Instead of expecting external situations to always be giving some personal benefit to us, the soul should see how it could give benefit in any situation, thus creating a powerful atmosphere of benefit. Where there is expectation there is always the possibility of disappointment thus creating a negative atmosphere, but where there is an attitude of giving benefit there can never be disappointment. When the soul has the power to maintain its chosen positive experience in the mind, it generates a powerful, pure atmosphere. The more powerful the soul, and the greater the number of other souls experiencing the same, the more powerful the corresponding atmosphere.
The original nature of the soul is to be peaceful. Through Rajyoga meditation, we develop the power to maintain an experience of peace for long periods, even when speaking or performing action, and this very naturally has an effect on the immediate atmosphere wherever we may be; in a room, a office, at home or on the street. Ultimately I can influence the entire world in a positive way.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Soul Sustenance
Is Physical Relaxation The Road To Peace?
It.s a common notion (idea) to think of peace as being closely related to the beauty of nature - the play of waves on a beach, the blowing of wind through a forest, the soaring and swooping of gulls; in short, anything away from the rush and hurry of the city. Alternatively we associate peace with some physical form of relaxation like headphones plugged into soothing music, a hot bath after a hard day, a brisk walk in the park, etc. In meditation we realize peace to be our very essence (nature); we realize very quickly, trying to extract peace from the world around us or even from some physical sensations in our own bodies gives us only a temporary experience of it.
Once we start meditating, we start to see physical relaxation as an escape from tension and not a solution for it; and the beautiful scenes of nature now no longer as sources radiating permanent peace. But in fact it is their mere absence of conflict, their harmony of colours, forms and sounds, which appeal to us. There is something in each of us, which cries out to be free from conflict. We discover that "small voice" or need is only our true nature demanding to be recognized. We realize that neither the body nor nature can give the peace that the soul was longing for, but it has to be tapped from within. Having found it, it remains constant, whether in the city or countryside, in comfort or discomfort. In the midst of noise and confusion, peace is really our own.
It.s a common notion (idea) to think of peace as being closely related to the beauty of nature - the play of waves on a beach, the blowing of wind through a forest, the soaring and swooping of gulls; in short, anything away from the rush and hurry of the city. Alternatively we associate peace with some physical form of relaxation like headphones plugged into soothing music, a hot bath after a hard day, a brisk walk in the park, etc. In meditation we realize peace to be our very essence (nature); we realize very quickly, trying to extract peace from the world around us or even from some physical sensations in our own bodies gives us only a temporary experience of it.
Once we start meditating, we start to see physical relaxation as an escape from tension and not a solution for it; and the beautiful scenes of nature now no longer as sources radiating permanent peace. But in fact it is their mere absence of conflict, their harmony of colours, forms and sounds, which appeal to us. There is something in each of us, which cries out to be free from conflict. We discover that "small voice" or need is only our true nature demanding to be recognized. We realize that neither the body nor nature can give the peace that the soul was longing for, but it has to be tapped from within. Having found it, it remains constant, whether in the city or countryside, in comfort or discomfort. In the midst of noise and confusion, peace is really our own.
Message for the day
To transform waste into something purposeful and powerful is to remain light.
Expression: To successfully transform something waste into something powerful and meaningful is to look beyond the situation and see what it has to teach. When there is the ability to do this, there is the ability to go on in spite of the most challenging obstacles. There is the deep understanding that nothing happens without a purpose. There is no time or energy wasted in wasteful company.
Experience: When I understand the significance of everything that happens, I am able to transform in a second. So I am able to remain light because I am able to put in sincere effort and free myself from the burden of waste. I also find that there is no problem in my relationships too, as I am able to understand others and behave accordingly.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Expression: To successfully transform something waste into something powerful and meaningful is to look beyond the situation and see what it has to teach. When there is the ability to do this, there is the ability to go on in spite of the most challenging obstacles. There is the deep understanding that nothing happens without a purpose. There is no time or energy wasted in wasteful company.
Experience: When I understand the significance of everything that happens, I am able to transform in a second. So I am able to remain light because I am able to put in sincere effort and free myself from the burden of waste. I also find that there is no problem in my relationships too, as I am able to understand others and behave accordingly.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Thought for Today 28-02-2012
Peace is like glue that puts back together all the broken pieces that make us peaceless.
So, every now and then (maybe as you eat or drink)
become quiet and reconnect with your inner peace and put
all the pieces of your inner world back together to make peace.
So, every now and then (maybe as you eat or drink)
become quiet and reconnect with your inner peace and put
all the pieces of your inner world back together to make peace.
Soul Sustenance
The Influence Of Your Thoughts, Intentions And Attitude On Your Destiny (cont.)
We can define three basic types of actions:
1. Actions which are impure, negative and unclear.
2. Actions which are pure, positive and clear.
3. Actions which are neutral.
Impure actions are those that are influenced by negative intentions, anger, ego, bitterness, fear, rage, revenge, lust, attachment, dishonesty, greed, laziness, jealousy etc. Positive actions are influenced by good intentions and attitudes. They are actions ruled by kindness, forgiveness, love, joy, peace, humility, generosity, sweetness, empathy, trust, unity etc. Neutral actions are not dictated by a negative or positive consciousness and do not cause a negative or positive result. Everything remains as it was. If you do something with the intention of bringing benefit to someone but it does not give the result you desired, you will not receive a negative return, because your intention was good. However, if you carried out an action with the intention of hurting someone, with emotions of revenge, and that action did not hurt the other in the way that you wanted, you will still receive the return of the energy that you have radiated or thrown into the Universe.
We have to 'pay', or, in other words, we have to reap what we have sown or have thrown into the Universe, through our actions, attitudes and intentions. This is called paying off karma. That is, we have to settle the accounts in order to clean the soul of the marks left on it by its negative actions or intentions. We also reap the fruits of the good seeds that we have planted.
We can define three basic types of actions:
1. Actions which are impure, negative and unclear.
2. Actions which are pure, positive and clear.
3. Actions which are neutral.
Impure actions are those that are influenced by negative intentions, anger, ego, bitterness, fear, rage, revenge, lust, attachment, dishonesty, greed, laziness, jealousy etc. Positive actions are influenced by good intentions and attitudes. They are actions ruled by kindness, forgiveness, love, joy, peace, humility, generosity, sweetness, empathy, trust, unity etc. Neutral actions are not dictated by a negative or positive consciousness and do not cause a negative or positive result. Everything remains as it was. If you do something with the intention of bringing benefit to someone but it does not give the result you desired, you will not receive a negative return, because your intention was good. However, if you carried out an action with the intention of hurting someone, with emotions of revenge, and that action did not hurt the other in the way that you wanted, you will still receive the return of the energy that you have radiated or thrown into the Universe.
We have to 'pay', or, in other words, we have to reap what we have sown or have thrown into the Universe, through our actions, attitudes and intentions. This is called paying off karma. That is, we have to settle the accounts in order to clean the soul of the marks left on it by its negative actions or intentions. We also reap the fruits of the good seeds that we have planted.
Message for the day
To have a clear aim of where the action will lead is to be successful in everything.
Expression: Many a times it so happens that one acts immediately seeing a situation. But the one who is successful analyses the situation and predicts the outcome of the action that he performs and then acts keeping the end result in mind. Because of knowing the consequences of the actions before actually performing that action, he is able to continue putting in effort in spite of the challenges and difficulties. So he continues to give his best to the task.
Experience: When I am able to give time to myself to think before performing any action, I am able to take the opportunity to be clear in my thinking. The consequences of the action I wish to take are clear in my mind and so, the action taken to overcome the situation is right. Hence, I receive easy and sure success.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Expression: Many a times it so happens that one acts immediately seeing a situation. But the one who is successful analyses the situation and predicts the outcome of the action that he performs and then acts keeping the end result in mind. Because of knowing the consequences of the actions before actually performing that action, he is able to continue putting in effort in spite of the challenges and difficulties. So he continues to give his best to the task.
Experience: When I am able to give time to myself to think before performing any action, I am able to take the opportunity to be clear in my thinking. The consequences of the action I wish to take are clear in my mind and so, the action taken to overcome the situation is right. Hence, I receive easy and sure success.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Monday, February 27, 2012
Thought for Today 27-02-2012
Just as sports coaches help players visualise their goals and victory, in the same way, if you want to create a winning strategy, create a positive vision of yourself and visualise your success.
Be a self coach and:
- regularly and effectively assess your personal development
- focus on and enhance that which is positive
- instead of beating yourself up for every mistake and failure, practise positive self talk.
Be a self coach and:
- regularly and effectively assess your personal development
- focus on and enhance that which is positive
- instead of beating yourself up for every mistake and failure, practise positive self talk.
Soul Sustenance
The Influence Of Your Thoughts, Intentions And Attitude On Your Destiny
We constantly carry out actions on this world stage. Each and every action is always motivated by an intention, and has an attitude and behavior connected with it.According to the intention and the attitude with which you carry out a particular action, the action will return to you in a beneficial, negative or neutral way - the law says so. Nobody is above the natural laws of cause and effect. These laws function each time that you think, feel or act. For example, if you have a negative thought and you water it with your attention and develop it for an hour, or if you get up in the morning with negative thoughts and these thoughts remain in your consciousness for some time, this negativity will return to you. As a result, perhaps you feel depressed or angry, with a headache, a weakened immune system, little energy and you have a bad day.
Your thoughts affect yourself, other people and matter. Thoughts also affect the environment. Children and animals pick up the vibrations of others; sometimes they go spontaneously to a stranger or at times keep a distance from someone who is known to them. Some pet owners do not trust a specific person if their pet, say a dog doesn't like the person or keeps a distance from him, because pets have higher perception powers. Being in harmony with someone's vibration means that you pick up the quality of their thoughts. A person with a good vibration thinks positively and carefully. On the other hand, a person with bad vibrations, perhaps, has a lot of anger, hatred, ego and laziness in their thoughts and attitude.
(To be continued tomorrow.)
Message for the day
To search for solutions is to use resources for the right cause.
Expression: Usually a lot of energy and time is wasted to find the cause of something that goes wrong. But thinking about that only wastes the resources that could be used for finding solutions. So it is not necessary to understand the causes but to find solutions. So the one who understands this fact is able to make the best use of available resources to correct the situation.
Experience: Being focused on the solution rather than on the problem, I am able to use all my inner resources in the right way. I am free from complaints and am able to put in effort to do the best in the given situation. I am constantly happy and content because I know that there is a solution for every problem
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Expression: Usually a lot of energy and time is wasted to find the cause of something that goes wrong. But thinking about that only wastes the resources that could be used for finding solutions. So it is not necessary to understand the causes but to find solutions. So the one who understands this fact is able to make the best use of available resources to correct the situation.
Experience: Being focused on the solution rather than on the problem, I am able to use all my inner resources in the right way. I am free from complaints and am able to put in effort to do the best in the given situation. I am constantly happy and content because I know that there is a solution for every problem
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Soul Sustenance
The Law of Belief
Beliefs are concepts that you consider real and true, and you do not question them, even though they have no logical explanation. If we believe in something strongly, if we think that we can achieve something, then we will. What we believe will come true.
We can classify beliefs into five groups:
Beliefs about defects and weaknesses: These beliefs produce thoughts in our consciousness like: "I am no good", "I cannot do this", "I am useless", "I won't manage to complete it".
Beliefs of survival: These beliefs produce thoughts such as: "Life is short. Get whatever you can at any cost whenever you can". Life.s decisions are taken based on these beliefs without taking into the account the repercussions (effects) they may have on our health, our relationships and our future.
