This piece was originally published as a part of The Rao Institute’s weekly newsletter.
In an earlier blog I mentioned that we go through life and it is drab. There is no deep feeling of joy.
Father Anthony DeMello, a Jesuit priest who had a deep understanding of the human predicament, says that this is because God has no presence in our life.
One of my readers wrote to me, “Professor Rao, I want to have that feeling of ‘aliveness’ in my life. What do I do if I don’t believe in God? And I don’t believe in a sentient, benevolent universe either. Am I condemned to live my drab life grabbing whatever pleasure I can get wherever I can get it?”
Good question. In fact, an excellent question.
For a miracle to happen in your life it is not necessary to witness something mind-blowing, something that violates the laws of physics such as Moses parting the Red Sea or Krishna lifting the mountain.
For a miracle to happen in your life all that is needed is your belief that the universe has acted on your behalf and for your welfare.
So, begin by keeping a journal where you note down all such instances in your life. This is stuff that you previously dismissed as a coincidence or perhaps did not notice at all.
For example, you remember an old friend you have lost touch with and determine to call him. And you receive an email from him later the same day. You forgot to make a reservation for the dinner with your husband’s boss and it turns out that he had an emergency, and the dinner has to be rescheduled. You go to your favorite restaurant and the dish you like is not available. The waiter suggests a substitute and you love it.
Constantly look, look, look for signs that the universe is dancing with you. You see a rainbow after a rain squall and your spirit lifts. You are trying to enter a busy highway and a driver slows down and flashes his light to let you know you can merge in. The latch on your screen door is not working and you make a mental note to get it fixed. The next day it is functioning perfectly again.
Record all of this in your journal. You will have a dozen or more examples each day.
As you review your journal you will reach a mental tipping point. If there are so many instances where the universe seems to be behaving in a friendly manner, is it possible, is it barely possible, that the universe is friendly after all?
Redouble your effort and you will tip over into a friendly universe.
And your experience of life will become immeasurably better.
Try it.
Peace!
