My Quest for Mental Clarity

Here are a few things that helps me to get closer to achieving strength and clarity.

Hi there, dear friend.

I want to share an incredible dream I had many years ago, one that has left an permanent mark on my soul and will undoubtedly stay with me until my time here is done. I had been with my spiritual teacher and mentor for about 4 years at the time, meditating every day, studying and digging deep into the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali (the science of the mind and the Yoga philosophy). Sri Swami Satchidananda, the guru of my teacher, was someone I had never met in person, but he appeared to me one night in a dream that I can still vividly remember. He gave me a big loving hug from behind. I can still feel the tickle of his beard against my cheek as he whispered two powerful words in my ear: "Strength and Clarity." Those simple, yet profound words resonated deeply within me, and I knew they held the key to transforming my life.

I woke up the next morning feeling super-grateful and with huge excitement. I realized that these two qualities—Strength and Clarity—were exactly what I yearned for in my life. I wanted and needed strength and clarity in my life. If I could have that, well, then my life would be so much better on many levels. Now how to get there?

For me the clarity part has been, and still is, a challenge sometimes. Strength, on the other hand, seems to come more naturally to me. It’s like with Yoga; people go and do the physical part of Yoga, which is actually only 10% of what Yoga is. Strengthening the body is relatively straight-forward, but training the mind—that's an entirely different muscle, requiring discipline, patience, and persistent.

Here are a few things that helps me to get closer to achieving strength and clarity.

Meditation is the ultimate tool to de-clutter the mind and cultivate mental clarity. -However, the following still happens to me. I’m there, sitting on my favourite cushion, attempting to meditate like a wise one (cue the tranquil background mantras). As thoughts are bouncing around my mind like hyperactive monkeys, I take a deep breath, focus and let my thoughts go! It's time to take a vacation from the mind stuff. With each breath, I embrace the calmness of simply being. Through countless moments of restlessness in my mind (“did I remember to buy shampoo?”), I discovered that meditation isn't about being perfect—it's about showing up for my Self, even if my mind occasionally goes off on cosmic detours.

Simplifying and shedding the excess

Imagine stepping into a room and feeling a gentle exhale as you release the burden of clutter. The joy of simplifying lies in shedding the excess, be it physical possessions or mental baggage. It's about asking ourselves, "Do I truly need this?" and embracing the liberation that comes from letting go. Simplifying extends beyond the physical realm. It's about cultivating a mindful sanctuary within ourselves—a place of calm in the storm of life.

As I simplify more and more these days, I un-cover precious pockets of time that were once buried beneath the mind clutter. Suddenly, I find myself with moments to spare, like hidden treasures waiting to be discovered. These moments become the canvas for the extraordinary—the spontaneous adventure, the heartfelt connection, and the simple joy that make life truly remarkable.

The art of saying No

This one has never been an issue for me, but I wanted to write something short about it anyway, as I see it not being strong in many people around me. Having a firm no, is important. This little word holds incredible strength: "No." Its’ power lies in its ability to create boundaries and safeguard our well-being. By having a strong "No," we also reclaim our time, protect our energy, and honour our self-worth. So, stand tall and confidently wield this two-letter warrior, for it is a vital tool in shaping a life of authenticity and inner harmony.

Move your body and clear your mind

I used to be the laziest person there was. I was never into sports when young, it actually took me until my late thirties to start moving this meat suite. But in my quest for a crystal-clear mind, I discovered an unexpected ally: physical exercise. Not always fun to do, but boy does it feel great afterwards. Physical exercise not only strengthens your body, but also enhances mental clarity. It gets your blood pumping and endorphins flowing. To keep the moving going, I mostly do things that I enjoy, like playing padel with friends or dancing, rather than go running, which for me is hell. Make it fun, which makes it easier to keep it up and actually do it each week.

Unplug and Reconnect with Nature

My life is dominated by screens and technology, so it's crucial to unplug and reconnect with nature. I walk barefoot a lot. I even go out to restaurants and to visit friends mostly barefoot. I guess its part of Bali life. It makes me happy and I also feel the energy I get from Mother Earth. Nature has a way of grounding us, bringing us back to the present moment, and restoring mental clarity. Mother Nature, in all her wisdom, might whisper, "Breathe, my dear, and let clarity find you."

My journey to mental clarity is ongoing and in constant need of maintenance. I’m not an expert—I'm simply a fellow traveller sharing tales of trial and triumph. Achieving a pure and focused mind is an ongoing practice that requires intention, commitment, and self-awareness. By practices such as meditation, simplifying life, staying true to our Self’s, sweaty work outs, and being with nature, we can gradually unlock the power of a clearer mind.

Remember, mental clarity is not a destination, but a continuous journey of self-discovery and growth. Be patient with your-Self, and enjoy the transformation. May your thoughts be as sparkly as disco balls, and may clarity find you in the most unexpected moments.

Until next week. Stay grateful, curious and true to you.

Much love,

Kim