Beliefs that create blocks: When we label someone, we are no longer open to try and understand them. For example: "My boss is really egoistic". This type of belief blocks the flow of our positive energy and stops us from connecting openly with these people.
Beliefs that strengthen the self: For example: "I am capable", "I can do it", "There is nothing I cannot be or do if I really want to", "I will overcome the difficulties and meet the challenge".
True beliefs about ourselves: They are connected to eternal certain truths, such as: "I am a spiritual being, I am eternal. God is my spiritual father".
To assure us that a belief is true, we must first believe in it. Then we check it in our consciousness and if a belief is true it will become an experience. If this does not happen, we are doing something wrong or this belief is not correct.
Beliefs are concepts that you consider real and true, and you do not question them, even though they have no logical explanation. If we believe in something strongly, if we think that we can achieve something, then we will. What we believe will come true.
We can classify beliefs into five groups:
Beliefs about defects and weaknesses: These beliefs produce thoughts in our consciousness like: "I am no good", "I cannot do this", "I am useless", "I won't manage to complete it".
Beliefs of survival: These beliefs produce thoughts such as: "Life is short. Get whatever you can at any cost whenever you can". Life.s decisions are taken based on these beliefs without taking into the account the repercussions (effects) they may have on our health, our relationships and our future.
Beliefs that create blocks: When we label someone, we are no longer open to try and understand them. For example: "My boss is really egoistic". This type of belief blocks the flow of our positive energy and stops us from connecting openly with these people.
Beliefs that strengthen the self: For example: "I am capable", "I can do it", "There is nothing I cannot be or do if I really want to", "I will overcome the difficulties and meet the challenge".
True beliefs about ourselves: They are connected to eternal certain truths, such as: "I am a spiritual being, I am eternal. God is my spiritual father".
To assure us that a belief is true, we must first believe in it. Then we check it in our consciousness and if a belief is true it will become an experience. If this does not happen, we are doing something wrong or this belief is not correct.
Message for the day
To forgive is to give correction.
Expression: When there is forgiveness, the harm of the mistake is forgotten. The mistake itself is remembered only to the extent that the correction is to be given. So there are no negative feelings expressed even while giving correction. And the words that are used are few but prove to be very effective.
Experience: When I learn the art of forgiving I am able to be free from the burden of negative and waste thinking. So there is never any difficulty in giving correction when necessary. The mind is free from the attitudes of the past and it creates harmony in relationships even if the opinions or personalities don't match.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Expression: When there is forgiveness, the harm of the mistake is forgotten. The mistake itself is remembered only to the extent that the correction is to be given. So there are no negative feelings expressed even while giving correction. And the words that are used are few but prove to be very effective.
Experience: When I learn the art of forgiving I am able to be free from the burden of negative and waste thinking. So there is never any difficulty in giving correction when necessary. The mind is free from the attitudes of the past and it creates harmony in relationships even if the opinions or personalities don't match.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Thought for Today 25-02-2012
True determination is a combination of single-mindedness and flexibility.
When you are determined you are sure of what you have to achieve and you move on in that direction. And when you do find obstacles coming your way you are able to take them in your stride and like a river you can forge your route towards the destination. Take the thought right in the morning for the day. Throughout the day keep reminding yourself of the aim that you have taken in the morning and move on in the same direction till the end of the day. Don't stop even if there are obstacles that come your way.
Soul Sustenance
Self Purification
Each soul has become impure due its own actions during its various births. We ourselves became impure and peaceless because of losing our self awareness, so it is useless to blame anyone else. It is too easy to blame "so-and-so." Today, everyone blames someone else: "It's the religions," "It's the government," "It's the social pressures," "It's the Devil (Ravana)," "It's my wife," "It's my boss." Few can see that their own unhappiness is because of their own weaknesses or actions under the influence of these weaknesses. The "Devil" is just a symbolic personification of these negative forces at work in every soul. The soul itself creates its accounts, good and bad, so the soul itself must balance them. No human soul can settle someone else's account of sins. In this respect many souls are being misled by those who claim to be able to change or interfere with the workings of the laws of .karma.. The ones claiming this have their own accounts of "sins" to settle. While they still remain in a physical body they are within the boundaries of the same laws that apply to all. The law of .karma., of reaping and sowing, action and reaction applies to everyone.
The account of impure actions can only be balanced by pure actions on the part of the "doer"; the soul. Truly pure actions can only be performed when one is in a state of soul-consciousness and in remembrance of the one who is beyond action; the Supreme Soul (God). In burning love for the Supreme, sins can be rapidly burned. The soul need only increase its love for the Supreme Soul and remember him correctly.
Each soul has become impure due its own actions during its various births. We ourselves became impure and peaceless because of losing our self awareness, so it is useless to blame anyone else. It is too easy to blame "so-and-so." Today, everyone blames someone else: "It's the religions," "It's the government," "It's the social pressures," "It's the Devil (Ravana)," "It's my wife," "It's my boss." Few can see that their own unhappiness is because of their own weaknesses or actions under the influence of these weaknesses. The "Devil" is just a symbolic personification of these negative forces at work in every soul. The soul itself creates its accounts, good and bad, so the soul itself must balance them. No human soul can settle someone else's account of sins. In this respect many souls are being misled by those who claim to be able to change or interfere with the workings of the laws of .karma.. The ones claiming this have their own accounts of "sins" to settle. While they still remain in a physical body they are within the boundaries of the same laws that apply to all. The law of .karma., of reaping and sowing, action and reaction applies to everyone.
The account of impure actions can only be balanced by pure actions on the part of the "doer"; the soul. Truly pure actions can only be performed when one is in a state of soul-consciousness and in remembrance of the one who is beyond action; the Supreme Soul (God). In burning love for the Supreme, sins can be rapidly burned. The soul need only increase its love for the Supreme Soul and remember him correctly.
Message for the day
To do something altruistic each day is to ensure happiness.
Expression: When there is the thought to do something altruistic for someone every day, there is the ability to give happiness unconditionally. Whatever the relationship or whatever the personality of the other person, the one who develops the habit of doing this, is able to remain a source of support for those around.
Experience: The best gift I can give is to give happiness and to finish sorrow. When I am constantly thinking of this, not for any reward but just for the sake of it, I am able to discover and enjoy the fruit of that action. I am free from expectations and am able to enjoy the action itself.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Expression: When there is the thought to do something altruistic for someone every day, there is the ability to give happiness unconditionally. Whatever the relationship or whatever the personality of the other person, the one who develops the habit of doing this, is able to remain a source of support for those around.
Experience: The best gift I can give is to give happiness and to finish sorrow. When I am constantly thinking of this, not for any reward but just for the sake of it, I am able to discover and enjoy the fruit of that action. I am free from expectations and am able to enjoy the action itself.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Friday, February 24, 2012
Thought for Today 24-02-2012
When there is a determined thought to overcome weaknesses, you will be free from them.
You only need to take a determined thought to overcome your weaknesses and you will. Then the influence of others' carelessness will not fall on you but the influence of your determination will fall on the others. Take any weakness of yours and take the determined thought to overcome it. Even if you see others with the same weakness, let it not loosen your determination in overcoming that weakness. Make sure you don't give any excuses to yourself but work on it till you overcome it.
Soul Sustenance
Performing A Spiritual Audit At The End Of The Day (cont.)
Yesterday we had explained how self evaluation at the end of the day is extremely vital to one's progress and development. A useful exercise in this regard is keeping a daily chart for about 3 personality traits or points and filling it up every night (lesser than 3 is also fine, but not more , because then you might feel lazy in keeping the chart after a few days and also you might lose focus and the personality traits may not transform as much as you want). You could either evaluate yourself with a yes or no or perform a percentage wise evaluation like 50% or 90% for e.g. We have mentioned below, some of the common traits from which you could select the traits to keep a daily chart for. You could incorporate some other specific traits (not mentioned in this list), which you want to change or develop, depending on your personality:
In the entire day, today; not only in my words and actions, but also in my thoughts:
* Did I see everyone's specialties and keep good wishes for each one, in spite of obvious weaknesses being visible?
* Did I remain free from all forms of anger, like irritation, frustration, grudge, revenge, etc.?
* Did I ensure that I neither give nor take sorrow, hurt, pain from anyone?
* Did I remain free from waste and negative?
* Did I remain ego less?
* Did I remain untouched by name, fame, praise, insult?
* Did I remain stable?
* Did I remain free from judgments, criticism, jealousy, comparison, hatred, etc.?
* Did I keep a conscious of serving each one whom I met?
* Did I bring the 8 main powers into practice and experience being powerful?
* Did I remain in self-respect and give respect to everyone?
* Did I practice being soul-conscious in actions and interactions?
* Did I take a one minute break every hour to reflect, meditate and control the traffic of thoughts in the mind?
Yesterday we had explained how self evaluation at the end of the day is extremely vital to one's progress and development. A useful exercise in this regard is keeping a daily chart for about 3 personality traits or points and filling it up every night (lesser than 3 is also fine, but not more , because then you might feel lazy in keeping the chart after a few days and also you might lose focus and the personality traits may not transform as much as you want). You could either evaluate yourself with a yes or no or perform a percentage wise evaluation like 50% or 90% for e.g. We have mentioned below, some of the common traits from which you could select the traits to keep a daily chart for. You could incorporate some other specific traits (not mentioned in this list), which you want to change or develop, depending on your personality:
In the entire day, today; not only in my words and actions, but also in my thoughts:
* Did I see everyone's specialties and keep good wishes for each one, in spite of obvious weaknesses being visible?
* Did I remain free from all forms of anger, like irritation, frustration, grudge, revenge, etc.?
* Did I ensure that I neither give nor take sorrow, hurt, pain from anyone?
* Did I remain free from waste and negative?
* Did I remain ego less?
* Did I remain untouched by name, fame, praise, insult?
* Did I remain stable?
* Did I remain free from judgments, criticism, jealousy, comparison, hatred, etc.?
* Did I keep a conscious of serving each one whom I met?
* Did I bring the 8 main powers into practice and experience being powerful?
* Did I remain in self-respect and give respect to everyone?
* Did I practice being soul-conscious in actions and interactions?
* Did I take a one minute break every hour to reflect, meditate and control the traffic of thoughts in the mind?
Message for the day
To be free is to be free even from the bondage of things.
Expression: The one who is dependent on the presence of a particular thing to succeed in a task is also under the bondage of that thing. Such a person will not be able to put in effort to his full capability since he is always thinking of what is lacking. On the other hand the one who tries to find a way to do the task at hand even when there is nothing available is the one who finds new resources. He is then able to use these resources too for accomplishing the task.
Experience: When I am thinking more about what is to be done rather than thinking about what is lacking, I am able to be content with what I have. I am able to appreciate every small thing that is present in my life that I could use for my own benefit and that of others. I am able to work for what I want to achieve without being caught up only with the desires.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Expression: The one who is dependent on the presence of a particular thing to succeed in a task is also under the bondage of that thing. Such a person will not be able to put in effort to his full capability since he is always thinking of what is lacking. On the other hand the one who tries to find a way to do the task at hand even when there is nothing available is the one who finds new resources. He is then able to use these resources too for accomplishing the task.
Experience: When I am thinking more about what is to be done rather than thinking about what is lacking, I am able to be content with what I have. I am able to appreciate every small thing that is present in my life that I could use for my own benefit and that of others. I am able to work for what I want to achieve without being caught up only with the desires.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Thought for Today 23-02-2012
You are sure to achieve success when you have determination.
Determination gives you the strength to go on trying in spite of seeming failures. It is with your determination that you can achieve what you set out to achieve without giving up. When you are working on something, even if you have setbacks remind yourself of how important it is for you to accomplish the task. When you remind yourself in this way you will not loosen your intention and with determination you can achieve what you want.
