Climate change is one of the most urgent challenges facing humanity today. While science and policy continue to search for solutions, I have felt that an equally important dimension often remains overlooked—the spiritual and ethical responsibility of human beings. In a conversation hosted by Godlywood Studio, I shared my reflections on climate change, human rights, ethics, and inner transformation, based on my experiences at the United Nations in Geneva.Climate Change: A Human and Ethical CrisisAt the United Nations in Geneva, much of our work revolves around human rights, health, women, and environmental concerns. From this perspective, I have come to see that climate change is not only an environmental issue; it is fundamentally a human rights issue. It directly affects people’s right to life, dignity, food, clean water, shelter, and education.One reality that deeply concerns me is that those who suffer the most from climate change are often those who have contributed the least to it. Vulnerable populations in poorer regions face droughts, floods, food shortages, and displacement, while the primary contributors to climate damage are wealthy nations with high levels of consumption and industrial activity.At the UN level, action depends on scientific observation and reliable data. Climate impacts must be documented and studied so that countries can be held accountable. By linking climate change to internationally accepted frameworks such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, nations can be reminded of their commitments and responsibilities.Lifestyle Choices and Climate ImpactOne aspect I often emphasize is the role of individual lifestyle choices in contributing to climate change. Climate change is not caused by industries alone; it is also shaped by everyday human behavior—how we consume, travel, eat, and live.Air travel, excessive use of cars, and transporting food over long distances significantly increase pollution. Dietary habits also matter. Large-scale meat and dairy industries generate substantial greenhouse gas emissions. I believe that by becoming more conscious about what we eat and how we consume, each individual can reduce their environmental footprint.“Living the Change”: Awareness That Leads to ActionThrough initiatives such as Living the Change, my colleagues and I work globally to help people understand the impact of their habits. Although modern society is rich in information, I often observe that it lacks awareness about the deeper consequences of actions.When people truly realise that their choices matter, their hearts become engaged. Awareness leads to responsibility, and responsibility inspires change. I have seen that religious and spiritual communities hold immense influence. By educating their followers, they can inspire millions to adopt more sustainable and conscious lifestyles.Spirituality and Our Relationship with NatureFrom a spiritual perspective, I often invite people to reflect on a simple yet profound question:&nbsp; What is my relationship with nature?&nbsp; Do we only take from the elements, or do we also serve them?Spiritual understanding broadens our outlook. When our relationship with nature becomes loving, respectful, and inclusive, our consciousness naturally shifts. In my experience, true joy does not come from objects or consumption, but from the inner world—from connection with God, nature, and humanity.The Power of Thoughts and VibrationsNature is sensitive and responsive. Though invisible, thoughts and emotions carry vibrations, and everything in existence responds to them. When human beings generate peaceful, pure, and loving thoughts, these vibrations serve nature.Such a spiritual attitude not only benefits the environment, but also transforms human life. As selfishness reduces and generosity grows, harmony is restored—both within us and around us.Spiritual Wisdom at the United NationsReflecting on my own journey, I can say that coming to the Brahma Kumaris has transformed my understanding of life. Rajyoga, the experience of inner power, and the awareness of universal brotherhood have deeply influenced the way I work at the United Nations.When I see every individual as a brother or sister, the quality of interaction changes. Even within diplomatic frameworks, spirituality helps bridge cultures, touch hearts, and inspire responsible action.Conclusion: Change Begins WithinClimate change cannot be resolved by policies alone. It requires a shift in consciousness—from consumption to care, from exploitation to stewardship, and from ignorance to awareness.When we give to nature through our thoughts, actions, and vibrations, nature responds in return. It is a two-way relationship. From my experience, healing the planet truly begins with healing the self. Om Shanti.&nbsp; &nbsp;<img src="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/Sr_Valyrian_2570fa4ddc.png" alt="Sr.Valyrian.png" srcset="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/thumbnail_Sr_Valyrian_2570fa4ddc.png 161w," sizes="100vw" width="161px">Sister Valyrian Bernard&nbsp; Brahma Kumaris Representative at the United Nations, Geneva&nbsp; &nbsp;

