Finding yourself in the process of change.
The road cannot be easy, because then we would not be able to interpret those rules and principles,
which are creative forces in the process we are part of.
If we are part of this process and spend our days accepting, learning, introspecting and practicing,
then this process becomes easier and easier for us.
What is this process?
The process I am talking about is the path of spiritual development and self-knowledge that is central to the teachings of yoga, Buddhism and Hinduism.
It is a path that aims at one's inner development, enlightenment and ultimately the attainment of total peace and harmony.
We are looking for balance, for connections, for why.
We ask questions, and if we don't find the answers, we collapse. We look for the fault in ourselves, in the processes, in the flow, in the simple flow of the outside world.
The process I have mentioned is a journey of inner development through learning, introspection, practice and acceptance.
This path becomes easier over time, as you understand and apply the teachings better and better. Yoga, Buddhism and Hinduism all offer tools to assist in this process, ultimately leading to inner peace and enlightenment.
The challenges of everyday life are always there.
The Buddha's teaching really focuses on suffering and how to deal with it.
According to Buddhist teachings, suffering (dukkha) is present in all aspects of life and is a fundamental characteristic of human existence.
According to the Buddha, the origin of suffering lies in craving and attachment, which causes people to cling to things that are changing and temporary.
What is really interesting is that people are most afraid of change, without exception.
The past affects us in the present to such an extent that acceptance causes suffering and creates desire.
According to Buddhism, suffering cannot be completely avoided, but it can be alleviated and eliminated through proper understanding and practice.
It is a personal experience that in my early to mid-twenties, until I was introduced to yoga, I was able to go to extremes
both in terms of personal crises and in terms of managing my professional life.
You know when work tell us how much you don't like the merry-go-round you live your daily life in,
and yet you do nothing about it?
You go to work where you feel neither successful nor satisfied, yet you do nothing to change this.
We need something drastic to change.
And if you're lucky, you'll wake up to the fact that it's not good for you.
It's less lucky if something has to happen to wake you up, something drastic.
But we know the story of a man stuck in a whole life unhappy, dissatisfied, still not understanding that he should trust the process of creating with his own creativity.
It took me a long way to realise that the material world does not make me happy.
It makes me feel lonely if I only do work in which I serve a system I never want to be part of.
It took me years of work, therapy, practice and a long process to make that decision,
that I let go of everything that doesn't make me happy.
Relationship dilemmas, superficial human relationships where I constantly feel like I'm someone else and you don't really know me, but I don't want you to, and of course the classic 10am-6pm working hours and the never-ending overtime office work.
Today, in the midst of difficulties, I no longer dwell on the difficulties, but try to draw lessons from what I can be grateful for.
If all I get that day is a smile from a stranger while walking my dog on the street, I'll take it as a tip.
After a long and tiring week, it's unthinkable for me to relieve stress by drinking alcohol.
I try not to let the stress get the better of me at the end of the week, so I practice every day.
You have to cry! It's good, it cleans you.
But there is a time limit for me to do it.
Although emotional outbursts that come in the form of tears are now quite rare.
At this time I start to watch my breathing. I practice pranayama and look for the real cause within myself with focused attention.
And I deal with despair through meditation and prayer.
I believe in myself and that everything can be found in me and in the world I live in, in an environment where there is no situation that I cannot solve.
And most importantly, I ask for help when I feel I can't.
And if you're reading this now and you think it's easy for me.
Then you know it's not.
But I am confident that it is easier for me today.
Because I am and want to be part of the process of using my own creativity to create for myself and the world the medium where I am closest to myself.
The process I am describing truly encompasses the whole spectrum of emotions.
The path of spiritual development and self-knowledge is not without intense emotional experiences;
on the contrary, these emotions are an integral part of the journey.
Emotional depths and heights all contribute to inner growth and self-awareness.
Cry: Self-reflection and processing the traumas of the past can often bring pain and sadness to the surface. Crying is a sign of healing and spiritual cleansing.
Laugh: Moments of happiness and joy strengthen faith in the process and motivate you to continue. Laughter is an expression of lightness and enjoyment of life.
Be angry: Frustration and anger are a natural part of self-discovery, especially when we are confronted with our own limitations and mistakes. Dealing with anger in a constructive way is an important part of development.
Be in love: The feelings of love and affection build deep relationships with ourselves and with others. These feelings open our hearts and deepen our empathy.
Be disappointed: Disappointment and failure are inevitable along the way. These experiences can teach us important lessons and help us to become stronger.
This emotional rollercoaster all contributes to a fuller picture of ourselves and of life.
The ability to experience and accept emotions is essential for spiritual growth and self-awareness.
As we progress along this path, we learn that every emotion is a valuable teacher that helps us to better understand ourselves and the world.
The journey of development and self-discovery is unique and personal for each individual.
It is not easy for anyone, and you are never alone in this process. But if you keep your eyes open and your heart pure, you'll see who can really help you when you're in doubt.
Ask for help and know that there is always someone who will listen.
Experiencing and accepting the full spectrum of emotions is an essential part of this journey.
Accepting suffering, happiness, anger and love all contribute to becoming more whole.
Every experience and emotion we have enriches our self-awareness and brings us closer to inner peace and harmony.
The journey is not always easy, but it is worth believing in our own creativity, because ultimately we shape our own reality and create the world in which we can be our best selves.
This is the process of change. We change, we mature, we age.
If you accept it, you change peacefully with the process.
If you fight it, the hard days of the week will speed up and suddenly you won't find yourself the moment you arrive.