Many businesses go through a process where they review their inventory and take note of all the products/supplies that they have in stock. Individuals also engage in their own form of taking inventory.
Most of us know the amount of money in our bank accounts and various other investments. We also tend to be very well aware of the kind of foods that we have in our kitchens. Some of us are very up to date when it comes to the things that interest us.
Another form of taking inventory, which is extremely important, is an inner inventory. What is inner inventory? It means being aware of what is going on within you. It is basically an honest assessment of who you are as a person and where you are in your own personal development.
Many people focus so much attention on the exterior aspects of life, that they ignore the interior. In order to have a full and complete life, both inner and outer aspects have to be in harmony. You cannot have a complete unit if one part is out of whack.
So how do you get to be a complete unit? That is easy. Look within you. All the guidance you seek is deep within you. You are full of wisdom and insight. You just need to tap into it. How do you tap into it? Go within. The more you go within, the more aware you become of your inner voice and the more you come to know who you truly are as an individual.
How do you go within? Take some time every day, even if it is as short as five or ten minutes and just sit in silence and observe your thoughts. This is commonly known as mindfulness meditation. However, you do not need to be a Buddhist or a spiritual person to take time out to hear yourself think.
The human body is a very well designed machine. The human soul is even more powerful than the human body. These two elements work hand in hand. The problem is that we treat both as two very separate entities. Some give so much attention to the body, that they ignore their soul and vice versa.
Harmony is not so much a human emotion as it is a state of being. A harmonious person is a person who is at peace with ALL aspects of their life. So how do we achieve this harmony? The first step is to go within and take an inner inventory as often as you can.
As for myself, I take an inner inventory every day. Some days are better than others. There are days when thoughts of fear may arise and my meditation is mainly focused on observing the fear. When that happens, I see what is the cause of my fear and try to work through it.
Other days, things are like a clear blue sky and I just feel peace. Each meditation is different yet each meditation provides insight. For example, my recent realization about needing to change my environment came as a result of interpreting the signs (that were coming quite frequently) when I would do my daily meditation. When we sit in silence, we are better able to understand what is happening in our lives and in ourselves.
The Universe is constantly in movement and progressing in a positive direction and so are we. In order to move forward, we have to know what is happening within ourselves. No one knows you the way you know yourself. So take the time to discover the awesomeness that is you.
With this in mind, one of my fellow bloggers and friend, Jan Lundy of Awake Is Good, is conducting a 28-Day Meditation Challenge. She kindly asked me to share my experiences with meditation on her site and I was thrilled at the honor. You can see that post here.
Also, I am trained in Mindfulness Meditation and if you have any questions or thoughts, please feel free to mention it in the comments section or contact me at admin {at} happylotus.com . I would love to be of help.
Have a beautiful day!
{ 56 comments }
Nadia,
I love the message you share here today so much. In a way, this reminds of those times when I have been out jogging, and when I have pushed myself more than normal. In one sense, our physical body plays in role in keeping us going, and in another sense, there are very much these internal thoughts which keep us going to. A mind-body connection, or maybe even more deeply – a mind-body-spirit connection. I have also found that through writing, I have been more easily able to look within myself…to quiet my soul…and listen.
And I’m looking forward to your article at Jan’s site. She does such beautifully heart-centered work, and what a complement you will be alongside of her today.
.-= Lance´s last blog ..Sunday Thought For The Day =-.
Hi Lance,
Everything is connected and it is so important for all aspects of ourselves to be in harmony. Each part feeds another part. So we have to be conscious of what is happening at all times. Otherwise, it is a waste on so many levels.
Writing is a form of meditation because when we write, we are in the moment and therefore, it is easy to listen to the soul. I am happy that you are feeling and becoming more connected to that spark of the Divine that is within you!
Nadia, I’ve learned so much from you over the past year, and your help with meditation has been incredible. I don’t really have anything to add to what you’ve said here, I just want to encourage everyone who reads this post to listen to you
.-= Jay Schryer´s last blog ..The Miracle =-.
Hi Jay,
Thank you so much for the shout out and support. I had no idea I was of such help so this was pleasant news!
Hope all is awesome!
