In our last article, we spoke about the power of thoughts, and shared with you the pendulum experiment. We saw how the pendulum responded to our positive thoughts and then to the negative ones, but there was a third phase to this experiment that we did not share the last time, and that was, how to block the negative energy from reaching you. And so while all those people in the class were projecting negative thoughts, we asked the “test subject” upfront to place their attention strongly at the point between the eyebrows. The result: the pendulum did not move! The negative force was neutralised by the positive magnetism created by placing one’s attention at the “spiritual eye.”

We mention this because, while it is easy to say that one should have positive thoughts, it isn’t always as easy a thing to do. Our environment, especially, is constantly bombarding us with negativity and low consciousness, whether from the news, or the fear of those at home. Or the critical attitudes of friends and colleagues. Just as our thoughts affect others, their thoughts constantly affect us. What is the solution? Keep your attention focussed on the spiritual eye as often as you can. All the more so, when you are in an environment, or with people, who you know is actively negative.

Let me clarify the concept a little further. First, what is this “spiritual eye?” While I’m sure most of you would have heard about the existence of chakras, physiologically speaking, awareness of the point between the eyebrows is a means to stimulate the pre-frontal cortex (PFC) of your brain. This is that part of our brain that makes us human, and separates us from all other “lower” life-forms. Amazing isn’t? Yet we pay no attention to this fact, and allow our reactions and impulses to run our lives (much like animals do). But this area of your brain, once stimulated, awakens in you a lot of positive and uplifted feelings. It has been medically proved that the PFC is responsible for generating in us the qualities and feelings of joy, creativity, co-operation, concentration and willpower. In subsequent articles, we will touch upon the stimulation of this most-important part, in greater depth.

For now, see if you can, in every hour or so, (set an alarm, that will help) gently lift up your gaze as if you are looking out into the distance at a mountain peak. Only the eyes are uplifted, not the chin or head. Feel that you are consciously being aware of the point between the eyebrows. Little by little, you’ll get the hang of this, and it will become easier for you to do this in moments of need.

Here’s another solution to protect yourself from unwanted influences, especially at a time when so many people are flooding the world with bucket-loads of negativity and fear. This technique was recommended by our teacher, Swami Kriyananda, where we create and surround ourselves with an invisible force-field. Here’s how it’s done: swing your arms around your body, as if drawing a circle, touching your palms together (like a clap) in front of you and then behind you. Chant AUM-TAT-SAT while you’re doing this. And do this at least 6-10 times, back and forth, visualising a field of positive magnetism around you that won’t let any negativity inside. Here’s a link to a video that demonstrates the technique - www.shorturl.at/dgwE5

Narayani and I practice this very often. Whenever we step out of the house, we surround ourselves with our own personal shield of light. And believe me when I tell you, it works wonders.

It’s amazing how many simple solutions there are to seemingly large problems in life. The only catch is that we have to do them daily, and several times a day. Only then can we neutralise and overpower these past habitual influences that govern our lives.

We wish you a day of ever-increasing joy!