Towards a Better World

Towards a Better World #49

Saturday 15 October 2022

New post

Overcoming discouragement

Everyone feels discouraged at times, and this is understandable: tiredness, the worries of the moment, fears about the future amplified by rumours and media one-upmanship… Faced with difficulties, there is no question of being in denial. But we can look for what is most useful to get through the ups and downs of life more easily: squandering our strength by dwelling on catastrophic ideas, or strengthening ourselves by cultivating a more positive mind? [1]
If we want to strengthen ourselves, let us go at our own pace without setting the bar too high: “Setting oneself deadlines is a mistake to be avoided. It risks leading to premature discouragement. Such an alchemy requires a climate of trust and inner relaxation.” (Le Maître Spirituel et le Disciple, p. 288)
To move away from a negative view of ourselves and others, let us first become aware of the tendencies within us that sustain it. Then let us change perspective, and think of the qualities we wish to develop and their beneficial consequences. “Imagine the good you want to see manifest in your life, says Lord HAMSAH MANARAH. Think of your legitimate aspirations in the world, then of your spiritual becoming.” When the inner universe brightens, courage resurfaces.
At the same time, practising conscious breathing [2], repeating the OM Sound and often reminding oneself “I am the Supreme Self in unity with the divine Consciousness” help to develop greater self-confidence, a necessary asset whatever the outer circumstances. [3]
[1] See post no. 27, “Choosing one’s thoughts”.
[2] See post no. 1, “Taking care of oneself”.
[3] See post no. 2, “Cultivating calm”.

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