“In order to change conditions outside ourselves, whether they concern the environment or relations with others, we must first change within ourselves.”

This is a concept we learn from a wide variety of sources. From Socrates’ “Know thyself” statement when asked to summarize the aggregate of all the work philosopher’s do, and on down the line into every strain of eastern and western thought. When it comes to awakening, transformation, the metamorphic process of changing and growing into awareness, it all begins with gentle but courageous work on the self.

In what ways do you seek satisfactions in things outside yourself, like food, comfort, sex, or success?