[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The wisdom encapsulated in Rumi’s timeless quote, “Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today, I am wise so I am changing myself,” resonates profoundly in our journey towards personal growth and global transformation. This powerful message underscores a fundamental truth: if we yearn for change in our external world, we must first embark on a transformative journey within ourselves.

“Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today, I am wise so I am changing myself,”
Rumi

In our pursuit of change, it’s all too easy to direct our focus outward, seeking to alter the circumstances, people, and systems that surround us. Yet, as we delve into the heart of Rumi’s words, a shift in perspective occurs, urging us to reconsider our approach. True change, it seems, emerges from the crucible of self-transformation.

Changing oneself is the catalyst that ignites a ripple effect of transformation. By understanding and reshaping our beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors, we become living examples of the change we wish to see in the world. This is not a mere act of selfishness, but rather a recognition of our interconnectedness – the profound truth that our inner world shapes and interacts with the outer world.

When we choose to evolve, we contribute to a collective consciousness shift. Our newfound wisdom becomes a beacon that illuminates pathways for others, inviting them to embark on their own journeys of self-discovery and growth. As we embody positive change, we inspire those around us, inviting them to question their assumptions, embrace self-awareness, and recognize the potential for transformation that resides within.

Furthermore, personal change instigates a deep connection with empathy and compassion. As we navigate the challenges and triumphs of our own transformation, we cultivate an understanding of the human experience, fostering a heart-centered approach towards others. This compassionate lens, born from our own struggles and breakthroughs, guides us to act in ways that uplift and support those around us.

Importantly, changing oneself empowers us to tackle systemic issues and societal challenges more effectively. Our newfound wisdom equips us with the tools to approach problems from a holistic perspective, seeing beyond the surface and addressing root causes. When our internal landscape is characterized by self-awareness, open-mindedness, and a commitment to growth, we’re better equipped to collaborate, innovate, and create sustainable change on a larger scale.

In essence, Rumi’s profound insight serves as a timeless reminder that personal transformation is the cornerstone of meaningful change. To shape the world we wish to inhabit, we must embark on an inner journey of self-reflection, growth, and evolution. As we shift our focus inward, our external reality gradually aligns with our newfound wisdom, paving the way for a more harmonious and enlightened world for ourselves and future generations.

So if people understand this….why do they find it so hard to face themselves on the inside?

The journey of self-discovery and inner transformation is undeniably profound, yet it often proves to be challenging for many individuals. The resistance to facing oneself on the inside stems from a combination of psychological, emotional, and societal factors that create barriers to this process. Let’s explore some of the key reasons why people might find it difficult to embark on this journey:

1. **Fear of the Unknown:** Venturing into the depths of one’s psyche can be intimidating. The fear of uncovering painful memories, unresolved traumas, or aspects of oneself that have been suppressed can be overwhelming. The human psyche often seeks comfort in familiarity, even if it means avoiding deeper introspection.

2. **Ego Protection:** The ego, the part of our identity that is driven by self-preservation, can resist change and self-examination. It tends to cling to familiar patterns and resist any perceived threats to its sense of self. This self-protective mechanism can prevent individuals from confronting uncomfortable truths about themselves.

3. **Cultural Conditioning:** Societal norms and expectations can play a significant role in how people perceive themselves. Many cultures emphasize external achievements, appearances, and material success, often discouraging deep introspection or prioritizing inner growth.

4. **Avoidance Mechanisms:** In an attempt to escape emotional discomfort, people might engage in various avoidance mechanisms such as distraction, overworking, substance use, or excessive socializing. These behaviors provide temporary relief from inner struggles, but they also prevent true self-awareness and transformation.

5. **Vulnerability and Shame:** Delving into one’s inner landscape can make individuals feel vulnerable, exposing parts of themselves they might have suppressed or hidden. This vulnerability can trigger feelings of shame or unworthiness, making it difficult to confront certain aspects of their being.

