Will is a quality of our deepest nature that manifests as an unwavering, immovable presence. It provides us with a sense of confidence, perseverance, and the ability to endure challenges. Unlike the brittleness of our personality structure, true will is flexible yet solid - like a moving mountain.
1
Confidence
Will infuses us with a deep sense of confidence in our ability to be who we truly are.
2
Perseverance
It gives us the capacity to persist and carry on, especially when faced with difficulties.
3
Grounded-ness
Will provides an unshakeable inner ground that supports us in all situations.
4
Decisiveness
With will comes clarity and the ability to know what's right for us without struggle.
False Will vs. True Will
Our personality often develops a false will as a defense against feeling the absence of true will. This can manifest as stubbornness, pushiness, or an iron-like rigidity. In contrast, true will has an openness and flexibility to it, allowing us to work with situations rather than trying to dominate them.
False Will
- Rigid and inflexible - Pushy or domineering - Feels like effort and tension - Often manifests as anxiety
True Will
- Flexible yet grounded - Open and receptive - Effortless and relaxed - Provides inner confidence
The Development of Will
Our relationship with will is shaped early in life, particularly between the ages of 2-3 years old. How our assertions of independence were met by our caregivers plays a crucial role in our later ability to access true will.
1
Assertion
The child begins to assert their independence and desires.
2
Parental Response
How parents react - with support, rigidity, or permissiveness - shapes the child's relationship to will.
3
Internalization
The child internalizes these experiences, affecting their access to true will.
4
Adolescence
A second period of asserting independence that further shapes our relationship with will.
The Hole of Will
To access true will, we must first confront and explore the "hole" of will - the felt absence of this quality in our lives. This can manifest as anxiety, indecisiveness, or a feeling of being insubstantial. By allowing ourselves to experience this absence, we create space for true will to emerge.
Common manifestations of the will hole
Anxiety and insecurity
Feeling physically "mushy" or insubstantial
Indecisiveness and inability to commit
Fear of not being able to follow through
Defenses against feeling the hole
Going into our heads / intellectualizing
Using false will (rigidity, pushiness)
Avoiding situations that require commitment
Rationalizing our lack of follow-through
Benefits of exploring the hole
By courageously allowing ourselves to feel the absence of will, we create space for true will to arise naturally in our consciousness.
The Presence of Will
True will manifests as a solid, dense, and substantial presence within us. It feels immovable and invincible, yet also has a deep refinement and clarity. This presence often begins to emerge in the solar plexus, giving a sense of fullness and groundedness.
1
Solidity
Will feels like a compacted, weighty presence within us, providing an unshakeable inner ground.
2
Consciousness
Unlike inert matter, the presence of will is conscious and self-aware.
3
Support
We feel deeply supported by our own presence, allowing us to relax and let go of efforting.
4
Definitiveness
Will gives us a clear sense of who we are and what's right for us, without struggle or doubt.
The Colors of Will
As we begin to contact the quality of will, it often manifests visually in our inner experience. Initially, it may appear as white clouds, symbolizing the purity and potential of this aspect. As our connection deepens, the white often transforms into a silvery presence, reflecting the substantial and refined nature of true will.
White Clouds
The initial manifestation of will, representing purity and potential.
Silver Presence
A deeper connection to will, reflecting its substantial and refined nature.
Effects of Contacting Will
As we come into contact with true will, it has profound effects on our consciousness and way of being in the world. We experience a deep sense of inner support, confidence, and the ability to persist in the face of challenges.
1
Inner Support
We feel supported by our own presence, no longer needing to rely solely on external sources.
2
Confidence
A natural sense of confidence arises, knowing we have what it takes to meet life's challenges.
3
Perseverance
We can endure difficulties without gritting our teeth, supported by our inner solidity.
4
Relaxation
Paradoxically, contacting will allows us to deeply relax, no longer needing to hold ourselves up.
Will in Spiritual Practice
Will plays a crucial role in spiritual practice and development. It provides the capacity to persevere in our practices, to stay present with ourselves, and to courageously face whatever arises in our process.
1
Continuity of Practice
Will enables us to maintain a consistent spiritual practice, aligning us with the unwavering nature of our true self.
2
Presence
It supports our ability to stay present with ourselves, even when facing difficult emotions or experiences.
3
Courage
Will gives us the courage to face our inner world and the challenges that arise on the spiritual path.
4
Non-Doing
Paradoxically, true will allows us to let go of efforting and allow our unfoldment to happen naturally.
Exploring Your Relationship with Will
To deepen our understanding and access to true will, it's important to explore our personal history and current relationship with this quality. This involves looking at our patterns, beliefs, and experiences related to will, perseverance, and inner support.
Childhood Experiences
Reflect on how your assertions of will were met by caregivers. Were you supported, controlled, or given too much freedom?
Current Patterns
Notice how you relate to challenges now. Do you tend to push, give up, or find a balanced approach?
Beliefs and Doubts
Examine your beliefs about your own capacity for will and perseverance. Do you believe you have what it takes?
Practices for Developing Will
While true will is an inherent quality of our nature, there are practices that can help us align with and embody this aspect more fully. These practices involve both inner work and outer actions that challenge our perceived limitations.
Meditation
Regular meditation practice helps us develop the capacity to stay present and persevere.
Self-Inquiry
Exploring our beliefs, patterns, and the "hole" of will helps create space for true will to emerge.
Challenging Ourselves
Taking on tasks that stretch our perceived limits can help us contact our innate capacity for will.
Compassion
Being kind to ourselves as we explore this territory is crucial for genuine growth and unfoldment.
Integrating Will into Daily Life
As we deepen our connection to true will, we can begin to integrate this quality into our daily lives. This integration allows us to meet life's challenges with greater ease, make decisions aligned with our deepest truth, and live from a place of inner support and confidence.
Decision Making
Rather than struggling to make decisions, we can listen to the clear knowing that arises from our connection to will.
Facing Challenges
We can meet difficulties with a sense of inner support and the confidence that we have what it takes to persevere.
Relationships
True will allows us to be more authentic in our relationships, neither dominating nor acquiescing, but standing in our truth.
Work and Creativity
We can pursue our goals and express our creativity with greater persistence and confidence, supported by our inner solidity.