Dear Choose Happy Community,

The way we speak to ourselves matters more than we realize. This teaching reminds us that our thoughts don’t just pass through us—they shape the energy we live in every day. When self-criticism or self-rejection becomes constant, it disconnects us from the light, peace, and goodness already within us.

Healing begins by becoming aware of the thoughts we are feeding and gently choosing something different. More kindness. More compassion. More truth. The more we reconnect with the light within ourselves, the more available we become to bring that same light into the world around us.

Here’s one of our favorite quotes from the video:

“ The Buddha makes it very, very clear that the effect of my thoughts follow me as surely as my shadow follows me. I am going to be the first one who experiences the effects of my thoughts.

“So what thoughts am I thinking? Am I thinking thoughts that are sweet-smelling, that are conscious of the divine light that is at the core of my being, that are conscious of the divine light that is at the core of that person who is so suffering?His words, ‘What peace can I have from God who hath taken from me peace and every good thing, and hath made me all rotten and stinking? I stink so greatly that I cannot endure my own self.’

“So that’s the energy of self-reviling. And so for each of us to heal and cleanse any energy of self-reviling that we have, because that keeps us from being optimally available and present and of service wherever divine light wants to be present and of service through us.”

We also shared this video on YouTube, but wanted you to be able to have it on your Substack video player as well, in case you prefer that.

Having it on Substack makes it easy for you to see any other podcasts, videos, articles, or full meditation services that might be available in the Expansion Within Expansion by clicking here.

If you have heard this teaching before, we invite you — as Swami so often invites us — to hear it as if you are hearing it for the first time. Often we receive these teachings right when we need them.

In loving service,Awake Yoga Meditation

Everything available to a paid subscriber. Are you one yet?

This is a free post made available to everyone. If you are not yet a paid subscriber to Choose Happy with Swami Nityananda, consider becoming one today to receive exclusive audio talks, articles, meditation service replays, access to the archives, and so much more.

Podcast Episodes*: All Episodes

Darshan Articles*: All Articles

From the Founder Series: All Series • Mantra Series • St. Francis Prayer Series

Live Meditation Replays: All Services • Index of All Services by Series • Sunday Meditation Services • Tuesday Darshan Meditation Services • Friday Night Healing Meditation Services • Satsangs

Book Excerpts**: All Excerpts • Satsang with Swami Shankarananda

Workshops (formerly eCourses): All Workshops • The Spiritual Art of Intentions: Creating a Life You Love • Pillars of Self-Realization: 50 Days with Swami Shankarananda • Love: The Eternal Flame of Life Within You • Wisdom: Discovering the Peace in Our True Nature

*Also available to Free Subscribers**Select posts also available to Free Subscribers

Consider making a financial contribution to Awake Yoga Meditation

Your generosity makes it possible for AYM to share Kriya Yoga, meditations, and teachings of truth with people around the world. It also allows the community to support the presiding teacher’s Dakshina (reimbursement of basic living expenses for housing, transportation, and insurance). The presiding teacher for Awake Yoga Meditation is Swami Nityananda.

Consider making a financial contribution to Swami’s Bowl

As the presiding teacher, Swami Nityananda selflessly offers her wisdom without taking a salary from Awake Yoga Meditation. Your gift honors her giving and ensures she can continue to share her invaluable teachings. The tradition of meditation communities like Awake Yoga Meditation is to support the presiding teacher’s Dakshina (reimbursement of basic living expenses for housing, transportation, and insurance). All of the other myriad expenses of life are offered from student to teacher through Swami’s Bowl.

Choose Happy with Swami Nityananda is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit awakeyogameditation.substack.com/subscribe