Soul Sustenance
Performing A Spiritual Audit At The End Of The Day
Our normal day at the office or/and at home is filled with lots of actions and interactions. On a normal day, without realizing consciously, we create almost 30,000-40,000 thoughts. So, not only are we active physically but extremely active on a subtle or non-physical level also. Imagine sleeping with all this burden of thoughts, words and actions which have been created throughout the day, many of which have been waste and negative in nature. What would be the resulting quality of my sleep? So it is extremely important to perform a spiritual/emotional audit or evaluation at the end of each day.
In a lot of professional sectors of life today, people recognize the need for reflection and audit, not only of financial records but also a general evaluation of the respective sector, to maintain and improve both the service to customers and the job satisfaction of people working in the sector. Checking my own behavior, as a daily exercise; not just checking, but also bringing about respective changes for the next day, enables me to continue to develop and grow, as a human being and in the quality of my work and personal and professional relationships.Have gone through the self-evaluation, it is also advised to become completely light by submitting the mistakes made and heaviness accumulated in the day to the Supreme Being. Doing this helps me put a full-stop to the same and settle all my spiritual accounts at the end of the day. I need to put an end to all commas (when looking at scenes that caused me to slow down and reduced the speed of my progress), question marks (when looking at scenes which caused a why, what, how, when, etc.... in my consciousness) and exclamation marks (when looking at negative or waste scenes, which were unexpected and surprising) which were created in the day's activities. Along with remembering what all good happened during the day, what did I achieve and what good actions did I perform, there is lots to forget at the end of the day, which should not be carried into my sleep at any cost. Disturbed, thought-filled, unsound sleep, will result in a not so fresh body and mind the next morning, which will cause my mood to be disturbed, adversely affecting the following day.
(To be continued tomorrow...)
Our normal day at the office or/and at home is filled with lots of actions and interactions. On a normal day, without realizing consciously, we create almost 30,000-40,000 thoughts. So, not only are we active physically but extremely active on a subtle or non-physical level also. Imagine sleeping with all this burden of thoughts, words and actions which have been created throughout the day, many of which have been waste and negative in nature. What would be the resulting quality of my sleep? So it is extremely important to perform a spiritual/emotional audit or evaluation at the end of each day.
In a lot of professional sectors of life today, people recognize the need for reflection and audit, not only of financial records but also a general evaluation of the respective sector, to maintain and improve both the service to customers and the job satisfaction of people working in the sector. Checking my own behavior, as a daily exercise; not just checking, but also bringing about respective changes for the next day, enables me to continue to develop and grow, as a human being and in the quality of my work and personal and professional relationships.Have gone through the self-evaluation, it is also advised to become completely light by submitting the mistakes made and heaviness accumulated in the day to the Supreme Being. Doing this helps me put a full-stop to the same and settle all my spiritual accounts at the end of the day. I need to put an end to all commas (when looking at scenes that caused me to slow down and reduced the speed of my progress), question marks (when looking at scenes which caused a why, what, how, when, etc.... in my consciousness) and exclamation marks (when looking at negative or waste scenes, which were unexpected and surprising) which were created in the day's activities. Along with remembering what all good happened during the day, what did I achieve and what good actions did I perform, there is lots to forget at the end of the day, which should not be carried into my sleep at any cost. Disturbed, thought-filled, unsound sleep, will result in a not so fresh body and mind the next morning, which will cause my mood to be disturbed, adversely affecting the following day.
(To be continued tomorrow...)
Message for the day
The one way of finishing waste thinking is to find a solution.
Expression: When there is something negative that happens the mind tends to create a lot of waste and negative thoughts. At such a time there is no clear understanding of what is to be done and so there is difficulty in being positive at such a time. But once the problem is identified and the right solution found, i.e., the right explanation is given, there is no more waste thoughts, words or actions.
Experience: When I am able to find the right solution at each step, whenever even negative situations happen, I am able to remain happy and content. I am not worried about the problem at hand but I know instead that this problem has come to increase my own inner strength and capability. Thus I am able to maintain my inner positivity under all circumstances.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Expression: When there is something negative that happens the mind tends to create a lot of waste and negative thoughts. At such a time there is no clear understanding of what is to be done and so there is difficulty in being positive at such a time. But once the problem is identified and the right solution found, i.e., the right explanation is given, there is no more waste thoughts, words or actions.
Experience: When I am able to find the right solution at each step, whenever even negative situations happen, I am able to remain happy and content. I am not worried about the problem at hand but I know instead that this problem has come to increase my own inner strength and capability. Thus I am able to maintain my inner positivity under all circumstances.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Thought for Today 22-02-2012
It's not busyness in life that makes us tired. It's thinking too much that makes us tired.
How not to get tired? Don't get distracted, get upset or get too 'lost' in anything or anyone.
How not to get tired? Don't get distracted, get upset or get too 'lost' in anything or anyone.
Don't think too much about the work. Just do it! Then your mind will stay rested whilst you work.
Soul Sustenance
Self Esteem
Self esteem is the foundation of our self confidence and self motivation. Self esteem is how we feel about ourselves at any given moment. Almost everyone of us has been taught to build our self esteem on the wrong foundations. We build it on something external instead of something internal. We are taught to connect it to our position, material possessions and pay, and by how much regard we receive from others. This is why we very rarely meet people who have rock solid self esteem. Most of us learn how to hide our delicate self-esteem. Finally the disguise (cover up) tires us completely and we surrender to the tension. Each and every one of us will have to go back to school to learn this inner lesson and find our true inner strength. Life gives us many signals and offers many opportunities to do this, but most of us either avoid the message or shoot the messenger, preferring to live with the tension and keep up the deception (cover up).
Self esteem is the foundation of our self confidence and self motivation. Self esteem is how we feel about ourselves at any given moment. Almost everyone of us has been taught to build our self esteem on the wrong foundations. We build it on something external instead of something internal. We are taught to connect it to our position, material possessions and pay, and by how much regard we receive from others. This is why we very rarely meet people who have rock solid self esteem. Most of us learn how to hide our delicate self-esteem. Finally the disguise (cover up) tires us completely and we surrender to the tension. Each and every one of us will have to go back to school to learn this inner lesson and find our true inner strength. Life gives us many signals and offers many opportunities to do this, but most of us either avoid the message or shoot the messenger, preferring to live with the tension and keep up the deception (cover up).
Message for the day
To make the effort to take and give good wishes is to constantly experience contentment.
Expression: Whatever the kinds of personality of the person, if there is this one aim of taking and giving good wishes, there is positivity in every interaction. Attention is paid to make every word and action full of positivity. Words spoken only give happiness to others and give some kind of support to the other person to be better than what he is.
Experience: When I understand the importance of having good wishes for all, I am able to receive good wishes from others too. I am able to be free from the influence of the negativity of the situations and people. So I constantly experience inner happiness and contentment, even if I don't get something outwardly.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Expression: Whatever the kinds of personality of the person, if there is this one aim of taking and giving good wishes, there is positivity in every interaction. Attention is paid to make every word and action full of positivity. Words spoken only give happiness to others and give some kind of support to the other person to be better than what he is.
Experience: When I understand the importance of having good wishes for all, I am able to receive good wishes from others too. I am able to be free from the influence of the negativity of the situations and people. So I constantly experience inner happiness and contentment, even if I don't get something outwardly.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Thought for Today 21-02-2012
Have the determination to do things immediately.
The one slogan that is good to remember is 'Now or never'. If we are not able to use the thought we have immediately we will never be able to, because the strength of the thought begins to gradually reduce till it doesn't seem important anymore. Also there might not be enough time for you in the future. Think of something that you want to do and take a thought, 'if I do it now it will happen or it can never happen.' When you think in this way you will not postpone but do what is required immediately.
Soul Sustenance
Understanding What Is Aura
The mind is the thinking energy of the soul (negative or positive). It is the mental energy, which makes the aura (subtle body) of a person. The soul, situated in the brain, radiates its mental energy to all the brain centers e.g.: hypothalamus (thinking centre), limbic system (centre of emotions and attitudes), frontal cortex (memory centre), respiratory centre, speech centre, visual centre etc., in maximum concentration as these centres are located near the soul. In fact the soul radiates the mental energy to each cell of the physical body. This radiated mental energy which exists inside the whole body is of the same shape as the physical body, which is nothing but the aura.
Now the aura of a person can be photographed by Kirlian photography. If a person most of the time thinks negative, the aura around him has various shades of white light e.g.: violet, indigo, blue, green, yellow, orange, red or can be black if there is no flow of mental energy. If a person thinks positive most of the time then aura around him is made up of silvery white light. Such a person is liked by all and radiates all the innate qualities of the soul e.g.: purity, peace, love, bliss, power around him. Other people coming in contact with him can feel the soothing effect of these qualities. Good meditators normally have clear white auras.
Kirlian photography has been proving useful in diagnosis of disease in a particular part of body and organ system before the disease becomes clinically visible in the form of signs and symptoms.
The mind is the thinking energy of the soul (negative or positive). It is the mental energy, which makes the aura (subtle body) of a person. The soul, situated in the brain, radiates its mental energy to all the brain centers e.g.: hypothalamus (thinking centre), limbic system (centre of emotions and attitudes), frontal cortex (memory centre), respiratory centre, speech centre, visual centre etc., in maximum concentration as these centres are located near the soul. In fact the soul radiates the mental energy to each cell of the physical body. This radiated mental energy which exists inside the whole body is of the same shape as the physical body, which is nothing but the aura.
Now the aura of a person can be photographed by Kirlian photography. If a person most of the time thinks negative, the aura around him has various shades of white light e.g.: violet, indigo, blue, green, yellow, orange, red or can be black if there is no flow of mental energy. If a person thinks positive most of the time then aura around him is made up of silvery white light. Such a person is liked by all and radiates all the innate qualities of the soul e.g.: purity, peace, love, bliss, power around him. Other people coming in contact with him can feel the soothing effect of these qualities. Good meditators normally have clear white auras.
Kirlian photography has been proving useful in diagnosis of disease in a particular part of body and organ system before the disease becomes clinically visible in the form of signs and symptoms.
Message for the day
To have the ability to listen is to learn
Expression: When there is the ability to listen there is the ability to understand others and what they are saying. So the one who listens is able to learn from every situation and each and every person whom he comes across. So what he does and what he speaks is much more effective.
Experience: When I understand that I am a student for my entire life, I am able to be open to learning. So I am able to listen whole-heartedly. Then, instead of only putting across what I have to say, I am able to pay attention to what others are saying too. I am thus able to enrich myself with new treasures constantly.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Expression: When there is the ability to listen there is the ability to understand others and what they are saying. So the one who listens is able to learn from every situation and each and every person whom he comes across. So what he does and what he speaks is much more effective.
Experience: When I understand that I am a student for my entire life, I am able to be open to learning. So I am able to listen whole-heartedly. Then, instead of only putting across what I have to say, I am able to pay attention to what others are saying too. I am thus able to enrich myself with new treasures constantly.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Monday, February 20, 2012
Thought for Today 20-02-2012
The knowledge of Raja Yoga meditation takes us on a journey deep into the meaning of who we are and what our highest purpose can be.
It offers us wonderful insights into the human mind. It offers us total control.
Never again will we need to experience desire, suffer loneliness, or experience peacelessness, for we will have the freedom of choice.
Soul Sustenance
Experiencing My True Essence
I feel comfortable and attentive. I am conscious of my thoughts and I direct my attention to my breathing. I breathe gently and deeply. I begin to feel how my body and mind relax.
