Grow your joy and spirituality with these top inspirational speakers 

Aug 14, 2022 News

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==The Social Edge==

By Kiana Wilburg

Kaieteur News – From a young age, I have always known that there is no simple formula for leading a happy life. There are intricately interwoven routes we must all choose to walk to find our version of bliss and contentment. From my experience however, there is one path in particular that I have always sought to be a knowledge seeker of—the spiritual path.

If you search for the definition of spirituality, one might encounter varying descriptions. Some experts say it is synonymous with a “higher consciousness, transcendence, self-reliance, and love.” Others define it as a recognition of a higher power beyond one’s self; a kaleidoscope of faith, enlightenment, community, self-actualisation, compassion, forgiveness, and grace. Clearly, it can take on many different facets.

Importantly, there are different vehicles one can use to arrive at their spiritual destination. This week’s installment of the Social Edge does not in any way seek to compel or persuade readers on how they ought to take the spiritual path, but rather, to encourage consideration of the possibility that the pursuit of spiritual intelligence and capital can help you unlock greater joy, happiness and overall, peace of mind.

Spiritual capital, as referenced earlier, is the collection of beliefs, knowledge, values and dispositions. By growing it in a healthy way, one can improve mental health, feel a greater sense of purpose and peace, experience better confidence and self-control, achieve greater control of our emotions, and even improve relations with others.

For me, growing my spiritual capital manifests itself in absorbing those principles, lessons or teachings of motivational speakers from all walks of life and religious backgrounds. They not only remind you that you aren’t alone in dealing with the vicissitudes of life (some of which can leave you overcome with self-hate and a crippling sense of loneliness); but they also share their experiences in overcoming some of life’s trials.

Listed below are four of my top four motivational/inspirational speakers and some of their most well-known quotes. May their words of wisdom, serve in some way to add to your spiritual capital.

SADGHURU

Jagadish “Jaggi” Vasudev, known by the honorific title Sadhguru, is an Indian yoga guru and proponent of spirituality. He has been teaching yoga in southern India since 1982.

In 1992, he established the Isha Foundation near Coimbatore, which operates an ashram and yoga centre that carry out educational activities.

Named one of India’s 50 most influential people, Sadhguru’s work has touched the lives of millions worldwide given his unique abilities to make the ancient yogic sciences relevant to contemporary minds. His approach does not ascribe to any belief system, but offers powerful and proven methods for self-transformation.

An internationally renowned speaker and author of the New York Times Bestseller Inner Engineering: A Yogi’s Guide to Joy, Sadhguru has been an influential voice at major global forums including the United Nations and the World Economic Forum, addressing issues as diverse as socioeconomic development, leadership and spirituality. He is regularly invited to speak at leading educational institutions including Harvard, Yale, Oxford, Stanford, Wharton and MIT.

He is also behind Save Soil, a global movement launched to bring together people from around the world to increase the organic content in soil.

Below are some of his inspirational quotes which are rooted in empathy, a sense of community, and love for humanity.

• “Too many people are hungry not because there is dearth of food. It is because there is dearth of love and care in human hearts.”
• “Every moment there are a million miracles happening around you: a flower blossoming, a bird tweeting, a bee humming, a raindrop falling, a snowflake wafting along the clear evening air. There is magic everywhere. If you learn how to live it, life is nothing short of a daily miracle.”
• “When your happiness is dependent upon what is happening outside of you, constantly you live as a slave to the external situation.”
• “Don’t hold back your love, your joy, and your exuberance. Only what you give becomes your quality, not what you hold back.”
• “Whether you have anger, hatred, jealousy or resentment against someone, essentially, it only works against you.”

LES BROWN

Les Brown is considered one of the world’s most renowned motivational speakers. With his dynamic personality, he is a highly-sought-after resource in business and professional circles for Fortune 500 CEOs, small business owners, non-profit and community leaders from all sectors of society looking to expand opportunity and their thinking of the world.

As a premier Keynote Speaker and leading authority on achievement for audiences as large as 80,000—Les Brown energises people to meet the challenges of the world around them. He skillfully weaves his compelling life story into lessons on why you should not be complacent; why you should aim high, and seek to make an impact on the world. Below are a few quotes that embody the passion of Les Brown.

• “You don’t have to be great to get started, but you have to get started to be great.”
• “‎Someone’s opinion of you does not have to become your reality.”
• “Forgive yourself for your faults and your mistakes and move on.”
• “You will heighten your life by helping others heighten theirs.”
• “Don’t let the negativity given to you by the world disempower you. Instead, give to yourself that which empowers you.”

ANTHONY JAY ROBBINS

Anthony J. Robbins (Born Anthony J. Mahavoric) is a well-known American author, coach, speaker, and philanthropist.

Considered a Motivational guru, Robbins has empowered more than 50 million people from 100 countries around the world with his words of wisdom for more than four and a half decades.  Though Robbins has been encouraging people to live life to the fullest and achieve their dreams, he doesn’t often use the word “motivational” to describe his methods. That’s because his strategies are more than just words. They are not just intended to pump you up or instill unrealistic expectations. They’re intended to show you an entirely new way of perceiving life. They’re actionable insights you can put into practice right now.

Below are some of his most powerful quotes that have helped persons during some of their most trying circumstances.

• “The only thing that’s keeping you from getting what you want is the story you keep telling yourself.”
• “Your past does not equal your future.”
• “You see, in life, lots of people know what to do, but few actually do what they know. Knowing is not enough! You must take action.”
• “The secret of success is learning how to use pain and pleasure instead of having pain and pleasure use you. If you do that, you’re in control of your life. If you don’t, life controls you.”

IYANLA VANZANT

Rev. Dr. Iyanla Vanzant (born Rhonda Eva Harris) is another American inspirational speaker, lawyer, author, life coach, and television personality.

She is best known for her riveting work as the host of Iyanla Fix My Life on OWN (the Oprah Winfrey Network). A woman of passion, vision, and purpose, Dr. Vanzant embodies a no-nonsense approach in her message and teaching style. Outspoken, fiery, and wise, she is a living testament to the value and the power of acts of faith. The best part is that she enjoys teaching what she has learned from her most painful experiences.

Below are some of her most inspirational quotes that are sure to keep you encouraged.

• “Do not allow yesterday’s garbage to influence your experience today. It is unnecessary to punish yourself for being human.”
• “Be aware of how you treat yourself, because you set the standard for others.”
• “You have a right to say no…Your ‘no’ muscle has to be built up to get to a place where you can say, ‘I don’t care if that’s what you want. I don’t want that. No’.”
• “When we start the day with a spirit of joy, openness, peace and love, we put the universe on alert; we want more of the same.”
• “Everything you have done and been through is valuable and important. In order to be who you are, to know what you know, to be where you are in this moment, you needed to go through what you went through.”

It is my hope that the foregoing quotes have brightened your spirits and aided in some small way in filling your day with a sense of hope.

The Social Edge wishes you a peaceful and productive start to your Monday.

To share your thoughts on this week’s column, email me at: [email protected]

 

 

 

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