Working for many years as a writer on science and medicine, I have come to understand that life exists in a matrix of positive energy. This supports us, quite magically, when we align ourselves with it through our own good wishes and pure feelings. It is as if we tune into nature’s benevolence.
It is true that life in today’s world is also often a struggle for survival. In common with other animals, we may be called upon to defend our homes and families. But we should not be fooled by that struggle into losing sight of our intrinsic goodness. We can all benefit by trying to ‘mint’ more of the valuable currency of kindness.
The method is to create thoughts and feelings that lead the mind into a still, reflective, inner space. This brings about a different consciousness from the negative states that may have been causing me problems.
When I have angry or upset thoughts and feelings, countless cells in my body are affected. The more I suffer such negativity, the greater the threat to my health. Vibrations from my state of mind also reach other people, and influence the atmosphere where I live and work.
In contrast to that, kindness is truth. It enables me to ‘be myself’ and helps to develop internal peace.
Most of us feel great when we are able to help one another, and also when someone comes to our help at a time of need. When we get caught up in people and situations, we do not give ourselves the chance to experience this state and the spiritual strength it brings.
It is not a matter of trying to be good, but of recognizing that I am good. It is just that I have some habits that cause my kindness to leak away.
One of the most damaging is being judgmental, towards the self as well as towards others. So, it is good to remind myself that I have been doing the best I could, in the face of all the complications in today’s world. With that acceptance, it becomes easier to see that along with many others, I have been far more into ‘doing’ than being, and that I need a better balance.
There is no point in blaming or shaming either myself or others. Rekindling the vision of the truly kind self, and holding it in mind as much as possible, is the way forward. It strengthens my connection with who I truly am, and enables me to receive strength from the divine. This puts back in me the power to sail through tough times, and help others through too.
It looks as though 2024 is going to bring a period of turmoil in which the need to be spiritually creative in this way, rather than reacting negatively to difficult circumstances, has never been greater.
Neville Hodgkinson is a UK-based author and journalist, and a long-time student of Rajyoga.