By:&nbsp;Chirya Risely Source: The Daily Guardian <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://epaper.thedailyguardian.com/2026/04/03/e-paper-today-delhi-04-april-2026/">https://epaper.thedailyguardian.com/2026/04/03/e-paper-today-delhi-04-april-2026/</a> Dated: April 4th, 2026Most people are searching for happiness outside of themselves. What many do not realise is that we are responsible for our own happiness. It is something that we decide to create and it is just a thought away.&nbsp;Over a very long period of time, we have associated&nbsp;happiness with achievement.&nbsp;This has become an integral part of our modern-day belief system.&nbsp;However, attainments give limited happiness.&nbsp;Life these days is like is a roller coaster — the heights of exhilaration and the lows of despondency, where the thrill of any kind of success can desert me within a short period of time.&nbsp;There is no permanency in any of the accolades for my accomplishments, nor can I hold on to the satisfaction and feel-good factor associated with them, for very long. It is good to enjoy attainments and achievements. It does not mean that I am being materialistic, but I cannot become dependent on them for my happiness because the enjoyment, valuable as it is, is temporary.&nbsp;True happiness comes when my mind and my five senses have become quiet and peaceful. When I am looking on the outside for happiness through the five senses, it means I am taking, needy, and empty. The happiest people&nbsp;are&nbsp;the givers, not&nbsp;the takers.&nbsp;When I realise that I am not a physical being but a spiritual being, that is when I become ‘soul conscious’. Awareness of the spirit brings spiritual power. Once upon a time we performed actions free from any kind of taking – we were free from desires and attachment, and therefore free from any kind of sorrow. It was an age of being soul conscious, and we were completely detached from, and yet and happily enjoying, the world of matter.&nbsp;Happiness is an intrinsic quality of the soul. It cannot be found outside the self. When we turn within and find that quiet and peaceful place inside, it is there that we find true happiness. When we choose to think about peace, love and happiness, they become a part of our life. Whatever we spend time contemplating and focusing on is what we manifest in our lives. Peace, love, and happiness are&nbsp;the sources of all our specialities and the personality&nbsp;of&nbsp;goodness&nbsp;within&nbsp;each soul. They help us connect with a higher source, God. The Supreme Being is the source of all these qualities, and when I connect my mind to that Being, I am filled with more and more peace, love, and happiness.Spiritual wisdom&nbsp;acquired through study, reflection, and the practice of meditation teaches&nbsp;us&nbsp;to merge the experience of&nbsp;happiness&nbsp;within and&nbsp;become&nbsp;the&nbsp;authority of being&nbsp;an embodiment&nbsp;of this experience. We can talk about happiness, but when we experience deep spiritual happiness, that experience can never be erased. Each day,&nbsp;by tightly and firmly connecting myself, the imperishable soul, with a permanent imperishable source, the Supreme Soul,&nbsp;I bring&nbsp;my strengths, specialities, and skills into action. I maintain a loving relationship with God and with others, experience goodness and beautiful virtues, and give&nbsp;others an experience of the same. As a result, I enjoy every moment of life with spiritual happiness, with complete security, surety, and safety.<img class="image_resized" style="width:9.31%;" src="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/Chirya_Risely_cfb256a837.png" alt="Chirya Risely.png" srcset="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/thumbnail_Chirya_Risely_cfb256a837.png 115w," sizes="100vw" width="115px"> Chirya Risely is a Rajyoga meditation teacher based at the Brahma Kumaris Peace Village Retreat Center, USA.

