In a world driven by material pursuits, it is rare to find young individuals deeply immersed in the spiritual realm. However, me, a young woman from Lisbon, Portugal, is an exception. My journey from a life of indulgence to a path of self-discovery and spiritual awakening is both inspiring and enlightening.

Born into a Christian household, I was always curious about life’s deeper meanings. From an early age, I and my sisters engaged in profound discussions about existence, happiness, and God’s role in shaping human destinies. The contradictions in religious teachings puzzled me—if God was the ocean of love, why did suffering exist? If everything happened according to divine will, why did injustice prevail? These unanswered questions remained dormant as I grew older and got caught in the routine of modern life.

As I entered adulthood, I immersed myself in the typical aspirations of success—education, a good job, a stable relationship, and financial security. By societal standards, I was thriving. However, deep within, I felt an unsettling emptiness. The external accomplishments did not translate into inner peace. I questioned, If I have everything I am supposed to need, why am I not happy? This realization marked the beginning of my search for something beyond material success.

A pivotal moment came when my sister, noticing my confusion, suggested I visit a tarot card reader. Initially skeptical, I accepted the gift and attended the session. The tarot reader’s message was simple yet profound—You are looking for something, but the answers are not outside; they are within you. This statement lingered in my mind, igniting a deeper desire to explore spirituality. Determined to find clarity, I turned to Google, searching how to look inside myself.

My search led me to various meditation practices, eventually directing me to the Brahma Kumaris. Drawn by its accessibility and the warmth of the people, I attended a Sunday talk. The moment I stepped into the center, I felt an unexplainable sense of belonging. It was as if I had entered the world I and my sisters had imagined as children—a place where kindness and harmony were the norm.

Despite not remembering the details of that first talk, what stayed with me was the authenticity of the speaker. The woman on stage was not merely teaching but genuinely embodying the values she spoke of. This sincerity resonated deeply with me, prompting me to enroll in the Rajyoga meditation course. Since I had free time, I also began volunteering at the centre, immersing myself in the experience.

One of the most striking aspects of the Brahma Kumaris, according to me, is their humility. Despite wearing white, a color often associated with purity and divinity, the practitioners did not claim to be perfect. They openly acknowledged their imperfections and embraced spirituality as a journey rather than a destination. This honesty strengthened my faith in the practice.

As I progressed on my spiritual journey, I noticed significant changes in myself. One of the most profound realizations was about self-love and acceptance. Through meditation and a deeper understanding of God, I learned that I was loved unconditionally—not for the person I would become but for who I was in that moment. This newfound self-acceptance naturally extended to others, allowing me to view them with more compassion.

However, the journey was not without challenges. My transformation did not go unnoticed by family and friends, who now held me to higher expectations. The very people who once accepted my flaws now seemed to scrutinize them more, assuming that spirituality meant immediate perfection. When disagreements arose, particularly with my mother, I had to remind myself—and others—that I was still human, still learning, and still evolving.

I soon realized that spirituality was not about attaining flawlessness but about awareness and continuous effort. The goal was not to become immune to mistakes but to recognize them, learn from them, and strive to do better. This awareness led me to complain less, appreciate more, and develop a greater sense of gratitude for my life.

Claudia Giacomo
Brahma Kumaris, Portugal.