Have you ever felt like you are performing a role for the world while feeling completely different deep inside? Meister Eckhart’s beautiful words remind us that our outward lives—the things people see, like our smiles, our jobs, and our busy schedules—are like a swinging door. They move, they react, and they interact with the wind and the rain. But underneath all that movement, there is an inner self that acts as the still hinge. This inner part of us is where our true essence resides, quiet and steady, even when the world around us feels chaotic. The magic happens when we find the faith to bridge that gap, connecting who we are on the surface with the quiet strength we hold within.

In our daily lives, it is so easy to get caught up in the swinging door. We rush from meeting to meeting, responding to every notification, and trying to keep up with the expectations of others. We become so focused on the movement that we forget the hinge exists. We might find ourselves acting happy when we are tired, or being productive when we are actually feeling quite lost. It is a dizzying way to live because it feels like we are constantly being pushed around by the winds of circumstance, never truly anchored to anything solid.

I remember a time when I felt particularly disconnected, much like a door spinning wildly on a broken frame. I was trying so hard to be the perfect, helpful version of myself for everyone else, but inside, I felt hollow and exhausted. I was all swing and no hinge. It wasn't until I took a moment to sit in silence, away from the noise, that I realized I had neglected my inner stillness. I had to practice a little bit of faith—faith in my own worth and faith that my quiet center was still there, waiting for me to reconnect with it. By tending to my inner stillness, my outer actions began to feel much more authentic and purposeful.

Connecting the two sides of yourself doesn't happen overnight, and that is perfectly okay. It is a gentle, ongoing process of checking in with your heart and seeing if your actions align with your truth. When we use faith as our connector, we stop being victims of the wind and start becoming much more grounded. We learn to let the door swing with grace, knowing that the hinge is strong and unmoving.

Today, I want to invite you to take a small breath and check in with your hinge. Ask yourself if the way you are showing up in the world today reflects the peace you carry inside. If you feel a disconnect, don't be discouraged; just take one small step toward that inner stillness.