Happiness is what you are

By:&nbsp;Paramjit Basra Source: The Daily Guardian <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://epaper.thedailyguardian.com/2026/04/03/e-paper-today-delhi-04-april-2026/">https://epaper.thedailyguardian.com/2026/04/03/e-paper-today-delhi-04-april-2026/</a> Dated: April 4th, 2026We are living in a world of control. Great powers are trying to control other great powers. In the world of trade, everyone is trying to control profit and loss, for their own personal gain. Everyone is under the illusion that it is possible to control what is going on. Each one of us, in our own small, but very impactful way, is also playing the control game. Either we are being controlled by someone or some situation, or we are controlling others or manipulating situations for our own sense of safety- because we believe we can. All this does is leave us subservient to the outside world.The reason for this is that we are depleted and almost empty of what we really need — wisdom, knowledge, love, spiritual attainments, spiritual powers, and divine virtues. Therefore, we try to control our external world to fill the void. No one likes to be controlled – we would all like relationships filled with love, respect, and acceptance – not controlling relationships. Yet even though relationships begin with acceptance and respect, slowly, over time we find that the other says, does, or dresses in ways we do not like. As we go along, we start introducing small ‘conditions’ on their behaviour; if they comply, we feel safe and in control, and if they do not, we feel as if we are being controlled. This happens because we are invested in the relationship for what we can get out of it, so it is inevitable that conflict arises. The relationship is doomed to failure. Then, some move on to another one and, for a while feel the freedom of the lack of control and the warmth of acceptance, but because they are still empty and searching for something out there to fill the void, they will gradually start the control game again. If I continue to think that I can control others, I will never be happy. This is why we also attach ourselves to possessions. We link our safety, sense of worth, and joy with the things we own. We even try to control our own bodies and try to defy the ageing process. All this springs from an identity crisis. We spend our time comparing, criticising, competing, commenting, and complaining.What is needed is a deep look at the self. That takes a great deal of courage. Real control lies within the self. We need to shift our consciousness. A problem cannot be resolved with the same consciousness that created it. The control I want is meant to bring me happiness, peace, love, and respect. So, the question arises, “Who is the real me?”When I arrive at the awareness that I cannot be the body, because it decays and dies, and when I understand that I am the being within, the one driving the body, guiding the body, expressing the self through words and actions, then I will no longer try to control others. I will understand that I am an actor playing a role, and so is everyone else. I do not have to prove anything, no one is a threat to me; I am the driver, the actor, the eternal being. When I practise this awareness regularly, the void I wanted to fill is filled with gentleness, peace, love, and joy. The anger and frustration begin to diminish. I regain the awareness of who I am, and of my intrinsic value. If others try to control me, it will have no impact because I will be responding from the real self within. What then happens is that the peace I feel in the face of threat or anger has a massive effect on the other. They cannot continue in anger, they will calm down. Peace is a powerful vibration and others respond to that. Kindness, respect, peace and acceptance create a vibration where people respond in the same way. If we want to control others, then the best way is to take the initiative of changing our vibrations, be in control of the self, and radiate the natural qualities of peace and love that we all have. When we become examples of this, then others are inspired, and they in turn inspire more people. If we want to change the world, let us change ourselves. We can make a difference.<img class="image_resized" style="width:9.31%;" src="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/BK_Paramjit_Basra_7c40136363.png" alt="BK Paramjit Basra.png" srcset="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/thumbnail_BK_Paramjit_Basra_7c40136363.png 136w," sizes="100vw" width="136px"> Paramjit Basra has over 35 years in management and is based at the Brahma Kumaris Meditation Centre, Leicester, UK.

