There is a phrase in English- “absence makes the heart grow fonder”. How true!! When someone is away, it seems like we think more of them and “miss” the good times. Is it really so?? 

What would happen if that person was with you 24 by 7? Would everything still be perfect and hunky-dory? Obviously not, since as we spend lot of time with another person, it is very natural that disagreements and clashes will arise over differing likes and choices. But this is life. If a person is brought into your sphere of influence then there is a purpose and plan for why they are there! 
 
Part of conscious living is to welcome all interactions including these challenging situations. It’s true that if the going is smooth, we will surely enjoy the ride, but if the going is not as smooth, then it simply means- that your interaction with that person is highlighting areas within yourself that need to be analyzed for stuck energy of repeated patterns. It is hard to objectively look at such upsetting scenarios. So, how do we start?? 

Here are some Real-life Steps for Walking the Path:

Start by viewing the troubling scenarios as if you were watching a movie. In movies, we of course take sides with the protagonist or other characters, but we are never truly “emotionally involved” since we know it is a “made up story- a film”. Because of this, even when we are watching true story narratives, we are able to find places and times, where the “good”, “nice”, “kind” protagonist still made mistakes and goofed up the situation.

Basically by not being emotionally identified with the protagonist and by not being involved in the situation, allows us real objectivity to see what is truly going on and what actions/not each person is taking.

When you review your troubling scenario with such clear objectivity, it will allow you new insights and understandings into the dynamics of the interaction. Once you understand this, then you can make choices towards required actions.

Clarity of thinking has immense power. Usually we give lot of importance to the mind- but the mind only processes what it already knows. It is the intellect, usually called higher mind that allows us to clearly evaluate and analyze an issue. Intellect is like a sharp knife that can cut thru the veil of ignorance!

I can almost hear you say- what if the problem is really with the other person. What if they are a bully, abusive, angry or are exhibiting any other negative behaviors. Even then- such objective review will allow you to see the entire situation without your previous bias of them as the “abuser” and you as the “victim”.

​Instead, you will see the action for what is- how your actions have led them to continue or even encouraged them to continue with such destructive behaviors towards you. Once you have this clarity then you will feel equipped to proceed further with whatever actions you need to take in that given situation.

​Categories:   
Conscious Living,   Guidance,   Journey To Oneness,   Our Path Our Journey,   Spiritual Awareness   and   Spiritual Lessons  

Keywords & Tags:   
 #codependence #ConsciousLiving  #EndAbuse  #LivingFree #noabuse   #conflictresolution

There are many things that we all “think” we know! It could be about a particular topic of expertise where we may feel like we know all that there is to it. When it comes to people around us, most of us tend to think we know those people.

What we fail to realize is that there are many facets to each person and even if you have spent a lifetime in close proximity to someone like your parent or spouse, you probably still don’t know all there is to them. 

And, unfortunately many a times, we don’t know our own self either! We are always immersed in activities and never take the time to simply be with our self in contemplation and meditation. Really figure out who we are and what is our real nature.

Whenever you meet someone, take a moment and ask- what you think of them? Try to really question your perception of them, your inference about them with an unbiased mind.

Try to observe them, really listen to what they are saying and see if your conclusion/your branding of “who they are” is different than who they seem to be as they are speaking to you.

Take some time out to also reflect on your own self. Whenever you have a few minutes or during your meditation session- reflect on your true-real self!!    After all, most of the time, people tend to conclude about their own self too- "I am beautiful", "I am smart", "I am rich" and so on. 

See, if you can find that gap between your conclusion of who you think someone is and who they possibly could be!

Categories:   
Ascension,   Guidance,   Journey To Oneness,   Our Path Our Journey,   Spiritual Awareness   and   Spiritual Lessons  

Keywords & Tags:   
#DissolvingtheEgo #RemoveNegativeFeelings #ascension #spirituallesson #spiritualjourney #Karma   #FruitsofAction #Regression #situationalanalysis   #dealingwithdifficultpeople   #FindingTheGap   #RemovingBias   #AmazingPossibilities

We may think that we did such and such thing. But in reality, it is always the divine that is living thru us.   We feel like we have a free will and that we are free to choose whatever it is that we want to do and then be able to do it. Is that really so?? 

