The word enlightenment is so very fascinating. Everyone is running after it, yet no one knows how to reach it. The only one that reached enlightenment was Gautam Buddha. He gave some paths for how life must be lead. Guru Nanak Dev ji was another enlighten being. He taught the lessons to be a true human. Again modern era one who was close to the teachings was Swami Vivekananda. He was a strong personality with simple living. In the history we have several Gurus who claimed to show the path of enlightenment. I will not discuss about what others did or did not but what we can do.

My personal thoughts on being enlightened are that when you understand your universal connection. With this you understand the unseen power of energy that flows through everyone. The most beautiful part of process of enlightenment is that you slowly loose the negative thoughts that once controlled you and you are at more peaceful mental and spiritual level. Here are some simple ways we can achieve this state of higher mental state.

1. Complete Devotion- This is the first food that boosts your positive thoughts. People often confuse devotion with praising only God and being religious. However, it has nothing to do with religion but to be devoted to being human. As a human you must be devoted to positive deeds and positive thoughts. An important devotion must be for self-love. Yes, when you learn to love self you learn to love others too. When you give complete devotion to improve self you automatically improve the environment you live that is social and professional.
2. Zero Expectation- All the great Gurus teach about this beautiful habit. I call it habit because it is something that does not come naturally to most of us. We need to learn to not expect. This does not mean the other person is free to do whatever he or she wants. It is you who is free from any expectation in return of what you do for others. You are good to others because it makes you feel good and that is what matters.
3. Meditation- There are different forms available out there. People can choose their form. Personally I do a mix of both deep breathing and visualization. It brings a calming effect on both mind and body. It also controls some of the emotional issues that you may have in your life. Anxiety is one big thing that impacts people globally benefit from this food called meditation. Take this food daily and do not skip. I take it along with my morning prayers.
4. Mindfulness- Another important food for your thoughts is to be mindful about how you lead your life. You reap the benefit of mindfully living through appreciation of what nature and others offer to you. A mindful person respects his food he eats, air he breathes, emotions he feels and life he leads. You are a step closer to enlightenment the true knowledge of your existence.
5. Food From Nature- When you eat right you think right. And when you think right you live a life that is right. Nature blesses us with all those right foods that make us healthy at physical, mental and spiritual levels. You are healthy and motivated when you consume right food. Local seasonal foods are your right food. The fruits and vegetables nature gives are as per the environment and genetic makeup of that areas population. Include vegetables and fruits grown in your area over to the ones from cold storage. As much possible eat fresh.

Conclusion- Enlightenment is not just a mental state but your overall being. It is who you are as a person in body, mind and spirit. When you are devoted to your higher self you grow. With zero expectations you liberate yourself. Meditation helps you bring everything together. Mindfulness gives you the right outlook towards life. And food you eat gives the energy in you in the flow. When you apply these things in your life you attain a motivation that benefits you and flows towards a better social environment. This according to me is a true enlightenment.