This morning, I’m giving a talk at SoulCentre Academy on “How to stay Calm in the Storm”.
A subject appropriate to the moment I think.
In life, we are always setting goals for ourselves and working to make them happen. This gives us focus and ensures that we use our time and energy efficiently and effectively. It also provides us with a sense of purpose and direction. We know where we are going and what we want to do. But quite often, due to forces outside our control, things do not go as we had planned and we have to reconsider our plans and priorities, sometimes in the blink of an eye. This is what happens when life is unpredictable.
The ability to accept what is happening and let go of your original expectations is a key for dealing with these unexpected turns of fate. We have a tendency to get stuck in our heads, clinging to an idea of how we think life should go, and we can have a hard time accepting anything that doesn’t comply with that idea.
The fact is that life is unpredictable.
In order to keep us awake to opportunity and to teach us equanimity, the universe throws us the occasional curve ball. Remember that curve balls are not only life’s way of keeping us awake, which is a gift in and of itself; they are also often life’s way of bringing us wonderful surprises.
Next time something doesn’t go the way you planned, take a deep breath, say thank you, and open your mind to a new opportunity.
With love and light, I wish you Enlightenment,
Vikas Malkani
The Enlightenment Specialist
www.theenlightenmentspecialist.com
Friday, December 5, 2008
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Waking Up
Life is a journey of constant evolution comprised of many small steps.
And each day, we are provided with many opportunities that can allow us to transform into our next highest selves. Awareness means that we are able to realize what we are doing moment to moment. We observe ourselves, noticing our thoughts, choices, actions, and reactions as if we were a detached witness. Awareness is the first step to change because we can’t make a change unless we are aware that one needs to be made in the first place.
Only then can we begin understanding why we are doing what we are doing. Then, it becomes difficult not to change because we are no longer asleep to the truth behind our behaviours. We also begin to realize that, just as much as we are the root source behind our thoughts - the roots for our behaviours, we are also the originator for any changes that we want to happen. There is a freedom that comes with this kind of awareness. Rather than thinking that we are stuck in a repetitive cycle where there is no escape, we begin to see that we always play a hand in creating our own lives.
Whether we are aware of them or not, our thoughts, choices and actions are always ours to make. Our past and our present no longer have to dictate our future when we choose to be aware. We are then free to move beyond our old limits, make new choices, and take new actions.
With awareness, our life can’t help but evolve us. In fact, it is only through awareness that we can continue to consciously evolve in every day of our life, whatever it may bring.
With love and light, I wish you Enlightenment,
Vikas Malkani
The Enlightenment Specialist
www.theenlightenmentspecialist.com
And each day, we are provided with many opportunities that can allow us to transform into our next highest selves. Awareness means that we are able to realize what we are doing moment to moment. We observe ourselves, noticing our thoughts, choices, actions, and reactions as if we were a detached witness. Awareness is the first step to change because we can’t make a change unless we are aware that one needs to be made in the first place.
Only then can we begin understanding why we are doing what we are doing. Then, it becomes difficult not to change because we are no longer asleep to the truth behind our behaviours. We also begin to realize that, just as much as we are the root source behind our thoughts - the roots for our behaviours, we are also the originator for any changes that we want to happen. There is a freedom that comes with this kind of awareness. Rather than thinking that we are stuck in a repetitive cycle where there is no escape, we begin to see that we always play a hand in creating our own lives.
Whether we are aware of them or not, our thoughts, choices and actions are always ours to make. Our past and our present no longer have to dictate our future when we choose to be aware. We are then free to move beyond our old limits, make new choices, and take new actions.
With awareness, our life can’t help but evolve us. In fact, it is only through awareness that we can continue to consciously evolve in every day of our life, whatever it may bring.
With love and light, I wish you Enlightenment,
Vikas Malkani
The Enlightenment Specialist
www.theenlightenmentspecialist.com
Monday, November 17, 2008
Taking Responsibilty is a Spiritual Act
There are many who believe that our lives are predestined and that we should resign ourselves to our lots in life. Yet the truth is that it is up to each one of us to decide what our destiny will be.
