Mohamed Osman is an Egyptian-American writer, Reiki master, tarot reader, and spiritual explorer. A devoted lover of Meher Baba, his work bridges mysticism, healing, and interfaith insight across traditions and cultures.

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Mohamed Osman

<h4 style="text-align:justify;">MOHAMED OSMAN meditates on the historic meeting between Francis of Assisi and Sultan Al-Malik al-Kamil during the Fifth Crusade—a moment of sanctuary that transcends centuries.</h4>During the Fifth Crusade, a barefoot mystic named Francis of Assisi crossed into the land of my ancestors — all the way to Damietta.He brought no army. No doctrine. Only fire — a soul ablaze for truth.The Sultan of Egypt, Al-Malik al-Kamil, saw him. And instead of war, offered peace. No conversion. No bargain. Just sanctuary.He saw the Divine in a man who worshipped differently and said, “You are safe with me.”Francis couldn’t repay that favor. So he carried it — like a seed, waiting for a soul who could.

Where Love’s Camels Lead - From the Nile to the Mountain

<h4>In part 1 of this series of poems, MOHAMED OSMAN traces a personal <a href="https://heartfulness.org/magazine/a-personal-journey-part-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">spiritual journey</a> beginning on the Nile and culminating in a moment of grace atop the mountains of Assisi. It speaks to <a href="https://heartfulness.org/magazine/change-now-never" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">inner transformation</a>, interfaith understanding, and the quiet unfolding of the soul.</h4>&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/love_camel_mountain2_8326ffbd15.webp" alt="love-camel-mountain2.webp"></figure>&nbsp;(The Favor, Fulfilled) —by Mo<h4>Born of Two Waters</h4>I was born by the Nile, in Mansoura—not far from Damietta, where the river meets the sea: one side salt, one side sweet.The Qur’an speaks of this mystery: “He has let loose the two seas meeting together: Between them is a barrier they do not transgress.” (55:19–20)Even as a child, that place felt holy. We were poor, couldn’t go often. But my wealthy aunt had a place there—though her husband was cruel. So I’d wander the shore alone, head tilted to the sky, asking questions I didn’t yet know how to ask.Later, I returned to that beach. To smoke. To drink. To search. I walked the sands of Damietta, not knowing I was retracing sacred steps.Not knowing a saint had once come there, carrying a gift— and waiting for someone to return it. &nbsp;

Where Love’s Camels Lead From the Nile to the Mountain - part 1

Monica is a passionate practitioner and teacher of subtle energy with nearly 20 years experience. Combining her engineering and MBA background with studies in BioGeometry®, Vastu, Feng Shui, Energy Medicine, and biofields, she bridges ancient wisdom with a scientific perspective.

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Monica Verma-Vachery

How heartfulness meditation shifts our biofield and the energies in a room

Monu Singh

<h3 style="text-align:center;">A PHOTO ESSAY IN RURAL TELANGANA</h3><h4>Members of the Heartfulness Media Team traveled with DAAJI to rural Telangana on the Deccan Plateau, to document the meditation sessions he has been conducting with the villagers in Mahbubnagar District. Here MONU SINGH treats us to just a glimpse of the silent revolution that is sweeping the villages of India through meditation programs in the heartland of the country.</h4>Clean air, green farms, simple hearts and village life … it sounds so idyllic, but rural life in India can be very difficult. Here are some snippets from conversations with eight local villagers in Mahbubnagar District, about their lives before starting meditation and how Heartfulness has transformed them.<img src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/silent_revolution2_5589d1ee9a.jpg?updated_at=2023-04-10T07:52:26.056Z" alt=""><hr>Elderly lady: “I had so many fears about finances, family matters. I used to fear seeing everybody, I was scared of everything.” Potter: “I was always scared that other people may harm me.” Farmer: “It has been a long time since I slept well.” Mother: “I would get very angry without realizing it.” Elderly gentleman: “I was losing my confidence.” Mother: “I don’t know how to change.”<hr><img src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/silent_revolution3_4145e598c6.jpg?updated_at=2023-04-10T07:53:46.292Z" alt="">During our conversations, they said that in the past they tended to solve their problems only with their minds, and using the mind they were stressed. They came to understand that they could try a different approach. They all decided to try meditation, with the hope that the mind would also follow the direction of the heart.Potter: “When I would see the picture of Shiva, he was in a <a href="https://heartfulness.org/magazine/on-meditation" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">meditative pose</a>. I would ask myself, ‘What is God doing?’” Elderly lady: “We used to do what everyone did, puja etc. Husband of a married couple: “People used to say that meditation is only needed once you are old, so why do you want to do it now?” Potter: “I never really understood what meditation was.”These villagers learnt about meditation, experimented and had experiences in meditation. After a while, they also shared the changes they found in themselves.<img src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/silent_revolution4_622925b734.jpg?updated_at=2023-04-10T07:54:38.823Z" alt="">Second elderly gentleman: “When I make the suggestion that there is Divine Light in the heart, I feel like a bird escaping the cage and flying freely. I do not know what happens after that.” Potter: “After I started meditating, I lost most of my fears.” Elderly lady: “Even when there is a problem, we don’t feel its presence.” Potter: “I started noticing everybody around me after I started meditating.” Shopkeeper: “After starting meditation I felt many changes and began to develop myself.” First elderly gentleman: “Now I can do a lot of things with courage.” The mother: “Anger has decreased to a great extent.”<img src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/silent_revolution5_844b799dbf.jpg?updated_at=2023-04-10T08:00:18.872Z" alt="">Farmer: “I have been sleeping peacefully ever since I started meditating.” Husband: “We will be peaceful only with meditation. We will develop mentally, and the family will become peaceful too.” Elderly lady: “When we are meditating there is no need for fear.” Potter: “You will not get the same happiness anywhere in the world that you get from meditation. Happiness is within us. The only way to be happy is to meditate. It is inside us. That’s all.” Elderly lady: “Meditation need not be restricted only to our families or a few of us.” Husband: “Everybody needs meditation.”<hr>One lamp lights another lamp. One heart inspires another heart. From one house to another. From one village to another.<hr>Elderly lady: “Now it is the heart’s turn.”<hr>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HPJFnqeVVQ4<hr><h4 style="text-align:center;">Article by MONU SINGH Photos by the HEARTFULNESS MEDIA TEAM</h4><hr>

A silent revolution in the heartland of India

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Mother Teresa

The fruit of silence

How much love

Love in action

The greatest gift to a family

We Have Only Today

Mudrooroo

Oneness

Mr. Haniff is the Director of Pure Land Learning College Association Inc., Toowoomba, Australia. In 2010, he was invited by Professor Master Chin Kung AM to establish the Multifaith and Multicultural Centre.