Climate Change, Ethics, and Inner Transformation

A Search Beyond BeliefMy journey into Raja Yoga began during my time in London, where I was doing research at the London School of Economics and Political Science. Alongside my academic interests, I had always been deeply drawn to religion and philosophy. I visited many spiritual groups and gatherings, yet somewhere inside, I felt that most paths asked us to resign - to simply believe without truly understanding.Coming from a Christian background, I was taught that God is the Father, yet at the same time told that He cannot be understood. For me, this felt incomplete. I wondered: if God is my Father, do I not have the right to understand Him, at least to some extent? These unanswered questions stayed with me.It was during this period that I visited the newly built Global House of the Brahma Kumaris in London. I came without expectations, thinking I might visit once or twice. That “once or twice” has now become more than thirty years.Discovering a Subtle, Living KnowledgeWhen I began the Raja Yoga course, I did not immediately think about becoming angelic or complete. My interest was in God - in understanding the Eternal Father. As the knowledge unfolded, I realised that it was subtle, deep, and required calmness of mind to truly grasp.At first, the answers were not always easy to accept. Yet I kept asking myself: Do I know a better explanation? Is there something more universal, more subtle, more complete than this? Slowly, meditation helped me settle my mind, and little by little, I found myself accepting these answers as real.What touched me deeply was the understanding that all spiritual teachings ultimately relate back to us - to human beings, our virtues, our vices, and our capacity to transform. These truths may sound simple, but reaching their depth can take decades.Angelic Stage and Elevated ConsciousnessThe idea of an angelic or complete stage often feels unreachable to people. Angels are seen as mythical beings, far removed from human life. Yet Raja Yoga reveals something different: that within every soul there is a memory, however deep, of a complete and pure stage.This is not about learning something entirely new. It is about remembering. Sometimes it is about unlearning what we have accumulated and relearning who we truly are. The difficulty is not that this state is impossible, but that we do not allow ourselves to experience it. We believe it is hard, so it becomes hard.This is why Raja Yoga is often called easy Raja Yoga. In essence, it can be practiced in seconds - yet remembering to apply it in challenging situations takes time and practice. It is a journey, but a beautiful and real one.Learning from Living ExamplesWhen I encountered the senior sisters of the Brahma Kumaris - the Dadis - I did not immediately think of them as angels. What I saw were world mothers: souls who accepted everyone with patience, love, and subtle guidance. They never demanded promises or pledges. They allowed space for observation, questioning, and time.What impressed me most was their honesty. They never claimed perfection. They acknowledged that they were students until their last breath. Their authority came not from ego, but from experience, wisdom, truthfulness, and love for truth. This cleanliness - free from manipulation or denial - helped me discern that this knowledge was pure.Contentment as the Sign of CompletenessFor me, the essence of the angelic stage can be expressed in one word: contentment. To be complete is to be content. Today, many people search for contentment outside - in achievements, possessions, or recognition - yet it remains elusive.Raja Yoga taught me something very simple yet profound: I have the right to be happy. I have the right to be content, even if everything is not perfect. When I give myself time to sit quietly, to talk to myself, and to remember this inner state of being, contentment naturally emerges.The highest consciousness simply affirms this truth: Yes, you have the right to be content. And when we accept this, we truly become children of God.A Gentle InvitationThe journey towards completeness does not demand pressure or ambition. It only asks sincerity. If we allow ourselves a few moments to remember who we are and what we already carry within, the angelic stage no longer feels distant.It becomes a quiet, lived reality - one filled with cleanliness, contentment, and gentle strength.<img src="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/sister_egidiga_001270716b.jpg" alt="sister egidiga.jpg" srcset="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/thumbnail_sister_egidiga_001270716b.jpg 154w," sizes="100vw" width="154px">Sis. Egidiga - Brahma Kumaris, Lithuania

Remembering Our Complete Stage - The Journey Towards Angelic Contentment

Discovering What Was MissingWhen 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 TimeI 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 AccountLife 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 StrengthThere 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 PeaceEven 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 GardenPeople 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.<img src="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/sister_juliana_af4c3200e5.jpg" alt="sister juliana.jpg" srcset="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/thumbnail_sister_juliana_af4c3200e5.jpg 156w," sizes="100vw" width="156px">By: Sis. Juliana Faria - Brahma Kumaris, Brazil

