Courage in Life and on the Spiritual Path

Dear S.V.,

Thank you for your question. There are many things going on in your letter, so I will try to sort them out in order to help you. First, it would appear that you are being deeply blessed by your new practice of meditation. That is wonderful and sometimes the devotee is blessed by deep intuition and states of awareness early on in the spiritual life. This is for two reasons: it is a carryover of good spiritual karma from your past life effort in meditation, and it is also a taste of the blessings that will come to you in this life as you progress spiritually. Sometimes these gifts are given early to the new devotee to provide the encouragement to continue.

There may be other growth that is needed for a balanced spiritual life. You write that you are “Afraid of people who dominating me. Like husband parents siblings and friends. ” That list seems to encompass everyone in your personal life, correct? These quotes below can shed some light on how to develop the inner strength to meet the challenges of life.

• “Divine courage comes from living in the awareness of God’s presence within, and the realization that He is the sole Reality. Live more in Him, for nothing and no one can touch what you really are.”
  Affirmations for Self-Healing by Swami Kriyananda.

So, yes, do dive deep into meditation but then carry with you that awareness of God’s presence, even as you go about your daily duties.

• “Cast out all negative mental habits, substituting in their place wholesome, courageous thoughts. Apply these in your daily life, with unshakable confidence.”
  How to Have Courage, Calmness, and Confidence by Paramhansa Yogananda.

Each day, try to cast out the thought of fear. You are God’s child. Claim your inner strength. Breathe light and strength into your chakras, especially the navel center and heart center, as this will help you to overcome that fear of being overwhelmed by others. Let your ribcage expand as you breathe sideways:

• “People who breathe freely sideways tend to be courageous, expansive in their outlook. A deliberate effort to breathe outward sideways can help one to develop these wholesome attitudes.”
  Ananda Yoga for Higher Awareness by Swami Kriyananda.

And yes — it is indeed a drama of God, but you are called upon to play your part. Normally in family life each person must contribute in some way to the benefit of the family group. Think of yourself as serving God in their forms. However, if the situation is truly toxic, that would be another matter. If the situation is dangerous, then you should leave and seek safe haven somewhere else. But your letter does not read like that. You are afraid of them dominating you, and yet they seem to tolerate that you are in long hours of solitude? That sounds like there is at least some type of understanding.

It is good that you are having the time and place for this spiritual exploration. Add to that the spiritual practice of developing your inner strength. You can learn more in this free article — How to Develop Courage

• “Be even-minded and walk with courage. Go forward from day to day with calm, inner faith. Eventually, you will pass beyond all tests and difficulties, and behold at last the dawn of divine fulfillment.”
  How to Have Courage, Calmness, and Confidence by Paramhansa Yogananda.

The “tremendous rush and headaches” may be a result of the energy opening up quickly, but not in a balanced way. These Superconscious living exercises may help you get the energy flowing in a balanced manner.

Finally, please feel free to request healing prayers to help you deal with all of these situations in your life. Sometimes greater clarity comes once the prayers begin. You are going through many changes right now, so this is a good time to receive such assistance. Keep in touch, we are here to help.

Blessings,

Mary Kretzmann

Ananda Healing Prayer Ministry