In today’s digitally-connected world, our devices inform us instantaneously of news from all over the world. Additionally, we are socially expected to be aware of current affairs to be considered respectable or at least competent. Consequently, we often get so caught in the news of the world outside that we forget to even seek news of the world inside. 

What does seeking inner news mean? 

  • Notice what things disturb us and what don’t, thereby understanding our emotional wounds & emotional strengths. If we are too caught in external events, we just react to them, but don’t ponder what those reactions can tell us about ourselves.  
  • Notice what things we do well and what things we would do well to leave alone, thereby understanding our abilities and inabilities. We can’t learn this if we see our responsibilities as just something to get over with, so that we can get to the breaking news.
  • Notice that whatever the drama in the world outside and the mind inside, we remain unchanging observers. Thereby, we realize that we are spiritual beings, distinct from our body and mind. If we don’t contemplate thus, we risk losing our soul to the world’s news. 

By seeking inner news, we can better know ourselves — our body, mind and soul — and do greater justice to our potentials. Thus, seeking inner news can make us a better person, which can empower us to influence others much more than by just knowing the latest news.

Pertinently, the Bhagavad-gita (13.11) states that the wise distance themselves from the world’s ways. Maybe we all can do ourselves a favor by spending less time on outer news and investing more time in introspection and inner news. 

One-sentence summary: 

Seeking news of the outer world makes us better-informed; seeking news of the inner world makes us better. 

Think it over:

  • What does inner news mean?
  • Why is seeking inner news more empowering than seeking outer news?
  • How much time do you spend on outer news? How much on inner news? How can you better use your time? 

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13.11: … Constant and unalloyed devotion to Me; aspiring to live in a solitary place; detachment from the general mass of people; … [ – all these I declare to be knowledge].

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