Ashwin is the Assistant Cultural Secretary and the Vice President of the Debate Club in his school. His passion includes chess, quizzing, and writing. He wants to study Computer Science to find elegant solutions to everyday challenges. 



Ashwin-Vinod-Kumar.jpg

Ashwin Vinod Kumar

<hr class="vertical-space1" />

 <h4
 id="h-ashwin-vinod-kumar-is-wise-for-a-16-year-old-with-a-little-kindness-from-a-loving-grandpa-he-managed-to-overcome-a-negative-pattern-that-threatened-to-derail-his-success-at-school-how-many-similar-challenges-could-we-all-overcome-with-a-little-help-from-our-friends-and-family"
 >
 ASHWIN VINOD KUMAR is wise for a 16-year-old. With a little kindness from a loving
 grandpa, he managed to overcome a negative pattern that threatened to
 derail his success at school. How many similar challenges could we all
 overcome with a little help from our friends and family?
 </h4>

 <hr class="vertical-space1" />

 
 When we think of kindness we imagine grandiose acts of charity, or
 experiences of random acts of kindness with strangers. However, the
 simplest and most profound acts of kindness are often those we take for
 granted in our everyday existence.
 

 
 “The world is full of obvious things if one only takes the time to
 observe them,” said Sherlock Holmes. The world is full of kindness if we
 take time to observe, I say.
 

 
 Ever since I was 6 years old and in the 1st grade at school, I have
 faced difficulty with the Tamil language. I lost the top rank at my
 school 10 years in a row because of my grades in Tamil. My parents never
 had any expectation, either academic or otherwise, other than that I
 pass Tamil so that I could go into the next grade. So coming to the end
 of grade 10, my freedom was at last in sight – the last year of studying
 Tamil. Ten long years of struggle, an entire saga of my life, would
 finally draw to a close. But this was also going to be the most
 difficult time of my life, because the exam would be graded by the
 Central Board of Examiners, and who knew what destiny awaited me.
 

 
 I shared this most agonising secret with my grandfather one day, and he
 graciously offered to help me, saying that he had studied Tamil for 15
 years. It was as if an angel had descended to answer my prayers; his
 help was exactly what I needed. But he and I lived in different cities.
 Thankfully, one thing the pandemic has taught us is that distance
 doesn’t matter.
 

 
 And so it began. We studied (to my dismay) every single day. He would
 call me at 2 p.m., just as I finished lunch, and we would study for an
 hour on video call. He had downloaded the textbook onto his laptop, and
 he read out and explained every single word, not once, not twice,
 perhaps fifteen times or more, until I finally understood, finally
 remembered, and finally expressed some confidence.
 

 
 I did not want to study Tamil because early on I had performed badly.
 Then, I continued to do worse because I did not want to study. It was a
 vicious cycle. Now I studied, not because I enjoyed it – I absolutely
 did not – but because I got caught up in my own request. I couldn’t
 disappoint my grandpa who called me sincerely every day at 2 p.m.
 

 
 I started looking forward to his calls, and enjoyed the time immensely.
 Forget about Tamil, I just enjoyed talking with him. He is my grandpa.
 We bonded. And that bond made me resent Tamil less. How could I dislike
 something my loving grandfather was talking about? Looking back, those 7
 hours a week, and all the tales with which he regaled me so that I would
 enjoy Tamil, were astonishing. He shared humorous and interesting
 anecdotes, and in between stories of his school and university days, he
 showed me glimpses of how to appreciate my mother tongue, and indeed how
 beautiful any language can be.
 

 
 Well, like all good stories, this has a happy ending – I got good grades
 in Tamil. But that is not the end of the story, is it?
 

 
 This story is about the kindness of a grandfather to his grandson – not
 only teaching him his mother tongue, but helping him fall in love with
 it. This ending is about grandpa roping in grandma in all the fun, so
 that the grandson learns higher lessons in togetherness and bonding.
 This ending is about how all of us have a coping ability, immense
 resilience, and the human spirit, which decides to shine if we kindle it
 with love and joy.
 

 
 And the ending of the story is not what matters. The journey does. The
 world is full of kindnesses if we take the time to observe them. A lot
 of them are invisible and present in our own backyard. When we learn to
 see them, and sow those seeds of kindness in the world, letting them
 shine, the world will be as inspired as I am.
 

 <hr class="vertical-space1" />

 <hr />

 <h4 class="has-text-align-center">
 The world is full of kindnesses if we take the time to observe them.
 A lot of them are invisible and present in our own backyard.
 When we learn to see them, and sow those seeds of kindness in
 the world, letting them shine, the world will be as inspired as
 I am.
 </h4>

 <hr />

Invisible kindness

Dr. Parvaiz was the Vice Chancellor of Maulana Azad National Urdu University in Hyderabad, India, from 2015 to 2020, and before that was the Principal of Zakir Husain College, Delhi University. He is a science communicator with six books and many articles and book chapters to his credit. Since 1994, he has also been the founding editor of Urdu Science, a popular science and environment monthly, and heads the Islamic Foundation for Science and Environment (India), a non-profit charitable organization.



Aslam-Parvaiz.jpg

Aslam Parvaiz

<h4
 id="h-dr-aslam-parvaiz-is-a-teacher-with-a-passion-coming-from-the-islamic-tradition-he-integrates-the-wisdom-of-the-quran-with-a-scientific-attitude-toward-nature-the-environment-and-our-responsibility-as-human-beings-in-november-2020-dr-parvaiz-was-interviewed-by-elizabeth-denley-and-kambiz-ravan-from-the-heartfulness-institute"
>
 DR. ASLAM PARVAIZ
 is a teacher with a passion. Coming from the Islamic tradition, he integrates
 the wisdom of the Quran with a scientific attitude toward Nature, the
 environment, and our responsibility as human beings. In November 2020, DR.
 PARVAIZ was interviewed by
 ELIZABETH DENLEY and KAMBIZ RAVAN
 from the Heartfulness Institute.
</h4>

<hr class="vertical-space1" />


 ED: Welcome, Dr. Parvaiz. Since we first met a few years back, I have been
 touched by your passion for integrating modern scientific approaches about
 Nature and our current climate crisis with the wisdom traditions of the
 Quran and Islam. Why is this so important for you?



 <a href="AP:"
 >AP:</a
 >
 It’s not science per se, but the need to have a scientific attitude. My
 passion is for Muslims all over the world to understand the logic behind the
 practices in the Quran. Whatever is happening around the globe today in the
 name of Islam is not what is offered in the Quran, which is a book for the
 entire humanity.



 What you find there will depend on your capacity, your willingness, and your
 desire to know and internalize the teachings. While I challenge the way people
 currently practice Islam, my approach is not at all controversial, as it is
 based on the Quran.



 ED: Can you please tell us about the importance of Nature, ecology, and the
 environment in Islam?



 AP: I would start
 with the first verse of the Quran, which says that God created the Earth for
 all living beings. Second, the Quran says that if you wish to count
 the bounties of God, you will not be able to do so. Nature has gifted us all
 with countless bounties in the form of resources. Third, the Quran says that
 whatever resources are there, they are to be distributed amongst us all. All
 creatures in the Universe reflect the creativity of God. Fourth, the Quran
 defines the position of humankind as the custodians, the khalifa,
 with the role of protecting the environment and protecting the Earth’s
 resources.


<hr class="vertical-space1" />

<hr />

<h5 class="has-text-align-center">
 All creatures in the Universe reflect the creativity of God.
</h5>

<hr />

<hr class="vertical-space1" />

<div>
 <figure>
 <img
 width="600"
 height="371"
 alt=""
 class="has-img-center lazyloaded"
 src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/Ancient_Wisdom_nature_2_2e9fc1798e.jpg?updated_at=2023-04-19T14:50:36.600Z"
 />
 </figure>
</div>

<hr class="vertical-space1" />


 Whatever resources are there in Nature move from one place to another by the
 Law of Diffusion, which tells us that things move from a region of high
 concentration to a region of low concentration. For example, when you add
 water to a bowl of dry soil through a dropper, the water will spread
 throughout the bowl. Only once the soil becomes saturated with the water will
 it start accumulating on top of the soil. The movement of air, which controls
 the temperature and the climate, uses the same process of diffusion. When air
 pressure decreases, air rushes in. The same is true of the action of gases in
 our body, in our lungs. Hemoglobin in our blood has the capacity to bond with
 carbon dioxide and with oxygen, depending upon the concentration. If more
 oxygen is there, hemoglobin picks up oxygen, whereas if more carbon dioxide is
 there, it picks up carbon dioxide. So, our capacity to breathe in oxygen and
 breathe out carbon dioxide is because of diffusion. This Law of Diffusion is
 operating everywhere in Nature.



 Similarly, the Law of Diffusion tells us how to share resources: Where there
 is a need, the resources must go. There is no need for hoarding or reserving
 things for near and dear ones for generations to come, whether it is money,
 property, food, or anything else. The planet is for all. Distribution of
 resources should be as per the need of the moment.


<hr class="vertical-space1" />

<div>
 <figure>
 <img
 width="600"
 height="400"
 alt=""
 class="has-img-center lazyloaded"
 src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/Ancient_Wisdom_nature_3_dea73f0a29.jpg?updated_at=2023-04-19T14:53:30.361Zlazyloaded"
 />
 </figure>
</div>

<hr class="vertical-space1" />

<hr />

<h5 class="has-text-align-center">
 The planet is for all. Distribution of resources should be as per the need of the moment.
</h5>

<hr />

<hr class="vertical-space1" />


 The Quran also says to establish balance. Don’t disturb the balance of Nature.
 Don’t spread impurity, like corruption and pollution. Air pollution is an
 imbalance of gases in the atmosphere. In Islamic countries we don’t have a
 strong awareness of environmental consciousness and protection, yet it is part
 of Islam.



 The Quran talks of Ibadat, which means submission to the divine laws
 or principles. Often the word is understood as “worship” or “prayer,” which
 has then been reduced to praying five times a day, fasting for thirty days a
 year, traveling once a year to Mecca for Hajj, and giving 2.5% of
 wealth to charity as Zakat. I call this cherry picking. We have
 picked those few practices from the Quran and made them mandatory, forgetting
 all the other practices that are there, including those about the environment
 and Nature, about service, and so many other things that are designed to make
 a person a wonderful human being.



 The human-centric approach is missing. While it is wonderful to do prayer five
 times a day, is your prayer helping the poor lady who is your neighbor, who
 has nothing to feed her kids? There are so many people who are hungry, and the
 Quran tells us that giving food to a person in need is our duty.



 KR: Why is the color green associated with Islam?



 AP: For us, green
 is the symbol of peace, productivity, and tranquility. When we talk about
 peace, there are two important words: one is “Islam” and the other is
 “Iman.” Iman is usually translated as “faith,” but it also
 has the same root as the word for peace, “Aman.” The root word
 “slm” has eight meanings, one of which is “peace,” and another is
 “productivity and growth.” So, if someone says they are a Muslim, the true
 meaning is that they are a harbinger of peace. They are at peace with
 themselves, and everyone should feel peaceful with them.


<hr class="vertical-space1" />

<div>
 <figure>
 <img
 width="600"
 height="400"
 alt=""
 class="has-img-center lazyloaded"
 src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/Ancient_Wisdom_nature_4_jpg_336089c5cc.jpg?updated_at=2023-04-19T14:55:45.625Z"
 />
 </figure>
</div>

<hr class="vertical-space1" />

<hr />

<h5 class="has-text-align-center">
 For us, green is the symbol of peace, productivity, and tranquility.
</h5>

<hr />

<hr class="vertical-space1" />


 They do not give any offense to anyone or anything, either mental or physical.



 How does Nature work? After the Industrial Revolution, with the fallout of air
 and water pollution, it dawned on us that the green trees in our neighborhoods
 are themselves a huge industry. They produce so many resources and chemicals,
 giving so many products to humanity, such as dyes and medicines, yet the
 industry inside the tree is creating all these things without pollution,
 without heat, and without noise. That is why the shift is now toward
 bioproducts, because we know that Nature’s models are better than our
 human-made models. In Nature, things are always in balance.


<hr class="vertical-space1" />

<div>
 <figure>
 <img
 width="600"
 height="400"
 alt=""
 class="has-img-center lazyload"
 src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/Ancient_Wisdom_nature_5_7ffa99e44d.jpg?updated_at=2023-04-19T14:57:43.496Z"
 />
 </figure>
</div>

<hr class="vertical-space1" />


 Balance is important everywhere. Now, balance and justice are the same thing.
 Where there is justice, there will be balance without chaos, because things
 are at peace. In Nature, peace is prevalent because the divine laws are in
 operation. When we are in sync with Nature, we feel peace. The entire Universe
 is tuned with us, and I call this, “Swimming with the current.” The moment we
 don’t follow the natural laws, for example, when we hoard wealth, disrespect
 our spouse, are cruel to our kids, a neighbor, or workers, we feel uneasy and
 not at peace, because these things are against Nature.



