The Art of Living Light
In the rush of daily life, have we forgotten who we truly are?
Our days are filled with activity – working, travelling, managing responsibilities, caring for!family and completing endless tasks. In the process, we can easily forget the simple art of being.
To live as a human being is to recognise that we are more than the physical body and the roles we perform. Within each of us is the inner self – the soul – with its natural qualities of peace, love, happiness and bliss.
Yet in today’s fast-paced world, we often search outside ourselves for the very things that already exist within. We chase success, approval, happiness and love, hoping they will make us feel complete. Spiritual awareness invites us to turn our attention inward and rediscover our original nature.
Why Don’t We Experience Inner Peace and Bliss? If peace and happiness are natural qualities of the soul, why do we not experience them all the time?
Imagine wearing a clean white shirt in the morning. During the day, it may collect dust or stains. The original white colour has not disappeared; it is simply hidden underneath.
In the same way, our inner peace can become covered by layers of stress, anger, fear, resentment and insecurity. These experiences do not define who we truly are. Beneath them, our original qualities remain.
The spiritual journey is therefore not about becoming someone completely different. It is about removing the layers that prevent us from experiencing who we already are.
The Seven Qualities of the Soul
Spiritual wisdom describes seven original qualities of the soul:
1. Purity – a clean and elevated state of mind.
2. Peace – our natural state of inner stillness.
3. Power – the inner strength to respond wisely.
4. Knowledge – awareness and understanding that guide our choices.
5. Love – the foundation of harmonious relationships.
6. Happiness – a feeling that comes from within rather than from possessions or achievements.
7. Bliss – a deep state of contentment beyond temporary pleasure.
These qualities do not need to be purchased, achieved or borrowed from others. They already exist within us. Our task is to awaken and strengthen them.
Reclaiming Our Original Nature
Just as a stained garment needs to be washed, the mind also needs regular spiritual cleansing.
Rather than continuously focusing on anger, worry or weakness, we can give more attention to our original qualities.
Begin the day with a few simple thoughts:
“I am a peaceful being.”
“I am a loving soul.”
“I am a blissful being.”
Such thoughts may appear simple, but when practised consistently, they gradually influence our feelings, attitudes and actions.
Let Go and Live Light
Holding on to negative thoughts is like carrying unnecessary emotional luggage.
When we repeatedly remember an insult, disappointment or painful experience, we continue carrying its weight long after the event has passed. It can affect our peace of mind, relationships and wellbeing.
There is a simple story of a monkey that puts its hand into a jar to grab a handful of peanuts. Because its fist is full, it cannot pull its hand back through the narrow opening. The monkey becomes trapped only because it refuses to let go.
Sometimes we do the same emotionally.
We want freedom and peace, but at the same time we hold tightly to resentment, expectations and painful memories. To live lightly, we sometimes need to simply let go.
Where Attention Goes, Energy Flows – and Things Grow
Whatever we repeatedly give attention to becomes stronger in our inner world.
If we continuously think about anger, fear or someone else’s weaknesses, those feelings grow. If we give attention to peace, gratitude, love and hope, those qualities begin to grow instead.
It is similar to watering a plant. What we nourish will flourish.
Therefore, spiritual practice is not about denying life’s challenges. It is about consciously choosing where we place our mental energy while facing them.
Choose Your Thoughts
We make many choices every day – what to wear, what to eat, where to go and what to do.
But one of our most important choices is often forgotten: the choice of what to think.
When a difficult situation arises, instead of automatically reacting with anger or frustration, pause for a moment and remind yourself:
“I am a peaceful being. I can respond calmly.”
This small change in thought can change our feelings. Changed feelings influence our attitude, and our attitude influences our actions.
Gradually, our entire experience begins to change.
A Daily Practice for Living Light
Living lightly does not mean having no responsibilities or challenges. It means not allowing those responsibilities to become unnecessary emotional burdens.
Each morning, spend a few quiet moments reconnecting with yourself.
Remind yourself:
“I am a peaceful soul.
I am a loving soul.
I am a blissful being.”
Throughout the day, whenever the mind becomes heavy, return to these thoughts.
With regular practice, the layers of negativity gradually become weaker, while our natural qualities become stronger.
We begin to experience more peace, more love and more happiness – not because the world outside has suddenly changed, but because we have rediscovered the strength and beauty that were already within us.
Live lightly. Think peacefully. Let go easily. And remember who you truly are.
Brahma Kumaris Shailer Park provides free courses in Raja Yoga meditation, positive thinking, and anger management. For further information, contact 0452 620 674 or email [email protected]. Visit brahmakumaris.org.au to learn more and discover upcoming events near your location.
