I have a hard time fighting temptations especially homosexuality. I know that it is a sin. What tools do I have available to fight this situation. I do pray about it and ask God to give me strength to fight these feelings but feel at times that it is hopeless. I want my life according to God’s plan and his will but feel at times I will always struggle with this situation. Please give me some insight on how to deal with this situation.

I have a small and maybe silly question but nevertheless it’s a nagging thought that’s always on my mind.

I am expecting my first baby who is due to arrive in a couple of months. My mother in law who is staying with us is good to me except occasional differences which I think happens in almost every relationship. Sometimes however, she becomes too interfering and always tells me what to do and how things should be done. Also, very rarely can I go out for maybe a quiet dinner with my husband alone. But I have accepted that too and don’t take it too seriously always as I know that she is elder to me and it’s probably more difficult for her to adapt and change at her age than it is for me. I try to think positively about her always and think of her good qualities rather than what’s not so good coz everyone (including me) has good and bad qualities.

However, nowadays I feel very sad and somewhat irritated at times when she continuously hammers into my head how much she is waiting for the baby to arrive so that she will leave everything else and just be glued to the baby all day. I accept and know that she has every right on my baby and she is after all going to be a grandmother so its natural for her to be happy and excited however, her behaviour portrays as if I have no right over my baby and will have to follow whatever she decides is good for the baby. Even for small things like buying things for the baby, I have to always consult her and follow all her advice which I don’t always accept. She is also extremely superstitious and I follow her superstitions only to keep harmony in the relationship even though I don’t believe in the superstitions. I have also tried explaining to her that these are only superstitions but in vain so I have now stopped trying to change this aspect in her and just accept what she says superficially.

I realize that my baby will be very fortunate to have a grandmother who will look after and care for him/her however, I too have dreams and wishes towards my baby and would like to bring up my child as per my wishes too. I sometimes feel guilty for thinking like this because she is maybe only trying to help and her feelings are natural too. Maybe I am just thinking too much about the future and should just take one day at a time.

She’s always looking at negative aspects and how the children of today are spoilt and keeps hammering into my head how to bring up my child so that he/she doesn’t go the wrong way when in fact her sons are all SPOILT BRATS! this includes my husband who was a spoilt brat but has now changed a lot and realizes whatever he did wrong earlier.

Request your advise Deepak on this matter. I know it’s a very small thing but I’d like to know if I am wrong in my thinking & how can I change this situation for the best.

In this day and age of “looking sexy” or “hot” … I have a very hard time with self-acceptance and body image.  I hear of people who go for cosmetic surgery, because ideally we perceive what is not “normal” or “acceptable”.  So we short change ourselves, comparing ourselves to what the media and pornography says is good looking or pretty.

I am a 44 year old woman who is very insecure about her genitalia, thus my mind obsesses about it , which ruins my days and nights thinking I am inadequate because I do not measure up to what is beautiful … especially from a man’s point of view.  My question.. how can I get over myself and just accept my body for who I am?  I struggle with body image on a daily basis, I criticize and judge myself constantly.  I really look forward to your answer.

I have been drawn to your teachings for many years. I work as a nurse practitioner in the community and am a busy mother and wife. At age 53 I feel like I am fading away-my physical my emotional and my spiritual energies. Despite my understanding of foundation of health I cannot seem to return to a sense of vitality. I have moments but not a sustained effect. I have imagined if I ever found myself sitting on a plane next to you what would I ask? How does one forgive and forget the awful things you have done in life? What do you think is one or two of the most important things to do to feel better physically? Thank you for your consideration.

I have been gradually exposed, over the last few years to so many spiritual paths. Recently I have started studying Kabbalah more seriously, and I find it fascinating and deep and different than anything else I have met. I also stick to my meditation practice. Thing is, I have a Kabbalah teacher who speaks of meditation as an unnecessary “psychological tool” and a meditation teacher who tells me to stay simple, and away from Kabbalah which “would only confuse me”. My heart tells me to choose both, rather than either/or, at least for the time being. In your studies and teachings, have you ever merged these wisdoms?