I let go of the things from outside. I feel free, like an observer, beyond everything that surrounds me: people, objects, sounds, worries... Everything slips away from my mind. They pass and go away like the clouds in the sky, until they fade away and everything remains completely clear.
I open a door. It is the door of my inner world. I discover that it is like an immense ocean. In the depths of my inner being there is silence, peace, calm and serenity. I go within. I let go of the past and I see it disappear.
I submerge myself in this unlimited ocean, where all the mundane (related to the physical and my day-to-day routine) and negative thoughts melt away. Before me, there opens a path of light that takes me to the depths, where my true essence is found.
I see, in front of me, on this path of light, a star, marvelous and radiant with light. From it radiate rays of peace and love, towards me. My mind is tranquilized; I am filled with silence and peace. My thoughts are full of light, of peace, of love. I feel a deep acceptance and serenity inside me. In this space of silence I am with myself.
I feel free, light, peaceful and free of worries. I am at peace. I feel peace. I am free. I am myself.
Now it is time to return. I breathe gently and I am aware of the place I am in. I feel tranquility, silence, peace, wellbeing. My eyes and my face express this wellbeing. I feel myself free. I feel well with myself and with others.
I feel comfortable and attentive. I am conscious of my thoughts and I direct my attention to my breathing. I breathe gently and deeply. I begin to feel how my body and mind relax.
I let go of the things from outside. I feel free, like an observer, beyond everything that surrounds me: people, objects, sounds, worries... Everything slips away from my mind. They pass and go away like the clouds in the sky, until they fade away and everything remains completely clear.
I open a door. It is the door of my inner world. I discover that it is like an immense ocean. In the depths of my inner being there is silence, peace, calm and serenity. I go within. I let go of the past and I see it disappear.
I submerge myself in this unlimited ocean, where all the mundane (related to the physical and my day-to-day routine) and negative thoughts melt away. Before me, there opens a path of light that takes me to the depths, where my true essence is found.
I see, in front of me, on this path of light, a star, marvelous and radiant with light. From it radiate rays of peace and love, towards me. My mind is tranquilized; I am filled with silence and peace. My thoughts are full of light, of peace, of love. I feel a deep acceptance and serenity inside me. In this space of silence I am with myself.
I feel free, light, peaceful and free of worries. I am at peace. I feel peace. I am free. I am myself.
Now it is time to return. I breathe gently and I am aware of the place I am in. I feel tranquility, silence, peace, wellbeing. My eyes and my face express this wellbeing. I feel myself free. I feel well with myself and with others.
Message for the day
To perceive the need to change is to bring about change for the better.
Expression: When something goes wrong, there is generally a feeling of being right. There is always a desire expressed to change the situation or the person. So there is no introspection, but only blame. Such words discourage others too as they are constantly made aware of their negativity.
Experience: When I am able to understand the importance of bringing about change for the better in every situation that I am faced with, I am able to recognize the message that the situation gives me. I am able to use the situation to better myself and gradually progress towards the vision of perfection that I have for myself.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Expression: When something goes wrong, there is generally a feeling of being right. There is always a desire expressed to change the situation or the person. So there is no introspection, but only blame. Such words discourage others too as they are constantly made aware of their negativity.
Experience: When I am able to understand the importance of bringing about change for the better in every situation that I am faced with, I am able to recognize the message that the situation gives me. I am able to use the situation to better myself and gradually progress towards the vision of perfection that I have for myself.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Thought for Today 19-02-2012
Self trust is having an unshakeable conviction in yourself that relies on no proof or evidence.
However, to start building self trust, you need to see improvements in yourself.
Make a promise, a commitment to you,
however small (in fact, start very small). And then keep it!
Make one and keep one today, and then notice
how much more you trust yourself.
Make a promise, a commitment to you,
however small (in fact, start very small). And then keep it!
Make one and keep one today, and then notice
how much more you trust yourself.
Soul Sustenance
Positive Thinking
To experience peace is to be in one powerful stage. The more the thoughts we have, the lesser the peace that is experienced in the mind. When we are able to maintain a powerful thought throughout the day whatever the situations come our way we can experience constant peace. Right in the morning let us take a thought that is positive and powerful. For example, 'I am a powerful soul because I have the World Almighty Authority . the Supreme Soul as my companion' or 'I am the luckiest soul in the universe' or as something as simple as .I am a loveful soul, the child of the Ocean of Love.. Take any positive thought connected with the basic qualities of the soul . peace, bliss, love, purity, knowledge, power, joy. Whatever the situations we come across, let us emerge this thought and we will be able to maintain peace.
To experience peace is to be in one powerful stage. The more the thoughts we have, the lesser the peace that is experienced in the mind. When we are able to maintain a powerful thought throughout the day whatever the situations come our way we can experience constant peace. Right in the morning let us take a thought that is positive and powerful. For example, 'I am a powerful soul because I have the World Almighty Authority . the Supreme Soul as my companion' or 'I am the luckiest soul in the universe' or as something as simple as .I am a loveful soul, the child of the Ocean of Love.. Take any positive thought connected with the basic qualities of the soul . peace, bliss, love, purity, knowledge, power, joy. Whatever the situations we come across, let us emerge this thought and we will be able to maintain peace.
Message for the day
To receive blessings is to become worthy of them.
Expression: Sometimes there is a desire to receive blessings from God or someone who is considered more powerful. But the one who has truly a thought of winning the love, regard and blessings of the other person is able to put in effort to be worthy of it. So he is constantly trying to be better and better in what he does. Thus he becomes worthy of everyone's blessings.
Experience: When I am constantly making myself more and more worthy, I naturally win the love, trust and blessings from all those I come into contact with. I am committed to whatever I do and know that the blessings of God are with me because I am making effort. I have no fear or insecurity, but go on doing what I have to do with confidence.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Expression: Sometimes there is a desire to receive blessings from God or someone who is considered more powerful. But the one who has truly a thought of winning the love, regard and blessings of the other person is able to put in effort to be worthy of it. So he is constantly trying to be better and better in what he does. Thus he becomes worthy of everyone's blessings.
Experience: When I am constantly making myself more and more worthy, I naturally win the love, trust and blessings from all those I come into contact with. I am committed to whatever I do and know that the blessings of God are with me because I am making effort. I have no fear or insecurity, but go on doing what I have to do with confidence.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Thought for Today 18-02-2012
You need the power of determination to bring thought into practice.
We do have a number of thoughts that we would like to put into practice. Most of the times it doesn't happen that way and they remain merely thoughts. It is necessary to strengthen such thoughts with the power of determination and you will be able to make them practical. Think of something that you wanted to do but could not bring into practice. Now take this thought once again and see why it is important for you to bring it into practice. Once you understand this you will be able to be determined to put it into practice.
Soul Sustenance
Carrying Forward Of Special Talents
Everything that an individual does i.e. a soul does using the medium of the physical body is registered in the soul as a sanskara. Sanskars, therefore, are the foundation of our present personalities and all our special talents and inclinations. There have been many famous personalities including artists, musicians, engineers, sportsmen, etc. who, before attaining phenomenal success in their respective fields, displayed amazing talents related to their respective field at a very young age. When and where could they have mastered these talents so well? It's obvious that amazing masteries at a very young age are not inherited from our parents. These talents have been developed and brought into practice in previous births, as a result of which sanskaras of the talents are created inside the soul. These sanskaras are then carried into the next births, and are brought into actions in the new births.
A more common day-to-day example is the following: A child is born into a family of doctors where, from the beginning, all efforts are made to mould and prepare him to become a doctor, according to family tradition. However, from an early age, the child shows strong tendencies to become an actor, starts to take part extensively in theatre activities at school and the talent starts manifesting itself. This example demonstrates that the characteristics a soul carries from previous experiences of previous births will take it in a specific direction despite attempts made by the family on the contrary. So in short, genius is experience. Some think that it's a gift or talent, but it is the fruit of long experience of many lives. Some are older souls than others i.e. they have been present on the world stage since a longer period of time and have covered a journey of more number of births and so know more. This kind of unlimited, broad vision of life provides us answers to many questions.
Everything that an individual does i.e. a soul does using the medium of the physical body is registered in the soul as a sanskara. Sanskars, therefore, are the foundation of our present personalities and all our special talents and inclinations. There have been many famous personalities including artists, musicians, engineers, sportsmen, etc. who, before attaining phenomenal success in their respective fields, displayed amazing talents related to their respective field at a very young age. When and where could they have mastered these talents so well? It's obvious that amazing masteries at a very young age are not inherited from our parents. These talents have been developed and brought into practice in previous births, as a result of which sanskaras of the talents are created inside the soul. These sanskaras are then carried into the next births, and are brought into actions in the new births.
A more common day-to-day example is the following: A child is born into a family of doctors where, from the beginning, all efforts are made to mould and prepare him to become a doctor, according to family tradition. However, from an early age, the child shows strong tendencies to become an actor, starts to take part extensively in theatre activities at school and the talent starts manifesting itself. This example demonstrates that the characteristics a soul carries from previous experiences of previous births will take it in a specific direction despite attempts made by the family on the contrary. So in short, genius is experience. Some think that it's a gift or talent, but it is the fruit of long experience of many lives. Some are older souls than others i.e. they have been present on the world stage since a longer period of time and have covered a journey of more number of births and so know more. This kind of unlimited, broad vision of life provides us answers to many questions.
Message for the day
To bring in light is to finish darkness.
Expression: Usually when there is any negativity seen, there is a lot of attention paid to it. All the positivity remains hidden and only the negativity is highlighted. So the one who is caught up with a negative attitude colours all his words and actions too with this negativity and will naturally create a world of negativity for himself.
Experience: When I am able to see the positivity even in both positive situations and negative situations, I am able to influence others with my positivity. Others' negativity will not influence me in a negative way, but I will be able to remain powerful in all situations. I will experience inner growth constantly.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Expression: Usually when there is any negativity seen, there is a lot of attention paid to it. All the positivity remains hidden and only the negativity is highlighted. So the one who is caught up with a negative attitude colours all his words and actions too with this negativity and will naturally create a world of negativity for himself.
Experience: When I am able to see the positivity even in both positive situations and negative situations, I am able to influence others with my positivity. Others' negativity will not influence me in a negative way, but I will be able to remain powerful in all situations. I will experience inner growth constantly.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Friday, February 17, 2012
Thought for Today 17-02-2012
Think of a person with whom you find it really difficult to work with.
Now, make a conscious effort to think of one of their better qualities.
Remember, each and every individual has something special about them.
Whenever you come into contact with this person, see them with this positive quality. When you make this a habit,
you'll find any resistance or negativity (on your side) disappearing and cooperation becomes easy.
Whenever you come into contact with this person, see them with this positive quality. When you make this a habit,
you'll find any resistance or negativity (on your side) disappearing and cooperation becomes easy.
Soul Sustenance
Radiating Positive And Powerful Energy
You will notice many people in your life who are very much in need of love but they attract the opposite energy. This is because the negative energy of lack of love for the self and low self esteem which they continuously radiate causes them to attract that same negative energy from others. In the same way, there are many people who are very much in need of success but they attract failure repeatedly. Failure is directly related to the quality of energy we radiate i.e. how positive and powerful our expectations of success are. Once we set the goals that we wish to reach, we need to be careful that we move towards our aim without creating the negative energy of fear inside our consciousness. Failure appears when we make an effort to achieve those goals and we damage the result or attract failure without us desiring so, simply because of our fears of failure. Even then, if at that step we feel that we have failed, we need to have a positive and constructive attitude. We need to emerge the power to face and power of acceptance inside us.That way our creative energies will flow and we will carry on going forward without the failure (whether real or only perceived by us to be real but actually not real) becoming an obstacle in our path from doing so. Although at that time it may seem as though we have missed an opportunity or that some openings have closed for us, have faith and be fearless. If we are fearless and radiate positive and powerful energy, other possibilities will open up. We have this deep rooted belief that our fear will keep us safe, and we treat it like a comfort zone, a red signal that tells us that we should stop. Creating a time every day to do something that you fear, helps you to re-condition yourself internally to begin to see the fear as a green signal and to develop inner courage, so that you can move towards your goal of success. Each day, do what you fear and the fear will soon be removed.