The illusion of control

By:&nbsp;BK Atam Prakash Source: The Daily Guardian <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://epaper.thedailyguardian.com/2026/04/03/e-paper-today-delhi-04-april-2026/">https://epaper.thedailyguardian.com/2026/04/03/e-paper-today-delhi-04-april-2026/</a> Dated: April 4th, 2026One of the most essential qualities for personal and spiritual growth is courage. Every human being desires to become better — to improve their character, gain knowledge, and experience inner peace. In today’s world, information about self-improvement, meditation, and positive thinking is widely available. However, knowledge by itself does not transform a person. Real transformation occurs only when knowledge is put into practice.Spiritual knowledge enlightens the intellect, but it is practice that makes us a better person. We may read books, attend spiritual classes, and memorise many principles of positive living. Yet if these principles remain only in the mind and are not applied in daily life, our growth remains limited. Experience, wisdom, and inner empowerment come not from merely knowing the truth, but from living it.Consider the simple example of learning to swim. We may study every detail about swimming — the technique, the precautions, and the movements required. We may even memorise every instruction given by an expert swimmer. But unless we actually enter the water and begin practising, we will never become a swimmer. At best, we may struggle in the water and manage to stay afloat, but this is far from the grace and confidence of someone who has practised regularly.The same principle applies to spiritual development. Many people enjoy learning about meditation, affirmations, and positive thinking. They listen to spiritual discourses and read inspiring teachings. While this knowledge can be uplifting, it brings real benefit only when it is practised consistently. Meditation must be experienced, positive thoughts must be consciously created, and virtues must be expressed in everyday interactions.When we practise meditation, we begin to experience the peace that is our original nature as souls. When we practise tolerance and patience, our relationships become harmonious. Practising positive thinking makes the mind stable and free from unnecessary worries. These experiences gradually transform our character.However, not everyone is ready to take the step from knowledge to practice. Some people hesitate because they fear change. Deep within, they know that if they sincerely follow spiritual principles, their habits, priorities, and attitudes may need to change. Others become cynical and doubt whether spiritual practice can truly bring transformation. They prefer to analyse and debate ideas rather than apply them.There are also those who feel satisfied simply by acquiring knowledge. They believe that because they understand spiritual concepts, they have already progressed. Their intellect becomes full of information, but their behaviour and responses remain the same.True courage lies in experimentation and application. It takes courage to observe our weaknesses, change old habits, and to practise virtues in difficult situations. It requires courage to remain peaceful when provoked, to respond with kindness instead of anger, and to maintain positive thoughts when circumstances are challenging.Those who develop this courage and sincerely practise what they have learned begin to experience the rewards. Gradually, they gain greater control over their thoughts and emotions, and their outlook becomes more mature and balanced. The mind becomes calmer and more stable, and inner peace becomes a natural state rather than a rare experience.Along with these changes comes a deeper sense of confidence. This confidence does not arise from external achievements, but from the awareness that one is mastering the self. We then face life’s challenges with greater clarity and patience.Spiritual knowledge is like a lamp — it shows the path. But walking the path requires courage and determination. When knowledge is combined with sincere practice, it becomes a powerful force for transformation.If we truly wish to grow spiritually, we must move beyond merely collecting ideas and begin living them. Each day offers opportunities to practise meditation, to create pure thoughts, and to express virtues such as peace, love, and patience. With courage and consistent practice, our knowledge gradually turns into wisdom, which then leads to lasting inner happiness.<img class="image_resized" style="width:9.6%;" src="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/2024_11_04_DG_Atam_Prakash_Author_820e71272a.png" alt="2024-11-04-DG-Atam Prakash- Author.png" srcset="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/thumbnail_2024_11_04_DG_Atam_Prakash_Author_820e71272a.png 129w," sizes="100vw" width="129px"> BK Atam Prakash is a Rajyoga teacher at the Brahma Kumaris headquarters in Mount Abu, Rajasthan.

Courage is key to spiritual growth

The saying, “a person is known by the company they keep”, highlights a deep truth. We are social beings, and the people around us shape our thoughts, habits, and values quietly but powerfully. Good company can guide us towards growth and a purposeful life, while bad company can slowly pull us away from our potential and send us into a downward spiral of self-destruction.This happens because we tend to imitate the people with whom we spend our time. If our friends value discipline, honesty, learning, and kindness, these qualities become easier to develop. On the other hand, if laziness, dishonesty, or harmful behaviour are the norm with our peer group, these traits can spread just as easily.When we are faced with confusion or temptation, the advice and example of companions is often crucial. Good friends help us make wiser choices while bad company can lead us into actions we may regret later.We have all heard or read about famous persons with talent and promise who drifted into substance abuse or crime after falling in with the wrong peer group. It starts with small compromises encouraged by “friends”, eventually leading to broken education, careers, and families.Good company acts like fertile soil — it allows character, discipline, and purpose to grow. Bad company, on the other hand, is like a slow poison: it weakens judgment and erodes values over time, leading to lasting harm. Choosing good company is, therefore, not a social preference — it is a decision that can impact our life in a major way.In Eastern cultures, particular value is given to the company of elders. Elders have lived through success, failure, loss, responsibility, and change. Their advice is grounded in real consequences, not theory, and learning from their experiences allows younger people to avoid mistakes without paying the full price themselves. In India, ‘satsang’, or company of the wise, is considered an important part of personal and spiritual growth. Elders and teachers are respected as carriers of wisdom accumulated over generations.Younger peers often focus on immediate rewards such as status, pleasure, or approval. Elders tend to have a long-term perspective, and focus on health, family, values, and legacy. This broader view encourages us to develop patience, discipline, and foresight.Elders are also less likely to be impulsive or reactive and more likely to respond calmly. Spending time with them helps us develop maturity and self-control. Not only that, elders act as a protective shield against unhealthy pressures. Peers can sometimes push us toward unhealthy competition or risky behaviour in order to fit in with the peer group. Elders rarely pressure others to impress them; instead, they encourage sincerity and personal growth.This is not to suggest that the company of one’s peers is all bad. Young peers provide companionship, freshness, creativity, and new perspectives. However, without the grounding influence of elders, peer groups can drift toward impulsiveness or shallow values. Elders act as anchors, keeping growth aligned with wisdom rather than impulse.The ultimate company, however, which uplifts and transforms the soul, is the company of God. It is not company in the physical sense. But when we spend time with God, by remembering Him and His virtues, we begin to be coloured by His ‘company’. When the soul dwells on and experiences the Supreme Father’s unconditional love, compassion, purity, and peace, the resulting sense of fulfilment inspires it to share the same with others. Regular companionship of God makes the soul more and more like Him. That is why individuals who are known to be close to God become beacons of His love, kindling in their fellow souls faith in goodness and faith in the Supreme Source of all that is good in humans.<img class="image_resized" style="width:12.74%;" src="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/sister_sheilu_cd4c6f7707.jpg" alt="sister sheilu.jpg" srcset="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/thumbnail_sister_sheilu_cd4c6f7707.jpg 127w," sizes="100vw" width="127px">B.K. Sheilu is a Rajyoga teacher at the Brahma Kumaris headquarters in Mount Abu, Rajasthan.The ultimate company, which uplifts and transforms the soul, is the company of God.