 We become disturbed, then angry, frustrated, depressed, and eventually we may
 even feel suicidal. This is the sequence which arises from the internal
 situation where we are not comfortable. So being in sync with Nature is
 important, and this is what the Quran tells us.


<hr class="vertical-space1" />

<hr />

<h5 class="has-text-align-center">
 Balance is important everywhere. Now, balance and justice are the same
 thing. Where there is justice, there will be balance without chaos,
 because things are at peace. In Nature, peace is prevalent because the
 divine laws are in operation. When we are in sync with Nature, we feel
 peace.
</h5>

<hr />

<hr class="vertical-space1" />


 ED: If you were to advise young people today how to find peace, what would
 you tell them?



 AP: I would tell
 them what I have practiced and implemented myself, which is to follow the
 natural laws. For example, in the Quran it says, “We have created the children
 of Adam [meaning all human beings] to be respected.” It is a divine principle
 to respect all people. Whatever their color, religion, race, language, and
 gender, they must be respected. This is binding on all of us.


<hr class="vertical-space1" />

<div>
 <figure>
 <img
 width="600"
 height="400"
 alt=""
 class="has-img-center lazyload"
 src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/Ancient_Wisdom_nature_6_2dd97fedad.jpg?updated_at=2023-04-19T15:04:52.322Z"
 />
 </figure>
</div>

<hr class="vertical-space1" />


 When we respect people, it means we respect their likes and dislikes, we
 respect their faith, their dress, and everything else. We have ours, but we
 have no problem with theirs being different. When we are able to do this, it
 is Ibadat. If we are respectful 24/7, it is acceptance of the divine
 laws.



 Next, the Quran tells us to speak in the best way – no foul language, no
 abuse, no taunts, no sarcasm, etc. This is again a divine principle. So, if
 someone abuses us, no matter who it is, do nothing! Our duty is to be nice.
 This is a hot topic today, just as it has always been. The Quran tells us that
 when we are in the company of people who are speaking badly, simply move away
 and join them again after they have finished. Don’t react. The human
 connection is very important, as all human beings are brothers and sisters
 coming from one source. There is no specific Islamic brotherhood. The human
 brotherhood is supreme – we must respect everyone. If we don’t respect a
 household helper, or even our spouse or partner, it doesn’t help.


<hr class="vertical-space1" />

<hr />

<h5 class="has-text-align-center">
 When we respect people, it means we respect their likes and dislikes,
 we respect their faith, their dress, and everything else. We have
 ours, but we have no problem with theirs being different. When we
 are able to do this, it is Ibadat. If we are respectful
 24/7, it is acceptance of the divine laws.
</h5>

<hr />

<hr class="vertical-space1" />

<div>
 <figure>
 <img
 width="600"
 height="286"
 alt=""
 class="has-img-center lazyload"
 src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/Ancient_Wisdom_nature_7_bc9bbb6ec5.jpg?updated_at=2023-04-19T15:07:08.680Z"
 />
 </figure>
</div>

<hr class="vertical-space1" />

<hr />

<h5 class="has-text-align-center">
 The human connection is very important, as all human beings are brothers and sisters coming from one source.
</h5>

<hr />

<hr class="vertical-space1" />


 The Quran also tells us to accept all the revered books from all traditions,
 right from the Vedas, to the Torah and the Bible, etc., and to accept all the
 Prophets that have been sent. A few we know, thousands we don’t know. I
 believe that the Vedas were the first divine books. The wisdom is the same.
 Many of the slokas of the Vedas are exactly the same as the verses of the
 Quran. These wonders are waiting to be discovered and practiced.


<hr class="vertical-space1" />

<hr />

<h4 class="has-text-align-center">
 Interview by
 ELIZABETH DENLEY and KAMBIZ RAVAN
</h4>

<hr />

<hr class="vertical-space1" />

Ancient wisdom on nature and the climate crisis

Audrey calls herself a pilgrim of life. She has had an unconventional journey, starting with her non-violence studies at UC Berkeley, where she embarked on a walking pilgrimage in Silicon Valley. She’s also known for her work on the compassion quotient, and is the co-visionary behind the iconic 6-week laddership circles of ServiceSpace. Recently, with a team of volunteers, she’s launched karunavirus.org, which is an online platform for amplifying everyday stories of courageous kindness.


Audrey-Lin-img.jpg

Audrey Lin

Kindness is key to resilience - part 1

<hr class="vertical-space1">
<h4>In June 2020, AUDREY LIN from ServiceSpace spoke with PURNIMA RAMAKRISHNAN about the qualities needed to live a life of kindness, and the relationship between kindness and resilience. In part 2, Audrey continues by focusing on the Compassion Quotient, the concept of leading with inner transformation, and how easy it is to integrate simple acts of kindness into everyday life. </h4>
<hr class="vertical-space1">
AL: You can’t draw an easy and clear line of cause and effect with compassion. It’s such a distributed, ethereal thing. It’s a quality that’s there. And we don’t really have metrics to measure it, so you might not notice because it’s not something we quantify. We don’t have a system in place to account for it, so I like the idea of the Compassion Quotient. 
We focus so much on IQ, but what about the next generation? Will they be good neighbors? Will they be good citizens? How will they have meaningful lives and meaningful relationships? What’s the value of these things? 
Will they get you a job? Maybe, maybe not. But, when you’re on your deathbed, will they lead you to smile, feeling like you lived in a meaningful way and you did what you could while you were here? It’s hard to say what matters more. 
The Compassion Quotient is our capacity to offer ourselves, to respond with kindness again and again.
Q: Thank you Audrey. That reminds me of Mark Twain’s quote, “Kindness is the language the deaf can hear and the blind can see.” Qualities like kindness, friendship, compassion and courage are the qualities that define who we are, as humans, and propel us toward what we ought to be in this world. 
AL: Adding on to that, I’ve heard you use the phrase “lead with inner transformation.” What does it mean? And can you share a story from your own life? 
It’s an interesting idea, because oftentimes we lead with impact or profit, or we’re motivated by changing some sort of structure in the world. And so inner transformation is like compassion, right? You can’t really measure it. You can’t copy and paste it, you can’t replicate it. It’s something that happens when the time is right and you’re in a space where the conditions have ripened for you to transform in a beautiful way and as a person. 
<hr class="vertical-space1">
<img alt="Kindness-Key-Resilience-part2-2" class="w-100 lazyload" src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/Kindness_Key_Resilience_part2_img_6dc9dac6fb.jpg?updated_at=2023-04-10T07:06:41.874Z">
<hr class="vertical-space1">
How do you lead with that and why do you lead with that? That seems like such a personal thing. We all have those moments in our lives where we might feel like something shifted in a very deep way and we almost never tie it to anything we do for a living, or anything we do to move and shake the world. Often times we just think of it as this very personal thing that was really meaningful in our lives. But why is that not the center of what we do, and how we engage, and how we operate in the world? Why is that just a thing on the side? 
So, in some of the projects we are exploring, that has become the central question. Like how do we lead within our transformation? How do we design in a way that engages these values of compassion, of generosity, of kindness, and what does that look like? 
I think it requires a certain degree of operating from a space of emergence. And actually, it’s very relevant now during the coronavirus pandemic, because we don’t really know. There is so much uncertainty in the world. How do we design for an uncertain future? 
In a way, our future has always been uncertain, right? We might have a five-year plan but it gets revised every month. Or we might develop a business plan with target goals, and of course the targets always move; they are uncertain. So, why don’t we just say we don’t know what will happen, and it is an uncertain future. And we are banking on that uncertainty actually. 
And how do we lead from a space where we are anchored in values, and that’s all that really matters? Are you leading from a space where all the projects you do are an excuse for these values to take form in some way? So, there have been a lot of ways this has surfaced. 
One of our platforms is called KindSpring. It’s a website where people can read and share stories of kindness that they have done or they have received. And everyone who writes there uses an anonymous alias. There is no “Look at what I did!” The cool thing is the way this website came about. One of the volunteers was having a conversation with his cousin about the phenomenon called hazing, which happens in fraternities or sororities at university. To get into one of those social clubs you go through this period of hazing, which is organized bullying. It’s like a rite of passage. You go through ridiculous situations where you need to endure silly things and make a fool of yourself. And at the end of that “rush week,” then you’re either accepted into the club or not. 
So, this volunteer was talking with his cousin, who was studying in college, and it was hazing season. People were trying to get into these fraternities and sororities, so they were talking about bullying and pranks, and how usually when you’re doing a prank on someone you’re trying to make their day less convenient. 
What would it look like if, instead, you did a prank that made someone’s day better? They thought of a little smile card that said, “Smile, you’ve been tagged. An experiment in anonymous and kindness is the name of the game. And now you’re hit.” So, the idea is to do a random act of kindness, anonymously, and leave the card behind to invite the recipient to pass it on. You could go through a toll booth, pay for the person behind you, and leave a card there to give to that person, just to make their day a little easier. Or you might pick flowers and leave them at your neighbor’s door with a smile card. When they open the door, they see a bouquet of flowers just for them. No reason attached to it. It’s just a nice act by someone anonymously. 
<hr class="vertical-space1">
<hr>
<h5 style="text-align: center;">Inner transformation is like compassion, right? 
It’s not something you can really measure. 
It’s something that happens when the time is right 
and you’re in a space where the conditions have ripened for you 
to transform in a beautiful way and as a person. </h5>
<hr>
<hr class="vertical-space1">
So, they thought of this idea as a way to counteract hazing, to counteract bullying. It wasn’t planned, it was just about, “How do we decrease instances of bullying?” because bullying is a big issue in schools. There is that element of, “What can we do to prevent bullying, and what can we do to decrease the incidents of bullying?” What are the statistics on it? That’s also important and very valid, but when we are talking about leading with inner transformation, it stems first from the relationship – from a cousin to his younger cousin, having an honest conversation about the dilemma he is experiencing at university of bullying and hazing. So naturally this idea just came up. 
<hr class="vertical-space1">
<img alt="Kindness-Key-Resilience-part2-3" class="w-100 lazyload" src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/Kindness_Key_Resilience_part2_3_img_67b77c3b4a.jpg?updated_at=2023-04-10T07:06:41.694Z">
<hr class="vertical-space1">
They printed up a bunch of smile cards and started doing random acts of kindness and leaving the smile cards behind. And then they thought, “Each card is going somewhere and it’s inviting some sort of experience for someone. And there is a story behind every card that goes out. So, what if we set up a website to capture some of those stories?” They put the name of the website on the card and said, “If you want to share the story of how you received this card, or what you did with it, you can post it here.” They set up this website to capture the harvest, all the stories. 
And that became a portal on kindness. Typically, you’d think about the issue and how to plan and execute something to that end. In this case, it started from the relationship. It started from, “How can I help my cousin out? How can I make his day? And what might surface from that?” From there, impact naturally happened. It was focused on the transformation first. I guess that’s an example.
Q: Audrey, the mainstream media tends to broadcast sensational news that capitalizes on fear, anxiety, stress, scarcity and competition, rather than collaboration. In this context, how can we create cultural dialogues around kindness? How can we allow this culture of kindness to percolate into the civilization? 
AL: That’s so important. We are the stories we believe in, to some extent. So much of what I see, so much of how I interpret the world, is a reflection, a mirror of what my own inner compass is in the world. So much of what’s inside me is projected outward. There are so many times where I have interpreted a situation based on my state of mind, and later on realized that I totally missed something at that time. 
<hr class="vertical-space1">
<hr>
<h5 style="text-align: center;">We are the stories we believe in,&nbsp;to some extent. 
So much of what I see,&nbsp;so much of how I interpret the world, 
is a reflection,&nbsp;a mirror of what my own&nbsp;inner compass is in the world. 
So much of what’s inside me&nbsp;is projected outward. </h5>
<hr>
<hr class="vertical-space1">
We are so very much impacted by the media, by the stories and narratives we are bombarded with. This is the age of information, and especially right now, during the coronavirus, it is a virtual sphere of stories. It’s so present. How do we create a culture of kindness around that? It’s really a call for all of us to start sharing stories of the goodness we see. And not just sharing them, but seeing them. 
We are so primed to operate in the world, looking for our end goal. Whatever we’re looking for we start to see around us. And how do we tap into a space where we start seeing the value everywhere? Where we see the value of even an argument we have, or something that’s a setback but ends up benefiting something else.
It’s a great question: How do we engage a greater culture of kindness in our media? One thing we have been doing in the last couple of months is the website called Karunavirus. “Karuna” means compassion in Sanskrit. In late March, with all the things happening around the world, it just seemed like there was so much fear, there was so much anxiety, there was so much stress because of unknowns, and everyone was sitting with all that. At the same time there was so much compassion flowing out into the world. There were so many stories of young people buying groceries for elder people. There were so many stories of people checking up on neighbors they hadn’t spoken to in years; stories of teachers delivering lunches to their students; stories of police officers forming a heart shape outside a hospital with their police cars to thank the healthcare workers. 
It’s been an outpouring of such goodness of the humanity that’s rising up in the world. And so we thought: How can we share that? How can we bring more awareness that people are choosing love over fear? And what happens when we do that? We start to see a new possibility and engage in different ways. How does it affect our day? How does it affect the way that we think? How does it affect the actions that we are doing? It can be really powerful. 
I’m not sure if I’m answering your question, but I think it’s been beautiful to see that flow. It is in our nature to want to be kind. It is in our nature to want to be compassionate. It is in our nature to want to support each other. And when that comes into our consciousness in a strong way, we start to see it everywhere. Even with coronavirus. 
We started the website out of feeling the need for it, and a group of over twenty volunteers came together in less than two weeks to start working on it. We get the sweetest intentions. For example, someone wrote, “I am in my 60s and I can still learn. Give me your least-fulfilled volunteer opportunity and I’ll do it.” Wow! That is such a blessing to put out in the world. 
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<img alt="Kindness-Key-Resilience-part2-4" class="w-100 lazyload" src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/Kindness_Key_Resilience_part2_4_img_104f8e26e6.jpg?updated_at=2023-04-10T07:06:41.810Z"><hr class="vertical-space1">
In today’s age, where so much of the media is focused on sensational news, headlines and topics, how do we give rise to greater sincerity and humanity? I think that’s the beautiful thing in some of the stories we see. All the celebrities, and the congressman who gave out his phone number to everyone – he made his phone number public and said, “If you feel scared, feel free to call me and I’ll listen to you and talk with you.” And there is Miss England, who was working as a doctor before she became Miss England. She said, “I’m going to hang up my crown and re-enlist as a doctor, because that is the need right now.” 
I think we have a culture that’s so focused on the extraordinary, the sensational, the things that are at a distance in the limelight. What about the extraordinariness of simple humanity and the simple moments of connection? It is the simple things that connect us all. I feel that it’s so important to create a culture of kindness in the stories that we tell, and I think it starts with being able to see those stories that are right in front of us, and see the beauty in them, see the gold in them. 
Q: So poignant. One thing which has stood out in today’s conversation is the power of being the change we wish to see in the world. So, can these small acts make a difference? 
AL: I invite whoever is interested to do an act of kindness during the week. It doesn’t have to be a big thing, but just not something that is in your usual routine – an extra act of kindness. And tell us how it goes. We will have a follow-up conversation to share some reflections and experiences. 
Q: Thank you, Audrey. Let’s see how small acts make a difference in all our lives and in the lives of the people who are the beneficiaries of this kindness. 
<hr class="vertical-space1">
To watch the full interview visit: <a href="https://youtu.be/UTYqYntJwFI">https://youtu.be/UTYqYntJwFI</a>
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<hr>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">Interviewed by PURNIMA RAMAKRISHNA 
Illustrations by ANANYA PATEL</h4>
<hr>

