“Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes.” Carl Jung’s profound words serve as a guiding light on the journey to self – discovery and the pursuit of true joy. Phil Poole’s story is a testament to the transformative power of looking within, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges.
In 2018, Poole found himself at a crossroads in Berlin. He had moved there eight months prior, driven by a relationship and the promise of different work. However, everything had unraveled. The relationship ended, the work environment turned toxic, and he was left with little community support. To make matters worse, he fell ill and ended up in the hospital. The obvious choice seemed to be to return to London, to the comfort of his friends and familiar surroundings. But something held him back. A quiet voice within told him that running away would not solve his problems; it would only allow him to ignore the deeper issues he was facing.
Poole soon realized that his move to Berlin was an attempt to escape from himself. He had been trying to define his identity through a relationship and a career that, despite its success, no longer brought him any joy or fulfillment. He was bored, not just with his job as an international executive but with his entire life. This realization was the catalyst for a profound journey of self – exploration.
To understand this journey, Poole asks us to imagine a strange world, one filled with mountains, valleys, deserts, seas, and oceans, all shrouded in darkness except for the light we hold in our hands. This world represents ourselves, with all our joys, passions, griefs, and sorrows. For many of us, our true identity, the things that bring us joy, remain hidden in the darkness, unexplored and unknown.
So, how can we begin to explore this hidden world? Poole offers three simple yet powerful steps.
First, we must learn to be mindful of the present moment, no matter how difficult it may seem. When Poole was struggling in his toxic job in Berlin, he discovered that amidst the chaos, there was a glimmer of joy. He realized that he loved having one – on – one conversations with people, especially those who were eager to grow and improve. This small revelation was a significant step in understanding his true nature and purpose. Similarly, outside of work, he found joy in simple things like sitting on his balcony during the Berlin summer, despite the rain. By being present and open to these experiences, he began to plant the seeds of a new life.
Second, we should reconnect with the joy of our past. In a society that often emphasizes career success and material possessions, we can easily lose touch with the things that truly bring us happiness. Poole encourages us to think back to our childhood and teenage years, to remember the activities and interests that once filled us with joy. For him, it was playing with Legos and watching Star Trek, which he had abandoned due to societal pressure. Rediscovering these childhood joys not only brought him happiness but also helped him reconnect with parts of himself that he had long forgotten. We can also reframe these childhood interests into adult – friendly activities, such as turning a love for writing stories into writing articles to help others.
Finally, we should be open to trying new things. Poole took a chance on a spirit journey workshop near his home in Berlin, an experience he never thought he would have. This one small step led to a whole new world of experiences, from potluck dinners to purpose – finding events, and helped him build a new social network. By stepping out of our comfort zones and trying random things, we can discover new passions and interests that we never knew existed.
Poole’s decision to stay in Berlin and embark on this journey of self – discovery was life – changing. He gave up a six – figure salary to pursue his passions, and although the journey is far from over, he has found a new sense of fulfillment and purpose. His story serves as an inspiration to all of us. We all have a hidden world within us, filled with untapped potential and joy. By following these simple steps – being mindful of the present, reconnecting with past joys, and trying new things – we can begin to explore this world and create a life that is truly filled with joy and meaning. So, what are you waiting for? Start your journey of self – discovery today and unlock the magic of joy within you.编辑分享
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