What is the Inner Work?
Some may ask what is the inner work? The inner work is a nice guidebook that takes through a spiritual practice journey. The main takeaways remain in the themes of consciousness. It is vital to understand these themes to begin in the inner work.
The themes of consciousness reflect various frequencies which are universal to humanity and also represent the overall quality experience someone is having from their particular perspective or starting point. It essential to think of the themes of consciousness as lenses through which we view reality (Micheletti & Cotrell pg. 17)
Keeping this in mind, the steps that are critical as you move through the themes of consciousness are as follows:
Step 1: Awareness of your Triggers
This is key part of the healing process. It is becoming aware anytime you move from one state from another…. Simply put this is about getting clear. Identify the thoughts, feelings, associated within what situations are making you uncomfortable. And ask yourself what is arising? Practice giving it name (pg.116)
Step 2: Identify the Root Program Belief + theme of consciousness
Once you have an awareness around the trigger, you can begin the uprooting and healing process. You can do this by reflecting on the trigger you have given a name.
Ask yourself what the trigger is actually revealing? What deeper beliefs are being brought to the surface? Avoid the tendency to go down a rabbit hole of blame rationalization inquire as to what the trigger says about yourself instead (Micheletti & Cotrell pg. 116)
Step 3: Release + Replace
Once the root program belief & theme are exposed it is important to ask yourself if you want to continue to live in the same old narrative. For example, if it’s wounds of rejection or judgement, do you continuously want to live in those distorted views. Or could you choose a new narrative?
Whatever theme of consciousness is revealed if it brings you suffering or limitation it is time to let it go (Micheletti & Cottrell, pg. 17).
In order to get through it you will have to take the time to pause to understand the situation and seek out and choose a new response. This is what the third step is all about.
An example of the steps in action could be as follows:
Trigger: Anxiety is arising
Root Program: I believe I will never be able to do anything about my troubles. I am always let down or left on my own.
Theme of consciousness: This must be coming from overwhelm
New Narrative: There is a way out. I can ask for assistance and I can accept guidance.
The second half of the book, (Micheletti & Cottrell pg.16) explores in detail how each theme manifests and how to identify their patterns. Through this process it may reveal the themes we find ourselves stuck in and how to overcome them.
While it is important to be aware of essential themes of wounding we may be experiencing at any given time it is also essential to recognize the themes of healing. For instance we must also be aware of what is called the spectrum the spectrum of consciousness, in which we will find that most us will find that we have some unhealed wounds still within us while also experiencing themes of healing and enlightenment (pg. 17).
The inner work is about removing all obstacles which stand in the way of rightful inner peace, freedom and joy (Michelleti & Cotrell, pg.19). However, the good news is that it is within our control to evolve our consciousness and transcend our limiting ideals and ways of functioning.
To imagine the transition from consciousness of wounding to healing known as the Process of Awakening. This would be different for many as example is as follows:
Trigger: Feelings of Sadness
Root Program: I will never get the assistance I need, I always get hurt and it will happen again this time.
Theme of Consciousness: This must be coming from Insecurity
New Narrative: “I Take accountability for myself. Accountability is the greatest strength…. There is enough for everyone”
It may be useful to recall that what were really dealing with the Inner work are layers of resistance to the truth of who we really are (Michelleti & Cotrell, pg.185). Through the resistance we can move into expansion of who were meant to be.
The shift then into a new paradigm could be a transition into self honesty.
Triggers: In this wound all we want is to be loved and be seen
Healing: True Security and unconditional love see that everyone can equally win, there is enough for everyone; there is no lack or shortage.
Last but not least, there are the themes of enlightenment. Similar to any hierarchy, if we reach this we have obtained the utmost bliss or contentment (pg. 227). If your looking for spiritual guidebook or a new perspective on enlightenment, I recommend this book.
Citation: Micheletti, Matthew & Cottrell, Ashley. The Inner Work: An Invitation to True Freedom and Lasting Happiness. 2022
