The inward journey is often one of the last adventures men will go on. For some reason, we find it easier to take on the world than we do to take on ourselves. The danger for us is not going on the inward journey. When we don’t we become men who obey our low-level appetites, this has been obvious throughout history.

We must build our inner character as men or we will allow outside influences to control and dominate us. Our strength begins on the inside; to tap into it, we must go on the inward journey.

Defining the Inward Journey

• The ability to understand what we think and feel
• This takes work=reflection.
• It moves us past our animalistic tendencies
• Reflection can also help us wrestle with our purpose and our meaning

Why the Inward Journey is Hard

• Reason 1: It takes time and effort which is why so many men don’t do it
• There aren’t quick wins, but long protracted struggles
• We tend as men to think outside things will change us on the inside
• Reason 2: It’s not very flattering
• Ignorance is bliss. (Procrastination)
• Reason 3: It isn’t laid out for us clearly
• We like structure. Whether it’s sports, video games, or playing music; we want to know the rules so we can win.
• Because every person is different, the inward journey will look different for everyone. Even how we start will vary.

The Key Word is JOURNEY

• The inward journey isn’t something you can do in a session
• It is a practice you have to make a habit. Think of it as a skill that takes time to build and maintain.
• Reflection isn’t something we often feel like we have time to do
• Reflection is a learned habit
• You are never done but you get to new levels of understanding and openness
• This makes your life more meaningful and your relationships deeper

CHALLENGE:

• Start doing something to learn how to reflect
• A time of prayer each day, reading the daily proverb and then praying over it to see how it applies
• Journaling a few times a week - not a diary, but a place to put what is happening in your mind, writing is processing
• Get a group of guys together for deep discussions (friends who are connected and want to do the same thing)

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