Why the company we keep matters

To reach the heights of peace, love and joy of which the human being is capable, it is said that we need to step back regularly into a state of “no self”, or pure being, beyond thought and feeling. The question “Who am I?” lies at the heart of most traditions of spiritual understanding and inquiry.Some teachings emphasize that we find the deepest reality when we lose all sense of the self as an individual entity. This is based on the idea that our individuality (our “ego self”) emerges from the package of thoughts and feelings with which our brains become equipped to enable us to live as human beings. It enables us to engage with one another in distinctive ways while we play our parts on the stage of the world, but it is also the source of suffering, because it pins our sense of who we are and what we want into the physical dimension, which is constantly changing.The aim is to go beyond surface appearances in our self-understanding, and engage with the core of our being. When the mind becomes still, unlimited love, peace, joy, and timeless wisdom are to be found. Those who experience this state – sometimes accidentally, sometimes through intense spiritual effort - find it liberating, and uplifting. It makes everyday worries shrink into insignificance.Science at the frontiers is lending some support to this way of thinking. A new paradigm called post-materialism holds that consciousness is the primary reality, and that it is unitive: there is a mind-like quality behind everything we see manifesting in the physical world, from a particle to a galaxy. Our consciousness is not a “thing”; it is who we are, and we know this truth when we stop thinking of ourselves in limited ways. This idea also appeals to those who equate God with an omnipresent energy.We are certainly interconnected in much more complex ways than previously understood. For example, laboratory research has shown that the electromagnetic field generated by a person’s heart can be&nbsp;detected by animals nearby, and the nervous systems of other people. Some researchers believe the magnetic field of the earth itself connects all living systems, distributing biologically relevant information, including effects on human health and behavior.These ideas and discoveries point to reality being far more subtle than many of us realize. But do they mean that the “no self” concept is right? Or that God is omnipresent?An aspect of Brahma Kumaris teachings that I have found particularly valuable is the notion of the self, or soul, as a unique and eternal entity.According to these teachings, it is true that the egoistic sense of identity associated with our bodily existence is illusory, and the source of our suffering. But there is also an original and eternal self, offspring of a Supreme Being, who also has a unique part to play in the drama of existence.The original self is pure consciousness, with none of the narrowness of outlook that creates our conflicts and sorrows. It is not just part of an amorphous field. It is individual, with its own unique part to play, perhaps spanning many births.As it takes successive human births, it gradually changes. It begins with a purity of outlook that is experienced and expressed through fullness of heart and generosity of spirit. This is the condition of the deities - remembered vividly in Bharat as the occupants of a golden age. Over time, however, the soul loses sight of its divinity, and at that point the egoistic self takes over. Neediness develops, giving rise to the vices. The decline is progressive and despite the wisdom inherent in the great religions, it cannot be reversed until the end of the play approaches.At that point, when corruption in our thoughts, feelings and behaviors reach a peak, the Supreme Soul – incorporeal Shiva – enters the drama to reintroduce us to what purity of consciousness feels like, explain how we lost it, and how it can be regained – essentially, through remembering that One.Coming from a western background, this story seemed far-fetched when I first heard it. Forty years on, however, having shifted from a “religious” belief in scientific materialism to an experience of God as my guide, I feel I do now know with certainty who I am, and am gradually recovering that true sense of self.<img class="image_resized" style="width:11.56%;" src="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/neville_d31ac1c0ed.jpg" alt="neville.jpg" srcset="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/thumbnail_neville_d31ac1c0ed.jpg 109w," sizes="100vw" width="109px"><img src="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/BK_Neville_hodgkinson_6d4e08cbda.png" alt="BK Neville hodgkinson.png" srcset="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/thumbnail_BK_Neville_hodgkinson_6d4e08cbda.png 126w," sizes="100vw" width="126px"><img src="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/BK_Neville_hodgkinson_6d4e08cbda.png" alt="BK Neville hodgkinson.png" srcset="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/thumbnail_BK_Neville_hodgkinson_6d4e08cbda.png 126w," sizes="100vw" width="126px"><img src="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/BK_Neville_hodgkinson_6d4e08cbda.png" alt="BK Neville hodgkinson.png" srcset="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/thumbnail_BK_Neville_hodgkinson_6d4e08cbda.png 126w," sizes="100vw" width="126px">Neville Hodgkinson is a UK-based author and journalist, and a long-time student of Rajyoga.The original self is pure consciousness.

