By: Gitte Hulden
Source: The Daily Guardian https://epaper.thedailyguardian.com/view/1868/the-daily-guardian%09/15
Dated: January 4th, 2025
Resilience can be likened to the tension on a stretched rubber band. A strong rubber band will be able to withstand a great deal of pressure but it can only go so far, until at one point it will snap. It will not suddenly snap of its own accord; it will have been stretched beyond its point of elasticity, which is roughly ten times its length. The same thing happens to us, unless we develop a way of meeting challenges without the need to stretch ourselves
beyond our limits. We can build in resilience, so that our minds and abilities are flexible and strong, and we can stretch to meet testing times, and still bounce back to our original state of peace.
A balanced physical life needs rest and sleep, good nutrition and regular exercise. But we can also balance our spiritual life through meditation, study of spiritual matters, putting what we learn into practice and finding ways to be of service to others. If we look at a 24- hour period there are habits we can adopt to incorporate practices that will heighten our resilience.
Starting with the early morning we can devote some time to ourselves and build a foundation for the day. We need to start our morning a little earlier than most, so that we have access to uninterrupted time. When we start the day with meditation, and recharge the battery of the soul by connecting with the Supreme source of spiritual energy, the Supreme Soul, we are compiling a bank of energy.
We are ready then, to study spiritual truths that enrich our minds and intellects. Spiritual study is fascinating, and not only serious, but full of fun and playfulness. There are moments of great understanding and insights into our own progress. Throughout the day we will find opportunities to put what we learn in the early morning into practice. Once we do, then those qualities and abilities become our own. In so doing, we bring benefit to the self, as it
brings out the best in us and also, we influence others. It is said that each person affects atleast 20 others.
However, there are three special practices, that literally transform the way we deal with what the day holds in store.
The first is to understand that all fears have their roots in fear of death. The powerful and liberating understanding that no-one ever really dies disintegrates all fear. The body finishes but the consciousness never dies. The consciousness or soul simply moves on to a new physical identity, like changing clothes. We need have no fear of anything.
Secondly, when we learn how to become a detached observer, we can make our own movie. The moment we begin to watch our life unfold as if it were a movie or a cartoon, then we immediately gain power and perspective. We are above everything while still being a part of everything. We gain such perspective, that we can find humour in most of the trivial situations that otherwise would be bothering us.
Finally, in the evenings we can rewrite our story. At the end of each day, we can keep a diary or journal and examine how the day unfolded. If we find mistakes then we can, with detachment and wisdom, see what went wrong and how we can play that differently the next time we are in a similar position. The power of writing at the end of the day is not to be underestimated, especially if we take time to list all the things we are truly grateful for. An attitude of gratitude greatly strengthens our resilience.
The key to it all, is to find the time to engage in early morning meditation. To deeply connect with the self, and then through a connection with the Supreme Soul, download and absorb all the spiritual power we need to become mentally strong and resilient.
Gitte Hulden is the National Co-ordinator
for the Brahma Kumaris in Finland.
