Last week on Rise in Freedom, Gita reflected on the covid pandemic and how to find our way through uncertain times. Continuing that theme, the pandemic and times like it may well have be times when, like the brilliant writer PG Wodehouse’s character Bertie Wooster once inquired:

“There are moments, Jeeves, when one asks oneself, ‘Do trousers matter?'” to which his faithful valet Jeeves’ stoically replied: “The mood will pass, sir.” 

Beyond the philosophical question of trousers in moments of dejection and difficulty, the world today is a hotbed of rapid change and uncertainty, making the quest for peace a spiritual obligation. But raising our consciousness isn’t just a personal endeavor; it is a collective necessity that can transform society from the ground up.

In his book Hope for a Better World, Swami Kriyananda emphasized that the solution to humanity’s challenges is not in changing systems but elevating consciousness: “What will raise humanity…is a higher consciousness – something that groups, particularly, can demonstrate.” This collective shift in consciousness can be much more effective and inspiring than isolated individual efforts. The monasteries of the Dark Ages are a classical example where collective spiritual practices helped to preserve and elevate civilization in times of global turmoil.

Swamiji also describes the disintegration of old, form-bound consciousness and the emergence of a more flowing, intuitive consciousness. He writes: “We are at a time of a greater awakening of the spirit, not just sort of an intuitive flow in our work and in our dealings and so on, but a greater awareness of who we really are.” This shift involves recognizing that energy is the fundamental force behind our actions and thoughts. By becoming more aware of this energy and working with it consciously, we can better navigate the complexities and difficulties of life.

In times of global instability and change, the greatest reforms will come from small groups made up of dedicated individuals rather than through systemic or political efforts. Ananda is one such group, made up of countless individuals dedicated to sincere practice of yoga, meditation, service and devotion to uplift consciousness. While there are many such groups creating positive change, the majority of humankind only spins the wheels of the world’s problems in place. Again on this subject Swamiji writes: “Human problems have their roots deep in human nature. Their only possible solution lies quite outside the political arena – in a broad shift of consciousness.” And rather than the simple fact of the noble Jeeves’ truth that “the mood will pass”, there lies a far greater opportunity at the heart of it.

Interestingly, the most dark and difficult times of change can serve as the catalyst for the greatest spiritual awakening and growth. Many saints and mystics have foretold of great suffering, cataclysm and economic disaster. But these objectively negative experiences hold a secret key of transformation for all those who can leverage it. Everyone who is alive during a given period of global challenge shares a common karma, one which earnest spiritual seekers consciously choose to live and grow through.

Not only can we weather any storms that come, we can each put our trousers on to create tremendous positive change–raising our individual and collective consciousness. The effects will ripple out and bring greater peace and harmony throughout the world, and serve as a beacon of hope in challenging times.

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