There is a Hindu legend about a time when all humans were gods, but they abused their divinity. Brahma, the chief god, decided to take it away from them and hide it where they would never find it again.
Brahma called a council of the gods to help him decide where to hide the divinity. “Let’s bury it deep in the earth.” But Brahma said, “No, that will not do; one day they will dig deep down into the earth and find it.”
Then the gods said, “Let’s sink it in the deepest ocean.” Again, Brahma replied, “No, not there, for they will learn to dive into the deepest waters, and search the ocean bed and find it.”
Then they said, “Let’s take it to the top of the highest mountain and hide it there.” But again Brahma replied, “No, for eventually humans will climb every high mountain on earth; someday they will find it again.”
The gods gave up and said, “We do not know where to hide it, for it seems there is no place on the earth or in the sea that humans will not eventually reach.”
Brahma thought for a long time and said, “Here is what we will do with humanity’s divinity. We will hide it deep down inside humans themselves. The humans will search the whole world, but they won’t look for it inside their true selves.”
Ever since then, the legend concludes, humans have been going to and fro throughout the earth, climbing, digging, diving, exploring, and searching for something that is already within themselves.
We often define ourselves by external achievements, roles, and expectations. We chase the next promotion, the perfect relationship, the ideal image. But what happens when we shift the focus inward? What happens when we begin to stand within the strength that already exists inside each of us?
"Standing Within" isn't about isolating ourselves from the world, but rather about cultivating a solid foundation from which to engage with it. It's about understanding your values, acknowledging your strengths, and accepting your imperfections. It's about making a conscious choice to live authentically, aligned with your inner compass.
Think about your resume. It likely lists your accomplishments, skills, and experiences in a professional context. Now, imagine crafting a personal resume. What would it include?
Skills: Not just technical skills, but also your emotional intelligence, your ability to listen, your capacity for empathy, your resilience in the face of adversity.
Accomplishments: Not just career milestones, but also moments where you overcame personal challenges, supported a friend in need, or made a positive impact on your community. This includes moments where you changed a habit that no longer served you, or when you actively changed your mindset to overcome a limiting belief. Add those moments! They carry just as much weight as professional wins. For example, I used to get caught up in comparing myself to others on social media. I decided to unfollow accounts that triggered those feelings and instead focused on celebrating my own journey. That was a HUGE accomplishment.
Experiences: Not just your job history, but also the experiences that have shaped you into the person you are today - travels, hobbies, relationships and even losses. But how have these experiences shaped you? For instance, the losses I lived helped me appreciate my life and the opportunity to live more fully.
This exercise is a powerful way to recognize your inherent worth, independent of external validation. By acknowledging your strengths and accomplishments, you build a stronger sense of self.
The best way to become more interested in any experience is to engage yourself first. Waiting for inspiration or motivation, instead, take the initiative to participate actively and immerse yourself fully in the present moment.
Paying attention to the moment and focusing amplifies the experience. It heightens the senses, allowing you to notice details you might otherwise miss. It enables you to become more mindful of changes that could be made or challenges that can be overcome.
For example, instead of passively listening to music, close your eyes and let the melody wash over you. Feel the vibrations in your chest, notice the subtle shifts in tempo and tone. See the colors the music evokes.
Sometimes, we face commitments that don't instantly spark zeal and enthusiasm. But before resigning yourself to drudgery, try reframing your obligation. Imagine you're required to go shopping when you'd rather be doing anything else. Instead of focusing on the inconvenience, consider the potential benefits, the chance to find something you genuinely need, the opportunity to support local businesses, or even simply the exercise of walking. The key is finding a way to move past the resistance, commit fully, and see it through and to be open to the opportunities that it might bring.
The opposite of intentionality can manifest in many ways. We unintentionally drift without a plan. We might be accidental in our actions, making choices by chance or mistake. Sometimes, we're haphazard, lacking organization and direction. Other times, we're mindless, acting without thought or awareness. We can be impulsive, driven by sudden urges, or reactive, responding to events instead of proactively shaping them. Negligence and carelessness also stand in opposition to intentionality, representing a failure to exercise due care and diligence. And while spontaneity can be delightful, its lack of premeditation contrasts with the deliberate nature of intentional action. Recognizing these tendencies helps us become more conscious of our choices and move toward a more purposeful way of being.
Ultimately, standing within is about making a promise to yourself. It's about committing to living a life that is authentic, meaningful, and aligned with your values.
"You have power over your mind - not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength." - Marcus Aurelius
What's one small step you can take today to live more intentionally? Share your thoughts in the comments via email at joyworkcoach@lindyladow.com. Let's support each other on this journey.
