An Account of my First Solo Day-Trip...

June is the time for my annual 15 days break. Usually we go out of town during this time, but this summer we decided to stay at home. To do something exciting, I planned a solo day-trip to some places I have never visited in Delhi. 

After working on the logistics of the trip, I started the day early, around 7:30 am on Thursday, 8th June.

I have been driving a car for the past 20 years, but my sense of direction needs improvement. Recalling the names of the roads, or following a route was always difficult for me. If someone else is driving, I'll never pay attention to the route. Throughout the journey I would just watch the scenery, listen to music, feel the cool breeze, observe people on the road or those in the passing vehicles, or just note the number plates of the vehicles on the road and mentally make some interesting permutations and combinations. I would ignore all the important landmarks on the entire route.

Whenever I had to drive to an unfamiliar location, I would start with confidence, but the moment I took a wrong turn, missed a signal or an important landmark, I would panic. I would feel irritated, insecure, apprehensive, and at times I would even feel very lonely. Many times, in the past, I would park my car and then just walk away in a state of trance. Then when I had to come back to my car, I would not remember where I had parked. This situation would then cause momentary panic, anger, and irritation. After locating the car, I would also realize the stupid behavior I had displayed all along. But then, that is how I was. I was comfortably living with my weakness, as it wasn't causing any major problem to me, unless, once in a while, when I had to come face to face with a situation like this. This wasn't a big thing, but still it was a part of my personality.

 Like this, there are so many experiences and situations that we face on day to day basis that bring forth the feelings of anxiety, harsh judgments, self pity, insecurity, anger, useless fears, lack of confidence, worries, or old wounding words from someone. We struggle with them, but may not pay much attention to finding a permanent cure to get rid of these feelings and live a happy and joyous lifestyle.

At the end of my day trip, I observed that this time, all along the day I was so comfortable and at ease. I drove with the credence of an expert solo traveller. There was no apprehension, no fear or anxiety at any point of time. I was able to enjoy the whole day to the fullest. I was wondering when I changed in this way. I understand that this was the result of regular practice of Sudarshan kriya and meditation. Day to day nothing seems to change, but pretty soon, everything is different. That is how Sudarshan Kriya works on you.

The Divine uses its varied instruments of wisdom and tender love to calm and strengthen the weaknesses in us in various ways. He also provides challenging situations for us to face realities and become stronger in our godly values, like those possessed by little children. Through introspection, 

with meditation, and by being in knowledge, we can get rid of negative emotions that are stuck in our body and mind.