Inward Journeys

        "We talk about journeys because they involve changes and movement and leaving and arriving. A journey indicates a passage of time, and yet a journey can be made and in earth time there is no noticeable difference. We usually prepare for a journey. We know what it is going to take to get us there, what our destination is, and how long we will be there. Or perhaps it is a journey with no specific goal, a wandering, a moving type journey with no end destination in sight. If you say journey to another, undoubtedly places and pictures can be summoned to the mind or searched for which would be satisfying to the one who takes the trip. But how many journey inwardly? And what does it mean to journey inwardly?

        To be still sets the stage for an inward journey. It creates a departing point. It calms the body and the mind which is a necessity. Yet you may say, I sat calmly and nothing happened. Patience is needed. Just as a journey takes movement, there must be movement to journey inwardly. The reason so many do not seem to feel any success in going inwardly is simply the lack of patience. No one says there is an arrival on the first step or even the second or third step, yet the stage must be set. There is a shifting, an awareness of the world within. Closing the eyes helps to focus the mind and the sight, the inner sight on that which may be seen when progressing through time and space.

        What is the destination you may ask? It can be set but it is wise to become a good traveler before taking a more advanced journey to destinations far away. On inward journeys, the spirit becomes loosened and flies free or feels the sense of freedom. A relaxed state allows for the inner sights to flow more freely. There are very few signposts on inward journeys, nothing that says you are in a particular place. So to avoid a sense of being 'lost', one must be somewhat aware of being and somewhat conscious of where you are located.

        Inward journeys are not just a little trip but can involve a long, long journey. Time cannot be estimated for in a sense, there is no time. The mind does travel. The strange thing about inward journeys is how far and how big the inner world is... without boundaries. One can go inside and take a little journey or decide to take a long, long trip. On those long trips, it is best to have a friend or guide to help make you aware of the 'distance' you have traveled.

        Inward journeys are sometimes like being on a train and watching the scenery fly by with symbols, faces, and unknown views passing by. It is best to be a traveler who stays grounded in the sense that you can see these things and still be aware of self. This is a good training ground for the practice of non judgment. If you see something or someone who is not known to you, it is wise not to label it, not to judge, not to condemn, but simply to observe. And for the serious student, it is a good idea to make notes after each journey. This is because perception changes. If you write what you have seen and impressions immediately after your journey, you will find it is quite different than if you write them after several hours.

        As with any journey, one must be aware of safety. And safety can be as simple and safe as just being aware that you are in control of your journey.....or should be. You can decide how far you want to go and if you are ready for longer journeys. You might even find a tour guide along the way!"