In Corrogue I am seeking the source of inner beauty.
This is a way to find an inner beauty that transforms. Then it will allow entry into that other room beyond what we call in Ireland "a thin place." It will allow me to see banquet moments that are always available in the only time we have. This is the time of now. It will allow me to feel my essence and what is essential to life. I will recognise that my essential self is the moment-to-moment experience of inner beauty.
This is provided I know how to look. Let me share with you seven reflections that may assist you in getting in touch with that inner beauty that you always are.
1. Inner Beauty means you acknowledge you are not who you think you are
Inner beauty is your essence. It does not come for your persona or your "thinking about." Your personality is like the light of the moon. This light of the moon is beautiful but the source of the moonlight is from the sun. The moon is merely a reflection of the true light. The light of your being is powerful beyond any "thinking about." Start "to be" more and "do less." The hard part is that this requires trust. Trust more and learn from your "inner telling sense." This means trusting the sense of the body.
2. Inner beauty means you know.
We focus our energies outward. We look for satisfaction instead of joy. We accept belief but do not venture "beyond belief." This inner beauty that you are is beyond any belief system. This inner beauty is your birthright. It is your psychological and spiritual "homeplace." It is your place of belonging. You will not find this "homeplace" in the outer world. This outer world is only a reflection of the distance we have come from our inner beauty. Spent ten minutes each day in focused silence. This can be when you are walking, sitting, eating or at any time that best suits you.
3. Inner beauty means you are forever enough.
In this 21st Century of noise and haste you are focused on the dynamic of "never enough." Our societies main focus is ensuring that you never get to "feel enough." If you get to feel enough it might then mean the end of economics. You get little time to rest in your soul. This is the place of real recreation. This is the place where every day is a holy day. These words "holy day" are the original meaning of the word "holiday." You do not have to leave home for exotic or non-exotic experiences.
You can travel the world of inner beauty without ever going anywhere other than your heart. You can go on holiday to your "homeplace" at anytime. Just take a moment. Sit still and breathe in and out slowly. Become the fine being you always are and learn to know you will always be fine. Commit to knowing life and give up the limitation of belief.
4. Allow your inner beauty to flow.
As a writer I authorise this free flow of life's energy moving through this body. When I write I am the experience of allowing. I am not intent on going anywhere. When I write there is no sense of wanting. There is only surrender to flow. I sit before this fireside having a chat with my soul. Energy moves freely through "little me" when I let go and let be. This is inner beauty. This is free expression of the soul. Soul expresses through talent. Discover what it is you love, and then, as my beloved poet Rumi advises, "Risk all for love."
5. Inner beauty is not defined in words but felt in the body.
Inner beauty is not to be debated. Inner beauty is not definable. It does not belong to "you" or to "little me." It is not "my" beauty. I do not own it. One can make oneself look physically beautiful and this is a delight. Yet all outer beauty fades with time. Inner beauty develops with age and is timeless. It develops and is embraced with wisdom and understanding. Beauty proceeds from the inside out. It means honouring the inner beauty of this body. The delight of inner beauty is erotic and not just cerebral. For one moment each day lose your head and fall into the heart.
6. Inner beauty is the expression of love.
Inner beauty is the expression of love and compassion. It begins with awareness of each moment just as it is. This allows one to recognise the destructive power of judgement. Each moment is beautiful. Inner beauty is the experience of presence without this experience needing to be other. We spend much of our time dividing our experience. In this way we filter out any experience of joy. We are like a battery that is afraid of being struck by lightening. We are made for joy but within our social consciousness the energy charge of joy would literally blow our minds. The experience of unconditional beauty would leave us feeling burnt out. Inner beauty requires you to be vulnerable. Take a moment this week to allow your feelings to be feelings without judgement.
7. Inner beauty is nothing special.
Inner beauty is the experience of no thing. It means being prepared to be empty in order that the Beloved can pour unconditional love into this empty space. You cannot grasp inner beauty. You have, metaphorically speaking, to keep the window open. This is the window of your heart. All you are asked to do is be attentive. Allow the free flow of grace to enter. When the moment comes you will know. You will know that you are the beauty you seek. When you know this you have returned home. You have returned to what is called in Ireland "the homeplace." This is a place of reverence and belonging. This is your special place.
Be your longing. Be beautiful. Look inward and find the source of beauty that you truly are. This will give you a glimpse of the timeless wonder you are. You will disappear. You will go into a beautiful experience beyond belief. This will be enough.
Tony Cuckson is an Anam Cara. This Celtic term means "Soul Friend." He specializes in providing insight for the spiritual journey, Irish Blessings, words of wisdom and finding inner peace. Visitors to Irish Blessings Matter website and Tony's Blog get the opportunity to develop a purpose driven life through articles, newsletters and other programs. Get your free report called "7 ways to it's a wonderful life" at http://www.irishblessingsmatter.com or visit Tony's Blog at http://www.irishblessingsmatter.info for the best resources on spiritual growth, spiritual cinema, spiritual parenting, spiritual coaching and spirit in business.