Who am I

“In a time of distraction and disconnection,&nbsp;nature gently calls us home — it whispers ‘Look here. See! Come closer’ … For those who listen, it offers not only peace but&nbsp;profound wisdom&nbsp;about how to live, how to care, and how to be.”Sonja OhlssonThe Divine in the UnseenNature whispers what is often forgotten: that we are&nbsp;part of the eternal chain. Every action ripples outward. Every leaf, every breeze, every droplet speaks to&nbsp;interconnection. We are not separate. There are no silos. Nothing stands alone.Nature teaches us to trust not only in what we can see, but also in what we cannot. The&nbsp;unseeable is not unknowable. Within it lies ancient knowledge — subtle truths that guide the soul when we become still enough to hear them.The Sacred Rhythm of LifeObserve the seasons: spring follows winter. Rebirth follows stillness. Even destruction carries the seed of new life.Nature teaches us to:<ul><li>Hibernate when needed, and rest without guilt.</li><li>Blossom without fear, revealing colour, light, and beauty.</li><li>Let go, curling up when the time is right, knowing renewal will come.</li></ul>This is the&nbsp;rhythm of the soul, mirrored in the cycles of the Earth. To live well is to move in harmony with this sacred pulse.Inner Qualities Reflected in NatureEvery flower that opens, every bird that sings, every drop of dew on morning grass reflects something deeper — our true nature. Nature teaches us about:<ul><li>Gentleness and tenderness, the quiet strength of care.</li><li>Resilience, bending without breaking.</li><li>Humility, a sweet surrender to what is.</li><li>Introversion, the silent power of inward growth.</li><li>Unity and harmony, a layered symphony in which no single note dominates, but all are essential.</li></ul>In nature’s generosity, we learn that true giving comes not for reward, but because&nbsp;it is in our nature to give.Ethics Rooted in EarthIn a world that often values accumulation and competition, nature teaches&nbsp;a different ethic:<ul><li>There is&nbsp;enough for all. Waste not. Hoard not.</li><li>Care for the vulnerable, protect the small and the still.</li><li>You do not have to be big to make a difference — a tiny insect can shift entire ecosystems.</li></ul>Nature is a reminder that&nbsp;power lies in presence, not dominance. In reciprocity, not extraction. It will return what we give. It will care for us, if we care for it.A Spiritual ConnectionNature is not only a teacher; it is&nbsp;a mirror&nbsp;and&nbsp;a bridge — between the human and the divine. In its&nbsp;purity, we fall to our knees, not in fear, but in reverence. In its stillness, we are reminded of the&nbsp;eternal presence of benevolence&nbsp;that is always available, always flowing.To care for nature is to&nbsp;nurture the soul. To see the beauty of nature is to&nbsp;recognize our own essence. To protect it is to protect&nbsp;the sacred—within and around us.Nature’s Final MessageIn the end, nature speaks not in loud commands, but in soft invitations:“Slow down. Stop. Breathe. You are part of this. You belong here. Flow with it.”In a world that often feels lost, nature is not. Its&nbsp;wonder still shines, calling us back to a way of being that is whole, rooted, alive, and wise.<img class="image_resized" style="width:12.56%;" src="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/Bk_Judy_Johnson_2ff74ad400.png" alt="Bk.Judy Johnson.png" srcset="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/thumbnail_Bk_Judy_Johnson_2ff74ad400.png 148w," sizes="100vw" width="148px">Judy Johnson coordinates the activities of the Brahma Kumaris in Atlantic Canada.Nature calls us back to a way of being that is whole, rooted, alive, and wise.

