By Lakshmi
Originally published July 24, 2020
“When we look outward at situations in the world, we often feel that we have no control, no ability to effect change. But we can go back to changing our world within – where we do have ability to change. We can change how we use our intellect and emotions so that we are not swept up by outside forces…We can sit in silence listening to our intuition, in stillness facing what is before us and in reflection thinking deeply.” ~ Swami Radhananda, Living the Practice
With our studio closed, I too often find myself engrossed in the news of the day. It is unsettling on many levels and I ask, “When will things change? What can I do about all this?” I know the answers can only be found within myself. As I reflect in this unstable time in the world, I ask, “Where do I find my security, my stability, my equanimity, my strength? What is my responsibility?”
Swami Radha says in Kundalini Yoga for the West, “Investigation of all ideas about security on a physical, emotional and mental level can bring us to new conclusions. Habitual actions and reactions that have been investigated already must also be reviewed and shifted to higher levels. Discrimination has to be refined.”
The following reflections help me regain my security and come back to center. Using spiritual tools, such as chanting mantra and practicing the Divine Light Invocation, help me to “get out of my head” and allow my intuitive self to bring deeper understanding.
- What does security mean to me?
- What makes me feel secure? What makes me feel insecure?
- How do other people influence my security? (Criticism, praise)
- How does self-confidence relate to my security?
To deepen my understanding, I reflect on past situations…without judging them. Writing them in a journal helps to bring clarity.
- Thinking of a situation when I felt insecure but followed through anyway, what quality kept me going, sustained me?
- Thinking of a situation when I was sure of myself but things fell apart or didn’t work out, how did I respond? What did I feel? What quality kept me going?
- How can I bring that quality that kept me going in the past into my life today? Are there changes I need to make in myself?
“The silent revolution is when you change on the inside, taking a new look at life and who you are. You may decide that life has to change, but you can’t change the world. So what can you change? Only yourself, and you might be able to help change others – awakening them to the need for greater awareness.”
~ Swami Sivananda Radha, Yoga: A Path to Awareness