Going Within/Flying Free
You may have heard cliches like, “one cannot experience joy without suffering” or “light would not exist without darkness.” Cheesy as they can sometimes sound, you have to admit their truth. As much as we might wish otherwise, life does not come easy. Ironically, we humans spend a significant amount of time and energy trying to make life “easier." We avoid conflict, numb our feelings and strive for perfectionism. But doesn’t this usually result in less joy and more suffering?
Through the development of my counseling business I created my own cliche. It goes something like, “If you want to discover true freedom, you must be willing to go within.” The idea of “Going Within” has become central in my work with clients. I help them understand that in order to have a rich and meaningful life, you need to take risks. Not the jumping-out-of-airplane type risks, but more silent, internal risks. Maybe for you it’s allowing yourself to feel sadness instead of reaching for your phone to avoid it. Maybe it's setting a boundary around something or someone that is causing you distress or harm.
I know what you’re thinking… this sounds pretty shitty. Feeling sadness? Setting boundaries? We clearly avoid these things for a reason… because they are uncomfortable. So why do it? Because like the cliches suggest, we must allow space for discomfort if we want to Fly Free.
Flying free is not just about the euphoria of happiness. It is about the fulfillment that comes from living through suffering. It is resiliency. When we allow ourselves time to practice Self Awareness, Courage and Vulnerability (Going Within), we can begin experiencing Empowerment, Authenticity, and Self-Acceptance - the essence of Flying Free.
It is so easy to get lost while Going Within. It is a dark, messy and unfamiliar place. Often the temptation is to run, hide or turn away from this experience (hence the avoiding, numbing and perfecting). But if you stop and turn toward your pain and suffering you can discover a freedom you never knew existed. Some might experience this as feelings of pride, openness, accomplishment, or even just relief. VISUALIZE Empowerment, Authenticity and Self-Acceptance. Invite them into your life. You CAN take internal risks. You CAN survive pain and discomfort. Push through and you will Fly Free.