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Sister Shivani of Brahmakumaris on meditation and emotional resilience


Ajay0

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Insightful article on Sister Shivani of Brahmakumaris on self-empowerment through meditation.

https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/health-wellness/article/3219333/empower-ourselves-overcome-adversity-spiritual-guide-bk-shivani-meditation-and-emotional-resilience

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“People are still struggling to come to terms with losing relatives or friends to Covid. There is also a lot of uncertainty in health, relationships, jobs and the economy.

“So the need of the hour is for us to increase our inner powers of emotional resilience, which means no matter what pressures come up, we do not get sucked into them.”

“We need to empower ourselves mentally and emotionally to not only overcome any adversity with stability, but also learn how to remain calm, no matter what,” she adds.

 

 

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4 hours ago, Ajay0 said:

I think the best way to empower one's self is to accept reality as reality.  Knowing that 'things change',  accepting reality for what it is allows us the freedom to embrace change.  Nothing is static, change is constant.  Accepting change, embracing change and moving forward is a mental challenge to be sure.  For some, meditation can assist that acceptance.  For myself, the constant search for the truth is empowering. Not the search for 'truth' , but the search for The truth.  And that is the key to accepting reality.  The constant effort to separate the truth from belief.

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42 minutes ago, joc said:

I think the best way to empower one's self is to accept reality as reality.  Knowing that 'things change',  accepting reality for what it is allows us the freedom to embrace change.  Nothing is static, change is constant.  Accepting change, embracing change and moving forward is a mental challenge to be sure.  For some, meditation can assist that acceptance.  For myself, the constant search for the truth is empowering. Not the search for 'truth' , but the search for The truth.  And that is the key to accepting reality.  The constant effort to separate the truth from belief.

I agree wholeheartedly with that, Joc, (it seems a very spiritual attitude to have) except the very last sentence.

Why the need to separate?

Take for example, my belief in love, and GOD for that matter.

My belief in the power of love, in the power of telling the truth, in the power of kindness and generosity, not only gives me strength, courage and patience, but confidence, humour, compassion and a purpose, too.

The point being, that these beliefs have a very real impact upon my life, and to some degree, those I meet from day to day.

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49 minutes ago, Crazy Horse said:

I agree wholeheartedly with that, Joc, (it seems a very spiritual attitude to have) except the very last sentence.

Why the need to separate?

Take for example, my belief in love, and GOD for that matter.

My belief in the power of love, in the power of telling the truth, in the power of kindness and generosity, not only gives me strength, courage and patience, but confidence, humour, compassion and a purpose, too.

The point being, that these beliefs have a very real impact upon my life, and to some degree, those I meet from day to day.

Just my two cents: belief systems based on faith—whether in love, support from others, or a higher power—can provide comfort and guidance as we face life’s uncertainties. However, as Joc points out, there comes a time when holding on too tightly to these beliefs can backfire.

When we rely on faith to protect us from life’s struggles, we risk disappointment and feeling powerless when challenges arise. This false sense of control can keep us from facing reality as it presents.

Letting go of our attachment to specific outcomes is key to well being. By accepting that change is a part of life and that we can’t control everything, we can learn to deal with adversity instead of running from it with the narratives we conjure up. 

In this way, faith can shift from being a crutch to a source of inner strength. Instead of using it to avoid difficulties, we can allow it to help us navigate uncertainty with grace and acceptance. This change opens us up to growth and discovery, even when life gets tough.


 

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2 hours ago, Sherapy said:

Just my two cents: belief systems based on faith—whether in love, support from others, or a higher power—can provide comfort and guidance as we face life’s uncertainties. However, as Joc points out, there comes a time when holding on too tightly to these beliefs can backfire.

When we rely on faith to protect us from life’s struggles, we risk disappointment and feeling powerless when challenges arise. This false sense of control can keep us from facing reality as it presents.

Letting go of our attachment to specific outcomes is key to well being. By accepting that change is a part of life and that we can’t control everything, we can learn to deal with adversity instead of running from it with the narratives we conjure up. 

