Exam week is finally here! It is undoubtedly an extremely stressful time for everyone. This is a time when we often feel run down and easily lose track of what is really important when it comes to the big picture. In April, the women of Delta Gamma hosted an event called, Hiding in Unnatural Happiness, with Devamrita Swami in anticipation of exam week.
Devamrita Swami was raised in New York City and studied at Yale. All throughout college he sought out a solution to the world’s problems, but he did not find his true passion until after college. After graduating, he discovered the Krishna bhakti tradition of yoga and found that he was strongly connected to this teaching. He became a Krishna monk and now travels around the world to speak about this tradition. He explained that physical yoga, which many people participate in, is the first rung on the yoga ladder. The study of bhakti-yoga is the highest rung on the yoga ladder that strives to discover the non-material self. In addition to his studies as a monk, Swami is the author of several books. His visit to American University focused primarily on his book, Hiding in Unnatural Happiness.
Devamitri explained to his audience that there are many distractions in life that cause stress, but the primary distraction for many is the continual drive to achieve success. This is a pressure that many AU students experience on a daily basis. However, there are two kinds of success, according to Swami: outer and inner boxes of success. The outer box consists of achievements like good grades, internships, and awards. We often see our lives as if we are in a race or climbing a ladder to gain these things in life. This mentality leaves some people as winners, but most as losers, causing high levels of stress and anxiety. Swami explained that anxiety is “nature’s way to let you know you are barking up the wrong tree.” But if we do not focus on outer success, then what are we working toward? That is where the second box of success comes in. This inner box contains fulfillment. These are the sucesses that are more personal. Instead of viewing life as a race, Swami suggests that we view it as a tree or a compass. You care for yourself first, but then you strive to give shelter or direction to others.
Lastly, he talked about how some people say that “true enjoyment is the remembrance it leaves behind.” He argued that if it you have found true happiness then it should remain with you, instead of being just a fleeting moment. So, even though exams are the main focus this week, take some time to consider these ideas and how you can apply it to your own life.
Thank you to Delta Gamma for putting together a wonderful event, and broadening the awareness of the AU community with such a fascinating and new subject.
To hear Devamrita Swami’s podcasts, or buy his books visit his website here.