The new year is here and all of us have a great deal on our plates. Swami Sivananda has given us some wonderful advice, a long time ago. It is still contemporary and relevant.

First let us think of all the good things that have happened to us during the time of the epidemic.

We have connected with others through zoom, internet, WhatsApp, Skype and telephone calls. Have taken up hobbies (cooking, music, learning a language, gardening, embroidery etc.). Spent time in self introspection, become centred and communicated with more people. Shared our thoughts and heard their views.

Now let us hurl epithets at the accursed virus. Hateful, detestable, loathsome, noxious, execrable, pestilential, ghastly, terrible and so on.

Sivanandas advice

Swami Sivananda said that there is so much suffering and sadness in the world. How can we attain solace and strength in such troubled times. We cannot go on holiday, we may have no job, our children are unhappy and some of us are recovering from the virus. We may have lost our sense of smell and taste. These are only the minor discomforts. Have you seen the marginilised communities? They are cold and hungry. Even the stray cats and dogs are shivering. What can we do.

Swami Sivananda said to cheer up those in distress. Remove a person’s sorrow by listening to them. Encourage people who are dispirited, make folks smile. Send a surprise gift to a loved one and to a charity. Practicing meditation is not possible unless you do selfless service to humanity. The more prana you spend in sharing and enabling, the more divine energy will flow through you. You will cease to be distressed by the virus. You will protect yourself by being vaccinated, wearing a mask and sanitizing your hands. I just thought of this, dear friends by serving the needy we will also be sanitizing our mind and heart.

Aim Hrim Klim