“All mental weaknesses come to an end by self-effort based on the wisdom which arises in one who is firmly rooted in self-knowledge. The distress of the mind is got rid of by enquiry into the nature of the self. One should enquire in one’s own mind, ‘What are these moods and modes and feelings that arise within me?’ By such enquiry, your mind expands. When you realise your true nature by such enquiry, you are not disturbed by exultation and depression. The mind abandons the past and the future, and thus its fragmented functioning. Then you experience supreme peace. When you are in that state of tranquillity, you take pity on all those who revel in great wealth and secular power. When you have gained self-knowledge and when your consciousness has infinitely expanded, your mind no longer falls into the cesspool of this world, even as an elephant does not enter a puddle. It is only the little mind that seeks little pleasure and power.”
— Venkatesananda, Supreme Yoga
This passage deeply resonates with me and maybe it will for you too.
So often we search outside of ourselves for peace, for purpose, for validation. But as Venkatesananda reminds us, true peace begins with enquiry, deep and honest enquiry into the self.
We all have moods, stories, internal states that come and go. Some days we feel inspired, others we feel overwhelmed, heavy, or stuck. But rather than being swept up in them, we can pause and ask:
“What is this feeling? Where is it coming from?”
That simple act of self-inquiry—not judgment, just curiosity—can expand your awareness. And from there, the mind begins to quiet. The grip of the past and the anxiety of the future loosen. You begin to touch a peace that isn’t dependent on things going right, but on being rooted in who you truly are.
I know how it feels to fall into the highs and lows, to crave validation, to hustle for worth.
But there’s so much power in stepping back, breathing deeply, and asking yourself the bigger questions, not with pressure to fix anything, but with the intention to see more clearly.
You are not your moods. You are not your thoughts. You are not your history.
You are something far deeper, unchanging, whole, and wise.
The journey toward that realisation takes patience and courage, but I promise you, it’s worth it.
With love and light,
Ani x