By: Chirya Risely
Source: The Daily Guardian https://epaper.thedailyguardian.com/view/1776/the-daily-guardian%09/15
Dated: December 14th, 2024

Life is all about choices. In every situation there is a choice to be made. We choose how people affect our mood. We choose to be in a good mood or bad mood. It is our choice how we live our life. We have to choose to get to a point where our mood does not vacillate because of situations or the insignificant actions of someone else. We do not need to give others the power to control our lives. We do not need to allow our emotions to overpower our intelligence. Strength comes with self-control. A state of calm is mastery of the mind. 

The outside world presents us with a myriad of choices if we spend time looking. Our desires will increase and we chase after things that once obtained, quickly lose their appeal and fascination. So, on we go to the next sparkling thing, slowly we begin to lose our self-worth. Our conscience bites and our inner cheer is lost. We berate ourselves and subtly shape a nature of sorrow. Being hard on the self does us great harm – it is much more effective to handle the self and others with love.

Unconditional love is always our choice. Love is our inherent nature, our natural state of being. It has nothing to do with others. When we remain in constant awareness and connection with our own energy of love, then the feelings of love for other people are not dependent on their behaviour, even when their words or behaviour are not right. Love means accepting and respecting people as they are and caring about their well-being, no matter how they behave with us. 

Unconditional love starts with the self. We need to love ourselves, for all the inner beauty we possess and all the endeavours we are making; taking time to enjoy our own company by first returning to the centre of the self.  It is the journey of one second. Deep inside our consciousness is an oasis of peace and love. This molten core of the soul is not hot like the earth’s centre, it is cool. It is a source of inner power to fuel our mind and intellect, so we can create powerful thoughts, make accurate decisions and learn to do everything in a worthwhile way. When we choose to go within to this centre, we easily can connect with God’s power. Peace and love become our companions, positivity our partner, and we are able to chill out in one second, anywhere, anytime. 

When I choose to spend the time looking within, I get to know myself better. I maintain a continuity with my inner self and realize where I need to change.  Wanting others to change is of no use; they are not in our control. Choose to have no expectations of others. The only person we can choose to change is ourselves.

Chirya Risely is a Rajyoga meditation teacher
based at the Brahma Kumaris Peace Village Retreat Center, USA.