“Human beings have two options:
to either devolve downwards or evolve upwards towards divine consciousness.
Many of us who strive for this higher consciousness face the hurdle of
balancing our spiritual growth with the demands of earning a living, while also
maintaining our spiritual principles in the workplace and making time for our
families. For most of us, this balancing act presents a significant challenge,
and even the most dedicated individuals may struggle. Some of us envision a
future where we can prioritize meditation and divine consciousness over
financial concerns. This article explores some small, simple steps to help
align and balance our spiritual and work lives.”
Only work and no meditation makes us
equally unbalanced as when we only meditate and don’t work. Sri Yukteshwar said
that “So long as you breathe the free air of earth, you are under obligation to
render grateful service. He alone who has fully mastered the breathless state
is freed from cosmic imperatives.”
Yogananda says “To fulfill one’s
earthly responsibilities is indeed the higher path, provided the yogi,
maintaining a mental uninvolvement with egotistical desires, plays his part as
a willing instrument of God.”
Meeting work and family commitments is an important aspect of our
Dharma. The objective is not to eliminate these, but to discover a means to
maintain divine consciousness even while engaging in these activities alongside
our daily meditation. What we attain through meditation should naturally
integrate into the other areas of our lives where we invest the most time. It
would indeed be regrettable if the only time we feel connected to the divine is
during meditation.
Take God everywhere with you. It’s easy to
forget amidst our focused work, and this forgetfulness poses the greatest
challenge. However, there are simple ways to address this. One approach is to
surround yourself with subtle reminders so that during breaks in your work,
you’re prompted to remember. This could include keeping photos nearby or setting
alarms on your watches or mobile devices to remind you to contemplate upon God.
Additionally, you can practice inward chanting as you carry out your tasks, and
endeavour to perceive the presence of God while working. Try to recognize the
divine in others whenever possible, as everyone is ultimately composed of
atoms, electrons, protons, neutrons, and, metaphorically speaking, ‘God
Particles’ and soul. Through these auditory or visual cues, you can gradually
condition your mind to remain in a state of divine consciousness.”
Another important aspect is to view your
work as service. Whatever task you undertake, strive to perceive it as a
conscious channelling of divine energy. Approach your work with complete focus,
concentration, absorption, and love. Sense that you are carrying out your tasks
for the sake of God, the Divine Mother, your Guru, or whichever divine
representation resonates with you. Apply this divine perspective to every
aspect of your work, whether it’s replying to emails, handling phone calls,
attending meetings, or any other responsibilities you have. As you sense the
flow of love and grace permeating through your work, not only will the quality
of your output improve, but you will also find yourself in a continuous state
of meditation. You will begin to experience the same peace and joy in your work
as you do during your meditation practice.
Yogananda said “ Be calmly
active and actively calm” Not to hurry when it is required is
being lazy. Even as you hurry, it’s crucial to maintain calmness and avoid
acting with nervous, agitated energy. Take notice of this tendency within
yourself and endeavor to remain composed, even in moments of urgency, such as
when rushing to catch a flight or meet a deadline. Be vigilant against
nervousness and agitation, as they drain energy and diminish magnetism.
Gradually, your magnetism will transform, leading
to a more balanced life in harmony with divine consciousness. The initial steps
may be challenging, but by harnessing your willpower
to take those first few steps, subsequent progress becomes smoother. It’s
important to recognize that material success serves as a mere stepping stone
toward spiritual perfection. From a yogic perspective, every form of success
holds value, as the qualities conducive to material success also contribute to
divine enlightenment. Conversely, qualities that lead to material failure
result in spiritual setback. Embracing a successful dharmic life paves the path
to spiritual fulfillment.
