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Aditya Barrela

<h4
        class="block-heading"
        id="h-aditya-barrela-is-inspired-by-the-recent-rising-with-kindness-international-youth-conference-in-kanha-shanti-vanam"
      >
        <strong
          ><span class="has-luminous-vivid-orange-color"
            >ADITYA BARRELA</span
          >
          is inspired by the recent “Rising with Kindness” international youth
          conference in Kanha Shanti Vanam.</strong
        >
      </h4>

      <hr class="vertical-space1" />

      <p>
        When a student asked the renowned archaeologist Margaret Mead to share
        the earliest evidence of civilization in our history, she did not refer
        to tools, religious idols, or clay pots. She instead referred to a
        15,000-year-old broken female femur bone that had been healed. She
        advocated that this healed femur is the first evidence in recorded
        history that a person was taken care of and protected by others.
        Kindness is an inherent trait, helping humanity thrive. But it is more
        than that. Kindness is behind some of the greatest inventions of
        mankind, be it agriculture, medicine, or otherwise. Generosity is also
        resplendent in nature when we take a closer look.
      </p>

      <p>
        Since the pandemic lockdowns, we have stepped out into a world marred
        with unprecedented challenges – climate change, health-related crises,
        economic volatility, and conflict. Unfortunately, we are increasingly
        conditioned to prioritize self-interest, rendering kindness as an
        unaffordable luxury.
      </p>

      <hr class="vertical-space1" />

      <div class="block-image">
        <figure>
          <img
            alt="kindness-matters5"
            class="lazyload has-img-center"
            src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/kindness_matters5_700x467_9fad04872f.jpg?updated_at=2023-04-12T11:01:46.915Z"
          />
        </figure>
      </div>

      <hr class="vertical-space1" />

      <p>
        Deep in our hearts, we are acutely aware that we need kindness toward
        ourselves, toward each other, and toward nature. It is time to reconnect
        with the intrinsic quality of kindness, and to refocus our attention on
        the many invisible acts of kindness, unity, and friendliness seen around
        the world as we rise together from disruptive global events. Thankfully,
        millennials and Gen Z seem to know this.
      </p>

      <p>
        Today’s youth truly and deeply care about human society and ecology like
        never before, and we do something about it. Celebrities and sports stars
        like Emma Watson, Leonardo DiCaprio, BTS, Virat Kohli, Deepika Padukone,
        P.V. Sindhu, and hundreds of others have championed causes and
        role-modeled kindness. Young activists like Greta Thunberg, Malala
        Yousufzai, Tahsin Uddin, and HaaziqKazi have demonstrated the power of
        youth. Thanks to such inspiration, and the unprecedented awareness of
        broader social and ecological issues, today’s youth are proactively
        kind.
      </p>

      <hr class="vertical-space1" />

      <div class="block-image">
        <figure>
          <img
            alt="kindness-matters2"
            class="lazyload has-img-center"
            src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/kindness_matters2_700x379_a8756d2d17.jpg?updated_at=2023-04-12T11:02:18.357Z"
          />
        </figure>
      </div>

      <hr class="vertical-space1" />

      <p>
        While kindness is naturally the right thing to do, it is not the easy
        thing to do. For a start, we cannot be kind to society or nature without
        first being kind to ourselves. Kindness is not a source of weakness but
        rather a sign of true strength and resourcefulness. And kindness toward
        ourselves does not come easy. Often we hold ourselves to very high
        ideals and are merciless with ourselves. While such ideals are good for
        self-development, without contemplation and willpower to change the very
        same ideals can become a barrier. Self-destruction instead of
        self-transformation is the result.
      </p>

      <p>
        This is where practices like Heartfulness, Mindfulness, etc. come into
        the picture to bring clarity, compassion, and courage. We realize that
        when we dive into the depths of the love and light in our hearts we find
        infinite resources we can share with the world. Meditation gives us the
        equanimity to respond to life rather than react.
      </p>

      <p>
        Only in times of crisis do the compassion and unity of humanity stand
        tested. To celebrate kindness, foster camaraderie, and learn to
        “self-care,” the Heartfulness Institute in association with AICTE and
        UNESCO MGIEP hosted the Rising with Kindness International Youth
        Conference at Kanha Shanti Vanam from August 12 to 14, 2022. 15,000
        students attended in person, and an additional 20,000 attended virtually
        from 55 countries.
      </p>

