<p>Vivek shows us who we all are: magnificent self-healers. At 55, he had a heart attack. Along with a physical illness that requires hospitalization in the ICCU, most patients have psychological reactions-- fear of dying, depression, anxiety, pain, self-pity-- that bind them to suffering. But, Vivek didn’t allow that. I think he knew at a deep level that living-in-wellness was a gift bestowed on him; and he was determined to return to his natural state by participating in the wellness process rather than being lost in the illness. <br /><br /></p>.<p>We often admire a majestic sunrise where the entire sky is lit with awe-inspiring celestial hues. Ah, but what of our own magnificence? Meditate and you’ll experience it. In that beautiful matrix of harmony, you’ll feel your own glory. Here, illness recedes; healing proceeds. <br /><br />From this innate sense of gloriousness, Vivek quit smoking, made dietary changes, walked two hours a day, adjusted his working life to reduce stress and ,overall, let his innate sense of humour carry him through. <br /><br />Life smiles when you do. A British friend asked Vivek who his brilliant sons took after. Was it him? “I don’t know,” said Vivek, “Though, my father was a brilliant guy. He wrote several books. One is still acclaimed not just in India but all over the world.” The British friend sat up. “What’s the title of the book?” he asked with awed interest. Vivek replied straight-faced, “The Kama Sutra.” <br /><br /> Like soda-bubbles tickle your nose, the bubbles of humour fizz pleasantly in the brain. Ah yes, humour has a distinct melody of its own. It says open-heartedly, “I’ve found my own music. And you’re free to be entertained by it.” Somehow it’s not surprising that now, at 67, Vivek is learning the piano, looks a fit, strapping 55, works out three hours at the gym, has the energy of a 25-year-old and is in demand as a solar energy consultant. <br /> He neither dons a saffron robe nor leads a spartan life, but Vivek is a modern-day yogi. He has cleared his life of clutter and lives from his heart.<br /><br /> From pursuing achievement, he now chooses to pursue fulfillment. From pursuing success, he now chooses to pursue satisfaction. No more is he letting his mind rob his heart of the beautiful feelings of joy it deserves. No more will he allow his heart to feel attacked. <br /><br /> Likewise, please don’t be ashamed of wanting to sing your song. Don’t try to control your dissatisfaction, just let…it…go. Do something that brings out your music—join a dance class, strum a guitar, take nature walks… Don’t let your mind win at the expense of your heart. The Vedas say, “Of bliss we are born, in bliss we are sustained, and to bliss we go and merge again.” <br /><br />Your heart is your bliss point. Follow your heart, act out your dream—life has been gifted to us precisely for this reason. Make everyday life blissful too: <br /><br />* Think pleasantly about everything. Shake off unpleasant thoughts and feelings by literally shaking your head and shrugging your shoulders vigorously. <br /><br />* Give in immediately to sweet, spontaneous impulses—yes, give that slab of chocolate to a street urchin…<br /><br />* Tell your mind to shift from criticism to blissful thoughts like “We are all children of the Light.”<br /><br />* Make play of work, be gently humorous, relax solo or in benign company. <br /><br />* Watch the sun rise—and remember, that’s your magnificence being mirrored. <br /><br />* When negative feelings arise, know they’re clouds. Take deep bliss-breaths and make them float away. <br /><br /> Have a beautiful, blissful new year.</p>
<p>Vivek shows us who we all are: magnificent self-healers. At 55, he had a heart attack. Along with a physical illness that requires hospitalization in the ICCU, most patients have psychological reactions-- fear of dying, depression, anxiety, pain, self-pity-- that bind them to suffering. But, Vivek didn’t allow that. I think he knew at a deep level that living-in-wellness was a gift bestowed on him; and he was determined to return to his natural state by participating in the wellness process rather than being lost in the illness. <br /><br /></p>.<p>We often admire a majestic sunrise where the entire sky is lit with awe-inspiring celestial hues. Ah, but what of our own magnificence? Meditate and you’ll experience it. In that beautiful matrix of harmony, you’ll feel your own glory. Here, illness recedes; healing proceeds. <br /><br />From this innate sense of gloriousness, Vivek quit smoking, made dietary changes, walked two hours a day, adjusted his working life to reduce stress and ,overall, let his innate sense of humour carry him through. <br /><br />Life smiles when you do. A British friend asked Vivek who his brilliant sons took after. Was it him? “I don’t know,” said Vivek, “Though, my father was a brilliant guy. He wrote several books. One is still acclaimed not just in India but all over the world.” The British friend sat up. “What’s the title of the book?” he asked with awed interest. Vivek replied straight-faced, “The Kama Sutra.” <br /><br /> Like soda-bubbles tickle your nose, the bubbles of humour fizz pleasantly in the brain. Ah yes, humour has a distinct melody of its own. It says open-heartedly, “I’ve found my own music. And you’re free to be entertained by it.” Somehow it’s not surprising that now, at 67, Vivek is learning the piano, looks a fit, strapping 55, works out three hours at the gym, has the energy of a 25-year-old and is in demand as a solar energy consultant. <br /> He neither dons a saffron robe nor leads a spartan life, but Vivek is a modern-day yogi. He has cleared his life of clutter and lives from his heart.<br /><br /> From pursuing achievement, he now chooses to pursue fulfillment. From pursuing success, he now chooses to pursue satisfaction. No more is he letting his mind rob his heart of the beautiful feelings of joy it deserves. No more will he allow his heart to feel attacked. <br /><br /> Likewise, please don’t be ashamed of wanting to sing your song. Don’t try to control your dissatisfaction, just let…it…go. Do something that brings out your music—join a dance class, strum a guitar, take nature walks… Don’t let your mind win at the expense of your heart. The Vedas say, “Of bliss we are born, in bliss we are sustained, and to bliss we go and merge again.” <br /><br />Your heart is your bliss point. Follow your heart, act out your dream—life has been gifted to us precisely for this reason. Make everyday life blissful too: <br /><br />* Think pleasantly about everything. Shake off unpleasant thoughts and feelings by literally shaking your head and shrugging your shoulders vigorously. <br /><br />* Give in immediately to sweet, spontaneous impulses—yes, give that slab of chocolate to a street urchin…<br /><br />* Tell your mind to shift from criticism to blissful thoughts like “We are all children of the Light.”<br /><br />* Make play of work, be gently humorous, relax solo or in benign company. <br /><br />* Watch the sun rise—and remember, that’s your magnificence being mirrored. <br /><br />* When negative feelings arise, know they’re clouds. Take deep bliss-breaths and make them float away. <br /><br /> Have a beautiful, blissful new year.</p>
