The Interconnection Between the Inner and the Outer World
© Alexandro David
Meditation is an exploration of the inner world. When we distance ourselves from the constant sensations that keep us so busy as soon as we open our eyes; when we close our eyes and listen within – there is a huge world to explore, actually a whole universe, the spiritual, mystical world within.
To explore this inner world, we calm down our thoughts, that mostly refer to our outer world and experiences. When we succeed in getting calmer, the range of inner experiences is vast and highly personal. It can reach from subtle, pleasant, and peaceful feelings to actually discover the secrets of the universe, reaching divine realms, that can only be accessed through the inner journey.
A Universal Truth
At the same time our outer and inner world influence each other. Very often we think that the spiritual and the mundane world are two different experiences. In the inner world we seek deep, even mystical experiences – in the outer world we try to best “manage” everything that comes our way, to live a decent life according to our values. But – as we are one – our inner world is flowing into our outer world and our outer world is influencing our inner world.
In a retreat that I recently took, I became aware in meditation of an inner space, that is still, peaceful, energetic and very pleasant. I realized that this realm is in our inner as well as in our outer world. Every time we become still, every time we listen more to the silence that is around us than to the inner and outer noise, we are in this realm, in this space. More than that. The Indian scriptures describe this space as the space of the heart, and call it hridaya. It is not only still, but it is filled with love. This love filled space within us is at the same time the foundation of the universe as love is the undercurrent energy of existence. Every time we love, we express a part of this universal truth, if we are aware of it or not.
The Secret of Letting Go
How we act in the outer world influences our meditation in many ways. I noticed that the practice of letting go of negative emotions very quickly made it easier for me to let go of thoughts in meditation. I was always fascinated by the fact that the Indian scriptures like Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras give advice how to behave in the world not so much as a moral compass but to act in a way so that our thoughts remain calm, thus we can go into deeper meditations. For example, not to get involved in any negativity but to stay out of it.
In fact, everything is related between the inner and outer world and I have given only some tangible examples. It is the most intimate relationship and a fascinating subject to explore.
