A universal method of entering deep within.

Our world today is not conducive to a healthy inner life. In fact, it knows virtually nothing of that dimension of our being.

What is meant by the inner self? Quite simply, it is the essence of who we are, that consciousness of oneself that has been with us since our earliest memories. The inner self is located deep down in the most intimate psychological and spiritual places where we live and move and have our being.

Though we are present to this inner self like the fish are to the ocean, we are generally unaware of its needs. Our focus is outward, hypnotized by the noise and colors of our surroundings. Our very life-force is pulled out of us all day long, whether by the TV set, the concerns of business, or the demands of others. We are seldom at home within ourselves. Yet it is only in that proper alignment with our deeper consciousness that we can be truly useful to ourselves and to others.

So the first step in healing the inner self is to become aware of it, then the healing process proceeds of its own accord. All spiritual traditions teach methods on how to accomplish this critical awakening. This article will only synthesize some of the common points:

1) QUIET THE MIND
Anyone who has attempted this knows that it is no easy task. In fact, we seldom reach a stage where there is absolute silence. We must learn to reach the deeper silence behind the noise of our thoughts, like stepping into a cave on the other side of a waterfall.

2) SLOW YOUR BREATHING
All genuine methods of spiritual development emphasize this simple but transformative effort. Become aware of inhaling and exhaling. Breathe slowly and deeply. You can actually lower your blood pressure and reduce your heartbeat. Eventually, you may realize that the act of inhalation is a reception of the cosmic life-force within all existence and exhaling is the release of tensions and self-centered attitudes.

3) RELAX YOUR BODY
Sitting with your backbone straight but not rigid allows the energy to flow with less obstruction. Proof of this can be easily demonstrated: in a moment of fatigue, bend over your desk, straighten up your back and you will immediately feel an increase of energy. Place your attention in the areas of tension in your body -- shoulders, face, arms, stomach, legs. Merely becoming aware of each knot will release the tension which is both a physical and psychological blockage.

4) BRING YOUR HANDS TOGETHER
One hand placed over the other palms up allows the energy to circulate in the same way as connecting a circuit. With a little patience, you might notice your hands warm up with a gentle, healing energy.

5) SIT IN SILENCE
Just twenty minutes a day will recharge your batteries more powerfully than several hours of sleep. It won't be long before you will want to increase that private time because it is not just refreshing, but life giving. Most of us experience such frantic, nerve-jangling daily lives that the simple effort of sitting still is an alien, uncomfortable operation.

Even in some churches, silent moments last no more than a few seconds because it is all the worshipers can put up with. We are strangers to ourselves and spend most of our lives trying to live outside of ourselves.

What is the use of caring for the outer self, if the inside is dark, mildewed and full of cobwebs? This is where we find our true humanity through which we can be of service to the world around us. But we can bring no peace and no love to anyone unless we have found these states within ourselves.

Seeking the inner stillness can do more for you than any doctor, any pay increase. All the mysteries of life are there in that "no-place" where everything began. May you become your own healer and make the world a better place.