There comes a time in almost everyone’s life when we feel utterly saturated by the weight of our suffering. We drag ourselves through each day, waiting for something good to happen. And when it does, it brings temporary relief—a fleeting breath of air after being submerged in the depths for so long. But then, as life inevitably takes its turn, we find ourselves once again trapped in a cycle of pain. This pattern of hoping for external circumstances to change and save us is what keeps us locked in our suffering. The truth is, our inward journey only begins when we realize that the problem lies not outside of us, but deep within.
We all move through different phases in this inward journey, each phase uncovering a new layer of our suffering and guiding us toward our own truth.
1. The State of Victimhood:
The first phase is familiar to most of us—it’s when we try to fix everything and everyone around us in order to feel at peace. The chaos of the world seems unbearable, so we make desperate attempts to control people, situations, and even our environment. But when we fail, frustration and disconnection take over. In this state, ignorance blinds us, and we blame everyone else for our misery. It’s so much easier to point fingers than to turn inward and take responsibility. Many of us stay stuck here because it feels comfortable, even though it exhausts us. The Universe often sends us warning signs, but our logical mind dismisses them, keeping us trapped. Only a harsh wake-up call can shake us out of this phase, pushing us to open up to someone who can help—a healer, therapist, or counselor.
2. The State of Self-Blame:
When we finally begin to turn inward, we often find ourselves in a place of deep self-criticism. Instead of blaming others, we start blaming ourselves for everything that’s gone wrong. This is another trap. Self-blame creates a cycle of guilt and shame that is just as harmful as external blame. In this phase, it’s crucial to seek guidance from someone who can show us a way out of the darkness. Healers and life coaches become essential, as they can gently guide us toward self-compassion and help us release the weight of blame.
3. The State of Responsibility:
Taking responsibility for our lives requires immense courage. But once we muster the strength to take charge, the inward journey begins to flow more naturally. This is where we start to face our fears head-on. Fear will always arise when we step into the unknown, but with the help of regular meditation, breathwork, and the right guidance, we can break through these patterns. In this phase, life begins to lighten, and we find joy in its colors once again. However, some people remain comfortable here, incorporating intellectual understanding into their daily life but never going deeper. While this understanding helps, it remains superficial.
4. The State of Insight:
In this phase, we begin to gain insight into our deeper belief systems and attachments. Meditation and breathwork become essential tools for breaking through these old, rigid patterns. This phase is often marked by intense pain and fear, as we start losing our grip on the attachments that have defined our false identity. We begin to question, "Who am I, if not these roles and relationships?" It can be scary, but those who are ready to dig deeper can find clarity and a new sense of freedom.
5. The State of Cleansing:
As we detach from the external world, we understand that attachment only leads to suffering. Our focus turns inward, and clearing the accumulated toxins of the past becomes a priority. In this phase, discipline and dedication to our sadhana (spiritual practice) are crucial. Yet, it's important to remember that this process is not linear. There will be moments of slowing down, and we must embrace those pauses as necessary for inner growth. Patience and intent will guide us deeper.
6. The State of Truth and Detachment:
As we grow further, our thirst for truth deepens. Detachment becomes effortless, and we realize that the answers we seek are already within us. In this state, life feels aligned with Dharma—not in the religious sense, but in living righteously, in tune with the universal flow. The need for external validation fades, as we find peace in simply being.
The inward journey is not a one-time event. It is an ongoing process of learning, unlearning, and growing, often spanning across lifetimes. Each phase reveals something new, something essential for our growth. Through it all, the destination remains the same—the discovery of our true self, the liberation of our soul. But we must remain patient, for the journey itself is where life’s deepest lessons are learned.
I hope this reflection helps you assess where you are on your path. It is a vast and profound process, and while this summary may only scratch the surface, I trust it will offer some clarity as you continue your journey inward.
Please feel free to connect for more clarification of your doubts.
Happy learning.
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