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Muhammed Haniff Abdul Razak

<h4>MUHAMMED HANIFF ABDUL RAZAK, Coordinator at the Multi-Faith Multicultural Center and Pure Land Learning College, shares how the organization has been involved in building social and cultural harmony in diversity in the city of Toowoomba in Australia. Their vision for peace is practical and based on the vision of their founder, the Venerable Master Chin Kung A.M.&nbsp;</h4>Toowoomba is a regional city to the west of Brisbane in Queensland, Australia. It has several heritage façades, many parks, and a population of about 200,000. In 2001, the Venerable Master Chin Kung A.M. decided to make this city the home for Pure Land Learning College Association Inc. Since that time, as well as being a Buddhist Center, it has also become a Peace Advocate Center that brings everyone together, building a shared future for a better world to live in. In June 2013, Toowoomba was declared by the Mayor, Paul Antonio, a Refugee Welcome Zone.Today Toowoomba is a city proud to have residents from eighty different ethnicities, beliefs, customs, and cultures, coming from Germany, the British Isles, Malaysia, Singapore, Nepal, Korea Afghanistan, Syria, Sudan, Congo, Iraq, South Africa, Sri Lanka, China, Somalia, Libya, and Pakistan, just to name a few of those making Toowoomba their home. We have a school where 26 languages are spoken daily. It is a mini-United Nation in Australia. And the demographics are growing. This has sparked the eminent Venerable Master Chin Kung to have the vision of making Toowoomba a model city of peace and harmony.&nbsp;<img src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/model_city_peace_harmony2_c2be9c01ce.webp" alt="model-city-peace-harmony2.webp" srcset="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/thumbnail_model_city_peace_harmony2_c2be9c01ce.webp 145w,https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/large_model_city_peace_harmony2_c2be9c01ce.webp 600w,https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/model_city_peace_harmony2_c2be9c01ce.webp 600w," sizes="100vw"><h4 style="text-align:justify;">How the journey began: Friendship Dinners since 2001</h4>What sparks a community initiative from this seemingly simple gathering over meals and sharing stories? Allow us to reflect some understanding of the basics and fundamentals that have helped us to make this journey possible. We hold on to the principles that:⦁ Humans are bundles of potential. ⦁ The basic building blocks of life are relationships. ⦁ Educate and communicate, don’t teach. ⦁ Technology cannot replace human conversation. ⦁ Leadership reminds—authority tells.The Friendship Dinners have created opportunities for conversation. They have created a safe space for all community members to be together. They have built bonds and fellowship, and as a result trust has emerged. Why do people want to journey with us, be a partner? They believe in what we believe. When we build trust, people are willing to take risks, experiment, and explore. We create a sense of purpose for others to journey with us.&nbsp;<img src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/model_city_peace_harmony4_b893550110.webp" alt="model-city-peace-harmony4.webp" srcset="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/thumbnail_model_city_peace_harmony4_b893550110.webp 145w,https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/large_model_city_peace_harmony4_b893550110.webp 600w,https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/model_city_peace_harmony4_b893550110.webp 600w," sizes="100vw">&nbsp;<img src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/model_city_peace_harmony3_3bba2c2334.webp" alt="model-city-peace-harmony3.webp" srcset="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/thumbnail_model_city_peace_harmony3_3bba2c2334.webp 145w,https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/large_model_city_peace_harmony3_3bba2c2334.webp 500w,https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/model_city_peace_harmony3_3bba2c2334.webp 500w," sizes="100vw"><hr><h4 style="text-align:center;">When we build trust, people are willing to take risks, experiment, and explore. We create a sense of purpose for others to journey with us.</h4><hr>The Toowoomba guidelines in promoting religious harmony and social cohesion are:⦁ A strategic road map which includes core programs. ⦁ A tagline that is easily identifiable, “Everyone Matters.” ⦁ An organized platform, an action plan. ⦁ A Secretariat: the Multi-Faith Multicultural Center established to support the agenda.&nbsp;<img src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/model_city_peace_harmony5_95950eac8d.webp" alt="model-city-peace-harmony5.webp" srcset="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/thumbnail_model_city_peace_harmony5_95950eac8d.webp 145w,https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/large_model_city_peace_harmony5_95950eac8d.webp 800w,https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/model_city_peace_harmony5_95950eac8d.webp 800w," sizes="100vw">Our programs and action plan are crafted along the four cardinal principles of Sharing, Kind Words, Beneficial Acts, and Cooperation. These are at the center of the Venerable Master Chin Kung’s teachings, in order to connect and engage, and to enhance social flourishing. Examples of the four cardinal principles in action are:Sharing: friendship dinners, harmony lunches, tea gatherings, harmony day, language and cultural festivals.Kind Words: social values and ethics classes, faith sharing.Beneficial Acts: sponsorship of medical research, community development programs, Clean Up Australia Day, working together, First Nations Endowment Scholarship Fund, Toowoomba Hospice Community Fund, Community Labyrinth.Cooperation: collaboration in conferences, workshops, training, talks, and activities with government and other community and voluntary organizations.We thrive because we believe in conversation not debate. We constantly remind ourselves that “The mind debates, the heart relates.” We educate rather than teach, we practice servant leadership, we adopt the 101% principle, we follow the simple tagline “Everyone Matters,” and we invest in our emotional bank.&nbsp;<img src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/model_city_peace_harmony6_9dc0405fcc.webp" alt="model-city-peace-harmony6.webp" srcset="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/thumbnail_model_city_peace_harmony6_9dc0405fcc.webp 145w,https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/large_model_city_peace_harmony6_9dc0405fcc.webp 800w,https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/model_city_peace_harmony6_9dc0405fcc.webp 800w," sizes="100vw">&nbsp;<img src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/model_city_peace_harmony7_d1956eac17.webp" alt="model-city-peace-harmony7.webp" srcset="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/thumbnail_model_city_peace_harmony7_d1956eac17.webp 145w,https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/large_model_city_peace_harmony7_d1956eac17.webp 800w,https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/model_city_peace_harmony7_d1956eac17.webp 800w," sizes="100vw"><img src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/model_city_peace_harmony8_105ac218d4.webp" alt="model-city-peace-harmony8.webp" srcset="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/thumbnail_model_city_peace_harmony8_105ac218d4.webp 145w,https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/large_model_city_peace_harmony8_105ac218d4.webp 603w,https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/model_city_peace_harmony8_105ac218d4.webp 603w," sizes="100vw"><h4 style="text-align:justify;">Examples of positive outcomes of our initiatives:</h4>Toowoomba was designated a “Safe City” in May 2018.A research project undertaken by Deakin University on “How Religious and Social Harmony Thrives in Toowoomba” made special mention in the finding that Toowoomba is the only city that has a working mechanism in place to bring religions together.Attachment of an intern from Harvard University to look at our programs and activities that inspires religious and social harmony.Finalist in 2018 State of Queensland Multicultural Award.Inspired and assisted in the opening of a Multi Faith and Cultural Dialogue Center in the Shire of Moreton Bay by the Abbey of St Michael’s Church.Publication of the 360 Sayings of the Scriptures of 10 main religions.Publication of 360 Words of WisdomAcceptance of having a common prayer or affirmation by religious and community groups, which is read at services, functions, and on Australia Day.A radio program on customs, beliefs, and cultures aired every Friday and Sunday over our community station 102.7FM. The program is into its tenth year on air.The formation of the Venerable Community Group headed by the Executive Director, Toowoomba Base Hospital, in response to managing the Covid-19 pandemic. Thirty-five government and community organizations met via zoom every Wednesday to share resources and support.Establishment of an advisory board made up of academics from Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei, and Australia that advises and provides direction for our agenda.Pastoral care that provides support for families of different beliefs and practices.Winner of “Community Group of the Year,” Australia Day Award Local Region 2022.Defusing of tensions and conflicts, with two documented case studies.<img src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/model_city_peace_harmony9_28cc6cb901.webp" alt="model-city-peace-harmony9.webp" srcset="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/thumbnail_model_city_peace_harmony9_28cc6cb901.webp 145w,https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/large_model_city_peace_harmony9_28cc6cb901.webp 800w,https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/model_city_peace_harmony9_28cc6cb901.webp 800w," sizes="100vw"><hr><h4 style="text-align:center;">Photographs and diagrams from PURE LAND</h4><hr>&nbsp;

A model city of peace and harmony

Myrian Castello is from Minas Gerais, Brazil. She’s an entrepreneur and a silent change maker. As the co-founder of Fábrica dos Sonhos and the International Right to Dream Movement, she’s making sure people do not give up on their right to dream.

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Myrian Castello

Dreams: Our birth right

N. Divya

Nalini Rajesh is a transformation coach and Heartfulness meditation trainer. Through her initiative, Transformatrix—The Soul Studio, she facilitates journaling circles, quantum resonance trainings, and women’s workshops. Her work focuses on grounding awareness, integrating emotions, and helping seekers embody inner growth with clarity, compassion, and balance in daily life.&nbsp;

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Nalini Rajesh

<h3 style="text-align:center;">Journaling as Awareness, Grounding, and Reflection</h3><h4 style="text-align:center;">Nalini Rajesh shares how journaling serves as a powerful tool for self-discovery and spiritual integration in this excerpt from her upcoming book, The Ink Within.</h4>In a world where speaking is louder than sensing and sharing is quicker than self-reflection, a quiet practice waits almost forgotten: journaling.Through seasons of stillness, resistance, and discovery, I have learned that journaling goes beyond therapy—it is a ritual that grounds me, an anchor for my soul, and the one place I can hear what I cannot speak aloud.When pen meets page, the swirls in the mind start taking shape. Thoughts become clearer, feelings softer, and insights find their words. Something in us exhales as our fleeting thoughts and feelings become embodied.&nbsp;<figure class="image image_resized" style="width:50%;"><img src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/art_journaling2_fee1739152.webp" alt="art-journaling2.webp"></figure>&nbsp;<hr><h4 style="text-align:center;">Through seasons of stillness, resistance, and discovery, I have learned that journaling goes beyond therapy—it is a ritual that grounds me, an anchor for my soul, and the one place I can hear what I cannot speak aloud.&nbsp;</h4><hr>&nbsp;<h4 style="text-align:justify;">Journaling as Awareness</h4>Much of life happens beneath the surface. We react, repeat, and carry emotions we cannot name—and they quietly shape our choices. Journaling slows this current and brings it into the light.I noticed this in myself: the days I resisted writing were the days I was closest to my truth. On the page, what I avoided—an ache, a fear, a restless loop—revealed itself. And in naming it, the grip loosened.Science affirms this. Naming an emotion calms the amygdala, the brain’s alarm center. Writing activates the prefrontal cortex, the seat of reflection and wise choice. In short, journaling helps us shift from automatic reaction to conscious response.A single sentence—“I feel restless”—can change everything. Once written, restlessness is no longer consuming; it is witnessed as something separate from oneself. A new awareness is born.<h4 style="text-align:justify;">Journaling as Grounding</h4>Inner experiences can feel vast—deep stillness, sudden clarity, or strong emotion. Without grounding, they may fade or leave us unsettled.For me, journaling became the way to hold them. Subtle experiences no longer slipped away; they were anchored, seen, and allowed to positively shape me. It is like lightning: when high voltage strikes, we need an earthing or grounding wire to carry the current into the ground safely. Without it, the energy can become destructive. Psychology describes journaling in this way—as a safe discharge, like releasing extra electricity from an overloaded system. It prevents emotional buildup.At the same time, journaling grounds higher inspirations. When divine guidance or a sudden spark arrives, writing ensures it is not lost. What could remain fleeting takes form as language, memory, and direction.Thus, journaling steadies both our emotional residue and our subtle inspirations. It carries what feels heavy and anchors what feels light.<h4 style="text-align:justify;">Journaling as Reflection</h4>More than awareness and grounding, journaling is a mirror—not for the face we show the world, but for the truths we carry within.It showed me how easily I could speak of peace while avoiding discomfort, or claim calmness while deeper feelings lingered without acknowledgement. On the page, these patterns became visible.Reflection gives us a process map. It records the starting point—how we actually felt in a given moment—and allows us to see what shifted and where we reached, whether in <a href="https://heartfulness.org/magazine/create-the-habit-of-meditation" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">meditation</a>, inner work, or daily life. This continuity deepens honesty and self-awareness.&nbsp;<figure class="image image_resized" style="width:50%;"><img src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/art_journaling3_c89d78fac7.webp" alt="art-journaling3.webp"></figure>&nbsp;Reflection is not unkind criticism, but compassionate seeing. The journal does not judge or rush us. It simply holds space for whatever arises. Over time, this space becomes sacred. It prevents spiritual bypass—the tendency to use spiritual practices to avoid facing difficult emotions or shadow aspects—and invites integration instead.<h4 style="text-align:justify;">A Final Word</h4>Journaling is not merely an act of recording one’s life; it is a tool to integrate one’s life.&nbsp;Awareness brings the unconscious into light.Grounding gives form to the subtle.Reflection connects the starting point, process, and destination.Without journaling, even elevated experiences may inspire briefly, yet fail to transform daily living. With journaling, however, growth becomes embodied. What is received in silence becomes anchored in expression. What we discover within ourselves can be carried into our choices, relationships, and actions.Therefore, journaling is not a luxury but a necessity. For anyone walking an evolutionary path—whether through <a href="https://heartfulness.org/magazine/meditation-health-part-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">meditation</a>, self-inquiry, or other practices—it becomes an essential bridge. It ensures that what is glimpsed inwardly is also lived outwardly.Journaling is the link between inner work and outer living—the forgotten art that makes our journey whole.&nbsp;<figure class="image image_resized" style="width:50%;"><img src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/art_journaling4_42fd303a01.webp" alt="art-journaling4.webp"></figure>&nbsp;<h4 style="text-align:justify;">Three Journaling Prompts for Daily Use</h4>For awareness: “Right now, I feel…” Write for 5 minutes without editing.For grounding: After meditation or silence, note what arose, what stayed, and what questions remain.For reflection: At the end of the day, write one reaction you had and inquire what was beneath it.Just a few lines each day can shift awareness from fleeting experience to embodied growth.