Meditation has allowed me to separate myself from the “I” and become a third-person observer. It’s like peeling apart two pieces of velcro. When I’m a more clear-headed, detached third-person observer, I can see what’s happening around me in my daily life without reacting all the time. Or certainly when I do react, it’s with much more compassion and loving intention. When I haven’t taken time to meditate and look within for awhile, the two velcro pieces get stuck together again and I can’t see or feel that what’s happening around me isn’t actually happening TO me. It all becomes one garbled mess.
So I loved this post, Nadia, and love that you shared it today.
Happy Sunday!
.-= Megan “JoyGirl!” Bord´s last blog ..Funny Cookies =-.
Hi Megan,
To me, meditation is always about observing what is happening within us and to take a third party approach. So much more freedom and awareness comes from such a stance. We are in charge of our thoughts. It is not the other way around and taking inventory aids us in becoming aware of what is going on within us.
It is awesome that meditation has aided you so much.
Hey Nadia,
Being a pretty introspective person, I like the idea of an internal inventory very much. I think it can be a great way to develop self-awareness. And I believe this self awareness is what a lot of people lack that prevents them from getting the external results or the happiness they want. I also see coaching as a good way of doing that.
Eduard
.-= Ideas With A Kick´s last blog ..Positive thinking won’t help you now =-.
Hi Eduard,
I think being introspective is vital for making the most out of being alive. People often will read manuals about products with such detail. Yet when it comes to understanding their true self, they do not do anything. I totally agree with your thoughts about how a lack of self awareness prevents people from getting the results that they want. It is interesting that you mentioned coaching…thank you for that one statement confirmed a thought that I had.
It’s funny that you talk about this or rather that I am reading about it today. Yesterday, I was reading Eat Pray Love, the section where she is in India and struggling with meditation. I have meditated on and off for several years. I believe this must be a sign that I need to start again. I also came to an epiphany that I had been letting other people’s expectations lead my life decisions. Reading about other’s journeys with self-realization, including your blog, has helped me come to this realization. So much thanks to your clear writing and constant kindness to all your readers!
.-= lena´s last blog ..Wickedly Good–A Night at The Academy =-.
Hi Lena,
Congratulations on the epiphany!!!! WOO HOO!!!
I love when they happen. And no worries, you are not the only woman who has let other people’s expectations lead their life decisions. I have done the same thing too and still struggle with it in some areas. Oprah Winfrey calls it “the disease to please”. I am much better at it now than I used to be and plan to master if more so with each step. So you are on the right path, my fellow Jersey girl.
And I am so happy to be of help. I am always here if you need someone to talk to or whatever. We all help each other in our own way. As for meditation, Ram Dass has a really awesome meditation handbook. You might want to check it out.
Until next time, keep smiling!
Ahhhh, I was thinking of Jan’s meditation series as I read the first part of this post and there she was!
I tend to be always on the go, busy, busy, happy. So it’s a real new realm for me to sit 5 minutes alone mindfully quiet, let alone 10 minutes. But it’s been such a wonderful, wonderful experience. And I swear I look younger , with pinker cheeks since mindfully meditating with Jan’s joyful 28 day gift. I just love it! Hooked on healing harmonious inner inventory with that.
And always monitoring my thoughts, being aware of my negative ones and how to turn them around.
.-= Jannie Funster´s last blog ..Funny Typos, “Like A Bord on A Wire,” 14 =-.
Hi Jannie,
That is so awesome that you are enjoying meditation so much. And I am not surprised that it has made you look younger. When I was studying to become a nun, one of the High Monks who was in his 50s, looked like he was in his twenties and I swear the man glowed. A calm and serene inside make for a calm and serene outside.
Becoming more mindful of what happens in our heads truly changes how we do things and it is great that you are becoming more aware. Keep on shining!
Nadia, I so loved this post because I truly believe that taking internal inventory should be routine thing for everyone to do. If all of us spend at least 10-15 minutes every day getting closer to our Higher Selves and trying to understand what’s going on inside like you do, the world would be a better place to live for sure.
Many people are not used to doing it even though they understand their lives could be so much better if they did. That’s how I was. We run around every day and rarely find time for ourselves.
I believe it is one the most important habits one can develop. It is my dream that I am working on to make a reality soon to open a place specifically designed for people to take their internal inventory, do something to get closer to their soul and listen to it’s guidance. Just like we routinely go to fitness clubs to exercise our body, I believe many people could benefit from a place where we could slow down and do something for our soul. And do it routinely and consistently. Not once a year or even once a month, but hopefully every day or every week.
