An Ocean of Peace
So long as a baby has a pacifier in their mouth, they are happy and peaceful. Take it away, and you may immediately observe crying, kicking and unhappiness. We all know that in time, with the natural course of growth, the baby will reach a point when that pacifier is no longer needed for a sense of comfort or security. A state of greater independence is reached.
Similarly, as adults we often look to externals for peace, for security, for our happiness and fulfillment. We may not realize how dependent we can become on relationships, possessions, career, and so on… until an experience of loss “turns life upside down” for awhile. Then, if attachment was there, suffering is inevitable.
This experience is a gift, one of the greatest teachings life presents to us. In these moments there is an opportunity to step up to yet another stage of growth and development. With the proper attitude, it is possible to live in such a way where we no longer need those external, temporary things to pacify the mind. We are invited by the universe to begin looking within for a permanent, unshakable source of happiness. So, we grew from a baby to an adult, and then we grow from an adult to a “wise adult”.
According to yoga philosophy, there is an ocean of peace and bliss within you, waiting to be discovered. It can be experienced directly by the regular practice of meditation and other spiritual disciplines. Once we tap into that, we perceive the truth that lasting fulfillment can only come from within. Then life becomes more about giving and contributing, without personal expectations.
Of course we can still enjoy the transitory things which come and go; we just begin to see it for what it is - a passing show, a play with various scenes, changing all the time. There is no longer any need to grasp or hold on to anything. We learn to let go, allowing life to unfold naturally.
Written by Poornamurti Greg Stein