Meeting
your soul is not a onetime event but a moment-to-moment deepening, an
ongoing rite of passage from who you thought you were to who you really
are.
—Living
From The
Inside Out
Do you find yourself governed by a carefully crafted lifestyle rather than living an authentic life? Have you noticed yourself reacting to daily demands instead of living the life you really want? Does doing so sound appealing, but impossible?
By connecting, creating, and contributing from who we really are inside, we can enjoy the benefits of living a more purposeful and meaningful life, on our own terms. As we turn within us to our authentic essence, we awaken to a sense of wholeness, wisdom, and abundance that leads to a happier, healthier, and more fulfilling life.
Throughout history, poets, psychologists, and philosophers have encouraged us to look within to find a true sense of connection with our essence. American essayist and poet Henry David Thoreau said, "What lies before us and what lies behind us are small matters compared to what lies within us. And when we bring what is within out into the world, miracles happen." Swiss psychologist Carl Jung eloquently stated, "He who looks outside, dreams; he who looks inside awakens." Chinese philosopher and founder of Taoism, Lao-tse, encouraged us to gain awareness of our inner wisdom and get on a first name basis with it. However, one of my favorite reminders is from a gunslinger's epitaph in Boothill Cemetery in Tombstone, Arizona. It says, "Be what you is, 'cuz if you be what you ain't, then you ain't what you is."
As we awaken to our true self, it marks a point of departure from being form driven to being essence driven. It unleashes previously hidden reserves of energy for creating forms in the world that reflect our essential essence. You get to feel your authentic nature instead of struggling to fill your life with nonessentials.
The combination of timeless essence and strategic action leads to fulfilling creations. In the words of late-nineteenth-century British art critic and social commentator John Ruskin, "When love and skill work together, expect a masterpiece."
The way has been paved by masterful individuals who have gone before us. By following their lead, we learn the value of those whose lives benefit others as well as themselves. One of my favorite role models is Albert Schweitzer. He combined inspiration, aspiration, and perspiration to demonstrate the benefits of connecting, creating, and contributing from essence.
Although Albert Schweitzer was already a respected theologian, acclaimed biographer, and accomplished organist, he answered the call for the need of medical missions. Led by love, he studied medicine for seven years. Then, Dr. Schweitzer traveled to Africa with his wife and established a hospital and leper colony. When he spoke, the world listened to his "reverence for life" philosophy. More importantly, his purposeful life became his message. In 1952, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his contribution to humanity.
We become our own messenger of divine wisdom when we connect,
create, and contribute from our essential self. As a result, the dream
of greater self-fulfillment and abundance can become a concrete reality.
Start living the life you really want and remember, the way in
is the way out!
Feel free to share this inspirational message with friends, just keep the copyright and credits intact. If you enjoyed this article and would like more practical guidance to soulful living, read Dr. Jean-Marie Hamel’s book, Living from the Inside Out.
© 2004 Jean-Marie Hamel