When we were kids my Mother believed whatever significant happened on the 1st of January would recur the whole year through. Initially Dad would laugh at her words but one year we did fly on the 1st of January, and guess what, we travelled a lot that year. Another year unexpected house guests came on New Year’s Day and you can guess just what happened in the following 12 months. Her theory was proved right year after year with examples.
Soon Dad became a believer.
Each 1st of January, he would insist we write down our resolutions for the year ahead and if that wasn’t drudgery for a 9 year old, he also made it a point for us to study a bit on 1st of January, believing thats what we’d do the whole year long! While Mom ensured we did housework with her. On Dad’s part he worked and he cleared and organised the papers and bills. Something they both still do.
Today when I look back at our family traditions, I realise I have imbibed quite a few of them on every New Year. My teenager will agree as he shuffles to his books with that sullen bored look I must have had at his age, my husband will skip the carbs. And I sit down to write to wish all my readers a Happy Peaceful Productive 2020. Sharing with you what I have learnt.
What rituals and traditions do you practice on New Years Day? What would you like your future generations to learn from your Elders?
The Ajai Alai Mantra was written in the 17th century by the great Sikh Warrior saint Guru Gobind Singh in Gurmukhi, who taught self-worth and grace in times of difficulty or negativity with his words of praise. The Ajai Alaiis a part of the Jaap Sahib daily prayer and is believed to usher in pure positive energy into our hearts and to this planet. It shifts your own vibration by bringing you into alignment with the qualities of the Creator. This version has been chanted by Mirabai Ceiba a duo consisting of guitarist/singer Markus Sieber and singer/harpist/keyboardist Angelika Baumbach.
Today I heard about the passing of an old Cherokee medicine woman who I met way back in 2001. Probably one of the wisest people I’ve ever met. I consulted her when I had quit the corporate world and my last boss disclosed to me that he had stolen my personal file from my desk to hinder my future job search. While I was relieved to know what happened to that file, I was also angry and deeply disappointed by his petty act. I knew I wanted to be self employed but I couldn’t shake off the anger I felt for him. I will never forget her words of wisdom.
“Do not curse those who curse you, belittle you, or harm you. Bless them. For what you send out will return three times over back to you. And the negativity they send out will return three times over back to them”
It took months of inner work. Whenever I felt hurt by his act of jealousy and sabotage I worked hard to not send him negativity, which was easier and oh so tempting. I sent him good wishes and surrendered to the laws of karma.
Looking back I realised the importance of her words. As individuals we can not please everyone. There will always be someone who’s unhappy and threatened by the people we are. They will criticise, tear us down, block our paths and the temptation to drop down to their levels will arise, but the best way forward for peace is to resonate at a higher vibration. Send them love, send them light, send them forgiveness and focus on your own path.
Rest in Peace dear Anna. Your words of wisdom will stay on forever.
The Yin Yang Symbol. Everything has to come back to balance.
I still remember the first time she came for a session. Tears and rage burned in her eyes covering a deep wound in her heart.
“I want revenge. He’s seeing someone from his office romantically. AGAIN”
The Tarot confirmed an affair, but she knew it already. Women always know. The cards pointed at a narcissistic spouse, one who lived purely for himself, playing absent father to his 2 children and blaming this lady for all his misery. The kind who sing softly about their wives follies behind their back to sympathetic ears and bosoms. Her anger was beyond that. She didn’t care what he was telling his lovers, she only wanted him to feel her pain.
“This is not the first time. And this one won’t be the last. I don’t want to tell him I know this time. I only want revenge” She covered her face and wept in shame, the tears of a woman who’d never taken revenge before in her life.
“The last time he had an affair and I found out he promised to keep this marriage going for the sake of the children. Why did he break his vows? I want him to repent”
The messages she received urged her to find peace among her loved ones. Her friends and family her pets. To soak up all the unconditional love she possibly could. She needed to be strong first with those who loved her.
” This is a karmic relationship. Don’t get into the negative zone. No need for revenge, let karma do it for you.”
I could see she wasn’t convinced. But karma is like that. We don’t really believe in it until we’re hit by the impact of a karmic relationship. We like to believe it’s outside us, but somewhere in some way we too are responsible for creating a karmic situation where the pain cuts so deep, it almost seems unhealable.
“Forgive him and move on with your life”
I didn’t hear from her again till a few days ago when this came in the mail.
“Just wanted to say thank you for being the only one who told me not take revenge on my cheating husband and let karma only decide what his fate is. Everyone else gave me so many remedies to bring him closer, to destroy the other woman but nothing has worked. Some people even predicted that he would destroy himself. But I dont want to hurt him the way he has hurt me and my children. This IS a karmic relationsip, And then I remembered what your cards said to forgive him and move on. It is very very hard and has been a very painful journey to let go of the abuse and the adultery. But I am getting there. One night I felt so light because I had forgiven him and no longer began to feel any need to take revenge. I found the strength to live my own life and be a mother and father to my teenaged children. He is facing his own karma. His children do not want to be with him anymore. I have found so much strength with my friends and my family. Please share my story so others can learn please say a prayer for me”
Many prayers to you my brave lady. You have demonstrated what very few of us have achieved in this lifetime. The willingness and the ability to forgive the person who has hurt you the most. I pray you find greater strength and peace as a soul.
