Bridging Philosophy and Your Higher Self

My life’s goal is to find self-satisfaction by actively participating in society in a productive and positive way, inspiring others to be the best versions of themselves. In Sanskrit, this is captured in the term AtmaRama (where atma means self and rama translates to joyful or blissful). The essence of this approach is that when an individual experiences internal joy and bliss that transcends material happiness and distress, their uplifting attitude can be contagious, gradually impacting society as a whole.

At 75 years young, I have gathered a rich tapestry of experiences that I feel compelled to share, especially since I have taken the time to articulate them. Although I am not a traditional scholar or part of the recognized intelligentsia—I left college during my junior year and have never been an avid reader or a serious student—I believe my insights are valuable.

I have developed a process succinctly represented by the acronym R-E-A-L: Reflection, Education, Application, and Liberation. This method has proven successful for me as I navigate and strive to survive in our rapidly changing world. Humanity has been progressing from slavery to liberty slowly but steadily, and this advancement is now occurring at a pace that can often overwhelm us. Transportation, communication, and education are increasingly accessible, providing opportunities that previous generations could only dream of. To be blunt, we are experiencing liberties and freedoms that countless individuals have fought and sacrificed for.

I adopted the practice of waking early to dedicate time for reflection. At 24, I joined a yoga ashram that emphasized rising an hour and a half before sunrise for introspection. This practice involved deep reflection, followed by reading and engaging in discussions about various aspects of life. I then focused on applying this knowledge—called vijnana in Sanskrit—throughout my day. The beauty of this simple process is that it fosters a sense of accomplishment and liberation, allowing me to move forward joyfully into each new day. It may sound unconventional, but I have personally found it to be incredibly beneficial!

However, I am not suggesting that everyone must adopt yoga or join an ashram; rather, I encourage you to incorporate this reflective process into your own life. While simple, it is not necessarily easy; it requires the discipline to go to bed earlier so you can rise early, allowing yourself the time to reflect and educate. The goal is to start each day on the right foot, embracing a proactive mindset rather than languishing in negativity.

We exist one day at a time, not yesterday or tomorrow. Every day, you are in the process of creating your true, authentic self—whether you realize it or not. Embrace who you are; you are unique, and the more you grasp this, the quicker you can cultivate an attitude of gratitude and strive to become the best version of yourself. Freedom and liberation are the natural inclinations of nearly all living beings, and with each passing day, you will feel their presence in varying degrees.

Even if you find yourself in a less-than-ideal job, facing a difficult boss, feeling unwell, or dealing with bad weather and slow traffic, beginning your day with reflection and self-education will better equip you to handle life’s challenges. By adopting this practice, you can regularly experience a greater sense of freedom and liberation.