Developing a Better You

Tag: meditation (Page 2 of 2)

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.

A 98 Second Video That Really Can Change Your Life

If a picture is worth a thousand words, then I think this 98 second video is worth about a million.

I’ve written a lot of words in the 35 posts I’ve done so far here at Becoming Yourself. All of them with the aim of helping you, the reader, develop a better you. Become more of your True Self. Your Best Self. Spiritually, emotionally, mentally, relationally, physically. Maybe I’ve needed so many words because Becoming Yourself is a tricky thing. It’s easy to get sidetracked on the journey. Each of us has a lot of layers to peel. There’s a lot of aspects to think about when your goal is to become your Best You.

That said, sometimes I think it’s helpful to set the words aside and focus on a picture of what we’re aiming for. A clear example of someone who has achieved what we’re all trying to accomplish. A person who continues to pursue a better version of themselves – even at age 90.

Allow me to introduce you to Margery Owens. She’s a soft-spoken, vibrant, gentle woman who does the splits every morning at a time of life when most of her peers are in wheelchairs. And it’s not just her physical prowess that has captivated my attention. Though nearly blind from macular degeneration, her sharp mind, peaceful spirit, and loving heart all shine through in this 98 second video. She’s a picture of the kind of person I strive to become.

Give yourself the gift of seeing what you can achieve through a patient, steady focus on developing yourself over a lifetime. Be challenged. Be motivated. Be encouraged. Decide, like I have, that you’re going to be like Margery. If you do, you’ll take another giant step toward Becoming Yourself. 

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