Each and every person on earth has two planes: a lower plane and a higher plane.

The lower plane consists of the body, senses, mind and intellect. This is where most of the "soap operas of life" happen.

The higher plane or higher nature is related to the in-dwelling power or spirit present in each of us. As the Universal Power sustains the whole universe, so does this Inner Power sustain what constitutes our lower nature.

This power we have in us is free and infinite, yet it is only sparingly used. That is why we suffer from the debilitating effects of stress, anxiety, fear, attachment, hatred and anger, which are so detrimental to our inner peace, fulfillment and joy of life.

In our higher nature, we are all free and aware and joyful. The purpose of this column is to help every reader first understand his or her two natures, and then balance them in a wholesome way so that life may be enjoyed to its fullest extent. We are here to enjoy and when we encounter suffering, we should learn to positively respond to it by exploring its purpose. Being joyful is an inner state of ‘Just Being’.

"Just Being" is a ‘three steps process’:

Truthfulness is establishing in the freedom of ultimate reality by:

- Knowing and understanding what we are meant to be.

- Accepting reality as it is and not as we will and wish it to be.

- Listening to our inner voice, as it whispers when we are still.

- Being responsible for the quality of our lives.

- Following our heart’s aspirations in our actions.

- Leaving the outcomes to the Universal Divine Spirit in charge of the universe

Awareness is knowing and using the knowledge we acquired in Step One in responding to all situations. Ask yourself: Am I responding to this situation as someone who is connected to Universal Power? If not, go back and revisit the situation. Keep doing so until you automatically respond from the connection, whatever your circumstances.

Step 3: Blissfulness

Entering the realm of peace and infinite bliss is the ultimate purpose of life and the supreme gift to us all.

A blissful person delights in the flow of unlimited energy and vitality, inward and outward; effortlessly floats on the river of universal power and love; finds contentment in everything they do and experience; becomes aligned and unified with the Divine Almighty "I AM...."; is freed from all struggle and adversity, and becomes an inspiration to others.

The onus is on us: we can all achieve these splendors in the course of time.

In future columns, I will help you learn to cultivate this higher plane and enjoy life in a wholesome way.