In this way, faith can shift from being a crutch to a source of inner strength. Instead of using it to avoid difficulties, we can allow it to help us navigate uncertainty with grace and acceptance. This change opens us up to growth and discovery, even when life gets tough.


 

Sister Shavings never had to bury her spouse from covid.....🫤

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37 minutes ago, Piney said:

Sister Shavings never had to bury her spouse from covid.....🫤

Sister Shavings, lol.  Sorry, couldn’t help myself.

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55 minutes ago, Piney said:

Sister Shavings never had to bury her spouse from covid.....🫤

And, then there is that kind of loss where there is no fuzzy wuzzy to console...

Edited by Sherapy
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2 hours ago, Guyver said:

Sister Shavings, lol.  Sorry, couldn’t help myself.

You bring up an important point. It's common for some  to express that they are "just fine" or create a positive perspective, sometimes as a way to cope with or avoid confronting deep feelings of despair and grief. 

But, authentic emotional processing includes acknowledging difficult feelings rather than suppressing them. Pretending that everything is okay can hinder healing.

Open conversations about pain and vulnerability can help create a more supportive environment for those who are grieving. It’s important to validate their emotions and allow the space for them to express their actual feelings.  It is okay to not be okay, ezpecially after the loss of a loved one. And, seeking help or support during tough times is a sign of strength, not weakness.
 

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1 hour ago, Sherapy said:

You bring up an important point. It's common for some  to express that they are "just fine" or create a positive perspective, sometimes as a way to cope with or avoid confronting deep feelings of despair and grief. 

But, authentic emotional processing includes acknowledging difficult feelings rather than suppressing them. Pretending that everything is okay can hinder healing.

Open conversations about pain and vulnerability can help create a more supportive environment for those who are grieving. It’s important to validate their emotions and allow the space for them to express their actual feelings.  It is okay to not be okay, ezpecially after the loss of a loved one. And, seeking help or support during tough times is a sign of strength, not weakness.
 

Or pretending to be OK and getting dragged into your siblings ****ing dysfunctional bulllshit........

 

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9 hours ago, Sherapy said:

Just my two cents: belief systems based on faith—whether in love, support from others, or a higher power—can provide comfort and guidance as we face life’s uncertainties. However, as Joc points out, there comes a time when holding on too tightly to these beliefs can backfire.

When we rely on faith to protect us from life’s struggles, we risk disappointment and feeling powerless when challenges arise. This false sense of control can keep us from facing reality as it presents.

Letting go of our attachment to specific outcomes is key to well being. By accepting that change is a part of life and that we can’t control everything, we can learn to deal with adversity instead of running from it with the narratives we conjure up. 

In this way, faith can shift from being a crutch to a source of inner strength. Instead of using it to avoid difficulties, we can allow it to help us navigate uncertainty with grace and acceptance. This change opens us up to growth and discovery, even when life gets tough.


 

But I hardly ever feel disappointed, and never powerless.

And far from not facing reality as it presents, I can face it with courage and patience etc, partly because of my beliefs, and partly because of who they have helped shape me into. And I have very little attachment to things, anyway. I try certain things, new stuff, (and old) and if it works, it works, and if I fail its no problem at all, in fact it becomes an investigation, why? And this probably why I am never board, either.

But, I do agree that certain beliefs, based in negative ideas, or coming from a place of fear, selfishness etc, then these beliefs can have a disastrous affect upon our lives, and the lives of those around us.

But this belief, that GOD is all powerful, and all loving, has become the core of my being.

Its taken a long time to sink-in, but its getting there!!!

So yes Sheri, faith can be a great source of inner strength.

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On 1/13/2025 at 3:24 PM, Crazy Horse said:

But I hardly ever feel disappointed, and never powerless.

And far from not facing reality as it presents, I can face it with courage and patience etc, partly because of my beliefs, and partly because of who they have helped shape me into. And I have very little attachment to things, anyway. I try certain things, new stuff, (and old) and if it works, it works, and if I fail its no problem at all, in fact it becomes an investigation, why? And this probably why I am never board, either.

But, I do agree that certain beliefs, based in negative ideas, or coming from a place of fear, selfishness etc, then these beliefs can have a disastrous affect upon our lives, and the lives of those around us.

