I'm originally from Thessaloniki, Greece, though I later moved to Athens for both professional and spiritual growth. From a young age, I was always drawn to exploring wider horizons. I competed internationally in rhythmic gymnastics and loved connecting with diverse cultures. These elements – creativity, a love for quiet, and an innate joy – were always present, yet I didn't quite know how to live life fully.

A Serene Revelation: Stepping onto the Raja Yoga Path

My journey took an unexpected turn, almost as if life's very script guided me through a series of coincidences. I began practicing Hatha Yoga, and upon my return to Greece after completing my master's degree, I sought to continue some form of meditation. I was fortunate to locate a Meditation center in northern Greece. The moment I stepped inside, the atmosphere was profoundly serene. I felt whole, completely at home, almost as if I instinctively remembered the practice. Silence, I've learned, provides answers, and I simply knew I needed to concentrate on a point of light, without anyone explicitly guiding me. The environment was beautifully simple, which I adored, and the people's eyes were incredibly welcoming and warm.

 I sensed that even if it wasn't physical yoga, something far more profound awaited. As I entered, I felt a sense of déjà vu, as if I had been searching for precisely this, and it was finally manifesting.

The Freedom of the Soul: Building Inner Character

After some initial meditation and learning, what truly resonated and made me feel I was living fully was a series of experiences that brought about a profound sense of freedom. From the very first class, the revelation that we are spiritual beings, not just bodies, was transformative. The idea that I could cultivate and maintain my feelings and thoughts throughout the day and over the years, to literally create the character I desired, felt far more significant than any studies I had pursued, whether related to physical disciplines or academic pursuits.

One of the key practices I now employ regularly is introversion, maintaining the consciousness that I am a spiritual being, a soul residing within the body. This involves a detachment from external perceptions, whether they are real or illusory. Often, there's a good deal of falsehood in the world, even within relationships, where individuals can be overly influenced, overly direct with truth, or even distort it. Conversely, some might be somewhat harsh. I learned to navigate these varied feelings. Keeping relationships fresh is a valuable investment, and I've found that other aspects of life tend to fall into place.

Nurturing the Self: The Core of Good Relationships

When asked what constitutes a "bad" relationship with oneself, I would describe it as knowing my limits but repeatedly crushing them, which inevitably leads to frustration and, eventually, burnout. It's also about a lack of self-awareness regarding one's own boundaries. I've come to understand the vital importance of dedicating time to myself, not merely filling my schedule with endless activities, even if I'm capable and talented. It means setting aside time for genuine inner exploration, delving into what truly resides in my heart, or acknowledging potential blind spots. What if the feedback I receive from others, even if it's unpleasant, holds a kernel of truth?

Through this practice, I've learned to detach from my roles and avoid overthinking the execution of duties. Instead, I focus on the spirit, cultivating moments that allow me to perceive life with greater clarity.

Spirituality in Action: Living Fully Every Day

Raja Yoga strongly advocates for deep introspection. While we often concentrate on our relationships with others, I've realized that the most crucial connection is often with oneself first. When I am at peace with myself, things flow more naturally, even socially. 

It's vital to acknowledge our progress but avoid the pitfall of believing we have "arrived." There is always more depth to explore. Raja Yoga emphasizes being in action; we cannot wait for absolute perfection before contributing to the community. This spiritual study is like a car with four wheels: knowledge (spiritual wisdom), yoga (the connection with the self and the Supreme), dharna (the transformation of knowledge and power into being, interpreted as good manners), and service. This service isn't limited to structured activities but encompasses living harmoniously, contributing to the community, and even offering support through the mind during times of disaster.

I continue to work as a full-time architect during weekdays. I genuinely enjoy the connection with people and the ongoing opportunity to learn from every experience.

Spirituality into reality. 

The realization is particularly insightful: we're often immersed in daily routines, but when something isn't flowing, those are precisely the moments to invoke our spiritual powers and put spirituality into reality. This, for me, is the essence of living life fully. It's not just about accumulating knowledge, which can be an easy trap, but about experiencing it daily. When our routine deviates from the plan, that's the precise moment for spiritual power to come into play.

Maria Pangalou – Olympian, Centre coordinator,
Brahma Kumaris - ATHENS