Tending the Inner Garden - Finding Enthusiasm, Sovereignty, and Peace

Growing Up in a Spiritual HomeWhen I look back at my life, it amazes me how the most significant spiritual turning points happened long before I understood what they meant. My journey with Rajyoga meditation began when I was just eighteen, but its seeds were planted much earlier. I grew up in a very spiritual family in the south of London. My mother ran a monthly meditation group, and our home was often filled with deep thinkers, yogis, and philosophers. Listening to them was normal for me. That atmosphere made spirituality feel natural, familiar - almost like a language I already knew.The First Spark at ThirteenWhen I was thirteen, a Brahma Kumari sister came to our house to give a talk. I remember being struck by her serenity. There was something about her energy that touched me deeply. She spoke about Mount Abu in India, and although I was far too young to travel, I silently told myself, One day I will go there. I didn’t think of it again for years, but that moment left a mark.A Strange Pull to a Man in WhiteThen something unusual began happening when I was about fourteen or fifteen. I felt a very strong, almost urgent impulse to find a man in white with a mustache. I didn’t know who he was, and I had never seen his picture. But the feeling was so persistent that I began searching for him everywhere. In the West, people don’t usually wear white, so I assumed he must be a doctor or perhaps an osteopath. My mother even took me to different practitioners, and I would stop strangers on the street asking who they were. It sounds strange now, but at that time the pull was so strong that I couldn’t ignore it.Setting Out to Search the WorldBy the time I finished school at eighteen, I realised I wasn’t going to find him in England. So I decided to go around the world to look for him. I worked two jobs, saved for a ticket, bought a rucksack, and began my search. My journey took me through Sri Lanka and then to Malaysia. It was in a small bookshop there that everything changed.The Moment of AwakeningI found a magazine produced by the Brahma Kumaris called Confluence. Inside was a little cartoon of a man whose head opened like a jack-in-the-box, with a point of light emerging. In that moment I had a sudden, profound realisation: I am not this body - I am a soul. It was such an intense experience that I felt as if angels were surrounding me. I knew something extraordinary was happening.Finding the One I Had Been SeekingAt the back of the magazine was an advertisement: Free 7-day meditation course. I thought, “Why not?” I called the number, bought a Bible because I felt God was trying to speak to me, and the next day I went to the address. As I walked through the tropical garden, a gentle sister welcomed me. The moment I stepped inside, I saw a picture on the wall - a man wearing white with a mustache. I immediately asked, “Who is that?” She said, “We’ll talk about him later.” But I insisted. When she told me he was the founder of the Brahma Kumaris, something inside me settled. I had found the one I had been searching for all those years.The First Steps of the Spiritual JourneyI completed the 7-day course, experienced Raksha Bandhan in Singapore, and within two weeks I was living with a sister and wearing a white sari for the first time. Everything happened so quickly and so naturally that my mind barely had time to question it. Later, when I reflected on the experience, I understood that the Supreme Soul had been guiding me. Brahma Baba was simply the instrument - the “business card,” as I sometimes call it - through whom that divine connection could be made.Wrestling With the CycleOne of the biggest challenges for me initially was understanding the concept of the Cycle - the eternal repetition of time. Coming from the West, where time is seen as a straight line from the Big Bang onward, the idea of a cyclical universe completely blew my mind. I remember sitting in a hotel room for days, hardly able to move, thinking, If I scratch my nose now, I will do this again next cycle. It took time to settle, but the feeling of love - first for Brahma Baba, and then for Shiv Baba - pulled me forward.Walking With One Foot in Each WorldIn the 42 years since, Rajyoga has helped me navigate both spiritual life and worldly life. I have always had one foot in each world - working as a BBC radio presenter and documentary filmmaker while maintaining my morning meditation practice. Rajyoga taught me to stay connected to the Supreme while performing action, creating an inner space of stability and protection. In careers like media, where things move fast and often go wrong, that stability is invaluable.When the Soul Is Called, It Will Find the WayMy journey began with an inner call - a call I didn’t understand but could not ignore. Today, I see it clearly: when the time is right, the Supreme finds a way to reach us. All we need is the courage to follow where the heart is being pulled.<img src="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/Sister_Phillipa_61f5af5382.jpg" alt="Sister Phillipa.jpg" srcset="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/thumbnail_Sister_Phillipa_61f5af5382.jpg 149w," sizes="100vw" width="149px">By: Sis. Phillipa - Media and Communication Core Member,&nbsp; Brahma Kumaris, UK

