My qualifications have granted me passport to a way of life that enables self-sufficiency, flexibility and fun; but the real basis for my life has been my interest in ‘practical spirituality.’ According to the dictionary, balance is stability of mind and body. I propose a definition based upon the acronym:

Be always loving and naturally calm everywhere.

We all need inspiration for a happy healthy life. For every individual the inspiration can be different. In my life, this has largely come through my interest in the power of the mind and thought that has developed with Adhyatmik Foundation, Inc and associated organizations.

“Adhyatmik” is a Sanskrit word meaning enhancement and advancement of body, mind and self.” The rich culture, philosophy and way of life demonstrated by the Sanskrit Vedic texts are exemplary, enabling profound understanding of the meaning of life: their relevance is profound and practical for all in this hectic changing society.

Maintaining a Balanced Approach in Life

Maintaining balance is the key to professional and personal success. The human being has devised many and varied approaches to satisfy herself physically, mentally and psychologically. Passing fads abound in terms of diets, forms of exercise and hobbies. Then, a time comes when all these methods become exposed as charades. You can feel empty—a failure. A much greater need is experienced, and that need, the demand for spiritual fulfillment, will always be there. It can be compared to a continuous pain.

My experience is that the more you grow in spiritual understanding, the more you will be able to receive and to reflect true happiness. It is something that once attained becomes inexhaustible. This happiness cannot be bought, it cannot be found—it must be earned, earned by pure thought and action: it may be earned through selflessness, devotion, dedication, faith, service, sacrifice and humility. It will involve your heart and soul. 

I believe that the mind is the only instrument given to the human being to triumph over worldly materialism—described in Sanskrit as the play of the world, maya, illusion. According to this philosophy, the mind can be purified by positive of contemplative thoughts. Negative thoughts can—literally—poison your mind. My approach in the spirit of practical spirituality is to try to avoid expectations, to embrace change, to live in the present and to be flexible in all things as far as possible. The Vedic philosophy or way of life emphasizes the importance of change and a positive attitude. 

The mind is also influenced by everything that enters your body: food, drink, the air you breathe, skin cosmetics, etc. . . . You must develop a keen sense of awareness of what is healthful and pure versus those things that have been contaminated with chemicals, dyes and preservatives. In all of this, the key is to take responsibility for yourself, your happiness, your health and your prosperity. It is my view that there is no doubt that eventually you will achieve total happiness in this way. If you make complete faith and patience your companions on the journey, any unhappiness, doubt or confusion will vanish like a cloud. Life is meant to be a happy experience—whatever you age—that you can share with your loved ones. 

At Adhyatmik Foundation and Balanced Lives, we have developed some modern day tips for life that may seem simplistic and yet are effective:

• Successful Communication
• Assertiveness
• Positive Thinking
• Listening
• Cultural Awareness
• Contemplative Practices for Effectiveness/Creativity, Stress/Time Management
• Building and Retaining Sustainable Relationships
• Positive Interaction
• Personal and Professional Happiness

So smile and begin to Be always loving and naturally calm everywhere.

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