Day 11 : Aspiration

“To understand the heart and mind of a person, look not at what he has already achieved, but at what he aspires to.” – Kahlil Gibran

Aspiration is the taste for supreme adventure.

A hope or ambition of achieving something that is Good, True or Beautiful. It arises not from one’s ego, but as a soul-force. As The Mother says, “An idea or thought that takes hold of you completely and flings you, without calculation, without reserve and without any possibility of withdrawal, into the great adventure of divine discovery, the great adventure of the divine meeting, the yet greater adventure of the divine realization.” It is a single pointed plan – intense and long.

The story of Parvati and her longing to marry Shiva, is a metaphor for the individual soul’s ardent desire to unite with Supreme Consciousness (Shiva), and achieve freedom and fulfillment in this embodied life.

This divine desire is aspiration. In some traditions it is called a holy yearning or longing. This is different from the craving of the ego, which constricts you. The soul’s longing liberates you.

Reflection

  • Where in the story do you find the quality of Aspiration?
  • How is the main character, Parvati relevant in today’s day and age?
  • Do I consider Aspiration as my strength?
  • What higher desire, for something good, true or beautiful, do I truly aspire for?
  • On a scale of 1-10 how do I rate myself the power of my Aspiration and why?
  • If I were to be honest with myself knowing that I am completely accepted for who I am – what is it that stops me from aspiring?
  • If I were to relax something that blocks me from connecting with the quality of Aspiration, what is it? And what can I relax and let go, offer it up my higher-self for release, now?

Invitation to Commitment

  • What attitude or practice do I commit to, in order to strengthen my Aspiration?
  • How will I stay present to the quality of Aspiration and bring it to all my dealings today?

Do share your experience with this quality that is key in building clarity around our real hopes and dreams. It is a fire that rises up unwaveringly, keeping you focused on your true goal and mission.

Nilima Bhat
Co-author – Shakti Leadership