The Irony of Inner Retreat and Outer Seeking
There is a strange irony in our habits of healing and self-realization. When we’re low, many tend to retreat inward, withdrawing from the world. And yet, sometimes the very thing that lifts the fog is something outside of ourselves: a bird singing, sunlight illuminating a tree, a child laughing, a cat purring—a reminder that life exists beyond the thinking mind.
Likewise, when we’re confused about who we are, we often look outside of ourselves for answers. We curate. Perform. Scroll. We search for our reflection in others’ opinions. But the real compass lives within—the stillness, the Self. The presence that is always here, free of judgment, patiently waiting to be realized.
Understanding the Misdirection of Energy in Healing
As I like to say, this “misdirection of energy”—is deeply human. And it isn’t wrong. It’s how we learn to experience ourselves in the world. Yet, all too often it’s out of alignment. Off balance. A notification that something is “off”.
Ancient Wisdom from Ayurveda on Energetic Balance
Ancient systems like Ayurveda have long understood this principle. In Ayurveda, when there is an imbalance, you counter it with the opposite to promote harmony. If there’s too much internal heat—anger, irritation, inflammation, a need to control—we bring in cooling remedies: calming foods, gentle behaviors, coconut oil abhyanga (self-massage). If you feel heavy, invite lightness. If your mind is racing, slow the breath. This isn’t about fighting what is. It’s about noticing and finding your personal balance.
Rebalancing Through Opposite Action
So what if we honored this ancient wisdom of finding balance?
If the inner world feels overwhelming and scary—step outside yourself. For example, have you ever felt out of sorts and then saw a funny animal video? It can lift the spirit because you are observing a being just simply…being. It isn’t trying to be something it’s not. It just simply is.
It’s in those moments when as aspect of you remembers the joy of being.
When you’re feeling lost – let the Earth ground you. Let the elements shake loose the stagnant energy. Let other beings support you—whether they stand upright or fly in the air.
The balance here is to not get sucked so far outside yourself that you dig your heels deeper into the imbalance. This is a tricky trap as the discomfort becomes comfortable.
I know this firsthand and experienced it with the majority of individuals I’ve worked with. The idea of change, even if it might bring relief becomes far too scary for many.
Some might try numb or dissociate through distractions like gossiping, scrolling, food, shopping, striving, and mind-altering substances. Personally, I tried all of these (and more) to no avail. They all simply make it harder to get to the root of the imbalance. Its like dieting to feel better about yourself. For most people, it leads to more “stuff” to unpack.
Returning Inward When the Outer World Overwhelms
So when the outer world feels loud and confusing—which feels like the norm these days—come home. Disconnect from the screens. Connect to your breath. Listen inward. Let the answers rise from the silence.
But remember, this is a practice. It doesn’t just happen. If you’re not used to it—or if you’re carrying unacknowledged wounds—it can feel incredibly dysregulating.
And that discomfort? That is the work. The awareness is the beginning. Listening to and honoring your needs are sacred acts. If it is too much, this is when you ask for support – ideally from a trained professional.
The Dance of Inner and Outer Awareness
This is the push-pull of moving inward and outward. It’s like following your own energetic tides. Finding that balance between self-reflection and experience. You’ll soon find that there is a magical interplay between the two, because they are not separate.
The tricky part is also knowing what aspect(s) of self are perceiving the inner and outer currents of experience. The wounded inner child will see an experience very differently than the authentic Self.
Your Healing Is in the Shift
And sometimes the medicine is simply this: if you’re feeling the feels—consciously shift something. Maybe you just get up and change the environment you’re in. Maybe you turn the screen off. Maybe you call someone. Maybe you cry, write, scream, drive, walk, dance, light a candle, pray, create. Maybe it’s a subtle lift of the lips to see what arises.
The world can feel like a lot—loud, chaotic, overwhelming. But you’re not powerless in the current. You always have choice. Even a “small” one, made with love, can shift the whole tide.
You Might Also Enjoy:
- Ayurveda 101
- How Laughter Can Help Change Behaviors
- A Path to Living in Alignment
- Return to Self: From Rainbow to Radiance
Creative Offering:
If these words serve you, let them fly.
If you teach from them, may they bloom again.
Credit is kind. Integrity is everything.
Blair is a registered dietitian, certified intuitive eating counselor, E-500 RYT and Reiki Master. She integrates spirituality with modern day science to help people heal and reclaim their relationship with their body and food.
Disclaimer:
These are my current musings — co-created through divine guidance and my digital muse (aka AI). This content is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only and does not constitute medical, psychological, or therapeutic advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the support of a qualified healthcare provider or mental health professional regarding any concerns or conditions.