Until we transform ourselves, we are like mobs of angry people screaming for peace. In order to move the world, we must be able to stand still in it.
Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche
The article from Tiny Buddha, authored by Sue Schneider Ph.D., delves into the profound concept of nurturing one’s inner world as a pathway to contributing positively to the outer world. It begins with a personal anecdote about the author’s moment of overwhelming stress and how it led to a primal scream, symbolizing the release of pent-up emotions.
This moment of vulnerability highlights the importance of acknowledging and addressing one’s inner turmoil to maintain mental and emotional well-being.
Schneider emphasizes the role of mindfulness practice in achieving inner peace and stability. By regularly engaging with one’s heart and emotions through mindfulness, one can navigate the complexities of life with greater ease and resilience. The practice is not limited to meditation but extends to various forms of self-care and spiritual exploration, reinforcing the idea that personal growth and self-awareness are crucial for facing the challenges of the world.
The article also touches on the concept of “dreaming the world into being,” suggesting that our thoughts and intentions have the power to shape reality. This is particularly relevant in the context of parenting, where the author strives to instill values of beauty, goodness, and joy in her son, despite the tumultuous state of the world.
Key practices for nurturing the inner garden include establishing a foundation for steadiness through breath awareness, strengthening heart connections, getting curious about emotions, instilling gratitude, and envisioning the world one wishes to live in. These practices collectively contribute to a more peaceful and compassionate existence, both for the individual and the broader community.
In essence, the article advocates for a mindful approach to life, where tending to one’s inner world is seen as essential for creating a more peaceful and harmonious outer world. It calls for a commitment to personal growth, emotional intelligence, and a compassionate outlook towards oneself and others, offering a hopeful perspective on how individual transformation can lead to global change.
Source: How to Tend to the Garden Within and Help Create a More Peaceful World – Tiny Buddha
