Amid global tragedies, many individuals find themselves grappling with overwhelming emotions and a longing for inner peace. Recognizing the profound pain, especially in the face of lost innocent lives, is crucial. However, it’s equally important to nurture a sense of personal solace alongside our relentless pursuit of justice. The journey to achieving this peace is continuous, demanding personal growth and dedication. One effective method to traverse this journey is through heart-centred meditation.
Cultivating inner peace in our hearts extends to our words, thoughts, behaviour, actions, and all aspects of life that allow our innate nature to be unveiled, which is peace. Peace is not merely an absence of war; it’s an inner harmony. This individual harmony is the key to global peace. War is not the only threat to the peace and survival of humanity, but to our biosphere as a whole. When we develop a meditative state that becomes our nature, our mere presence alone promotes peace.
This notion of inner peace is simple. However, actualizing widespread peace amidst deep-rooted conflicts is multifaceted. A holistic approach to this idea of a peaceful world encompasses historical, political, and economic nuances while championing human rights. Central to such an approach is the idea that when global decision-makers, influencers, political strategists and world leaders make decisions that affect the lives of millions do so with this meditative state of inner peace, then imagine the transformation this world would go through. History provides evidence of the transformative power of peace, as seen in initiatives like Sri Lanka’s Sarvodaya Shramadana Movement during their prolonged civil war. By utilising meditation in community-building activities, they aided individuals in coping with the trauma induced by the conflict, showcasing that fostering personal inner peace can lead to broader societal reconciliation.
Eleanor Roosevelt’s poignant words, “When will our consciences grow so tender that we will act to prevent human misery rather than avenge it?”, encapsulate the essence of the quest for peace. The propulsion towards a harmonious world is initiated with individual transformation. When combined with a comprehensive strategy, this personal evolution can pave the way for a brighter, more peaceful future. How to transform this profound aspiration of peace into reality? Let us begin with ourselves. A simple yet powerful Heartfulness meditation practice, designed to facilitate this inner journey towards tranquillity and self-awareness is summarised below. Following these steps, we gradually nurture a sense of inner peace.
A Simple Heartfulness Meditation:
1. Find a quiet space and sit comfortably.
2. Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths to centre yourself.
3. Focus on your heart. Suppose the presence of a source of light present in your heart.
4. Gently place your attention and awareness on this source of light in your heart and continue to meditate on this.
5. If your mind starts to wander, you can gently and tenderly bring your attention back to this source of light.
6. Continue this for 15 minutes or longer until you feel a deep sense of calm.
7. Slowly open your eyes and observe your heart.
8. Take a moment to appreciate the tranquillity that you’ve cultivated.
The author is the Spiritual Guide of Heartfulness, President of Shri Ram Chandra Mission and Padma Bhushan Awardee.