What nature teaches us

What a wonder to be able to step so lightly on the earth that we harm no one. Living lightly is possible, but it requires me to lay down burdens, and let go of any heaviness in my heart. Heaviness comes when we hold on to memories of hurt, whether they were caused by someone’s words, someone’s actions, a situation, or even my own words and actions. To remain light and cheerful, full of good wishes for the self and others, is an act of creation. When we view life as a magnificent game, we can retain our enthusiasm and happiness and create wonders.What few of us realise is that it is all down to my own perception of the self and others. When this is truly understood, it is immensely liberating. Focusing on the weaknesses and mistakes of others makes me miserable and unhappy, and weakens me spiritually. Even more so, when I only see the weaknesses of others, then those very weaknesses are awakened within me. The vision I have of life, people, and situations determines the experienced of my life. It is all up to me and my thoughts.To let go and live lightly requires introspection. I need to acknowledge how I feel and what I need and want. If all I tell my mind is what I do not want, what I do not like, who I dislike, and situations I do not want to be in, the mind cannot be creative. If I tell the mind what I want and ask it how to get there, then creation happens. Unless we learn to let go, we cannot move forward with any relationships, work achievements, abilities to work in a team or within the family. We may move forward a little. We may even tell ourselves that yes, little by little things will change, but unless we let go, the pace is too slow. Gradual does not mean slow. Maybe we are still waiting patiently for things to change, but how long will we wait? We have to make things happen. Life is so precious and time is invaluable. We can go step by step, but we can turn those steps into leaps and even fly along. The creative light within the body is infinitesimal and invisible, but it has the wings of the power of our thoughts. We can overcome things very quickly if we so wish. It does not take a lot of effort to heal or repair a relationship – all it needs is a little step of courage. The expression of love with humility is a massive healing energy.The old habits of thought and perceptions that hold us back are especially connected to times of trauma; of a time we were unable to protect ourselves. Sometimes these habits are triggered in the here and now, and we project our hurt onto those who trigger them. However, it has nothing to do with anyone else but me. Feeling light and letting go needs time. Time to clean my heart and clear my inner sacred space of my mind, so that I can take responsibility for my thoughts.Meditation helps us to become observers of the self and go within; make a connection with the real self. We are able to observe what is really going on in our hearts and discover what we really want. Another vitally important factor is a connection with the Source. Letting go of fear and guilt requires Divine help – surgery – and God, the Supreme Light is the Divine Surgeon. We need a way to be very still and honest to allow that energy of unconditional love to heal the heart. This is done in meditation and connection with the Supreme. This is like coming home from ego to true self-respect. God is the only One who knows me and my full potential, and whose vision is beyond good and bad. I can bathe in this pure vision and recreate myself. In deep meditation I allow that light of God to ignite the light that has been dormant within me and allows me to recognise who I truly am. There is nothing at all that makes a soul lighter, happier, and full of benevolence, than that.<img class="image_resized" style="width:12.71%;" src="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/Moria_Lowe_f4f3dab7e7.jpg" alt="Moria Lowe.jpg">Moira Lowe is Director of Brahma Kumaris Argentina.Photo caption: I can be light and happy when I discard the heaviness of old memories of pain and suffering.

