisms - actually keep us from succeeding. Letting go of the things and people we cannot change - letting go of the trying to change these things - will give the freedom to fight for what is actually important and the power to succeed, progress and transform our lives. But sometimes we need to be rendered even more helpless before we are willing to receive the help we need. Surrender is not weakness; it is strength.
Creating sacred space is an ancient ritual, used by many cultures, to prepare the area and one's self for a ritual or ceremony. This can also be useful in our daily lives, as well, even in the most mundane things we do. We all have to wear different hats to cover our many responsibilities. So why not 'shift gears' by recognizing the importance and sacredness of what we do with ourselves. By putting on a particular shirt, or piece of music, or an apron in the kitchen, we can get ourselves in the mood - and mode - to harmonize our selves with the task at hand. Same with our inner lives. Carve out a time and space where you don't let any negative or conflicting thoughts and emotions to contaminate what it is you are trying to do. This keeps you present and tuned in to whatever it is your are doing. And when the next part of your day requires a different mind set, honor the sacredness of that in some way. You are worth it!
Dr. Carl Jung stated: "We all walk in shoes too small for us", and that can be true on so many levels. We all know that we don't always live up to 100% of our potential - there's always something more we could be doing to improve our lives. But that's known potential, but what about hidden potential that we are not even aware of? There are likely potentialities that lie far beyond our awareness, yet we can discover these and envision and larger sense of who we are and what we are capable of accomplishing. This may be behind why we often feel too small or powerless when facing challenges. We know more than we know. We can do more than we think we can do. Be open to a larger version of your self and your abilities!
Before a farmer can plant a crop in the ground, the soil must first be prepared to receive the seed. Otherwise, it won't take and probably won't grow very well. The same thing happens when we try to change a behavior or attitude to a new and better one. If the old way of thinking and believing hasn't been sufficiently disrupted, it will overpower the new idea and revert back. This is the paradigm under which we operate - the 'way things are' that we accept without thinking about. It is on this level that we must prepare our inner life to receive and nurture the better habits of thought, speech and action that we want to cultivate.
The best way to get somewhere is to first accept where you are. But that doesn't mean stay where you are. Even GPS navigation needs to know where you are to get you where you want to go. Same with the Inner Life. If you want to change some part of yourself, you must acknowledge were you are first. Non-acceptance creates a barrier to actually get to work on yourself. You wouldn't lie to a doctor about your symptoms, or deny them. Even the unfavorable aspects of our selves must be accepted as fact - and use that as a launching pad to improve and progress forward. Accept what is, honestly and thoughtfully. Then, like an Alchemist changing the lead to gold, go to work and transform your weaknesses into strengths.
Self-Care is more than retail therapy and binge watching TV in your pajamas. Those kinds of things are fine to reward yourself or take a break from the stresses of daily life. An enlightened self care is when you are really doing something to de-stress and relax your inner life as well. Sometimes this takes the form of meditation, reading, going out in nature - or just doing 'nothing' - that is, stopping the monkey mind of runaway thinking. Make this important. Even if you only have 15 minutes here, or 5 minutes there - take that break from the worry, responsibility and pressureful demands on your life. Mark this time allotment in your schedule and honor yourself by letting yourself off the hook, off the clock and release your worries and troubles to a higher power - either in yourself or in the Universe. You are worth it and we need you!
"I think I can, I think I can," said the Little Engine Who Could. And it worked. Positive self-talk can produce amazing results. The problem arises when there is a strong undercurrent of a negative self-concept that conflicts with the positive affirmation. Just tacking on a mantra or affirmation to a hardened, cynical attitude will produce mixed results at best. For an affirmation to work, it has to be received in you inner life. You have to be receptive to this new idea, or otherwise you will reject it, unconsciously or unknowingly.
Like a farmer who tills the hard, dry soil to receive the seed, we also must clear the way and be open to plant new ideas. The best way is to take the advice of Emile Coue and repeat often: "Day by day, in every way, I am getting better and better."
The quote, 'The grass is always greener on the other side" is a cautionary tale about envy. The comparison game can never be won - there will always be someone or something 'better out there'. It is also true that grass - actual grass - is always greener in the places where you water it the most. Same with the Inner Life. Our goals and dreams must be watered in order for them to grow, but are they getting enough? Life demands so much of our time and energy that there may not be as much left over for growing yourself. Also, the watering hose may be leaking, disconnected from source, or obstructed with distractions of a hundred kinds. Make sure these are shored up, then direct your life energy and watch yourself grow!
"If you see a fork in the road, take it." This Yogi Berra quote speaks the heart of being faced with a decision. We can overthink our choices, which makes decision even harder. There can be fear of making the wrong choice, the consequence of our decision on others, and we can try to get out of the responsibility of making a decision. Sometimes, it's the little decisions that can be difficult as well. Our emotional state and feelings about the decision hold quite a bit of power, and override our more logical, rational thoughts. If you are faced with indecision, the emotional factor is likely at work. So get to work on your feelings about the choices, find out if they are getting in the way or helping you make the decision. Fear can cause indecision, and it can show up as a lack of confidence and weakness. Most often, it is better to decide something and go with it, than to remain stuck on the fence of self-doubt.
Continuing with the previous episode on Setting Goals and Working the Plan, I outline my goals, describe a working plan and mostly, why I set out to launch my own podcast as an example. My goals, plans and reasons are my own and yours are for you to follow. By using my specific example as a template, hopefully you will be able to translate that into pursuing the goals that you have in your heart.
"There are many paths to the mountaintop" is an ancient quote about reaching the goal of enlightenment. Whatever your goal is - be it lofty or earthly - it has to be clarified and vitalized. Then, as you work your definite plan of action, you may have to adapt to the changing conditions. Having a strong reason why you want to achieve a particular goal will keep you on track and help you get through the more difficult parts of the path. The path can change along the way to continue to support the goal.
Same with the inner life. Set the self-improvement goals with clarity and with strong reasons why you want to achieve them. Sometimes the steps are difficult to see, but you will always stay on track as long as you keep the goal in sight and the reasons behind it energized. The path will become clear as long as you keep moving toward your goal.
We seem to crave change in our lives, yet are often unwilling to do what it takes to make the change. Underneath every desire to make a positive change is an emotionally vitalized survival mode that wants to keep things just as they are. The fantasy of getting fit without exercise, or becoming a great musician without practicing, never really works out. A fundamental change of our operating system is needed in order to make lasting improvements we so desire.
"Out with the old, in with the new!"Along with this quote, an image of an old man and a baby show up each year around New Year's Eve. It shows the hope and 'newness' of the coming year, a chance to start over with fresh outlook. Of course, many New Year's resolutions don't often stick - mainly because we don't really let go of the old. We try to slap on a new, shiny mask to our old beliefs and attitudes. Eventually, the facade wears off and the old habits return. Like painting a house or a car, you can't just slap on new pain to an old car unless the surface is properly prepared and primed beforehand. Same with the Inner Life. To start a new habit or behavior, you must first make sure the old habits of thinking and acting are de-activated. Otherwise, they will soon return you to your previous ways of being.
Hello, I'm Chris Sheridan and this is the first of what I hope to be many, many podcasts on consciousness, beliefs, mind science and all things about the Inner Life. We do live in two worlds at the same time, Inner and Outer, and we have to make the best of both. Sometimes, they seem to be at odds with each other, other times the two are synched in harmony. To make real changes in our lives, we need to shift the focus from external situations, institutions and people to an internal awareness of the power and depth of our psyche, and the application of these principles in our every day lives.