Rousseau once said- Man is born free and is everywhere in chains! Lord Krishna explained the reason behind this several hundreds of years ago. We are identified with being the do-er, without realizing that the divine is the dancer and we are the dance. Because of this deluded thinking, we end up getting caught in the karmic cycle of repeated births and deaths.

In our ancient Vedic texts, it is said that the Divine is the dancer and we are the dance.  It is important to differentiate between taking   responsibility for right action with mistaking oneself as the do-er. 

Though we may think of our self as a do-er, in reality, we are the outcome or result of all that is going on. This does not mean that one shirks responsibility! In fact, it is essential that we take responsibility for all that we do- in mind, body and spirit.

​But at the same time, when we conduct all the actions with the knowledge that it is the divine that is truly living and acting thru us, then those very same actions, become our path of Karma Yoga.

Are you holding someone responsible for something negative they did to you? E.g. lie to you… cheat on you and so on. This does not have to be in any profound way.

​There are many instances in life where we may not outright blame someone else for our problem or situation, but deep within, we believe they are responsible for our peril and because of it, we resent them. It could be parents, friends, coworkers, a stranger or even the government.

Do whatever action you need to take in the situation AND let go of your negative impression, resentment and blaming behavior. Know that ultimately all that happens to you, is part of the divine will and learn to surrender to this divine intension.

You will be surprised as to how this one simple action on your part will open up many opportunities for you that could never have been possible otherwise. Once you see the Divine as the real do-er, it frees up all the energy that you are currently wasting to uphold your false paradigm. You can then start achieving success and recognition beyond your wildest of dreams!!

Categories:   
Ascension,   Guidance,   Journey To Oneness,   Our Path Our Journey,   Spiritual Awareness ,   Spiritual Lessons  and   Yoga

​Keywords & Tags:   
#DissolvingtheEgo #RemoveNegativeFeelings #KarmaYoga #YogaforEmotionalWellbeing   #ascension #spirituallesson #spiritualjourney #Karma   #FruitsofAction #Regression #Accountability  #DoingActionWithoutBlame  

​“It is not the outside circumstances, but the inner blossoming of wellbeing which transforms our lives. It can be experienced as an intrinsic benefit of practicing Yoga.”

Most of us tend to live our lives from outside-in. By that I mean, we tend to think that when such and such thing occurs, I will be happy. When I achieve this or that I will feel better. And such thoughts are not just about accomplishments and achievements, but also we think the same about other aspects such as feeling better, not worrying, addressing physical or emotional pain and so on.

But the key lesson in life is that- it all works from inside-out. That is, whatever is inside of us, will manifest in time to what we experience in the outside world.

I am sure many of you will say that hey- I did not “choose” this pain or that I did not “want” this negativity, hurt and anger in my life. But- Universe does not function with our chosen labels for these thoughts and emotions. The key questions to consider are: are you worried about what will happen to you or a dear one? Are you angry at someone including yourself?

​Even though we may think of them separately, they all in a way are negative emotions and the Universe is going to reflect back to us what we send forth. So, if what we are sending out thru our thoughts, emotions and actions is negative then those are the very things we will receive back. By the same token, if we are to send out positive thoughts, emotions and actions then those are the things we will receive.

I can almost hear you say: “hey- you don’t understand. I just lost my job and I have kids to feed and a mortgage to pay- of course I am worried. Am I not human?” It is true that such “worrying” is considered quite acceptable in our society as “normal”. But does it really serve any purpose? We all know the physical impact of stress and worrying.

So, irrespective of spiritual reasons- think about this for a minute purely from a material-logical standpoint. When you don’t have a job, do you want the added expense of medical bills, not to mention bad health, which will further prevent you from efficiently and energetically searching for a new position?

Now, do you see- how worrying is a wasteful emotion? It is not only meaningless, but in fact aggravates the very situation which initially caused it!! Even though I have taken worrying as an example here, the same holds true for other negative emotions like anger, greed and so on.

