Life often brings moments that test not just the body, but the spirit. My prolonged mysterious illness was one such turning point, a period that stretched my patience, faith, and inner strength. Yet, within this challenge, I discovered the profound power of spirituality, not merely as a belief or ritual, but as a living force that uplifts, strengthens, and heals from within.

Three Deeper Lessons That Transformed Me

1. The True Experience of Being a Soul

This illness helped me truly grasp what it means to be a soul — the master of my thoughts, intellect, and sanskars.

Earlier, when negative thoughts arose, they would often multiply and pull me down. Now, I remind myself: I am not my thoughts; I am their master. I can choose higher, purer thoughts. For example, if a critical thought about someone surfaces, I consciously replace it with a blessing, knowing that each soul is on its own journey and responsible for its own karma.

As the master of my intellect, I learned to stay constructively engaged even when my body felt weak. During fever or fatigue, when I couldn’t work, I would listen to Gita shlokas. Their vibrations filled me with calm strength. And as soon as I recovered, I would return to work with renewed enthusiasm, no longer feeling helpless or stuck.

As the owner of my sanskars, I realized that even ingrained patterns could be transformed. By gently reminding myself, I began to change small habits and postures, each shift bringing a quiet sense of empowerment.

2. Facing Uncertainty with Faith

This illness was full of unknowns, inconclusive medical reports, extended treatments, and the fear of side effects or even job loss due to prolonged leave. Yet amid all this, my courage came from seeing Shiv Baba (the Supreme Soul) as my constant companion.

In meditation, I often visualized His hand holding mine, steady, reassuring, and full of love. That image gave me deep security and peace. I reminded myself that pain belongs only to the body, the soul is eternal, untouched, and free.

Even the awareness of time, that we are in Kaliyug, the age of sorrow, soon to be followed by Satyug, the age of truth and peace, brought comfort. It reminded me that every scene in the world drama, however difficult, is temporary and beneficial in its own way.

3. Rising Above Pain Through Spiritual Focus

Meditation became my true medicine. Whenever I faced painful injections or procedures, I consciously shifted my focus away from the body and toward “seva”, sending peaceful vibrations to nature and to others who might be in pain.

In that moment of giving, my own discomfort eased. That is the silent wonder of spirituality: when you share peace, you receive peace in return. Through this, I realized that the endurance of the soul far exceeds the fragility of the body.

A Closing Reflection

Earlier, spirituality for me was a belief system, something I practiced and respected. But through this illness, it became real. I understood that spirituality is not an escape from pain; it is the strength to face it with peace.

Through Baba’s loving guidance, I have experienced how remembrance can transform suffering into surrender, uncertainty into trust, and helplessness into power.

Recently, I finally received a diagnosis for my long mystery illness, and I am recovering well. Looking back, I see that this experience was never a punishment, it was a blessing in disguise, a divine classroom for my soul.

From this journey, one eternal truth has settled in my heart:

When I connect with the Divine within, nothing in this world can truly harm me.