The Forgotten Art of Journaling

Nancy is a Tanzanian author, businesswoman and social entrepreneur. She is the Managing Director of Bongo5 Media Group Ltd, the Executive Director of The Neghesti Sumari Foundation and The Jenga Hub, as well as a published author of the children’s book series, Nyota Yako. In 2017, Africa Youth Awards named her among the 100 Most Influential Young Africans.

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NANCY SUMARI

<h4>NANCY SUMARI, former Miss Tanzania and Miss World (Africa), is also a published author of children’s books, a businesswoman and social entrepreneur. Here she speaks with PURNIMA RAMAKRISHNAN as part of the GLOW Webinar series, on her roots, being crowned Miss World (Africa), her work with children and youth, and the role of the heart.</h4><hr>Q: In 2017, Africa’s Youth Awards named you one of the 100 Most Influential Africans. You are a business graduate from the University of Dar es Salaam and the managing director of Bongo5 Media Group Ltd, which focuses on digital media creation. You are the founder and the executive director of The Neghesti Sumari Foundation and the Jenga Hub that runs programs to teach kids from marginalized backgrounds how to do software coding. You are interested in improving the state of your community by working towards digital literacy for all. And your foundation has transformed learning outcomes for youth and little children through its digital literacy programs and applying design making methodology to create value. Welcome Nancy.NS: Thank you so much for having me, this is a great honor.Q: Likewise. Tell us a little bit about yourself.NS: I’m the third-born of five children. One of my parents is a farmer and the other runs her own hotel business, she’s into catering. I had a very interesting childhood, I grew up on a farm and as you can imagine it was full of adventure, mischief, joy and love. My parents were very keen for us to get a good education, and to also grow up in a close-knit loving family. I have very fond memories of my childhood.Beyond that, I went to school in Kenya, graduated from high school and came back to Tanzania, and did my bachelor’s degree here in Business. I hope to still continue with my studies at some point, soon hopefully. I’m married with a daughter who’s wonderful. I feel like I’ve had an interesting journey so far, and I’m very thankful for that. But I often reflect and feel that it’s almost like an out-of-body experience where I couldn’t imagine having the love that I have right now and the work that I’m doing, the opportunity to meet people. To offer what I have been given throughout my life is something I’m very thankful for.Q: Thank you. What was it like going from a beauty queen to a philanthropist working for the education of children? Can you tell us a little bit about that journey?NS:&nbsp;I think the journey through the beauty pageant was almost by chance. It was an opportunity that just happened to me. I suppose it was meant to be part of my journey, but it was a very big surprise, because I had just finished high school and I was hoping to pursue my university education at that point in time. By chance, at a local restaurant here in Dar es Salaam, I met a young lady who felt that I should be part of the competition, that it was a great opportunity. It felt like it was an opportunity, and when an opportunity comes knocking, I’ve always been one to make the most of it, so I did.But beyond the beauty pageant, which was great and left a big mark on my life, I’ve always felt that it was my purpose to give back as much as I have been given. There have been many opportunities where people held my hand, where people helped me. A lot of people were there for me through my journey, to help me to be the best that I could be. They saw the potential in me. So giving back through the work that I do comes naturally – the same way people have been there for me, I feel I should be there for others, and be there meaningfully. That’s why our work in providing and widening the education emphasis in Tanzania is very important; education will unlock the potential in young people, so that’s what I want to work very hard at.<img src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/Mediocrity2_d77aabee2f.jpg?updated_at=2023-04-05T03:34:02.173Z">Q: Can you tell us a little bit about the initiative of transforming children, and of transforming the ways of education in Tanzania?NS: The education system in Tanzania has a lot of challenges, everything from an outdated curriculum to not having well enough trained teachers, to the overall infrastructure. So, we thought to do something meaningful and long-term, but also to be more future-ready, and so we started programs that will empower and equip children with the skills and knowledge necessary in an ever transforming technological world. And so, our programs are focused primarily on giving children these very important skills, as we continue to work towards the fourth industrial revolution. Thus, although they go to school with a curriculum that is outdated, they are able to gain skills through our hub and its program to allow them to be a lot more competitive. They are able to take advantage of the opportunities in the technological industry and sector, and then come up with ideas of value to serve their communities.<hr><h5 style="text-align:center;">It’s about character building, it’s about building self, about training children through values, like being respectful, honorable, loving, caring, being of service, and knowing who they are and reflecting that to the world.</h5><hr>Q: How have you been able to make this difference for children? What do you think is the key factor which can help them in decision-making and wisdom?NS: I think we try to have a more holistic approach. It’s not just about technology, because that’s not enough. It’s also about character building, it’s about building self, about training children through values like being respectful, honorable, loving, caring, being of service, and knowing who they are and reflecting that to the world. I think what sets us apart is the fact that we pay extra attention to character building, and I feel that is quite important in today’s world to be able to build self, and acknowledge self, and another person. We have a saying here – it’s from South Africa but it’s also applied here a lot, and it is the spirit of Ubuntu. It speaks of the fact that you are able to see yourself in someone else or, rather, you able to see someone and empathize and acknowledge them, their self and their spirit, and just be equal in that sense. I think we’re moving more than ever into machines and artificial intelligence and robots, but it’s really important to focus back on ourselves. This is especially so with children and young people who will be the force in the next generation. I think it’s very important to instill these values in them.Q: What do you think is the role of the heart in transforming a child’s growing process, in transforming the learning or educational initiatives?NS: To be honest, everything starts from the heart, everything emanates from the heart and the soul. I think the heart plays a central key role in learning overall, in seeing our place in the world and what our world means. I think the heart is a window and a reflection of the world, and what the world is to us and what we are putting out into the world. A lot of the time, people are not able to be intentional enough when it comes to matters of the heart and learning, or feeding the heart. It plays a central and crucial role in learning, and definitely requires us to break down those walls and be able to approach learning and each other more from the heart. I think that would change the world, to be honest.<img src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/Mediocrity3_730fae2733.jpg?updated_at=2023-04-05T03:34:58.781Z">Q: How do you think children can be encouraged to use their heart as often as possible; how can we help them to learn this art of using the heart?NS: I think we can definitely practice a lot more. Children look at the older generation as a mirror, like an oracle, and the more they see us applying this, constantly and consistently, that is one way to do it. It’s like parenting – when a child is growing up, the first people they look up to are the immediate family surrounding them. These types of habits begin in the home, so I feel that is the game-changer right there – the importance of the role of the heart in the home, in the family. Then we move beyond that to schools, to education institutions on all levels, and to governments, to how we lead our people. I feel it will be a multiplying butterfly effect. But it really does begin in the home. That is the most powerful place where values are instilled, where behavior is taught, and where love is shared.Then it multiplies to all other areas of our lives, but it begins at home. We can all have a role to play when it comes to leading with the heart, teaching from the heart, and learning and feeding our heart when we are around our children and our young people. Then it will take hold. For now perhaps it can start in all corners where people who believe in it can start small and then multiply and take the effect within our circle of empathy.Q: When we look at our society today, we are becoming more and more dispersed. Single parenting is on the rise, parents are not together in many families, and even when they are together they have very little time with their children because both are working. Even the role of grandparents is becoming less these days. We no longer have families with uncles and aunties around, the joint family has broken down or vanished completely, and we are moving towards the nuclear family and single parenting. Such is our age. When we speak about the family, the home being the center, where the role of the heart is nurtured, children spend more time in day care, in school where other people are primary care givers. So, how can teachers or the school impart this, when it cannot happen at home?NS: I feel that we can utilize a lot of these platforms that young people access. Reaching out to teachers is very important, like you mentioned, because a teacher can use the first or the last five minutes of class to simply share whatever is going on in the heart, or hear from other people’s hearts. We are able to reach out to a lot of religious institutions as well, for instance, here we have a lot of families going to the mosque, to church, and to the temple. They all preach about the heart but perhaps to break down the silos and have a more relatable approach is also important. It can be styled in a manner which young people find a lot more relevant. It needs to be dynamic, it needs to be true to our time, and it needs to be reflective. It could be available on a platform that young people access, like Instagram or Facebook, or these social platforms that have a lot of traffic of young people. It can be packaged in a way that they will find interesting and then, before you know it, it’s cool, and it’s being applied, and it sticks, and it goes on and on from there.<img src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/Mediocrity5_e7706aadca.jpg?updated_at=2023-04-05T03:37:11.078Z">Q: How can this role of the heart help in breaking free from mediocrity to greatness?NS: I would say it starts with our own self. I think mediocrity stems from the fact that we are not able to believe in ourselves, be ourselves, and take advantage of our own purpose, our own journey. The role of the heart plays a central role for staying true to our self, staying true to our purpose, and following our calling. That ultimately takes us then from mediocrity and elevates us all the way into greatness, because there is nothing greater than being able to walk our own path, heed our own calling and be the highest, truest expression of ourselves, of who we are meant to be in this world. I think being mediocre is turning away from that, turning away from the journey and applying something that does not necessarily fit you. I feel that the only way is to switch back from that entirely and take heed of one’s heart.Q: Thank you Nancy for joining us and for your inspiring story.NS: Thank you.<hr><h4 style="text-align:center;">Interviewed by PURNIMA RAMAKRISHNAN</h4><hr>

From mediocrity to greatness

Naomi is the author of Raising Our Children, Raising Ourselves, and one of the leading parenting guides in the world today. She has been featured in the media internationally, and guides parents but about how to have peace without control so that children do their best, not because they fear us or seek our approval but because they want to. Her SALVE communication formula has been praised as providing the best of the work of Byron Katie and Nonviolent Communication combined and more.

