My name is Shweta Karnik. I'm a student of Acharya Shunya's Vedic Study Circle. I am currently delving into the Bhagavad Gita through Acharya Shunya’s study and interpretations
The other night at bedtime I was reading to my toddler a story of an Octopus. This Octopus sees a shadow looming in the water over his head and believes it is a shark. No matter what the Octopus does, the shark’s shadow looms above menacing and threatening the very existence of the Octopus. The octopus hides, he changes colors, he pretends he is not himself. But no matter what he does, the shark follows him. Finally, the Octopus decides to meet his fate head on.
Are we so different from the Octopus? Hiding and living out of fear of the unknown and our sharks? Our fear takes on a monster shape and we project our fear onto our loved ones. Our partners become monsters out to get us, our children become our enemies who are out to make us unhappy and everyone around us pushes our buttons. We live life in fear hiding from our own true Self taking on different roles and playing out scripts that we think will help us. We play dead or numb, we play dumb and helpless, we play aggressive and emotional, we play out our dramas to elicit reactions or love or attention. And when we don’t get it, we cry and play the victim.
When we play an inauthentic script, this is what it could look like - estranged relationships, a father not talking to his son or daughter, children not speaking with parents, husband and wife locked in conflict, in-laws not respecting each other, siblings not connected for years, cheating on our partners or vice versa, constant negative self-talk, being stuck in our mind and fantasies.
What would happen if instead of fear, we approach the shadows lurking with our most genuine and empowered selves? We might realize, like the Octopus, that the shadow was not a Shark at all. That it was just a boat with some friendly sailors.
For the illusion of the shark to shatter, our fear has to melt into acceptance, into curiosity, into willingness to see differently. If we soften into our own comfort and warmth, the world around us takes on a different hue - one of acceptance and even support. Softening our stance is not being a doormat, it’s about being true to who we are and showing up on the doormat standing tall and smiling. Acceptance is not resignation; it is giving ourselves the gift of peace and equanimity.
What if we broke the ego-imposed boundaries and realize that we are all ONE? We are ONE soul estranged from our own self. If we were to come together, it would be the sweetest homecoming to our own Self.
Some practical ways of showing up fearless and authentic, yet without being led by the ego are observing your thoughts, slowing down, thinking about another’s perspective, accepting and forgiving. There are times when having and keeping boundaries are essential. However, really ask yourself if a healthy boundary is needed or whether your ego is calling the shots. If your behavior and actions are ego-led, then it's time to break down those walls and meet your sharks.
I hope my reflections and contemplations help you on the spiritual path. Even if you are someone who is not too sure or has doubts about this path, you may recognize the power you hold within yourself to change your life.
Om Shanti, Shanti, Shanti
Shweta
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