Mastery is usually defined as be highly skilled or proficient in one or more areas of life. Self-Mastery takes this to its highest level. To be the Master of our own Self is to fully understand who we really are. It is a discovery of the Guru within, the inner guiding Light. It means taking full responsibility for our own lives. Mastery in this sense doesn’t mean to control in a negative way, it’s the realization that we are the Universe and that we and everything around us flows harmoniously together in the magnificent dance of our own creation.
The true Yogi is a master of everything in his or her life so Self-Mastery becomes the foundation for Spiritual Mastery. The first step is to become conscious of who we are and then we can master the gifts and talents that we have. Like our spiritual practice, the path of Self-Mastery unfolds throughout our life. It is an internal and self-directed journey, whose progress only we can determine.
The key to mastery in anything is practice, the more we practice, the more proficient we become. The term “spiritual practice” doesn’t only denote what we do but also implies the necessity of regularity. Without practice and dedication, there can be no mastery. As everything is a projection of the Self, we could practice and become a master of anything. By becoming a master of all the different areas of life, we would ultimately gain Self-Mastery. This, however, would be a long process. The shortcut is to go directly for the Self. By becoming a master of that which controls everything, we spontaneously become a master of everything. Maharishi Mahesh Yogi used to say, “Capture the fort and all the territory will be yours”. This is the victory of Self-Mastery.
Self-Mastery also requires patience, truthfulness, purity, impeccability and faith. The patience to accept what is and to know when to allow things to unfold in their own time. To be true not only in our words and actions but to be honest with ourselves. To be pure in our lifestyle through a healthy diet, regular exercise and good sleep. To be the best we can in all we do, with humility and respect. To have faith in the path we have chosen, faith in our teachers and faith in our ability to be masterful.
Let’s look at the steps we can take to unlock the full potential of our Self-Mastery.
Awareness
Our thoughts are constantly taking us into the future or the past so, consequently, this is where most people spend their lives. To be aware is to be present, to live in this moment, the NOW. To be aware is to always keep coming back to what is happening NOW. The NOW is where we connect with our Higher Self, with our Essence. Being aware is to witness our thoughts, emotions, actions and the world with non- attachment.
Meditation is the direct route which takes us into Pure Awareness in the silent spaces between our thoughts. However, right now, be aware of your breath flowing in and out. Be aware of any sensations in your body, be aware of your clothes touching your body. Be aware of the sounds around you, the sounds within you. Be aware of your thoughts and any emotions, effortlessly witnessing them coming and going. Now and any time during the day, when you’re eating, walking, working, doing anything, pause and ask yourself, “Who is listening, who is watching, who is smelling, tasting, feeling.” There’s a presence, a witness. This is your Higher Self. This is being aware.
Discernment/Choice
Everything in life before Self-Mastery is a choice. Our choices create the lives we live. When we allow the ego to control our choices, we live in lower vibrations. When we choose forgiveness, compassion and Truth, we move into our Mastery. To discern is to choose wisely. First, we need to be aware that there are choices and then to choose consciously, to become the conscious choice-maker. The subtlest level of discernment is to ask the heart for guidance so our choices come from love and not fear. When we ask, “What would my Higher Self do?”, we will always be true to ourselves. When we choose Light over darkness, the whole universe opens to support us.
This doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t use our common sense but always remember that first impulse from the heart when making the final decision.
Now you are aware, start becoming aware of your choices. Take one thing in your life that brings you discomfort and yet you keep doing it out of habit. Sit quietly, close your eyes, bring your awareness into your heart center and ask, “What do I need to change”. Then just listen. Don’t analyze, or judge, just listen to the voice of your heart.
Decision/Action/Focus
Once we have made our conscious choice, we need to have the courage to act on it. The ego is always waiting to distract us and the closer we approach Self-Mastery, the more powerful the distractions become. To
be focused on the path of Self-Mastery requires us to be one-pointed without being rigid. It requires us to stay alert, unemotional and mature. To be firm without oppression, to be resolved without judgment, to be strong with humility. It requires us to practice silence and stillness so our inner wisdom can reveal itself. Surrender to the Divine so when things don’t seem to be going our way, we realize there’s an even greater opportunity waiting for us. Self-Mastery also requires us to be courageous, to step out from the crowd and know that there’s no turning back.
Take your conscious choice and make a commitment to it, while still remaining unattached to its outcome. Be aware of the distractions, witness them and let them go. Stay focused but flexible. Look for the clues that will be sent to help you. Transmute any difficulties into opportunities. Trust your inner wisdom.
Realization/Manifestation
When we realize our Self Mastery, we radiate our Light and Divinity for all to enjoy. There is no need for choice in the regular sense because all our actions are spontaneously in alignment with Natural Law. We can neither harm or be harmed. We can still enjoy the limited, localized value of the senses, while at the same time roaming free in the non-local Supreme value, “In the world but not of it”. Happiness becomes bliss, separation becomes wholeness, our feminine and masculine qualities merge. We realize our Oneness. Fully awake in the I Am Presence, Pure Consciousness, Truth, Love. Commanders of the Light, fulfilling the promise of our Destiny.
Imagine what it will be like to have no boundaries, no limitations, to be free, for all your actions to be spontaneously correct, all desires spontaneously fulfilled. Imagine Self-Mastery, it’s here waiting for you right now.