I’m in a field of work that I enjoy very much. But I’ve been asked to leave nearly every job I’ve worked. I’ve made good efforts overcoming poor habits — and the affects, through the help of professionals, of mental illness and addiction. As well as nail biting. Jai Guru! As of late, I’ve tried to see God as the dooer. Also I try to not take things personally; and I try to be impersonal in my reactions. I have learned, through the teachings, the art of flow. How do I bring this together?
—GPM, USA
Dear GPM,
I salute you for the efforts you are making. As you continue to strive not to take things too personally—it’s a very important quality—be sure not to use that as a justification for ignoring the reason(s) that you have been asked to leave your jobs. Those reasons can be the keys to the “bringing together” that you seek for your spiritual life and your outer life.
Because I don’t know what those reasons have been, I cannot answer your question specifically, because individual circumstances vary widely. But I assume that you know the reasons, and that is a vital starting point. I suggest that you take one specific reason, perhaps something that has come up on multiple occasions, and try to see how the spiritual teachings can help you address that shortcoming. Then give top priority to addressing that shortcoming for a week or a month, and see what happens.
For example, you say that you have learned the art of flow. That’s excellent, but perhaps you haven’t yet learned, appreciated, and given yourself fully into the flow of your workplaces? In your meditations—you do meditate, don’t you?—try to feel the flow of your workplace, and the vision of your supervisor. God is in both of those too, and it’s a great opportunity both to tune in to God’s will and to align with the values and vision of your workplace and supervisor (assuming they are good values). Try to tune in to what he or she is trying to make happen, and consider how you could make a contribution to that flow. Think of your work as offering service to that person’s vision. If you can make even a small contribution, it will likely be noticed.
True, a background of mental illness and addiction can make this harder, but those things have been overcome by others in the past, so you too can do it. Ask God for help. Be specific: “God, thank you for your help with ______. Strengthen me so I can be in Your flow, and carry out Your will in this situation. I will put out dynamic energy to become a valued employee, but You need to guide me.”
I hope this helps.
Blessings,
Nayaswami Gyandev
