Paramhansa Yogananda


The test of a man's wisdom is his equanimity.  Little stones that are pelted into the lake of consciousness should not throw the whole lake into commotion.  
 
 
I came across the above quote by Paramhansa Yogananda a few days ago, when I was clearly ready for it, because the understanding of it felt lightning fast, a meteor flying from the words on the page to my consciousness, saying YES - I get this, it's time to put this into action. 
 
And so, as if on cue, on that day, in the early afternoon, when I came across something that in the past would have disrupted my inner tranquility, I stopped, and reminded myself, "this does not need to throw me off, and this does not have to upset my whole life." 
 
 
The reminder calmed me, and because I am a visual person, I saw in my mind's eye a picture of a calm lake, and then I saw myself throwing a small rock into the lake. I realized how silly it would be for a small stone to disrupt such a huge lake.  I decided I wanted the calm lake and decided to put some boundaries around the problem.  I am happy to say it worked, and I was able to remain balanced, centered and content. 
 
If you have a favorite quote that has spoken to you and has impacted your life, I would love to hear about it.  Send me an email. 
 
 


Popular posts from this blog

SoulFruit Offering #3: Honor Your Unique Nature

A s you move through resistance by bringing your spirit on board, it is also important to honor your unique nature in regards to how you express yourself in the world.  As much as we are similar, we all have qualities that make us unique. As you move through resistance, spend some time reflecting and understanding who you are, and how you best function. For example, as a teacher, I know that some of my students are more introverted and reflective and others are more extroverted.  One is not better than the other, but knowing this quality allows a teacher to respond appropriately to a child's needs or when resistance or obstacles show up. A month ago, I realized that I wasn't doing much painting. I felt some resistance,  even though I wanted to paint. One weekend as my partner and I were rearranging furniture, I blurted out, I wish I could have my painting supplies and canvasses and easel downstairs - which has easier access to sinks and clean water. So I brough...
Read more

Read This Book: When Breath Becomes Air

Image
“That message is simple: When you come to one of the many moments in life when you must give an account of yourself, provide a ledger of what you have been, and done, and meant to the world, do not, I pray, discount that you filled a dying man’s days with a sated joy, a joy unknown to me in all my prior years, a joy that does not hunger for more and more, but rests, satisfied. In this time, right now, that is an enormous thing.”  ―  Paul Kalanithi ,  When Breath Becomes Air Paul Kalanithi has a given us a tremendous gift in this book, he has shown us how to live and die with integrity and meaning.  Go get this book and read it.  
Read more

Summer Bliss

Image
I am back home after a much needed two week break! My partner and I headed to Maui for some rest, relaxation and rejuvenation. We swam and snorkeled almost every day - the Maui waters are magical to me.  As I sat on our lanai a few days in, I noticed I felt more grounded and  more connected to nature. The clouds, the trade winds, the stars, the sun, the water all seem close enough to reach out and touch over there. An unexpected malfunction also helped reconnect me with nature.  We did take a mini computer, but lucky for us, it decided not to work and therefore we were internet and email free for the whole two weeks - AND it was great. Wanting to maintain my relaxation as much as I can at home, I have noticed that taking deep breaths before, during, and after internet time helps me stay calm and within my own space.  "Summer Bliss" (c) Pranita Patel 2013 Our breath can tell us so much about ourselves - if we are willing to pay attention.  Stop and n...
Read more