avatarPretheesh Presannan

Summary

The text "Inside To Outside" encourages readers to find solace and support in the simple pleasures of life, despite the negative thoughts their minds may present.

Abstract

"Inside To Outside" is a reflective piece that addresses the struggle of dealing with negative self-talk, which can make one retreat into themselves like a snail coiling into its shell. It emphasizes the importance of noticing the world outside, which continues to offer its beauty unconditionally. The birds, the breeze, the trees, the sky, and the clouds are all elements that remain constant in their offerings to us, regardless of our internal battles. The poem suggests that by acknowledging and embracing these simple, external joys, we can gradually 'unwind' back into life, just as a snail extends itself when it's ready to move forward. The author posits that life inherently provides support through these everyday pleasures, and by being mindful of them, we can feel this support in our very bones, countering the negativity that our minds may project.

Opinions

  • The mind can be a source of negative thoughts, convincing us to believe in harmful narratives.
  • These negative thoughts can cause us to become withdrawn and isolated from the world around us.
  • Despite our internal struggles, the natural world continues to provide beauty and joy without discrimination.
  • By consciously shifting our focus to the external world, we can reconnect with life and its simple pleasures.
  • The process of re-engaging with life is likened to a snail unwinding, suggesting a gradual and natural progression.
  • Life is portrayed as inherently supportive, offering solace through its unassuming beauty and experiences.
  • The author encourages a practice of noticing and appreciating the outside world to counteract internal negativity.

Inside To Outside

Noticing the simple pleasures life offers no matter what

Photo by Jakob Owens on Unsplash

when the mind convinces you to believe whatever it sings — those mean songs — and makes you withdrawn more into yourself like a snail that coils back to itself notice the outside — those birds had not held back their chirpings from you; this gentle breeze did not turn away from you; those trees and leaves hadn’t hidden their beauty from you; the sky and the clouds had not alienated you; and slowly unwind yourself back to life just like the snail that unwinds itself when it is ready; life can’t help but to support you with simple pleasures it can offer no matter what your mind says; notice notice to feel that support in your bones no matter how long it takes

Nature
Nature Writing
Poetry
Mental Health
Simple Living
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