Going Within: The Courageous Journey to Your True Self

It took me a while to get it. For me, I needed a mix of rationally understanding it by knowing what it was but also letting go of the structure and rigidity of the mind to be able to experience and have that aha moment!

What is Going Within?

It is a courageous act of detaching from external distractions and stories we tell ourselves.

It's about navigating the layers of our experience:

• The Physical Layer: Our immediate sensations, discomfort, and bodily awareness

• The Mental Layer: Our thoughts, worries, and mental chatter

• The Emotional Layer: Our feelings, reactions, and emotional patterns

• The Story Layer: The narratives we've created about who we are

Exploring these layers cultivates self-awareness and the opportunity for deeper understanding.

The Courage to Detach

Going within demands tremendous courage. It requires us to:

• Face our shadows and uncomfortable truths

• Question long-held beliefs about ourselves

• Let go of identities we've carefully constructed

• Sit with uncertainty and vulnerability

• Release the stories that once gave us comfort

This detachment process, known as 'vairagya' in yoga, isn't about emotional disconnection. Rather, it's about developing the discernment to distinguish our true self from our temporary experiences.

The True Self According to Yoga

In yoga philosophy, our true self (Atman) is:

Authentic: Not shaped by external conditions or others' expectations

Eternal: Beyond the limitations of time and physical existence

Compassionate: Naturally oriented toward kindness and understanding

Unchanging: Constant amidst life's fluctuations

Pure Awareness: The witness consciousness that observes without judgment

How to Practice Going Inward

The yoga practice, self-study, journaling, and meditation create space to observe our inner experiences, develop witness consciousness, and cultivate presence.

Want to give it a try?

Here is a FREE 10-MIN MENTAL NOTING MEDITATION from my OnlineStudioMembership

Embracing the Journey

Going within is not a destination but a continuous journey of returning to our center. Each time we turn inward, we peel away another layer to reveal our true nature. This is not about escaping the world, but engaging with it from a place of greater awareness and authenticity.

The invitation to go within is about finding the courage to face ourselves honestly and the wisdom to recognize the pure essence that has always been there - your true self, waiting to be embraced.

Want to practice with me? Join my Online Studio Membership

And for the ultimate going inward experience join my yoga retreat in Patagonia December 2024 with only 2 spots left!