Thank you God

Thank you God

June 2015

By Shivi Verma

Starting a new column on life and spirituality by Shivi Verma I was considered intelligent by my father. My school report card also said the same till a certain point. But my material achievements did not match. I failed almost every entrance exam that I attempted, right from a small NIIT entrance exam to the entrance exams of big colleges like JNU, IIMC and many others. I had to move heaven and earth to get a place in the Journalism and Mass Communication course of Aligarh Muslim University, and I was quite dejected to find that it was a new curriculum in the university, and had not yet earned its credibility. After passing out, my attempts at joining a big mainstream publication also fell flat. I started as a stringer in a big firm which published an English socio-political magazine which nobody, including the publisher, cared about. I felt that I was rowing against the tide. After considerable soul-searching I decided that I would be better off working for a publication whose values and philosophies I resonated with.

And when I saw Life Positive in the newsstand I was certain that I was meant for it. After I joined I fitted wonderfully into its groove and felt at home. But I often felt sad that I could never boast of an illustrious background, unlike many corporate trainers, healers and motivational speakers, who drop names of the prestigious colleges and careers they were part of before moving into spirituality. In fact these credentials prove their credibility, and the importance of shifting to holistic living from a life driven by market forces. But today I thank heavens for bringing me home straight without much ado. How much lengthier would my own process have become had I first gone on collecting medals, degrees and certificates only to realise that they do not constitute happiness. Moreover, attachment to such achievements is so deep that even those who had to forego them because of ailments, failures, or closures, look back longingly at the labels which had once defined them. I have also noticed that even healers and trainers in the holistic field often go on an ego trip, busy creating a niche identity. Furthermore, their repertoire of techniques, tools and modalities in their CV simply add to the load. Not only that, many have some form of suffering still affecting their happiness. Very few are capable of throwing over the ghost of past achievements. I remember having read that Osho used to be a topper throughout school and college. He won gold medals everywhere. But after he realised their futility and impediment in his onward march to self-knowledge, he threw them down a well. They had served their purpose and were a needless baggage, if he wanted to know the truth. For someone on the spiritual path the sooner he realises and removes impediments, the faster he reaches his aim. Today, I am happy that I did not make it to JNU, IAS, or even a flashy job. All of that would have needlessly stretched my journey to self-discovery, unless I was born with the awareness of my life purpose. By saying this I am not denying the value of these institutes, or their alumni, but stressing the importance of not taking it too seriously. I see many intellectuals who are amazingly good people yet are loath to do something ordinary because it does not gel with their self-image. And happiness and liberation both stay miles away from them.

About the author: Associate Editor with Life Positive, Shivi Verma is a devotee who found all her answers in loving God passionately.