You will notice many people in your life who are very much in need of love but they attract the opposite energy. This is because the negative energy of lack of love for the self and low self esteem which they continuously radiate causes them to attract that same negative energy from others. In the same way, there are many people who are very much in need of success but they attract failure repeatedly. Failure is directly related to the quality of energy we radiate i.e. how positive and powerful our expectations of success are. Once we set the goals that we wish to reach, we need to be careful that we move towards our aim without creating the negative energy of fear inside our consciousness. Failure appears when we make an effort to achieve those goals and we damage the result or attract failure without us desiring so, simply because of our fears of failure. Even then, if at that step we feel that we have failed, we need to have a positive and constructive attitude. We need to emerge the power to face and power of acceptance inside us.That way our creative energies will flow and we will carry on going forward without the failure (whether real or only perceived by us to be real but actually not real) becoming an obstacle in our path from doing so. Although at that time it may seem as though we have missed an opportunity or that some openings have closed for us, have faith and be fearless. If we are fearless and radiate positive and powerful energy, other possibilities will open up. We have this deep rooted belief that our fear will keep us safe, and we treat it like a comfort zone, a red signal that tells us that we should stop. Creating a time every day to do something that you fear, helps you to re-condition yourself internally to begin to see the fear as a green signal and to develop inner courage, so that you can move towards your goal of success. Each day, do what you fear and the fear will soon be removed.
Message for the day
To make the aim and qualification equal is to bring perfection.
Expression: To have an aim that is high is to naturally bring about the desire to do the best in everything. But also important is to make effort to bring about those qualifications that are needed to fulfill this aim. So the one who has the desire to make the aim and qualifications equal is the one who is able to bring beauty to every action.
Experience: When I am able to make constant effort to bring in those qualities that are necessary for my aim I am able to bring perfection. I am able to experience the satisfaction of bringing a lot of change in a short time. I experience constant progress as I continue to make effort to move on towards my aim .
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Expression: To have an aim that is high is to naturally bring about the desire to do the best in everything. But also important is to make effort to bring about those qualifications that are needed to fulfill this aim. So the one who has the desire to make the aim and qualifications equal is the one who is able to bring beauty to every action.
Experience: When I am able to make constant effort to bring in those qualities that are necessary for my aim I am able to bring perfection. I am able to experience the satisfaction of bringing a lot of change in a short time. I experience constant progress as I continue to make effort to move on towards my aim .
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Thought for Today 16-02-2012
Give the ones in need, the support of your courage.
Whatever the situation or however much in need a person might be, the best help you can offer is of making them courageous. They will then work on their situation and succeed. When you find someone weak or in need, instead of becoming weak along with them, maintain your courage and you will be able to give this support to the others too. Then they will get the courage to work on their problem.
Soul Sustenance
Inculcating Powers Through Rajyoga Meditation -
The Power To Withdraw (cont.)
When I am too open to the world around me, it's as though the arrows of negativity that fly around can easily penetrate my being, so that I lose my power. What others say and do quickly affects me, and I become reactive. This causes a build-up of stress, and eventually burnout, which makes me feel my only option, is to retire from situations altogether, which is not always possible.
I don't want to react; I want to act with concern and reason and effectiveness. When I develop the habit of making a momentary withdrawal in situations of danger, I'm better able to achieve this. Turning within, I'm able to remember my link with the divine, the link of love, the link that fills me with peace and wisdom and good wishes. It's like an exercise: going inwards i.e. connecting with the self, then upwards towards the Supreme and then outwards (in the field of .karma.). Doing this repeatedly through the day as a discipline as well as at times of danger, I'll keep moving forward with stability and strength.
In order to maintain this power, I have to put a high value on introversion. If I'm too extrovert, I'll become caught up in external circumstances, and won't have power to withdraw available to me at the moment of need.
The Power To Withdraw (cont.)
When I am too open to the world around me, it's as though the arrows of negativity that fly around can easily penetrate my being, so that I lose my power. What others say and do quickly affects me, and I become reactive. This causes a build-up of stress, and eventually burnout, which makes me feel my only option, is to retire from situations altogether, which is not always possible.
I don't want to react; I want to act with concern and reason and effectiveness. When I develop the habit of making a momentary withdrawal in situations of danger, I'm better able to achieve this. Turning within, I'm able to remember my link with the divine, the link of love, the link that fills me with peace and wisdom and good wishes. It's like an exercise: going inwards i.e. connecting with the self, then upwards towards the Supreme and then outwards (in the field of .karma.). Doing this repeatedly through the day as a discipline as well as at times of danger, I'll keep moving forward with stability and strength.
In order to maintain this power, I have to put a high value on introversion. If I'm too extrovert, I'll become caught up in external circumstances, and won't have power to withdraw available to me at the moment of need.
Message for the day
To appreciate variety is to harmonise.
Expression: When there is recognition that each human being is unique with his own unique set of capabilities, there is the ability to respect him for what he is. Then all attempts are made to harmonise with him instead of trying to make him just like oneself. So energy is channelised in the right direction and one becomes an inspiration for others too.
Experience: To appreciate variety means to see the beauty and specialities of each and every individual. It means to appreciate the natural positive qualities in everyone and learn to blend my own qualities with theirs. This gives me the satisfaction of the beauty of relationships, because there are no expectations and no disappointments.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Expression: When there is recognition that each human being is unique with his own unique set of capabilities, there is the ability to respect him for what he is. Then all attempts are made to harmonise with him instead of trying to make him just like oneself. So energy is channelised in the right direction and one becomes an inspiration for others too.
Experience: To appreciate variety means to see the beauty and specialities of each and every individual. It means to appreciate the natural positive qualities in everyone and learn to blend my own qualities with theirs. This gives me the satisfaction of the beauty of relationships, because there are no expectations and no disappointments.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Thought for Today 15-02-2012
Are we there yet?
How often do you find yourself anxious to get 'there'?
Are you over focused on the destination?
How about enjoying the journey and not just the destination!
How about enjoying the journey and not just the destination!
Soul Sustenance
Inculcating Powers Through Rajyoga Meditation -
The Power To Withdraw
The aim of Raja Yoga meditation is to strengthen ones nature so much so that situations, which previously might have defeated us, we now find easy to handle. So, the power to withdraw does not mean running away from life, but the ability to find a safe space inside oneself, even in the midst of life.
An image used to illustrate this power is that of the tortoise. When there is danger, the tortoise instantly goes inside its shell, which it carries with it everywhere. In the same way, when I am faced with negativity or active hostility from people and situations around me, there is great strength in become introverted, even for a moment, so as to touch base with the point of peace inside my own being. In doing so, I find not only shelter, but alsostability, so that I protect myself from any hostile reactions on my part.
(To be continued tomorrow ...)
The Power To Withdraw
The aim of Raja Yoga meditation is to strengthen ones nature so much so that situations, which previously might have defeated us, we now find easy to handle. So, the power to withdraw does not mean running away from life, but the ability to find a safe space inside oneself, even in the midst of life.
An image used to illustrate this power is that of the tortoise. When there is danger, the tortoise instantly goes inside its shell, which it carries with it everywhere. In the same way, when I am faced with negativity or active hostility from people and situations around me, there is great strength in become introverted, even for a moment, so as to touch base with the point of peace inside my own being. In doing so, I find not only shelter, but alsostability, so that I protect myself from any hostile reactions on my part.
(To be continued tomorrow ...)
Message for the day
True change brings benefit to all.
Expression: When there is someone who is behaving in a way that is not right, the usual reaction is to have negative feelings for that person. All words and actions based on this negative attitude will naturally create negativity. Instead it is good to see what could be done to benefit the other person. Raising complaints only takes away inner peace.
Experience: When I bring about a change that benefits even the person who is making the mistake, I am able to remain in peace with all types of people. I am not worried about why a person is behaving in a particular way, but I am able to see what is to be done in order to remove that particular negativity. The hatred is not for the person but for the negativity itself.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Expression: When there is someone who is behaving in a way that is not right, the usual reaction is to have negative feelings for that person. All words and actions based on this negative attitude will naturally create negativity. Instead it is good to see what could be done to benefit the other person. Raising complaints only takes away inner peace.
Experience: When I bring about a change that benefits even the person who is making the mistake, I am able to remain in peace with all types of people. I am not worried about why a person is behaving in a particular way, but I am able to see what is to be done in order to remove that particular negativity. The hatred is not for the person but for the negativity itself.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Thought for Today 14-02-2012
Even when things go wrong have the courage to move on.
Mistakes do happen, but I must keep my heart happy and have the courage for the future. Whatever happens there is always a lesson to be learnt which would be useful for the future. Take this learning and move forward with courage. When things go wrong in a big way i will remember that those obstacles have come to make me stronger. Take the determined thought not to lose courage whatever happens. i must maintain my courage and I will find things turning out the best.
Soul Sustenance
The Three Root Causes Of Anger (cont.)
We are at war with our self when we fail to make the world do exactly what we want, or we believe we have let our self down. An e.g. of a war with one self is . Suppose you are standing in a queue waiting for your chance to arrive, only to discover an hour later, just when your chance is about to arrive, that the time for the counter to close has come and the counter has closed. You get upset, but with whom? Perhaps the person at the counter at first and may be with the other people in the queue and then with yourself, for not having found out the time of closing of the counter. There are two failures that make you uneasy here. First you failed to ask someone early enough, which would have saved you the hour time loss. Second, you failed to control your emotions of anger. Although you might not externally admit that you failed, inside you know. Because of these two failures, you then start to get angry with yourself. The thought pattern that goes inside your mind: to fail is to lose, to lose is to be sorrowful, to be sorrowful causes me to become angry, as you look for an external cause of your sadness which, in this case, is initially the person at the counter and the other people in the queue (who would have known the time of closing and could have told you). So you demonstrate to others your justified anger towards them. But deep inside you know it is you yourself that has made you sorrowful.
As the anger builds up inside you, again, after a while, you find someone else outside on whom you vent out your anger. You seem to feel better as a result, but it's only temporary. The next time you become angry; interrupt the pattern of your anger by asking yourself two simple questions: Who are you fighting a war with? Answer: Yourself. Who is suffering the most due to the war? Answer: Yourself. And if your anger is directed at yourself for your own supposed failure then just tell yourself, "There is no such thing as failure, only a different result from the one that I expected and results are not going to be exactly as I want, expect or desire. That is a rule of the game of life."
We are at war with our self when we fail to make the world do exactly what we want, or we believe we have let our self down. An e.g. of a war with one self is . Suppose you are standing in a queue waiting for your chance to arrive, only to discover an hour later, just when your chance is about to arrive, that the time for the counter to close has come and the counter has closed. You get upset, but with whom? Perhaps the person at the counter at first and may be with the other people in the queue and then with yourself, for not having found out the time of closing of the counter. There are two failures that make you uneasy here. First you failed to ask someone early enough, which would have saved you the hour time loss. Second, you failed to control your emotions of anger. Although you might not externally admit that you failed, inside you know. Because of these two failures, you then start to get angry with yourself. The thought pattern that goes inside your mind: to fail is to lose, to lose is to be sorrowful, to be sorrowful causes me to become angry, as you look for an external cause of your sadness which, in this case, is initially the person at the counter and the other people in the queue (who would have known the time of closing and could have told you). So you demonstrate to others your justified anger towards them. But deep inside you know it is you yourself that has made you sorrowful.