I also love journaling as one of tools to help with awareness and taking internal inventory. Asking yourself questions and then putting your thoughts and feelings on paper often provides amazing insights and I believe also connects us to our Higher Selves.
At the end I think it doesn’t really matter how we do it, what techniques we use, as long as we do it consistently and it feels right to us.
Thank you for a wonderful post Nadia!
.-= Lana-Dreamfollowers Blog´s last blog ..My 2010 Goals and 2 Awesome Techniques I Used to Set Them. =-.
Hi Lana,
I love the dream that you are envisioning. When you are ready to hire people, let me know, I would love to be a part of such a place.
The reason, in my opinion, was so many people resist taking inventory is that they just do not know about it or they may have some reservations about it. Often people think that if you meditate it means you have to be a Buddhist or be into spirituality. Meditation or sitting in silence has nothing to do with such things but rather it is a way to cultivate inner peace.
And you are also correct about journaling. I know that it is a very powerful tool.
As for what you wrote about how the method of taking inventory does not matter….in my guest post at Jan’s site, I wrote that there is no right way to meditate. Each person has to find a method that works best for them. So we are in agreement again!
Hope all is well and thank you so much for sharing your thoughts!
Hi Nadia!
Happy Sunday! I’m so glad you wrote about this. I do mindfulness meditation everyday of my life. It’s what keeps me ticking and feeling centered. It’s what helps me determine the day’s priorities. It’s what helps me determine places I’m stuck and places where I’m making progress. It’s also when a lot of my blog posts creep in and draft themselves!
The reason I’m glad you wrote about this is that I have been kicking myself for not having a daily meditation practice—because I’ve had in my mind these “rules” for meditation–eyes closed, blank mind, just breathing—and I didn’t think my daily habit qualified. I still do want to learn that kind of meditation, and that’s why I am participating in Jan’s challenge. But I also know that I’ve been doing this method you wrote about here for years and years (though I haven’t known to call it mindfulness meditation) and it has been serving me very well. So I’m feeling grateful right now, and letting out a big sigh of relief! I guess this is another lesson for me on honoring what works for me and not worrying if the labels match up. Thanks Nadia!! Have a great week! Jodi
.-= Jodi at Joy Discovered´s last blog ..Shake Things Up! =-.
Hi Jodi,
One of the many beautiful things about meditation is that there is no right way to do it. There are no set rules. The irony is that many people think that there but there aren’t.
I am happy that this post provided you with a sense of relief. Things like that just make me smile. And labels don’t mean a thing…unless we give them power!
Have a beautiful day!
Hi Nadia.
I have read your post on Jan’s blog and I am with Jodi.
I love how you dispel myths about meditation and it has been interesting to observe my own preconceived ideas about it.
It is all about mindfulness and becoming aware by observing and how one does it in the end doesn’t deserve the focus, as long as we achieve peace and insights our heart resonates with and a daily doing that is aligned with that.
As always, thank you Nadia and hugs, Wilma
.-= Wilma Ham´s last blog ..‘What is so’ in relationships. =-.
Hi Wilma,
Thank you so much for the positive feedback. I think many people have no idea what is meditation since there are so many myths that surround it. The beauty of meditation is that there is no one set method. We just have to find a way that works for us.
Being in alignment is so vital for not only the tires on our cars but for ourselves too.
Hugs right back at you!
Nadia, what a wonderful word to really hold on to right now – self inventory. I often speak with people about fitness, nutrition, wellness, etc. and could never come up with the right word and here it is. I do believe that when we take inventory of our inner thoughts we are better able to handle challenges life throws our way. That 5 or 10 minute of mindful meditation sometimes is all I need to help me make it through another busy, crazy day and to help me better understand the world around me. Thanks for this and for helping out with the 28 day challenge. This fantastic information.
Terie
.-= Terie´s last blog ..Lisa Lectura’s Give Away- join the fun! =-.
Hi Terie,
Thank you so much for the wonderful feedback. You brought a smile to my face!