Kindness is key to resilience - part 2

B.J. lives with her husband in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. She met Babuji in France in 1976 and became a Heartfulness trainer at that time. She also contributes to the Heartful Communication program. In her personal life, she tries to live up to the admonition of Socrates, which is to be what one wishes to seem.


b-j-levin-o-riordan.jpg

B.J. Levin O’Riordan

<h4
 class="block-heading"
 id="h-b-j-levin-o-riordan-explores-the-nature-of-problems-and-why-we-struggle-so-much-with-change-she-offers-some-simple-guidance-on-how-to-approach-transformation-in-everyday-life-as-well-as-in-the-field-of-spirituality-and-how-to-take-help-from-others-including-a-spiritual-guide"
 >
 B.J. LEVIN O’RIORDAN
 explores the nature of problems and why we struggle so much with
 change. She offers some simple guidance on how to approach
 transformation, in everyday life as well as in the field of
 spirituality, and how to take help from others, including a spiritual
 guide.
 </h4>

 <hr class="vertical-space1" />

 <div class="block-image">
 <figure>
 <img
 alt="guidance-from-the-future2"
 
 
 class="lazyload has-img-center"
 src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/guidance_from_the_future2_395d3fbbd1.jpg?updated_at=2023-04-13T07:06:46.880Z"
 
 />
 </figure>
 </div>

 <hr class="vertical-space1" />

 
 “When you have a problem, don’t think about it. Think of God
 instead. This is the Golden Key.”
 

 <hr class="vertical-space1" />

 
 I am grateful to my friend E.W. for bringing the Golden Key into my
 life. &nbsp;
 

 
 I believe that problems result from the benign conspiracy between two
 agents – who we are now and who we are becoming. Our current limitations
 give us the motivation to take the next step, but those very limitations
 don’t allow us to take that step. The purpose of the problem is to
 enable us to become a new person operating from a frame of reference
 beyond the previous set of limitations.
 

 
 For example, a five-year-old child is ready to go to school. The
 family’s love, in which she has basked since birth, has given her the
 confidence to explore, discover, and relate to others. She needs these
 abilities, but now that she is at school, she can no longer behave like
 the family’s darling. She won’t get away with it! The very purpose of
 the problem – school – is to enable her to emerge from the old version
 of herself into a new version. She can no longer use baby ways, like
 crying, to get what she wants. To solve the problem, she has to behave
 like and become a school-aged child. &nbsp;
 

 
 This pattern of development persists throughout our lives. A child
 cannot use childish ways to solve the problems imposed by puberty, so
 the child becomes an adolescent and solves the problems from that
 perspective. An adolescent cannot use adolescent ways to solve the
 problems imposed by adulthood, so they become an adult. &nbsp;
 

 
 We can never solve a new problem by being who we are. We solve it from
 the perspective of who we are going to become. &nbsp;
 

 
 Throughout our lives, others help us negotiate these rites of passage.
 At each stage, we have guides from the past and guides from the future.
 The guides from the past ideally help us to retain the best of the old
 values, and the guides from the future usher us into the new
 perspectives necessary for our future selves.
 

 
 For example, kindergarten children have their parents (past) and their
 teachers (future). Middle school children have their parents and
 teachers (past) and their peer group and new friends whom they want to
 be like (future). Young adults have parents, teachers, friends (past)
 and mentors and role models (future). Older people reminisce about
 people from the past and also learn from their own parents who are
 declining or dying(future). &nbsp;
 

 
 Likewise, spiritually-oriented people have saints and sages from the
 past and, if they are very lucky, a living spiritual guide or master to
 usher them into a future of a different kind.
 

 
 At a certain stage, the game radically changes. It is not a
 chronological stage, but a stage of character development. Something odd
 occurs. The problems that come to us seem crucial and hard. Friends who
 gave us good advice in the past don’t know what to tell us. We have
 reached a moral precipice where no one knows what to do. &nbsp;
 

 
 To make things even harder, the spiritual guide does not seem the least
 bit interested in providing overt assistance. Either he says nothing
 when we ask for guidance; or he says something that can be taken in ten
 different ways; or he says something like “Acha,” or “Yes, I
 will pray”; or he refuses to speak at all.&nbsp;
 

 <hr class="vertical-space1" />

 <div class="block-image">
 <figure>
 <img
 alt="guidance-from-the-future3"
 
 class="lazyload has-img-center"
 src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/guidance_from_the_future3_f5b86136a8.jpg?updated_at=2023-04-13T07:07:42.647Z"
 />
 </figure>
 </div>

 <hr class="vertical-space1" />

 
 We are left with a problem that our past self cannot solve and which our
 spiritual guide does not seem interested in solving.&nbsp; The more we
 think about it, the bigger and more complicated the problem seems to
 become! We cannot solve it because we are relying on the past to help
 us, and the solution can only come from the person we are becoming.
 

 
 The spiritual guide seems uninterested in helping us because we are not
 relating to him properly. We are treating him like a wise man, thus
 making him something from the past. He is not just another wise man,
 like all those who have helped us before. He is something radically
 different, coming from a future we cannot comprehend.
 

 
 We think we are using a problem as a means of growing, but our future
 selves may be using the problem as a way of growing us. Perhaps we
 ourselves are the problem! Our old self from the past and the new self
 we are becoming are bound together in fetal embrace, struggling to grow
 out of and into itself. &nbsp;
 

 
 If we look at the situation from this point of view, the problem is no
 longer about income, family, or health. The problem is no longer about
 whether we will eat or starve, be included or cast out, alive or dead.
 The problem, quite simply, is how to relate to the new inner self
 within. That and only that.
 

 <hr class="vertical-space1" />

 <div class="block-image">
 <figure>
 <img
 alt="guidance-from-the-future4"
 
 class="lazyload has-img-center"
 src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/guidance_from_the_future4_09b7af2827.jpg?updated_at=2023-04-13T07:08:27.480Z"
 />
 </figure>
 </div>

 <hr class="vertical-space1" />

 
 The spiritual guide is very interested in this. He is watching us very
 attentively and carefully, even though his role in the matter is to say
 and do nothing. &nbsp;
 

 
 Our work is to emulate him, that is, to also remain silent and do
 nothing. First of all, we don’t know what to do. Second, anything we
 would do can only come from the past. Third, we are no longer the person
 from the past, and we don’t quite know who the person we are becoming
 is. The most efficacious choice is to be quiet and have the faith to
 allow the nascent inner self to find a way to solve everything, by
 becoming itself.
 

 
 It takes self-discipline to stop trying to do something about what we
 are trying to become. The person who is trying to do something and the
 person who is trying to become may not be the same, and we may confuse
 the one for the other.
 

 
 We may pray, but I wonder if there really is any need for prayers at
 this time. Perhaps the problem has already been solved from the
 perspective of the future. Perhaps all we need to do is to try to live
 in confidence, savoring the problem as the blessing it truly is. Our
 prayer becomes one of gratitude.
 

 
 I think that this may be how things work here on Earth, this training
 ground for Love, this vehicle for human transformation. It is also why a
 spiritual guide says nothing when we bring him a terribly hard personal
 problem. He understands that the problem is working itself out.&nbsp;
 Our inner self from the future will somehow solve it in a way that is
 unique and utterly unpredictable.
 

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 <hr />

 <h4 class="has-text-align-center block-heading">
 Illustrations by ANANYA PATEL
 </h4>

 <hr />

Guidance from the future

Shri Ram Chandra of Shahjahanpur (1899-1983), affectionately known as BABUJI, was a revolutionary spiritual scientist and philosopher. He was the founder of the present-day system of Raja Yoga meditation, known as Heartfulness.



Babuji-Maharaj.jpg

Babuji

<hr><h2>BABUJI’S NATURAL REMEDIES</h2><hr><h4>During his lifetime, BABUJI shared a wealth of knowledge to his associates about the simple natural remedies that he learned and also discovered during his life in northern India. In this series we will be sharing some of these, starting with his remedies for tonsillitis.1</h4><hr><h4>Ingredients:</h4>½ tsp ground ginger ½ tsp ground turmeric ½ tsp ground pepper 1 tbsp cow ghee2 tsp chuna paste (also known as slaked lime and calcium hydroxide) 2 tsp honey<h4>Method:&nbsp;</h4>Mix the ground ginger, ground turmeric, ground pepper, and cow ghee together and take orally before going to sleep. After taking this mixture, no water should be taken.External application: Apply chuna paste around the neck once a day for up to 40 days. Chuna is readily available in India as a thick paste in small containers. Open the container and immediately add the chuna and honey together in a small bowl and mix to remove the lumps. Then straight away apply the mixture all over the throat. It will dry quickly and can then be washed off.N.B. Care must be taken not to get it in the eyes, as it can cause harm to the cornea.<hr><hr>1 Please note that these remedies are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please seek the advice of your physician or qualified health provider. These remedies may be used to complement medical treatment and support recovery.<hr>

Tonsillitis

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<h3 class="has-text-align-center">BABUJI’S NATURAL
 REMEDIES</h3>

<hr class="vertical-space1">



<h4>During his lifetime, BABUJI shared a
 wealth of knowledge to his
 associates about the simple
 natural remedies that he learned and also discovered during his life in northern India. This month we share one
 of his remedies for heart health, including high cholesterol, angina, and hypertension.1
</h4>



<hr class="vertical-space1">



<h3>Ingredients:</h3>



Arjuna tree bark from the species Terminalia arjuna. Water to fill a saucepan.



