Creating Change in a Complex World

Everyday, we are confronted by disturbing events - be it the burning of the Uttarakhand forests, violent conflicts in the world, corruption, global warming and also individuals, whose imbalanced emotional states lead to destructive behaviours that harm not only themselves, but others. 

So how does one truly help affect positive change in a world that seems fraught with seriously disturbing issues? 

As our efforts deepen to seek happiness and define our sense of self-worth through sense and material gratification, we are faced with a massive disconnect. In India, our ancient spiritual wisdom has long spoken about the impact of a chaotic and undisciplined mind; it fuels the scarcity mind-set, leads to a scramble for earth’s resources, creates great division and spreads greed, insecurity and fear.

Change can only truly begin with oneself. How you think affects how you feel, which in turn effects your speech and actions, and this becomes the energy which you radiate out into the world, creating a chain effect that is far greater than what our limited minds can perceive.

Optimal wellness is not just about being free of illness, but it involves a dynamic process of change and growth toward a more balanced and expanded state of being. Our individual wellness must be a conscious and self-directed effort toward achieving proper mental, physical, emotional and spiritual health. 

Feeling uplifted and motivated is a process that takes a lot of work and the inherent desire to seek something more stable, meaningful and permanent. It also means having the knowledge and skill set to enable a process of self-inquiry that leads to mindfulness, self-awareness and a greater sense of self. 

Further still, one must also have the ability to develop one’s personal vision and to create an environment to stay motivated, passionate and fully engaged. If not, the mind becomes our demon, fueling destructive behaviours.  

The good news is that the world is indeed changing slowly, and the lens with which we view happiness, gratification and wellness is slowly evolving. There are like-minded people who have become part of a conscious movement, championing positive conversations towards collaboration versus competition, shared vision, values and results. 

This process can be significantly hastened with each one of us taking responsibility for our individual selves, with a willingness to re-define how we gratify our needs, desires and also how we define our personal sense of self-worth.

- Radhika Vachani