WISDOM OF THE WEEK - Mirror Neurons

Human beings are deeply connected in ways we often fail to notice. Have you ever found yourself yawning after seeing someone yawn? Or felt tears gathering in your eyes while watching someone cry? Science calls these ‘mirror neurons’ — special cells in the brain that mimic the emotions of others. In a way, our minds constantly mirror the energy around us.

This is why who we surround ourselves with, matters so much. Thoughts, emotions, and attitudes silently travel from one person to another. We are all influencing each other every moment.

ENERGY IS CONTAGIOUS

Psychology calls this ‘emotional contagion’. Negativity spreads quickly. If we surround ourselves with people who constantly complain, blame others, avoid responsibility, or live without purpose, their energy slowly enters our own thinking. Stress, anger, fear, and sadness become contagious. One angry conversation can disturb the peace of an entire day.

On the other hand, positivity is equally contagious too. A loving person can inspire hope. A disciplined person can motivate action. A calm and joyful presence can remind us to breathe and slow down. A smile can soothe hearts without speaking a word.

Spiritual paths have always emphasized ‘satsang’ (an assembly or gathering of individuals who come together for spiritual growth, meditation, and inquiry into the truth).  Our minds become similar to whatever it repeatedly experiences. If we surround ourselves with kindness, wisdom, courage, and gratitude, those qualities naturally begin to grow within us.

SLAVE TO YOUR SURROUNDINGS?

There is an even deeper truth. If everyone is searching outside for “good people,” then where will these good people come from? At some point, we must stop depending on others for our peace and motivation.

The best companion we can ever have is our own true self. Yet many people have become strangers to themselves. The mind becomes so occupied with outside noise that inner wisdom is forgotten. Quiet moments help us reconnect with that deeper self.

When we learn to pause, we stop becoming slaves to our surroundings. Otherwise, we spend our lives reacting to whatever energy is available around us. Such a life remains dependent and unstable.

BE THE LIGHT

The real spiritual journey begins when we decide to become the source of good energy ourselves. Instead of waiting to find inspiring people, become someone whose presence inspires peace, responsibility, and joy in others.

The sun does not search for light outside; it shines from within. In the same way, when we nurture awareness, silence, compassion, and inner strength, our presence naturally uplifts others.

The world does not only need people who seek good company. It needs people who create it. The time is now to become the kind of person others feel peaceful around — not through actions, but through the energy of your being. Let's "be" what we are searching for outside.

Courtesy: Rajyoga Meditation Centre, Kingston (meditation courses and counselling are offered free of charge). Get in touch via email: bkmeditation.jam@gmail.com or WhatsApp: 876-853-7848. Follow them on Instagram: rajyoga_meditation_jamaica.