Paramhansa Yogananda wrote in his Autobiography of a Yogi that no insurmountable barrier exists between the human and the divine states “save in man’s spiritual unadventurousness.” What a surprising statement! One might expect that he’d have said lack of devotion, or reverence, or knowledge of the scriptures.
But Sri Yogananda was a master of yoga who brought us revolutionary teachings on how to use energy and willpower to achieve our highest potential. In the one-hundred years since 1920, when he arrived on the shores of America and his mission began, his teachings have spread globally, uplifting the lives of millions throughout the world.
How can we become spiritual adventurers? Here are four tips that will help you:
Seek Your Highest Potential
People often want to accomplish something in life, but lack the commitment it takes to achieve it. This is where willpower and concentration come into play. Yoganandaji defined willpower as “desire plus energy directed towards fulfillment.” Just as a mountain climber must decide which peak he wants to reach, choose an ascent path, and then put out the energy to attain his goal, so we need to do the same with our life goals. Decide what you really want to do, or, more important, to become in this life, and plot a course to get there.
Leave Behind Whatever Holds You Back
Unnecessary baggage impedes our forward momentum, so look at what habits or attitudes are holding you back: chronically putting things off, perhaps, or not taking full responsibility for your actions. Be honest with yourself. It takes courage to say, “There are parts of me that I need to change or leave behind.” Then direct that same energy that had been locked up in self-limiting patterns into new strategies for moving you forward. You’ll be surprised at how negative habits that you thought were integral parts of yourself can simply fade away.
NEW “Flow of Grace” by Nayaswami Jyotish
Accept That Personal Change Isn’t Easy
Don’t be afraid to put out however much energy it takes to achieve your goals of self-transformation. I’ll give you a personal example. I was never much of an athlete, but I enjoyed being outside and jogging with friends. One day a running buddy said to me, “Let’s try to run a marathon.” So, we started training for many hours a week, and after four months of sore muscles and blisters, we were able to complete the race. Though that was thirty years ago, I’ve carried that victory with me ever since, and it’s given me the courage and motivation to accomplish many other goals.
Experiment with the Process of Inner Change
Yoganandaji told his followers not just to take his word for it, but to see for themselves if his teachings were improving their life. Try meditating (or improving your practice) and see whether your peace of mind, inner happiness, and ability to deal with challenges are strengthened. Look at your diet and exercise patterns, make the necessary improvements, and see if your levels of health and energy increase. Analyze how you live your daily life: Are you honest? fair? focused only on your own needs? considerate of others? Try changing negative behavior patterns, and see if the quality of your life doesn’t improve.
The good news is that you don’t need to wait till you reach the summit in this great adventure of self-transformation to enjoy the benefits of your efforts. Every step along the way will open up greater vistas of inner joy, clarity of mind, and a greater capacity to love.
Wishing you a great climb,
Nayaswami Devi
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23 Comments
So true! Can so much relate to it. May Master’s wisdom always guide our ways.
Rings a wake-up bell in many ways for me. Thank you dear Devi Ji for the 4 pointers. Inspiring as always and even more.
Thank you! Please keep sending your inspirational messages, I read all of them. God bless ??
I’ve been receiving your mail and develop a habit of reading it as the last thing on my bed at night before sleeping..I must say am glad for your mails..but one day,I hope to see this family. I’m a Christian,but am so enthusiastic about spiritual enlightenment.
It’s because of my childhood experiences that couldn’t be explained in Sunday Schools that made me to become a spiritual seeker. I read a lot of self improvement and spiritual enlightenment books as PDF and text and YOUR MAILS ARE AMONG THE ONES AM ADDICTED TO. Thank you so much
Mfon Udosen
Nigeria
Dear Mfon,
Thank you so much for your comment. It’s readers like you who help us keep motivated in writing these blogs every week. We’ll be thinking of you in Nigeria as we write them in the future.
With love and joy,
devi
Very peace delivering post
Thank you for this loving, kind and encouraging post. It is inspirational and at the same time non-threatening. What a wonderful way to begin the day, with insight, gentle suggestions and a loving embrace of words and thoughts.
This is written with gentleness and compassion. Thank you so much for your goodness.
God Bless You
Love your emails! I also look forward to them each and every day. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
Sincerely with love
Vincent Cruz
Bless you for reminding us how to walk the path to the summit! Love the painting!
To make life’s goal(s) simple in these chaotic times is the antidote!
In Joy, Mary Jo
Thank you!
A fortunate journey. You are blessed. Mahalo for sharing your stories. Now we are blessed. Om – Peace – Amen
I liked this blog . I have Sag on my ascendant so I am adventurous. I also had an experience with achieving a finish at a marathon. That event has inspired my life to do my best and never give up.
Powerful messages, once again. Thank you, dear Devi.
Thank you most kindly Deviji. An ardent and timely reminder for me that God and Guru are always in charge. My job is to GET OUT OF THE WAY. Namaste
Dear Nayaswami Devi Ji,
Thank you for this wonderful blog. Great suggestions and how helpful it is in our ascent!
Joy,
Prem
Dear Devi,
Thank you once again for reminding us of our goal, and how to get there.
Having friends on this Spiritual Adventure who know how to be present while we are on this journey together, sometimes playing leader, sometimes playing follower, but always playing with our eyes focused upward to God and Guru, means more than the world to me. Saying sorry you had to go through that, during a recent experience, was the Grace supporting and allowing the inner change. It is a joy being on this path with so many Loving Souls!
Thank you Deviji,
beautifully written with compassion and truthfulness.
Lately have been challenged emotionally within myself and by others and your words
and encouragement are timely, appropriate, and given by GRACE of the Mother Divine.
I thought to share the words to this song from The Sound of Music, just because it fit so well…
Climb every mountain, Search high and low, Follow every byway, Every path you know
Climb every mountain, Ford every stream, Follow every rainbow, Till you find your dream
A dream that will need, All the love you can give, Every day of your life, For as long as you live
Climb every mountain, Ford every stream, Follow every rainbow, Till you find your dream
God and Gurus bless us all, as we continue the CLIMB. :)
On. Much help full!
Thanks a lot Deviji for your wonderful and highly motivational message, The best part of it is your own experiences are given–this way we can relate 100% to your message and very effective. Looking forward for your future blogs.Al teachings by Ananda has made my life more positive,peaceful and meaningful.
Regards
Dear Devi,
Thank you so much for your uplifting and inspiring advice.
Thank you so much for the wonderful post.
Regards