Finding Inner Wisdom

Nirvana. Ecstasy. Bliss. Inner Peace. Contentment

No matter what we call it, we all want it.

Abraham Maslow referred to self-realization; the general populace equates it to maturity.

Maturity in this context is different from aging, and can occur at any age. Maturity is a combination of experience, wisdom, and freedom.

Experience is gained by repetition of the trials and tribulations of daily life.

Wisdom happens when experience is successful in teaching us to see the world in new ways. Usually simpler ways. Things that appeared complex and onerous suddenly seem easy. We realize our mind was playing tricks on us. Life flows smoothly when we refrain from creating webs that we eventually fall into and become trapped in. It takes courage to turn experience into wisdom.

Wisdom leads to freedom. Yes, wisdom gives us the freedom to be daring; freedom to dance to our music; in more practical terms, freedom to stop worrying about what other people think; freedom to follow our hearts.

The greatest disservice that parents, friends, society as a whole can do to a human being is to propagate customs and traditions through the reinforcement of gender roles and morals that no longer apply.

Using modes of transportation as a comparison, the concept becomes clear: modern societies have come a long way since the horse and buggy and the sail and row boats, today travel is faster and safer either by car, aeroplane, or huge floating hotels fueled by their own generators. Unless for religious reasons, very few people would opt to use a horse and buggy as the sole means of getting from one place to another.

In order to find inner peace, it is necessary to break free of the constraints of the past and view life in a whole new way. This idea might appear rebellious, as freedom has been tainted by disorder and chaos. Since anarchy has become synonymous with freedom, it is essential to emphasize that it is not anarchy that is being advocated but rather “responsible freedom”.

Changing your thoughts can change your life. Any type of change requires change in thinking which requires determination. It is at this point that most of us get stuck.

How does one change an apparently involuntary function of the brain?

The brain is powered by electro-chemical impulses. The predominant neurotransmitters cruising through the brain determine our moods. For example an imbalance in norepinephrine and serotonin is one of the causes of anxiety disorders including separation anxiety. The make up of chemicals keeps us on a treadmill, moving but not getting anywhere, the proverbial “vicious cycle”. Hence, the wide use of drugs and alcohol to change the chemical make up of the brain.

Artificial mind altering substances are just one way of affecting the chemical process, diet and exercise, change in routine, for instance, are also effective.

Understanding the process of life differently is another way to get out of the “rut”. There is no universal reward and punishment system. Life is a series of actions and consequences where everything has an emotional price. The questions you should be asking are:

1. Am I getting enough return for my investment? In other words are you getting more pleasant or unpleasant results from your actions?

2. How much am I willing to pay for my indulgences?

Instead of popping a pill at the same time everyday, take time to STOP, go within, question the beliefs that keep you repeating actions that lead to unpleasant consequences.

Find and let yourself be guided by your inner wisdom!