In our day-to-day lives, we are so engrossed in all that is going on around us that we hardly have any time or energy left to connect with our innermost feelings and emotions.
And while we are doing everything, we can lead a more fulfilling life by earning more, achieving more, and experiencing more in the physical world, most of us are failing to nurture one aspect of our personality which controls all other things – our inner self.
HOW RETREATING WITHIN WILL MAKE YOU SHINE ON THE OUTSIDE
Can you look back and think about that one person who instantly caught your attention and left a deep impact on you not because they were exceptionally beautiful but due to their soulful smile and their bright and shiny, inner spark?
The kind of person whose positive aura and good vibes affected you deeply, whose words helped you get in touch with yourself and who inspired you to become a better person?
If you’re wondering why you remember them even after all this time, it is probably because they are among a handful of people you meet in life who have mastered the art of mindfulness – the ones who are beautiful, child-like on the inside and whose goodness radiates from the inside out.
THE BEST THING I EVER LEARNED WHEN I RETREATED INSIDE
Whenever I’m upset, I find it difficult to divert my attention to other things.
It’s like the mind refuses to move past the words, thoughts, feelings, and events that caused the hurt and, in such situations, what’s helped me recover from the negativity is to retreat inwards and process things at a deeper level.
You know, the funny thing about life is, that it moves on. And often, things that make us feel upset, angry, and hurt in the physical plane don’t seem all that important when we look at them from the inside, our core.
So, the next time you’re furious with your co-worker, angered by your subordinate, unhappy with your life or hurt by someone’s words or how they treated you, spend a few moments to connect with yourself.
I assure you, when you choose to withdraw within, you’ll realize that what’s going on with you on the outside isn’t really that important – that you’re bigger than the hurt, more mature than the one who hurt you, and more beautiful than you had ever imagined.
A single positive, self-loving, and happy thought within can do wonders for your outer beauty!
Also Read: How to Face Your Inner Demons & Emerge a Winner
5 Easy Ways to Connect with Your Inner Beauty & Make It Reflect on the Outside
Now that you know what makes a person incredibly beautiful, irrespective of their age and physical attributes, let’s look at how you can retreat within to re-connect with yourself and shine outside –
#1. QUIETEN YOUR MIND AND JUST BREATHE
The human mind is a flowing river of thoughts and at times, a loud television set with countless channels.
Even though we can use our mind’s remote control to flip between thoughts like channels on a T.V., the MUTE button never seems to work!
Agreed, quietening the mind is anything but easy but nothing is impossible, right?
_____________________________________
Nothing is impossible, the word itself says ‘I’m possible! ~ Audrey Hepburn ~
_____________________________________
(The steps I have outlined below are based on several relaxation techniques that I have read about and practised in my life. Please do not confuse them with medical or professional advice.)
- Sit in a relaxed position, close your eyes, and take a few deep breaths.
- Concentrate on your breath. Feel the air pass through your nostrils, slowly and deeply.
- If your mind drifts away to a different place or time, let it.
- Continue to be conscious of your breath.
As you concentrate on your breathing, you will slowly (very slowly) find that you are free of thoughts and your mind is quiet. Embrace and savour this feeling of total relaxation.
This is your true, beautiful state.
We spend so much of our time communicating with other people that we forget to connect with ourselves. Reserve at least ten minutes of your day to get in touch with your beautiful self and see the difference it makes to your overall well-being.
_____________________________________
Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, and concentrate the mind on the present moment. ~ Buddha ~
_____________________________________
#2. THINK ABOUT WHAT IS BOTHERING YOU
If you’ve had a difficult day, the best way to recover from it so it doesn’t tarnish your inner beauty is to quieten your mind and think about the event, person, or words that have left you feeling unsettled – it can be your boss, a difficult client, a co-worker, your spouse, friend, or even a stranger.
