If we are truly listening to the dictates of our soul, aware of our personal mission statement and trying to fulfill our soul’s deepest aspirations, we will undoubtedly experience resistance. At times, the resistance might be external as people and situations push against what we want to experience in our lives. At other times, the resistance will be internal; our own fears and weaknesses will sap our determination to fulfill our mission statements. For this reason, it is crucial to surround ourselves with people who understand, support and share our mission. Yogananda teaches us, “Environment trumps willpower.”
We must realize that every person, every group, and every system carries a certain level of energy and momentum. For example, if one comes to the conclusion that he or she is suffering from addiction to alcohol and wants to live a sober life, it is recommended that they join the program of Alcoholics Anonymous. AA offers profound wisdom around recovery from addiction, and in any AA meeting there is a palpable force or spirit that propels people toward sobriety. Just being in the presence of sober people increases the odds that one will be able to maintain sobriety. In other words, sobriety is not taught, but caught.
One of my favorite metaphors here is “breaking bread.” We all have people in our lives that we might not innately choose to be around. Sometimes these people cannot be avoided; they are part of our dharmic path. But the people we choose to break bread with, the people we invite into our hearts and souls, must be people that fundamentally share our life‘s mission. When we invite people into our hearts, we also share their karma; we participate in their destiny. Therefore, we would be wise to break bread with people who are moving in the same direction as we are. It takes a village to raise a child, and it takes a village to help us fulfill our soulful aspirations.
Sometimes it might not always be possible to be in the physical presence of such people. However, even when we read a book about someone who inspires us, we are actually spending time with them; we are partaking of their consciousness. One of my favorite pieces of American literature is Martin Luther King’s “Letter from a Birmingham Jail.” It both challenges and inspires me to be my best self. Likewise, when I read the words of Yogananda or Jesus, I feel as though I am entering into communion with them. They clarify my thought process and elevate my consciousness. I gather strength from them. Again, environment trumps willpower.
It takes a village
To help me realize
My most soulful aspirations.
