The Heightened Need for Inner Resources in Our Current World

I feel the growing importance of cultivating inner resilience in these challenging times cannot be overstated. The recent global lockdowns serve as a stark reminder of how sudden events can disrupt our emotional, physical, and economic equilibrium. The peculiar reality of that period, where being "negative" becomes synonymous with "good," highlights the unprecedented nature of our recent experiences.

Looking ahead, I caution against the expectation of an easy path. The prevailing global landscape, marked by ecological vulnerabilities and geopolitical instabilities – referencing the ongoing war in Europe and its widespread economic repercussions – demands a greater degree of inner stability. It’s crucial for each of us to consciously examine our thoughts, feelings, and responses to these evolving circumstances. 

Beyond Global Crises: Addressing Our Daily Struggles and Relationships

Beyond these large-scale challenges, I also address the everyday difficulties we encounter in areas such as health, finances, and mental well-being. However, I highlight relationships as a particularly significant source of stress for many. My experience in workshops consistently shows that concerns related to relationships outweigh those related to health or wealth, underscoring the pervasive nature of relational difficulties in our modern lives. It’s becoming increasingly rare to find someone who doesn’t face at least a few tricky relationships. 

The Subtle Power of Language and Shifting Perspectives

On a spiritual level, I share my understanding of the subtle yet potent influence of our language. I often advise people to avoid using the word "difficult," as it can inadvertently amplify what we aim to overcome. Focusing on what isn't functioning can unintentionally energize it. While acknowledging the reality of a non-working situation is important, I suggest exploring alternative ways to articulate it without resorting to negative framing.

Furthermore, our individual ideals significantly shape how we perceive functional relationships. Our unique experiences and inherent qualities mold our understanding and expectations, which can vary greatly from person to person. What one person considers acceptable or manageable, another might perceive as deeply problematic. 

Accessing Our Inner Sanctuary:

I introduce a concept that is profoundly helpful in my own journey: the distinction between our "core self," our innate being, and the "acquired" layers of our personality. Conflicts often arise when our interactions stem from these acquired selves, with our imperfections and unmet expectations clashing. To find peace amidst relational friction, I propose accessing an inner "sacred space," a personal "secret garden" where we can find safety and inner peace. This inner sanctuary holds the inherent resources we need to remain unperturbed by external negativity and to perceive others with greater clarity.

The "key" to this inner garden, lies in cultivating awareness. The teachings of Brahma Kumaris offer the essential understanding and, more importantly, the means to experience this inner realm. This deeper self-awareness not only benefits our own inner peace but also enhances our capacity to view others with understanding.

However, mere intellectual understanding is not enough. We must cultivate the habit of accessing this inner space regularly, even in times of calm. We need to familiarize ourselves with our inner sanctuary beforehand. Meditation, in this context, becomes the practice of connecting with our inner selves, tapping into our inherent resources, and seeing beyond superficial behaviors to the intrinsic goodness within others – their soul.

This consistent practice helps us develop positive "sanskaras"– of perceiving the inherent beauty in everyone. Consequently, even when confronted with unseemly behavior, this cultivated habit facilitates seeing beyond the surface "dirt" to the underlying "gold." 

The Vital Role of Inner Energy and Divine Connection

Recharging this inner battery is paramount, and two key elements contribute to this process: the quality of our thoughts and our connection with the Divine. Sharing my personal journey, I describe my eventual understanding of God as a simple, formless light and love, untainted by human agendas. Meditating on this pure concept serves as a powerful means of inner replenishment, making positive regard for others, even those who challenge us, a tangible possibility. The more we nurture this connection, the more readily this positive perspective arises. 

Cleansing the Heart and Reframing Perspectives

We often perceive the world not as it is, but through the filters of our past experiences. Even when past negative karmic cycles have concluded, we may still carry the emotional residue, hence distorting our perception of present realities. 

The crucial step, lies in cultivating awareness – recognizing when our thinking is being clouded by past experiences. To "cleanse our hearts," we must consciously engage in creating positive karma in the present moment. The proactive generation of positive energy serves as a sustainable inner resource during challenging times, effectively shaping a more positive future by consciously influencing our present. 

The Path of Reflection and Continuous Inner Exploration truly holds the key to navigating the complexities of our external reality with greater peace and understanding.

 
Sr. Antonella Ferrari  
National Coordinator Brahma Kumaris Italy