It is so important for us to be aware of what is happening within ourselves. For usually our inner state of being will affect the outer state of our being. Everything is connected and yet so many of us have no idea what is happening within ourselves. That is why taking inner inventory is so important. And you are right, when we are aware of what is going on within, it enables us to better handle the situations that arise in our lives.
Hope all is awesome and have a beautiful day!
Hi Nadia:
Good stuff…you’re hitting on something I continue to be curious about. Since my meditation class ended in late November, I’ve missed more sessions than I wanted. But I will get back into the groove. I will also check out your post on the Awake is Good blog. I agree with what you said about taking inventory…it is so important. Even more important, is listening, paying attention and trusting your instinct…which you did in this case.
I’ve had my own observations about meditation…I seem to have a better meditation experience after doing yoga rather than just meditation by itself. I’ve also felt more relaxed when I meditated lying down than sitting up (I never had problems with falling asleep). I don’t know if this is a topic better suited for a full post…but I’m curious about your take on meditation (where you clear your mind completely) vs. visualization (when you focus on an object or a situation). Anyhow, thanks again for more great information here.
.-= Tim´s last blog ..The Friendship Project: Peoplescape (Part Two) =-.
Hi Tim,
The beauty about meditation is that there is no set way to do it. So if you prefer lying down then that is fine. Just do what works best for you.
As opposed to the differences between meditation and visualization. I will address it here. Meditation is when you observe your thoughts. Meditation does not mean not having any thoughts. That is huge myth that surrounds meditation. Meditation, especially the mindfulness kind, is when you sit and observe your thoughts as if you were observing another person. Other kinds of meditation usually are done with the intention of being aware of your breath and simply being. There is no way that you can completely clear your mind for the human mind is always at work.
I have noticed that after years of doing meditation, the rapidness of the thoughts does slow down but the thoughts are always going to be there.
As for visualization, the way that I understand it, is when you sit down and see the experiences or events that you want to experience. You imagine yourself living in the ideal apartment and feel what that would be like. For example, I am currently visualizing what would be the ideal work situation. So I close my eyes and see all the things that I feel would make for a perfect job. I see the desk, the lamp and so on. I see myself experiencing such a work environment.
Does this answer your question?
Hi Nadia:
Thanks for that explanation…it really helps. There is a lot of information out there, but knowing that there’s no right way to do it helps. I like your visualization of your ideal job…I think that is something I need to incorporate into my routine. Thanks again!
.-= Tim´s last blog ..The Friendship Project: Peoplescape (Part Two) =-.
Hi Tim,
You are most welcome and I am happy that it helped.
And as for the visualizing the ideal job…go for it. Imagine every single detail. Such as how would you feel, what would the place look like, and so on. I will write a post more about that next week. So stayed tuned!
Well put and I’m a fan of inner engineering, and taking inner inventories.
One thing that really helped me reshape my thoughts and choose to either observe them or direct them is knowing that changing the question, changes the focus.
.-= J.D. Meier´s last blog ..Lessons Learned in 2009 =-.
Hi JD,
So are you saying when you take inner inventory, you begin by asking a question? That is an interesting method. It is awesome that you have found something that works for you!
Hi Nadia .. I’m so pleased that you’ve written about mindfulness meditation here – and I’m still on Jan’s course, though I have to catch up – I haven’t read her articles yet, as I want to do the course properly and … life with another person in hospital (who is not my responsibility) hasn’t helped as it disrupts life .. so I’m with everyone, just behind the curve .. but I will catch up: my sights are there and I will feel ready once I’m ready – in a few days I sincerely hope.
I just think we’re so lucky to have so many wonderful people participating with ideas and thoughts – I’m learning so much.
Thank you – Hilary Melton-Butcher
Positive Letters Inspirational Stories
.-= Hilary´s last blog ..Start of weather forecasting, some stats and memories … =-.
Hi Hilary,
No worries. You can always pick up where you left off when you are ready. And I have no doubt you will know when you are ready.
And yay for learning!
You are most welcome and I hope all goes well for the person who is in the hospital.
“So take the time to discover the awesomeness that is you”
I am becoming more proud of myself everyday…it has lead to some serious and heartbreaking decisions…but in the end…better for all of us.
.-= Dawn´s last blog ..Giving myself time to heal =-.
Hi Dawn,
WOO HOO!!!! Good for you for becoming more proud of yourself! That is wonderful.
