Living Inside Out: February 11 - 17

Growing up gay, the world wasn't always a safe place. As a survival skill, I learned to hide my true voice, blend in with the crowd, and protect my heart. I built a pretty solid emotional wall in the attempt to keep out hurt and rejection. I suspect all of us have our own reasons for shielding the tender places within.

It doesn't have to be this way. Instead of keeping the world out, what if I could live from the inside out? In these dark times, what if I dared to shine more often? What if every now and then, I allowed my voice to ring out through the noise and clamor of the media? What if for a few moments each day, I let myself be seen for who I truly am?

This is my lifelong goal, to live more and more with an open heart, to allow the world and its pain inside and to keep on loving nevertheless. This is no easy task. Meditation is my main tool. Through this daily practice, I learn to listen deeply, to see life as it is right in front of me rather than my imagined fears, and to offer myself again and again in service.  I may have a long way to go but step by step, I'm learning to be brave. I'm so grateful I'm not alone as I learn to live inside out.

Practice

Sit in a relaxed and attentive posture. Breathe and know you are breathing. Maybe place your hand on your heart. Sense your life force and remember the gift of your being. Feel grounded on the earth and within your body. Breathe in safety and breathe out anxiety. Breathe in peace and breathe out worry. Breathe in love and breathe out loneliness. Breathe in light and breathe out fear. Find a place of quiet within and listen deeply. Remain in stillness as long as needed. Resume your day but stay connected to the light within. Remember to shine every so often as the day unfolds.