The Call of the Soul - How I Found My Path at Eighteen

When I chose to study medicine, my purpose was clear - I wanted my life to be useful. From a young age, I was deeply moved by human suffering. Becoming a doctor felt like the best way to serve humanity. Yet, very early in my medical journey, I realized something profound: most of the suffering I encountered was not just physical. It was emotional, mental, and spiritual.Even with the best medical science, I could treat a body, but I could not always heal a heart. I could prescribe medicine, but I could not give meaning. That realization was the beginning of a new chapter in my life - the search for a healing that reaches the soul.From the Human to the BeingThrough Rajyoga meditation, I discovered a truth that changed everything. I am not just a human being having spiritual experiences - I am a spiritual being having a human experience.As a doctor, I was trained to study the body - its organs, systems, and functions. But Rajyoga introduced me to the one who operates the body - the being. The body is a beautiful instrument, but I am the player behind it. This body, this name “Rona,” my relationships, my achievements - all of these belong to the human dimension. They begin and they end. But I, the soul, existed before this form and will continue beyond it.When I began to live with this awareness, it freed me from many questions that once disturbed me - especially the question of inequality. Why are some rich and others poor? Why does one suffer and another succeed? At the soul level, there is no gender, no color, and no class. The soul is beyond all human definitions. This realization gave me deep peace and a sense of justice far greater than what the human world could offer.The Real Cause of IllnessIn medical practice, we often look at the symptoms of disease. But through spiritual study, I learned that the root of illness often lies much deeper - in the vibrations of the mind. Stress, fear, anger, guilt, and discontent create chemical changes in the body that disturb its natural harmony.When the soul forgets its true identity, it becomes entangled in roles, possessions, and expectations. This forgetfulness is the real sickness - a spiritual amnesia. Healing begins the moment I remember who I am - a being of light, peace, and power.Through meditation, I began to experience what I call soul awareness - the state of seeing myself and others beyond the body. When I sit in silence and connect with the Supreme Being, I feel a current of divine energy flowing through me. It heals my own inner disturbances and radiates outward, touching others without words. This is spiritual medicine - invisible, but deeply effective.The Shift from Doing to BeingLeaving the medical profession was not a rejection of science; it was a continuation of service on a higher level. Today, I still feel I am healing lives - not through prescriptions, but through vibrations of peace and understanding.Medicine treats the body; spirituality heals the being who lives in the body. And when the soul is well, the body responds beautifully. Rajyoga has given me the perspective to see that true well-being is a state of balance between body, mind, and spirit.Everyone may not live as a full-time Rajyogi, but everyone can bring this awareness into their daily lives. When you sit quietly for a few minutes each day, detach from your roles, and remind yourself, “I am a peaceful being of light,” you begin to change your inner chemistry. Peace becomes your natural energy.Living Life as a GameI now see life as a divine game. Sometimes we win, sometimes we lose, and sometimes we learn. Every scene has meaning. When I view life from the awareness of the soul, I no longer approach it as a battle but as a play. There is less anxiety, less fear, and more joy in participation.At the end of the day, I know I am not my successes or failures. They belong to the human story. I, the being, remain untouched - pure, eternal, and complete.Becoming a Double DoctorIn the Brahma Kumaris, people sometimes call me a double doctor - one who heals the body and the soul. But in truth, I believe every person can become a healer. The moment we remember our true identity and connect with the Supreme Source, we begin to radiate light that uplifts and restores others.There is no greater service than to awaken peace in oneself and share it with the world. Medicine can cure, but remembrance can transform. That is the healing the world now needs most - the healing that begins within.<img class="image_resized" style="width:9.46%;" src="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/BK_Rona_00f7b155ef.png" alt="BK Rona.png" srcset="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/thumbnail_BK_Rona_00f7b155ef.png 128w," sizes="100vw" width="128px"> Sr.Rona Coordinator, Brahma Kumaris, Manhattan, New York

