KEEP THE OLD WARM

Some look outward, seeing others and the world. Some look inward, seeing themselves and their world.

Are we the type to be enamored of the world and its beauty and its engagement?

Or are we the type to see ourselves in a mirror and be drawn into reflection upon ourselves?

We can say one is more extroverted, the other, introverted, both with strengths and weaknesses.

To only look outward, we engage the world and are fascinated, spurred on by the excitement of what we are experiencing. But to only have this is to not be able to reflect, to not benefit from the internal world. This state can bring action in the world, yet the inability to connect deeply with oneself.

To only look inward, we engage ourselves and are both able to get in touch with our own soul, and spirit, in all its beauty and ugliness, and learn humility and find inspiration here. Yet to only have this is to not be able to truly engage the world and benefit from its richness and connections. This state can bring humility and connection to ones own self, and, paradoxically, the world’s psychological state. Yet also the inability to connect deeply with the world and act in it.

One is more action, one is more reflection.

Taken to extremes alone, the former can become a tyrant, dominating the world through thoughtless action, the other an internal tyrant, dominating oneself and becoming consumed with reflection.

Taken to the extreme with both sides together, both skills, one is able to engage the world, with an understanding of oneself. One sees others, yet also sees themselves.

Sometimes we engage the world, sometimes we reflect upon ourselves. Develop both skills, and we can learn wise lessons from the inner world, and take them into the outer world as a wise agent, and build a better world.

Look in, look out, and see both ourselves and our world in all its beauty, horror, and glory.