The Symphony Within: Discovering the Intrinsic Harmonies
Inner
adjective
1. located inside or further within; internal
Similar: internal, interior, inside, inmost, innermost, intramural
Opposite: external, outer
2. mental or spiritual.
"a test of inner strength"
Similar: mental, intellectual, psychological
psychic, spiritual, emotional, of the mind, of the heart, psychical, mind
noun: the inner part of something
As the new year unfolds, it brings with it a canvas for fresh perspectives, renewed hope, and the promise of a different and better year ahead. For some, it's a time to set new goals, while for others, it might be a moment of revisiting abandoned dreams.
My journey has taught me that when we direct our attention inward, nurturing our innermost selves, we evolve into a refined version of who we are meant to be. This evolution involves a deepening of faith, the cultivation of resilience, the addition of value, and a commitment to the greater purpose of the kingdom. This inner self is characterized by its holiness, healthiness, and healing. Through the cultivation of this innermost self, we learn to adopt an eternal perspective while experiencing glimpses of heavenly moments on Earth.
1. Prioritize Jesus: In the business of life, we encounter various gatekeepers, some more favorable than others. However, Jesus stands as the ultimate key, granting access to His glory, righteousness, and kingdom. Matthew 6:33 reminds us to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, trusting that everything else falls into place when we prioritize pleasing Him.
2. Community: Throughout Scripture, the theme of community emerges consistently. Whether it's the divine community of God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, or human partnerships like Moses and Aaron, Elisha and Elijah, and Jesus and the twelve disciples, community plays a vital role in reflection, correction, protection, and direction.
3. Heart Care: Caring for the heart becomes paramount, involving an examination of motives and a conscious effort to avoid operating from a place of competition or comparison. Neglecting heart care not only disrupts our spiritual well-being but can also lead to physical ramifications, According to the Center for Disease Control Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men, women, and people of most racial and ethnic groups in the United States. One person dies every 33 seconds in the United States from cardiovascular disease. When my heart isn't right there is a tightness and heaviness that's not something I ignore but something I investigate spiritually and physically.
4. Soul Care: Our soul, comprising the mind, will, and emotions, requires intentional care. A well-postured heart contributes to stable emotions and a resolute will. Unfortunately, many lack an understanding of soul care, leading to projected insecurities and conflicts in various relationships.
5. Modalities of Self-Nourishment:
a. Intentional Breathing: Taking a moment for intentional breathing, supported by resources like YouTube and the Calm App, provides a pause amidst life's fast pace.
b. Journaling: A powerful practice for self-reflection, understanding one's heart, motives, and behaviors. As an avid journaler and the author of The CROWNED Life Prayer Journal, Scripture is a mirror to reflect the life and practices of Jesus while being the hands and feet of Jesus on this earth.
c. Word Search: In the past year, someone gave me a word search puzzle book as a gift, and I unexpectedly discovered how much I enjoyed these activities. Recently, I acquired another one, and I intend to continue this practice throughout the coming year because it helps me stay focused and in the present moment. Engaging in word searches provides numerous advantages, such as enhancing cognitive skills, improving language proficiency, and reducing anxiety.
d. Coaching: I hold a strong passion for Life Coaching, not because I am one but having personally benefited from exceptional life and business coaches. Walking alongside individuals as they deepen their relationships with God, attain clarity in their careers, and learn to communicate their boundaries while dismantling competition and comparison has been an incredibly fulfilling and rewarding journey. Save the date for our upcoming two-day virtual event February 15-16, 7PM CST "A REIGN ABOVE: OVERCOMING COMPETITION AND COMPARISON." This event aims to empower Christian women in Corporate America to overcome competition and comparison, align with God's assignments, and lead with confidence.
e. Reading Your Bible; it serves as God's love letter to us and is essentially a book of instructions. Just like in any situation where we neglect reading instructions, we often end up doing things our way, contrary to the intended design, and then wonder why we fall short of experiencing the maximum benefits. Similarly, in our lives, when we neglect the guidance provided in our Creator's instruction manual, we find ourselves struggling to attain joy, peace, and a sense of clarity and courage.
f. Nature:According to Dante Alighieri, Nature is God's masterpiece. Take the time to delve into this divine artwork; being in nature is invigorating, and rejuvenating, and offers a sense of renewal. I'm gradually incorporating more of this experience at home, regardless of the weather. However, it's on vacation where you'll truly find me, disconnected and undisturbed, reveling in the serenity of nature.
g. Music: Instrumental, classical, or jazz music has a unique impact. During the holidays, I immersed myself in instrumental tunes and recently explored the calming realms of jazz and classical genres. The ambiance they create radiates a sense of peace, serenity, and calmness, providing a soothing transition into the day.
h. Rest: Truthfully, none of the methods I previously discussed would be effective without proper rest. In the scriptures, we observe Jesus withdrawing and dedicating time for prayer (Matthew 14:23; Mark 6:46–47; John 6:15).
Neglecting the care of our inner selves not only hinders personal growth but also amplifies tendencies towards competition, comparison, and discontent. This counter-cultural work may face rejection, but its impact lies in providing anointing for authenticity, courage for calling, and the potential to create harmonious music amid a chaotic and confused world.
Scripture to Meditate On:
1 Timothy 6:6-8 | Amplified Bible, Classic Edition
6 [And it is, indeed, a source of immense profit, for] godliness accompanied with contentment (that contentment which is a sense of [a]inward sufficiency) is great and abundant gain.
7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world;
8 But if we have food and clothing, with these we shall be content (satisfied)."