As the anger builds up inside you, again, after a while, you find someone else outside on whom you vent out your anger. You seem to feel better as a result, but it's only temporary. The next time you become angry; interrupt the pattern of your anger by asking yourself two simple questions: Who are you fighting a war with? Answer: Yourself. Who is suffering the most due to the war? Answer: Yourself. And if your anger is directed at yourself for your own supposed failure then just tell yourself, "There is no such thing as failure, only a different result from the one that I expected and results are not going to be exactly as I want, expect or desire. That is a rule of the game of life."
Message for the day
The one who has the aim to be perfect is the one who learns from obstacles.
Expression: The higher the aim, the more the obstacles that comes one's way. Just as a perfect idol is one that has been chiseled a great deal, each obstacle comes to remove some or the other defect from within. The one, who understands this little secret, is able to use each obstacle as a beautiful learning for growth, and a chance to express the best qualities from within.
Experience: When I am committed to bringing out my own inner perfection, I am never deterred by the temporary situations that come my way. I move on with confidence, taking time to look within and recognize the hidden potential within me. I am able to get closer and closer to the perfection that I always seek.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Expression: The higher the aim, the more the obstacles that comes one's way. Just as a perfect idol is one that has been chiseled a great deal, each obstacle comes to remove some or the other defect from within. The one, who understands this little secret, is able to use each obstacle as a beautiful learning for growth, and a chance to express the best qualities from within.
Experience: When I am committed to bringing out my own inner perfection, I am never deterred by the temporary situations that come my way. I move on with confidence, taking time to look within and recognize the hidden potential within me. I am able to get closer and closer to the perfection that I always seek.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Monday, February 13, 2012
Thought for Today 13-02-2012
It's as easy to be miserly with information, know-how or experience as it is with cash. Does fear hinder your generosity? Are you hanging on to 'know-how' as a means to making yourself indispensable?
Real generosity is boundless. A candle loses nothing when it lights another. This week, be generous.
Soul Sustenance
The Three Root Causes Of Anger (cont.)
We are at a subtle war with another person when he/she has done something which we perceive or judge to be wrong and our anger is an attempt to change them or take revenge. This is the second belief (we had mentioned the first one in yesterday.s message) that is embedded very deeply in our consciousness that the world, including its entire people, should do exactly what we want them to, or what we think they should do. Perhaps we have not yet realized that it is impossible to control others and make them change. The lack of awareness and realization of this truth, which we will definitely realize at some point or the other, doesn.t let us become anger-free very easily. People will always make their own decisions and control their own actions, always. They can definitely be influenced, but they cannot be controlled. When our internal desire of a certain type of behavior from people is not fulfilled, or in other words something against the above belief happens, our instant reaction is one of resentment or irritation or frustration or hatred which are all forms of anger.
One of the most important attributes of a great soul is the ability to not have even a trace of desire for revenge inside and the ability to forgive someone who has supposedly wronged him in anyway. Don.t we all acknowledge that such an individual who has freed himself completely from all anger forms earns our and everyone else.s respect and deepest admiration, and we give him the medal of greatness inside our minds and even physically? So doesn.t that mean we intuitively know that this anger is an incorrect emotion and peace, good wishes and forgiveness are the correct ones, in harmony with the basic nature of the human spirit?
(To be continued tomorrow.)
We are at a subtle war with another person when he/she has done something which we perceive or judge to be wrong and our anger is an attempt to change them or take revenge. This is the second belief (we had mentioned the first one in yesterday.s message) that is embedded very deeply in our consciousness that the world, including its entire people, should do exactly what we want them to, or what we think they should do. Perhaps we have not yet realized that it is impossible to control others and make them change. The lack of awareness and realization of this truth, which we will definitely realize at some point or the other, doesn.t let us become anger-free very easily. People will always make their own decisions and control their own actions, always. They can definitely be influenced, but they cannot be controlled. When our internal desire of a certain type of behavior from people is not fulfilled, or in other words something against the above belief happens, our instant reaction is one of resentment or irritation or frustration or hatred which are all forms of anger.
One of the most important attributes of a great soul is the ability to not have even a trace of desire for revenge inside and the ability to forgive someone who has supposedly wronged him in anyway. Don.t we all acknowledge that such an individual who has freed himself completely from all anger forms earns our and everyone else.s respect and deepest admiration, and we give him the medal of greatness inside our minds and even physically? So doesn.t that mean we intuitively know that this anger is an incorrect emotion and peace, good wishes and forgiveness are the correct ones, in harmony with the basic nature of the human spirit?
(To be continued tomorrow.)
Message for the day
The best way to get respect is to give respect to the self.
Expression: There is always an expectation of getting respect from those around. The one who is totally dependent on others for their own sense of well-being tends to react to situations, even if they are very insignificant ones. On the other hand, the one who is able to give respect to the self gives respect to others too and so gets respect himself.
Experience: When I am able to see my own specialities I am able to have respect for myself. Then I am not dependent on external sources for my inner state of mind. I remain free from all external influences, and am able to become a source of influence for those around me. I constantly enrich my own internal state with each thing that happens.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Expression: There is always an expectation of getting respect from those around. The one who is totally dependent on others for their own sense of well-being tends to react to situations, even if they are very insignificant ones. On the other hand, the one who is able to give respect to the self gives respect to others too and so gets respect himself.
Experience: When I am able to see my own specialities I am able to have respect for myself. Then I am not dependent on external sources for my inner state of mind. I remain free from all external influences, and am able to become a source of influence for those around me. I constantly enrich my own internal state with each thing that happens.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Thought for Today 12-02-2012
When courage is combined with understanding you can achieve success.
Instead of blindly taking risks thinking it is courage, when you do anything with knowledge and understanding you receive success. Knowledge gives you the ability to discriminate enabling you to try out something new, yet not taking unwanted risks. Before you start off with something new consider carefully if what you are doing is right. Think of the consequences of the action too. When you pay attention in this way you will never take unwanted risks even while maintaining your courage.
Soul Sustenance
The Three Root Causes Of Anger
Any time we sense irritation, frustration or anger emerging inside our consciousness, if we take a close look at it, we will notice we are fighting a war in our consciousness with one of these three: either with another person, most obviously or with the past or with our self.
We are at war with the past because our anger is always towards something that has already happened and looking at it we react emotionally which means we are trying to change it, which is impossible.Any scene that has taken place a year ago, a month ago or even a second ago cannot be changed. We may be completely convinced and we may believe we can. That's because we hold this belief subconsciously. Somewhere and sometime in the past, we have picked up and absorbed the belief that the world and its circumstances should shape up exactly as we want.
When our internal desire of a certain type of circumstances is not fulfilled, or in other words something against this belief happens, our instant reaction is one of the various forms of anger and we tend to try and change the incident that has happened in a far-off past or a past that has just gone by. We keep replaying a revised incident, with words and actions that we would have liked and that suit our convenience and we also keep nullifying the actual incident or remain in a un-acceptance mode towards it. This is like fighting a war with the incident. We tend to do this inside our minds, repeatedly, even realizing somewhere deep within, that it is impossible.
(To be continued tomorrow.)
Any time we sense irritation, frustration or anger emerging inside our consciousness, if we take a close look at it, we will notice we are fighting a war in our consciousness with one of these three: either with another person, most obviously or with the past or with our self.
We are at war with the past because our anger is always towards something that has already happened and looking at it we react emotionally which means we are trying to change it, which is impossible.Any scene that has taken place a year ago, a month ago or even a second ago cannot be changed. We may be completely convinced and we may believe we can. That's because we hold this belief subconsciously. Somewhere and sometime in the past, we have picked up and absorbed the belief that the world and its circumstances should shape up exactly as we want.
When our internal desire of a certain type of circumstances is not fulfilled, or in other words something against this belief happens, our instant reaction is one of the various forms of anger and we tend to try and change the incident that has happened in a far-off past or a past that has just gone by. We keep replaying a revised incident, with words and actions that we would have liked and that suit our convenience and we also keep nullifying the actual incident or remain in a un-acceptance mode towards it. This is like fighting a war with the incident. We tend to do this inside our minds, repeatedly, even realizing somewhere deep within, that it is impossible.
(To be continued tomorrow.)
Message for the day
To be experienced means to be an inspiration to many.
Expression: Words heard can be forgotten, but that which is experienced remains as a deep impression that makes one move forward constantly. The positive experience acts as a stimulant so that others too take benefit from this experience. The actions of such a person are always beneficial.
Experience: When I have an experience from which I learn, I am able to leave a deep impression for further growth. I am constantly learning from every single thing that happens in my life and I am able to sustain it as a beautiful experience for my life. So this learning becomes a powerful support for those who wish to change.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Expression: Words heard can be forgotten, but that which is experienced remains as a deep impression that makes one move forward constantly. The positive experience acts as a stimulant so that others too take benefit from this experience. The actions of such a person are always beneficial.
Experience: When I have an experience from which I learn, I am able to leave a deep impression for further growth. I am constantly learning from every single thing that happens in my life and I am able to sustain it as a beautiful experience for my life. So this learning becomes a powerful support for those who wish to change.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Thought for Today 11-02-2012
With every step that you take with courage you receive a thousand fold help from God.
If there is fear due to which you are not able to take the first step, you will not able to achieve big things. Even if something looks impossible, with your step of courage it can be made possible and you will receive maximum help. God of course doesn't do your work but he does the work of giving you help. Start off something new after surrendering it to God not just as a ritual, but with firm faith in your mind that you will receive His help. When you do this, help will surely come from some or the other means.
Soul Sustenance
Understanding The Process Of Birth And Death
When the body has become unserviceable due to age or disease, or it suffers a fatal injury, the soul leaves the body. At the moment of death, the soul withdraws its energy from the organs of the body and vacates its seat in the middle of the forehead. Like a bird, it leaves the cage made of skin and bones, and taking its .sanskaras., it enters into another, a new body, in the womb of the new mother. From the very birth, the .sanskaras. of a soul are apparent (visible); whether the "new-born" baby is happy, unbothered, sad, shy, mischievous, quiet, violent or agitated.
Death occurs at the precise moment when the account of giving and taking with other souls through a particular body is finished. The new birth is determined by the soul's account of .karmas. with another set of souls. One may be born into a cultured, wealthy family, another as a beggar, one may be born deaf, dumb, blind or crippled, another with a strong supple body. The type of body and the conditions of birth are determined by the thoughts and actions performed in the previous births.
When the body has become unserviceable due to age or disease, or it suffers a fatal injury, the soul leaves the body. At the moment of death, the soul withdraws its energy from the organs of the body and vacates its seat in the middle of the forehead. Like a bird, it leaves the cage made of skin and bones, and taking its .sanskaras., it enters into another, a new body, in the womb of the new mother. From the very birth, the .sanskaras. of a soul are apparent (visible); whether the "new-born" baby is happy, unbothered, sad, shy, mischievous, quiet, violent or agitated.
Death occurs at the precise moment when the account of giving and taking with other souls through a particular body is finished. The new birth is determined by the soul's account of .karmas. with another set of souls. One may be born into a cultured, wealthy family, another as a beggar, one may be born deaf, dumb, blind or crippled, another with a strong supple body. The type of body and the conditions of birth are determined by the thoughts and actions performed in the previous births.