While we are all born with a life purpose, it is up to us whether or not we will say yes to fulfilling it. And just like when we choose what to eat, who to keep company with, and whether to turn right or left at a crossroad, choosing to say yes to your destiny is a decision that can only be realized when you take action to make that choice a reality.
Whether you believe it is your destiny to be a parent, an adventurer, an artist, or a spiritual guru, saying yes to your destiny is only the first step. While manifesting your destiny starts with knowing what you want and believing you can attain your goals, there are actions that must be taken and decisions to be made before your destiny can truly happen.
When you take responsibility for fulfilling your destiny and begin acting with the intention of doing so, you not only take fate into your own hands, but also you become the hands of your own fate. Doors open for you to step through, and every choice you make becomes a creative act toward realizing your goals and dreams.
Your destiny may be waiting for you, but whether or not you meet your destiny is up to you.
Your fate is in your hands. Taking responsibility is a spiritual action.
With love and light, I wish you Enlightenment,
Vikas Malkani
The Enlightenment Specialist
www.theenlightenmentspecialist.com
While we are all born with a life purpose, it is up to us whether or not we will say yes to fulfilling it. And just like when we choose what to eat, who to keep company with, and whether to turn right or left at a crossroad, choosing to say yes to your destiny is a decision that can only be realized when you take action to make that choice a reality.
Whether you believe it is your destiny to be a parent, an adventurer, an artist, or a spiritual guru, saying yes to your destiny is only the first step. While manifesting your destiny starts with knowing what you want and believing you can attain your goals, there are actions that must be taken and decisions to be made before your destiny can truly happen.
When you take responsibility for fulfilling your destiny and begin acting with the intention of doing so, you not only take fate into your own hands, but also you become the hands of your own fate. Doors open for you to step through, and every choice you make becomes a creative act toward realizing your goals and dreams.
Your destiny may be waiting for you, but whether or not you meet your destiny is up to you.
Your fate is in your hands. Taking responsibility is a spiritual action.
With love and light, I wish you Enlightenment,
Vikas Malkani
The Enlightenment Specialist
www.theenlightenmentspecialist.com
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Festival Of Lights
I am in India writing to you on this day of Deepawali.
Deepawali is celebrated across the world as the ancient Hindu festival of lights. It has many traditional mythologies associated with it but I would like you to understand its present day spiritual significance..
The oil lamps symbolise the inner light present inside each one of us and lighting the oil lamp is significant of giving attention to your own soul and making it the centre of your life.
This is important because one of the greatest truths you can understand about life is that we all live simultaneously in 2 worlds - the inner and the outer.
The outer world is the world of your circumstances, events, results, environment, and other people, while the inner world is the world of your thoughts, perception, emotions and actions that arise from your emotions.
My Master, Swami Rama, taught me that true yoga means to be able to live masterfully in the external world while being anchored in the inner world. In other words, to bridge the two.
If you can do that you will realise that regardless of the external world which is full of the uncertain, unknown and insecure, you will be able to create your own reality by the correct use of your mind (thoughts and perception), your heart (emotions) and your body (actions)
So mark my words - It is only in the external world that you will be tested, and it is only in the inner world that you will find your victory!
Peace, Happiness, Love, Success, Completion and Contentment...all of these are off-springs of the inner world, not the external world. To become a Master means to be able to master your inner world of thoughts, perception, emotions and action, regardless of what the externals may be like..
So when the lamp is being lit, it is in fact a silent declaration that 'I will give time to myself and my spiritual growth to be able to light the lamp of my soul within myself so that It may erase the darkness of the external world around me".
We make a commitment to ourselves to live like a lotus flower - which grows in the midst of the muddy, dirty and the negative, and yet rises above it to be positive and beautiful. And shines its beauty on the whole world.
We must learn to live as the Lotus flower - This is the true message of the ancient Masters!
Today, I encourage all of you to light a candle or an oil lamp for yourself and as you do, commit to yourself to live a life centred in your soul, whatever it takes.