As for the serious and heartbreaking decisions, sometimes those have to occur and they are blessings in disguise even though it may not look like it at the moment.
Keep shining bright!
What a great post! If we all exercised our minds as much as our bodies, we’d be much better for it! Thanks!
.-= Anne´s last blog ..Claim Responsibility for Your Own Happiness =-.
Hi Anne,
You are most welcome!
I often find it funny that people can know the exact amount of money in their bank account and yet be so unaware of what is happening within themselves. Harmony means that we are aware of all aspects of our lives and that all those aspects fully reflect who we are in every way.
Hope all is awesome!
Nadia, how I love reading your words. I needed this guidance this morning and I thank you so very much! I need to get back to my meditating. When I was in full swing things flowed so much easier in my life. Time to get back on track!!
.-= Tabitha´s last blog ..Let LOVE Be Your Guide =-.
Hi Tabitha,
You are most welcome! I am happy to be of service and no worries that you got off track. Like I said in the post I wrote at Jan’s site, be gentle with yourself.
Hi Nadia! Your awesomeness knows no limits! GREAT post! When I turned the corner from being a doer into being a be-er (not beer, haha) and took the time to sit and listen, wow! Wow doesn’t even begin to describe it.
Admittedly it DID take me decades to just sit – and of course when I first started it, that’s when I discovered MonkeyMind – who loves to screw up my listening by hollering about this and that – grrrrrr – so dealing with THAT took another decade or so! Tick tock already! Geeeez. For a long time I confused “simple” with “easy” – the two are NOT necessarily synonymous – not to Monkey!
I think we are trained as children to get “answers” from without, or outside of us – from teachers/parents – and it takes awhile to overcome that as adults and listen to that wee “knowing” voice we have had all along! It’s a beautiful thing to know that voice is there and even more awesome when we honor the “equipment” we were given in the first place, eh?
What a magnificent example you are – YAY YOU!!!!
Hugs,
suZen
.-= suzen´s last blog ..2012 Curious =-.
Hi SuZen,
Your awesomeness knows no limits either!
You raised such a great point about how we confuse simple with being easy. Sometimes that is the case and sometimes it is not. And as you so wisely told me, it does not matter how long it took you to get to where you are…the journey was worth it, right? Right!
Hugs right back at you!
OK, so this is the second post I’ve read this morning on the importance of turning inward AND my brother gave me a meditation CD for Christmas. I think it could be time to take notice of the signs. Given I’m someone who’s always on the go “doing”, I’m feeling a need to balance that out more with “being”. Thanks Nadia!
.-= Sami – Life, Laughs & Lemmings´s last blog ..Hanging Out on Lori’s Front Porch =-.
Hi Sami,
That is funny…I guess the Universe is trying to tell you something! Don’t you just love it?
Just so you know, I have always been the kind of person who lived life on full throttle. When I had to start learning to meditate it was comical.
Eventually, when I was studying to become a nun (I did not go through with it), my teachers would laugh because I would be on full throttle right as I was walking into the room and as soon as we were done hours later. Yet when we sat for meditation, I was total calm and peace. I learned how to combine both…doing and being. So don’t be so hard on yourself for being always on the go. That can be a good thing.
I think this is how it starts, with meditation. Everything else develops from there, the inner gentle honesty we need, and the understanding of existence and truth. Many of us believe meditation is a formal activity of sitting on a cushion for a prescribed amount of time, and I think this scares many people. And there are so many techniques out there, Anapana, Vipassana, insight, Tibetan, awareness, mantras–it confuses people. The beginning of meditation is a simple as observing thoughts all day long. The end is of course being in a state of awareness. In the middle stages, it can be helpful to pick up a simple technique.
Thanks, a very helpful article.
.-= Kaushik´s last blog ..Dark Night of the Soul — The Opportunity to Surrender =-.
Hi Kaushik,
There are so many myths (two of which I address in my guest post) that prevent people from exploring meditation. The most common being that a person should have no thoughts.
The beauty about meditation is that there is no right way to do it. There are so many methods and each person has to find what works best for them. And you are right, that does lead to a state of being aware.
Hope all is awesome!
“It is basically an honest assessment of who you are as a person and where you are in your own personal development.”
It is very interesting that you are highlighting this as a personal development practice. Taking a ” searching inventory of ourselves” is something that 12 step programs REQUIRE for the healing process.