<h3>Method:
</h3>



Place the tree bark in a saucepan of water, bring it to the boil, and let it simmer for at least 10 minutes. This
 will produce a decoction.



Strain the mixture, let it cool, and drink a glass of the liquid twice a day.



The mixture will support the removal of blockages from the heart and blood vessels, prevent the build-up of
 cholesterol, reduce hypertension, and treat other heart ailments.


It can also be taken in powder form, and in capsules.


<hr class="vertical-space1">


<hr>


1 Please note that
 these remedies are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please seek the
 advice of your physician or qualified health provider. The remedies may be used to complement medical treatment
 and support recovery.

Heart health

<h3 style="text-align:center;">BABUJI’S NATURAL REMEDIES</h3><h4>During his lifetime, BABUJI shared a wealth of knowledge to his associates about the simple natural remedies that he learned and also discovered during his life in northern India. This month we share one of his remedies for the common cold.1</h4>Clove and honey together have been used for centuries as a natural cough and cold syrup, due to their antiviral, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties. The syrup also helps to reduce the pain and swelling of a sore throat. In addition, the mixture is used to heal mouth ulcers, and generally boost metabolism and immunity.Tulsi is also a time-honored remedy for respiratory ailments. There are certain plants that can be kept in every home to keep the atmosphere clean. Two plants in particular are very beneficial – tulsi or holy basil (Ocimum sanctum) and marwa or marjoram (Origanum marjorana). Growing these two plants around children provides them with immunity against quite a few diseases.Tulsi is also commonly taken as a tea.<h3>Clove and honey syrup</h3><img src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/cold_and_flu3_1_700x355_388a693dde.jpg" alt="Clove and Honey Syrup">&nbsp;<h4>Ingredients:</h4>5 to 6 cloves (lavang). 1 tablespoon honey.<h4>Method:</h4>Gently roast 5 to 6 cloves in a pan for 2 minutes. Powder the roasted cloves in a mortar and pestle. Add a tablespoon of honey and mix into a paste. Take 2 to 3 times a day.<h3>Tulsi tea</h3><img src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/cold_and_flu2_1_700x417_fa600455f3.jpg" alt="Tulsi Tea">&nbsp;<h4>Ingredients:</h4>A few leaves of tulsi. A knob of ginger. 5 to 6 peppercorns. 1½ cups water.<h4>Method:</h4>Add washed fresh tulsi leaves, ginger (grated), and peppercorns to the water. Bring to the boil on a medium flame and turn the flame down to let simmer for 10 minutes. Strain the tea. As it cools, add lemon juice and a pinch of salt. Drink warm.<hr>1 Please note that these remedies are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please seek the advice of your physician or qualified health provider. The remedies may be used to complement medical treatment and support recovery.&nbsp;

Cold and flu

Be light

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<h2 class="block-heading has-text-align-center">
 BABUJI’S NATURAL REMEDIES
</h2>

<hr class="vertical-space1" />

<h4
 class="block-heading"
 id="h-during-his-lifetime-babuji-shared-a-wealth-of-knowledge-to-his-associates-about-the-simple-natural-remedies-that-he-learned-and-also-discovered-during-his-life-in-northern-india-this-month-we-share-one-of-his-remedies-for-fever-1"
>
 During his lifetime,
 BABUJI shared a wealth of knowledge to his associates about the simple natural
 remedies that he learned and also discovered during his life in northern
 India. This month we share one of his remedies for fever.1
 
</h4>

<hr class="vertical-space1" />


 In Ayurveda, it is thought that there are two factors that cause fever –
 toxicity due to improper digestion, and foreign particles like bacteria,
 viruses, and toxins. Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia) is a herbaceous vine that is
 used to combat fever, and for its high nutritional content, alkaloids,
 terpenoids, lignans, and steroids. The stems are mostly used, but the leaves
 and roots can also be used.



 Giloy relieves any type of fever, including chronic and recurrent fever,
 dengue fever, swine flu, hay fever, and Covid. For best results, drink the
 decoction or juice in the morning on an empty stomach, and avoid taking it at
 night.


<h4 class="block-heading">
 Ingredients:
</h4>

A handful of clean chopped Giloy stems.

Water to fill a small saucepan.

<h4 class="block-heading">
 Method:
</h4>


 Place the stems in the saucepan of water, bring it to the boil, and let it
 simmer for at least 10 minutes. This will produce a decoction.



 Strain the mixture, let it cool, and take a teaspoon of the liquid twice a
 day.


It can also be taken in powder form, capsule form, or as a juice.

<hr class="vertical-space1" />

<hr />


 1 Please note that these remedies are not a substitute for
 professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please seek the advice
 of your physician or qualified health provider. The remedies may be used to
 complement medical treatment and support recovery.


<hr class="vertical-space1" />

Fever

<h2 style="text-align:center;">Babuji’s Natural Remedies</h2><h4 style="text-align:justify;">During his lifetime, BABUJI shared a wealth of knowledge to his associates about the simple natural remedies that he learned and also discovered during his life in northern India. This month we share one of his remedies for fever.1</h4>Anemia is a common condition around the world, signifying a deficiency of red blood cells or hemoglobin in the blood, resulting in pallor and tiredness. It is called Pandu in Ayurveda and can be brought on by poor diet, poor iron uptake during digestion, blood loss, and certain diseases. It is treated by increasing the hemoglobin content of the blood. There are different causes of anemia, e.g. iron deficiency, vitamin deficiency, sickle-celled anemia, aplastic anemia, thalassemia, congenital anemia, excessive physical effort, and eating too many sour and salty foods.<h4 style="text-align:justify;">Ingredients</h4><ul><li style="text-align:justify;">A small quantity of Chuna paste or slaked lime (Calcium hydroxide), the size of a grain of wheat.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Juice from a pomegranate.</li></ul><h4 style="text-align:justify;">Method</h4>Mix the Chuna in a glass with water and pomegranate juice. Take this mixture every day for nine months.<hr>1Please note that these remedies are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please seek the advice of your physician or qualified health provider. The remedies may be used to complement medical treatment and support recovery.&nbsp;

Anemia

<h2 style="text-align:center;">BABUJI’S NATURAL REMEDIES</h2><h4>During his lifetime, BABUJI shared a wealth of knowledge to his associates about the simple natural remedies that he learned and also discovered during his life in northern India. This month we share a couple of his remedies for insomnia.1</h4>We all know the importance of a good night’s sleep, and these days scientists have done so much research in this field that there is no doubt that sleep hygiene is a vital ingredient of a healthy lifestyle. But not everyone finds it easy to go off to sleep, and we often look for pills and potions to give us a helping hand.In India, Tulsi or holy basil has long been known to support sleep. This is because Tulsi relaxes the nerves, tones the central nervous system, and calms the mind. It is also an adaptogen, which means it helps us adapt to stress, and promotes balance and resilience. This in turn supports healthy digestion.&nbsp;Babuji also taught his associates other subtler methods to help them sleep, and one of those is also shared here.Ingredients:<ul><li>Tulsi leaves or a Tulsi tea mix.&nbsp;</li><li>Boiling water.</li></ul>Methods:<ol style="list-style-type:decimal;"><li>Make an infusion of Tulsi leaves in water. Leave it to steep for a few minutes before sipping prior to going to bed at night.</li><li>While lying in bed, first relax your body, starting with your toes (you can try&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmwqL34FCjA">Heartfulness Relaxation</a>). Then, make a gentle thought that you are drawing sleep downwards from your eyebrows to your eyelids.</li></ol><hr>1 Please note that these remedies are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please seek the advice of your physician or qualified health provider. The remedies may be used to complement medical treatment and support recovery.&nbsp;

Insomnia

<h3 style="text-align:center;">BABUJI’S NATURAL REMEDIES</h3>&nbsp;<h4>During his lifetime, BABUJI shared a wealth of knowledge to his associates about the simple natural remedies that he learned and also discovered during his life in northern India. This month we share his thoughts on garlic and sandalwood.1</h4>Babuji highly recommended his associates to eat two to three pieces of garlic every day. In the last few years of his life, Babuji used to say “Garlic is not copper, not gold, not silver; it is diamond.”Babuji felt that the sandalwood tree (Chandan) was useful for many things besides its aromatherapy. He said that the older the tree, the greater the benefits. Its benefits increase from generation to generation, that is, they are passed to the next generation.<hr>1 Please note that these remedies are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please seek the advice of your physician or qualified health provider. The remedies may be used to complement medical treatment and support recovery.

Garlic and sandalwood

<h4>Enjoy these profound truths about simplicity from SWAMI VIVEKANANDA, DAAJI, OSHO and BABUJI.&nbsp;</h4>The greatest truths are the simplest things in the world, simple as your own existence.The greatness of a teacher consists in the simplicity of his language.Oh, to live even for a day in the full light of freedom, to breathe the free air of simplicity! Is not that the highest purity?—Swami Vivekananda<hr><img src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/simplicity2_b06e3a3ccc.jpg?updated_at=2023-04-05T14:55:22.361Z">Sitting for that first meditation session was the most amazing experience I had ever had in my life – it was so profound and proved to me that this system was right for me. I thought, “If a trainer of the system can transmit like this, imagine what the Guide can do!”His name was Ram Chandra and he came from Shahjahanpur – and now I was longing to meet him. But I had to wait. I could only visit him during my college vacation almost a year later in 1977. When I reached Shahjahanpur, I found him to be a loving, simple, genuine, down-to-earth person. His utter simplicity amazed me. Just looking at him made me wonder how there could be such purity in a person, such simplicity. His whole being radiated love. And I could feel the Transmission flowing through him all the time. There was never a dull moment, even when he was silent, which he was most of the time. There was always inner communion, and I was busy inside feeling his presence. That was the beginning of my journey with my Guide.—Daaji<hr><img src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/simplicity3_8fa70ee14a.jpg?updated_at=2023-04-05T14:55:56.408Z">If you are simple you will be able to observe yourself. A complex man cannot observe himself because he is so divided. He has so many things around him: so many desires, so many thoughts, and so many problems arising out of these desires and thoughts. He is continuously in a crowd. It is difficult to attain to self study. Only an austere man eats, sleeps, loves, and that is all. He has ample time and ample energy left to observe, just to be, just to sit and look. And he is so happy. … Things are so simple that he can do them easily. And simple things have a quality that even while doing them you can study yourself. Complex things are too much for the mind. It gets too involved and fragmentary, and self study becomes impossible. … You never have enough energy. And without energy there is no possibility of being aware. At the point of low energy, low level energy, you cannot be aware; overflowing energy is needed. An austere man has so much energy left – what to do with this energy? … You are sitting silently; the energy moves to the subtlest layers – it goes higher and higher, it goes on accumulating, it becomes a pinnacle, a pillar of energy. You can study yourself now. Even the subtlest nuances of your thoughts, emotions, feelings, you can watch.—Osho<hr><img src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/simplicity4_d717ea4018.jpg?updated_at=2023-04-05T14:56:26.650Z">Simplicity is the very essence of Nature. It is the reflection of that which existed in the Absolute in a latent state. It promotes growth. It can be aptly described as the quintessence of the Ultimate. This is in fact the life-substance of Nature.—Ram Chandra of Shahjahanpur

The free air of simplicity

Art of listening

Bachi has established a name for himself in bird and tiger conservation in India, especially at the Jim Corbett National Park in the Himalayas. He has 30 years of experience and has conducted workshops in the forests of Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. He has also traveled to East Africa including Masai Mara to study the wildlife.



Bachi-Singh-Bisht.jpg

Bachi Singh Bisht

<hr class="vertical-space1" />
<h4>
 <spanundefined>BACHI SINGH BISHT is a Nature Warrior
 from the north of India. Here, he shares his wisdom with
 RAJESH MENON about how we can live in
 tune with the natural world, and what is our role in caring for and
 conserving nature.
</h4>

<hr class="vertical-space1" />
<img class="lazyload w-100"
 src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/NATURE_WARRIOR_1_54b82928c8.jpg?updated_at=2023-04-12T12:30:23.171Z" />
<hr class="vertical-space1" />


 <spanundefined style="color: #078ddb">Q: Tell us about how your passion for nature and conservation arose. Did
 it start from childhood?