We made that commitment many years ago, and that's why we call ourselves SoulCentre.
I send you my love and light, today and always, from this ancient land.
Vikas
The Enlightenment Specialist
www.vikas-malkani.blogspot.com
www.youtube.com/user/soul2soulnews
Deepawali is celebrated across the world as the ancient Hindu festival of lights. It has many traditional mythologies associated with it but I would like you to understand its present day spiritual significance..
The oil lamps symbolise the inner light present inside each one of us and lighting the oil lamp is significant of giving attention to your own soul and making it the centre of your life.
This is important because one of the greatest truths you can understand about life is that we all live simultaneously in 2 worlds - the inner and the outer.
The outer world is the world of your circumstances, events, results, environment, and other people, while the inner world is the world of your thoughts, perception, emotions and actions that arise from your emotions.
My Master, Swami Rama, taught me that true yoga means to be able to live masterfully in the external world while being anchored in the inner world. In other words, to bridge the two.
If you can do that you will realise that regardless of the external world which is full of the uncertain, unknown and insecure, you will be able to create your own reality by the correct use of your mind (thoughts and perception), your heart (emotions) and your body (actions)
So mark my words - It is only in the external world that you will be tested, and it is only in the inner world that you will find your victory!
Peace, Happiness, Love, Success, Completion and Contentment...all of these are off-springs of the inner world, not the external world. To become a Master means to be able to master your inner world of thoughts, perception, emotions and action, regardless of what the externals may be like..
So when the lamp is being lit, it is in fact a silent declaration that 'I will give time to myself and my spiritual growth to be able to light the lamp of my soul within myself so that It may erase the darkness of the external world around me".
We make a commitment to ourselves to live like a lotus flower - which grows in the midst of the muddy, dirty and the negative, and yet rises above it to be positive and beautiful. And shines its beauty on the whole world.
We must learn to live as the Lotus flower - This is the true message of the ancient Masters!
Today, I encourage all of you to light a candle or an oil lamp for yourself and as you do, commit to yourself to live a life centred in your soul, whatever it takes.
We made that commitment many years ago, and that's why we call ourselves SoulCentre.
I send you my love and light, today and always, from this ancient land.
Vikas
The Enlightenment Specialist
www.vikas-malkani.blogspot.com
www.youtube.com/user/soul2soulnews
Monday, October 13, 2008
Stay Calm in the Storm
When our next best course of action seems unclear, any dilemmas we face can appear insurmountable. Yet there is nothing we cannot overcome with a clear mind, time, persistence, help, and faith.
Whatever the situation or problem, there is always a solution to it, even if you can’t see it. The first step in overcoming any obstacle is to believe that it can be overcome. Doing so will give you the strength and courage to move through any crisis.
The second step is to make a resolution that you can prevail over any chaos. Enlist a support network of family and friends if necessary. The more minds there are to consider a problem, the more solutions can be found. Don’t discount ideas just because they seem impractical or unrealistic, and don’t keep searching for the ‘perfect’ alternative.
Often there is no perfect choice; there is only a choice to make so we can begin moving beyond whatever is obstructing our path. At the very least, making a choice, even if isn’t the ideal one, can give you a sense of peace before you have to figure out what your next course of action will be.
If you feel overwhelmed, think of other people who have turned adversity into triumph. You will gain a fresh perspective when you remember others who have overcome larger obstacles.
It is during our darkest hours that we sometimes need to remind ourselves that we don’t have to feel helpless. You have within and around you the resources to find a solution to any problem. And the best resource is always a calm and clear mind, one that you can achieve through meditation.
Meditation has been practiced for thousands of years and will give you powerful tools to stay calm in any storm. So try meditation with a certainty that if the choice you make doesn’t work, you are always free to try another.
Believe that you can get through anything, and you will always prevail.
With love and light, I wish you Enlightenment,
Vikas Malkani
The Enlightenment Specialist
www.theenlightenmentspecialist.com
I’m teaching ‘Meditation Made Simple’ starting on the 20th of October. I believe it will be invaluable to have this teaching at this uncertain and chaotic time. Those of you interested to begin this journey are welcome to get in touch with me.
