Spiritually speaking, there are no good days or bad days – there are just days. Of course, we don’t always see it that way. Some days seem difficult and challenging, while others flow along nicely. Yet, each day is a gift, enabling us to learn and grow. If we understand that life brings us what we ourselves have designed, and that within each difficulty lies a gift of insight and a chance to change, then we can transform all our days into days filled with focus and joy, leading to a life of real value.
We can transform ‘bad’ days into ‘good’ ones by maintaining, as often as possible, the bigger picture in our minds. This bigger picture is unlimited, as is our capacity to become our true and powerful selves. To achieve this, we need to shift our consciousness from the physical to the spiritual. Spiritual consciousness comprises two vital elements.
The first element is recognizing that we are spiritual beings – souls, light, and indestructible.
The second element is acknowledging a Supreme Consciousness that constantly radiates love and power. In meditation, when these two elements connect, there is a transmission of immense spiritual energy.
Until we awaken to this bigger picture, we will experience many ‘bad’ days. Our consciousness will be trapped in the physical world, causing us to perceive everything happening ‘out there’ as either ‘good’ or ‘bad’. We will seek distractions and companionship to alleviate our sadness and loneliness, trying to cope with all our tasks.
One of the greatest abilities we have as human beings is the ability to analyse, reflect, and understand. Transforming bad days into good ones requires us to make time and space for introspection. When we sit quietly and reflect on what is going on inside us, rather than outside, magic happens.
For example, if we examine why we feel unsettled, disgruntled, or uncomfortable, answers will come clearly to our minds. Our conscience will whisper the cause of our state of mind and what we need to do about it.
It might be that we had an argument yesterday and need to apologize, or something happened that triggered a painful memory. Maybe we watched TV late at night, and the violence infiltrated our dreams, leaving us drained upon waking. Perhaps unmet expectations led us to blame and criticize others. It could be that we are ill and resisting the condition – what we resist, persists. Acceptance acts as a balm to the mind. We might need to learn how to accept help, even if we have always valued independence above all else.
We are all unique, with our own set of circumstances, inner strengths, and weaknesses. Yet, we all possess patience, love, peace, and forgiveness within us. It is only the anger and trauma we have experienced that block our true selves from stepping onto the stage and shining.
Meditation is a powerful way to deal with what we discover in our moments of quiet. Connecting with the Source allows us to release everything we wish to change. Offering our struggles in meditation gives the Supreme Soul the chance to absorb all our angst, like a spiritual blotting paper. What follows are just ‘good’ days. As our relationship with this Supreme Energy develops, we become lighter and happier. Our spiritual light grows ever brighter, illuminating the way for others.
John McConnel is a stress management trainer and a former prison governor and social worker. He is the author of ‘Breaking Through the Darkness – how to defeat depression, anxiety and stress: a spiritual perspective’. He teaches Rajyoga Meditation with the Brahma Kumaris and is based in London.