Gurdjieff, the Russian mystic who died in 1949, said all mankind’s first purpose was to make good compost of themselves. Man’s second purpose, which was optional, was to awaken.

This is supposed to be a travel blog. And there is plenty about exploring the world here. But there is an outer world and an inner world. Which is more wondrous? Surprising? Full of secrets? Rewarding? Life changing? Awe inspiring? Unexplored?

Suppose for a moment that each exploration – inner and outer – can enhance and deepen the other. How would that work?

Let’s say it starts with the realization that we are living in a very small and extremely limited part of ourselves and our world. Television and the internet have forced the realization of the vastness of the world upon us. Many respond by recoiling to varying degrees because of the fear of what is different and unknown. But if you are reading this (and you are) then you must be among those whose curiosity and interest in learning and growing has overcome those fears.

As for the vastness of the inner world, that realization is a bit easier to avoid. Television and the internet do not exactly support self-observation. Interest in the inner world might come about through a near death experience or meeting an extraordinary being. Maybe an experience with a psychotropic substance or a spontaneous visionary experience. Any and all of these experiences create doubt about the validity of the consensus reality.

Even before the first step, there are a couple realizations:

#1 – Nobody else can do these explorations for you. You must do them yourself or they don’t happen.

#2 – There is some preparation that is useful. Knowledge and a plan.

Look for the practices that support both inner and outer journeying. One of these is shifting our center of gravity into the present and let the past, the future and our imaginary day dreaming fall away. If we can increase those moments when we are fully present we will see more – both inside and outside.

Outwardly do some practice sessions of just quietly being and soaking in the environment. Really look at everything around. Listen to all, ALL, the sounds. Smell the air. Taste the local stuff. Feel the local textures.

Similarly, get quiet and scan your body from head to toe – feeling everything there is to feel. Observe breathing. Notice thoughts that drift you away from the present experience. Let those thoughts go and come back to the present experience. It is only when we are fully present that life is rich. Loving and being loved only happen now. Joy only gets experienced now.

The practice of being present takes some persistence, but the rewards for the inner/outer traveler are great.