Then why do we as humans engage in this behavior? In a way, it is to make ourselves feel more worthy! You see, deep down we all want to be recognized- this is not about fame, but simple recognition of “being-ness”. Unfortunately who we identify as “us” is not our true being-ness, but “an identity” of what we think is our “true self”.

This false sense of our identity or individuality is called as the ego- or ahamkara in Sanskrit. It is Ego that wants to feel that it (which for you is you) exists! When things are good, it leads to one type of ego boost- where all the recognitions and praise, make you feel like you exist- and when things are not as good and you feel ignored and left-out by the world- your own mind creates emotions like worry (“what will happen to me”?), anger (“how can they do this to me?”), greed (“how can I get this for me?”) and so on…

Till we are alive in our human bodies, ego is a mandatory and required aspect. And if left unaddressed, ego will want to continue to “exist and expand” as survival is the most basic instinct in all of creation. There are countless spiritual books which indicate that we need to live consciously and “stop identifying with the ego”. Many of us truly try. But how do we go about denying something, which is the “only thing” we have ever known as us!!

By that I mean, all your experience and understanding of this world about you is as “you”. And the only you, you have ever known is you- with the identities of name, family, race, caste, creed, sex and so on. So, it’s one thing when spiritual guides ask you to stop identifying with who you are and it is true that as one advances in one’s spiritual pursuits, one can start to realize that there is more to us than what we had previously thought. But when one starts on the journey, it gets difficult to learn to dis-engage from the ego.  

That is why Yoga helps in addressing the ego. Yoga means to be in unison with the supreme energy of the universe. Each time you do Yoga, somewhere you are expanding and at the same time rarefying your ‘sense of identify’. And like all facades when you start removing these fake layers (your identity about you or the ego) your true “being-ness” shines forth. And this being-ness will over time (linearly speaking) slowly merge into the Universal consciousness.

By doing Yoga, particularly in the initial stages of your spiritual journey, you start becoming conscious of a greater dimension than your own self almost like a higher harmonic/octave of your current note. This sense provide the assurance of “existing” to your ego, so in a way your ego identification need is addressed or should I say tamed so that you don’t feel the urge to indulge in negativities that boost it. For this reason, Ashtanga Yoga, which means the eight limbs of Yoga is the best approach, where asanas, what is usually taught in the west, is one of the limbs.

I will address the eight limbs of Yoga and how they can be utilized in this rarefying of our identification in another post. Hope you start with Yoga. Even a little bit of asanas, a little conscious breathing (called Pranayam) will all go a long way in setting you on the right path of your own spiritual pursuit.

​Categories:   
Ascension,   Guidance,   Journey To Oneness,   Our Path Our Journey,   Spiritual Awareness ,   Spiritual Lessons  and Yoga

Keywords & Tags:   
#DissolvingtheEgo #RemoveNegativeFeelings #AshtangaYoga #YogaforEmotionalWellbeing   #ascension #spirituallesson #spiritualjourney #Karma   #FruitsofAction #Regression #situationalanalysis   #dealingwithdifficultpeople   

​Do you ever feel frustrated when you write an email or send a text and the other person does not respond? Have you stopped to question why?- why are you feeling what you are feeling?

Typically when such things happen to us, we think of the other person as being rude or uncaring. We feel like they do not value us or are not interested enough to participate in our discussion. Our usual response to such behavior is that we try initiating contact a few times and then give up. Or get more aggressive by accusing them for their lack of response or possibly even take the ego-drama further by choosing to ignore that person as your way of “tit for tat”!

​And like many things in life, it is not about a specific situation, a specific interaction and what someone else has done, but it is about what that situation or interaction means to us as an individual, what are we doing (karma) and what are we feeling, i.e. what are we taking away from that situation (which will add to our samskars, i.e. karmic tendencies) that really matters.

If we look at this situation carefully, when we initiate any contact with anyone be it verbal, via email or text, it is with the “expectation” of a response. The more we are brought up in a cordial society with norms around “manners and behavior”, the more these expectations get ingrained in us. BUT, if we really look at this situation objectively, it is us putting something out in the universe (our karma). Aaaand like all fruits of our actions (karma phal), the response is not in our hands. It will be as and when and the way it is appropriate for us (as per Universe’s determination) for our growth.

