Filling the Gaps: Understanding the Power of Thought

One of the most significant insights I gained from Rajyoga was a deeper understanding of thoughts. I had read extensively about positive and negative thoughts and even the law of attraction. However, I hadn't fully grasped that thoughts are a direct connection to a source of nourishment, to our spiritual battery. I didn't realize that certain thoughts not only propel us forward but also help us establish a profound connection with our Maker, the ultimate Source. This isn't just about manifesting material desires like a new car or a beautiful house; it's about connecting to the source of all that is, which then allows for a richer experience of both the material and spiritual worlds.

Overcoming Rejection and Connecting to the Soul

Rajyoga also helped me confront a deep-seated sense of rejection. I believe many of us experience this, often subconsciously. We take things personally, whether in professional or personal relationships. I came to understand that the part of us that feels rejected is actually the part that longs for connection. When we feel rejected, it's a message from our inner wisdom saying, "I want to connect." We often try to fill this void through external connections—cell phones, social media, shopping, or even food. But at the core, there's a profound longing for a deeper connection.

I didn't realize this was what I was truly seeking. I was unconsciously seeking connection in desperate ways, leading to resentment when I didn't feel noticed. Rajyoga provided the clarity I needed, revealing that the true longing was for a connection to the Source, not solely to other human beings. This profound clarity brought about a deep and ongoing healing process.

Transforming My Career: Seeing Souls, Not Bodies

As an advocate in Washington D.C. for over 30 years, I've seen firsthand how competitive the legal profession is. Despite outward success, there's often a void. This is largely because we tend to see others as bodies, not as souls. 

In Rajyoga, there's a strong emphasis on recognizing everyone as a soul. It's not just a concept; it's a way of living. We're encouraged to see with our "third eye," to perceive the spiritual essence in others. In my work, I used to see bosses, enemies, and adversaries—just bodies. I now understand that what I projected outwardly was reflected back to me. My adversarial perception created an adversarial world around me, which was draining & exhausting.

The Power of Elevated Thoughts: Our "Aviate Engine"

I realized that I was contributing to this adversarial environment, not because I was a "bad person," but because I didn't understand how energy works. 

Rajyoga taught me about the "aviate engine" in our spiritual life: elevated thoughts. Just as you need a powerful engine to reach the top of a mountain, spiritually, we need elevated thoughts to connect with the divine. These are the moments spent connecting my third eye with the Supreme Soul . Once I understood the necessity of an "aviate engine" spiritual life—where everything aligns with elevated thoughts and connection—the Shakespearean drama and constant exhaustion in my life began to dissipate.

A Surreal Experience in Madhuban

My first visit to Madhuban, India, was overwhelming. Witnessing thousands of people, their profound devotion, and unwavering commitment to spiritual life was unlike anything I had experienced. I saw people who had traveled for days, sacrificing what little they had to contribute. It was deeply moving.

I also had the opportunity to observe some long-time yogis. There was one woman, in particular, who had spoken briefly on stage. Later, I saw her quietly picking up her sandals. We didn't exchange words, but her presence was unforgettable. She was completely present in her body, yet there was an incredible emptiness within her, not a void of lacking purpose, but the emptiness of a hollow flute, an instrument. She had become a conduit, and through her silence and presence, she taught me the true essence of connection. I left that meditation hall, aspiring to one day achieve that same level of deep, silent connection.

Rajyoga has brought me unparalleled clarity and an ongoing healing process. It truly is a way of living that connects us to our deepest selves and the ultimate Source.

Marie Flore
Advocate Washington DC