There are many ways to look at the current times. The distress, uncertainly, stress and concern are an undeniable aspect. Yet, there is another side that is resilient, hopeful, optimistic and courageous. A side that coerces us to step back and ask a few questions. As new perspectives emerge during these unprecedented times, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar shares some insights: This is an opportunity to reflect on our lives, roles and responsibilities in society.
Here are a few more insights that will add a new dimension as we choose to thrive through these times:
1. Use this time for growth & renewal: Accept this challenging situation and see how to use it constructively. Perhaps Nature wants everybody to slow down a little from the rush they are in. Treat this time as a period of inner growth and self-renewal. It’s a time to go within, explore your potential and creativity.
2. Don’t let anything throw you off balance: When everybody is stressed and locked in together, tempers are bound to flare up. Let no one have the power to take your smile away. Will you smile only when someone cajoles and praises you or gives you attention? Is it strong enough to withstand situations that are not very convenient? Resolve to keep your balance for one day, and then increase the frequency.
3. Treat the restlessness and unpleasantness as manure: There will be restlessness when everybody is forcibly locked in. It can slowly build up in you. Know that all the restlessness can be digested and processed. They are like manure for a tree. All pleasant and unpleasant situations are very small compared to your potential - which is the Self. Focus on yourself, and your potential. Acknowledge the restlessness and turn it into manure with daily yoga, and meditation practices.
4. Everything is changing: This time and situation, too, will change. Things will turn around. Even though there will be challenges, we will all face them together.
5. Shift the context: All of us have spent time in the rat race to earn money and appreciation. While they may be vital to life, let’s look at the truth of life. Who am I? What is this universe? Let us understand the value and preciousness of life.
- Increase your energy through pranayamas like alternate nostril breathing and bhastrika.
- Practice some yoga asanas.
- Meditate every day.
- Acquire new skills.
- Use your words judiciously.
6. Become aware of life: We have put attention on the accessories of life, its periphery. Now is the time to become aware of life itself and make it the center of our being. Life is eternal. Nature has pushed us to rethink our life and understand its value. Study life so that we can become more aware of death. Understand the mind and memory so that we can live with greater awareness and more potential.
7. Go deeper in meditation: There is something within us that is evergreen. That something is our consciousness, our higher Self. Meditation touches that part of our consciousness. Spend time in meditation daily. The three keys to meditation are: “I want nothing, I am nothing, I am doing nothing.” Just for 20 minutes sit with this mantra and go deeper in yourself.
8. Invoke the valor in you: Tell yourself, “Come what may I will face it, I will handle it. I have the power to handle it”. Know that you are never given a problem that you cannot handle. When you invoke this energy, this challenge in you, fear vanishes.
9. Rest in the seer: Most of the time we are so active that the doer or the seer is lost in the scenery. Now is the time to abide by the being and come back from the scenery to the seer. That is yoga.
10. Stay positive: Nature is telling us to remember our human nature and come together in a sense of cooperation and compassion. This is a cleansing of the mind, heart, soul, and society. It’s easy to keep our sense of optimism when everything is going our way. During challenging times, maintaining hope and positivity is more important than ever.
“One who has the ability to run also has the ability to stand still.” As Gurudev reminds us we all have that ability to be with ourselves. Gratitude for everything we have and our people who are carrying on essential services, belief in time being the greatest healer and having faith in the beauty of life is a mindset that will certainly carry us through.
Join live meditation sessions with Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar or meditate with the recorded videos on srisri.org/live
Based on Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s knowledge talks
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