So, at a spiritual level, it is not about if that other person responded to us or not but it is really about how we are responding to that situation. Yes, it is true that you may be looking for factual information from that person which is needed for you to conduct your next step and so on.

​I am not speaking about this factual side of any interaction. In Sanskrit there is a word called ta-tha which means as it is or simply put- as is… it is the fact of a situation without all the other emotional and karmic cloud around it. So, I am not speaking about the Ta-tha of that situation, but what and how we are responding to it- our emotional (and karmic) response. 

​If we are to observe our response and work thru them, it can hold immense lessons for us. Maybe when a person does not respond, it makes us feel rejected or bring back memories (this life and soul journey samskaras) of other scenarios where we were blatantly rejected or where we felt unappreciated (again an expectation which was not full-filled) and so on. Ultimately from all interaction we (as the ego) hope to uphold the sense of being or our I-ness. 

Because of this, by looking thru our response in such a situation, will allow us to figure out un-addressed or un-cleared lessons and samskars. Like all life situations we can utilize this scenario to help surface our un-addressed shadow side and once this shadow side is brought to “light”, it stops being a shadow and then can be actively cleared. Of course depending on the vastness and depth of this samskar, a simple clearing may suffice or possibly it may bring up many other lessons which are hidden under this vast blanket of “un-appreciation” or “rejection”.

What about the Ta-tha  of that situation, well- that is the easy part of the problem. Once we remove the emotions and our sense of “identity fulfillment” from any situation, then addressing what is required is always the easy part. Maybe that person has still not read your message, or they are probably too caught up and are meaning to respond to you at leisure. So patiently waiting for their reply could be in order. It is also possible that the person ignored your message as a way to communicate their disinterest and probably the best response is for you to stop or alter your communication with them.

As I wrote above, it is not about the Ta-tha of a specific situation. It will be different for each situation, but once we remove our “reaction” and an “emotional, self-identifying” aspect from it, we remove our karmic association and samskar negativities!

Thaaat is the key. Then when we perform the required action and usually it tends to come from a higher inspiration it tends to not only be the “right action” in that situation from a space of love and highest good for all concerned, but also an “a-karm”, where we are not identified with doing the action. 

More on a-karm in another post. :-)

​Keywords & Tags:   

#KarmicClearing   #ascension #spirituallesson #spiritualjourney #Karma   #FruitsofAction #Regression #pastlives  #situationalanalysis   #dealingwithdifficultpeople   

When I felt inspired to take on painting, it was about expressing the myriads of colors and textures!! Because of this, even though I appreciate any nice structured painting- like all the famous art in Louvre, it was (still is the case) not for me.
​
I prefer abstract painting, because, similar to life- the interpretation that one finds in any abstract visual work- depends on one’s own inner being. 

When we see an abstract painting, it tends to bring up our deeper emotions to surface. Then, if one is to observe one’s own reaction to any painting (particularly abstract) then you will find that it helps one to identify one’s own shadow and repressed side.

Once such emotions come to light, then atleast we have taken the first step towards addressing our deeper challenges.

Does this help only the observer or also the artist? Actually- both people.

When the artist paints with abandon, then they are creating content from their inner depth by releasing any ‘stuck emotions’ from within - that is how art can and has been used successfully as a therapeutic medium, over the years.

You can check out more about Art Therapy, if you are not very familiar with that concept.
​
And then, when one observes such a painting, it nudges and probes and prods the deeper essence within the observer.
Such is the real and true beauty of abstract art- it is truly in the eye of the beholder!!

This is one of my first artwork. It is made with acrylic paints using a sponge.

What do you see in this painting? What do the colors mean for you? What emotions do they conjure up within you? Observer how you feel and see if you can identify your deeper emotions and also your latent potential…

​#arttherapy #healingwithart   #healingart   #emotionalhealing   #catharsis #artjournaling   #artforhealing  #AbstractArt    #emotionalwellbeing   #paintyourwaytowellness   #emotionalhealing   #mentalhealth   #raisingyourenergy  #VisualArt #OriginalArtworkbyMaitreyiGautam  #OriginalArtwork #abstractpainting #MaitreyiGautam

A Guru guides us, supports us, helps us, and ultimately nurtures us- at our deepest level of soul essence, so we can fearlessly walk our spiritual path and reach higher dimensions of ascension.

