How has mindful living changed your perspective on life and relationships?

Mindfulness helps transform our life from one of stress, fear and uncertainty, and clogged up with thoughts, to one that is on the whole calmer and stable, full of positive and clear thinking and wholesome. Mindful living helps focus ourselves on the present, here and now, rather than worrying about what we could have done differently in the past or being stressed about the future. Moreover, living in the present helps us think clearly and appreciate that which is in front of us. Mindfulness means maintaining a moment-by-moment awareness of our thoughts, actions, and speech, without any judgement and without any reaction towards them. Mindfulness involves acceptance, meaning that we pay attention to our thoughts and feelings without judging others and without believing them to be right or wrong. When one practices mindfulness, our thoughts tune into what we are sensing in the present moment rather than rehashing the past or imagining the future. Mindfulness is being aware of what is going on in our mind. Being aware means merely observing each thought as it arises and in some time passes away. This easily happens when we realise the answer to ‘who am I’ through Self-realisation. rnThe ultimate mindfulness begins after Self-realisationrn rnThe ultimate mindfulness happens when we are in the awareness of the Soul with all its properties, at the moment. The Soul is the real Self and it has various properties, the four main ones being infinite knowledge, infinite vision, infinite strength, and infinite bliss! It is only after If our mind becomes irritated, annoyed, confused or agitated in life or relationships, it is not under our control and such a mind has very limited working, problem-solving power. Following Self-realisation, we start to see and interact from the perspective of the Self. Therefore, Self-Realisation is the key! Self-Realisation means realisation that I am indeed a pure Soul. For that, we need to meet a spiritual teacher, without whose grace we cannot know our real Self. These are some of the changes that start to take place: ● The intent remains that of not hurting any living being to the slightest extent through one’s mind, words and actions. ● In every situation, we try to see only our own faults rather than focusing on the faults of others. ● Openness in a relationship. We are willing to take in information about the other person – to listen and to compromise. Through this, our relationships begin to become more harmonious, honest and authentic. ● Adjust everywhere and with anyone - Since we learn to understand the point of view of others, we are willing to adjust and meet them in the middle. ● We learn to accept things and situations just the way they are. ● We remain present to our challenges and emotions as well as those of others, without getting affected. ● Admit when we are wrong and reverse the wrong-doing by asking for forgiveness (pratikraman). Not every situation or relationship is easy, but flexibility, compromise, and the right understanding of ‘who am I’ helps us become mindful (aware) about everything that is going on in our life and we have the ability then to make the right decision without hurting others or ourselves. Above all, with Self-realisation, we are always in the present – stress and worry-free.