As Within, So Without. As Without, So Within

A few days ago, I was meditating and recalled a phrase I had heard over the years: “As within, so without.” It came from a few different sources, but I had never given it much thought.

In the Bible, Proverbs 4:23 says:
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”

That verse stayed with me. As I reflected on it, I began to understand its deeper meaning, which I’d like to share through a short story.

Some time ago, I worked in a retail store in Canada. One of the supervisors was a young man, a genuinely kind person. He was polite to customers but often pessimistic underneath.

He frequently expressed frustration through sighs, loud “Oh my Gods,” or by shaking his head. His reactions made it clear that he was not very positive at heart. Interestingly, he often encountered customers who were unhappy or difficult to deal with. There always seemed to be something that triggered his negative reactions. As within—negative; so without—negative.

Then there was an older gentleman, one of the store managers. He had worked in retail for over 40 years and had dealt with people from all walks of life.

What set him apart was his ability to go with the flow. He was always laughing and spreading joy. He had a natural sense of humor, and even when customers walked in frustrated or angry, he could lift their mood almost instantly.

I often saw people come in with tense, unhappy expressions, and just minutes later they were laughing on the other side of the store. His attitude was admirable. He treated everyone as if they were family.

Though he was an atheist who didn’t believe in karma or divine consequences, he was deeply respectful and gave everyone his best. His core belief was simple: love.

He often said things like:

“It’s all about love.”
“It’s all love, brother.”
“One love, brother.”
“I love all my customers. Some of them just choose to be grumpy.”

In most situations, around 95 out of 100 times, he would end up turning the moment into something light and enjoyable. As within—positive (or love); so without—positive (or love).

Look around and observe how people live. Some constantly complain and end up with even more reasons to complain. Others carry a more grateful and optimistic view, and more good things seem to come their way.

Now, you might think of someone who appears positive but still experiences constant misfortune. That’s a fair observation. Sometimes people wear a mask. They act cheerful around others but feel down when they’re alone. Their thoughts and emotions tell a different story.

A clear example of this was Robin Williams. Known for his comedy and infectious humor, many believed he was the happiest man alive. But behind the laughter was a deep sadness that ultimately led to his suicide.

We can’t assume someone is happy just because they seem joyful on the surface. Spending an hour with someone doesn’t reveal their true emotional state. It’s like seeing the tip of an iceberg and thinking that’s all there is.

Earl Nightingale, in his powerful audio program The Strangest Secret, said:
“We become what we think about most of the time.”

If someone constantly thinks negatively, there is a simple way to start shifting that mindset.

The title of this article, As Within, So Without. As Without, So Within, reminds us that while it may be difficult to change your internal state at first, it is possible. Healing from Within shows you exactly how to do it by focusing on the inner shift. Meanwhile, the easiest way to begin that process is often by changing your actions.

Walk with confidence, stand tall, listen to your favorite music, watch a comedy, call a friend who makes you laugh, or watch funny videos online. There are many ways to lift your mood through simple actions.

Buy yourself clothing or accessories that make you feel good. It doesn’t have to be expensive or formal—just something that helps you feel your best. Think of how you felt wearing a costume on Halloween. Maybe you dressed up as Superman or Wonder Woman. The moment you put on that outfit, something shifted. You walked differently, felt more powerful, more alive. That playful energy changed how you carried yourself.

Life can work the same way. When you dress in a way that makes you feel confident, you often receive more respect and warmth from others.

Back in college, I studied construction. Most of the students wore baggy jeans, steel-toed boots, and dusty work shirts. One day, I decided to wear a suit and tie. The response was surprising.

I received compliments all day, which doesn’t happen often for men. People opened doors for me, looked at me differently, and treated me with respect. Some even assumed I was a professor.

The goal isn’t to manipulate others but to feel better within yourself. A positive appearance can shift how others respond to you, and in turn, how you feel inside.

Finally, here’s the secret ingredient that can truly change your life: consistent action.

When you take steps toward your goals, your inner world begins to shift. Whether your goal is to start a family, earn a promotion, adopt a pet, launch a business, or make a career change—daily actions make the difference.

Let us say you would like to get a new job. Ask yourself:

• Have I updated my resume?

• Have I applied for any jobs?

• Have I researched the field I want to enter?

  • Do I need a certification or degree?

• Have I reached out to a recruiter?

• Have I practiced interview questions?

If the answer to most of these is “no,” then now is the time to take action. Expecting results without effort is like sitting by a fireplace saying, “Give me heat, and then I’ll add wood.”

Even if you’re putting in effort and not yet seeing results, remember: progress often happens behind the scenes. Think of construction, when workers are building a foundation, the progress isn’t always visible from the outside. That doesn’t mean nothing is happening.

Life works in a similar way. Keep building, keep moving forward. The results will show up, often when you least expect them. Even if you’re facing difficulty now, something better might be just around the corner.

Give yourself time. Let the results unfold.