The True Healer Within: Discovering the Being Beyond the Body

In today’s world, there is so much noise - words, opinions, arguments, and explanations. We keep speaking, yet so often, we are not truly understood. Over time I have realized that real communication does not happen through words, it happens through silence - the silence of a pure heart.Silence is not the absence of sound; it is the presence of truth. It is the language of the soul-the language that God Himself speaks. Words reach the ears, but silence touches the heart.The Language of the Pure HeartFor me, silence is the language of the pure heart. When the mind becomes quiet and clean, free from anger, complaint, or judgment-then every thought and word naturally carries the fragrance of love. Even without speaking, we can connect deeply with others.True silence is not about closing my lips; it is about calming my inner noise-the constant rush of thoughts and emotions. When my mind becomes still, I can feel the sweet music of peace playing within. In that silence, I begin to sense the presence of the Divine.God, the Supreme Soul, is the Father of Silence. He has no body, yet He communicates perfectly. When I connect with Him through Rajyoga meditation, my thoughts become refined, my words filled with wisdom, and my very presence begins to comfort and heal.Communicating Beyond WordsThe world teaches us to talk, to explain, and to justify. Rajyoga teaches me to be. When I communicate from a silent and loving mind, my vibrations do the work. I have learned that even while speaking, I can remain in silence if my words emerge from pure feelings, not from ego or irritation.Many times, people speak politely yet carry hurt or negativity inside. Such communication never touches the heart. Real connection happens only when the words and the feelings behind them are aligned. To speak the language of silence means to send pure vibrations of peace and goodwill through every word and action.Listening to GodIn devotion, many people talk to God-asking, complaining, pleading. But I have learned that true communication with Him happens when I become quite enough to listen. God does not need my explanations, He already knows. What He waits for is my silent attention.When I sit in stillness, the voice of truth begins to echo in my heart. That gentle voice is His guidance-precise, loving, and filled with light. To hear it, I must be silent, without expectation or worry. I often remind myself, “Keep quiet and listen. Then you will hear what God wants you to hear.”The Miracle of LightSilence has brought many beautiful experiences into my life. Once, while conducting a spiritual program, I prepared myself by connecting with God in deep remembrance before stepping on the stage. When I stood there, people later told me they saw only light. They could not recall my words; they only felt peace and radiance.That experience reminded me that when my mind and intellect are silent and clear, God can use me as His instrument of light and love. In that state, even without words, souls can be uplifted. Silence allows the Supreme to work through me effortlessly.Sweet Silence - The Union of Love and PeaceOur beloved Dadi Janki often spoke about “sweet silence.” I understand this as the sweetness that arises when the soul merges in love with the Supreme. In that meeting, there are no words-only belonging, gratitude, and deep love.Sweet silence fills the soul with lightness and sweetness. It bridges hearts, heals relationships, and restores faith in humanity. When I love silently, I love unconditionally. That is why silence and love can never be separated; they are two sides of the same truth.A Formula for a Complete LifeEvery soul searches for three treasures-peace, love, and happiness. Peace is to be, love is to do, and happiness is the reward. When I live in silence, these three qualities flow naturally. They do not come from outside, they emerge from within when I am connected to my Source.Through the practice of Rajyoga, I remember who I am-a point of light, a peaceful soul-and I connect with the Supreme Light, the Ocean of Love. From this awareness, heaven begins to appear, not somewhere else, but right here, in the heart.Silence is not escape, it is empowerment. In the language of silence, I rediscover the beauty of my soul and allow the world to feel God’s light through me.<img class="image_resized" style="width:12.72%;" src="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/bk_la_88b20d8de4.jpg" alt="bk la.jpg" srcset="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/thumbnail_bk_la_88b20d8de4.jpg 188w," sizes="100vw" width="188px"> &nbsp;&nbsp; BK La,&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; National Coordinator Brahma Kumaris, Thailand&nbsp;

