We are so used to searching for solutions outside ourselves — in the light of the world — that we shy away from turning our gaze inward. To look within can feel dark and frightening at first, like the entrance to a shadowy forest from an old fairy tale. But that darkness is only temporary. Once we bring light into it and grow familiar with our own minds, what once seemed an adversary begins to reveal itself as an ally — our most faithful guide and supporter.

The story goes that Mullah Nasruddin had lost his keys. Late at night, he was frantically searching for them under a street lantern outside his house. A passing friend saw him and joined in the search. But even together, they couldn’t find the keys.
“Do you remember where you last had them?” the friend asked.
“Yes,” said Mullah, “I lost them in the house.”
“Then why are we looking out here in the street?” the friend exclaimed.
“Because there’s more light here than in my house,” Mullah replied.