“In oneself lies the whole world and if you know how to look and learn, the door is there and the key is in your hand. Nobody on earth can give you either the key or the door to open, except yourself. Jiddu Krishnamurti
The hermit is standing alone on a snow-capped mountain top. In front of him extends the crisp and infinite sky. His clothes are simple, his lantern shines brightly. It represents the hermits awareness, which enlightens his path.
He is a wanderer in the winter landscape. He is the archetype of wisdom and knowledge. His path is one of infinity, which takes more than a lifetime to experience. The hermit takes all the time he needs to free himself of anything that clouds his view, he rids himself of prejudice and fear. He focuses on the depths of humanity and kindness. Therfore peace, freedom and inner happiness are his ultimate goals. Ultimately not only for himself but for every living creature.
To the rest of the world it seems like nothing is happening. But that´s far from the truth. By withdrawing from the outer world we activate our subconsciousness. Because through withdrawing from society (at least for a while) we can clear our mind and still our thoughts.
Solitude and clarity help us to learn how to listen again instead of always talking and sending out messages. If you stop sending for a while, you can actually hear what the world and your innerself call for.
You don`t have to become a hermit, climbing on top of snowy mountains. Maybe you start by limiting your mindless social media consumption. Or you could stay sober at a party to realize that most of the superficial conversations on said party bore you to death.
Maybe it is even time to look for a new job, a job that fulfills you instead of the one that only pays your bills and secures a cushy but blank life.
Did you ever ask yourself who you really were before the world forced you to be someone you are not?
The gifts of your hermit-phase will be awesome: Personal growth, new perspectives, a deeper awareness, freedom of your soul, new friendships, endless possibilities and growing opportunities to be happy, healthy and at ease.
For that to happen we have to be willing to give up our old ways of thinking. Give up (parts) of our old personality. Leave our prejudices and fears behind. Get rid of negativity, self-destructing behaviours and clinging to society`s hypocrisy.
Therfore this hermitage is the best opportunity to educate yourself in solitude and become productive to no end. Dive deeper into your asana practice, your meditation, your pranayama (breathing practice). Be creative: Start singing, writing, drawing, sculpting or whatever floats your boat. Educate yourself by reading and philosophizing.
Listen to your heartbeat…listen to how your heart beats. Like a steady drum, solid and strong. Can you hear it?
Your hermit helps you to distance yourself from the chaos around you. Because he helps you to acknowledge your fears, obsessions and addictions. Your hermit shows you how dependent you are on social expectations, rules and relationships.This is important for your path to enlightenment. You should openly observe everything he shows you without being judgemental or self-destructive. Without it you won`t be able to change even the smallest thing. So embrace it, even if it hurts a little at first.
Progress and bettering yourself and life`s circumstances don`t come easy, you have to work for it. But it will be so worth it in the end. Because everything that arises within the depths of hermitage will have life-changing potential. You will gain inner strength and independency. The knowledge you`ve gained will not only help yourself, the whole world will prosper because of it. Your relationships will grow, your creativity will get an immense boost. Every aspect of your life and the lives of those around you has the chance to evolve. Awesome, isn`t it?
So start awakening your own personal hermitage and enlighten your path to freedom, happiness and an awesome life.
Stay wild – stay gold.