The Guru Lives Within

Gu• Ignorance and darkness
Ru• Light and Knowledge
Guru: That which brings us from darkness to the light

It’s kind of funny how we go searching outside ourselves for insight when all the light and wisdom we need is actually inside us.

But, I get it.

I do it.

For myself, I know that the only way to access that illumination and deep knowing is by being present to myself. It doesn’t take a big effort or grand gesture to connect with myself. I find my body loves whatever amount or type of respectful, loving attention I give it. It loves to be noticed, to feel good, and to be acknowledged as my close companion and ally.

Breath, movement, touch and attention are all ways every one of us can connect with ourselves. Through any of these ways of attending, we can reclaim the spaces inside our bodies that have been forgotten, ignored, or noticed but not engaged— for whatever reason. In bringing life back into those spaces, we can access a deep resource of wisdom and compassion.

Sometimes, as we connect with ourselves, we meet obstacles. Again, we might tend to disregard or shun them instead of making friends with them. Perhaps you’ve noticed them: they show up as a pain, a difficult thought or belief, an hurtful emotion, a regrettable reaction, a sad memory, a trauma, a disease. It’s understandable if we prefer to disregard them. Those obstacles can feel unsafe, scary, heart-breaking. We might not know how to relate to them. We might not feel ready or resourced. They might seem overwhelming or hopeless.

From my work, my students, and my own experience, I have learned one thing of which I’m certain: The only way out is through. Much like water on a stone, even just a light touch of attention can soften some of the hardest challenges we face.

When we are no longer rejecting, fixing, or quarantining these parts of ourselves; when we can finally sit with them and be present, we have the possibility to release what can be released and receive and integrate what remains. No matter how broken those parts of us felt, when we accept them with curiosity, kindness, and compassion, we discover freedom, neutrality, pleasure, or happiness.

What I value most about coupling mindful attention and language with movement is how that union can lead us to the light of consciousness that lives inside this vessel we call the body. Once we see it in ourselves, we can light up not only the forgotten spaces inside, but our entire lives and the lives of others, too.

May you meet your guru and rest in your wisdom.