On the path of self-improvement and spirituality, remaining centred helps one progress fast. Whatever we may be doing, including routine tasks such as cleaning, washing, and cooking, our state of mind should be so elevated that it inspires others when they see us. Spirituality is not something separate from our daily life, confined to a few hours when we meditate or study. When our inner life of thoughts, emotions and intentions is the same as our outer life of action, our words and behaviour will reflect our spirituality. This is called integrity – the principles we espouse and hold dear should be visible in our life. If we say one thing and do something else, we may start to carry guilt and regret within us, and when this happens repeatedly, we lose heart, and some people give up the spiritual path, thinking that it is too difficult.
Having a strong point of reference, an inspiring ideal that keeps us stable during challenging times, helps us bounce back from adversity. We may lose our peace and get disturbed when we see someone who has been unfair to us, or when things do not go our way, or when the body gives us trouble. At such times it helps to remind ourselves that peace is our innate nature, it is so intrinsic to the self that all we need to do is access it when needed. Sometimes there may be desires and expectations that are not fulfilled, which makes us restless or disappointed. Silent introspection helps to identify the roots of the desires and remove them. Silence brings inner peace, which empowers the soul, and our spiritual power increases further when we share what we have. Sharing does not just mean speaking about what we have learned, it can be as simple as smiling at others, having good wishes for them, and being empathic. Sharing without expecting any return not only brings joy and contentment but also develops our generosity and altruism.
Having good company also helps. We cannot choose the company we have at work or at home, but our closest companions are our thoughts. Paying attention to the quality of our thoughts, and consciously creating good and powerful thoughts enriches us internally and keeps us mentally and emotionally healthy. We are then in a position to share our positive ideas with others and give them hope, courage, and joy. It also protects us from the harmful influence of negative individuals and environments. A lot of people in the world are looking for positive role models. When people see someone who is paying attention to the quality of their thoughts, feelings, words and actions, it helps them bring about a shift in their consciousness.
Food can also enhance our spiritual power, as it nourishes both body and soul. Plant-based food, cooked in a happy, pure state of mind, and accepted similarly, with gratitude for the sustenance it provides, has been found to play a major role in keeping the mind calm and pure, and the body light and active.
Another quality that keeps us on an even keel while navigating life’s vicissitudes is enlightened disinterest. One who has set out to enrich their inner world knows that a lot of what we see outside is superficial and devoid of value. The mental clarity that comes from regular spiritual practices, such as meditation, enables them to discern what is worth devoting their time and attention to and what is not. Even when they get involved in a task, or are responsible for its completion, they do not get attached to the work or identify with the role they have been given. They put in their best effort and move on, and having learned from their experience, seek new lessons from engaging in new tasks.
Dr. Pratap Midha is Medical Director of the Global Hospital and Research Centre in Mount Abu, Rajasthan.