6. **Immediate Gratification Culture:** In a fast-paced world that values instant results, the process of inner transformation can seem slow and uncertain. Many people are accustomed to seeking quick fixes and immediate gratification, which contrasts with the gradual and sometimes challenging nature of self-exploration.

7. **Lack of Support:** Some individuals lack the necessary support or guidance to navigate their inner journey. Without a safe and supportive environment, the process can feel lonely and overwhelming, leading to a reluctance to face oneself.

Despite these challenges, it’s important to recognise that the journey of self-discovery and inner transformation is ultimately rewarding and liberating. Overcoming these barriers requires a combination of courage, willingness, and self-compassion. Seeking professional guidance, engaging in mindfulness practices, and gradually embracing vulnerability can all contribute to making the process more manageable and fulfilling.

When individuals can navigate through their resistance and embrace self-awareness, they open the door to profound personal growth, improved relationships, increased well-being, and a more authentic and fulfilling life. The journey may be challenging, but it is one of the most valuable and transformative paths a person can undertake.

What role does Breathwork, Holotropic Breathing, Pranayama… play to make this process easier?

Breathwork, releasing fears, cord cutting, inner child work, and holotropic breathing can each play a significant role in making the process of self-discovery and inner transformation more accessible and manageable. These practices provide powerful tools to address the barriers and challenges that often hinder individuals from facing themselves on the inside. Let’s explore how each of these techniques can contribute:

1. **Breathwork or Holotropic Breathing:**
Breathwork involves conscious and intentional breathing patterns that directly influence our physiological and psychological states. Through controlled breathing, we can shift from the fight-or-flight response to a relaxed state, reducing anxiety and enhancing our capacity for self-awareness. It can help individuals calm their minds, release tension, and open themselves to deeper introspection. The act of focusing on the breath can also serve as an anchor, allowing individuals to gently observe their thoughts and emotions without being overwhelmed by them.

2. **Releasing Fears and Cord Cutting:**
Releasing fears and cord cutting techniques enable individuals to detach from negative thought patterns, limiting beliefs, and toxic attachments. By identifying and letting go of these emotional burdens, individuals create space for new perspectives and personal growth. Cord cutting specifically involves energetically disconnecting from draining relationships or past traumas. These practices encourage a sense of empowerment, allowing individuals to free themselves from the weight of fear and emotional baggage that hinder their progress.

3. **Inner Child Work:**
Engaging with one’s inner child involves connecting with the childlike aspects of oneself that may have been neglected or wounded during early life experiences. By nurturing and healing the inner child, individuals can address unresolved emotional wounds, develop self-compassion, and build a foundation of self-worth. This process can help alleviate shame, promote self-acceptance, and foster a deeper sense of authenticity.

Collectively, these practices create a toolkit that addresses different facets of the challenges individuals face when confronting their inner selves. They provide a holistic approach that encompasses physical, emotional, and energetic dimensions of transformation. By engaging in these practices, individuals can:

 **Reduce Resistance:** Breathwork and holotropic breathing help calm the nervous system and reduce anxiety, making it easier to approach inner exploration without feeling overwhelmed by fear or resistance.

 **Release Emotional Baggage:** Releasing fears, cord cutting, and inner child work allow individuals to let go of emotional burdens that may have been holding them back, making space for personal growth and self-compassion.

**Promote Self-Understanding:** These practices foster self-awareness, allowing individuals to understand their thought patterns, emotions, and behaviours more deeply.

 **Create a Safe Space:** Engaging with the inner child and practicing breathwork can create a safe and nurturing environment that encourages vulnerability and healing.

**Access Altered States:** Holotropic breathing can offer an avenue to access non-ordinary states of consciousness, enabling individuals to gain insights and perspectives that may be hidden during ordinary awareness.

Incorporating these practices into one’s personal development journey can provide the tools and support needed to navigate the challenges of facing oneself on the inside. Each technique offers a unique entry point to self-discovery and transformation, helping individuals move beyond their limitations and embark on a path of growth, healing, and self-realisation.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]