Last night we had a Zoom meeting with the leaders of our various centers in India. Over twenty of us, all long-term devotees, shared valuable tips on what we have been doing to stay inspired during these times of lockdown and turmoil. By the end of the discussion I found myself not only inspired by the variety of ideas people had come up with, but intensely grateful to have friends such as these. I thought it would be helpful to share with you some of the things they’re doing.
You might want to take one or more of these suggestions and give them a try. Start by choosing one that is easy, and that you are happy to do. Inspiration flows most strongly when it is amplified by happiness.
- Keep your body healthy. Do a bit more to up your level of fitness. Physical activity is usually the easiest way to get stuck energy moving. One person said that he’s had great success resuming his Ananda Yoga practice, which he had dropped.
- Set weekly goals. Don’t just write them down: Also figure out how you will actually implement them.
- Create a routine. As one of the group put it, “ I tend to use idle time poorly. I do a lot better if I have a good routine to follow.”
- Help others. Be proactive in reaching out. Call someone who might need to hear a friendly voice. Focus deeply on what someone really needs—it could be someone in your own home. One man mentioned how fulfilling it has been to help his elderly, isolated dad: the best connection they’ve ever had.
- Invigorate your sadhana. Almost all of these friends reported that they are being more regular and deeper in their practices. One mentioned that he’s experimenting with new ways of doing the techniques. Another said that chanting is revitalizing his life.
- Do the energization exercises: Several people said they had really deepened their practice, and were feeling the life-force flow more powerfully than ever.
- Be creative. One person related what a pleasure it has been to cook new things. Others described creative ways they’ve found to serve others.
- Watch talks of Swami Kriyananda. One person said that he’s watching Swamiji’s entire Bhagavad Gita series. The sound of Swami’s voice, as much as the content of the talks, is helping him magnetically draw inspiration.
“I rise joyfully to meet each new opportunity.” —Ananda Yoga Affirmation
At first, getting a flow going may take a bit of willpower, but once a practice is established it is easier, because you’ll have the power of habit working for you.
I’ve found that even a little effort toward self-improvement pays great dividends. When inspiration begins to flow, life becomes fun, like a surfer riding a big wave.
In joy,
Nayaswami Jyotish
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13 Comments
Dear Jyotishji,
Thank you for these wonderful tips, can’t more than agree on these one. I liked all, especially your points on setting weekly goals and creating routine are most attracted to me at the current juncture, that I find myself lacking too much.. Will work on these with more focus.
Thank you again for these timely gems.
Joy,
Ilango
Thank you dear Jyotishji for this wonderful list to keep us inspired. Jai Guru!
Thank you, N. Jyotish, for these beautiful reminders for helpful support. I appreciate the connection to the Bhagavad Gita talks with Swami Kriyananda. All give comfort and peace.
Jai Guru!
Thank you so much! These look like important and fun things to do which I’m sure will bring us inspiration. I am grateful to you for your wisdom. Joy, Gaurja
I want to thanks all the wonderful people they are committed To the practice of sag -Sam, service, and meditation, I know that is the only way consciously to Achieve illumination.
Your practice is needed Especially
in this time to elevate the collective consciousness so we’re all together live in the magic, love, and compassion that we are supposed to be 24 /7
Thank you! immediately I am applying All the recommendations. Namaste!
Fabulous reminders. I love it! Thanks, Jyotish!
Thank you so much. I am into chanting more. That helps my mind to go to that frequency, which helps me to meditate too.
Thank you dear jyothisji for inspiring me again and again..pranams to deviji
Jai Guru
Thnks dear NJ. I would try few of the sujestions during this close up. I’m sure it would be a geat help to feel active and live. Thanks again.
Bernadette
Dear Nayaswami Jyotish Ji, Many thanks for this blog. Very useful tips and guidance.
Enjoyed reading it and will put in to practice now!
Jai Guru
Joy,
Prem
Thank you I got this mail when I was just on verge of drained out.
Although I am trying to fit-in new situation in life it is bit difficult. Now I have time not able to focus on the started ventures, earlier I was to much occupied and still used to manage time more efficiently. Now just body fittness work is some how going ok.
Ananda sangha, Swami Shree Kriyananda and the channels he and Satgurus created to guide are always helpful to me. Going through mail I recollected “banat Banat ban jay!” Is only method and again will adapt.
Will try again and again to persue on personal goals and the more personal goals to keep fit mental and physical both levels.
Jai Gurudev
The tips are very useful & implementable. However I feel that we should also suggest the diet as `Body is made out of the food we eat and also it affects the mind…Satva..Raja..Tamas foods do have impact on mind.
Jai Gurudev
Thank you Jyotish for the simple wisdom of the eight tips of Light.