Some “post-meditation” thoughts on New Year and some cheer :)
It’s ok if you do not want to read the full article — let me give you the “cheer” early on. Loads of love, happiness, and hugs for a year that will help us all learn, love, and grow 🥰
A short intro to my philosophical leanings
I am a Hindu. What I love about being a Hindu is that it gives you the freedom to explore your beliefs and your doubts outside the confines of rigid structures and rules. At least, that is my brand of Hinduism.
I do not have ancestors or relatives who were well-versed in philosophy. They were primarily farmers whose philosophy extended to ensuring that everyone was well-fed.
Over the last four decades, I have been exposed to meditation with mantra chanting and breath control by my Mom and some of my Yoga teachers. (Please note — while this sounds grand, I am only regular in being irregular with my practice).
I have discovered some other forms of meditation from my research.
This morning, I felt no special “spring in the steps,” it being New Year and all.
As I am trying to build consistency more than anything else, I sat down for a guided meditation.
And something interesting happened….
A stray thought entered, which helped me calm down!
Yes, meditation frees you from thoughts, but I am far away from that stage.
I am at a stage where I must remind myself to watch my thoughts and not get carried away with each one.
But this was not about things that happened or errands I had to do. This was….different.
“All the things around me, social and financial constraints, relationship drama ….all of that is Maya. None of it is real.”
Advaita Vedanta
This stray and beautiful thought aligns itself perfectly with the Advaita Vedanta — a philosophy I have been exposed to all my life.
Again, I am no expert, and this is my understanding of the philosophy.
There is a Supreme Unifying force in this Universe. In “Advaita Vedanta,” it’s called“Brahman.” [I am sure if it’s called “The Universal Spirit/The Force, etc,” the idea would remain the same.]
Only “Brahman” is real. This transient phenomenal world is an illusory appearance of Brahman.
“For classical Advaita Vedānta, Brahman is the fundamental reality underlying all objects and experiences. Brahman is explained as pure existence, pure consciousness and pure bliss. All forms of existence presuppose a knowing self. Brahman or pure consciousness underlies the knowing self. Consciousness according to the Advaita School, unlike the positions held by other Vedānta schools, is not a property of Brahman but its very nature. Brahman is also one without a second, all-pervading and the immediate awareness. This absolute Brahman is known as nirguņa Brahman, or Brahman “without qualities,” but is usually simply called “Brahman.”
You can read more about it here.
I can’t claim to understand all aspects of this philosophy. Understanding this is one of life’s purposes, I believe.
Back to my New Year Meditation
Once this thought entered my mind, I observed that things just slowed down in my head. It was a bit like a movie scene when things go into slo-mo.
I cannot do justice to that experience in words. So let me only share my interpretations of this experience:
- I worry about things I have ZERO control over — family drama being top of the charts. Let it go.
- The path less traveled, which I am taking in my career this year — again, I have no control over its ultimate success. But success itself is a journey well done.
- Do not worry about the results; focus on the process. (Easier said than done, I know, but remind oneself of this till it becomes second nature.)
- Financial Security, Old Age — these are some of my favorite “worry zones.” I have seen over and over in my life the number of times people plan and have everything in control (seemingly), and by a simple twist of fate, everything goes upside down. Prepare as best as you can but accept that you cannot do jack about anything with a 100% guarantee.
- Live the best life you can without hurting anyone as far as possible. It is, of course, nearly impossible. But the strive to do so should be a guiding principle.
- Choose the one thing that is important for yourself. And pursue that with faith, commitment, and passion. For me, that is Learning.
This year, I want to focus on building a life where consistency and discipline are key; one where I build habits that last a lifetime. And I hope I am able to do so with mindfulness, faith, and love.
