Invoke your powers

The eight arms of Ma Shakti symbolise the eight powers in every soul. The demons slain by Devi Durga during Navaratra, nine nights, symbolise our vices. Invoking Ma Shakti implies invoking our Ashta-shakti, eight powers, to eradicate our weaknesses and to awaken the divinity within. These eight inner powers are:

Power to withdraw: When we encounter difficult scenarios, we need to remain untouched by the negative vibrations of situations and behaviours of people. Instead of impulsively reacting out of stress or anger, we need to remain calm, stable, and then respond to the scene.

Affirmation: ‘I am detached from the energy of the scene. I connect to my powers and respond peacefully. I defeat my demons of ego and anger.’

Power to let go: We need to consciously release emotional burdens that weigh us down: past emotional pains, negative self-image, guilt, wrong habits, and addictions. Thereby we welcome new and right ways of thinking and living.

Affirmation: ‘I release everything that is uncomfortable for me. I remain light and easy. I defeat my demons of dependencies and hurt.’

Power to withstand: People often carry traits of insecurity, jealousy, rejection, or betrayal which make them behave in wrong ways. They are not the cause of our pain; they themselves are in pain. This understanding empowers us to naturally accept and empathise with them.

Affirmation: ‘I observe people’s behaviour with empathy. My respect is their healing. I defeat my demons of arrogance and rejection.’

Power to accept: Accepting people or situations as they are, does not mean we let them be the way they are. It means we do not  deplete our energy in being judgemental. Let’s accept, remain in the present, and focus on the solution.

Affirmation: ‘I am happy and contented as I flow with life. Situations may not be my way, but my mind is perfect. I defeat my demons of expectations and sorrow.’

Power to discern: We typically focus on people’s appearance, behaviour, or status. This is the reason we sometimes get misled. If we cleanse our energy through meditation, we can feel their vibrations, and understand people and situations as they are.