Below is a 2 minute read to put some sparkle in your day, or… plunge into these topics for a deeper understanding.
A message from today’s meditation:
We’ve all experienced the kind of storms that life brings. Sometimes the storm is in the world around us and it seems our very existence is threatened – and sometimes the storm is within and it feels like our own being has turned against us, tearing us apart from the inside.
Time, experience and wisdom teaches us that we can stop for a breath even in the middle of a storm. There is something within us that has seen it all before and is not scared, but has trust. It knows that even storms grow tired.
“When the dark clouds come… keep going,” said the horse. – the Boy the Mole the Fox and the Horse
“This storm is real, and our fear is real,” said the horse. “But our love is also real and in the end, love wins.” – the Boy the Mole the Fox and the Horse
“This storm is making me tired,” said the boy, “Storms get tired too,” said the horse,” so hold on.” – the Boy the Mole the Fox and the Horse
“These are dark clouds,” said the boy. “Yes, but they will move on” said the horse. “The sky above those dark clouds never leaves.” – the Boy the Mole the Fox and the Horse
Within you there is a mountain that can weather any storm. You find it in that space of being the observer. From this place, it becomes easier to watch the weather come and go without getting overwhelmed by the moment.
Soaking up the sunlight without desperately clinging to it, knowing it will soon return. Appreciating thunder and lightning for its own beauty, in the knowledge that it always passes. Feeling the texture of wind and water, remembering that the sun is never far away.
A space that is immovable, because it knows – in fact it has deep trust – that even the darkest clouds will move and when they do, we’ll see the same ever present, unchanging sky.
No matter how tumultuous it might feel right now, this mountain within me never disappears, and I can practice finding this place. The more I practice, the easier it becomes to BE the mountain even in the middle of a storm.
Mantras to help you find the mountain in you:
- In the midst of chaos, I can choose to be the observer, the mountain within.
- Life’s storms are temporary. My inner strength is enduring.
- I will find peace and clarity by connecting with my unyielding inner sky.
- With each breath, I choose to trust that even the darkest clouds will move on.
Join us on this exploration of the inner mountain. Make it a daily practice to find your center, your unwavering core of strength. Remember, the mountain is always within you, waiting to be discovered.
– pierre –
Today’s LIVE meditation is: I am the mountain.
(Image credit: “The boy, the mole, the fox and the horse” by Charlie Mackesy)
A moment of reflection
(If you have the time, use this question as a journal prompt, because whenever you put pen to paper you’re wiring the neural pathways that create your new habits. But if you don’t have the time, just take a moment to reflect on your response.)
Storms That Shaped You: Consider three significant challenges you’ve overcome in your life. What lasting wisdom did each storm leave behind? How have these experiences shaped your ability to face new difficulties? What would you tell someone facing similar storms now?
Today’s LIVE meditation
https://youtu.be/k8nItioCbC0 2025
https://youtu.be/3YxUmvGEmCs 2024
https://youtu.be/PMculrmx5fw 2023
https://youtu.be/HoCc7jWiK6Y 2021
Q&A for deeper learning
1: What does it mean to be “the mountain” during life’s storms?
Being “the mountain” means accessing your inner core of stability and calm awareness that remains unchanged despite external or internal turmoil. It’s about cultivating the ability to observe your experiences—including difficult emotions and circumstances—without being completely swept away by them. Like a mountain that endures all weather conditions, this part of you stands firm while acknowledging the temporary nature of all storms.
2: How can I find this “mountain within” when I’m feeling completely overwhelmed?
Start with your breath—simply noticing your inhales and exhales creates a moment of pause. Then, gently remind yourself that you are not just your thoughts or emotions but also the awareness experiencing them. Try visualizing yourself as a mountain while storms pass around you. Regular meditation practice helps strengthen this ability, but even in crisis moments, pausing to say “This is challenging, but I am more than this challenge” can help you reconnect with your inner stability.
3: What if my “storm” doesn’t seem to end? Some challenges are chronic or long-term.
Long-term challenges require special compassion and patience. Remember that even within ongoing situations, there are moments of relative calm and intensity. Practice identifying smaller cycles within the larger storm and find micro-moments of peace. Focus on what aspects you can control versus what you cannot. Most importantly, ensure you have proper support—professional help, community connections, and self-care rituals become especially crucial during prolonged difficulties.
4: Is finding the “mountain within” the same as spiritual bypassing or denying real problems?
Not at all. The mountain perspective fully acknowledges the reality of your challenges—as the horse says, “This storm is real, and our fear is real.” The approach isn’t about denying difficulties but experiencing them from a place of greater resilience and perspective. True inner strength comes from facing reality with clear eyes while maintaining connection to your deeper, unchanging essence.
5: How can I tell if I’m successfully accessing my “inner mountain” during challenges?
You’ll notice subtle but meaningful shifts: slightly more space between you and your reactions, increased ability to pause before responding, and moments of clarity even amidst confusion. You may experience your emotions just as intensely but feel less identified with them. Physical signs often include slower breathing, relaxed shoulders, and a sense of groundedness. Most importantly, you’ll feel a quiet confidence that “this too shall pass,” even while acknowledging current difficulties.
6: How can I practice finding my inner strength when things are going well?
Periods of calm are perfect for strengthening your “mountain muscles.” Regular meditation, mindfulness practices, journaling, and time in nature all help cultivate this awareness. Pay attention to small daily challenges as opportunities to practice responding rather than reacting. Reflecting on past difficulties you’ve overcome can remind you of your resilience. Developing these habits during good times creates neural pathways that become more accessible during genuine crises.
7: How do I help others find their inner mountain when they’re going through tough times?
First, practice compassionate presence—sometimes people need to feel fully seen in their struggle before they can access their strength. Avoid minimizing their experience or rushing to fix things. Share wisdom from your own journey if appropriate, but focus on asking questions that help them connect with their own inner knowing. Simple reminders like “Remember how you got through [past challenge]” or “I see your strength even when you don’t” can be powerful. Most importantly, model the mountain perspective in how you show up for them—calm, present, and steady.