The ol’ inner work versus outer action debate

In the circles I run in, I hear a lot of “change comes from within.” As a spiritual teacher myself, I can’t entirely disagree.

However, I think there’s a danger that arises whenever we believe there’s only one way to do things.

The idea behind inside first

If you’re full of fear, or doubt, or limiting assumptions, then the actions you take will necessarily be affected, sometimes in big ways. For instance, when your heart is empty or otherwise cranked, it’s easier to stumble in talking to a potential client, or avoid reaching out to someone who might really be able to help your business.

I teach this approach frequently: first fill your heart, then move into action.

But not always.

There are times when taking action, regardless of how you feel, can be healthy.

The big stumble in all of this is creating an unnatural separation between “inner” and “outer.” In Divine reality, everything is One.

It’s a big miss-step in this current age of pop spirituality, to privilege the so-called “inner” over the so-called “outer.” One of the most profound teachings I’ve received is to have an experience of the Divine presence in the physical world, to realize that there is no “other.”

The inner, our access to a reality that is far more than the physical world, is undeniable from my perspective. There are worlds, and realms, and connection and love that encompasses more than this dense earth.

At the same time, the Divinity in this world is also undeniable. The love and compassion and strength and wisdom that makes up the firmament, the oceans and the mountains, the ground beneath our feet, and us ourselves, is truly here.

Accessing the inner realms of the heart, the depth of love, is crazy useful in navigating the challenging things in life and business.

At the same time, taking steps upon this sacred ground, moving the holy limbs of our being, is another kind of devotional act.

You may have noticed that simply getting up and moving can “change the energy” in a very real way. Similarly, you may have noticed the inexplicable mystical effect of doing something, and then seeing that energy come back in another way.

We all have our comfort zones, we all have our places of habit. When facing your business, and all that it needs to thrive, some of those things will feel comfortable, easy, and you will tend to do those things much more easily.

Other things can seem uncomfortable, taking courage and a willingness to be new at something to act upon. I absolutely honor and support your need to fill your heart before taking on the unknown.

Yet, in some moments, it’s equally helpful to plunge forward, even with an empty heart. Not in an attempt to be extremely effective or productive. But simply as a devotional act of your body, in this physical world, accessing the Divine presence that can be found in action.

The advice I have here?

Whatever mode you are more comfortable in, try the other mode out.

If you’re used to going inward when facing hard things, just try moving into action from a place of a devotion. If, on the other hand, if you have more of a habit of flinging yourself into action, take the time and space to sink into your heart, to ask for love and compassion and strength, and let your heart fill before taking action.

See what happens.

And in the absence of a desire to do either of those things, then I recommend the only thing left to do in moments like these: dance! (If you’re willing, link to your favorite dance songs on the blog!)

With love,

Mark Silver, M.Div.
Heart of Business, Inc.
Every act of business can be an act of love.