There is only one journey – going inside yourself. – Rainer Maria Rilke

The level of mind at which we function can have a huge impact on our lives and on the lives of those around us. Remember Einstein’s comment, “The problems we face cannot be resolved at the same level of mind at which we created them.” So how do we go beyond and get into the realm of inspired mind?

We usually function during the day from the waking level of consciousness. We’re awake and conscious of what’s going on in the immediate environment. At night we move into dream and deep sleep consciousness. Meditation and other related practices expand the mind so that we can consciously grow into the regions of higher mind. The Sanskrit term is “buddhi” or higher intellect. Being in this place is like standing up on a mountain top and having a spacious view. Many things can be understood from this perspective and we’re able to see connections and have insights that shed new light on how to solve problems and what to do next.

The next time you’re faced with a challenging issue, instead of acting (or often reacting) to the situation, choose to sit quietly in meditation for a few minutes. Allow a space to open up by focusing the mind on a candle flame, a sacred object or image. Some people find it easier to use a centering mantra like “shanthi” (peace) or Love, or use a sacred name like Jesus, Allah or Buddha. This takes practice. The mind will wander and it requires gentle effort to bring the mind back to the image or word. With the mind focused, the mind occupied you can expand into the higher mind and become receptive to new solutions and creative ideas. This practice brings about powerful transformation and unexpected insights. It may even open the space to enlightenment. Dreams can also provide deep insights.

Learn more at: Dreams: Your Magic Doorway to Guidance

Bio: Debra Moffitt is author of Awake in the World: 108 Practices to Live a Divinely Inspired Life. A visionary and teacher, she’s devoted to nurturing the spiritual in everyday life. She leads workshops on spiritual practices at the Sophia Institute and other venues in the U.S. and Europe. Her mind/body/spirit articles, essays and stories appear in publications around the globe and were broadcast by BBC World Services Radio. She has spent over fifteen years practicing meditation, working with dreams and doing spiritual practices. Visit her online at http://www.debramoffitt.com and http://www.awakeintheworld.com.