Message for the day
The foundation of a beautiful life is positive thoughts.
Expression: The one who is constantly thinking positive is able to keep his words positive too. His actions would surely be positive also and would be those that bring benefit to the self and others. So to have positive thoughts means to make a beautiful contribution in making one's own life worthwhile.
Experience: When I continue to have positive thoughts, I create a foundation for a beautiful life. I am able to enjoy the beauty of whatever situations come up in my life. I am able to strengthen this foundation further because each positive thought multiplies as time passes by. So I am able to create a fertile ground for getting the best fruit from life.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Expression: The one who is constantly thinking positive is able to keep his words positive too. His actions would surely be positive also and would be those that bring benefit to the self and others. So to have positive thoughts means to make a beautiful contribution in making one's own life worthwhile.
Experience: When I continue to have positive thoughts, I create a foundation for a beautiful life. I am able to enjoy the beauty of whatever situations come up in my life. I am able to strengthen this foundation further because each positive thought multiplies as time passes by. So I am able to create a fertile ground for getting the best fruit from life.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Friday, February 10, 2012
Thought for Today 10-02-2012
You can maintain your courage when you have the faith that you are victorious.
To believe that you are victorious is to give yourself the wings and the strength to fly. With just this belief you will have the courage to work on your obstacles with ease and win over them. Before you restart anything that you had failed in before or even when you start a new important task, make sure you tell yourself that you are victorious. Remind yourself again and again that 'victory is your birthright'. This thought will give you the courage to succeed.
Soul Sustenance
Balance Between Masculine and Feminine Qualities
These are some examples of masculine and feminine qualities:
Masculine
Logical, Verbal, Brave, Enthusiastic, Enterprising, Flexible, Creative, Responsible, Self-confident, Jovial, Detached
Feminine
Intuitive, Silent, Affectionate, Serene (Peaceful), Patient, Tolerant, Inspiring, Optimistic, Resistant, Mature, Sweet
Opening up to the spiritual consciousness (or the consciousness of the soul) makes the masculine and feminine qualities emerge from our inner selves. As we become more conscious and attentive, we come across a balance between masculine and feminine qualities, achieving greater harmony in our lives and in our relationships. When we are only aware of the physical form, a part of our being may remain hidden. For example, if a man only identifies with his masculine form (I am a man), his feminine qualities do not develop. In the same way, many women have not developed their masculine qualities due to the thought: "I am (only) a woman".
E.g. in a family where the father is often absent and cannot provide his support for long periods of time, the role of the mother takes on another broader dimension. She can make the masculine qualities emerge, combining authority and bravery with her more feminine aspects.
Addiction to relationships, in other words, the dependency on other people, is to a large extent due to an imbalance of masculine and feminine qualities in our inner selves. The main reason why this happens is that we do not develop the qualities that we are missing internally and we seek the company of others who have these qualities. We try to compensate for our weaknesses and fill our defects by taking what we are missing, from other people, thus becoming dependent on them.
These are some examples of masculine and feminine qualities:
Masculine
Logical, Verbal, Brave, Enthusiastic, Enterprising, Flexible, Creative, Responsible, Self-confident, Jovial, Detached
Feminine
Intuitive, Silent, Affectionate, Serene (Peaceful), Patient, Tolerant, Inspiring, Optimistic, Resistant, Mature, Sweet
Opening up to the spiritual consciousness (or the consciousness of the soul) makes the masculine and feminine qualities emerge from our inner selves. As we become more conscious and attentive, we come across a balance between masculine and feminine qualities, achieving greater harmony in our lives and in our relationships. When we are only aware of the physical form, a part of our being may remain hidden. For example, if a man only identifies with his masculine form (I am a man), his feminine qualities do not develop. In the same way, many women have not developed their masculine qualities due to the thought: "I am (only) a woman".
E.g. in a family where the father is often absent and cannot provide his support for long periods of time, the role of the mother takes on another broader dimension. She can make the masculine qualities emerge, combining authority and bravery with her more feminine aspects.
Addiction to relationships, in other words, the dependency on other people, is to a large extent due to an imbalance of masculine and feminine qualities in our inner selves. The main reason why this happens is that we do not develop the qualities that we are missing internally and we seek the company of others who have these qualities. We try to compensate for our weaknesses and fill our defects by taking what we are missing, from other people, thus becoming dependent on them.
Message for the day
Love spreads positivity.
Expression: The one who is loving is not limited by circumstances and his love is not restricted only to certain people. On the other hand, it is revealed in each and every act thus colouring everything and every relationship with the beauty of that love. To be loving is to be constantly a giver. It also means to forgive others easily and help them to move forward.
Experience: When I am loving constantly, I am able to experience the joy of life. I am able to exchange the gifts of pure feelings and find my life enriched with them. I am able to enjoy the beauty of relationships without having to feel the bondage due to expectations. Each moment of my life is filled with beauty and joy.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Expression: The one who is loving is not limited by circumstances and his love is not restricted only to certain people. On the other hand, it is revealed in each and every act thus colouring everything and every relationship with the beauty of that love. To be loving is to be constantly a giver. It also means to forgive others easily and help them to move forward.
Experience: When I am loving constantly, I am able to experience the joy of life. I am able to exchange the gifts of pure feelings and find my life enriched with them. I am able to enjoy the beauty of relationships without having to feel the bondage due to expectations. Each moment of my life is filled with beauty and joy.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Thought for Today 9-02-2012
How can we serve others around us?
By making our lives inspirational and interacting with tact and wisdom.
We should be so cheerful, and our lives such examples, that they say 'Here is an angel.'
Soul Sustenance
Practical Positive Response Training To The Mind (cont.)
Yesterday we had explained the process of restoring positivity in the mind when faced with a negative situation, where the most common response is a negative one but the mind can be trained to respond in a different way, in a positive way.Today we explain this process with an example.
e.g. You have just had a major argument with your spouse and have lost your temper. At that time, not only your mind but your physical body also feels uncomfortable - it is in a state of complete stress. You feel your blood pressure has suddenly shot up, your heart is beating fast, you feel uncomfortable in the stomach, your hands are shaking, your face and eyes are red. On top of that, you also feel sad. You have behaved like this many times before and you know the results of responding in this way. The relationship has been scarred and you have worsened a situation. This could have been avoided. There is sorrow, guilt, low self esteem and hopelessness over your loss of control. Also, there is a fear regarding your future, not necessarily a long term one, because things will get sorted out sooner or later, but a short term uncertainty does exist, especially regarding what your spouse's response will be in the next few hours or days. In this state of mental and physical helplessness or desperation, anger may come again either projected towards yourself or towards your partner, which will be followed by the same effects, worsening your state further. In this moment of lack of spiritual wisdom, you remind yourself of the simple wisdom that you are in fact a soul. Even while you are still caught up in the turmoil of the negative situation, using your intellect, you consciously emerge inside yourself, your true awareness of being a sparkling point of peaceful light situated just above the eyes, at the center of the forehead. You not only become aware but you also use the intellect to visualize your true, peaceful, spiritual and star-like form clearly. In that moment, you are able to tap into the reservoir of peace that is present deep inside your being. You calm your mind by holding on to this awareness for a few minutes. You feel - you know - that you are peace. As this experience grows, it has a soothing effect on your whole physical system. Gradually, stability and peace are restored to your body as well as your mind.
Yesterday we had explained the process of restoring positivity in the mind when faced with a negative situation, where the most common response is a negative one but the mind can be trained to respond in a different way, in a positive way.Today we explain this process with an example.
e.g. You have just had a major argument with your spouse and have lost your temper. At that time, not only your mind but your physical body also feels uncomfortable - it is in a state of complete stress. You feel your blood pressure has suddenly shot up, your heart is beating fast, you feel uncomfortable in the stomach, your hands are shaking, your face and eyes are red. On top of that, you also feel sad. You have behaved like this many times before and you know the results of responding in this way. The relationship has been scarred and you have worsened a situation. This could have been avoided. There is sorrow, guilt, low self esteem and hopelessness over your loss of control. Also, there is a fear regarding your future, not necessarily a long term one, because things will get sorted out sooner or later, but a short term uncertainty does exist, especially regarding what your spouse's response will be in the next few hours or days. In this state of mental and physical helplessness or desperation, anger may come again either projected towards yourself or towards your partner, which will be followed by the same effects, worsening your state further. In this moment of lack of spiritual wisdom, you remind yourself of the simple wisdom that you are in fact a soul. Even while you are still caught up in the turmoil of the negative situation, using your intellect, you consciously emerge inside yourself, your true awareness of being a sparkling point of peaceful light situated just above the eyes, at the center of the forehead. You not only become aware but you also use the intellect to visualize your true, peaceful, spiritual and star-like form clearly. In that moment, you are able to tap into the reservoir of peace that is present deep inside your being. You calm your mind by holding on to this awareness for a few minutes. You feel - you know - that you are peace. As this experience grows, it has a soothing effect on your whole physical system. Gradually, stability and peace are restored to your body as well as your mind.
Message for the day
To give regard to all is to win the love of all.
Expression: To give regard to someone who is older and more experienced is one thing, but it is also important to have regard to someone who is younger. When there is such regard, interaction with them would surely be positive. The words spoken would be encouraging and giving them support and never putting them down even when they make mistakes.
Experience: When I am able to give regard to everyone, I am able to win the love of all. I am not dependent on others' love for giving them regard, but am able to appreciate them as they are. I am able to see their specialities and encourage them to use these specialities. This naturally wins the love of others, along with bringing improvement in their own life.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Expression: To give regard to someone who is older and more experienced is one thing, but it is also important to have regard to someone who is younger. When there is such regard, interaction with them would surely be positive. The words spoken would be encouraging and giving them support and never putting them down even when they make mistakes.
Experience: When I am able to give regard to everyone, I am able to win the love of all. I am not dependent on others' love for giving them regard, but am able to appreciate them as they are. I am able to see their specialities and encourage them to use these specialities. This naturally wins the love of others, along with bringing improvement in their own life.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Thought for Today 8-02-2012
Before taking any important decisions,
take a moment and detach yourself from the situation.
Let your mind become free from any
associated memories and unnecessary attitudes.
When the layers that cloud your perception fade away,
you can see the situation clearly.
Then you'll be able to make the right decisions.
take a moment and detach yourself from the situation.
Let your mind become free from any
associated memories and unnecessary attitudes.
When the layers that cloud your perception fade away,
you can see the situation clearly.
Then you'll be able to make the right decisions.
Soul Sustenance
Practical Positive Response Training To The Mind
Meditation is a process in which I train the mind to consciously create those right type of thoughts that I wish to have, inside my mind, regularly in my daily routine. On the field of action, I am faced with various different types of negative and uncomfortable situations, which have the first and most immediate effect on my thoughts, before showing on my face in my expressions or in my words or actions. I do realize inside, that the thoughts (and as a result my physical response) created at these times are not the right ones. I want to inculcate a habit, whereby my thought patterns are only which I like or are the right, positive and powerful ones no matter what happens. So where do I start? Meditation is the start. Meditation is the time, when I consciously create positive thoughts. What benefit do I achieve from that? In these few moments, I am changing the deep and very old habit (not limited only to this birth) of creating the wrong type of thoughts, whenever I am faced with a situation which I do not like. How do I do this? I do this through the intellect. The intellect takes hold of the reins of the mind and chooses the direction in which it will travel. Why is it able to do this? Because, during meditation, I bring myself back to the knowledge or belief that I am a soul and my intellect accepts and absorbs this awareness. This belief then becomes the key to taking charge of what is going on in my mind.