The art of living lightly

In a fast-moving world where our life is driven by competition and expectations, we focus on grades, careers, salaries, and social approval. We do not pause to ask a deeper question: Am I becoming the person I want to be? Introspection — the habit of looking inward and examining our thoughts, actions, and values — offers an answer.Introspection is the conscious act of observing and understanding our inner world — our thoughts, emotions, motivations, strengths, and weaknesses. It is the foundation of self-improvement. It involves asking honest questions such as: Why did I react this way? What are my true priorities? Are my actions aligned with my values? Without introspection, growth is accidental, while with it, growth becomes intentional.Unlike overthinking, which may lead to anxiety and confusion, healthy introspection is purposeful and constructive. Its goal is clarity, not self-criticism. Excessive self-criticism can harm our confidence. In healthy introspection we acknowledge our flaws while also recognising our strengths. It encourages responsibility, not guilt.Self-improvement is impossible without self-awareness. Introspection helps us recognise our habits, emotional triggers, and patterns of behaviour. When we understand why we act in a certain way, we can begin to change it.Many people chase goals chosen by their society, family, or peers. Introspection helps us identify what truly matters to us. This clarity leads to meaningful goals rather than ambitions shaped by the opinions of others.Introspection also improves our decision-making. Reflecting on past choices — both good and bad — teaches us valuable lessons. Over time, introspection sharpens our judgment and helps us make wiser decisions in our studies, relationships, and careers.Our emotional intelligence is also strengthened by introspection. When we observe our emotions instead of suppressing them, we learn to manage stress, anger, and disappointment more effectively. This is especially important in the high-pressure environments common in modern life.When it comes to self-improvement, introspection serves as the compass that guides our journey. Honest self-reflection reveals what is lacking in our skills, mindset, or behaviour, prompting us to focus attention there in order to fill the gaps. With regular introspection, we can measure our progress and make course corrections when needed.One factor that creates hurdles on the path of self-improvement is limiting beliefs. Many of these limitations are mental — fear of failure, fear of judgment, or self-doubt. Introspection brings these beliefs to light so they can be challenged.Practices like journalling, meditation, yoga, or even quiet reflection during a morning walk can make introspection a daily habit. By regularly looking within, we learn not only how to succeed, but how to live an honest, purposeful, and fulfilling life.<img class="image_resized" style="width:9.91%;" src="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/bkgeeta_dfa6ad13b2.jpg" alt="bkgeeta.jpg" srcset="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/thumbnail_bkgeeta_dfa6ad13b2.jpg 97w," sizes="100vw" width="97px">B.K. Geeta is a Rajyoga teacher at the Brahma Kumaris headquarters in Abu Road, Rajasthan.Introspection serves as a compass that guides our journey of self-improvement.

Why introspection matters in self-improvement

How many of us come to know when our mind gets disturbed? Some do not recognize the disturbance. When does the mind get disturbed, and how do we feel the disturbance, what exactly happens? One sign is that we cannot concentrate; we may feel pained inside, or become irritated, which shows in our behaviour. We can easily tell when someone is disturbed if it shows in their behaviour. But that is a late stage of the 'illness'. If we check the disturbance when it is confined to our thoughts, it does not grow and influence our behavior. When the disturbance goes beyond the mind and affects the body, our heart begins to beat faster - because of anxiety and fear.Many people have become habituated to creating fearful thoughts. We ourselves may be suffering from this malady. What if someone sitting next to you says, "I fear I might fall off this sofa... its leg might break." What will you do if the other person keeps repeating this? Will you be dismissive, or will you try to reassure them that nothing of the sort will happen? If you love the other person, you will talk to them gently and try to convince them that there is no reason they should fall off the sofa. Eventually, your power of conviction and your love for the other person will remove their fear and heal them. This kind of a dialogue often takes place in our mind - a negative thought arises and we try to counter it with a corresponding positive thought. If we leave the mind unchecked to create and dwell on thoughts of fear, failure, and doubt, it might become our default way of thinking, without our realizing it.This harmful pattern of thinking can be changed, and I do not need to seek anyone’s help for it. The best person to go to for healing, so that there is no dependence on anybody else, is the self. Sit back, be with yourself, and if you are not able to say it to yourself, write out your thoughts. The mind is saying, “What if I fail... what will happen to my family... who will take care of my children...? Write down this thought, and under the thought write the counter-thought. By doing this we gradually teach the mind, the way we teach a baby, the right way of thinking.Do not allow the mind to speak a language that depletes your energy, and that of the people around you. Just as we encourage and motivate others when they are a bit down, we can do the same with the self. Every time the mind creates weak, defeatist thoughts, we need to guide it towards a constructive way of thinking. With persistence, the power of positivity will prevail over negative thoughts. This is the way to remain strong and happy in all situations.&nbsp;We also need to watch what we feed the mind - the information we put into it. If I start my day by watching news about the terrible things happening around the world, or if I regularly watch crime thrillers, that is the easiest way to cultivate fear. Some time ago I was with someone on a plane, and throughout the two-hour flight he watched a crime-based serial. Later, we were together in a meeting with other people, and during a discussion he said, "After I leave home I am not sure if I turned off the gas, or locked the door." So he has devised a way to deal with the persistent anxiety. He said: "After I turn off the gas, I take a photo of it. When I switch off the lights, I take a photo of it, and then when I lock the door, I take a photo of it." During the day, when he becomes anxious about if he locked the door, he looks at the photo and tells himself that this is the truth. This is how what we consume, or put into the mind, creates a 'sanskar' of fear and anxiety.When we watch such things, we think it is nothing to do with our life, it is happening in another part of the world, or it is just a story. But the negative energy of the story is what we are feeding our mind. What do we do when we have to feed a baby? We sterilize the feeding bottle. We take great care about what we give to the baby. Similarly we need to take care of our mind and feed it only clean, healthy information - especially at the start of the day. If we pay attention to this, our mental environment and way of thinking will change, saving us a lot of fear and anxiety.<img class="image_resized" style="width:12.12%;" src="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/sister_shivani_0cdcd11aae.jpg" alt="sister shivani.jpg">B.K. Shivani is a well-known motivational speaker and Rajyoga teacher.To keep the mind healthy, we need to be careful about the kind of content we feed it.