The Language of Silence: Communicating through the Heart

Life unfolds in its own rhythm not a moment too early, not a moment too late. Yet, how often do we resist its timing? We look back with regret “If only it had happened sooner,” or forward with anxiety “When will it finally happen?” In doing so, we forget the most sacred space of all the present moment. Rajyoga Meditation teaches that every scene of life is precisely placed in the vast drama of time.To live peacefully we need to trust this accuracy to know that everything that comes is right and everything that goes is right. This awareness transforms regret into gratitude and impatience into faith.The Art of Being in the MiddleWe can compare life to a ballet dancer one foot stretched toward the past, the other toward the future. It may look graceful, but how long can one sustain such a posture? The real balance, she reminds us, is found in the middle here and now.Being “in the middle” means recognizing that my mind can wander into yesterday or tomorrow, yet I, the soul, remain anchored in the present. The present is where God’s power flows. Every breath, every thought, every feeling is part of this living moment. When I am here, I am aligned with reality; when I drift away, I lose my inner rhythm. Rajyoga brings us back to that centre. In silence, I learn to watch thoughts as clouds passing through a vast sky of awareness. The soul becomes steady, unshaken by the past or the future.Acceptance: Seeing Accuracy in Every SceneWe often ask, “If everything happens accurately, why do painful things occur wars, calamities, loss?” My insights are: the present moment is accurate because it exists. All ingredients that make up this moment people, situations, emotions are here for a reason. Accuracy does not mean everything is pleasant; it means everything has a purpose in our growth. The mind that resists asks, “Why?” The mind that accepts whispers, “How can I use this moment well?”When we stop judging experiences as “good” or “bad,” life starts to feel less heavy. We begin to trust the divine script. God is not sending pain; He is offering scenes for the soul to awaken. Every experience even sorrow becomes a teacher guiding us toward understanding, patience, and maturity.The Energy of RespectMy reflections arise from a friend who, in her unhappiness, confessed she could not bear my positivity. This encounter revealed something deeper the sacredness of respect. Respect means allowing every soul to be as they are, without interference.In our enthusiasm to “help,” we may unconsciously impose our energy or expectations on others. True spiritual help begins with humility, asking, “Do you wish for my help?” When I respect another’s state, even if it is sadness, I honour their journey.Great souls like Dadi Gulzar exemplified this. When she entered a space of grief, she did not try to uplift; she simply was pure, peaceful, connected. Her very presence radiated light. She didn’t do anything; she was everything. This is the power of being rather than doing the silent service that heals without words.The Freedom to ChooseEvery moment presents a choice. Even while choosing something as simple as a dress, we exercise the power to decide. In the same way, we can choose how to respond to situations. Awareness turns every small decision into a sacred act.Those caught in sorrow often feel powerless, yet sister feel that even the smallest step the thought of seeking help, a moment of openness is already light. The desire to move from darkness toward light means that the light has already begun to shine. “If you are in misery, you are in misery but the moment you decide to ask, you are already in the light.”Simply BeingThe essence of Rajyoga is not about trying to change the world or even others. It is about becoming who we truly are peaceful, pure, and full. When we are connected to the Supreme Source, we naturally radiate light without effort. Helping then becomes a state of being, not doing.To live in the present is to live in God’s company. It is to trust the perfection of time and to rest in the awareness that I am exactly where I am meant to be. From that space, everything flows understanding, compassion, peace, and divine love.<img class="image_resized" style="width:9.1%;" src="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/bk_nannet_van_bb27461c5e.jpg" alt="bk nannet van.jpg" srcset="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/thumbnail_bk_nannet_van_bb27461c5e.jpg 151w," sizes="100vw" width="151px"> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; BK Nannet Van Der Kleijn,&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Brahma Kumaris, Holland&nbsp;

The Power of Now: Living with Awareness and Acceptance

In our spiritual journey, one truth consistently guides us back to clarity and peace, the law of karma. Often misunderstood or even feared, karma, when understood in its purest form, becomes the most empowering spiritual tool, a mirror through which we rediscover who we truly are.The Creator WithinMany believe others can harm them, that pain comes from outside. The spiritual truth is, nobody can truly harm me; I use people and situations to hurt myself. Realizing this shifts everything, reawakening our identity as the creator of our experiences rather than a victim of circumstances. When we forget this, we move away from our original power, the royal dignity of the soul.Rajyoga teaches that just as the body has physical parents, the soul has a spiritual parent, the Supreme Father, God. Remembering this restores our lost inheritance of peace, love, and power. Acting from this awareness, every thought, word, and action carries the fragrance of truth.Understanding Karma Beyond TheoryKarma is often misinterpreted as dependent on how others feel about our actions. In truth, karma is based on our inner intentions. If I steal, even if the person is unaffected, the act leaves an imprint on my consciousness. The discomfort I feel is the natural return of that action, not punishment, but a signal that I have moved away from my authentic self.Karma is not an external judgment but an internal recording. Every action creates an impression in the soul, a subtle memory shaping future thoughts and experiences. God is not keeping a record; I am. The law simply returns to me what I have set in motion.The Memory of the SoulEvery action against our true nature, peace, purity, and love, compromises authenticity. This builds heaviness, restlessness, or fear. The soul stores every vibration. Ignoring these signals deepens imbalance, while reflection reveals that suffering attributed to fate or God is actually discomfort from being away from our truth.God is never a punisher. The Supreme is the eternal Ocean of Love. Our suffering is simply the soul saying, "You have gone too far from yourself." Each time we realign with truth, pain dissolves, and peace naturally returns.The Inner Environment and the Outer WorldDisturbances in the world, natural calamities, imbalance, and chaos, reflect collective consciousness. Nature absorbs our vibrations. When humans compromise truth, the natural order is disturbed. At the Brahma Kumaris, we speak of "Climate and Consciousness." True healing begins within. Wasting water, speaking harshly, or acting with anger influences the world. Acting with awareness, care, and gratitude contributes harmony. The world changes when consciousness changes, and that begins with me.The Diamond WithinThe self is a diamond covered in mud. The mud represents habits, anger, fear, and laziness, while the diamond is our pure, radiant self. Removing mud externally struggles like peeling an onion with tears. Through Rajyoga meditation, the light awakens from within, naturally dissolving layers. We do not fight weaknesses; we awaken our truth. As the inner diamond shines, impurities lose their grip.Transforming Karma Through AwarenessWith higher awareness, old karmic patterns lose power. Every positive thought, act of love and truth plants new seeds. Past impressions become dormant when we stop feeding them. The soul’s light, strengthened through connection with the Supreme, purifies everything it touches. Gradually, positivity, honesty, and compassion flow naturally, influencing others silently.The Choice to Create a New DestinySpirituality is simple. It is a choice to live by truth or compromise with illusion. Every thought, word, and action is a seed. If we want happiness, we must sow happiness. Taking responsibility stops us waiting for the world to change and starts changing the vibration we offer it.Rajyoga, the "Yoga of the Sovereign," reconnects us with our royal, original self, merging with the Supreme Source of all light. The old operating system of fear fades, replaced by love, peace, and purity.Each of us can end a life of compromise and return to light. When we remember who we are, the child of the Supreme, a living diamond, karma becomes our teacher, guiding us gently home to truth.<img class="image_resized" style="width:9.62%;" src="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/BK_Usha_SA_eb52766480.png" alt="BKUsha,SA.png" srcset="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/thumbnail_BK_Usha_SA_eb52766480.png 140w," sizes="100vw" width="140px"> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Sister BK Usha,&nbsp;&nbsp; Member of National Coordinating Team,&nbsp;&nbsp; Brahma Kumaris, South Africa

