“The highest education is that which does not merely give us information but makes our life in harmony with all existence.” ~ Rabindranath Tagore

Harmony is “the combination of different musical notes played or sung at the same time to produce a pleasing sound”, and it is also, “a pleasing combination or arrangement of different things.” – Merriam-Webster.

Harmony can also be defined as internal calm or tranquillity. So, with this understanding of harmony, can we identify harmonic living as living in a manner that is not harmful to ourselves, others or the environment? What does it take to be a harmonic being and enjoy peace and harmony in all aspects of life?

Of course, recognizing what to do and putting what we understand into practice are two vastly different things. For instance, what good is it to have a Himalayan salt lamp for relaxation when instead you don’t take time to sit and relax or walk outside to enjoy natural light? Or why grow organic vegetables in your garden but continue to purchase processed food laced with aspartame, MSG and synthetic vitamins?

How to Shift to a State of Being

How can we shift from a state of knowing to a state of being? It begins with having confidence in your awareness of what it takes to create harmony.

• Have confidence in your determination to only purchase products that are safe and healthy rather than what is convenient or “popular”.
• Have confidence in your communication with others – how you speak and interact with others at home and at work.
• Have confidence in how you choose to spend your time and money rather than live on the auto-pilot of consumerism and busyness.
• Allow harmony to be your first goal in everything you do.

There are times while enjoying time in a café that I hear small groups of people talking – so often it appears to me that some people have an incessant need to have the last word or interject the most sensational comment as if they are in a competition, not a conversation. Why not practice active listening instead? The next time you are engaged in a conversation, try sitting in peace and attend to what your friend is saying with interest and compassion.

If you learn that someone has done something a little differently from you, rather than choose to compare and criticize their actions, consider appreciating their attempt instead.

When we allow our words and actions to be driven by our egos, we narrow our view of the world. By focusing only on the “me”, we lose sight of the bigger picture, the bigger lesson or message.

Alternatively, choose to be present with those around you. This may sound like an insurmountable goal given all of the technological distractions we have in society today, but it is achievable and a worthy endeavor.

Being present takes discipline and by discipline, I don’t mean something unpleasant or a chore but ideally, discipline as an organic process that expands naturally from within, driven by your preferences and your values.

Being present means embracing a state of simplicity – I implore you to put away the pacifiers (gizmos, gadgets, earplugs and the like) and simply look, observe and appreciate the people around you, the people you live and work with.

At home, make a collaborative effort to connect as a family. Why not try a techno-diet together by turning off your cell phones and stay away from Facebook when everyone is at home together?

If you work in an office, rather than take the easy avenue to communicate with a coworker through email, I challenge you to get out of your comfort zone and walk over and talk to her. 

Pay attention to the good deeds that others do and find ways to offer praise. Acknowledge the goodness in others with a kind word, a compliment, kudos, and gratitude.

When you allow yourself to see the goodness in the world and in others you will experience a great sense of healthy wholesomeness and you will be more inclined to project that goodness to others.

Trust in yourself and your ability to choose the highest good at all times. Know that you are equipped with the knowledge you need to create health and harmony in your home and workspace – all you need to do is apply it to your daily living.

Remember, harmony is about pleasing…pleasing sounds, a pleasing combination or arrangement of different things. By choosing to please ourselves and others through practicing the highest good at all times, we create harmony in our lives. Harmony equals tranquillity and who doesn’t want to achieve a higher state of peacefulness and tranquillity in our homes, our sacred spaces and in our lives?

I encourage you to continue seeking ways to increase harmony in your life and start applying the principles of harmonic living to every moment of your day.