Wisdom is the ability to use your experience and knowledge in order to make sensible decisions or judgements. Most of us do not believe we have control over what we believe.
Our beliefs, decisions and judgements are therefore influenced by the world around us. (Considering the state of the world we live in, we might observe that our human race could just possibly be ‘misinterpreting true wisdom’). As we observe things happening around us, we feel that we have no control over the belief that is being formulated within us. Have you ever considered that you have the ability to control your personal relationship to events that occur in your life?
We all have preferences and tend to approve of some conditions others have created but disapprove of others. Be wary of setting out on the impossible mission of trying to control conditions through personal force or strength. We live in an attraction-based Universe where there is no such thing as exclusion; so, the harder you push against the unwanted things, the more you achieve the similar quality/vibration of experience as the unwanted event. You land up getting more of what you don’t want!
How do you know the difference between what is True Wisdom and right action, opposed to making decisions that lead us into painful spaces?
We were all born with an internal barometer which we call conscience, which means right (love-based vibration) from wrong (fear-based vibration). It is a sense; an inner knowing. Your sense of humanity, you were born knowing; your human instinct, you were born knowing. All sacred teachings offer a way of living that is naturally ‘right’; however the interpretation of teachings can very often be used to steer an egoic or judgemental and biased opinion. The most effective way to nurture wisdom, is to have a daily spiritual practise which reinstates your connection to the Divine. In doing so, your conscience is restored and the inner knowing of right action becomes a natural force.
Relationship in its many forms offers us a mirror to our inner state. When you meet a Spiritual Master, her state of being is not swayed by the behaviour or opinions of others. Her expression of love might also seem very emotionless since her deep love is like a peaceful lake; still and reflective. When you experience a barrage of confrontational relationships in your life, take a look at your emotional milieu~ you will find that it is out of balance.
We are biologically primed for reaction and emotions are built into us. Few of us can, for example weather a romantic rejection without taking a personal affront. Emotions are never bad, but how we relate to our emotions and the residue they leave behind is very important to address. After you have had a dispute with an ex., for instance, can you reduce the angry aftereffects, or do you keep the fight alive? When your heart has been broken, how long does it take to restore your sense of self?
When you are emotionally balanced, you will experience and react to strong emotions (unless you have attained absolute enlightenment) such as fear, anger, sadness, or shame. You may even briefly immerse yourself in them. Yet you will be resilient and refrain from drowning in your emotions or let them limit you. And in the aftermath of a strong emotional reaction, you regulate your response and recover balance.
True Wisdom will always nourish your soul and lead you to higher ground. Pay respect to the wisdom within you and honour your emotions. Listen to what they are saying about your state of inner harmony. Your mind is a tool; don’t let it become your master.
Practise to Nurture Wisdom
Restorative yoga and yoga for emotional balance will help you to unplug from the mind and you will learn to listen to the Spiritual Guidance that comes to you through your natural talents, love-based desires and by recognising what feels good for you. This is a very tender field of exploration! Please find a reputable teacher and work with someone you feel safe and comfortable with.
I recommend Flower Essence remedies and Phytotherapy as a way to support your physical body while making these inner shifts. Keep Bach Flower Essence, Rescue Remedy handy while experiencing emotionally challenging times.
Written for fairdivorce.co.za by Candice Jones (Spiritual Mentor – Stellenbosch RSA)
(Excerpts from ‘Yoga for Emotional Balance’ by Bo Forbes)