If you’ve read this far, please say a prayer for this lady.
Copyright Mita Bhan. All Rights Reserved.
For privacy sake, no names and details will ever be revealed, case studies are shared for all of us to learn from.
According to ancient Hindu Scriptures everyone of us has some sort of karmic debt to clear with each and every one we interact with. We are all born with ‘rin” a debt we need to clear, a lesson we need to learn if we want to live a life of peace. We cannot take without giving back. And those who only take are bound by their selfish karmas for lifetimes.
The path to peace comes from acknowledging our karmic debts with humanity and serving or helping one less fortunate. At a larger level, peace can be attained by giving back to society. Donating a percentage of earnings to charity. And at a day to day level, helping the person next to us. The mere act of doing or giving another brings joy and peace is an indication that our karma is a little clearer and lighter. And we are more aligned with our purpose as being human on earth.
Every now and then someone up there sends me someone so divine to meet for half an hour, or even half a minute and my life is transformed forever. Random people – clients, patients,neighbors, acquaintances…. – old, young, male, female – people who are just so likeable. Soooooo likeable. They have a glow around them. A certain purity. A rare ability to stay for long periods of time in the present moment. And a certain magical air about them.
Whenever I do get blessed by the presence of these souls, or they help me just when I need them, I thank and ask God to bless them for their ability to spread happiness. What’s even more beautiful is some of them don’t even know they have such a lovely gift. Such people are angels in disguise.
Think of the angels who you’ve met. Thank them:) And pray there be many more such angels in disguise on our planet. We could all do with a few more, don’t you think?:)
This morning I walked into the Arushi Children’s Home for girls all prepared to take a Guided Healing Meditation Workshop on Self Love. What I wasnt prepared for was the amount these strong, fearless, cheerful young girls taught me.
Here’s where it began:
www.salaambaalaktrust.comThe Arushi Children’s Home for Girls is a residential shelter under the aeges of the Saalam Baalak Trust. Around 40 girls under the age of 18 live here under the supervision and care of a dedicated team of trained and compassionate people who ensure they are safe, nurtured and empowered. https://www.salaambaalaktrust.com/full-care-residential-programme.phpThe Apeejay Anand library was a sweet haven of knowledge with books for all age groups. “Show them all the beauty they possess inside“ Whitney Houston“I love myself just as I am” “I love the people no one loves” “I love only God. I see God in me” The girls revealed such powerful answers about themselves in the writing and sharing exercises. Embrace yourself. You are perfect just as you are.And here we are. Thank you for the lessons you taught me in return. Lessons in courage, strength, hope, acceptance.Thank you to all my friends and family members who helped me with the stationery and the goody bags. Rohan, my little brother in heaven. This was for you:)
One of my greatest teachers in this lifetime, and I suspect many more has been the Buddha. I wish I had known him when he walked this earth or at least got a glimpse of him in a crowd.
Many years ago I woke up from a dream where I met a slightly Asian looking man dressed in robes. I kept peering at his face in the dream, saying to myself how familiar he looked. When I did wake up, I realised I had seen the Buddha in my dream. Needless to say my whole day was made:)
There are a number of Tibetan Buddhist mantras I listen to and would love to share the one which touches me the most.
The Great Compassion Mantra
Namo Ratna Trayaya, Namo Arya Jnana Sagara, Vairochana, Byuhara Jara Tathagataya, Arahate, Samyaksam Buddhaya, Namo Sarwa Tathagate Bhyay, Arhata Bhyah, Samyaksam Buddhe Bhyah, Namo Arya Avalokite shoraya Bodhisattvaya, Maha Sattvaya, Maha Karunikaya, Tadyata, Om Dara Dara, Diri Diri, Duru Duru Itte We, Itte Chale Chale, Purachale Purachale, Kusume Kusuma Wa Re, Ili Milli, Chiti Jvalam, Apanaye Shoha
If that
flight to Delhi had not been delayed in 1998 I would never have picked
up my first book by Deepak Chopra entitled “The Path to Love”. He
simplified and expressed the wisdom of the Ancient sages in a way that
was so engaging and empowering. I understood everything he said. And for
the next few hours till my flight I didn’t realise I was on board to a
new destination altogether. A destination inside myself.
Two years later in 2000 I was at the airport again, this time in a queue to board a flight to Singapore. There was a sudden shift of energy when a middle aged man strode past me purposefully, dressed in grey with the most intent expression. It was Deepak Chopra boarding the same flight as I was. His energy was electric and had the air of a man compelled to teach as many people about themselves as he possibly could. One of his tools his gratitude. And I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to this amazing man. Thank you 🙂 May you remain blessed:)
