Discovering the truth of oneself is a basic requirement for a more fulfilled and meaningful life. But the process of self-discovery is an adventure with twists and turns and many surprises along the way.
Just look at some descriptions of the experience from ancient times to modern:
If thou but settest foot on this path, thou shalt see it everywhere. — Hermes Trismegistus (ancient manuscript)
There is only one way of truth, but different paths from different places join it, just like tributaries flowing into a perennial river. Solomon adds that there are plenty of righteous people and plenty of routes for them. He explains this as follows: “The paths of the righteous shine like light.” — Clement of Alexandria (circa 150 – 215)
The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes. — Marcel Proust (1871 – 1922)
There is no path to truth. Truth must be discovered, but there is no formula for its discovery. What is formulated is not true. You must set out on the uncharted sea, and the uncharted sea is yourself. You must set out to discover yourself, but not according to any plan or pattern, for then there is no discovery. — J. Krishnamurti (1895 – 1986)
While these descriptions are all very different, they all convey some very basic qualities:
Once we start on the path, the next steps to take are always waiting for us to see them. The way to go is exactly what it needs to be for each individual, and we each must find our own way.
And there are many unexpected findings along the way, which is why these are true personal discoveries, and not just ideas we learned from someone else.
Many people get discouraged along the way when things don’t match some expectation about what the journey will be like. But for those who are willing to relinquish the need to know, or always be right, or be a “success,” the journey is always fascinating, revealing, and filled with newness.
Another Great Fact About the Inner Journey
OneJourney founder Guy Finley shares another beautiful and encouraging truth about the journey of self-discovery:
The wish to know the truth of yourself — to make the soul’s journey back to its celestial home — originates from a part of you that is already there… As it is impossible to long to return to someplace where you haven’t already been. — Guy Finley (1949 – )
One of Guy’s goals for all of us is to help us follow the inner path. To this end he created the online Wisdom School through his nonprofit Life of Learning Foundation.
I would like to personally invite you to explore our online Wisdom School – a supportive, global community of seekers. Here’s why I love it and why I think you might too:
Daily Reminders to Keep You on Track: It’s easy to forget higher principles when life gets busy. Daily insights sent to your inbox help you stay focused on what matters most.
Turn Ideas Into Action: The Wisdom School isn’t about theories. It’s about using what you learn in real life – so that your spiritual practice comes alive.
A Community That Understands: You’ll connect with others who share your questions and your quest. In our forums and online gatherings you’ll find support and perspective that can’t be found when you’re on your own.
A Place to Strengthen Your Connection to What’s Real: This isn’t about joining something external. It’s about discovering what’s already within you — a higher presence that guides and sustains.
An Anchor in Difficult Times: When challenges come, the Wisdom School is a steady reminder of another way — a world of peace and purpose that’s always available to you.
If you’re ready to bring real life to your spiritual practice — and be part of a community that shares your quest — click the link below to learn more about the Wisdom School.
Click Here to Explore the Wisdom School >>
Best Wishes,
Dr. Ellen Dickstein
The OneJourney Project
PS: You are invited to join Guy Finley’s FREE talks on these life-transforming ideas. All his talks are livestreamed and archived! For details visit guyfinley.org/peace
