Want Your Best Life? Have the Courage to Look Within

The things that trouble our spirits are within us already. In meditation, we must face them, accept them, and set them aside one by one.

Christopher L. Bennett

This quote nails one of the reasons I sometimes avoid meditation—I’m afraid of what I might find. When I set aside all my distractions, quiet my mind, and look at myself honestly, who knows what may arise from the depths? I often have a suspicion when there are things inside me that I don’t want to face. False ego props, things I’ve done wrong, people I’ve hurt, beliefs I stubbornly cling too that I know won’t hold up to real scrutiny. Like a warning light on a dashboard or a lingering physical pain, I’m tempted to just ignore it and hope it goes away.

A friend recently told me about his meditation technique for deeper self-awareness. He revealed some of the frightening things he’s encountered within himself, things that he now knows he has to face. We all have those inner demons, monsters within us that we need to slay in order to become who we truly desire to be.

One of my favorite fantasy novels is The Sword of Shannara by Terry Brooks. At the end of the story, the hero discovers the magical power of the titular blade is that it forces the wielder to face the truth about themselves. All their lies, delusions, rationalizations, and self-deception are stripped away. The naked truth destroys those who are not strong enough to face it. That’s what meditation can do—force us to face our true selves. To look deeply inside ourselves is to willingly grasp the sword, knowing the trial to come.

So why would we do this? Why put ourselves through that kind of struggle? Simply this:

Everything you’ve ever wanted is sitting on the other side of fear. 

George addair

The truth of that quote both haunts and emboldens me. I know what I want, but I’m often afraid of what it takes to get it. When I’m aligned with my better angels, I gather my support network, summon my courage, and face my fears. Invariably, even if I initially fail, I move closer to my best self and my dream life in the process.

So what is it that you truly desire? Who do you want to become? What’s keeping you from your dreams? Are you willing to grasp the Sword? Focus on your goal. Go somewhere quiet. Close your eyes, breathe deep, and still your mind. Invite God or the Universe or Creation or your Inner Self or whatever you believe in to reveal what they will. Ask them to shine a light on the path to your True Self and for courage to face the real you. Acknowledge whatever arises. Process it with trusted friends and / or a good therapist. Take concrete steps to address what you find. If you do, you’ll discover adventure, joy and peace on the other side, and you’ll take a giant step toward Becoming Yourself.