The Law of Karma: Returning to Our Authentic Self

The complexities of karmic relationships often trace their roots back to the seemingly simple experiences of childhood, particularly the experience of unmet needs. We will deep dive into how these early experiences shape our adult characters and relationships dynamics revealing a pathway to self-awareness and healing.Two Sides of the Karmic CoinWhen a child's needs go unmet, it often creates a karmic pattern that guides their future relationships. This pattern can manifest in two opposing ways.The Needy Seeker(The Internalizer or The Yin): This is the child who felt rejected and is now constantly seeking love at any price. They internalize events, feeling "deeply wounded" by normal relationship shifts (like a best friend moving on), perceiving it as a rejection. For them, this reactive, wounded behavior seems "normal". This person will look for the solution within themselves first.The Assertive Externalizer (The Yang): This person might also stem from a similar situation but reacts by becoming forthright and assertive, readily discarding relationships that don't meet their demands. They project outwards, often playing the blame game or putting responsibility onto others. They are generally the least interested in self reflection and change, simply believing the "solution is out there".This dynamic between the yin (internalizer, inner and reflective) and yang (externalizer, forthright and masculine) types, noting that both are rooted in early life, perhaps even pre birth, forming a karmic bondage that impacts our compatibility and reactions to one another.From Unawareness to AwakeningMost people are simply dealing with immediate relationship situations, unaware that the root cause lies in childhood trauma, sometimes as early as being an infant whose cry for help went unanswered. For the child, and even the adult, this learned behavioris accepted as the norm because they lack the ability to compare it to anything different. The real key to change is awareness. If you're not clear you're unwell, you won't go to the doctor. The journey starts with the realization that "something is missing or needs to be addressed" the acceptance of a current wound or an unmet need.The Solution-Focused Path to HealingFor example: an incredibly successful, independent young woman whose unmet need was for support due to having a neurotic mother. This led her to never ask for help, fearing she would look weak and vulnerable. Once a person who internalizes reaches a point of crisis and feels vulnerable and unsupported, they must become solution focused.1. Acknowledge and Self Support: She has to ask herself, what need is not being met? I feel unsupported. As a competent adult, she has the "emotional maturity and cognitive ability" to give herself the support she lacked to give herself "a hug right now" and acknowledge the need.2. Track the Seed Point: The next step is to reflect on why help was never ask for. By realizing this current pattern, the pieces of the puzzle will naturally fall into place, drawing the person back to the original incident in childhood the seed point where the pattern began.3. Resolve and Rewrite the Pattern: Once the seed point is identified, the adult self can look back with reality (e.g.. :My mother loved me") and let of the old fear factor(e.g.. "I will never get my needs met"). This awakening is the healing.Once the individual tracks the feeling back to its seed point the first time patten occurred in childhood the awakening and awareness itself begins the healing journey. The adult's cognitive ability and emotional maturity allow them to put the fear factor in its place, realizing that the childhood patten is no longer relevant to their successful adult reality.This process can be compared to a battery that's overused and leaking; you go back to address the leakage points. Once that realization hits, the pattern is broken. The thought automatically shifts from :I'm not going to ask anybody for help" to "I need help, I'm going to ask so-and-so."The awakening and the awareness itself is the beginning of the healing journey. It removes the avoidance mechanisms like keeping ever so busy to neglect oneself and allows the individual to stop resisting the very solution they need. It is about lightening ourselves with this deep knowledge.<img class="image_resized" style="width:13.74%;" src="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/BK_Monica_ac7498914f.jpg" alt="BK Monica.jpg" srcset="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/thumbnail_BK_Monica_ac7498914f.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="245px"> &nbsp;&nbsp; Sister BK Monica,&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Brahma Kumaris, UK

