Finding the Self Within

For me, meditation is a way to find ourselves within. Normally, we begin to identify ourselves with the body, thinking, “I am a boy” or “I am a girl.” We also identify with the many roles and situations happening in our lives, whether they are good or difficult. Because everything around us keeps changing, when we depend on these changing circumstances, we also begin to fluctuate emotionally.

Meditation helps us first to accept whatever is happening. There may be problems, worries, nervousness, anxiety or stress. Instead of fighting or trying to control everything, we can simply accept, “Yes, I feel stressed today,” or “I feel anxious because I have an important meeting.” When we accept the situation or emotion instead of fighting it, its influence begins to reduce.

Then we can move towards a healthier inner space. Through meditation, we begin to experience that we are different from the body and from what is happening outside. We become a detached observer while remaining loving and compassionate, first towards ourselves. We accept what has happened and gradually move towards the healthier place within—the soul.

Remaining Detached from Results

When we become over-identified with external things, our inner state becomes dependent on them. It could be money, property, a person, a family relationship, or any other possession. When we are attached to something, whatever happens to that person or situation begins to affect our own state of mind.

This is why self-awareness is so important. In our work, for example, it is good to have a vision, an intention, and a purpose. The difficulty begins when we become attached to the result. Sometimes we achieve what we desire and sometimes we do not. If our happiness depends on the result, our state will constantly go up and down with circumstances.

Instead, we can focus on the present moment. We can say, “It would be wonderful if I achieved this, but what matters is what I am doing now.” Being present, aware, happy, and connected with virtues allows us to give our best without creating unnecessary anxiety.

I have seen this principle even in sports. When a player becomes too focused on winning, worry and pressure can affect performance. But when a player remains in the present and simply does the best in that moment, the quality of the performance changes. We can see how the body reflects the state of the mind. The same principle can be applied to our work and daily life.

Experiencing the Qualities of the Soul

Through RajYoga meditation, we begin to experience our natural nature. The soul experiences peace, purity, love, compassion, and truth. Purity means being integrated with our real self rather than our ego. Love and compassion allow us to have good wishes for everyone without constantly judging whether we like or dislike someone.

I like to think of this as an ocean. The ocean gives and does not wait for anything in return. It accepts everything that comes into it. In the same way, we can develop an inner state where we remain peaceful and giving.

When we have fewer thoughts, feel more relaxed in the body, and experience greater calmness within, it is an indication that we are moving towards a healthier awareness. On the other hand, when our muscles become tense, we feel aggressive, or our mind is filled with too many thoughts, it shows that our internal environment needs attention.

Ending the Day with Good Wishes

Before sleeping, I find it helpful to check how the day was. Was I living from virtues or from stress? I can look at situations that disturbed me and understand what happened and why I felt that way. Perhaps I had an unhealthy thought or was trying to get something from outside.

Then I can move from outside to inside, have compassion for myself, return to peace, and prepare to respond with greater virtue the next day. I also like to end meditation with good wishes and good feelings for the next day.

Many people have told me that after practicing meditation before sleep, they are able to sleep more easily and sleep better. They also feel more energetic when they wake up.

When the last thought before sleeping is peaceful and positive, the first thought in the morning can also become aligned with it. Morning meditation can then become more powerful. Gradually, this can improve the quality of our lives and make it easier to respond to situations with virtue, peace, and compassion.

Bro. Antoine, Brahma Kumaris, Paraguay.