The outer and inner journeys are inextricably linked.
The more we understand ourselves, the more we can fully experience the outer world.
On the surface, a monk's life may seem utterly removed from the typical traveller's path. The monk remains rooted in one physical location, while the traveller is constantly in motion, seeking new landscapes and cultures.
I recently heard this quote from Jay Shetty, "A monk is simply a traveller, except the journey is inwards."
For the monk, this inner journey takes the form of spiritual practice, contemplation, study, and the sacrifice of worldly pleasures.
Through meditation, prayers, and humble living, the monk travels the winding paths of the psyche.
The outer world disappears as the monk explores the uncharted regions of consciousness, confronting fears and illusions and striving towards enlightenment.
The inner traveller must overcome immense challenges, like the explorer braving treacherous mountain passes or vast deserts.
The landscape of the self is fraught with pitfalls: destructive thought patterns, bad habits, insecurities, and everything else that weighs us down and prevents us from living fully. Still, with courage and perseverance, the inner frontier can be navigated.
The rewards of this interior journey are immeasurable. Once we have mapped the depths of our inner terrain and know ourselves honestly, we are empowered to live with authenticity and intention. We gain clarity on our life's purpose and path. We develop resilience, peace, and the ability to navigate life's inevitable storms.
Our relationships grow more profound and meaningful as we bring our whole, integrated selves to others.
The traveller wandering the outer world without undertaking the inner journey misses the most precious destination—the territory of the soul.
All the wondrous vistas, fascinating cultures, and mind-expanding experiences amount to little more than distractions without the self-awareness gained from going inward.
Of course, the wisest ones understand that the outer and inner journeys are inextricably linked.
Exploring new places can jolt us out of our patterns and open us up to different perspectives that spark richer introspection. The more we understand ourselves, the more we can fully experience the outer world.
Let us honour and enjoy both the monk's journey within and the traveller's journey outside, for they both lead us to uncharted territories.
Let's take both roads, wanting to see the big world outside ourselves and bravely explore the universe inside ourselves.
We will find our true selves and the freedom, knowledge, and happiness we seek.
