Without And Within

It’s one thing to know what is right and what is expected but it’s another thing entirely to put that knowledge into action.

We hold the answers to a great deal of the things that bother us the most within ourselves. We’ve heard those answers before. We know their truth. But, when challenged, it’s often less complicated to take the easy path.

That’s particularly true and troubling when it comes to the issue of our own mental health and wellbeing.

Most of us are willing to make an effort when it comes to physical appearance. We put some effort into presenting ourselves in an acceptable manner. We accept that initial opinions and the reactions of those we encounter depend on perception. What others see dictates what they think.

Nowhere near as much effort and preparation is put into our mental health.

The world can see our face at first glance however it takes time and effort to see into our minds and our hearts. So we procrastinate. We have a tendency to concentrate on the visible and largely ignore that which we are unable to see.

Emotions are ignored or pushed to one side. The truth we know about ourselves is changed or modified to please others. The danger is that we will judge ourselves far too harshly when we apply the rule of comparison rather than the rule of compassion.

No-one knows the person we are better than the person we are. And no-one can care for the person we are as well as the person we care.

In the wider world knowledge may well be strength. But self-knowledge coupled with self care is key to stability and survival in the world that exists within..