But this belief, that GOD is all powerful, and all loving, has become the core of my being.

Its taken a long time to sink-in, but its getting there!!!

So yes Sheri, faith can be a great source of inner strength.

Just some two cents: constantly defending oneself is more indicative  of a reactive mindset rather than a mindful or loving approach. Mindfulness involves being present and aware of one's thoughts and feelings without judgment, the love shows up in  accepting oneself and others as they are and going from there.

 

I’ve been pondering your belief that faith in God will completely rid the world of evil. It is a challenging  viewpoint, I often wonder how one can reconcile the existence of evil with strong faith. It seems to me that if faith could truly eradicate evil, it already would have and we wouldn’t see so much suffering in the world. I’d love to hear your thoughts on this. 

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Sometimes people see reality through spiritual and religious delusions because they're too afraid to face what actually is, they'd rather pretend that it isn't.

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5 hours ago, XenoFish said:

Sometimes people see reality through spiritual and religious delusions because they're too afraid to face what actually is, they'd rather pretend that it isn't.

Good point, my two cents an add too: the tendency for some people to perceive reality through spiritual or religious delusions can also stem from a deep seated fear of facing uncomfortable truths about themselves/circumstances. 

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14 minutes ago, Sherapy said:

Good point, my two cents an add too: the tendency for some people to perceive reality through spiritual or religious delusions can also stem from a deep seated fear of facing uncomfortable truths about themselves/circumstances. 

A monk asked his teacher, Are you a Zen Master?  The teacher says, You will find the Zen Master at the top of the mountain.

So, the monk climbed to the top of the mountain.  It was a hard, long, difficult and dangerous journey.  Many times along the way the monk had to stop because the path ended and there seemed to be no way to continue. The monk persevered and when he reached the summit he found himself all alone.  As he looked at the view from the summit, the monk realized that the only Zen one finds at the top of the mountain is the Zen one brings to the top of the mountain.  

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12 hours ago, joc said:

A monk asked his teacher, Are you a Zen Master?  The teacher says, You will find the Zen Master at the top of the mountain.

So, the monk climbed to the top of the mountain.  It was a hard, long, difficult and dangerous journey.  Many times along the way the monk had to stop because the path ended and there seemed to be no way to continue. The monk persevered and when he reached the summit he found himself all alone.  As he looked at the view from the summit, the monk realized that the only Zen one finds at the top of the mountain is the Zen one brings to the top of the mountain.  

Love this, thank you Joc. 
An add too: A yoga analogy

As one steps into Triangle Pose on the yoga mat, the feet anchor themselves, creating a solid foundation. Yet, as one reaches out, the body reveals its own story—arms that won’t align perfectly, a torso that twists only so far, and a neck that strains to face the extended arm above. In these moments, the temptation to browbeat oneself arises, spinning narratives of an ideal pose unattained, those benchmarks of judgment.

But here lies the essence of the practice: the beauty of Triangle unfolds not in flawless execution, but in finding balance within current limitations. One inhales deeply, welcoming the wobbles and tightness; each adjustment serves as a reminder of one’s present state. In real time, it's not about only accepting limitations; it’s about working with them. You dig deep, finding your breath, and calming yourself amidst the effort. You realize it doesn’t matter how the pose looks.

As the hand finds rest on the shin instead of the floor, there’s an awareness of discomfort and the struggle of reaching, opening while feeling bound by limitations. You see your reflection in the mirrors around you and acknowledge how others are navigating their journeys (poses/asanas) with their own challenges. Acknowledging that you’re doing what you can in the moment, you understand that it’s okay to fall out of the pose, to sit down, or to take a break; none of that holds any significance compared to the acceptance of where you are right now.

In this stillness, calm may wash over you—or it may not. You can choose to surrender to this deep sense of acceptance. It is here that you learn strength does not stem from mimicking some external ideal but from the grace with which you extend your limitations. You balance the stretch of your extended arm with the grounding of your back foot, discovering the resilience within you to withstand this challenge, regardless of the struggle.