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Naomi Aldort

<h4>NAOMI ALDORT is the author of Raising Our Children, Raising Ourselves, published in nineteen different languages. She guides parents via phone, Skype and workshops internationally, bringing peace and clarity to both difficult situations and everyday family issues, including marriage, pregnancy, birth, diet and lifestyle, and child development for children of all ages. Her S.A.L.V.E. communication formula has been praised as providing the best of the work of Byron Katie and Nonviolent Communication combined. In this exclusive interview with LAKSHMI ARAVIND, Naomi shares her wisdom on how we can raise emotionally resilient, well-adjusted, authentic children.</h4><hr>Q: All kids encounter stress in their lives to varying degrees, and despite our best efforts as parents we can’t always protect them. Kids get sick, they have to move schools and environments, deal with bullies, cyber bullies, exams and tests. They may face family breakups and grief due to loss. On top of all this, we also live in a fast-paced world, where we want quick solutions to problems. But this is the time to pause and think of how we can do the best for our children.Naomi, welcome and how are you today?NA: I’m doing well, thank you, and I’m delighted to be here with you.Q: Awesome, so let’s get started. The first question is: What are the basic tenets of your philosophy for raising children, and why emotionally resilient?NA: Where I depart from the mainstream way of parenting is that I am not into shaping children and making them. I hold children as creation (if you’re religious that means God, otherwise Nature) and they are perfect creations just as they are. So my whole approach is about allowing children to be rooted in themselves rather than in what we want for them. Parents want children to learn this, to be there, to sleep in their own room; all this “wanting” for our children. We cannot chew food for another person, we cannot breathe for another person, and likewise we cannot want for another person. A baby is a time bomb. It’s a grown-up in a small body with its potential not yet unfolded. We need to know the limitations, but we need to respect them like we respect God. This is not our making.So that’s the main difference in my philosophy. It’s not permissiveness, it’s not license. We still need to guide and be leaders, but we need to be leaders who enable children to unfold who they already are.I always use the analogy of watering a flower so it will bloom – not so that it blooms your way, your color, or to your timing. It’s already in the design. They’re going to walk at a certain time, they’re going to talk at a certain time, they’re going to sleep by themselves at a certain time, they’re going to read at a certain time – anytime between age four and thirteen or fourteen. It makes no difference later on. Whether children learn to walk at one or two, we all learned to walk at different times and talk at different times. Einstein didn’t talk until he was four. What difference does it make once we’re unfolding ourselves into adults? And in terms of resilience, again, with the utmost reverence and spiritual recognition of who a baby, a child, a human being is, they are born resilient.<hr><img src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/emotionally_resilient_children2_dc11a5b2ce.jpg?updated_at=2023-04-12T04:10:19.456Z" alt="how-to-raise-emotionally-resilient-children-part-1"><hr>Our job is not to ruin that. And unfortunately, we ruin it a lot. We get in the way, and then, when it’s ruined and things aren’t going well, we ask, “Gee, what do we do? Our child is doing this.” And then we are convinced that we have to shape them because we unshaped them to a point where it’s not working. My teaching is about nurturing who is already there, not shaping them; watering the flowers, not painting the color of the petals or telling them when to come out.Let me say a little bit about how we do harm. What do we do? Well, we’re taking the inner power of the child and we’re destroying it in many ways. We give messages to children that their inner voices are somehow wrong. They have to do what we say, not what they say to themselves. It starts in babyhood – that’s why I always say that everything I teach is from babyhood to adulthood, because it’s the same principle.So many parents ask me, “How do I get my child to move out of the family bed?” – if they even sleep with the child. And I say, “Well, if you have to trick them and make them go to their own bed, then they’re not ready.” You’re teaching them not to listen to their own voice.Then they tell me, “Well, to be independent, don’t they need to sleep by themselves and soothe themselves?”&nbsp; I say, “No. You’re not sleeping right yourself. You’re not soothing yourself. You go for therapy if you’re really upset, or to your friends. Why should a baby, who is scared to death for survival, or a young child, sleep by themselves? And when you give them the message, ‘You should sleep by yourself,’ even though they feel inside, ‘I want to sleep next to mommy and daddy,’ then you’re telling them, ‘Don’t listen to yourself.’ And that kills self-confidence, that kills the self, because we constantly tell them how they feel inside is wrong.”<hr><img src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/emotionally_resilient_children3_693ac37925.jpg?updated_at=2023-04-12T04:03:42.039Z" alt="how-to-raise-emotionally-resilient-children-part-1"><hr><hr><h5>In terms of resilience, again,&nbsp; with the utmost reverence&nbsp; and spiritual recognition of who a baby, a child,&nbsp; a human being is, they are born resilient.</h5><hr><hr>And another way we kill resilience is by distracting babies and young children from suffering. It is almost contradictory. On one hand, we tell them that they shouldn’t suffer. On the other hand, we cause the suffering when we put them to sleep somewhere else and tell them, “Hey, put up with it!” That stresses them because it is a primal need. Then, when they have suffering that is not a primal need – they don’t get their candy, their friend isn’t playing with them anymore, later on their girlfriend/boyfriend leaves them – then we try to distract them. We start with babies; when a baby cries, we say, “Look here, look there!” or “Here, play with this!” and we tell them, “Hey, you know you can handle suffering, you can handle pain.”I teach the opposite. Meet your baby’s needs, be kind with your teenager, and with all ages, but sometimes life offers challenges. Sometimes there is suffering. Grandma does die. Uncle cancels his visit. Toys break. Friends won’t always play with them. So, I always tell parents that instead of fixing everything – which tells children that they can’t handle it, and that weakens them – let them know that it’s all right. Validate their feeling.Let’s say a child comes out of a room full of children and says, “They won’t play with me. They told me to leave,” most parents say, “Oh no! Let’s go in and I’ll fix it for you.” The parent talks to the other children: “What happened? Please be inclusive,” and what is the child learning? “I’m weak and dependent, and I need the adult to come and rescue me so that I get what I want.”<hr><img src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/emotionally_resilient_children4_54b9a2f56d.jpg?updated_at=2023-04-12T04:04:53.213Z" alt="how-to-raise-emotionally-resilient-children-part-1"><hr>Now the response I advocate, when the child comes out of the room saying, “They won’t play with me. They told me to leave,” is, “Oh, you want to talk about how that’s feeling?” Maybe they’re crying. After they express their feelings (and sometimes they don’t express much because they look for “What am I supposed to feel?” from the parent), I would just say, “Okay, what would you like to do instead?Would you like to help me in the kitchen? I’m making lunch,” or “Would you like to sit here? I have some nice books and puzzles here.”If it’s not my own child, but a guest, I would say, “Would you like me to call your mom to pick you up?” I’m letting the child know that they can handle the fact that the others are not playing with them. I don’t ask, “What did you do that they’re not playing with you?” That’s blame and shame. Definitely not a good idea.I don’t make it seem like it’s a big problem, but if it is a problem for them, I listen. “Tell me, I see you wanted to play so badly, so do you want to tell me how you feel about it?” I listen to them. Then, the next step is, “I understand how you feel. What would you like to do instead?”<hr><hr><h5>I always tell parents that instead&nbsp; of fixing everything – which tells children&nbsp; that they can’t handle it,&nbsp; and that weakens them – let them&nbsp; know that it’s all right.&nbsp; Validate their feeling.</h5><hr><hr>We often teach them to want things, and we teach them to always get what they want. Then they can’t handle not getting what they want. We say, “No, don’t call him stupid! It will hurt his feelings.” We’re teaching them to be weak and to be hurt. When I see a child calling another child “stupid,” I say, “Me too!” and I give an example of how I’m stupid. Then they learn to accept.It’s like the Zen story, “Without Blinking an Eye.” I’ll tell the short version. It’s about the General of an army in Japan that is going from village to village killing everyone. Most people run away and escape. He comes to one village, and he’s told by his soldiers that the Zen master at the top of the hill in the monastery hasn’t escaped. The general is enraged: “How come? Doesn’t he know who I am?”So he goes up to the monastery, looks at the little old man and says, “How dare you! Don’t you know who I am? I could run you through with my sword without blinking an eye!”And the little Zen master says, “ And do you know who I am? Someone who can have your sword go through me without blinking an eye.”Can we raise children to hear bad words – the sword, the criticism – with gratitude? When somebody criticizes them and calls them names, can they say, “Tell me more”? There is nothing we don’t have. We may be generous, but we’ve been greedy. We may smell good, but we’ve been stinky. We may be peaceful, but we’ve been angry at some time. It’s like, “Tell me more. I’m learning. Everyone is a teacher for me.”We are teaching to “wants” and teaching children to defend themselves and to think that they’re always good. We are teaching instant gratification. We are teaching by distraction – “Here, here, have some ice cream, it will help you forget about what happened with the other kid.” We are teaching children to run away from suffering. Also, we are praising, creating a need for children to seek approval all the time, rather than being themselves.We teach them to run away from the self, which creates insecurity and low self-esteem. And we run them toward success – everybody has to know so much. And we put them on the competitive mill to be successful, to have money, to have a profession, to be the best. And then they are afraid and develop anxiety, anxiety to please others, anxiety not to be oneself, to avoid what they really want and feel inside, and to do all this stuff that is expected of them. That’s very anxiety-provoking, because it’s easy to be oneself, but it’s very hard to read other people and please them.<hr><img src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/emotionally_resilient_children5_f7573245f1.jpg?updated_at=2023-04-12T04:06:17.530Z" alt="how-to-raise-emotionally-resilient-children-part-1"><hr>Q: I think we all need to hear that. I’m one of those parents who used to step in and fix it for them right away. And we don’t realize how hurtful it can be for our children in the long run. We’re really not teaching them to be resilient. As you say, we have already destroyed their resilience, and somehow we have to undo all that.We live in a world where there’s immediate gratification, and all the time we want to give the best to our children. We don’t want them to get hurt at all. In a world where there’s constant comfort and stimulation, what can we do about that?NA: To teach emotional resilience, we have to not unteach it, because they already have it. Look at babies, who behave like they’re the most deserving creatures on Earth. A little discomfort and they cry. They want to nurse and they tell you. You put them to sleep somewhere else, they scream. It’s very clear that they’re resilient, they can handle it, they can express feelings, and they can handle life and our mistakes, too.But to teach emotional resilience, we need to avoid teaching them to be triggered. Like what I said before, instead of teaching them that name calling is a bad thing, ask them to find how it’s true for them. Teach them not to be defensive. We teach them by modeling. If our spouse tells us, “Hey, you’re lazy,” or “You did this or that,” what is our automated reaction? “No, I’m not! No, that’s not what happened.” What I teach to create resilience is, “Yes, I am.”I actually teach healing games where members of the family get together and, through games, through play therapy, learn to accept when somebody criticizes them or calls them a name. We need to stop blaming others, making all this justice thing, which is part of why people are so emotionally weak. Take sibling rivalry, for example: “Mommy says I am wrong.” Don’t ever take sides. Just listen to each one and help them find the solution simply by listening to them. You don’t ever have to fix things. They solve it themselves. When you come into their room and they’re fighting, listen to each one of them until they’re done. Let each one tell their side, and when the other interrupts and says, “No, that’s not what happened,” I say, “Wait till she’s done, and then you’ll tell what happened to you.” I don’t ever take sides.<hr><hr><h5>To teach emotional resilience,&nbsp; we need to avoid teaching them to be triggered.&nbsp; Like what I said before, instead of teaching them&nbsp; that name calling is a bad thing,&nbsp; ask them to find how it’s true for them.&nbsp; Teach them not to be defensive.&nbsp; We teach them by modeling.</h5><hr><hr><img src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/emotionally_resilient_children6_b52e559292.jpg?updated_at=2023-04-12T04:08:53.014Z" alt="how-to-raise-emotionally-resilient-children-part-1"><hr>Another way to help children to be strong is to let them find their own solutions and express themselves. The first chapter in my book talks about self-expression. But the main thing is that we’re killing strength through the constant need for approval, by expecting children to live based on external rewards, praise and grades. In order to enable inner peace, children need to be rooted in themselves, responsible for creating their own inner joy, no matter what another person is saying about them. That’s true power.<hr>To be continued.<hr><hr><h4>Interviewed by LAKSHMI ARAVIND</h4><hr>

