There is a single solution to every problem we face in life. Whether a challenge of health, attitude, or outer circumstance, the inner light experienced in deep meditation is the supreme fixer.
Why? Because deep concentration on the inner light calms our emotions, and raises our consciousness to a state where we are able to receive intuitive guidance, understanding, and healing.
May it be a light to you in dark places, when all other lights go out.
― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring
Whenever you feel discouraged or beaten down by life, close your eyes and lift your gaze to the spiritual eye – the point between the eyebrows.
Focus deeply, and call to the Infinite Presence in all things, “Come to me, help me solve this problem”. Then sit in the silence letting the inner light fill you in body, mind and soul.
Be patient. Even if the solution doesn’t immediately present itself, the inner light will elevate you from ego consciousness – where little problems always seem huge, to soul consciousness – where all problems are more easily managed.
Let the inner light expand your sense of self. Don’t hold on to it, but shine it out into the world. Share it with all! The vessel through which that light flows is always blessed.
How far that little candle throws his beams! So shines a good deed in a weary world.
― William Shakespeare, The Merchant of Venice
I’d like to share with you an example from my own life:
Two years ago I experienced a somewhat serious health challenge. In meditation, I offered myself into the light at the spiritual eye with faith, (understanding born of experience), that the situation would ultimately be resolved for the highest good.
At that time, Ananda Washington was preparing for its premiere event of the year. Ananda Worldwide’s Spiritual directors, Swamis Jyotish and Devi Novak, would be joined by local interfaith leaders: Imam Jamal Rahman, Rabbi Ted Falcon, and Rev. Michael Ingersoll in an uplifting program called Awaken Your True Potential: The Wisdom of Paramhansa Yogananda.
As the date of the event neared, someone was needed to manage the many details and volunteer activities required to make the event happen. Despite my health challenges, I felt a strong inner inspiration to step up to the plate.
Somewhat reluctantly, because I was still worried that the extra workload might further strain my health situation, I volunteered to co-manage the event schedule.
My fears turned out to be unfounded. As I threw myself into the flow of the activities, I found myself uplifted in the light of meditation and joyful service.
As it turned out, I needed to let go of a tendency to be overly self-absorbed in concern about my health issues. This project was just what the doctor ordered, a way to direct my attention away from myself in the desire to make this an inspiring event for others.
As I continued to serve, I became less focused on my problems and more focused on the inspiration of the project.
I began to feel better, and an intuitive understanding awakened within me. I knew what was needed for healing, and felt the inner strength to make the difficult lifestyle changes that were required.
When the day of the event arrived, I felt vibrant and deeply inspired. Most importantly, I had laid the foundation for long-term healing.
As we cultivate a deeper awareness of that inner light, strengthen our trust in it, and learn to share the inner light with others – we will find within it, a solution to every challenge that comes our way.
Suryadas Holliman teaches meditation classes at East West Bookshop and leads a free OPEN MEDITATION ever Wednesday, 7-7:45pm.