During a course of time on this spiritual journey after getting the answers to what you’re made for, I feel lack of motivation and energy to do the tasks associated with daily life. Im unable to hold on to a particular thing and often feel drained. I experience a lot of mood changes varying from happiness to grief and sadness for not able to put mind onto anything, with a constant notion of wanting to go home I'm finding difficult to navigate on the path laid for me What shall be done in situation
—S, India
Dear S,
You are echoing Arjuna’s famous lament in the Bhagavad Gita. Surveying the battle that lay before him, he slumped in his chariot with discouragement. Fear not, friend. Krishna’s response to his beloved disciple included reminders that in life we simply cannot do nothing. Our very bodies force us to eat, sleep, and support ourselves. Action is required by the very terms of life itself. One has no choice but to accept the influence of one source or another.
We can choose the northern route to soul knowledge and expansion or the southern route into the subconscious realm of instinct and unawareness, feeding only our passions and moods. The former draws increasing happiness; the latter, ever-increasing dullness and darkness.
Our soul-spirit is eternal; immortal; unchanging. It cannot die. It will be victorious over lethargy. And, it is our duty to fight the battle of life; to combat discouragement, fear, and attachment to consequences.
Rouse therefore the warriors of the Pandava clan: self-discipline, right action, enthusiasm, devotion, concentration and meditation. Let Krishna, your soul within and your guru without, guide the chariot of your body and actions to victory.
First step: with whom do you keep company? Find a cohort of energetic, positive people, preferably those of high ideals and spiritual aspirations. If not in person, then through books, videos, and the lives of the saints.
Second step: “Be still and know that I am God!” Meditate daily, even if for just a few minutes. Use a chant or affirmation to center yourself and use yoga techniques of correct posture and breath control to settle your mind. Ananda teaches a time-honored and effective technique of concentration using the ancient mantra Hong Sau. Have no expectations other than to concentrate and thereby calm the breath. Your soul will do the rest, pun intended.
Third step: I recommend reading Autobiography of a Yogi or passages from the Gita, a paragraph or page a day. Or the New Testament, the words of Jesus, if you prefer.
Don’t be concerned with what is supposed to happen or what you are supposed to feel. Just do the work and let the results unfold like flowers in Spring. Give your ennui, your lack of motivation, to God and Guru. It is not yours. It’s like a passing, dark cloud. Let the sunlight of grace break through by the simple steps I’ve outlined above.
Rejoice for your soul calls you to stand and march on to victory!
Nayaswami Hriman