How to raise emotionally resilient children - Part 1

Narendra lives in California and is an avid Raja Yoga practitioner. He is the co-founder and CEO of Global Touchpoints, and is involved in Real Time Analytics. One of two identical twins, he believes in spiritual, emotional, mental and physical balance. He loves music, writing and sketching. His illustrations have been rendered in the book Karmic Rhapsody, authored by his daughter. www.facebook.com/4artfulness kininaren.wordpress.com

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Narendra Kini

<h4 style="text-align: justify;">NARENDRA KINI is an artist among other things. He
 shares with us his own experience of creating, and what helps him most.</h4>

What inspires minds?
What triggers creativity?
What persists in a creatively inspired mind?
Several folks have shared their perspectives on some or all of these questions. Among
 the inspiring minds are novelists, poets, playwrights, painters, philosophers, scientists and mathematicians. They
 describe how they subtly manoeuvre in order to overcome the obstacles and daily routines so that they can complete
 the work they love.
It may be by waking early or staying up late; skipping mundane distractions or attending
 events that motivate them; drinking vast quantities of coffee; taking long daily walks; or just sitting in
 meditation, like I do. When I divert my attention inward where it probably truly belongs, that which resides inside
 seems to manifest itself.
Surprisingly the manifestation is profound.


<hr>

<h4 style="text-align: center;">Practice feeds inspiration. 
 Once we commit to doing something creatively,
 we draw inspiration for that work from around us.
</h4>

<hr>
<img class="img-float-right has-img-center-in-mobile"
 src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/the_heart_of_the_matter_2_587eb04523.jpg?updated_at=2023-03-29T10:37:56.006Z"
 alt="self-being" width="249" height="222">My experience gives me belief in two things: the
 10,000 hours of practice that Malcolm Gladwell writes about in his book, Outliers, and disciplining the
 mind. Interestingly, when you combine both, meditation ensures that my mind is regulated and able to direct itself
 to perform a committed task within an allocated time, and discipline channels my creative energy to that activity I
 have committed to. Unusual as it may seem, everything comes to me – ideas, inspiration, motivation, clarity in
 thinking – during my committed practice of meditation. I will be the first one to admit that I did not get there
 overnight. Over twenty years of practice has probably helped. I am yet to reach the proverbial 10,000 hours that
 Malcolm Gladwell writes about, yet I cannot deny the benefits that are already obvious in most walks of my life:
 calmness within, filtering the clutter to take a decision, resting well without nightmares or restlessness,
 responding to situations instead of reacting, etc. These are very natural outcomes of my meditation practice.
To some extent creative work is no different than training in the gym. You can’t
 selectively choose your best moments and decide to only work on the days when you have great ideas. There certainly
 are those magic moments – which also surface during meditation – but the only way to unveil the great ideas inside
 is to make a commitment and show up over and over again. Set the time, set the schedule, and preferably set the
 place and environment.
It is easy to start judging your own work and convince yourself not to share something,
 not publish something, and not market something because “it isn’t good enough yet,” but the alternative is even
 worse. If we don’t have a schedule forcing us to deliver, then it is easy to avoid undertaking the work itself. The
 only way to be consistent enough to make a masterpiece is to give permission to create something along the way –
 feed that creative instinct, do not starve it.

<img class="has-img-center"
 src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/the_heart_of_the_matter_3_8348d867d3.jpg?updated_at=2023-03-29T10:38:48.429Z"
 alt="The Heart of the Matter">

Sincere practitioners in any field don’t just work harder than everybody else. At some
 point they fall in love with their practice to the point where they want to do better in less time, more in the same
 time, and generally excel.
It is true in any profession. The elite football player is the guy who spends all day on
 the practice field with his teammates, and after practice he goes home to watch game films. The elite physician
 listens to medical podcasts during a long commute. The elites are in love with what they do, and it does not feel
 like work.
This leads to the other benefit of discipline and practice. Practice feeds inspiration.
 Once we commit to doing something creatively, we draw inspiration for that work from around us. We coach our minds
 to be aware, conscious and mindful about aspects in the moment that could feed our creativity. During my initial
 work, I drew inspiration from the spiritual images and personalities that influenced me greatly in my journey to
 ‘inside-out transformation’.&nbsp;Gradually the canvas widened, and the themes changed. I find subjects in events,
 happenings, award-winning&nbsp;photographs, life moments and nature.
I try to celebrate significant days like birthdays, anniversaries and other events
 through my sketches and share them. I have realised that it has become a way for me to share love – genuine love –
 albeit through my art. So, what is the common denominator for me? In short it is the heart. I can commit, schedule,
 discipline, channel and nurture my mind, but only when my heart is in the right place does it become the origin and
 abode of my creativity and inspiration; hence, the source of joy, love and contentment. Once that is okay, any
 creativity that feeds to that sentiment draws inspiration from within and without.