      <hr class="vertical-space1" />

      <div class="block-image">
        <figure>
          <img
            alt="kindness-matters3"
            class="lazyload has-img-center"
            src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/kindness_matters3_700x466_c41ae88655.jpg?updated_at=2023-04-12T11:02:50.146Z"
          />
        </figure>
      </div>

      <hr class="vertical-space1" />

      <p>
        They were inspired by luminaries, learned yoga and meditation, and were
        able to scale-up their impact, network with like-minded people, and
        enjoy the kindness concert by Ricky Kej. The event was free of charge
        and so accessible to many youth. Food and accommodation costs were
        sponsored for all delegates.
      </p>

      <p>
        We have witnessed millions of incredible acts of empathy and compassion
        that have brought relief, created and strengthened bonds, and helped
        build lasting solutions as the world accepts a new normal. Together,
        let’s continue that momentum by Rising with Kindness.
      </p>

      <p>
        To watch videos of the activities during the conference, go to
        <a href="http://www.youtube.com/c/Heartfulness/videos"
          >www.youtube.com/c/Heartfulness/videos</a
        >
      </p>

      <hr class="vertical-space1" />

Why kindness matters

<p style="text-align: center;"></p>
<hr class="vertical-space1">
<p></p>
<div class="row">
    <div class="col-md-4"><img decoding="async" class="lazyload has-img-center" 
            src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/q1_2e47a30f8e.jpg" alt="consciousness-2">
        <p></p>
        <h4 style="text-align: center;">What is<br>
            consciousness?</h4>
    </div>
    <div class="col-md-4"><img decoding="async" class="lazyload has-img-center" 
            src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/q2_4475b4698e.jpg" alt="consciousness-2">
        <p></p>
        <h4 style="text-align: center;">How do you personally explore the subconscious and superconscious parts of your
            consciousness spectrum?</h4>
    </div>
    <div class="col-md-4"><img decoding="async" class="lazyload has-img-center" 
            src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/q3_c61a336fdc.jpg" alt="consciousness-2">
        <p></p>
        <h4 style="text-align: center;">What defines today’s collective human consciousness?</h4>
    </div>
</div>
<p style="text-align: center;"></p>
<hr class="vertical-space1">
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
</p>
<hr>
<hr class="vertical-space1">
<h4><img decoding="async"
        class="lazyload img-float-left has-img-center-in-mobile"
        src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/Karen_O_Neill_2fdf08b917.jpg" alt="consciousness-2">KAREN O’
    NEILL<br>
    <span style="color: #ff9900;">Heartfulness Fellow</span><br>
    <span style="color: #ff9900;">New Delhi, India</span>
</h4>
<p style="text-align: justify;">‘Consciousness’ is derived from the Latin words <em>conscius</em>, meaning ‘to know’ or
    ‘to be aware’, and conscrire, meaning ‘to be mutually aware’. Consciousness extends beyond oneself and includes
    awareness of our environment and our connection with others.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">I believe in Swami Vivekananda’s saying that consciousness is a mere film between two
    oceans, the subconscious and the superconscious. This film becomes more permeable as I delve further into those
    parts of my consciousness that usually exist outside my spectrum of awareness. I have also found that this
    permeability continues throughout the night and I am able to recall my dreams in vivid detail. Keeping a dream
    journal alongside my meditation-diary has also helped me to explore parts of my consciousness which were otherwise
    unknown.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">There are events in our history, especially violent and traumatic ones, which weigh
    heavily on human memory and consciousness. I believe that through methods such as the cleaning process, we are
    actively preventing the formation of new impressions and creating an egregore of peace, love and joy. We are aiming
    for the purification of consciousness to its highest, and this is what is shaping the collective human consciousness
    today.</p>
<hr>
<hr class="vertical-space1">
<h4><img decoding="async"
        class="lazyload img-float-left has-img-center-in-mobile"
        src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/Manav_Beniwal_89f45d042e.jpg" alt="consciousness-2">MANAV
    BENIWAL<br>
    <span style="color: #00ccff;">Pre-med Student</span><br>
    <span style="color: #00ccff;">Dayton, Ohio, USA</span>
</h4>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Consciousness is the depth of human understanding. We think on a conscious level, from
    where we see and understand the real world. But outside that we have our conscious self, which we do not know or
    fully understand but can listen to. So in my mind, consciousness is something we can get in touch with by looking
    inside of ourselves.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">I look inside myself and try to listen to the voice of my heart, and while doing so I
    can feel the intricacies of the subconscious and the superconscious. The subconscious is where we have all of our
    thoughts and predilections, whereas the superconscious is where we have to go, where our ultimate destination is. In
