My Inspiration: Discover Your Own Truth

 

Inspiration - created with Copilot designer

Dear Reader,

    Have you ever paused to consider the quiet whispers that shape our paths, the unseen forces that ignite our passions? For me, the genesis of this blog is rooted in a profound admiration for my father’s extraordinary gift: the ability to craft eulogies that resonated with the very essence of the lives they celebrated. It wasn’t merely about words; it was about weaving threads of humor, compassion, and genuine care into tapestries of remembrance. Witnessing his ability to honor lives with such heartfelt eloquence sparked a deep desire within me to harness the power of language, to make others feel seen, valued, and understood.

    During my rigorous doctoral studies in chemistry at IIT Madras, the demands of research and academia consumed much of my time and energy. Yet, beneath the surface of scientific inquiry, a persistent love for philosophy simmered, a yearning to explore the deeper questions of existence. It was during this intense period, amidst the labyrinth of equations and experiments, that I stumbled upon Om Swami’s transformative blog. His words were a revelation, a breath of fresh air that cut through the noise of daily life. They were invigorating, transformative, and refreshingly clear, offering solace and inspiration during a time of intellectual and emotional intensity.

    In my third year of the PhD program, I found myself drawn to his blog with an almost devotional fervor, captivated by the unique cadence of his writing style. I absorbed every post, every nuanced phrase, finding wisdom that transcended the boundaries of academic discourse. Om Swami’s teachings were not confined to his own insights. He skillfully integrated the wisdom of various philosophers with his unique perspective, creating a rich tapestry of thought that resonated deeply with my own evolving understanding of the world.

    He consistently emphasized the importance of discovering personal truth—not through blind acceptance of dogma, but through direct, lived experience. This resonated profoundly, igniting a desire within me to forge my own path, to navigate life with authenticity and purpose. It was a call to embrace individuality, to resist the pull of conformity, and to embark on a journey of self-discovery.

The Echo of Kindness: Discovering My Truth Through Words and Empathy

    Undoubtedly, carving one’s own path presents formidable challenges. Years of ingrained habits, societal conditioning, and limiting beliefs can feel like resistant soil, stubbornly refusing to yield to change. This is where the process of ‘reconditioning’ becomes essential—a conscious effort to dismantle these barriers, to eliminate negativity, and to rewire our neural pathways. It involves unlearning ineffective patterns of thought and behavior, and embracing empowering ones that elevate us spiritually, emotionally, and physically.

    Consistency, I learned, is paramount in this journey. There will be days when progress seems unattainable, when doubt and frustration threaten to derail our efforts. But it is in these moments that we must cling to the wisdom of those who have walked before us. I found solace in the words of Om Swami and Martin Luther King Jr.: "One step at a time. If you can't run, walk. If you can't walk, crawl. But keep moving forward, regardless of life's obstacles." Though difficult, it is achievable. Ultimately, the ability to look back with a clear conscience and say, "I did my best," is what truly matters.

    Fate intervened when Om Swami visited IIT Madras during my PhD. Unfortunately, I was away and missed his seminar. Fortunately, my friend (now husband) attended and shared a powerful message. When asked, “How do you know a person is spiritual?” Om Swami replied, “When the presence of a person brings you peace.” This simple yet profound answer resonated deeply, affirming the importance of inner tranquility and the impact of genuine human connection.

    His influence extended beyond his blog. I explored his books and discovered his meditation app, Black Lotus. It became another source of intuitive guidance, a daily touchstone for mindfulness and self-reflection. Each day, I received mindful prompts—words that soothed my wounds, lifted me after setbacks, brought joy in moments of sadness, and kindled hope in moments of despair. Black Lotus helped me grasp the profound impact of even small acts of kindness, the ripple effect of compassion in a world often marked by indifference.

    It’s not about monetary value, but about making someone feel valued, seen, and heard. A gentle nudge of love during their low moments, a touch of care in their pain—the simple act of giving brings immense satisfaction, calmness, and peace. These acts of kindness are not signs of weakness, as some might mistakenly believe. Kindness is often misinterpreted as weakness. Some may seek to exploit an empathetic heart. However, kindness and empathy are choices accessible to all, regardless of intellect. It’s a matter of habit—choosing compassion over anger, jealousy, or hatred. It’s always a choice.

    The recurring theme, "Discover your own truth," became the cornerstone of my blog, a testament to Om Swami’s enduring influence. Inspired by his teachings, for which I am eternally grateful, I strive to spread kindness and empathy, to create a space where others can find solace and inspiration.

    Share your own kindness with a simple smile—you might just brighten someone's day, offering a moment of light in their darkness. Just like my father's eulogies, a few kind words, a gesture of compassion, can change the world.

-P.