Ask yourself the following questions –
a) Will this dilemma, negative thought, or upsetting situation bother me, days, weeks, or years from now? Chances are, it won’t.
b) Whether you are angry with someone or someone who has hurt you, what is the best thing you can do about it – forgive them, move on, or forget about it?
At this point, do what is possible for you.
If you can’t forgive, try to forget. If you can’t forget, choose to accept the hurt and attempt to move beyond it. And while you’re at it, forgive yourself for being in this condition and for the part you played in where things stand today.
When we are in a bad mood, we tend to take out our anger on whoever is around us and then regret it later. So, the next time you’re in a lousy mood, retreat within and work through whatever is bothering you instead of lashing out on others.
_____________________________________
It’s not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters. ~ Epictetus ~
_____________________________________
#3. WORK ON THE MOST DIFFICULT EMOTIONS FIRST
Take time to process what is holding you back from living your best life. These can be unresolved feelings, unhappy thoughts, grief, hurt, doubts, or insecurities.
Hurt and anger are usually the most difficult to deal with so work with them first. You may even be beating yourself up for falling into this situation or altercation in the first place.
(If you haven’t already, forgive those involved and forgive yourself.)
Accept your weaknesses and appreciate your strengths.
Remind yourself that your life is about so much more than this one episode of anger, resentment, hurt, or unhappiness. Take a moment to count your blessings and concentrate on what’s still good in your life. (I’m sure the list is long.)
_____________________________________
Gratitude opens the door to the power, wisdom, the creativity of the universe. You open the door through gratitude. ~ Deepak Chopra ~
_____________________________________
Create a list of positive affirmations and repeat them to yourself, a couple of times every day.
- I deserve happiness.
- I am at peace with my life and my surroundings.
- I trust the Universe and I know everything is working out for my greater good.
Just as negative and draining emotions dampen your inner spark, by repeating positive affirmations, you can work through difficult emotions, energize your mind, body, and soul, and accentuate your true beauty.
_____________________________________
Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it. ~ Charles R. Swindoll ~
_____________________________________
#4. FEEL THE WEIGHT LIFT AND ENJOY THIS FEELING OF LIGHTNESS
When you let go of thoughts, feelings, and emotions that no longer serve you, you are bound to feel lighter, happier, and in better control of things that are profoundly important to you such as living a fulfilling life filled with people, thoughts, and emotions that are positive and uplifting.
Once you are light and happy on the inside, you smile more, and you walk with a spring in your step. You have time to smell the roses, admire the beauty of the rising and setting sun, and enjoy the simple pleasures of life – a walk in the park, a kind word, a beautiful smile, or a genuine hug.
Feeling light is great for your outer beauty too as it makes you look beautiful with or without makeup, even on a bad hair day 🙂
_____________________________________
A smile is a happiness you’ll find right under your nose. ~ Tom Wilson ~
_____________________________________
#5. REFOCUS ON YOUR LIFE’S GOALS
Love yourself and you will love your life.
If the mirror shows you dark circles, pimples, and thinning hairline, choose to look instead at your radiant eyes, genuine smile, and beautiful heart.
Once you have come to terms with things that are less than perfect in your life, and those that make you unique and gorgeous, it is time to redirect your thoughts towards the things that are important to you and pour all your energies into living your life to the fullest.
Often, we try to work our way from the outwards-inwards, and there lies the problem. It’s only when we are at peace inside can we even think of achieving our goals and shining on the outside.
_____________________________________
The best preparation for tomorrow is doing your best today. ~ H. Jackson Brown, Jr. ~
_____________________________________
Mindfulness isn’t something that can be perfected in a predefined time. It may take days, weeks, months, or even years to learn how to work on improving ourselves, and our lives from the inside out.
Let’s start today.
I wish you all the best in your life’s journey. May you shine, shine, shine!
Best wishes for a happy, peaceful, and blessed New Year 2018.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Please Note: The views expressed in this write-up are those of the writer. Please do not confuse them with medical or professional advice.
