Every now and then, I like to revisit one of my favorite books of all time, Manโs Search For Meaning by Nazi death camp survivor and psychiatrist, Viktor Frankl.
One passage stands out, where he was discussing the qualities of those who managed to survive the horrors of the concentration camps:ย
Sensitive people who were used to a rich intellectual life may have suffered much pain, but the damage to their inner selves was less. They were able to retreat from their terrible surroundings to a life of inner riches and spiritual freedom.
If youโre reading this, chances are youโre a sensitive lone wolf, someone who doesnโt quite fit into this world (hence why you subscribed to โlonerwolf,โ eh).
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Today, I want this post to be a quick confirmation that cultivating a rich inner world is worth doing. It is a safeguard against suffering.
It has been tested in one of the most horrendous situations known to humanity and proven to be valuable.ย
If that isnโt validation enough, I donโt know what is.
So if youโre experiencing disconnection, emptiness, loss, or painful feelings of any kind right now, go inwards.
Find a sense of inner richness that lets you experience a glimpse of spiritual freedom.
Some ways I like doing this are:
- Reading. Go to the library, or pick a book that calls to you from your ever-growing pile that I know is there. ;)ย
- Silence, stillness, and solitude. Go โmonk modeโ and find your inner richness and spiritual center by disconnecting from the noise of the outer world. Solitary silence and stillness can be found by meditating, taking a walk or hike in nature, or simply disconnecting from all technology for a day or two.
- Journaling. Get to know yourself on a deeper level. Commit to doing at least 15 minutes per day. If you need guided and deeply transformative journaling prompts that create real change, see my Inner Work Journal Bundle.
- Biographies and documentaries. Okay, I know โbiographiesโ could have been included in the first point. But I wanted to make this stand out. Often, the truest and best lessons come from reading about peopleโs lives and what they actually did (not just said). Documentaries are brilliant ways of getting an insight into peopleโs lives as well, along with other cultures, and various aspects of life. I recently watched Won’t You Be My Neighbor? (2018), which was a documentary about the inspiring and wholesome life of Mister Rogers. I learned so much about love, commitment, and following oneโs soulโs calling by watching this film.
This is a bite-sized post, but I hope it reminds you of how powerful and necessary cultivating a rich inner world is.ย
Shadow & Light Membership:
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Sometimes, we lone wolves need that kind of confirmation, especially in such an externally-focused world.
Thatโs it for today. Take the best care of yourself, and keep that inner world flourishing!
How do you keep your inner world rich and alive? Let me know in the comments. You never know who you may inspire. ;)
Whenever you feel the call, there are 2 ways I can help you:
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I really needed this today, thank you ๐๐ผ ๐ I need to work on it!
Thanks Debbie ๐
I keep my inner world alive by practicing continuous reflection on the purpose of life by stopping by at each moment and feeling my reason of being, readings into the Quran each day, mostly in the morning: “Blessed is He in whose hand is dominion, and He is over all things competent -[He] who created death and life to test you [as to] which of you is best in deed – and He is the Exalted in Might, the Forgiving -” Verses like that in the Quran fill my day with a clear sense of purpose, I find it very simple yet profound.. something archaic and intrinsic Being good, Being just. That’s it.
I also like to practice critical thinking in everything, always remembering one of the quotes you have always used, “Truth is never afraid of questions.” The simple act of asking questions about everything and being superhonest (including on my convictions) and attempting some answers of it could makes me feel a stronger sense of autonomy and inner freedom. Reflecting closely on whatever we know and don’t know rejuvenate me.
By the way, i have actually read about the book you’ve always cited “The body keeps the score”, by the psychiatrist Van Der Kolk. I loved it. It made me think soo profoundly about childhood truama and the revivng role of the physical-affecfive touch!
Have a day full of Love and Guidance!
I’m glad your faith supports you, Haytam โ as well as knowing that truth isn’t afraid of questions. Because the moment we think we’ve found the absolute truth is the moment we fall into mental dogmatism, which leads to delusion and suffering.
Have a lovely day too ๐
I was asked by a niece how I managed since I am alone, “must be lonely” she remarked. I told her that alone and lonely are two different things. I enjoy music, reading, and some videos on youtube. I don’t have tv service, and couldn’t care less what is happening in the world. Most of it is fake anyway.
Being around more than 3-5 people is exhausting to me. I think you know why that is.
I do know why that is. And I’m glad you clarified the difference, Ken. :)
Viktorโs book is all time favorite and your timing is impeccable. Thank you!
So glad to hear this, Beth!
Samaneri Jayasฤra Video on Julian of norwich “All shall be well” is deeply consoling and I found it very helpful.
Thank you for this lovely message. It dropped right into my soul.
So glad to hear this Marlene โบ๏ธ
I have followed you both for years. Your words of wisdom and profound guidance has been a light I could always return to when life seemed hard and I felt disconnected. Thank you Aletheia and Mateo from the bottom of my heart for the work you do. You might not always realize how important it isโฆ you are reaching all of us light-workers around the world and giving us the tools to continue to be an anchor in a world that wants to silence us. Thank you โค๏ธ
Your words warm my heart, Laurie. Thank you so much ๐
I had that lightbulb moment nearly 4 years ago. I was fโd. All was fine from the outside but it wasnโt really.
I got an offer to play in a band again. That was something I did when I was early 20โs but got married & life took over. Iโm still happy it did though, I have a lovely family & wouldnโt change it if you offered me the world, so Iโm lucky –
Now I have – & am maxing – the chance to strap my axe on & rip up some deadly 12 bar & rock. I do piano also which is mind blowing as I did it when I was 8 & lost it in a house move. Again, life took over then.
Iโm not bitter just so damn glad she (music) never let go my hand.. wow!
Your soulโs calling will never let go, so long as you stay open to it. Iโm so glad yours has grabbed your hand again ๐
Samaneri Jayasฤra Video on Julian of norwich “All shall be well” is deeply. consoling and I found it very helpful. Keep up the good work it’s appreciated. Thanks.
She has a beautiful voice. Thank you Denis <3
I agree with all your suggestions above. They work for me, and people like myself, but it’s not one-size-fits-all. For many group-oriented extroverts solitude and stillness and going within is a recipe for ruminative nihilism and depression — they’re just not wired for that degree of aloneness and introspection and it’s incredibly unhealthy.
This was made abundantly clear during the COVID lockdowns. I was in my element — I loved it. Other people started unravelling and Big Pharma made a killing.
Very true, Steve. The call of solitude and inner silence isnโt for everyone. Thatโs important to remember so we donโt become too fundamentalist about it.
I connect in my heart with the SUN
I breathe in the Light – into my cells
Sunrise or Sunset – it matters not
Within this space I find Peace
If I attune closely I also find Love.
What a beautiful mantra ๐