Whatever the situation or problem, there is always a solution to it, even if you can’t see it. The first step in overcoming any obstacle is to believe that it can be overcome. Doing so will give you the strength and courage to move through any crisis.
The second step is to make a resolution that you can prevail over any chaos. Enlist a support network of family and friends if necessary. The more minds there are to consider a problem, the more solutions can be found. Don’t discount ideas just because they seem impractical or unrealistic, and don’t keep searching for the ‘perfect’ alternative.
Often there is no perfect choice; there is only a choice to make so we can begin moving beyond whatever is obstructing our path. At the very least, making a choice, even if isn’t the ideal one, can give you a sense of peace before you have to figure out what your next course of action will be.
If you feel overwhelmed, think of other people who have turned adversity into triumph. You will gain a fresh perspective when you remember others who have overcome larger obstacles.
It is during our darkest hours that we sometimes need to remind ourselves that we don’t have to feel helpless. You have within and around you the resources to find a solution to any problem. And the best resource is always a calm and clear mind, one that you can achieve through meditation.
Meditation has been practiced for thousands of years and will give you powerful tools to stay calm in any storm. So try meditation with a certainty that if the choice you make doesn’t work, you are always free to try another.
Believe that you can get through anything, and you will always prevail.
With love and light, I wish you Enlightenment,
Vikas Malkani
The Enlightenment Specialist
www.theenlightenmentspecialist.com
I’m teaching ‘Meditation Made Simple’ starting on the 20th of October. I believe it will be invaluable to have this teaching at this uncertain and chaotic time. Those of you interested to begin this journey are welcome to get in touch with me.
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Mistakes are lessons
Learning from past mistakes is necessary for your evolution. This is important to understand because all of us make mistakes and so many of us are still under the burden of guilt for making them.
As long as we continue to feel negative or guilty about our mistakes, we continue to remain stagnant. Instead, learn from them and grow from them. Recognise what you did wrong, understand its lessons and make the lessons a part of your life. Then you will truly become bigger than what you were when you made the mistakes.
Even the brightest, most intelligent, highly successful people make mistakes. They make choices and take action that they later regret. The only difference between them and you is that they learn the lessons and use them to move forward to their own successes.
With love and light, I wish you Enlightenment,
Vikas Malkani
The Enlightenment Specialist
www.theenlightenmentspecialist.com
As long as we continue to feel negative or guilty about our mistakes, we continue to remain stagnant. Instead, learn from them and grow from them. Recognise what you did wrong, understand its lessons and make the lessons a part of your life. Then you will truly become bigger than what you were when you made the mistakes.
Even the brightest, most intelligent, highly successful people make mistakes. They make choices and take action that they later regret. The only difference between them and you is that they learn the lessons and use them to move forward to their own successes.
With love and light, I wish you Enlightenment,
Vikas Malkani
The Enlightenment Specialist
www.theenlightenmentspecialist.com
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Courage makes a Master
The Himalayan masters that I learnt from knew that courage is not the absence of fear but the willingness to walk through your fear in pursuit of a goal that is important to you.
You live like the dead when you live in a safe and comfortable prison and cling to the known. You only start to really live your life when your heart beats with excitement and passion. And this happens when you have found something truly meaningful to you or when you have stretched your boundaries.
Growth only happens with courage.
And remember, that on the other side of your fears is where you will discover your true self.
That’s where you will also discover your fortunes.
With love and light, I wish you Enlightenment,
Vikas Malkani
The Enlightenment Specialist
www.theenlightenmentspecialist.com
You live like the dead when you live in a safe and comfortable prison and cling to the known. You only start to really live your life when your heart beats with excitement and passion. And this happens when you have found something truly meaningful to you or when you have stretched your boundaries.
Growth only happens with courage.
And remember, that on the other side of your fears is where you will discover your true self.
That’s where you will also discover your fortunes.
With love and light, I wish you Enlightenment,
Vikas Malkani
The Enlightenment Specialist
www.theenlightenmentspecialist.com
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