 <spanundefined>RM: My mother told me that we used to
 live in a hut under a Gutel tree (Trewia Nudiflora). That’s where I was
 born. I was brought up in a village surrounded by thick jungle. Until the
 10th Standard, I went to a school located at the edge of the jungle near
 an ancient canal. I feel these natural surroundings had a great impact on
 me during my childhood. This is how my love for nature arose.


<hr class="vertical-space1" />

 <img class="lazyload w-100"
 src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/NATURE_WARRIOR_2_ba38483655.jpg?updated_at=2023-04-12T12:32:31.822Z" />

<hr class="vertical-space1" />
<img class="w-100"
 src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/NATURE_WARRIOR_3_b4060a361f.jpg?updated_at=2023-04-12T12:35:10.308Z" />
<hr class="vertical-space1" />


 <spanundefined style="color: #078ddb">Q: Tell us about the work you do now?


 <spanundefined>RM: I became a nature guide, or
 “Nature Warrior” as my friends call me, in the early ’90s. I have managed
 wildlife lodges across Uttarakhand, Central India, Maharashtra and
 Rajasthan, sharing my knowledge of birds, wildlife, and the conservation
 of nature with others. Whenever opportunity presents itself, I am called
 by wildlife training institutes and environmental education institutes
 (both government and private) as a resource person, trainer, motivator,
 subject expert, and as a Yoga instructor based on nature therapy. Right
 now, I work as a freelance Nature Warrior and provide services wherever my
 inner self takes me in preserving nature.


<hr class="vertical-space1" />
<img class="lazyload w-100"
 src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/NATURE_WARRIOR_5_d1bd516e1c.jpg?updated_at=2023-04-12T12:35:40.715Z" />
<hr class="vertical-space1" />
<img class="lazyload w-100"
 src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/NATURE_WARRIOR_7_d2242b1669.jpg?updated_at=2023-04-12T12:37:48.351Z" />
<hr class="vertical-space1" />


 <spanundefined style="color: #078ddb">Q: How do you advise that we educate our children about caring for the
 planet and relating to all living species?


 <spanundefined>RM: Using our five senses properly,
 sincerely and honestly. The most important is to use our moral and civic
 sense properly to avoid much of the nonsense going on around the world
 toward nature. Being honest to one’s own inner self will improve our inner
 connection with nature. Being disciplined and adhering to moral values in
 every single act of our daily lives will make us better human beings.
 Keeping ourselves sensitive to all beings will keep us responsible and
 humble towards nature.


<hr class="vertical-space1" />
<img class="lazyload w-100"
 src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/NATURE_WARRIOR_6_ad40a8e960.jpg?updated_at=2023-04-12T12:38:59.087Z" />
<hr class="vertical-space1" />


 <spanundefined style="color: #078ddb">Q: What advice can you give to adults about social responsibility toward
 nature?


 <spanundefined>RM: Keeping a mental, physical and
 moral balance, respecting women and the elderly, and love and care for
 young ones will go a long way. Every human being is made up of the five
 elements: earth, water, air, fire and sky. As adults, we have to have the
 right understanding of the true meaning of all these five elements and
 value them at the minutest level.


<hr class="vertical-space1" />
<img class="lazyload w-100"
 src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/NATURE_WARRIOR_8_c79c1d5aa3.jpg?updated_at=2023-04-12T12:40:07.388Z" />
<hr class="vertical-space1" />
<img class="lazyload w-100"
 src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/NATURE_WARRIOR_9_6eb3c29382.jpg?updated_at=2023-04-12T12:42:13.568Z" />
<hr class="vertical-space1" />


 <spanundefined style="color: #078ddb">Q: Tell us about Jim Corbett National Park. Are there enough places like
 this in India to act as a refuge for natural wildlife? What more can we
 do?


 <spanundefined>RM: Jim Corbett National Park is one
 of the oldest in Asia, and the biodiversity here is unmatched. Here, the
 tiger has one of the highest density populations in the Indian
 subcontinent. India has more than fifty tiger reserves now, and tiger
 conservation projects contribute toward their increasing numbers.


 <spanundefined>Our responsibility as individuals and the collective society is to
 conserve nature. Rather than talking and writing, we need to act. Here and
 now.


 <spanundefined>

<hr class="vertical-space1" />


 <img class="lazyload w-100"
 src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/NATURE_WARRIOR_10_305e23966c.jpg?updated_at=2023-04-12T12:43:29.051Z" />


<hr class="vertical-space1" />


<hr />

<h4 style="text-align: center">
 Interviewed &amp; photography by<spanundefined>
 RAJESH MENON
</h4>

<hr />

Nature warrior

Balaji is a technology executive with Amazon. His professional experience spans three decades and he is passionate about improving employee experience and engagement at the workplace. He has facilitated several workshops on leadership and meditation across many different Fortune 500 companies.  


Balaji-Iyer.jpg

Balaji Iyer

<h4
 id="h-balaji-iyer-shares-4-ideas-for-building-a-high-performance-team-and-why-these-ideas-make-a-difference-this-is-based-on-his-professional-experience-over-three-decades-of-improving-employee-experience-and-engagement-he-facilitates-workshops-on-leadership-and-meditation-for-fortune-500-companies"
>
 BALAJI IYER
 shares 4 ideas for building a high-performance team, and why these ideas
 make a difference. This is based on his professional experience over three
 decades of improving employee experience and engagement. He facilitates
 workshops on leadership and meditation for Fortune 500 companies.
</h4>

<hr class="vertical-space1" />


 One of the most significant issues faced by organizations is employee
 engagement. According to a 2022 McKinsey research report, 55% of employee
 engagement is driven by non-financial recognition, and the majority cite “not
 having caring leaders” as a key reason for leaving their team. Research at
 www.catalyst.org shows a 48% increase in innovation, a 44% increase in
 engagement, and increased retention when employees feel their leaders are
 empathic.


So, here are 4 key ideas for building a high-performing team:

<h4>
 Idea #1
 Self-awareness is the basis of empathy
</h4>


 Heartfulness Relaxation and Meditation create space between our thoughts,
 enabling us to be reflective. In a recent leadership workshop I facilitated,
 participants appreciated the full-body awareness and tuning in to the heart.
 It provided a break from the constant stress that fills up every working day.
 Taking time during the day to pause and reflect, by meditating, improves our
 responses to events. Leaders become better listeners, resulting in an
 opportunity to provide a compassionate response to employees’ situations.


<h4>
 Idea #2 Deep work creates long-term happiness, starting with individuals and
 affecting the entire team
</h4>


 Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi’s concept of “flow” recommends a balance between
 skills and challenges to be able to remain in the flow state. It is important
 to allow space for quiet time, one to four hours every day, for ourselves and
 our teams to dive deep. When employees can focus on their work without
 interruption for multiple hours in a day, it provides them an opportunity to
 master their skills. It results in an increase in their productivity along
 with their happiness.


<h4>
 Idea #3 Debate, discuss, and decide
</h4>


 A strong culture of open constructive debate builds solid teams and products.
 The diversity of the team and their thought processes provide the best
 possible chance at success, especially if we allow them to share their ideas
 and debate the merits of each. In contrast, a command and control style
 produces an “Emperor has no clothes” situation.



 In any organization, we need every team member’s hearts and minds to be
 successful. We can then focus on the data behind every view point and decide
 the best way forward in alignment with the organization’s mission. Positional
 power need only be used as a last resort, to break a deadlock.


<h4>
 Idea #4 Inclusiveness is key to engagement
</h4>


 Leaders will benefit by spending time understanding their employees and their
 aspirations. They will then be able to work toward their best interests,
 whether within the current organization or outside. Such an attitude will earn
 the trust of the employees. Leaders have a duty to focus on employee growth,
 and include them in the organization’s vision and goals. In a corporate
 setting, managers can also align the individual goals of employees with the
 organizational vision.



 When employees feel valued by their leaders, and they see their efforts are
 resulting in meaningful accomplishments for the organization, they feel
 included and engaged.


<hr class="vertical-space1" />

Leading with empathy

Barbara is a fellow at Schmidt Futures, supporting racial justice. She is co-founder and Board Chair of Global Health Corps which mobilizes young leaders to build health equity, and served as CEO for its first 9 years. She has also worked at the Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum, Red Cross Children’s Hospital in Cape Town, South Africa, and UNICEF in Botswana. She serves on a number of boards including Partners In Health and Friends of the Global Fight for AIDS, TB, and Malaria. Barbara co-authored the #1 New York Times best seller, Sisters First, with her sister, along with a children’s book of the same title.


