We are surrounded, more like bombarded, with outside stimuli constantly.
This is part of our life in the electronics age. Everywhere we look,
advertising is pointing its finger at us, subtly calling us to buy a certain
product or service, or point of view. Everyone is after the piece of
pie or prosperity and materiality. Is that all there is? What
about the inner values in our life? What about our basic beliefs and
understanding? What is our role in this fast-paced environment of instantaneous
communication?
Why don't we take a few minutes out of our busy stress-filled day to stop
and listen to what our "inner voice" is saying to us? If we are forever
surrounded by other's thoughts, ideas, and suggestions, when do we have time
to think our thoughts, and develop our inner creativity? There is just
too much "stuff" going around in our head to even get a clear picture of
what it is we are thinking. It is not our original thinking, but someone
else's thoughts imposing themselves upon us.
This is where the cultivation and development of THE ART OF LOOKING
WITHIN comes into play. What does this mean? We have the
natural ability to answer all our questions, because these questions are
coming to our mind in response to our inner prompting. Why else would we
be asking them? They are our personal questions. Why go to an
outside source for the answers, when they are right there for us to find
within? Yet it seems so much easier to seek out our favorite author,
our latest guru, or the mass media presentation (Television, radio, newspapers,
magazines, etc.) to find our answers.
THE ART OF LOOKING WITHIN begins in that quiet place within
ourselves. Take a moment to find that peaceful and serene place within.
RELAX. Close the eyes, take a deep breath, and then just be. Can we
stop all those thoughts racing around in our head? Leave those thoughts
for a few moments (they will surely find us again.) See if we can feel
the inner peace which comes once those thoughts thoughts are quieted down.
Next, see in our mind's eye a crystal clear blue lake. It looks like
glass. There are no ripples upon its surface. Feel the serenity
of the lake. When a thought intrudes itself upon us, see it as a ripple
upon the lake. Before it has an opportunity to carry us into its wake,
stop that thought. Break it immediately. Return to the clear
reflective lake. Take a few moments to feel the beauty and serenity
of the lake. Feel it wash away our fear, anxiety, and frustrations
of the day. Feel it refresh our spirit. Take a few more deep
breaths, and with each breath release a little more of those thoughts of
separation and insecurity. Know we are divine beings. Actually
feel the divinity starting to stir within. Feel the little cells start
coming alive, revived and refreshed.
In this place of quiet, ask the question which we are seeking an answer.
Ask, and then wait for an answer. It may not come immediately.
It may not even come during our quiet time. continue to watch for the
answer during the day, or evening. When we ask, it will come.
Remember the statement in the movie A FIELD OF DREAMS: "Build
it and they will come." There is much truth to this statement.
When we start to develop the process of asking the question we begin drawing
the answers to us. The answer may come in the form of a fleeting thought,
an "ah huh" response, even a word from a friend may hit the mark, or a book
suddenly finds its way into our hands giving insight into our question.
Maybe even a dream will provide clarification on our idea. Look for
it, and it will surely come.