This Guru- does not have to be just one person- as we progress on our journey, our Gurus can vary- but one thing is for sure that ultimately, it is the guru who shows us the path and provides us the confidence to walk it!!

In fact, in the ancient Vedic scriptures it is said that without a Guru, one cannot attain true knowledge and wisdom. 
Of course, during Vedic times, that worked fine- as people revered the wise and the Divine. 

But, in today’s day and age, where most people who claim to be spiritual Gurus and leaders are merely repeating ancient texts and are looking to fill their coffers- in the name of getting tax-free charity/donations or by selling expensive (supposedly life-transforming) courses!!
​
I am not saying that ALL spiritual leaders out there are ‘fraud’ and ‘bogus’. But one does need to acknowledge that spending time in the presence of many of these self-claimed spiritual gurus, surely also carries a very hefty price-tag!

In such scenarios, what is a new spiritual aspirant to do?? After all, they can choose to self-teach themselves- BUT who will be their guide, their Guru??

Here, the ancient scriptures come to our rescue. It is said that if someone is not able to find or obtain a proper Guru for any reason what-so-ever, then such a person can take refuge in Lord Dakshinamurthy. 

Lord Dakshinamurthy is one of the forms of Lord Shiva.  If you are not very familiar with Lord Shiva, then do check out the helpful reference videos I have provided at the end.

Now coming back to taking refuge in Lord Dakshinamurthy and considering him our Divine Guide & Guru… We can think of Lord Dakshinamurthy as our Guru, our spiritual Guide… and start our spiritual practice- our journey to rise our spiritual vibrations, reach higher states of ascension by consciously living life with spiritual wisdom and deeper awareness. 

But keep in mind that any relationship (including that between a Guru-disciple) is a two-way street. There needs to be deep communication, not just by us earnestly asking our questions and seeking answers- but by truly being willing to listen to the Guru’s answer. 

So, when we consider Lord Dakshinamurthy as our Guru, then we need to build that loving Guru-Disciple relationship with him.
 
If we have any question or need clarification on some point and so on- then we can ask him our questions and queries during our sadhana-prayers. Similarly, we need to ensure that we spend some time each day (or atleast once every couple of days or so) in quite meditation, listening to the divine guidance and then proceeding on our spiritual path with complete faith and devotion.

After all, we all are the disciples of the Divine and when you cannot find a human Guru or feel concerned about them being ensnared in their own karmas, greed and so on- then seek refuge in Lord Dakshinamurthy.

You do not need to worry about any caste, creed, religion, or other restrictions- the ONLY requirement is that you approach Lord Dakshinamurthy will the serious willingness of a true spiritual seeker, a real spiritual aspirant.

​#gurupurnima #divineguru #spiritualguru #jupiter #vedicarchetype #teacher #guidance #spiritualguide #guide #guru #vedicdivinearchetype #dakshinamurthy #lordshiva #shiva #adiyogi #firstteacher #firstguru #ascension #spirituallessons #spiritualawareness #ourjourney #lifepath #spiritualpath #sadhana #TheWay

We all want to advance, make long strides and emerge a winner. When challenges come up and we feel blocked, we feel frustrated.   

When we run into challenging situations or people, our first instinct is to push harder and try to break thru it! When we take such an aggressive approach, sometimes we may be able to overcome the challenging situation, but what we end up leaving behind is a trail of blood and tears. We leave angry people who we may hurt in the process. 

Even though we may feel justified that well- “they were the ones who were ‘bad’ and blocking me, so what if I hurt them”. Such kind of aggressive and abrasive behavior gets you further caught in the web of karma!

​Even if those folks were in the wrong, they will remember how you made them feel and then retaliate (when they can) and this will cause you more challenges and suffering if not right away then surely down the line!

But many a times, these challenging times come up, so we can pay a closer look to what it is we are doing and finesse our technique and methodology. There is much for us to learn from a calming flowing stream in the mountains. 