<hr>

<h4 style="text-align: center;">Article and drawings by NARENDRA KINI</h4>

<hr>

The heart of the matter

<h5>NARENDRA KINI asks some thought provoking questions about beauty and the way we see ourselves.</h5><hr>Inner beauty always reflects on the outside. This is something we have all heard time and again. But then, do we spend less time in front of the mirror? Do we still pay attention to outward appearances and draw a lot of conclusions based on those? We have not stopped making external appearances a topic of conversation at most social gatherings – business or otherwise. We still spend a lot of time getting ready for an event, office, function or a party.Roald Dahl wrote, “You can have a wonky nose and a crooked mouth and a double chin and stick-out teeth, but if you have good thoughts it will shine out of your face like sunbeams and you will always look lovely.”&nbsp; This makes me wonder what it would be like if the way we lived reflected in our looks. Perhaps we would all try harder to be better people.What if one day our inner self and physical self were turned inside out? How would that impact our looks and confidence? Would most of us be able to come to terms with what we see?<hr><h4 style="text-align:center;">Roald Dahl wrote, “You can have a wonky nose and a crooked mouth and a double chin and stick-out teeth, but if you have good thoughts it will shine out of your face like sunbeams and you will always look lovely.”</h4><hr>If we were to develop a visible scar on our skin for every ill intention or negative thought, would we continue to have such thoughts?If we would lose clumps of hair every time we were mean, would it stop us?If every time we hurt someone intentionally it added a few pounds to our weight, would we still do it?Per contra, what if every time we teach a child or feed the needy, or show kindness, we drop some weight around our waist or grow back some hair or lose a wrinkle, would we be more willing?If taking the time to answer children’s questions or helping senior citizens needing assistance could reduce signs of ageing, maybe we all would develop patience and kindness.Looking good has become so important to us that it could inspire us to take steps that we usually would not consider.Maybe if we lived our lives the way Dahl suggests we would be very different people. I wonder how radically different our priorities, decisions and personalities would be in a world where doing good is rewarded so visibly and tangibly that it becomes second nature.<hr><h4 style="text-align:center;">So it is with our lives. Those who want to live meaningfully and well must help enrich the lives of others, for the value of a life is measured by the lives it touches. The quality of response and joy depends on the quality of thoughts and love we share and spread.</h4><hr>Often I look in the mirror and wonder if I can confidently say my inner self is better than my reflection.Am I almost at a point where I do not have to look at it to check myself for anything more than the necessary daily activities like shaving, flossing and combing?There is a short story that could lend its moral to nature’s way of working when we are able to see good thoughts and share good thoughts for others also to seed.<img src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/inner_beauty_img2_49188eb7e1.jpg?updated_at=2023-03-29T12:27:08.535Z">There was a farmer who grew excellent quality corn. Every year he won the award for the best corn. One year a newspaper reporter interviewed him and learned something interesting about how he grew it. The reporter discovered that the farmer shared his seeds with his neighbours.“How can you afford to share your best seed corn with your neighbours when they are entering in competition with yours each year?” the reporter asked.“Why sir,” said the farmer, “Don’t you know? The wind picks up pollen from the ripening corn and swirls it from field to field. If my neighbours grow inferior corn, cross-pollination will steadily degrade the quality of my corn. If I am to grow good corn, I must help my neighbours grow good corn.”So it is with our lives. Those who want to live meaningfully and well must help enrich the lives of others, for the value of a life is measured by the lives it touches. The quality of response and joy depends on the quality of thoughts and love we share and spread.And those who choose to be joyful must help others find happiness, for the welfare of each is bound up with the welfare of all.<hr><h4 style="text-align:center;">Article and artwork by NARENDRA KINI</h4><hr>

Inner Beauty

<h4 style="text-align: center">AN ART ESSAY</h4>

 The Buddha said: These four are the foodstuffs, ye bhikkus,
 which sustain the creatures that are born, and benefit the creatures
 that seek rebirth. The first is edible food, coarse or fine; touch is
 the second; the thinking capacity of the mind is the third; and the
 fourth is consciousness.


 <img
 class="has-img-center lazyload"
 src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/bhikkumonks2_8d1ea2d7ca.jpg?updated_at=2023-04-05T11:05:29.208Z"
 alt="bhikkumonks2"
 />


 Understand that you own nothing; everything that surrounds you is
 temporary; only the love in your heart will last forever.


 Whatever is not yours, let go of it. Your letting go will be for your
 long-term benefit and happiness.


 <img
 class="has-img-center lazyload"
 src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/bhikkumonks3_0811044985.jpg?updated_at=2023-04-05T11:06:02.426Z"
 alt="bhikkumonks3"
 />

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<h4 style="text-align: center">Art and article by NAREN KINI</h4>
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Bhikku monks

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<h3 style="text-align: center;">An Art Essay</h3>
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<h4>NARENDRA KINI integrates his work as a successful
 Silicon Valley-based entrepreneur with being an artist, a poet and a seeker of higher truth through meditative
 practices. He is currently the co-founder and CEO of Global Touchpoints, and here he talks of how he finds his
 inspiration for creativity and art.</h4>
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<h5 style="text-align: center;">Meditation is evolving from thinking to feeling, 
 from feeling to being, being to becoming, 
 and finally going beyond.” 
 — Daaji
</h5>
<img class="has-img-center lazyload" 
 src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/The_fountain_within2_392b3f76db.jpg?updated_at=2023-04-07T07:40:56.784Z" alt="The_fountain_within2"/>

<h5 style="text-align: center;">APPROACH</h5>
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<h4>Meditation inspires</h4>
I have found that my own approach to art is inspired by
 meditation. It is a process of letting go of control and allowing something to emerge. I took to art after I was
 inspired by an inner calling that happened after a meditation session about five years ago. 
The efficacy of a meditation practice can be also assessed
 by its impact on our attitude towards life. It provides us with a sense of perspective and creative freedom that
 is unmatched. Through invoking stillness in the mind and relocating our awareness center to the heart,
 meditation – within minutes – offers a blank canvas with a wide range of possibilities. “Writer’s block” and
 “artist’s cul-de-sac” are common terms. Creativity can get stumped and inspiration can dry up, and we often look
 for external sources to revive these things. This approach is sometimes successful, but I have found the real
 fan to the creative flame lies within us. And if we lose that spark, we may irreparably dry up our authentic
 sense of creative direction. A visit to the fountain within will rarely fail to quench the thirst for
 inspiration. My personal realization is that paying attention to the inner condition, being centered in
 stillness and contemplation enables the manifestation of creative work. It is not to say that the work will be
 perfect, but it will be truly your own. 
 
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<img class="has-img-center lazyload" 
 src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/The_fountain_within3_764761039f.jpg?updated_at=2023-04-07T07:42:57.234Z" alt="The_fountain_within3"/>

<h5 style="text-align: center;">CONSCIOUSNESS</h5>
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The way in which meditation liberates an artist’s creativity
 can be very nurturing to the soul. No matter how focused we are while working on art, no matter the physical
 environment we are in, if the mind is not steady and the body is not relaxed, very little is actually
 created. By turning inward, centering our awareness, and being heartful, we are free to express our own
 truth. Furthermore, we are able to trust ourselves and our innate creativity. 
Meditation is food for the soul and the very source of
 inspiration for my creativity. When under stress, inspiration can become elusive. A relaxed body and a calm mind
 provide us the opportunity to become observers of ourselves, pause with patience, and wait for an idea, image,
 or concept to germinate at the core of our being. This puts us in a “flow,” or a rhythm of sorts. While the
 ultimate purpose of meditation could be spiritual, a way to expand our consciousness, it can very well be a
 beautiful and simple way to tap into the limitless potential of our being.
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<img class="has-img-center lazyload"
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<h5 style="text-align: center;">GURU &amp; GUITAR</h5>
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<h4>Inner inspiration</h4>
In his book, The Outliers, Malcolm Gladwell prescribes 10,000 hours of practice
 as the “magic number for true expertise.” Inspired by the idea behind this, I challenged myself to turn creating
 art into a habit. It is said, “Sow a habit and reap a destiny.” Now, I am not sure if I have gone that far, but
 I have certainly reaped a touch point. I like to think that the art I create is not just something to look at,
 but something that hopefully touches and inspires hearts. 
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<img class="has-img-center lazyload" 
 src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/The_fountain_within8_508428f5df.jpg?updated_at=2023-04-07T07:47:30.341Z" alt="The_fountain_within8"/>

<h5 style="text-align: center;">VIBRATIONS</h5>
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If anyone is on a creative journey – be it writing, sculpting, painting or singing – when
 we take silent time to meditate, a shift happens within. Our consciousness expands, our awareness deepens, and
 we come into the presence of what Albert Einstein described as the most beautiful emotion we can experience –
 the underlying power of all true art and science. Now, neuroscience is showing through brain mapping that such
 qualities are available to all who meditate regularly, creating the mental and emotional conditions in which
 they are most likely to flourish.
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<h4>Inner guidance – intuition</h4>
Regular meditation, like the practice of Heartfulness, has the potential to help us get
 into a deep state each time, thereby strengthening our inner intuition and connection to the heart. The heart is
 where feelings reside, and connecting to it strengthens our sense of intuition. This intuition fans the creative
 spirit in us, guiding us to pursue the right idea or concept. When regular meditation is intensified, it becomes
 the very inner bedrock of spiritual confidence to progressively invest in a vocation. 
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<img class="has-img-center lazyload"
 src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/The_fountain_within5_82b10d7ca0.jpg?updated_at=2023-04-07T07:49:34.495Z" alt="The_fountain_within5" />

<h5 style="text-align: center;">TOWARD THE CENTER</h5>
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<h4>Inner true self – authenticity</h4>
Meditation helps us connect with the inner true self – the soul – awakening us to who we
 really are, independent of perception of the outer world. Meditation helps create a balance between the mind and
 the heart (soul), thus enabling us to birth creativity with equanimity and ease.
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 src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/The_fountain_within6_a88fa137c3.jpg?updated_at=2023-04-07T07:52:03.134Z" alt="The_fountain_within6" />

<h5 style="text-align: center;">INNER LIGHT</h5>
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<h4>Inner cleaning – rejuvenation</h4>
When we open the gateway to our soul and nurture our inner
 self, a natural sense of grace ensues, and light becomes our very being. That aspect of our prana –
 that enlightened, elevated state – allows us to embrace the magnificent completeness of our being, despite its
 blemishes, limitations, fears, inadequacies, imperfections and other barriers. As we travel on our own
 yatra (journey), even with the simplest of meditation practices, true expression as an artist emerges.
 All we need is an open mind, an open heart and a willingness to explore our inner world. 
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<img
 class="lazyload mw-100"
 src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/The_fountain_within7_70e14dcc74.jpg?updated_at=2023-04-07T07:52:44.591Z" alt="The_fountain_within7" />

<h5 style="text-align: center;">FIRE PURIFIES</h5>
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Meditation cleanses and nourishes the spirit. It helps us
 approach our empty canvas with an unbiased subconscious and enables us to arrive at calmness. Cleaning out our
 impressions at the end of each day enables us to remove past impressions – thoughts bound by emotions. It
 enables us to let go of feelings of fear, sadness, and anger, which can make us emotionally weak and unbalanced,
 in turn affecting our creative expression.
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<hr>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">Article and art essay by NARENDRA KINI </h4>


