Ever notice how it’s easier to change what you do than how you feel?

Perhaps you changed jobs or experimented with a different routine or schedule in the hope that would all fall into place, but you felt it was still eerily the same.

That’s because real change usually doesn’t start from outside. It begins with what’s going on inside us.
We like to believe that if we work just a little bit harder or change something in our environment then everything will just come together.

But the truth of the matter is this: What really counts is how we view ourselves and the world. Taking time to do “inner work” sets in motion larger, more impactful changes in the day-to-day routine.

What Is Inner Work?

Inner work is just being brutally and curiously aware of what’s going on in your mind and heart. 
It’s noticing your thoughts, feelings, and old patterns rather than judging yourself, but to get to know yourself a little better.
Let’s take an example of a tree. Pruning branches and watering leaves can be useful, but if the roots aren’t healthy, the tree cannot truly flourish.
Inner work relates to taking care of those roots.

Ways People Do Inner Work

Here’s what that might actually look like for you: 

• Reflecting: Just taking a few moments each day to check in with yourself. Perhaps journaling, sipping on that cup of coffee in the morning, or just sitting and really noticing how you are feeling.
• Feeling Your Feelings: You stop actually pushing tough emotions away and start feeling them. What are they trying to you? Where in your day do they show up?
• Questioning Old Beliefs: We all carry big ideas about ourselves, some helpful, some not so much. Inner work is about asking, “Is this really true for me now?”
• Healing Old Stuff: Sometimes our reactions today come from hurt that happened long ago. Naming those things and working through them frees us up for new things.

How Does Inner Work Lead to Outer Change?

Curiosity about our inner world does not just stay within. Naturally, it starts to change how we are in the world.

When You Feel More Peaceful on the Inside, Your World Feels More Peaceful Too

If you’re practicing worrying less or being a bit kinder to yourself, then chances are you’re going to find that things on the outside just don’t get to you like they used to.

 A rough day at work may still be a little irritating, but it’s not throwing you totally off balance!

Your Relationships Also Get Better

Self-honesty leaks off into your friendships, your family, and your partner. Perhaps you listen more. Or give yourself time before you respond. 

Small moves like this add up to real connections that matter.

Where Therapy Fits In

Inner work can be done alone or totally, and it is possible for some people that it works well enough. But sometimes you need just someone in your corner.

That’s where therapy comes in!
Therapy can help you:

• Recognize patterns that you keep repeating but do not understand as yet 
• Develop real, practical tools for handling stress or tough emotions 
• Work through things in the past that are still hurting you 
• Clarify what you want in life 

Therapy is where someone helps you connect the dots and walks alongside you as you make changes both inside and out.

Read on to learn what you can expect in your first month of therapy.

Want to See Change in Your Life?

If you are tired of being stuck or feeling that there should be more for you, then realize one thing: you are certainly not alone. 
People can change, and more often than not, it all starts from within.
If you would like a little company on your journey, then Doria Therapeutic Group is right here.
O therapists are kind and ready to help you build that inner foundation so your life on the outside starts feeling better as well.
Reach out; we would love to connect to find out how we may help.

FAQs

What’s the difference between inner and outer work?
Outer changes are the things you change about your outside world. This can be jobs, routines, or hobbies.
 Inner changes are what you do inside: noticing your thoughts, feelings, and old patterns so that you can grow from the inside out.

What is an inner change?
Inner change can be as simple as a new awareness or shift in how we feel or think. 
We should be a little kinder to ourselves or begin to heal from something that hurt us long ago. 
It’s those inner shifts that build the foundation for everything else.