Managing fear and anxiety

Meditation has gained popularity across the globe in recent years. People are learning meditation for various reasons, including stress reduction, calming the mind, and improving concentration. Some have spiritual aims such as developing self-awareness and having communion with God.Various types of meditation are practised in the world, and they train the mind in different ways. There is simple concentration - on one’s breath, a mantra, or a candle flame. It improves our mental focus and calms the mind. Mindfulness involves observing our thoughts, sensations, and emotions without reacting. In Zen meditation, one sits still, with open awareness, sometimes counting one’s breaths or observing one’s thoughts.Rajyoga involves seeing the self as a soul and remembering the Supreme Soul, the Father of all souls. When we relate to God in this way, the loving, emotional connection serves as a conduit for His virtues and powers to flow into the soul, enriching and empowering it.Many wonder what is the most effective meditation technique, or what is the best way to meditate? There is no universal best technique. What is good for me depends on my aim: do I simply want relief from stress, to reduce overthinking, heal emotional wounds, develop discipline, or achieve spiritual growth? Depending on my objective, one of the many techniques may be most suitable for me.However, focusing solely on the technique is a mistake. Meditation is not a technical procedure where following a prescribed formula or steps produces a predictable result. Success in meditation is less about the “perfect” technique and more about inner qualities and habits that allow any technique to work.One of the most important of these is consistency. Meditation is like exercise, and doing it for 15-20 minutes daily is better than meditating for an hour once in a while. Regular practice brings progress, as it gradually improves our focus, enhances emotional stability, and develops discipline.The right attitude is equally vital for success in meditation. Having the right attitude means being patient with gradual progress, instead of being frustrated or cynical about it. Being non-judgmental when the mind wanders or unwanted thoughts arise, and kindness towards the self -- self-criticism is often a bigger obstacle than mental distraction –- also help.We may be using the best technique, but if we practise meditation with pressure, judgment, or self-criticism, our experience and progress would not be the same as that of someone who does it with a healthy, relaxed attitude.One simple secret to successful meditation is that relaxed attention is far more effective than strained concentration. We need to be alert but not tense, and at the same time relaxed but not sleepy. Having this balance makes our practice of meditation smooth and naturally deep.When we are learning to meditate, one mistake we may sometimes make is to expect a specific result at the very outset, such as an experience of bliss, a blank mind with no thoughts, or absolute silence. Having such expectations creates tension, which is a major obstacle to having a good meditation experience. Instead, when we let go of such expectations and practise sincerely, results arise naturally, and our experience – of calm, bliss, stability – gradually deepens.<img class="image_resized" style="width:14.42%;" src="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/BK_Surya_aeb538f1f7.png" alt="BK.Surya.png" srcset="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/thumbnail_BK_Surya_aeb538f1f7.png 142w," sizes="100vw" width="142px">B.K. Surya is a Rajyoga teacher at the Brahma Kumaris headquarters in Mount Abu, Rajasthan.In meditation, relaxed attention is far more effective than strained concentration.

treasures

The Daily Guardian