Here is how I learned that Insight is the key: Part 15 of the Master Key System by Charles Haanel urges us to exercise insight, so that our thoughts are in alignment with what we desire.  Haanel instructs us, during our sit, to concentrate on insight, and to focus our thoughts on the fact that knowledge does not apply itself. 

We must apply ourselves with determined, concentrated effort, the value of information is in the application of the principle.  Haanel says that we are to continue this line of thought until we gain sufficient insight to formulate a definite program for applying this principle to our own particular problem.

What is Insight?

This sounds quite practical.  We can collect much information – we live in the information age, after all – but unless we take the time and mental effort to see how this can help our situation, that knowledge is pretty much useless. 

It takes insight to integrate the information so we can form an effective plan.  And what is Insight, really?  According to my computer:

Essential Meaning of Insight (Merriam-Webster.com)

• 1: the ability to understand people and situations in a very clear way.
• 2: an understanding of the true nature of something.

Full Definition of Insight (Merriam-Webster.com)

• 1: the power or act of seeing into a situation.
• 2: the act or result of apprehending the inner nature of things or of seeing intuitively. 

Insights from Haanel

Haanel gives us his definition of insight in part 15:

Insight is a faculty of the mind whereby we are enabled to examine facts and conditions at long range, a kind of human telescope; it enables us to understand the difficulties, as well as the possibilities, in any undertaking.

Insight enables us to be prepared for the obstacles which we shall meet; we can therefore overcome them before they have any opportunity of causing difficulty.

Insight enables us to plan to advantage and turn our thought and attention in the right direction instead of into channels which can yield no probable return.

Insight is therefore absolutely essential for the development of any great achievement, but with it we may enter, explore and possess any mental field.

Insight is a product of the world within and is developed in the Silence, by concentration. 

Charles Haanel, Master Key System, 15:31-35

Camino de Santiago: Insight is the Key

I did my ‘Sit’ and concentrated on insight.  When I did, I started to see insight as Inner Sight, or Sight Within, an Inner Knowing.  And when that insight happens, it can be like a light-bulb moment: the right answer just clicks into place, into focus. 

Sometimes it comes as a whisper of the right answer from within.  Other times, it is triggered by external events that just seem to lead us to the correct answer.

How do you develop this? 

I believe, as Haanel says, it is through practice and study.  Participating in the Master Key Experience has provided an ideal environment with the emphasis on practice and study, with readings, webinars, guides and masterminds.  It’s a guided journey of self-discovery and self-directed thinking.

Another ideal environment for insight is walking the Camino de Santiago.  When I first told Mark J. I had walked the Camino, he said:  “That’s like a month-long sit.”  I quite agree.  Time walking in nature, sometimes alone and sometimes with friendly companions, is a great catalyst for insight.  Many who walk do so to ‘figure out’ something in their life, others find answers to questions they did not even know they were asking.

Insight Going Forward

For this reason Insight must be exercised so that the thought which we entertain contains no mental, moral or physical germ which we do not wish objectified in our lives. 

Charles Haanel, Master Key System, 15:30

Therefore, it is important to keep our thoughts on what we want, not on what we do not want.  Maintain that Positive Mental Attitude, stay on your Mental Diet. 

Focus on your Definite Major Purpose, and stick with the Master Key Experience – then you are going in the right direction, towards your dreams and your purpose.