Discovering What Was Missing

When I was around twenty years old, I had what many would call a good life. I had a loving family, supportive parents, siblings, and a job. I had already started teaching before graduating, and I was committed to a healthy lifestyle through Hatha Yoga. Yet, despite all of this, there was a feeling I couldn’t ignore - something was missing.

People around me were focused mainly on physical well-being, addressing pain here or discomfort there, but I was searching for something deeper. I had always been an educator and a communicator, having also studied journalism, so I was naturally curious. One day, while reading the university notice board, I noticed there was a Raja Yoga centre just two blocks from my house. There’s a saying that whatever grows in your neighbourhood is good medicine for you, and for me, Raja Yoga truly arrived in my life like a gentle homeopathic remedy - little by little.

Entering the Path, One Morning at a Time

I began the Raja Yoga course because I was told that to attend morning classes, I first needed to complete it. What surprised me was that after the course ended, most people hesitated to attend early morning sessions. I felt the opposite - that was exactly what I wanted.

For almost six months, I attended classes alone, just the teacher and me, as the centre was newly opened. During that time, people around me began noticing a change. I was more energetic, motivated, and enthusiastic about my studies and work. When they asked what I was doing differently, I would tell them about Raja Yoga and the morning classes - and only then did I realize I was the sole student at that time.

From the very beginning, I felt an attraction - subtle, incognito, yet powerful. Over the years, I have come to understand that behind this gentle guidance is God Himself, who knows us deeply and knows how to keep us close to our aim. That awareness has kept me on this path for the past 30 years, despite all the ups and downs.

Using the Inner Savings Account

Life brings challenges to everyone. What Raja Yoga taught me is that difficult moments are times to draw from our inner savings account. When we are young and energetic, we invest heavily in action, creativity, and service. I did the same - teaching, training, organizing programs.

But behind the scenes, I needed polishing, especially in relationships. Over time, I learned that legacy matters more than results. It’s not about what people think of us, but how they feel in our presence. Are people happy to see us arrive? Do they feel lighter when we leave?

One of my profound learning’s was during the passing of my father. Understanding that we are eternal beings helped me face that empty chair with greater clarity and acceptance. Gradually, I became more sensitive to others’ feelings and also learned to become my own good friend, valuing quality time with myself. That self-respect allowed me to feel worthy of friendship with God.

A Simple Measure of Inner Strength

There were moments when I overwhelmed myself by doing too much, neglecting my routine and meditation. Over time, I noticed a simple but powerful indicator of my inner state: how I wake up in the morning.

When I wake up with enthusiasm and readiness to connect with the Source, I know I am aligned. When heaviness from yesterday carries into today, it signals the need for deeper inner care. I realised that the key to waking up fresh lies in how we go to bed.

Closing the Day with Peace

Even on busy days, especially when my work ends late, I make sure to create moments of introversion before sleep. Writing a diary, reflecting on lessons learned, clearing the heart - it’s like closing daily accounts. The clearer the heart, the more peaceful the sleep.

I also practice planting powerful thoughts before sleeping and upon waking. Thoughts like I am valuable, I am a friend of God, I am worthy of God’s love. For many of us, especially in the West, self-worth is a challenge. Raja Yoga helps us remember that we are all children of God and deserving of love.

Sovereignty and the Inner Garden

People will behave as they choose - manipulative, aggressive, or insensitive. Raja Yoga teaches sovereignty: if I allow someone else’s behaviour to disturb me, I give them power over my life. I always have the choice to remain the king of myself.

I acknowledge my feelings honestly, write them down, and empty my heart - sometimes even writing to God. Life, like Monopoly, brings different bills. Some are easier to pay than others. Through Raja Yoga, I continue strengthening my inner reserves so I can meet each challenge with dignity.

I see my inner world as a garden. It needs care, patience, and regular watering of values. And the most comforting truth is that we have access to the most resourceful Gardener of all. With His help, even the hardest weeds can be removed - slowly, gently, and surely.

By: Sis. Juliana Faria - Brahma Kumaris, Brazil