Our human individuality is like the uniqueness of creative cooking. Yes, not following a recipe can lead to some mistakes, but it can also lead to a unique and expanding tasting experience. You may be a rule-breaker or a strict rule-follower, but know this: In the bhakti tradition, we follow the Supreme Creative Rule Breaker—GOD! 

This creative cooking metaphor shows the unlimited variety of individuality in this world, where each of us has a unique combination of complex “baggage,” or what is called samskaras in Sanskrit. Note that this “baggage” is always a combination of qualities that are both favorable and not so favorable for spiritual and material life. 

This article would be lacking if it did not mention the essential need for a guide or guru. Trial and error are the options to following the advice of self-realized teachers. Do we learn through personal experiences, risking many mistakes along the journey, or do we learn by hearing from an expert guide? The choice is ours.  

Patanjali comments in the Yoga Sutras that we can never completely eliminate our samskaras but that our relationship with them can transform! We have the free will to embrace both the good and the learning opportunities (some mistakenly call these “bad”). To repeat what someone joked to me as a play on the word samskaras: We can have “some scars” or “many scars and part of our individual journeys is to embrace and learn who we are. Yes, we are eternal spirit souls. Yes, “we” are eternal and full of knowledge and happiness. At the same time, we are each unique individuals. As such, while being unique means we are not identical to anyone else, we also have some common ground with all souls in human bodies. Here are three of our many “common ground” considerations to make steady progress along our personal journeys. 

1. GRATITUDE – It has been said that ALL “sins” or offenses can be linked to a lack of gratitude. This attitude of ingratitude is arguably present in all deviations from all spiritual paths, including Krishna consciousness. 
2. ACCEPTANCE – Why? Ultimately and eternally, we are who we are. Popeye the Sailor Man is a fictional character known in cartoons and movies. His theme song is “I am what I am, and that’s all that I am!” As we mature, we gradually learn the importance of accepting ourselves first. To whatever extent we accept ourselves, then, and only then, can we accept and embrace all others.  
3. POSITIVITY – We all know at least one person who seems to wake up with a smile every day. There are so many scientific and clinical studies showing the benefits of a positive attitude to mental, physical, and emotional well-being. But is there also a spiritual benefit to being happy and optimistic? The answer is a resounding YES! After all, in this world of duality, the vast majority of us are influenced by both material and spiritual energies. I would argue that spiritual positivity does not negate being realistic about this temporary world but adds a shining light to this otherwise challenging world, which is full of both happiness and distress. 

On a very personal note, during a recent visit to Vrindavan, one day, my contemplation led me to look inside at my shortcomings in these three areas (among others!). The result was an expression/acronym that acts as a daily reminder. I call it “Filling the GAP.” This acts as a personal reminder that my tank should be filled more and more with GAP, namely, Gratitude, Acceptance, and Positivity. 

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