Triangle Pose teaches you to recognize that both struggle and ease coexist; they are always present to some degree. The pose is demanding; the pull of gravity is real, and the limits of flexibility remind you of your humanity, encapsulating your strengths and limitations in this moment. This struggle is part of the process, a companion on the journey of self-awareness. Much like life itself, the practice continuously presents its own set of challenges—each day will be different.

For me: the point is to accept the unique paths we tread—our setbacks are just as important as our successes. As one comes out of Triangle Pose, one carries with them a viable skill: inner peace and resilience can be cultivated in the acceptance of where you are at any moment, without judgment. 

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9 hours ago, Sherapy said:

Love this, thank you Joc. 
An add too: A yoga analogy

As one steps into Triangle Pose on the yoga mat, the feet anchor themselves, creating a solid foundation. Yet, as one reaches out, the body reveals its own story—arms that won’t align perfectly, a torso that twists only so far, and a neck that strains to face the extended arm above. In these moments, the temptation to browbeat oneself arises, spinning narratives of an ideal pose unattained, those benchmarks of judgment.

But here lies the essence of the practice: the beauty of Triangle unfolds not in flawless execution, but in finding balance within current limitations. One inhales deeply, welcoming the wobbles and tightness; each adjustment serves as a reminder of one’s present state. In real time, it's not about only accepting limitations; it’s about working with them. You dig deep, finding your breath, and calming yourself amidst the effort. You realize it doesn’t matter how the pose looks.

As the hand finds rest on the shin instead of the floor, there’s an awareness of discomfort and the struggle of reaching, opening while feeling bound by limitations. You see your reflection in the mirrors around you and acknowledge how others are navigating their journeys (poses/asanas) with their own challenges. Acknowledging that you’re doing what you can in the moment, you understand that it’s okay to fall out of the pose, to sit down, or to take a break; none of that holds any significance compared to the acceptance of where you are right now.

In this stillness, calm may wash over you—or it may not. You can choose to surrender to this deep sense of acceptance. It is here that you learn strength does not stem from mimicking some external ideal but from the grace with which you extend your limitations. You balance the stretch of your extended arm with the grounding of your back foot, discovering the resilience within you to withstand this challenge, regardless of the struggle.

Triangle Pose teaches you to recognize that both struggle and ease coexist; they are always present to some degree. The pose is demanding; the pull of gravity is real, and the limits of flexibility remind you of your humanity, encapsulating your strengths and limitations in this moment. This struggle is part of the process, a companion on the journey of self-awareness. Much like life itself, the practice continuously presents its own set of challenges—each day will be different.

For me: the point is to accept the unique paths we tread—our setbacks are just as important as our successes. As one comes out of Triangle Pose, one carries with them a viable skill: inner peace and resilience can be cultivated in the acceptance of where you are at any moment, without judgment. 

That was such an incredible teaching moment and written so beautifully and so eloquently!  Thank you!  It was truly a unique and thought provoking analogy.  Adding on: to the Inner Peace of the Moment. 

Where ever we are at any moment...freezeframe the moment...that moment is our life.  In that moment, we live, we work, we love, we die.  All of our thoughts and dreams and inspirations and exasperations are there in that moment.  In that moment we make decisions for the rest of our lives. Our triumphs, our heartaches, our wins, our losses, our last breath...all there in that moment.  

 ...accept the unique paths we tread—our setbacks are just as important as our successes. As one comes out of Triangle Pose, one carries with them a viable skill: inner peace and resilience can be cultivated in the acceptance of where you are at any moment, without judgment.   :yes:    

What compelled me to swim out to the sandbar that day in Pensacola was the desire to see the view...a view that only a very few people in their entire lives will ever see.  As I stood on the sandbar, in the middle of the ocean, I took in the view. It was as I imagined, simply incredible.  In that moment, I was experiencing something very marvelous.  In that moment, I also realized that I had to swim back.  While swimming back, came the realization, in that moment, that I was shark bait.  I panicked and swam hard.  I stopped from exhaustion and dog paddled. Where ever we are...that is where we are.  It was not in the climbing, but only going back down the mountain that I experienced fear.  In that moment, tired, cold, lonely, and very afraid, I just kept swimming.

    inner peace and resilience can be cultivated in the acceptance of where you are at any moment, without judgment.                                                                                   

Edited by joc
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On 1/16/2025 at 6:05 PM, Sherapy said:

I’ve been pondering your belief that faith in God will completely rid the world of evil. It is a challenging  viewpoint, I often wonder how one can reconcile the existence of evil with strong faith. It seems to me that if faith could truly eradicate evil, it already would have and we wouldn’t see so much suffering in the world. I’d love to hear your thoughts on this. 