    meditation I am learning to understand both better.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">At first I think of our collective consciousness as everyone in the entire world – not
    only our intentions and thoughts, but our general attitude towards the world, towards ourselves and our fellow human
    beings. But when I think deeper, it’s the idea that you, I and everyone else in this world are one. We are all One.
    If we are all part of that same inner consciousness, then the collective consciousness is just our need and desire
    to move back towards It.</p>
<hr>
<hr class="vertical-space1">
<h4><img decoding="async"
        class="lazyload img-float-left has-img-center-in-mobile"
        src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/Elodie_Requillar_T_efed9f192f.jpg" alt="consciousness-2">ELODIE
    REQUILLART<br>
    <span style="color: #008000;">Product Manager</span><br>
    <span style="color: #008000;">Lille, France</span>
</h4>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Consciousness is awareness, and it is also intuition and vision. Also, with experience,
    I have noticed that the more I meditate the more my consciousness opens. For example, earlier, in the same
    situation, I would not have reacted in the same manner as I do now.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">I think I am able to explore my subconscious and superconscious really through intuition
    and meditation, because intuition comes from the heart. I feel that the collective human consciousness is moving.
    People are more and more aware of their heart, and they want to go deep into their heart. Many young people have
    this awareness today.</p>
<hr>
<hr class="vertical-space1">
<h4><img decoding="async"
        class="lazyload img-float-left has-img-center-in-mobile"
        src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/Kaushalendra_Pratap_Singh_8139379987.jpg" alt="consciousness-2">KAUSHALENDRA
    PRATAP SINGH<br>
    <span style="color: #ff9900;">Management Student</span><br>
    <span style="color: #ff9900;">Lucknow, India</span>
</h4>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Consciousness is the foundation on which anything happens, has happened, or will happen
    in the future. I have a very small glimpse of my subconscious when my intuition tells me the truth or when I see
    dreams. I’m still exploring superconsciousness.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">I believe in a collective consciousness where each and every individual contributes in a
    very large way. The environment of a place changes with the mindsets of people. For example, a hospital may have a
    very shocking or fearful environment. In a very serene place, like a hill station, we can feel joyfulness and
    peacefulness because of this collective consciousness to which we all contribute. The intention with which we do or
    pursue things contributes to that environment. Our thoughts and intentions make up the collective consciousness,
    which is seen or perceived or known by the environment around.</p>
<hr>
<hr class="vertical-space1">
<h4><img decoding="async"
        class="lazyload img-float-left has-img-center-in-mobile"
        src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/Aditya_Barrela_783642d5c3.jpg" alt="consciousness-2">ADITYA
    BARRELA<br>
    <span style="color: #339966;">Investment Promotion Consultant</span><br>
    <span style="color: #339966;">Hyderabad, India</span>
</h4>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The simple answer is that consciousness is our awareness, but I think consciousness is
    much more than simple awareness. It is part of us; it’s part of our subtle body. It’s also an agent for us to think,
    move, act and make decisions with too.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Impressions are deep-rooted within us because of our childhood and conditioning by the
    environment. Our interactions leave an impression on us, which takes place in our subconscious. Superconsciousness
    is something that I personally didn’t know exists until I started meditation. When we dive deep within ourselves,
    the consciousness that we have, which is our natural state, expands and reaches new heights. That condition becomes
    the new normal, our new consciousness; it becomes natural to us. Then there is a new level of superconsciousness
    waiting for us, and that’s what is interesting.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Consciousness evolves in nature. It can devolve in rare cases, but I think collectively
    as a species we’re going through major changes, shifts, leaps in our perception. We’re waking up to the truth that
    happiness is not outside but inside us. There is a saying that “We are drowning in information, while starving for
    wisdom.” I think that also summarizes today’s collective consciousness. We’ve so much information and data, but we
    don’t know how to make use of it, how to intuitively navigate through the chaos, through the VUCA world we have
    created for ourselves (VUCA means Volatile, Uncertain, Complex and Ambiguous). We also have a VUCA world inside us,
    and unless we simplify the inside, our collective consciousness is burdened, it cannot evolve.</p>
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<p style="text-align: justify;">
</p>
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