Your Life is Your Message by Eknath Easwaran is an small book with profound impact.
I’m feeling newly inspired by this precious book I bought almost ten years ago- (This title was inspired by the author’s hero, Mahatma Gandhi.) He addresses the grand agendas of a harmonious planet, global peace or changing the world by declaring that what matters most is how you live your own life. This is not a brand new thought, but it’s really sinking in more deeply. It feels so true.
He acknowledges many of our challenges such as poverty, drug abuse, tensions among various peoples, wars and increasing threats to our environment. The punch line keeps coming back to individuals’ own personal commitment to “quietly change the world by changing themselves.”
“The only way to influence people for the better—your family, your friends, your club, your class, your clinic, your society, even your enemies—is through your personal example. Harmony with the environment- the alleviation of our environmental crisis- and harmony with others- the easing of our social, political and economic difficulties—both begin with a third harmony: harmony with ourselves.”
He also talks about the importance of quality of life and the ripple effect beyond our self-focus that ultimately benefits others.
“People absorb something deep below the conscious level when they see a man who is at peace with himself.”
- Eknath Easwaran (1910–1999)
(BTW, I have fallen in love with this wise master teacher. Just look at that sweet face!) As we focus on enhancing the quality of our own lives, of becoming who we are meant to be, we are beginning to contribute to improved quality of life for all. Of course, this could be twisted or misinterpreted to give people permission to pursue hedonistic comforts and ego-driven self absorption. That’s clearly not the message. Think about it… When you authentically focus on “becoming your true self” (harmony with self) that is a spiritual revolution. That does lead to peace and prosperity for all. Your personal example and the energy you radiate and some tangible choices and actions you’re inspired to do (because you’ve evolved to be more in sync with your true spirit) are all relevant ways that you become a positive contributor.
This book grounds me in attention to self-transformation (and not leaping over that in favor of getting caught up in a frenzy about to-do’s for books, websites, press releases and such.) It calls me to be very awake to my personal example and helps me remember the importance of fueling a great quality of life for myself in order to continue supporting others in that quest.
My invitation to you is to appreciate the importance of enhancing your own quality of life. Look for ways to take good care of yourself and enjoy life. Trust that this is not merely frivolous or selfish. Actually, it makes all the difference in the world. :-)
Powerful Questions:
Reflect on "My life is my message." Ask yourself, What is my life saying today? How might I grow toward more harmony with myself? If I do, how might that make a difference in how I show up/contribute to the world?