Pretty sure that I never said that.

For faith without works, and all that!

But, if faith, (plus works) can eradicate evil, its only within, for oneself.

Lets put it this way, Sheri..

Perceptions can, and do, inform how one reacts to certain stressful situations. And my belief that GOD is all powerful, and all merciful and loving, means that there is no need to get emotional about anything. This belief, these perceptions, (plus personal experiences) gives us great strength, calmness, humour, and so on..

Get the inner beliefs right, and an alchemical, magical existence of abundance will be created.

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3 hours ago, Crazy Horse said:

Pretty sure that I never said that.

For faith without works, and all that!

But, if faith, (plus works) can eradicate evil, its only within, for oneself.

Lets put it this way, Sheri..

Perceptions can, and do, inform how one reacts to certain stressful situations. And my belief that GOD is all powerful, and all merciful and loving, means that there is no need to get emotional about anything. This belief, these perceptions, (plus personal experiences) gives us great strength, calmness, humour, and so on..

Get the inner beliefs right, and an alchemical, magical existence of abundance will be created.

How do you think our individual interpretations of faith influence our ability to confront and address the reality of suffering and evil in the world?"

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29 minutes ago, Sherapy said:

How do you think our individual interpretations of faith influence our ability to confront and address the reality of suffering and evil in the world?"

We're supposed to confront the suffering and evil in this world? Personally the world that matters is my own reality tunnel. I have zero intention of making other people's problems mine. Guess I don't have a savior complex.

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1 hour ago, XenoFish said:

We're supposed to confront the suffering and evil in this world? Personally the world that matters is my own reality tunnel. I have zero intention of making other people's problems mine. Guess I don't have a savior complex.

I lost mine. The Mullica Hill tornadoes was the beginning and Maggie's death the straw....

Let it all ****ing burn.... 

 

 

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1 hour ago, Sherapy said:

How do you think our individual interpretations of faith influence our ability to confront and address the reality of suffering and evil in the world?"

Lets put it this way, Sheri.

My belief that GOD is all powerful, means that there is nothing bigger, stronger, more powerful than THAT.

And my belief that GOD is all loving and merciful, means that there is always a redemption and forgiveness (if one desires such a thing).

And my belief that we all dwell within GOD, and that GOD is our very Core Essence within us, means that actually, we are not two.

My knowledge of karma, co-dependence, and impermanence, also help a lot.

So obviously, this has a massive influence upon everything, I do.

But, if the above is true, it must also be knowable.

THAT, is my "life's purpose"..

 

 

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1 hour ago, XenoFish said:

We're supposed to confront the suffering and evil in this world? Personally the world that matters is my own reality tunnel. I have zero intention of making other people's problems mine. Guess I don't have a savior complex.

Only if one is drawn to such a thing.

Someone once said, there are 3 types of people in the world.

Heroes, villains, and victims.

We are free to choice whichever one we like, but it will inform the quality and enjoyment of ones whole life.

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3 minutes ago, Crazy Horse said:

We are free to choice whichever one we like, but it will inform the quality and enjoyment of ones whole life.

As such you are in no position to dictate the lives of others. No one cares about your spiritual life, no one needs your judgment cast upon them. Many of us have seen the fruits of your beliefs. 

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Just now, XenoFish said:

As such you are in no position to dictate the lives of others. No one cares about your spiritual life, no one needs your judgment cast upon them. Many of us have seen the fruits of your beliefs. 

Well you cant stop yourself from talking about it.

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5 minutes ago, Crazy Horse said:

Well you cant stop yourself from talking about it.

Because you preach it at people. 

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