It is in no hurry to get to the sea/ocean- but it is very efficient in how it maneuvers the toughest rock to continue on its path. In the process it molds all that comes in contact with her- not burn it down have a raving wild fire- destroying all that is in the path!

But calmly and surely wearing down the resistance, where it continues on its path and what it leaves behind also is now morphed into a beautiful canyon or gorge. She how water works?

What is even more amazing is that since water retains all memory that it comes in contact with, flowing in this calm way allows it to maintain its own peace and serenity while doing what it needs to do (which is flow). It is the same for us.

We retain memory of all that we come in contact with and when we conduct our life with love, peace and joy as against of aggression and anger, then it helps to build good samskars (karmic memory) in us, which in turn help to counter act the negative samskars (negative karmic memory) and adverse karmas!

We can learn so much from the flowing stream. We need to mull on the lesson that a flowing stream is bringing us.  

“How can I continue on my chosen path while moving around challenges and obstacles- not in aggression or anger, but with calm and calculated maneuvering, so that I am not leaving behind a trail of blood and tears but something good, as I myself am moving on to bigger and better things… “ 

​ #karma #water #watermemory #lessons #challenges #lifelesson #consciousliving #karma #Brahman #walkingthepath #challenge #obstacle #winning #manifestingdestiny #consciousness #ascension #spirituallessons #guidance #ourpath  #ourjourney #spiritualpath #lifepath #spiritualawareness 

We typically think of bad actions as being detrimental. And yes, it is very true. Bad actions particularly those conducted with malicious intent have extremely bad karma attached with it.

But what Lord Krishna teaches us in The Bhagavad Gita is that, typically, there are three types of actions- action (all kinds- performed with the belief that we are the do-er) called as Karma, bad action (any action which is detrimental to human well-being) called as vikarma and no-action (inertia) which is called as akarma. 
​
Note that vi is a suffix used to indicate negative and a is a suffix used to indicate lack or absence. Because of which vikarma is bad or negative action and akarma being inertia or no-action.

All these three types of action have karma attached with it. We conduct these three types of action, while identifying with our self to be the do-er of that action. It is because of this, that when we conduct such actions, we are bound to the ‘cause and effect’ as well as the feedback mechanism of karma. 

Our incorrect association with our identity (ego) leads us to conduct actions which has karma associated with it and because of this, these three types of action behave like ropes of materialism, that keep us (as the eternal soul) attached and bound to this material existence.

​Once we are bound to karma, we are bound to this material existence and along with it, we are stuck in these repeated cycles of birth and death.

Now there is a type of action which is not tarnished by karma. Such a type of action is called non-action. This gives us the concept of Karma Yoga. 

Lord Krishna explains the concept of ‘non-action’, where we perform our actions as a “non-doer”. We perform the actions with the knowledge that the divine is ultimately the true ‘do-er’ of all actions. We perform our actions as a guidance from the divine. We do what is needed (keeping the principles of self, social and human well-being in perspective) to the best of our capability- with the knowledge that the divine is the real dancer and we are its dance. 

When we perform actions in such a consciously evolved manner, while not identified with our physical self (our ego); we also tend to relinquish our desire to the fruits of that action. Because of which, we also somewhere relinquish our attachment to the very action itself. 

Do note that not being attached with the action itself, does not mean lack of focus, determination or apathy. Infact, when we perform action with complete and conscious involvement with no expectation for results or outcome (fruits) then we can perform that action with total clarity, proper focus and required dexterity to the best of our competence and ability.

And it is this detachment, which allows for non-action to NOT be bound by karma and its effect of feedback and law of cause and effect.

An action performed in this manner becomes non-action and the person performing such a non-action, is not caught in the web of karma. Such a person is called as a Karma Yogi, one who performs Karma Yoga- the Yoga of non-action.

​#karmayoga #TheBhagavadGita #KrishnaConsciousness #consciousliving #Karma #yoga #karmayogi #akarm #vikarm #maitreyiparadigm #maitreyigautam #nonaction #karmicclearing #spiritualregression #spiritualawareness #ascension #clearingkarma #guidance #ourjourney #lifepath #spirituallesson