Barbara-Bush-img.jpg

Barbara Bush

Creating communities for health – part 1

<hr class="vertical-space1">
<h4>In Part 2 of this exclusive interview, BARBARA BUSH speaks with MAMATA VENKAT about how to nurture mental well-being during the current pandemic, gratitude practices, the styles of leadership needed in today’s world, authenticity, what she learned travelling the world as the daughter of a US President, the importance of racial justice, and what is next for her.></h4>
<hr class="vertical-space1">
Q: I’ve struggled with mental health issues for much of my life, and the pandemic has been a challenge. It feels like I have this giant mirror right in front of me, and I’ve had to face so many things that I maybe pushed aside, or didn’t want to face or work on. I’m curious if it’s been a similar experience for you. >
BB: Definitely. The pandemic has forced me to address areas of my life that I maybe would prefer not to. It’s been an emotional rollercoaster, and I’m saying this as someone who has been incredibly lucky throughout. I haven’t gotten ill. I have very few friends that have. Unfortunately, I have lost a few people, including a wonderful ex-boyfriend, so the notion of grieving has been important to explore. And yet, it can feel hard to grieve in this confusing time, behind your computer quite a bit, or with yourself so much. >
So while I’d love to say it’s been easy to put into practice all my self-care rituals, it’s been a struggle. But I have noticed small things that make a big difference. I’ve certainly become much more grateful, and a gratitude ritual has been very, very important. I do feel incredibly lucky given everything that’s going on in the world.>
I’ve noticed a lot of things from my previous life that I took for granted that are now so meaningful. For instance, when I lived in New York, I walked to work every day. It was about thirty blocks, and it was a wonderful way to start my day outside, moving. If it was good weather and sunshine, if it was snowing, it was still an experience. And then, when I went to grad school, I would walk to class every morning. It’s a small thing, but it really started my day off in a wonderful way, alone with myself, in my thoughts, and moving and interacting with people. >
In lockdown, I didn’t realize how important it had been, and now, of course, I realize it was a small thing that made a huge difference every day. Now, I make sure I go on walks, that I’m in nature, that I replicate the parts of my previous life that matter a lot to me. That I nurture my ability to be thoughtful about what I’m thinking and what I’m experiencing during the day. It’s a small difference, but it’s something I took for granted previously. >
<hr class="vertical-space1">
<img alt="CreatingCommunities-part2-2" class="w-100 lazyload" src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/Creating_Communities_part2_2_img_0635e1ce9c.jpg?updated_at=2023-04-10T07:39:20.143Z"><hr class="vertical-space1">
Q: Definitely. Meditation practice is the core and center of who I am, and I realized how much I take it for granted. So now, as important as it is for you to take walks, it’s important for me to wake up every single morning and make sure I meditate, to write in a journal right after that, to make sure I adhere to all the techniques that go along with this practice. So much time is going by, and I don’t want to waste another second of it. What’s going on in the world right now makes you realize that nothing is guaranteed. The things that we hold on to may not be there tomorrow. I don’t want to waste another second of being able to do the external things, like spending time with my family, and also going internally as well. >
What are some other things you’ve been doing? >
BB: I love what you just said in terms of not wanting to waste another day or any moment. I think that’s so important. I definitely needed to do a reframe, probably six weeks into lockdown, to realize that there was complete uncertainty around this, and to be comfortable with the uncertainty. It had a big impact. At the beginning, it felt like we were putting everything on pause, and we would un-pause and go back to life the way it was before. Acknowledging that we’re not going to do that, and that’s okay, has been really important, because I treat it very differently now. I’ve acknowledged that it’s not a big pause, that I need to be actively living in these moments, and actively doing what I can to maintain a life that I am proud of, and a life that is aligned with what is important to me. >
I love to meditate as well. I really believe in breathwork. That’s something that I let slide at the beginning of quarantine. As I reframe, it’s been something that’s really important to bring back. I also like a morning practice of journaling. I read The Artist’s Way when I was in high school, and it made me want to journal every morning. I let all of these things go for the first six weeks, so I brought them back. That’s been really important, because the emotions that I’m experiencing – I assume that we’re all experiencing – during this time vary quite a bit, given the uncertainty in the world. It’s been helpful to get thoughts out of my head and onto the page, and be able to process them and move through them. >
Finally, I have dinner with my family every single night, and that’s been a fun ritual of community. We know no one is going to miss dinner or schedule a work call during dinner, and it’s protected time to be together. >
Q: At some point I’m going to have to move out of my parents’ house and I’m kind of dreading that, because it has been so nice being together. I don’t want to take this time for granted at all. Thank you for sharing all of that. >
To segue just a bit: leaders come in different shapes and forms. Especially given everything going on in the world, and thinking about how you nurture leaders in Global Health Corps, what are some qualities that are really significant for any young adult who wants to be a leader in the social impact space?>
BB: There are so many archetypes of leaders. When you’re in school and learning about history, you learn about these different archetypes of leaders who are merrily leading with strength. I think it’s important to reconsider what we perceive, and who we perceive to be leaders, and why. >
<hr class="vertical-space1">
<hr>
<h5 style="text-align: center; color: #ff0000;">I would say the biggest leadership quality&nbsp;that’s needed is empathy. 
I don’t even think other qualities rival it, because 
if you’re a leader your goal should be to serve. 
And in order to serve,&nbsp;you need to understand people well. 
You need to connect with people 
and you need to love people. 
And while normally love doesn’t come up as 
a leadership quality, I think it should.></h5>
<hr>
<hr class="vertical-space1">
I would say the biggest leadership quality that’s needed is empathy. I don’t even think other qualities rival it, because if you’re a leader your goal should be to serve. And in order to serve, you need to understand people well. You need to connect with people and you need to love people. And while normally love doesn’t come up as a leadership quality, I think it should. If you think about the opposite of love, it’s fear, and it’s easy to lead with fear.>
 Fear looks like “othering” people. Fear looks like creating divisions amongst people. To me, that’s not good leadership. The opposite of that is leading with love, which is to lead with empathy, which is to build connections, which is to highlight the humanity in other people, and celebrate people, rather than finding the flaws in them. I think it’s important to talk about these qualities. While they are considered soft skills, I’d say they are more important than hard skills. >
<hr class="vertical-space1">
<img alt="CreatingCommunities-part2-3" class="w-100 lazyload" src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/Creating_Communities_part2_3_img_9bf3f10deb.jpg?updated_at=2023-04-10T07:39:20.184Z"><hr class="vertical-space1">
There’s a lot of strength in softness; there’s a lot of strength in kindness. I’ve reflected a lot on my own life. I lost three of my grandparents last year. One of my grandparents was given the title of a leader. His leadership style would seem foreign now, because it was a very gentle form of leadership, and a kind form of leadership. I watched his life and, of course, when you lose people you reflect on their life. He was very satisfied and fulfilled with his life, because he allowed himself to live and be a leader in a way that was authentic to him. Authenticity really matters in leadership. Many of the examples that we see aren’t in line with this. You need to be authentic to yourself and hopefully do so with humility and empathy. >
Q: It can feel really easy to be disillusioned right now. We were talking about how, from the first few weeks of the pandemic, it has been easy to feel the weight and stress of the uncertainty. You talked about this already, but what are some things that we can do to stay positive amidst all of the uncertainty? >
BB: It’s incredibly important to stay positive right now. That’s not to say that we should have a Pollyanna attitude and ignore what’s going on in the world. I think we can be honest but also optimistic in the belief that we have control over parts of our lives that we can make better. Thinking about how to stay positive with your own experience right now is important. I do think gratitude is incredibly important for that optimism and positivity. It’s always an incredible practice, but particularly right now, whether it’s gratitude journaling, or thinking about what you’re grateful for before you’re going to bed, or saying that aloud to yourself or your partner. Making that a practice is really important. >
<hr class="vertical-space1">
<hr>
<h5 style="text-align: center; color: #ff0000;">Thinking about how to stay positive 
with your own experience right now is important. 
I do think gratitude is incredibly important 
for that optimism and positivity. 
It’s always an incredible practice, 
but particularly right now, 
whether it’s gratitude journaling, 
or thinking about what you’re grateful for 
before you’re going to bed, 
or saying that aloud to yourself or your partner. 
Making that a practice is really important. ></h5>
<hr>
<hr class="vertical-space1">
There’s a number of different sites that talk about the good news that’s going on in the world. It’s important to go to those sites and read the positive stories that are happening. There’s a great quote from Fred Rogers: “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’”>
Right now we see a tremendous number of helpers – people taking care of their family members, healthcare professionals, protestors trying to change what racial justice looks like in the United States. Let’s consider what we believe notions of helpers are, and look at them, and focus on that. I hope this gives all of us the agency to realize that we can help in whatever way we can. Getting involved is very important – it helps overcome complacency; it helps overcome disillusionment. There are many different ways right now, given all the circumstances that we’re living. We may not be able to volunteer in person, or we may be able to: we may deliver groceries to people etc. Figure out a way to engage that’s interesting, because that’s the number one thing that helps get past cynicism and negativity – to be part of the solution. >
Q: You’ve been in the public eye your entire life, and I know that’s probably come with a lot of really wonderful moments and a lot of challenges, too. How has that impacted your decisions to do the work that you’re doing? >
BB: It’s really hard to tell how it’s impacted my life, because I don’t know my life without it. But I do know that I’m really lucky to have had a tremendous amount of exposure to our country and to the world when I was younger. And that was afforded to me because of my parents – my dad being President. I was in my freshman year of college when he became the President, and my parents made it clear that I could travel with them as long as it worked with school and with my jobs. So I had the opportunity to travel the country and to five different continents with them. That exposure both gave me a global perspective and taught me so much about how people live around the world. It introduced me to a number of incredible people who are service-oriented, who are stepping up in communities to make a difference. >
That’s incredibly contagious – to meet people who do not accept the status quo, who want to change it and do something about it. That led me into the field of global health, and I was exposed to a number of wonderful leaders in global health who were making a difference. And that inspired me and let me see that we can have an impact on global health issues. That’s why I pursued global health as a career. >
We can all have exposure to different ways of being and different ways of thinking among the people even in our own communities. It’s important to broaden who we interact with and how we interact with them. That is a huge part of addressing racial justice in the United States. While the United States is not formally segregated, in many ways it is. And it’s really important to make sure we understand how people live, and be empathetic so that we’re building a country that prizes all people. >
<hr class="vertical-space1">
<img alt="CreatingCommunities-part2-4" class="has-img-center lazyload" src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/Creating_Communities_part2_4_img_7f7aa10ac8.jpg?updated_at=2023-04-10T07:39:19.887Z">
<hr class="vertical-space1">
Q: You’ve just finished your master’s degree and you’re starting a new job. What’s next? Where do you see yourself going?>
BB: Good question! I’m trying to figure that out myself, especially because it’s interesting to have transition points in life. We don’t often have many formal transitions. I graduated with a Masters in Public Administration from Harvard Kennedy School at the end of May. I went back to school last year to study racial justice and policy. I was very interested in understanding systemic race in the U.S. for a number of different reasons. One was exposure to the Black Lives Matter movement over the last four to five years. Then, working in global health and working on health equity in the U.S., you really see how health outcomes are divided by race in our country. It’s not an accident. The history of the U.S., the different policies like segregation and redlining, and how neighborhoods have been composed and then disinvested, led us here. We were doing great work in global health, but I felt like if I wanted to do more and better work I needed to understand racial justice in the United States. >
That’s what drew me to go to grad school. I’m still very passionate about global health and I’m very passionate about racial justice, and the intersection between the two. I’m navigating what that looks like moving forward.>
Q: It sounds like you’re in a very contented place in your life, and motivated to keep pushing forward. >
BB: Yes, for sure. >
Q: Barbara, thank you for taking the time to chat with us, and for being so open, thoughtful, and authentic in all of your responses. I really appreciate it. >
BB: Thank you. >
<hr class="vertical-space1">
<hr>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">Interviewed by MAMATA VENKAT></h4>
<hr>

Creating communities for health – part 2

Barbara is a long-time Heartfulness practitioner and trainer. She has been a course developer and instructor in art and cultural history at European universities. Barbara has additional training in integrative health and continuous health education. Her passion is to combine ancient wisdom, traditional knowledge, and cutting-edge integrative health science. Through hands-on workshops she inspires and encourages people toward self-empowerment and self-care. She is a Heartfulness trainer.

Barbara-Sonvilla.jpg

Barbara Sonvilla

<h4
 id="h-barbara-sonvilla-writes-about-the-divine-feminine-and-the-global-awakening-of-women-she-celebrates-women-telling-their-stories-and-taking-action-to-bring-alive-a-collective-awareness-of-the-need-to-respect-and-protect-mother-earth-nurture-life-in-all-its-aspects-and-hold-it-sacred-in-part-1-she-presents-hildegard-von-bingen-1098-1179-one-of-the-early-eco-saints-and-her-love-for-mother-earth">
 BARBARA SONVILLA
 writes about the divine feminine and the global awakening of women. She
 celebrates women telling their stories and taking action to bring alive a
 collective awareness of the need to respect and protect Mother Earth,
 nurture life in all its aspects, and hold it sacred. In part 1, she presents
 Hildegard von Bingen (1098-1179), one of the early eco-saints, and her love
 for Mother Earth.
</h4>

<hr class="vertical-space1" />


 Humanity, take a good look at yourself. Inside, you’ve got Heaven and
 Earth, and all of creation. You’re a world – everything is hidden in you.


—Hildegard von Bingen

<hr class="vertical-space1" />

<div class="block-image">
 <figure class="has-img-center" style="width: 465px !important;">

 <img alt="hildegard-ecosaint1" class="lazyload w-100"
 src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/hildegard_ecosaint1_6e03181bc6.jpg?updated_at=2023-04-07T08:05:01.429Z" />
 <figcaption>
 https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Hildegard_von_Bingen._Line_engraving_ by_W._Marshall._Wellcome_V0002761.jpg
 </figcaption>
 </figure>
</div>

<hr class="vertical-space1" />


 When I was still a student of art and cultural history, I came across the
 wonderful illustrations accompanying the book
 Scivias (meaning “know the ways”), by Hildegard. I was mesmerized and
 wanted to know more about the author. I discovered a giant of a woman, an
 original thinker and mystic, who considered herself “the feather on the breath
 of God.”



 During her lifetime, Hildegard was already famous throughout medieval Europe
 as a seeress, a writer, a philosopher, a mystic, a healer, a herbalist, and a
 health counselor. Today, she is widely known for her sublime choral music. Her
 pioneering and practical works on biology, botany, and medicine, and her
 scholarly writings on theology, reveal a remarkable personality with
 compelling teaching abilities, equipped with fearlessness in dealing with
 church elders and leaders. In 2012, Hildegard was canonized and declared a
 Doctor of the Church by Pope Benedict XVI, becoming the fourth woman to
 receive such an honor in the Catholic Church.



 What drew me to Hildegard the most was that she was one of the
 “creation-centered” mystics of the West. She considered everything to be
 interconnected with everything else. In her own words:



 “Holy persons draw to themselves all that is earthly … The Earth is at
 the same time mother, She is mother of all that is natural, mother
 of all that is human. She is the mother of all, for contained in
 her are the seeds of all.”


<hr class="vertical-space1" />

<div class="block-image">
 <figure class="has-img-center" style="width: 453px !important;">
 <img width="453" alt="hildegard-ecosaint2" class="lazyload w-100"
 src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/hildegard_ecosaint2_a94217cbb9.jpg?updated_at=2023-04-07T08:07:08.283Z" />
 <figcaption>
 https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/ File:Meister_des_Hildegardis-Codex_001_cropped.jpg
 </figcaption>
 </figure>
</div>

<hr class="vertical-space1" />


 As was the custom of the time, as the tenth child of a noble family, Hildegard
 was dedicated to the church. Having had visions of what she called
 “reflections of the living Light” from early childhood, she was reluctant to
 share these visions, which came to her as inner experiences while her eyes
 were open and all her senses routinely engaged. Only at the age of 43, after
 seeking and receiving the blessing from Pope Eugene III, Hildegard started
 writing down her visions and thoughts in her first book, Scivias,
 including images of these visions.



 In her writings, as well as in nearly 400 letters, Hildegard was quite
 outspoken, determined, and bold, yet always ready to help, educate, and uplift
 the correspondent. She loved to mix genres, including music and poetry. People
 would come to seek help and advice from her, and from this her two works on
 the origins and treatment of diseases and naturopathy emerged.



