Not Depending on the Changing at the Feet of Mā Devī
There is a natural tendency within us to depend on what we experience in the world. We feel supported by what we have, by the people around us, and by the situations that seem favourable. When these remain steady, we feel secure, and when they begin to change, something within becomes unsettled. Without noticing it fully, our peace begins to depend on what is constantly moving. Yet, if we observe quietly, everything we rely upon is changing. What comes stays for a while and then passes. The heart, in its simplicity, is not meant to depend on what cannot remain, it longs to rest in something that is steady through all change.
That steadiness begins the moment we come to the feet of Mā Devī.
To live at Her feet is to gently recognise the nature of what we depend upon. Whatever we gather, achieve, or experience is part of a flow, it arises, remains for some time, and then changes or leaves. This is not something distant; it is something we see again and again in our own life. Slowly, as understanding deepens, we begin to see that expecting permanence from what is temporary creates disturbance. When this is seen clearly, even briefly, something within begins to shift.
The disturbance we feel does not come from change itself, but from leaning on what is changing. We feel happy when things are in our favour and disturbed when they move away from us. In this way, our inner state keeps rising and falling. Even after experiencing this many times, we return again to the same pattern, depending on what cannot remain steady. This creates a cycle that continues unless it is understood.
But when we turn towards Mā Devī, something begins to settle within.
We start to see that the world is not the problem; it is our dependence on it that creates unrest. The more clearly we see the nature of change, the more our holding begins to reduce. There is a quiet recognition: “This cannot be my foundation.” In that understanding, the heart becomes lighter.
In the spirit of the teachings, what is real is not what appears and disappears, but what remains through all changes. When everything is seen as Her prasāda, even changing situations no longer disturb us in the same way. The heart slowly begins to understand: “I am not here to depend on what is unstable… I am here to rest at Her feet.”
Our restlessness continues when we forget what we have already seen.
We know that things change, yet we continue to expect them to remain. We experience loss, yet we depend again in the same way. But when we remain attentive, even gently, this pattern begins to weaken.
To live like this does not require withdrawing from life, it requires a gentle clarity. We continue to act, to relate, and to experience the world. But inwardly, we reduce our dependence on outcomes. Slowly, a quiet balance begins to arise, not forced, but natural. A balance that remains even as situations change, a balance that quietly supports us through every experience.
Today’s Sādhanā — Releasing Dependence on Change: Today, gently notice where the mind depends on something that is changing. In those moments, pause and turn within. Ask softly, “Can this remain as it is?” Let this question bring clarity. Before any action, inwardly say, “Mā Devī, let me not depend on what will pass.” Let your actions continue, but let your holding soften. At least a few times during the day, close your eyes briefly and feel, “I am at the feet of Mā Devī. I rest in what is steady.” Do not force this feeling, just return to it gently.
Inner Bhāva: Do not try to stop change; simply stop leaning on it. Let your heart remain with what is steady. Offer both your gains and your losses at Her feet. Even if the mind depends again, return gently. Each return deepens your steadiness.
Reflection for Today: Did I depend on what is changing today, or did I remain steady at the feet of Mā Devī?
Gentle Reminder: Come back to Her feet again and again, not by holding on, but by letting go of what cannot remain. Nothing is ours, everything is Hers, and in that understanding, peace becomes natural.
Mantra for the Day: Oṁ Śrī Mātre Namaḥ
Watch the Day 16 video for guidance using the QR code on the last page of this book, and listen to it in the morning and evening.
Sādhanā Notes: (Use a pencil to write your reflections in your personal diary if you do not have the physical book).
Today I practiced:
What I observed within:
Where I forgot / struggled:
What I offer at Her feet:
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