maitri karuna muditopeksanam sukha duhkha punyapunya visayanam bhavanatas citta prasadanam -Sutra 1:33 from Patanjali's Yoga Sutras.
This Sutra lays out four basic precepts to help us maintain internal peace. They are as follows:
- Use the key of 'friendliness' to those that are happy.
- Use the key of 'compassion' to those that are unhappy.
- Use the key of 'delight' with those that are virtuous.
- Use the key of 'indifference' to those that are wicked.
The first two keys seem self explanatory but then key number three is the one that I frequently revisit. When someone seems to really have transcended the feeling of being stuck in life or just seems to have the Midas Touch in that they just manifest everything they desire or maybe there is someone who never lets life get them down and they appear to truly be able to see the teachings in all of life's challenges, in these cases it's easy to be envious or try to down play their good qualities or success. But we can share in their abundance by simply letting their joy rub off on us. When you share in another's high vibration, you too are shifted into that consciousness.
That brings me to key number four... We seem to be in a time plagued by judgement: vaxers against non-vaxers, conservatives against liberals, pro-abortionists vs anti-abortionists, conservationists vs big business. You know where I'm headed with this, the list of polarizing beliefs is endless. When we judge another we are creating separation outside and within ourselves. Although it maybe hard to admit this, we are all connected and we are ALL responsible for the state of the world today.
Whether you think another's beliefs are harmful or if you think someone's actions are wicked, don't bring yourself down to their level by being consumed by outrage. The best way to unarm negativity is to not give it attention. Maintain your personal peace and don't give that negative person energy and they will loose power. We stoke the flames of an evil fire by constantly complaining about it or using our mental space by ruminating about how awful they are. I am not saying to turn a blind eye to the injuries and injustices of the world. What I am saying is, make sure the majority of your energy and thoughts go towards focusing on a solution oriented mentality that comes from unity and love instead of from fear, anger, hatred and separation.
Keep these simple yet powerful keys in your mind throughout your day and I promise your life will be simplified through your more peaceful thoughts and your focus will be one that consists of greater understanding and compassion.