How we deal with changing circumstances and challenges in life largely depends on how we look at them. It is a matter of our consciousness.
Negative feelings such as fear seem to bring us down. We may try to run away, or avoid the situations that give rise to the feelings. I say ‘seem’ because we need to understand that we have a choice. If we are truly aware, we can choose to convert any negativity into something more healing and positive.
It takes courage to do this, but — like many other qualities — courage can be developed with practice. One way to strengthen ourselves is to be resolute that nothing should make our lives shrink: As we get older, we are determined to expand and grow!
But first there is work to be done in understanding ourselves at a profound level. Through meditation — the deep exploration of our inner story — we come to find the essence of the self and what makes us who we are.
In part, this is a quest to rediscover our essential simplicity. Meditation is a wonderful tool to do this. An uncomplicated method to journey within, it brings a gradual understanding of the self, and a humble acceptance of what we do not know or understand. Fundamentally it is the means to help us reconnect with our inner essence, and with the Source of everything.
As a teenager, this began for me with a near death experience (NDE). Seriously ill after an operation, I had the extraordinary sensation of being at one with my own consciousness and light as I viewed the physical body that I called ‘me’ from a distance. I remember feeling completely at one with myself, and I had the thought: “Why do we complicate everything so much?”
Finding the light is central to the spiritual journey. I think the greatest loneliness is our separation from the self, and it is through meditation that we find this self again and connect with the Divine. Rather like my NDE, this is the way to find the light we are searching for. Connecting with the high frequency of the Divine, we fill with radiance and clarity.
This powerful light of love brings reassurance, security, and a feeling of being protected. Whenever I begin to feel fearful, I envisage the Divine presence holding my hand on one side, and my higher consciousness taking the other hand. This allows the small child within me to feel safe.
Even when faced with difficult situations, such as the current pandemic and the consequences of global warming, if we take time to sit and remember who we are, then we will find the power and strength within ourselves to rise to the challenges. We do this by reconnecting with our innate qualities of light, love, peace, and power. Far from being fearful, we choose to be capable and strong.
Christine Mahoney is an actor, mediator and conflict resolution professional based in Melbourne, Australia. She has been a student and teacher of meditation with the Brahma Kumaris for more than 35 years.