Writing for clarity and calm

Twenty-five years ago, I was asked to write a daily thought for students of Rajyoga. It had to be one substantive thought daily, intended to provoke reflection and deeper contemplation. To be universally acceptable, it could not include the words 'God' or 'soul'.

- JUDY JOHNSON

I was not much of a writer before I agreed to this seemingly simple request. I did not even journal, as I could not find anything interesting to tell my journal. I now understand that this request was a gift as it gave me the chance to deepen my own understanding of spiritual knowledge. To avoid jargon specific to Rajyoga, I wrote as if I was trying to explain to my close friends and family who are not in this study.

It continues to be a daily challenge I embrace; to be able to explain a spiritual concept in few words, while catching the essence of its true meaning. Some daily thoughts are more succinct and successful than others, but I welcome the challenge each day to clarify my own understanding in few words.

On the spiritual journey, writing can be a support to our study and daily discipline. It invites a person to delve deep into their understanding and not stay superficial, like a parrot, repeating the words of the teachings. Understanding spiritual knowledge at a deeper level begins to change our thinking. Slowly, over time, our world view is rearranged around the core concepts we write about.