My personal journey began in Chile, where I was born and raised during a time of political upheaval. My parents and I sought peace, which led us to Costa Rica when I was young. Even as a teenager, I was deeply puzzled by humanity. How could beings so intelligent, capable of creating such wonderful things, also be so sad and violent? This fundamental question drove me to study psychology, hoping to understand the intricacies of the human mind.

My search for answers eventually led me to meditation and the wisdom of Indian philosophers. What I discovered resonated deeply: we often feel depressed because we lose ourselves in external pursuits.

This realization was powerfully reinforced recently through my work as a psychologist, counseling UN staff who are experiencing significant anxiety. I’ve observed, Anxiety, is this constant feeling of insecurity about what the future holds, how things will unfold, and whether we'll be capable of handling challenges. Through this work, I've come to understand that external security is an illusion. The only true, unwavering security lies within the soul, that eternal, indestructible energy that is our true essence. Experiencing this inner safety and protection has been crucial for my growth. When you're constantly battling anxiety, fear, or insecurity, making decisions or facing daily life becomes incredibly difficult. But when you feel secure inside, it opens up a connection with God, allowing you to feel His protection and find the courage to make difficult decisions. This has been a profound personal truth for me lately.

Spirituality in Action: Supporting Souls Through Crisis

Spirituality is not about teaching religion, but about helping people understand the profound importance of a spiritual practice for their daily lives. It's more than just reading books or performing devotions; it's about gaining the knowledge to live a well-adjusted life.

I then recounted a tragic, yet deeply insightful, experience during the COVID lockdown. One of our sisters had a son with schizophrenia whose condition worsened drastically due to the lockdown, leading to an increase in his violence. In a devastating crisis, he killed her. He was around 30, and while he normally managed his condition with medication, the mental health impact of the lockdown was immense.

While we knew our sister, had moved on, and that her act was a sacrifice of love—knowing who else would care for him

(the son)—the question remained: how would the remaining family cope? How could we help them see the situation from a different perspective, rather than succumbing to the violence and sorrow that could lead to deep trauma and hopelessness?

As a community, we organized a service, meditating with compassion for both souls, knowing they both needed support. We recognized that even within his sickness, there was goodness in his soul, but he was in crisis. His mother needed support for her transition. Because we understand the soul is eternal and that souls cleanse themselves of past karmas, we knew she would move on. The Brahma Kumaris family from across Latin America meditated for them both. The power of this collective meditation was immense, enabling the family to make necessary decisions amidst their grief. In moments of crisis like this, your strongest support comes from within, from your spiritual core. Practicing for a long time helps you access this support in practical moments.

The family, who initially had no spiritual practice, felt immense support from our community. They witnessed how our sister's spirituality kept her elevated, serving her son and remaining loyal to her role. While direct visits with the son are not possible due to his retention, we continue to send good wishes and provide service to his mind. 

Overcoming Challenges: Blockages, Barriers, and Bondages

Despite my disciplined Raj Yoga practice, I still face challenges, implying that these are ongoing "test papers" for the soul's purpose. 

This year, my deepest realization is about feelings. I’ve identified three key areas we need to work on to heal the heart: 

1. Blockages are those internal states that leave you paralyzed, unsure of what to do, often stemming from past lives.
2. Barriers are current situations—like challenges with a boss or one's own body—that suddenly arise and impede progress.
3. Bondages are karmic ties with others that cause uncomfortable sensitivity or prevent feelings of well-being.

By understanding what I'm feeling and identifying its source, I can access the inherent power we all possess to overcome these obstacles from the heart. While the mind is incredibly powerful in its thoughts, it is our feelings that truly indicate progress on our spiritual journey. If you don't feel content or peaceful, it often means one of these "three B's" is preventing you from moving forward.

I work part-time as a consulting psychiatrist, and while it's a professional role, my clients often know I'm a meditation teacher. They seek me out because they trust that I will bring a sense of peace to our interactions. It’s a wonderful way to integrate my professional and spiritual life.

 
Marianne Lizana Brahma Kumaris, San Jose, Costa Rica