<hr>

The fountain within

<hr><h4>NARENDRA KINI uses the simple analogy of a mechanical flywheel to help us understand the role of meditation in generating love and positive feelings.</h4><hr>What is a flywheel? A flywheel is essentially a very heavy wheel that takes a lot of force to spin around. So, when it is spinning at high speed it tends to keep on spinning. We say it has a lot of angular momentum, which means it can store a great deal of kinetic energy. You can think of it as a kind of mechanical battery, but it is storing energy in the form of movement or kinetic energy.&nbsp;How does this relate to the heart? For the purpose of this exercise:&nbsp;Flywheel = Human heart Angular Momentum = Intensity of meditation Kinetic energy = Love or positive energy Moment of inertia = I“Moment of inertia” sounds abstract and confusing, but it’s much easier to understand than you might think. What it really means is that the effective mass of a spinning object depends not just on how much actual mass it has but on where that mass is located in relation to the point it’s spinning around.&nbsp;In essence, when we go through our day at work, we have several distractions, resistances and negative energies that tend to play on our hearts and minds. If we are aware of the reservoir of positive energy (love), it can overcome the inertia and loss of positivity at work.The most sophisticated flywheels float on superconducting magnets, so they spin almost entirely without friction. They are also sealed inside vacuum chambers, so there are no losses due to air resistance.&nbsp;When we create a vacuum in our hearts, we attract, store, generate and expand more of this positive love energy. Essentially, we become a mobile love generator with an unlimited reservoir of positive energy.<hr>&nbsp;<hr>&nbsp;<h5 style="text-align:center;">When we create a vacuum in our hearts, we attract, store, generate and expand more of this positive love energy. Essentially, we become a mobile love generator with an unlimited reservoir of positive energy.</h5>&nbsp;<hr>&nbsp;<hr><img src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/heart_love_generator2_b98da17690.jpg?updated_at=2023-04-08T10:10:57.409Z" alt="heart-love-generator2"><hr>There are some other analogies about flywheels that we can apply to our situations:<h4>Create a balanced existence by letting the mind refer to the heart:&nbsp;</h4>A flywheel helps to smooth out the power the wheels receive. So, while the engine’s cylinder might add power to the flywheel every thirty seconds, the wheels can then take power from the flywheel at a steady continuous rate. The engine will roll smoothly instead of jerking along in fits and starts.<hr><img src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/heart_love_generator3_93f194db90.jpg?updated_at=2023-04-08T10:14:04.842Z" alt="heart-love-generator3"><hr><h4>Use pauses to prevent domination of the mind over the heart:&nbsp;</h4>The flywheel can be used to slow down a vehicle, like a brake. As it does, energy is transferred from the vehicle to the flywheel, which picks up speed and keeps spinning. You can then disengage the flywheel to make the vehicle stop completely.<hr>&nbsp;<hr>&nbsp;<h5 style="text-align:center;">If you take the flywheel (heart) and spin it twice as fast to double its angular velocity (double the intensity of meditation), you’ll quadruple how much energy (love) it stores.&nbsp;</h5>&nbsp;<hr>&nbsp;<hr><img src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/heart_love_generator4_e4d1fdc980.jpg?updated_at=2023-04-08T10:15:59.636Z" alt="heart-love-generator4"><hr><h4>Let the heart become a love energy generator:&nbsp;</h4>A flywheel can be used to provide temporary extra power when an engine can’t produce enough. Suppose you want to overtake a slow-moving horse and cart. Let’s say the flywheel has been spinning for some time but isn’t currently connected to either the engine or the wheels. When you reconnect it to the wheels, it provides extra power.Now, if you take the flywheel (heart) and spin it twice as fast to double its angular velocity (double the intensity of meditation), you’ll quadruple how much energy (love) it stores.&nbsp;That’s why flywheel designers (meditators) typically try to use high-speed wheels (regular practice) rather than a few long sessions. Even better, when the Inner Self directs our lives, the spinning continues non-stop, and we constantly generate love.<hr>&nbsp;<hr>&nbsp;<h4 style="text-align:center;">Article by NARENDRA KINI Illustrations by JASMEE RATHOD</h4>&nbsp;<hr>&nbsp;

Let your heart be a love generator

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 <img class="has-img-center lazyload" alt="threads-of-life"
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<h4 style="text-align: center;">Something</h4>
There is nothing like looking, if you want
 to find something. 
 You certainly usually find something, if you look, 
 but is not always quite the something you were after.
—J.R.R. Tolkien
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<img class="has-img-center lazyload" alt="threads-of-life"
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<h4 style="text-align: center;">Fear</h4>
It is said that before entering the sea 
 a river trembles with fear.
She looks back at the path she has
 traveled, 
 from the peaks of the mountains, 
 the long winding road crossing forests and villages.
And in front of her, 
 she sees an ocean so vast, 
 that to enter 
 there seems nothing more than to disappear forever.
But there is no other way. 
 The river cannot go back.
Nobody can go back. 
 To go back is impossible in existence.
The river needs to take the risk 
 of entering the ocean 
 because only then will fear disappear, 
 because that’s where the river will know 
 it’s not about disappearing into the ocean, 
 but of becoming the ocean.
—Kahlil Gibran


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 <img class="has-img-center lazyload" alt="threads-of-life"
 src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/naren_part2_4_8ffe43cd59.jpg?updated_at=2023-04-10T12:05:03.963Z" />

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<h4 style="text-align: center;">Rivers</h4>
By the rivers of Babylon, where we sat
 down. 
 Yeah, we wept, when we remembered Zion. 
 …
Let the words of our mouth and the
 meditation of our heart, 
 be acceptable in thy sight here tonight.
—Boney M.


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<img class="has-img-center lazyload" alt="threads-of-life"
 src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/naren_part2_5_adb1c703d5.jpg?updated_at=2023-04-10T12:06:20.010Z" />

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<h4 style="text-align: center;">Sorrow
 </h4>
Sorrow … It pulls up the rotten roots, 
 so that new roots hidden beneath 
 have room to grow. Whatever sorrow 
 shakes from your heart, far better 
 things will take their place. … Maybe 
 you are searching among the branches 
 for what only appears in the roots.
—Rumi


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<img class="has-img-center lazyload" alt="threads-of-life"
 src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/naren_part2_6_ad95eb0289.jpg?updated_at=2023-04-10T12:07:43.686Z" />

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<h4 style="text-align: center;">Threads of life</h4>
O Servant of God, where do the Ida, Pingala
 and Sushumna nadis go when the thread of life breaks? 
 One who holds the thread is beyond time, but where does he live? 
 The thread is neither tied nor breaks. 
 Who is the master and who is the servant? 
 Only He knows his secret as He is the Eternal. 
 What is the warp [lengthwise threads] and what is the weft [cross threads]? 
 What are the threads from which the chadar [cloth] is woven? 
 Ida and Pingala are the warp and weft. 
 Sushumna are the threads from which the chadar is woven. 
 Eight are the Lotuses and ten are the spinning wheels. 
 Five are the elements and three the qualities of the chadar.
—Kabir


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<img class="has-img-center lazyload" alt="threads-of-life"
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<h4 style="text-align: center;">Gathering </h4>
This is a gathering of Lovers. 
 In this gathering 
 there is no high, no low, 
 no smart, no ignorant, 
 no special assembly, 
 no grand discourse, 
 no proper schooling required. 
 There is no master, 
 no disciple.
—Rumi


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<img class="has-img-center lazyload" alt="threads-of-life"
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<h4 style="text-align: center;">Depths</h4>
You’ve been walking the ocean’s edge, 
 holding up your robes to keep them dry. 
 You must dive naked under, and deeper, 
 Under, a thousand times deeper! 
—Rumi

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<hr>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">Art essay by NARENDRA KINI</h4>


<hr>

Threads of life

<h2 class="has-text-align-center">
 An Art Essay
</h2>

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 <img width="500" height="610" alt="" class="lazyload has-img-center"
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<h4 class="has-text-align-center has-text-color" style="color: #1a66e0">
 HOPE FOR TRANSFORMATION
</h4>


 Nobility of the soul requires cultivating. This opportunity is granted to wise
 hearts every day. Many wise hearts are now dispersed across the world. This is
 a good thing. We need not despair for humanity; it already possesses the seeds
 of the future.


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 <figure>
 <img width="360" height="505" alt="" class="lazyload has-img-center"
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<h4 class="has-text-align-center has-vivid-red-color has-text-color">
 HOPE FOR THE GOAL
</h4>


 “On a day when the wind is perfect, the sail just needs to open and the world
 is full of beauty. Today is such a day.” 
 —Rumi


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 <img width="360" height="505" alt="" class="lazyload has-img-center"
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<h4 class="has-text-align-center">
 HOPE FOR GUIDANCE
</h4>


 The meaning of diksha is initiation, and one definition is “Induction
 into a new realm of awareness and practice by a teacher or trainer through the
 bestowing of blessings and the transmission of prana.” It denotes a
 deepening connection with the Source.


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 <img width="360" height="505" alt="" class="lazyload has-img-center"
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<h4 class="has-text-align-center">
 HOPE FOR ESSENTIAL SERVICE
 
</h4>


 “And he gave it for his opinion, that whoever could make two ears of corn, or
 two blades of grass, to grow upon a spot of ground where only one grew before,
 would deserve better of mankind, and do more essential service to his country,
 than the whole race of politicians put together.” —Jonathan Swift,
 Gulliver’s Travels


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 <img width="360" height="456" alt="" class="lazyload has-img-center"
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<h4 class="has-text-align-center">
 HOPE TO MEET
</h4>

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 <img width="360" height="505" alt="" class="lazyload has-img-center"
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 </figure>
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<h4 class="has-text-align-center">
 HOPE FOR THE PLANET
</h4>


 The simple Mantra Om Shree Gaia Ma calls for the healing of Mother
 Earth. It will align you with the feeling of gratitude and the elements of
 Earth, Air, Fire, Water, and Spirit. It is powerful in cultivating your
 intuitive communication with Nature, and it serves to rebalance the energy of
 the collective consciousness toward that of wholeness, peace, and abundance.



 I offer all of my prayers to thee, my respect and gratitude, and may this be a
 conscious oath to protect you and to honor you as I recognize the great need
 for your healing.



