Have a look at this and pursue it if it's of interest. I spent 6 years at VA, and it transformed my life. If clarity is your interest, then i highly recommend it: https://vedanta.info/vedanta-academy/
Thank you for sharing your journey here, Meredith, an adventure indeed (as your mother said). The question that arises in me is : how much suffering does it take? How much suffering do we need to be in to turn inward? I, too, had suffering that led me inward - most specifically, my divorce, then my daughter's depression, then the sickness and death of my best friend (Miriam, who was also my aunt and mother-figure).
I'm grateful for the pain. I'm grateful for the suffering. As it led me out of the illusion and into the Truth. 🙏✨🕉️
I resonate deeply with your path, though I haven't yet had the opportunity to live in India, though I visited twice in the past 6 years. Raising 5 kids and working as a surgeon kept me busy, but next year I'll be an empty nester and look forward to some travel freedom :)
Thank you, Meredith, for Being. Thank you for showing up to the Truth of this life. 🙏💗
You know all this suffering is helping us to wake up. I guess the amount of suffering has to do with our stubbornness, and our willingness to surrender.
I’m so sorry to hear about your losses, quite similar to my own.
Can I ask, when was the divorce? Or perhaps you can point me in the direction of where I will read about this more? I’m very interested. Glad I found you.
I agree, the question is : how much suffering is enough?
I feel that the strong ego-construct of Western culture contributes somehow to how long it takes, and how many people have the courage to surrender to the Truth.
Thank you for taking an interest in my journey. I've been on Substack nearly a year, and wrote out my Life in Bullet Points to share my journey openly and honestly. Here's the link in case you feel inspired to dive in. 🙏
Yes, definitely it’s ego and the more stubborn the ego the more the Mac trucks!! So, as to how much suffering is enough, it depends on the individual. Those trucks will keep coming until there’s surrender. Have you read the Bhagavad Gita?
That's such a good story to read Meredith, thankyou so much for sharing - full of inspiring Truth - it beckons us to become who we all Truly Are! To think, to feel, to do, to just be who we truly are! To Know Thyself is the first step - thankyou:_)
"The church of my childhood had told me what to believe. This Swami was showing me how to think, how to manage my emotions, and gain peace."
I think that Vedanta has been whispering to me for much longer than I've known of it's existence. It coincides with so much that I've known to be Truth, for so long. I am very thankful to have found these words.🙏
What a journey!!!
For a long time I thought of reading Vedanta.
The very reason I wanted to study is the same, 'How to think'...
Thank you so much for writing this article...
A careful study of Vedanta will give you peace and clarity (clear thinking). I’d recommend visiting the Vedanta Academy in India. Where are you?
I am in India, Odisha...
Have a look at this and pursue it if it's of interest. I spent 6 years at VA, and it transformed my life. If clarity is your interest, then i highly recommend it: https://vedanta.info/vedanta-academy/
Thank you so much for sharing the link Meredith. 🤗🤗🤗
Thank you for sharing your journey here, Meredith, an adventure indeed (as your mother said). The question that arises in me is : how much suffering does it take? How much suffering do we need to be in to turn inward? I, too, had suffering that led me inward - most specifically, my divorce, then my daughter's depression, then the sickness and death of my best friend (Miriam, who was also my aunt and mother-figure).
I'm grateful for the pain. I'm grateful for the suffering. As it led me out of the illusion and into the Truth. 🙏✨🕉️
I resonate deeply with your path, though I haven't yet had the opportunity to live in India, though I visited twice in the past 6 years. Raising 5 kids and working as a surgeon kept me busy, but next year I'll be an empty nester and look forward to some travel freedom :)
Thank you, Meredith, for Being. Thank you for showing up to the Truth of this life. 🙏💗
You know all this suffering is helping us to wake up. I guess the amount of suffering has to do with our stubbornness, and our willingness to surrender.
I’m so sorry to hear about your losses, quite similar to my own.
Can I ask, when was the divorce? Or perhaps you can point me in the direction of where I will read about this more? I’m very interested. Glad I found you.
Thank you for your reply, Meredith.
I agree, the question is : how much suffering is enough?
I feel that the strong ego-construct of Western culture contributes somehow to how long it takes, and how many people have the courage to surrender to the Truth.
Thank you for taking an interest in my journey. I've been on Substack nearly a year, and wrote out my Life in Bullet Points to share my journey openly and honestly. Here's the link in case you feel inspired to dive in. 🙏
https://open.substack.com/pub/tamyfaierman/p/me-myself-and-i-but-not-a-narcissist?r=eg9g9&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false
Yes, definitely it’s ego and the more stubborn the ego the more the Mac trucks!! So, as to how much suffering is enough, it depends on the individual. Those trucks will keep coming until there’s surrender. Have you read the Bhagavad Gita?
Will read your story now 🙏
Agreed, Meredith. Each of our journeys is unique, yet fundamentally they are all the same journey. The journey of awakening.
I have not read the Bhagavad Gita from fluidly, start to finish, but I have read it in snippets.
I’d love to know your 3 biggest life altering , practical, lessons from the Gita?
Well said. We are all on the journey to awakening.
You've given me something to think about here. Narrowing it down to three is difficult. This may be worthy of a post. My pick would be:
1. Right action
2. Non-attachment
3. Liberation
You haven't asked, but here's my recommendation, because there are many commentaries on the Gita.
https://www.amazon.com.au/Bhagavad-Gita-Parthasarathy-Swami-Parthasarathy/dp/9381094039
Thank you, Meredith, for engaging in the challenging exercise of choosing 3 lessons. I knew it was a big ask :)
Would love to read a more in depth post from you about it.
My path has been along the Buddhist path, but the overlap is substantial. They both share the same soil.
And thank you for the recommendation, will read it. 🥰🙏
An amazing journey. Thank you for sharing it.
Thank you Steven
what an absolutely beautiful story! Thank you for sharing :). I am happy we found each other!
Am also very happy to have found you Rachel.
That's such a good story to read Meredith, thankyou so much for sharing - full of inspiring Truth - it beckons us to become who we all Truly Are! To think, to feel, to do, to just be who we truly are! To Know Thyself is the first step - thankyou:_)
Thank you Amilia. Hope everything is going well for you.
hi meredith - all is good, thankyou. i sent you an email @ happy intellect last tuesday - not sure if you received it:_)
Got it. Will reply via text as I don't use that email anymore.x
Oke doke - thanks for letting me know Meredithxx
Will have a look now.
"The church of my childhood had told me what to believe. This Swami was showing me how to think, how to manage my emotions, and gain peace."
I think that Vedanta has been whispering to me for much longer than I've known of it's existence. It coincides with so much that I've known to be Truth, for so long. I am very thankful to have found these words.🙏
Vedanta has a way of confirming what the heart already knows to be true. i’m so glad that Vedanta resonates so deeply with you MJ.