Yesterday is gone, and tomorrow is yet to come. But, we have the present moment. So, we must make the most of today by realising the purpose of life: who we are and why we are here. Read more there.
Everyone seeks happiness in life, but they do not know what measures to take for it. Some people think happiness and joy are elusive and complicated concepts; others view them from a prism of materialistic desires. So, what does true happiness, joy, and liberation even mean? AiR Atman in Ravi, a happiness ambassador and spiritual leader says most human beings remain miserable, imprisoned by fear, anger, hate, vengefulness and a range of other toxic emotions and thoughts, because they are unable to live in the present moment. They are either ruminating on the past or worrying about the future. The truth, however, is that one can neither skip into the future miraculously, nor jump back in the past. Then, why do we end up making ourselves miserable?
The Tricks Of The Mind
The spiritual leader says that just like a monkey, our mind also jumps from thought-to-thought, from the past to the future. “It compels us to live with the regrets of yesterday, creating shame, guilt, stress, anxiety and misery. It takes us back to the wrongs done to us, agonising us with feelings of hatred, anger and vengeance,” he states.
How To Make The Mind A Monk
According to the happiness ambassador, the monkey mind can be turned into a monk with the practice of meditation and silence. “When the mind becomes still, we reach the state of mindfulness, consciousness, awareness, where the intellect is activated. Our focus shifts to the present. It is in this state that we experience peace and bliss. It is also in this state that a seeker of God can attain enlightenment,” he goes on to say.
The expert adds that life is about the choices that we make. “We must choose to live with positive energy power (PEP) instead of negative energy poison (NEP). It means choosing positive emotions like love, compassion, gratitude, forgiveness, and acceptance, instead of resentment, anger, vengeance. We must not cling to the wrongs done to us, or regrets of the past — what is done is done. We can try to make amends for the wrongs we have done. And for the wrongs done to us, we must forgive and forget. This is the way to peace and healing,” he offers.
Forget About The Future
It is not a good idea to be bound by the worries of the future, as it can make us lose the joy of the present moment. “Believe in God, live with enthusiasm doing your best, and understand that life is nothing but the unfolding of karma. Surrender to the divine will and realise that life is just a drama, a show, and we are actors who come and go.”
Being Present In The Moment
The present moment is all we have, the expert says, adding: “By embracing it fully, we not only enrich our daily experience, but also tap into a deep well of joy and liberation.”
When we are ‘present’, we experience reality without distortion. We start to notice simple things that can be blissful, like the warmth of the sunlight, the beauty of the sunset, the smile of a stranger, etc. We start to listen to the sounds of the waves, the whistling of the wind, the rustling of the trees, the songs of birds. “Joy resides in these details. This joy is grounded and lasting — arising naturally when the mind is still, attentive and peaceful.”
Subscribe to Our Newsletter Today!
Leave a Reply