It is an extremely valuable tool for change! Why? We simply cannot positively change unless we are truly honest with ourselves.
.-= Hayden Tompkins´s last blog ..Losing Weight: The Donut Diet =-.
Hi Hayden,
That is so cool that taking inventory is part of the 12 step programs. Thank you so much for letting me know since I had no idea about that fact.
It most definitely is a valuable tool for self-growth. And you are right….we cannot positively grow if we are not honest with ourselves. I am often amazed that people have no clue what is happening within themselves but yet they know the exact balance in their bank account.
Hope all is awesome!
Hmmm….and Inner Inventory or I.I. or II captain….sorry just experimenting with wordplay as I do! I’m sure there’s a great catchy phrase there!
I do I.I. regularly as part of my spiritual 5-a-day.
.-= Amit Sodha – The Power Of Choice´s last blog ..A Quick Guide To Dealing With Negative People =-.
Hi Amit,
No need to apologize.
And cool on doing inner inventory on a regular basis!
Taking inventory is so important: to listen to the soul’s voice as it manifests itself through our bodies. For a long, long time I looked at my body as a source of nuisance: aches, dizziness, tiredness, etc. Now that I’ve learned to pay attention I can’t believe how much wisdom lies within.
Great post!
Please visit me on line too. I’m following you now on Twitter. I’m @wifsie
Maryse
Hi Maryse,
Thank you for the follow on Twitter! Good for you for looking within and recognizing the power that resides within your body. Many people treat their bodies as being separate from themselves but everything is connected. I am happy that you are discovering your innate wisdom!
Sorry, messed up URL before.
.-= Maryse´s last blog ..The Way Home =-.
No worries, Maryse!
Nadia, I didn’t get around to commenting on your post with Jan I think (or maybe I did? sudden mind-blank), but in any case I did read it and so appreciated the debunking of those two myths, which I think come up so often, and really discourage so many people…would love to sit and chat about these things some day in person with you! Maybe it will happen…
.-= Lisa (mommymystic)´s last blog ..10 Things I’ve Learned (or Think) About 2012… =-.
Hi Lisa,
I know what you mean about the mind blank. As for sitting down to talk, sounds like a great idea to me. I would love it. May it happen sooner than later!
Many people could really benefit from meditation if the myths were removed from their minds. There is no set method. Each person has to find a way that works for them.
Yep, glowing like a pinkish-hued lightbulb here today, Nadia!
I’ve started drinking green tea too, since last week and I feel happier — but not sure if it is really the tea, or my attitude to the tea that’s making me happier. Catch 22? Or real properties within?
.-= Jannie Funster´s last blog ..Self-Portrait With iPhone, Yesterday =-.
Hi Jannie,
Pinkish lightbulb glow totally rocks! That is wonderful and good for you for drinking green tea. I think when we start to take care of ourselves, our body responds positively. So the happiness you feel is a combination…but then again, you are always a happy person, right?
Nadia, it is refreshing to be here today!
Thank you for this wonderful idea of inner inventory and it is so important! I appreciate you sharing here with all of us! Soft blessings, Jenn
I am all about harmony this year and am enjoying focusing on meditating more this month and really going inward – back at my daily journaling again which is so grounding for me!
.-= Jenn ´s last blog ..Love is Ministering to the Needs of Each Other: =-.
Hi Jenn,
Harmony is so important and necessary in order to make the most out of life. Sounds like journaling works for you and that is wonderful. Each person has to find a method that suits their heart and soul.
Blessings back to you!
Coming from a background in Chiropractic and growing up with the philosophy I couldn’t agree more.
HEALING COMES FROM THE INSIDE… Not the outside
We’re so conditioned to think “give me that” or “I’ll just take this” to create health and well-being. I believe everything in life comes from the inside. It’s so easy to get caught up in opposite thinking with everything telling us just the opposite.
Your readers are fortunate to be looking at this… Great work
.-= Jason @ forty2fifty.com´s last blog ..The Cascading Events of One Bad Choice =-.
Hi Jason,
Thank you for the awesome feedback. Healing definitely comes from within. An emotion left unhealed will manifest itself in the body at some point. I have seen it happen in myself and in others.
Have a great rest of the day!
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