 As an abbess, she asked the nuns in her charge to pay close attention to
 nature and its rhythms, as they hold the secrets to our physical well-being
 and aliveness of our inner world. Hildegard urged them to become partners with
 the natural world, saying:&nbsp;



 “Humankind, full of all creative possibilities, is God’s work. Humankind alone
 is called to assist God. Humankind is called to co-create. With nature’s help,
 humankind can set into creation all that is necessary and
 life-sustaining.”&nbsp;


<hr class="vertical-space1" />

<div class="block-image">
 <figure class="has-img-center" style="width: 512px !important;">
 <img width="512" alt="hildegard-ecosaint3" class="lazyload w-100"
 src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/hildegard_ecosaint3_d45c95a85b.jpg?updated_at=2023-04-07T08:08:16.787Z" />
 <figcaption>
 https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/ File:07angels-hildegard_von_bingen.jpg
 </figcaption>
 </figure>
</div>

<hr class="vertical-space1" />


 Viriditas, the divine healing power of
 Nature



 One of the most recognizable contributions of Hildegard, her leitmotif, and
 the thread running through all her writings, is the concept of
 viriditas.



 The origin of “viriditas” may be the union of two Latin words
 meaning&nbsp;“green” and “truth.” The definition is both literal, as in
 “green” and “growth,” and metaphorical, as in “freshness” and
 “vitality.”&nbsp; The term is difficult to translate, and it has rich and
 poetic connotations. I simply fell in love with the word. It represents the
 life force at work in all creation. For Hildegard, this green energy is love
 pulsing through the entire universe. It is the creative principle itself,
 sustaining her soul and her work.


<hr class="vertical-space1" />

<div class="block-image">
 <figure class="has-img-center" style="width: 272px !important;">
 <img width="272" alt="hildegard-ecosaint4" class="lazyload w-100"
 src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/hildegard_ecosaint4_c28e3983b9.jpg?updated_at=2023-04-07T08:09:16.247Z" />
 <figcaption>
 https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/ File:Meister_des_Hildegardis- Codex_%E2%80%94_fertility- birth_in_Scivias_%E2%80%94_c._ 1185.jpg
 </figcaption>
 </figure>
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 Hildegard saw viriditas as animating every living being, inherent in
 everything, including humans. Much like gardens, farmlands, and forests need
 cultivation, Hildegard saw viriditas as something also to be
 cultivated in our bodies and our souls. For her, a healthy human body is
 “green,” our blood possessing special greening power, and the life force, the
 soul, being&nbsp;“green.” It is the very same greenness that connects
 us all together as humanity. It shines forth, giving us the common purpose of
 creating a joyful, peaceful, and productive life. It is the&nbsp;strength
 within us manifesting as a strong and&nbsp;healthy life.



 “O most honored Viriditas, You who roots in the Sun; You who
 lights up, in shining serenity, within a wheel that earthly
 excellence fails to comprehend.



 You are enfolded in the weaving of divine mysteries.



 You redden like the dawn and you burn: flame of the Sun.”



 For Hildegard, green was not just a color – it was the universal life force.
 “Creation is the song of God,” she said, and
 viriditas its breath. If we could wish to describe a flavor that
 comes with this greenness, it would be the joy of being alive. Hildegard
 defines joy as an “awareness of God’s secrets.1”


As the Voice of the Living Light revealed to her:


 “I am the breeze that nurtures all things green. I encourage blossoms to
 flourish with ripening fruits. I adorn all the Earth. I am the rain coming
 from the dew that causes the grass to laugh with the joy of life.”


How is this vital greenness sustained?


 “The soul is the greening life force of the flesh, for the body grows and
 prospers through her, just as the Earth becomes fruitful when it is moistened.
 The soul humidifies the body so it does not dry out, just like the rain which
 soaks into the Earth.”



 This belief in viriditas&nbsp;led her to become an herbalist also.
 She wrote extensively on the importance of selecting foods with curative
 properties, and in accordance with the Hippocratic tradition, she prioritized
 preventive medicine and remedies based on plants. As an example, she
 considered fennel to be a plant with truly holistic health benefits.&nbsp;It
 was one of her primary healing foods after surgery, for convalescence and
 immune building. In her own words:



 “Fennel does not harm the body in any way. In whatever way it is eaten, it
 makes people happy and gives warmth, a good skin color, and promotes good
 digestion … it reduces the evil mucus and suppresses the foul odor of the
 breath.


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<hr />

<h4 class="has-text-align-center">
 The soul is the greening life force of the flesh, for the
 body grows
 and prospers through her, just as the Earth becomes fruitful when it is
 moistened. The soul humidifies the body so it does not dry out,
 just like the rain which soaks into the Earth
</h4>

<hr />

<hr class="vertical-space1" />


 Hildegard thought that when the soul, body, and mind are equally strong, the
 four life juices (humors) and elements are balanced. This allows the organism
 to work optimally and operate harmoniously. Because of our connectivity with
 the universe, Hildegard believed the soul to be the source of everything and
 thus essential in achieving harmony. For her, what we now call the autonomic
 nervous system is the connecting language between the body and the soul.
 Hildegard described in detail how lifestyle affects that communication. The
 balance is easily disturbed through incorrect eating and drinking habits, but
 also through thoughts, emotions, and living against the principles of a
 virtuous and pious life.


To be continued. 

<hr />


 1Butcher, C.A., 2007.
 St. Hildegard of Bingen. A Spiritual Reader. Paraclete Press.


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Hildegard, an eco-saint

<h4
 id="h-barbara-sonvilla-writes-about-the-divine-feminine-the-global-awakening-of-women-and-their-growing-role-in-leadership-she-celebrates-women-telling-their-stories-and-taking-action-to-bring-alive-a-collective-awareness-of-the-need-to-respect-and-protect-mother-earth-and-nurture-life-in-all-its-aspects-and-hold-it-sacred-in-part-2-she-shares-more-of-the-wisdom-of-the-medieval-eco-saint-hildegard-von-bingen"
>
 BARBARA SONVILLA
 writes about the divine feminine, the global awakening of women, and their
 growing role in leadership. She celebrates women telling their stories and
 taking action to bring alive a collective awareness of the need to respect
 and protect Mother Earth and nurture life in all its aspects and hold it
 sacred. In part 2, she shares more of the wisdom of the medieval eco-saint,
 Hildegard von Bingen.
</h4>

<hr class="vertical-space1" />


 “In a true vision I saw and heard the following words: 



 “O daughter of God, out of your love for God you call a poor creature
 like myself, ‘Mother.’ Listen then to your mother and learn
 moderation! For moderation is the mother of all virtues for
 everything heavenly and earthly. For it is through moderation that the
 body is nourished with the proper discipline.” —Hildegard von Bingen


<hr class="vertical-space1" />

<h4 id="h-moderation-discretio-the-mother-of-all-virtues">
 Moderation (discretio), the mother of all virtues
</h4>

“As there is order in the cosmos, there is balance in the body.”


 This is one of Hildegard’s guiding principles. The basis of this orderly
 structure depends on the interrelationship of the human and the Earth’s four
 primary elements, where everything has its place, meaning, and purpose. It is
 from this order, this balance, that we seek divinity.
 Discretio (seeking the right measure and moderation in everything we
 do) is the practice of living the balance and bringing the union between
 divinity and humanity back to order.


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<div class="block-image">
 <figure class="has-img-center" style="width : 450px !important">
 <a
 href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Meister_des_Hildegardis-Codex_003_cuted.jpg"
 target="_blank"
 rel="noopener"
 ><img
 alt="love_the_earth2"
 width="450px"
 class="lazyload w-100"
 src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/love_the_earth2_b91dd9fda9.jpg?updated_at=2023-04-07T11:15:37.898Z"
 /></a>
 <figcaption>
 Image source:
 https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Meister_des_Hildegardis-Codex_003_cuted.jpg
 </figcaption>
 </figure>
</div>

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<h4 id="h-what-does-hildegard-mean-by-back-to-order">
 What does Hildegard mean by “back to order”?
</h4>


 When viewed from Hildegard’s idea that human beings are the microcosmic
 representation of the macrocosm, the “fall from the Garden of Eden” disrupted
 our originally perfect relationship with Nature, and consequently led to
 physical and spiritual changes in us, physical fragility, suffering, and
 disease. But we can restore the relationship through diligent efforts from our
 side. Hildegard believed that we could strive to bring moderation into our
 behavior, thoughts, and actions. She taught that a life of measure and
 spirituality is the right path toward a healthier state of being.



 Thus, Hildegard’s practice of discretio is a strength of the soul, a
 virtue of the mind, and a mode of action. For her, discretio is the
 mother of all virtues.



 “And so the soul loves the discreet measure in all things. Whenever the body
 of the person eats or drinks without discretion, or does something else of
 this kind, the forces of the soul are injured, because everything is to be
 done with measure, since humans cannot always dwell in
 heaven.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;


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<div class="block-image">
 <figure class="has-img-center" style="width : 532px !important">
 <a
 href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Hildegard_von_Bingen.jpg"
 target="_blank"
 rel="noopener"
 ><img
 decoding="async"
 width="532px"
 alt="love_the_earth3"
 class="lazyload w-100"
 src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/love_the_earth3_a5d1a576d0.jpg?updated_at=2023-04-07T11:16:48.275Z"
 /></a>
 <figcaption>
 Image source:
 https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Hildegard_von_Bingen.jpg
 </figcaption>
 </figure>
</div>

<hr class="vertical-space1" />

<h4 id="h-hildegard-s-golden-rules-for-living">
 Hildegard’s golden rules for living
</h4>


 Hildegard’s principle of moderation is deeply rooted in medieval spirituality,
 and yet it is timeless in its value as an actionable practice for modern
 living. It is especially timely now as we face climate change and
 environmental destruction. Finding moderation is a unique challenge in today’s
 lifestyle. It is worth looking at Hildegard’s guidelines, which are simple:


Benefit and draw energy from nature’s life force (viriditas).

Learn moderation:

<ul>
 <li>by healthy and balanced nutrition,</li>
 <li>by balancing periods of activity with periods of rest, and</li>
 <li>by cultivating healthy sleep patterns.</li>
</ul>

Detox and purify yourself regularly.

Strengthen the soul:

<ul>
 <li>through prayer and meditation,</li>
 <li>through encouraging your innate talents and virtues, and</li>
 <li>while keeping a check on your shortcomings.</li>
</ul>


 Above all, love the Earth and “welcome all the creatures of the world with
 grace.”


<hr class="vertical-space1" />


 “We shall awaken from our dullness and rise vigorously toward justice. If
 we&nbsp;fall in love with creation deeper&nbsp;and deeper, we will respond to
 its endangerment with passion.” —Hildegard von Bingen


<hr class="vertical-space1" />

<hr />

<h4 class="has-text-align-center" id="h-artwork-by-hildegard-von-bingen">
 Artwork by Hildegard von Bingen
</h4>

