The Power of Context

We’re all a mix of potential, containing multitudes. Sometimes, though, we find ourselves in situations where a certain part of our personality dominates — a part that doesn’t feel fully aligned with who we truly are. Have you ever noticed how someone can seem harsh or unkind in one role, yet in another space, they’re generous, even tender? It’s not that they’ve fundamentally changed; it’s the context that brings out different aspects of their nature.

In Bhakti, we often speak of peeling back the layers to reveal the true self — the part of us that is deeply loving, compassionate, and connected. But just as a lotus grows best in water, not on dry land, so too must we find the conditions that allow our highest nature to bloom.

Often, the roles we assume — or are assigned — become masks. Think of someone in a high-pressure job, managing large teams, where they must make difficult decisions. The role may require firmness, and over time, this becomes their dominant mode. In this context, they might be perceived as “hard” or “distant,” but this doesn’t necessarily reflect their true nature. As Ram Dass beautifully put it, “The game is not about becoming somebody, it’s about becoming nobody.” It’s not about bending ourselves to fit the mask but finding the space where we no longer need the mask at all.

And here’s the deeper realization: when we are aligned with our true self, we don’t just adapt to contexts, we transform them. A person fully rooted in their authentic self brings with them an energy that shifts the environment. This is the power of presence — where our being can alter the world around us, not through force, but by simply being.

Our environments have a profound effect on what aspects of us come to the surface. A gentle-hearted person in a cold, competitive environment might find themselves becoming sharp or defensive. But place that same person in a nurturing, collaborative space, and you’ll see their true kindness flourish.

In Bhakti, this is reflected in the principle of Sanga — the idea that spiritual community plays a vital role in nurturing the best within us. As the Bhagavad Gita reminds us, “One who is free from ego, pride, and attachment, who sees the same in pain and pleasure, and who remains devoted, such a person is dear to me.” Surrounding ourselves with those who help us rise above our lower tendencies is key to revealing our higher nature.

The same principle applies in life: When we are in the right context, we thrive. But when we are aligned with our true self, we become a context for others to thrive. Our inner transformation ripples outward, creating a space where others can also step into their authentic selves.

When someone embodies their true self fully, they don’t merely react to their environment — they change it. Think of Mahatma Gandhi: he didn’t adjust to the oppressive political climate around him. Instead, by remaining anchored in his principles of nonviolence and truth, he transformed an entire nation’s consciousness.

Similarly, when we are aligned with our true self, we bring that wholeness into every interaction, every space. Our presence alone becomes a kind of offering. In the words of Rumi, “Don’t be satisfied with stories, how things have gone with others. Unfold your own myth.” When we live from our deepest truth, we don’t just inhabit stories that have been written for us — we begin to rewrite the narrative itself.

So, what happens when we intentionally seek environments that allow our true self to emerge? And what happens when we bring our fully realized self into those environments? In the former, we find peace. In the latter, we create change.

As Thich Nhat Hanh said, “Smile, breathe, and go slowly.” When we bring mindfulness, love, and patience into a situation, the context begins to soften. Suddenly, the spaces that seemed rigid or constraining become more fluid.

Practical Steps: Finding and Transforming Context

Here are a few reflections to help you both find the right context and bring your true self into the spaces you inhabit:

1. Reflection: What contexts make you feel most alive, most yourself? What qualities do you want to bring forth into the world? Find environments that allow these qualities to flourish.
2. Presence: When you are grounded in your true self, notice how the energy of the room changes. Be mindful of how your presence alone can soften or uplift those around you.
3. Community: Seek out spiritual community that fosters love and connection. In Bhakti, this is why Sanga is so vital — it helps us to remain in alignment with our deeper values, allowing us to embody the qualities we most wish to express.
4. Adaptation vs. Transformation: While it’s important to adapt to our surroundings, remember that you also have the power to transform them. When you are full in yourself, your authentic being will ripple outward, touching the lives of others.

Finding the right context for your true self is a vital part of life’s journey. But the deeper truth is this: when you are fully aligned with who you are, you don’t just find the right context — you create it. Your presence transforms the spaces you enter, bringing more love, compassion, and authenticity into the world. As we become more true to ourselves, we naturally uplift the environments and the people around us.

The real game is not just about finding the space where we can be fully ourselves — it’s about being so full in our true self that we change the world around us.