Journey Nov 2020 LP
Soul Survivor
The path of the soul may not be glamorous, lucrative, or attractive to the eye, but it gives you everlasting peace, contentment, and happiness, says Shivi Verma
These days, news channels and social media are rife with conspiracy theories, big exposés, murder mysteries, whistle-blowing, and skeletons tumbling out of the cupboards of the high and mighty.
As bigger and bigger names get indicted and accused of criminal conspiracy, drug peddling, murder, and sexual harassment, the ordinary Indian is either looking agape at the reality of our social icons or secretly taking a vicarious pleasure in the downfall of the puissant. Almost everybody is waiting to finally have the system cleansed of the filth and muck which has been accumulating over decades in our glamour and power industry.
Although, this is desirable and the wheel of time seems to be decidedly turning in the favour of truth, virtue, and righteousness, let us not forget that time spares no one, including ourselves. Instead of gloating over the downfall of the rich and the famous, this is the time to look into the closet of our own past, mind, and home.
For it is evident that Nature has girded up its loins to balance out all negativity, greed, pride, injustice, and exploitation present in the human world. This is also the time to reap what we have been sowing all our lives. So, if we have resisted the temptation for money, power, and sex for the sake of virtuousness, have been truthful to our inner voice and led honest, humble, simple, loving, helping, and hardworking lives, we will be richly rewarded. But if we have chosen to live in the darkness of our egoistic minds, have controlled and dominated those weaker than us by situation, been mean, selfish, and discriminatory in our attitude, have mentally or physically harmed or gaslighted others for personal gains, and have lied and betrayed, then it’s time we take a cold and hard look at ourselves instead of celebrating the misfortunes of others. We need to go on a self-inventory to purge ourselves of our ignorant acts and seek the forgiveness of others; otherwise, we may be the next in line.
Wherever there is a race for power, popularity, status, money, and glamour, there is always the risk of stooping low in order to rise above. Of selling the soul to get ahead in the rat race. Of robbing someone else’s rightful share and credit to be in the spotlight. Of compromising with your values to bag that lucrative project.
Before joining Life Positive, I had dabbled in the mainstream world and I was quite dis-illusioned to see the self-aggrandising spirit of people. I had realised that I did not fit into the regular world as it demanded me to become someone I was inherently not in order to succeed.
I had collected my bags and left. I had meditated long and hard, and had decided to dedicate my life in service to God because only at His feet I felt safe, secure, and nurtured. Needless to say, I found a job which only asked me to be sincere and committed in my performance. Merit and good behaviour were rewarded, and any form of dishonesty was frowned upon. Getting to this place was challenging, but I realise how right I was in my decision when I observe the protection I have received from all sorts of troubles during the pandemic.
The mind chases fun, ego-building, and glamour, but peace, safety, happiness, and contentment are accessed when we follow the call of our soul.
Editor of Life Positive, Shivi Verma is a devotee who found all her answers in loving God passionately.