Ask A Yogi

There is no substitute for self-awareness, intention, and self-discipline. Whether social media, Netflix, romance novels, and any number of other distractions, we need to exercise self-control.

Keep in mind “Why I want to meditate!” Practice a little at a time, during the day and build your meditative musicles. “Stop, look inward, and feel the silence behind all noise and restlessness.”

To share happiness, we must be happy ourselves. How can a parent be wise when our children sometimes act like, well, children? Should a parent who seeks ego transcendence be helping the child to grow into a strong ego?

How can we get along with people in our lives who have beliefs or opinions completely at odds with our own? Be centered in your Self.

Who is this Self that I take seriously? My opinions? My traits and attributes? They change like the weather, don’t they? Be crystal clear for the Self is pure.

To be spiritual be in touch with the Spirit! Within me and all around me Spirit flows silently manifesting all things. Be “Spirit-minded!”

Yes! To grow up! To become mature. But our purpose has many levels: the things we do; the skills we develop; to become a greater human being, greater in virtue, wisdom, and compassion. Yes, also to achieve soul freedom. But the question is how? What is the path to freedom?

Paramhansa Yogananda and the lineage of sent him to the West specifically came to expand the tradition of monasticism to include families. Yes! A yogi can have a family as witnessed by Lahiri Mahasaya.

In the traditional form of renunciation, creativity was to be rejected in favor of ego transcendence. Ego transcendence remains central to our spiritual growth but now, in this age, attunement to the Divine more naturally draws to us being mindful, being present, and acting ever-new and ever-fresh with creativity.

Self-acceptance is natural in the last stage of life because the persistent hope for the future has faded and the horizon of the final exam is coming into view. But everyone can benefit from learning self-acceptance.