The Solution-Focused Path to Healing

In our daily lives, we're constantly looking for love and support. We seek it in our relationships, our work, and our passions. But what about the ultimate source of love? The one who is the "ocean of love," as I’ve often said? Many people see God as a distant figure, someone to pray to in times of great need or as a matter of duty. They perform rituals and follow routines, but they don't truly have a relationship with Him. What if I told you that accessing God's love is as simple as building a genuine, unbroken relationship with a trusted friend?From Ritual to RelationshipThe problem for many of us is that our connection to God is a ritual, not a relationship. We pray and perform our duties, but we don't engage with Him as a living energy. We don't truly feel His presence. But God is a living being, the supreme energy, or Param Atma. We, as Jivatmas, are souls, and as such, we are on the same level, allowing for a deep, energy-to-energy, thought-to-thought connection.The link to this relationship is often broken by our body-consciousness and material-consciousness. We become so focused on the material world, our jobs, our social status, and our daily chores that we lose our connection to the soul. We become "doing beings," not "being beings." We get so engrossed in what we are doing that we forget who we are.Living as a "Being Being"So how do we maintain this connection while living our busy lives? It's about shifting our perception. Instead of letting a difficult task stress us out, we can say to ourselves, "I can do this. I have the power, and I will do it with love." By bringing love and peace into our actions, we are staying connected to our soul. We can also invite God into our daily routine. Think of Him as a constant companion. As I always say, you can even talk to God while you're shopping. "Do you like this dress? What should I cook today?" This simple act of including Him in your thoughts transforms the relationship from a distant duty into an intimate companionship.When we are constantly in touch with God in our thoughts, we feel a kind of inner strength and new energy. A new idea or a solution to a problem might pop into our minds, a thought that we didn't produce ourselves. This is God's way of answering us, a subtle but powerful sign of His love.The Power of an Unbroken ConnectionMaintaining this connection also helps us reduce negativity and comparison. When we're occupied with thoughts of the Supreme, we don't have time to compare ourselves to others. We become peaceful and cool, without competition or fear. This is the inner peace that comes from knowing you are never alone.The beauty of a relationship with God is that He can be everything to us at once: a father, a mother, a teacher, a friend, a guide, a lover, and a doctor. While human relationships are limited to one role, God is all in one. He is the inner doctor who keeps us calm when we are sick, a friend who shares our happiness, and a guide who helps us sail across life's difficult waters.This relationship isn't mysterious or difficult. It’s a matter of the mind, a choice we make to keep God in our thoughts. As we begin to cultivate this bond, we will feel an extra power, a kind of bubbling joy and energy that an ordinary person lacks. This energy is not just for us, it's also felt by those around us. Our peaceful thoughts and vibrations can have a positive effect on others, creating a harmonious environment in our homes and workplaces.Ultimately, God's love is not something you have to earn or chase after. It is always there. All you have to do is establish a relationship with Him, an unbroken thread of love and companionship, and you will find yourself in an ocean of endless love and security.<img class="image_resized" style="width:9.74%;" src="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/BK_Janki_771fd9af01.png" alt="BK Janki.png" srcset="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/thumbnail_BK_Janki_771fd9af01.png 156w," sizes="100vw" width="156px"> BK Janaki National Coordinator of Brahma Kumaris Indonesia

treasures

Wisdom of Wednesday