 May your fields be rich and your soil fertile, and may they be sown and reaped
 with care.



 May your mountains attest to your splendor and strength and your valleys hum
 with the lullaby of your receptive embrace.



 May your oceans, waters, rivers, and glaciers be pure and nourishing, as the
 life-blood of the planet.



 May your air be clean and free of toxins so that all may breathe deeply and
 fully the great life-force.



 May your turning invoke an understanding of all cyclical things in nature; of
 growth and decay, of planting and harvest, of karmic cycles; and that as we
 give, so do we receive.



 May your children learn to care for you and love you, and teach their children
 the same.



 You are the Earth, and I am your child.


So it is!

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<hr />

Hope

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<h3 class="has-text-align-center has-text-color block-heading" id="h-an-art-essay" style="color: #cf2d6f">
 AN ART ESSAY
</h3>


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 What an insight it could be to travel in a Commitment Train called
 Ma, to have a window seat, but this time look inside rather
 than out. Just a silent witness along for the ride.



 I would then see the inner workings of a pure soul, full of love,
 moving on the tracks of life. Through rivers, fields and all
 the rife, nothing seeming to deter those flywheels.



 An engine of commitment, fueled just by purity and love to stop
 and go. Life’s signals of red and green guided by conscience
 as the driver keeps one eye on the road and another inward.



 On a silent night, when the winds are still you may hear a quiet
 voice, and feel sometimes steam, sometimes tears. Yet this
 journey that seems endless in distance feels like a pilgrimage,
 abundant with blessings.



 This commitment train never rests. There are different
 destinations and stops but, unspoken commitment bound, into
 the nights and days, on an endless journey. So, there is promise
 in the morrows for ones who follow.


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 <img alt="commitment-train2" class="lazyload has-img-center"
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 <img alt="commitment-train6" class="lazyload has-img-center"
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<h4 class="has-text-align-center block-heading">
 Art and Poetry by NARENDRA KINI
</h4>

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Commitment train

<figure class="image image_resized" style="width:75%;"><img src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/meditation_artessay2_ae8616a7aa.webp" alt="meditation-artessay2.webp" srcset="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/thumbnail_meditation_artessay2_ae8616a7aa.webp 125w,https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/small_meditation_artessay2_ae8616a7aa.webp 401w," sizes="100vw"></figure><h4 style="text-align:center;">ATTACHMENT</h4>“Attachment to views is the greatest impediment to the spiritual path.” —Thich Nhat Hanh<hr>&nbsp;<figure class="image image_resized" style="width:75%;"><img src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/meditation_artessay3_5abdf2efc0.webp" alt="meditation-artessay3.webp" srcset="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/thumbnail_meditation_artessay3_5abdf2efc0.webp 125w,https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/small_meditation_artessay3_5abdf2efc0.webp 401w," sizes="100vw"></figure>&nbsp;<h4 style="text-align:center;">BENEVOLENT MASTER&nbsp;</h4>To find one’s Master in a life is a rare blessing. The disciple can fulfil their potential through their practice and get reinvigorated in their faith. They are encouraged to make efforts which will lead them toward the destination, under the benevolent protection of the chosen guide.<hr>&nbsp;<figure class="image image_resized" style="width:75%;"><img src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/meditation_artessay4_4ad0a8a49f.webp" alt="meditation-artessay4.webp" srcset="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/thumbnail_meditation_artessay4_4ad0a8a49f.webp 125w,https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/small_meditation_artessay4_4ad0a8a49f.webp 401w," sizes="100vw"></figure>&nbsp;<h4 style="text-align:center;">DARSHANA—PRESENCE</h4>The real cry of the seeker brings the Master to the door.&nbsp; —Babuji<hr> &nbsp;<figure class="image image_resized" style="width:75%;"><img src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/meditation_artessay5_0c06b64cd7.webp" alt="meditation-artessay5.webp" srcset="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/thumbnail_meditation_artessay5_0c06b64cd7.webp 125w,https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/small_meditation_artessay5_0c06b64cd7.webp 401w," sizes="100vw"></figure><h4 style="text-align:center;">THE LOVING ENERGY</h4>produced when you live a life guided by the heart goes beyond yourself. It is like a wave of pure air, capable of enlivening the human spirit. In the way of the heart, to work on oneself benefits the multitude. Individually you may be one, but collectively you are beacons illuminating the darkness, like the stars in a dark sky. The collective action of love-filled hearts from various paths will converge and strengthen the wave that will uplift humanity.<hr> &nbsp;<figure class="image image_resized" style="width:75%;"><img src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/meditation_artessay6_fc18fafb6d.webp" alt="meditation-artessay6.webp" srcset="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/thumbnail_meditation_artessay6_fc18fafb6d.webp 132w,https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/small_meditation_artessay6_fc18fafb6d.webp 423w," sizes="100vw"></figure>&nbsp;<h4 style="text-align:center;">FLEXIBILITY GENEROSITY HUMILITY</h4>Generosity of the heart, humility in the heart, and flexibility. Flexibility only gives birth to generosity. And generosity leads us to making our Heart very humble. So these three qualities are very important. F,G,H, they are in sequence. Without flexibility in our heart, we remain rigid.<hr>&nbsp;<figure class="image image_resized" style="width:75%;"><img src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/meditation_artessay7_aeab7477d8.webp" alt="meditation-artessay7.webp" srcset="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/thumbnail_meditation_artessay7_aeab7477d8.webp 229w,https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/small_meditation_artessay7_aeab7477d8.webp 500w,https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/medium_meditation_artessay7_aeab7477d8.webp 750w," sizes="100vw"></figure><h4>&nbsp;</h4><h4 style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://heartfulness.org/magazine/jack-canfield-interview-finding-purpose-meditation" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">MEDITATION</a></h4>In Heartfulness, we meditate upon the Source of Light within our hearts. There is no need to see the light, as it is “light without luminosity.” We simply make a very subtle suggestion that it is there, and it is attracting us from within. That thought is just the springboard to experience, as we allow ourselves to explore the inner universe with the expansion of our consciousness.<hr><h4 style="text-align:center;">Artworks by NARENDRA KINI</h4><hr>

Meditation: An art essay

<h4 style="text-align:justify;">NARENDRA KINI looks at <a href="https://heartfulness.org/magazine/why-not-artificial-consciousness" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Artificial Intelligence</a> versus Human Intelligence, and whether AI has the potential to develop intuition and higher wisdom, perhaps even replacing HI?</h4>As we find ourselves fast approaching the debate over whether AI can ever replace HI (Human Intelligence), it’s helpful to start with the common element, intelligence. When that is understood, we start investigating frontiers beyond intelligence, for there lie the potential realms toward which we can progress.Humans have always looked to ancient texts and references to explore aspects of existence, whether from a scientific, spiritual, or religious context. While understanding different sheaths in the human system, the physical body, subtle body, and causal body are concepts from the ancient yogic traditions that are now universally accepted.Intelligence is a derivative of the subtle body. The subtle body includes the mental functions of the mind (Manas), intellect (Buddhi), and ego (Ahankara), all playing out within the field of consciousness (Chit). Here, we may explore only the intellect as it relates to intelligence.&nbsp;The evolution of Buddhi (intellect) with inner growth is considered to be:Intellect&nbsp; =&gt; Intelligence =&gt; Intuition =&gt; WisdomThis progression is possible when we turn our minds inward through the practice of Meditation. As a resultant, we expand our consciousness. If we pick up on this thread of reasoning, it is but obvious that intelligence in itself is only a pitstop toward the ultimate destination for Buddhi, which is Wisdom.So the question then arises is: What is the ultimate destination of AI?The ultimate level of AI is often referred to as <a href="https://heartfulness.org/magazine/virtual-intelligence-part2" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Artificial General Intelligence</a> (AGI), which may theoretically possess capabilities similar to human intelligence, including the ability to reason, learn, and adapt across diverse situations; potentially even mimicking aspects of intuition.Currently, however, most experts agree that AI cannot truly develop intuition in the same way humans do, as it lacks the necessary biological and experiential foundation for “gut feelings” or the subconscious reasoning that underpins human intuition.<h4 style="text-align:justify;">Between AI and HI: Intuition</h4>Limitations of current AI: Current AI systems are primarily data-driven, making decisions based on patterns found in large datasets. This does not translate to the kind of flexible, context-aware decision-making that human intuition enables.“Artificial Intuition” as a goal: Researchers are exploring ways to develop AI systems that can better approximate human intuition by incorporating elements like contextual understanding, uncertainty modeling, and learning from incomplete information.Human-AI collaboration: Rather than aiming to fully replace human intuition, the future of AI might lie in leveraging its computational power to augment human decision-making by providing insights and data analysis, allowing humans to apply their intuition more effectively.Thus, one could very well conclude that as long as humans are on the path of evolution of their subtle body, via their progression from intellect to intelligence toward wisdom, AI may find it hard, rather, impossible to replace them. However, if they stagnate at the level of intellect alone or intelligence—they are limiting themselves and very well may make themselves and their decision-making predictable enough to be replaced by AI.If then the objective of every human is to march toward wisdom, then, the logic is to develop a focused mind that ventures to expand its consciousness by evolving past intelligence to intuition and wisdom. What is the means to this outcome? Meditation.<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/human_inteeligence_AI_2_1680537372.webp" alt="human-inteeligence-AI-2.webp"></figure><h4 style="text-align:justify;">Why Meditation?</h4>If our goal is to evolve and expand consciousness, we must give ourselves the opportunity to go beyond the intellect. Effortless focus is Meditation. Focus with effort is Concentration. Can we have a discriminative mind without focus? Can we have a focused mind without Meditation? Hence, to move past the intellect and intelligence, we must meditate.An amusing corollary to this is whether or not AI can be trained to meditate and develop its own intuition. It may seem unfathomable for now, but in the future? It remains to be seen.

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