<hr />

Love the Earth

<h4 style="text-align:justify;">BARBARA SONVILLA shares her experience of using one of the Peacefulness intentions while swimming in the sea in the Persian Gulf. The outcome is astounding and shows just how effective these simple intentions are in changing the atmosphere both within and outside us.</h4>I would like to share an experience with you that happened recently, and which has been full of amazement, joy, insights, and learnings regarding what it means to “live from the heart.”But before doing so, I would like to introduce to you the particular practice that has led to the experience.Ever since I have come across those small yet powerful practices called “subtle suggestions” and “peaceful intentions,” I have felt particularly drawn to them. My favorite one is:Everything around you is absorbing peace, including the sky, the oceans, the trees, &nbsp;the people, the wildlife, the buildings—and everything is radiating peace.(Peaceful Intention 2 from <a href="http://www.peacefulness.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.peacefulness.org</a>)&nbsp;I love to “dive into” this intention when I’m in my garden, when I’m sitting with people but don’t feel like talking, or when I’m on the subway in the big city nearby.I also use another technique for life’s stressful moments when I feel like I need a drastic cleanse of my entire system—fairly regularly, I admit. It is often related to bouts of anger, hot or cold (feeling resentful) in its quality; and this feeling particularly upsets me. There is a useful Heartfulness technique to deal with that kind of state, which goes like this:Sit comfortably and close your eyes.Imagine that you are in a gentle ocean of peace.&nbsp; The waves are soothing and blissful.Have the firm thought that you are immersed in this ocean of peace, and the gentle waves are removing all your coverings.Do this for as long as you can, but no more than 30 minutes.(Ocean of Peace Cleaning from <a href="https://heartfulness.org/en/simple-heartfulness-practices/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://heartfulness.org/en/simple-heartfulness-practices/</a>)Now, here comes the incident:I am so fortunate to nowadays have the regular opportunity to enjoy swimming in the Persian Gulf. What a wonderful color display the water features—it is as if I am immersed in liquid crystals of turquoise aquamarine or emerald with shades of lilac and pink. As I didn’t grow up close to the ocean, I always feel happy like a child when this opportunity arises.A couple of months ago, as I bathed in the warm waters of the Persian Gulf, just feeling joyful and playful, I gradually realized that the feeling of joy and childlike playfulness naturally led my heart to a state of prayerfulness. First, I just observed and witnessed the inner shift for a while. Then, fascinated, I started the above-mentioned peacefulness practice naturally, without planning.I silently suggested and visualized, rather “felt it into being,” that the entire ocean with all its creatures is absorbed in peacefulness, and just like in the rhythm of breathing, it is absorbing and radiating peace. Absorbing and radiating. This happened many times, and I was also immersed in this kind of breathing.When one fine afternoon it finally was time to end the bathing season (I was about to leave the country) and I was about to step out of the water, I saw a crowd of people running toward me, with a look of surprise on their faces.I turned and saw a family of dolphins visiting the beach, happily displaying their playful jumps and showing their smiling faces. It was a family of ten or so, with their young ones. And they came to the very spot where I would swim and breathe peace so often. They remained there for quite a while, delighting every beachgoer. And there were hundreds of beachgoers on this crowded city beach.These wonderful creatures conjured up joy and happiness on people’s faces, which I have rarely seen. Locals would tell me later that they had never experienced before the dolphins coming so close.Finishing this little story, let me share my key insights from this experience:All living beings on this beautiful planet are connected with each other.All living beings respond to impulses because of the principle of resonance.It is the impulses of the heart that are uplifting, nourishing, and contribute to the elevation of consciousness.My subtle or prayerful suggestions matter and make a difference.<img src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/resonating_with_being2_01eaed695f.webp" alt="resonating-with-being2.webp" srcset="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/thumbnail_resonating_with_being2_01eaed695f.webp 145w,https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/large_resonating_with_being2_01eaed695f.webp 800w,https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/resonating_with_being2_01eaed695f.webp 800w," sizes="100vw">The most powerful insight was that when I am in a state of joy and gratefulness, it changes my condition so powerfully into a heart-consciousness-state of being. In that state it happens naturally that I “remember” the interconnectedness and oneness of all, and naturally and cheerfully add a “little something” to this oneness.Om Shanti Shanti Shanti&nbsp;

Resonating with the being(s)

Jain is an advocate for interfaith dialogue, founder and Secretary-General of the World Council of Religious Leaders. He was Secretary-General of the&nbsp;Millennium Peace Summit of Religious and Spiritual Leaders, 2000; co-founded the Religious Initiative of the&nbsp;World Economic Forum; and created the Gandhi-King Award for Non-violence.

bawa-jain.webp

Bawa Jain

<h4 style="text-align:justify;">BAWA JAIN, the Secretary-General for the World Council of Religious Leaders, shares his perspective on the greatest blessing, and his own grounding philosophy that guides him through life.</h4>&nbsp;If someone were to ask me, “What is the greatest blessing in life?” I would venture only one guess. It is my strong belief that the greatest blessing we can receive is to have a guru.Why is that important? Oftentimes in life, we find ourselves at a crossroads. The more crossroads we come to, the more we will build our characters by deciding which path to take. There should be no fear of failure in these moments, because it is through failures that our core character is built. But when we have a guru, they will point us in the direction that is for our betterment. Personally, having a guru gave me purpose, and a strong sense of direction on what I should be pursuing in life.Practitioners of Heartfulness are truly blessed to have a guru like Daaji in their lives. I arrived at Kanha Shanti Vanam without knowing Daaji, and was honored with an invitation to have lunch at his home, along with a few others. Daaji spent two or three hours with us, and all throughout, I didn’t feel as though this was our first meeting. He has that unique ability to make us feel calm and put us at ease, simply by being in his presence.I would like to share with you a grounding philosophy that was inspired by my own guru, and which became the one I choose to live by: the three Ss.&nbsp;<figure class="image image_resized" style="width:50%;"><img src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/serve_share_sacrifice2_b9f116c63d.webp" alt="serve-share-sacrifice2.webp" srcset="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/thumbnail_serve_share_sacrifice2_b9f116c63d.webp 145w,https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/large_serve_share_sacrifice2_b9f116c63d.webp 599w,https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/serve_share_sacrifice2_b9f116c63d.webp 599w," sizes="100vw"></figure>&nbsp;<hr><h4 style="text-align:center;">Wherever you can, share, share, share, because the greatest joy&nbsp;lies in sharing, not receiving.&nbsp; &nbsp;</h4><hr>I had the chance to explain the first S when I had the honor of meeting Chinna Jeeyar Swami during this Mahotsav. He posed the same question to me that I myself ask everyone I meet, “What is the purpose of your life?” My answer was service—I want to serve, and to always be of use; as my guru taught me. He also reminded me of one important distinction: be of use, but don’t let anyone abuse you. So Service is the first S.The second is Sharing. Wherever you can, share, share, share, because the greatest joy lies in sharing, not receiving.The third, which is intrinsic to the Hindu ethos and Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, is Sacrifice. The reality we live in is that life is all about compromises. Why? For the betterment of our own self, to detach from one of our biggest enemies—the ego.Our greatest challenge in life is overcoming that ego, the inner demon which too often influences our decisions and puts us on the wrong path. To give you an example close to home, I feel Daaji is humility personified. On observation, he would much rather close his eyes and be in silence than speak at length. Even on the stage, when a program is going on, I have observed that he is in meditation. He doesn’t feel compelled to speak. The more the urge we have for projecting ourselves, the more obstacles we will encounter in our life. You’ll find it necessary to shed that ego. Especially for those who have come here, to Kanha, and learned here, and grown here; that means you have been blessed with the power and the energy that you are receiving from meditation. Serve, share, and sacrifice, but leave your ego behind; don’t take it with you wherever you go, lest it become a burden on your onward journey.In my own journey, I have had the good fortune of encountering many dignitaries and heads of state. Once, I was in South Africa to meet President Mandela and give him the Gandhi-King Award for Nonviolence. Now, at that time, he had become like the moral conscience of the world. So that day, as I was preparing to meet President Mandela, my mind was racing. What was I going to say to him? This was a singularly unique opportunity: Coming face-to-face with one of the greatest leaders in the world, who transformed their lives from being a militant and a commander to nonviolent, peaceful resistance for the freedom and liberation of South Africa from apartheid. Then suddenly he emerged. He was a larger man, physically and metaphorically speaking. But he just embraced me, and greeted me with “Hey, man, how are you?” That day I was dumbstruck. I couldn’t say a word for a moment or two. He had disarmed me completely.Why am I sharing this with you? One of the greatest qualities of a leader is their innate ability to put us at ease. Again, I must draw upon the aforementioned example of Daaji. Although I was meeting him for the first time, he made me feel as if I had known him my entire life. This is a unique ability. A great leader does not build followers; the truly great one builds leaders. Each one of you is a leader, because Daaji has sown the seeds of leadership in your hearts. You will be so enriched by this purpose in your life that you’ll find any sickness or obstacle will just vanish; they will fall away. And when you leave the world, you will be remembered for this.&nbsp;<figure class="image image_resized" style="width:75%;"><img src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/serve_share_sacrifice3_555e2e03fd.webp" alt="serve-share-sacrifice3.webp" srcset="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/thumbnail_serve_share_sacrifice3_555e2e03fd.webp 145w,https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/large_serve_share_sacrifice3_555e2e03fd.webp 1000w,https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/serve_share_sacrifice3_555e2e03fd.webp 1200w," sizes="100vw"></figure><hr><h4 style="text-align:center;">If today was the last day of your life,&nbsp; how would you want to be remembered? Change those things that need work, and focus on what you will be leaving behind, because everything&nbsp; that you have gathered materially will be left here.&nbsp; What will remain is the good you have done, what you have served, what you have shared, what you have sacrificed.</h4><hr>If today was the last day of your life, how would you want to be remembered? Change those things that need work, and focus on what you will be leaving behind, because everything that you have gathered materially will be left here. What will remain is the good you have done, what you have served, what you have shared, what you have sacrificed.So, be a true ambassador of Heartfulness as you go about doing your work in the world. Be that person about whom others can say, “Yes, they were here, and they did something that we will remember forever.”Excerpts from a talk given at the Global Spirituality Mahotsav, March 2024<hr><h4 style="text-align:center;">Images generated by AI</h4><hr>

Serve, share, sacrifice

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Bell Hooks

Make room for compassion

Creativity and possibility

Love in childhood

To be loving

Bente Elisabeth was born and raised in the fantastic nature of northern Norway, and lived for some time in Greenland. Now based in Denmark, she lives in Mols Bjerge National Park, where the heaven is high and the power of nature is evident. She paints what she sees, what she feels, what she senses. Impressions of nature. The five elements, earth. air, fire, water, and cosmos.



Bente-Elisabeth-Endresen.-Foto-Ann-Malmgren.jpg

Bente Elisabeth Endresen

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<hr>
<h5 style="text-align: center;">To wonder and be surprised 
 by the wonders of nature. 
 This is the core of my existence.
</h5>
<hr>
&nbsp;
<img class="img-float-right has-img-center-in-mobile lazyload"
 src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/wonder4_img_e838c10289.jpg?updated_at=2023-04-12T05:22:56.698Z">

I stood by the Norwegian coast high up north. The weather had been mild, sunny and
 pleasant, not too cold. The sky was clear blue. We were a little group building an old-style boat, inspired by a
 Viking ship. In a break, we looked out on the ocean view and the wonderful northern Norwegian landscape with high
 and impressive mountains surrounded by narrow strips of land. Here humans had survived under harsh living conditions
 in a cold climate. 
Suddenly there was a chilly breeze and clouds of different dark gray-blue tones got
 closer. Surprisingly quickly the sky grew visibly darker and, before we could withdraw there was a violent storm of
 thunder and lightning. 
I stood completely fascinated, feeling this marvelous power of the elements of
 nature. It was a demonstration of magnificent energy and variation of colors. The sky was all kinds of blue. Some
 parts were clear blue sky; others were dark gray-blue turning almost black.
I was completely happy, thankful to be experiencing a spectacular show of
 nature.
The main inspiration for most of my paintings is the Nordic and Arctic environment. My
 upbringing in northern Norway and many years in Greenland had such a strong impact on me. I paint the elements –
 earth, water, air and fire, and the fifth element, the Cosmos.
Closeness to nature has resulted in an everlasting wonder about Creation – from the
 tiniest seed turning into a perfect tree, to a total fascination with the Cosmos. An ongoing theme of my paintings is
 Creation, and I am deeply fascinated by the questions that are studied in an attempt to understand more about the
 Cosmos.
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<img class="lazyload w-100"
 src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/wonder2_img_1_69e85696fe.jpg?updated_at=2023-04-12T05:24:22.586Z" />

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Living close to the Arctic has led me to raise awareness of the changes in climate we
 are now experiencing. They are so visible in the Arctic region, where nature is so vulnerable to the disturbances of
 pollution and temperature change. Glaciers are melting at an alarming rate. Flora and fauna are changing as their
 living conditions change. The ocean is filled with plastic pollution. Sea birds are found with up to 40% of plastic in
 their stomach. Whales die from eating plastic. In cooperation with artists and scientists, I have curated exhibitions,
 concerts, talks and workshops to help people observe and understand the effects of climate change.
I am now in contact with dedicated people concerned with aspects of sustainability, all
 in many different occupations. We meet regularly to discuss the UN’s 17 Pathways to Peace and Justice, and how we can
 play a positive role in raising awareness and spreading knowledge of solutions. One way is through art.
Along with the outer path of my life, there is an inner path, and when I paint I go into
 a room of my own, a space where I can be in contact with the paintings coming out of stillness. There are a lot of
 images waiting to be painted. My part is to be a channel, and not stand in the way for the impulses that come. To
 encourage these impulses, I meditate, listen to creation music, and read myths that cultivate the atmosphere I want to
 express in the paintings.
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<img class="lazyload w-100"
 src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/wonder3_img_aa7ecc440f.jpg?updated_at=2023-04-12T05:25:46.428Z" />

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Back in northern Norway in wintertime, I travel inland to a camp where the indigenous Lapp people of the north
 live. 
In the darkness of the 24-hour Arctic winter’s night, we set off sledging with reindeer across the snow and ice.
 The wind can be noisy, but on a clear night the stars shine very brightly, arching across the sky, in absolute
 silence. We are hoping to see another silent wonder of nature, the Northern Lights – the Aurora Borealis. And the
 wonder happens. The sky is filled with green light that flits and dances between the silhouetted mountaintops.

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<hr>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">An art essay by BENTE ELISABETH ENDRESEN</h4>
<hr>

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