If I believe that I am just the physical body and that my thoughts are simply results of chemical and electrical processes in the brain, and not something I can consciously control, I let go of the key. In meditation, my intellect recognizes and realizes that my thoughts are my own creation, of me the soul and not the body and that I, using the intellect, which is also a part of the soul, can make choices about them. When I realize that my natural state is to be the master of my mind and not to be dictated by it or dictated by the brain, I start taking charge of what is going on inside. When I practice being a master of my mind repeatedly by practicing meditation regularly, the new habit of creating only positive thoughts settles inside me and my habit of responding negatively with a negative state of mind to negative situations, begins to change over a period of time. I start responding positively even to negative situations. So, meditation is a major transformation process of the habit of thinking negatively, which then has positive results on my personality and behavior.
Tomorrow we shall explain the above process with an example.
Meditation is a process in which I train the mind to consciously create those right type of thoughts that I wish to have, inside my mind, regularly in my daily routine. On the field of action, I am faced with various different types of negative and uncomfortable situations, which have the first and most immediate effect on my thoughts, before showing on my face in my expressions or in my words or actions. I do realize inside, that the thoughts (and as a result my physical response) created at these times are not the right ones. I want to inculcate a habit, whereby my thought patterns are only which I like or are the right, positive and powerful ones no matter what happens. So where do I start? Meditation is the start. Meditation is the time, when I consciously create positive thoughts. What benefit do I achieve from that? In these few moments, I am changing the deep and very old habit (not limited only to this birth) of creating the wrong type of thoughts, whenever I am faced with a situation which I do not like. How do I do this? I do this through the intellect. The intellect takes hold of the reins of the mind and chooses the direction in which it will travel. Why is it able to do this? Because, during meditation, I bring myself back to the knowledge or belief that I am a soul and my intellect accepts and absorbs this awareness. This belief then becomes the key to taking charge of what is going on in my mind.
If I believe that I am just the physical body and that my thoughts are simply results of chemical and electrical processes in the brain, and not something I can consciously control, I let go of the key. In meditation, my intellect recognizes and realizes that my thoughts are my own creation, of me the soul and not the body and that I, using the intellect, which is also a part of the soul, can make choices about them. When I realize that my natural state is to be the master of my mind and not to be dictated by it or dictated by the brain, I start taking charge of what is going on inside. When I practice being a master of my mind repeatedly by practicing meditation regularly, the new habit of creating only positive thoughts settles inside me and my habit of responding negatively with a negative state of mind to negative situations, begins to change over a period of time. I start responding positively even to negative situations. So, meditation is a major transformation process of the habit of thinking negatively, which then has positive results on my personality and behavior.
Tomorrow we shall explain the above process with an example.
Message for the day
The one who is patient experiences constant success.
Projection: I always expect things to happen fast. Even with a little effort on my part I expect high results. Because of my impatience I just can't wait, I jump to conclusions and react without understanding the problem. Thus I find it difficult to experience success in whatever I do.
Solution: I need to understand that the fruit of the seeds I sow will come at their own time. This gives me the patience to wait without expecting results too fast. Also patience allows me to be calm even in the most negative situations. Thus I will be able to experience success whatever the immediate result of my actions might be.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Projection: I always expect things to happen fast. Even with a little effort on my part I expect high results. Because of my impatience I just can't wait, I jump to conclusions and react without understanding the problem. Thus I find it difficult to experience success in whatever I do.
Solution: I need to understand that the fruit of the seeds I sow will come at their own time. This gives me the patience to wait without expecting results too fast. Also patience allows me to be calm even in the most negative situations. Thus I will be able to experience success whatever the immediate result of my actions might be.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Thought for Today 7-02-2012
The sign of courage is that you will never be defeated.
During difficult situations if you have waste thoughts, words or actions it means that you are being defeated. Whatever the situation when your thoughts, words and actions are made powerful with your courage you will never be defeated. In whatever happens never ask what will happen or how it will happen. These are waste thoughts that will not let you find solutions. Instead of having such thoughts just remind yourself that you are courageous and try and find the best solution for the problem at hand.
Soul Sustenance
Checking Myself On The Stage Of Action
Once we become aware of the possible types of thoughts that the mind creates at different times in the span of a particular day, then we are in a position to keep a check on our thoughts and understand where our energy is being wasted. Once we realize that there are patterns of waste and negative thinking at some times during the day, which are usually triggered by certain situations or people, we can apply a brake on the pattern of habitual negative thinking, thereby transforming this energy wastage into something more positive.
It does happen, that when we are informed about the benefits of meditation for the first time, perhaps in a course or a presentation either in the office, in a center of a spiritual organization or elsewhere; we realize the need for the same but we also feel that, in order to get the house of our minds in order, we need to leave our busy city lifestyles behind and head for the hills. There, we think, we will find the time and the physical and spiritual environment to practice meditation and get our mental state in order, but this is absolutely untrue. While going on an occasional spiritual retreat is certainly useful and recommended for the development of the spiritual self, the real workshop is life itself. Even if I am able to maintain a positive and powerful state of mind in a retreat, it is in our daily actions and relationships with others where the challenge lies, it is on the stage of action or .karma kshetra. that we have to check whether we can remain soul-conscious i.e. in the awareness of our spiritual identity. It is here where we have to see whether we can apply the brakes on patterns of negative thinking, establish and maintain patterns of positive thinking and test whether we have reached the stage where, no person or situation, however negative, can disturb our state of mind.
Once we become aware of the possible types of thoughts that the mind creates at different times in the span of a particular day, then we are in a position to keep a check on our thoughts and understand where our energy is being wasted. Once we realize that there are patterns of waste and negative thinking at some times during the day, which are usually triggered by certain situations or people, we can apply a brake on the pattern of habitual negative thinking, thereby transforming this energy wastage into something more positive.
It does happen, that when we are informed about the benefits of meditation for the first time, perhaps in a course or a presentation either in the office, in a center of a spiritual organization or elsewhere; we realize the need for the same but we also feel that, in order to get the house of our minds in order, we need to leave our busy city lifestyles behind and head for the hills. There, we think, we will find the time and the physical and spiritual environment to practice meditation and get our mental state in order, but this is absolutely untrue. While going on an occasional spiritual retreat is certainly useful and recommended for the development of the spiritual self, the real workshop is life itself. Even if I am able to maintain a positive and powerful state of mind in a retreat, it is in our daily actions and relationships with others where the challenge lies, it is on the stage of action or .karma kshetra. that we have to check whether we can remain soul-conscious i.e. in the awareness of our spiritual identity. It is here where we have to see whether we can apply the brakes on patterns of negative thinking, establish and maintain patterns of positive thinking and test whether we have reached the stage where, no person or situation, however negative, can disturb our state of mind.
Message for the day
To live in the present is to be free from the influence of the past.
Expression: Many times the past keeps coming back again and again in the mind, influencing the present too. The present is lost in thinking about the past. So there can be nothing done to enjoy the present. All words and actions then are totally coloured by the past. Instead the one who is able to free himself from the influence of the past is able to move positively towards the future.
Experience: To be free from the influence of the past it is important to have a powerful consciousness of the present. To be able to be free from the influence of the past is to forget the past. Because there is the understanding that it is gone. Also there is no worry about the future. When I am able to learn to live in the present I am able to discover how full it is of peaceful moments.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Expression: Many times the past keeps coming back again and again in the mind, influencing the present too. The present is lost in thinking about the past. So there can be nothing done to enjoy the present. All words and actions then are totally coloured by the past. Instead the one who is able to free himself from the influence of the past is able to move positively towards the future.
Experience: To be free from the influence of the past it is important to have a powerful consciousness of the present. To be able to be free from the influence of the past is to forget the past. Because there is the understanding that it is gone. Also there is no worry about the future. When I am able to learn to live in the present I am able to discover how full it is of peaceful moments.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Monday, February 6, 2012
Thought for Today 6-02-2012
Having a simple lifestyle doesn't mean you have to give up anything but it does mean to give up the attachment to whatever you have.
When you learn to appreciate and use all the objects, facilities and technologies in your life with detachment;
you will then not be dependent on them, but make full use of them.
Soul Sustenance
Serving Though The Subtle Body Of Light
Apart from our physical form (body), each one of us also has a form of light - a subtle light body. It is referred to as the aura, and can be 'seen' by some sensitive souls. All of us might not be able to .see. it, but we can become .aware. of the aura of others. through the vibrations they emit. The purity of our subtle, light form is dependent on the purity of our thoughts or mental vibrations. Given below are some thoughts for a meditation to help experience your subtle form and serve through it. Think and visualize each thought alongside:
I become detached from my physical surroundings... I consciously create only the purest thoughts...
Now I visualize my true form. I am a subtle being of pure spiritual light, a sparkling star situated at the center of the forehead...
Gradually, I become aware of my subtle body of pure, white light surrounding rny physical form...
In my body of light, I, the soul, the sparkling energy, consciously stand up and step away from my physical form, which remains seated... I, the soul, inside my subtle body, observe my physical body in a detached way.
Now I slowly fly outside the room I am in. I visualize myself, in the subtle form, suspended in the sky.
White rays of spiritual light radiate from me, the soul, and my body of light into the world... like that of an angel.
In this pure awareness of myself in my form of light, I realize that the greatest gifts I can share with those around me are the light of love, peace and truth.
Sitting anywhere, this meditation exercise can be done to visualize oneself in a hospital, on the site of a natural calamity, accident, next to a friend or relative in pain etc., basically anywhere where vibrations of positivity, peace and happiness are required . the location of visualizing yourself can be hundreds of miles from where you may physically be. As you practice the art of being aware of your subtle body, you will begin to sense how you can have a positive effect on others simply radiating good wishes, pure thoughts and pure feelings.
Apart from our physical form (body), each one of us also has a form of light - a subtle light body. It is referred to as the aura, and can be 'seen' by some sensitive souls. All of us might not be able to .see. it, but we can become .aware. of the aura of others. through the vibrations they emit. The purity of our subtle, light form is dependent on the purity of our thoughts or mental vibrations. Given below are some thoughts for a meditation to help experience your subtle form and serve through it. Think and visualize each thought alongside:
I become detached from my physical surroundings... I consciously create only the purest thoughts...
Now I visualize my true form. I am a subtle being of pure spiritual light, a sparkling star situated at the center of the forehead...
Gradually, I become aware of my subtle body of pure, white light surrounding rny physical form...
In my body of light, I, the soul, the sparkling energy, consciously stand up and step away from my physical form, which remains seated... I, the soul, inside my subtle body, observe my physical body in a detached way.
Now I slowly fly outside the room I am in. I visualize myself, in the subtle form, suspended in the sky.
White rays of spiritual light radiate from me, the soul, and my body of light into the world... like that of an angel.
In this pure awareness of myself in my form of light, I realize that the greatest gifts I can share with those around me are the light of love, peace and truth.
Sitting anywhere, this meditation exercise can be done to visualize oneself in a hospital, on the site of a natural calamity, accident, next to a friend or relative in pain etc., basically anywhere where vibrations of positivity, peace and happiness are required . the location of visualizing yourself can be hundreds of miles from where you may physically be. As you practice the art of being aware of your subtle body, you will begin to sense how you can have a positive effect on others simply radiating good wishes, pure thoughts and pure feelings.
Message for the day
Words filled with good wishes bring change in others.
Expression: When there are good wishes combined with the words that I speak, there is love. Whatever is spoken with love has its effect on others. Such words are free from all kind of negativity, so they naturally have a lot of power. Only such powerful words can bring about a change in others.
Experience: When I speak with love and good wishes, I find that I am light, knowing that I have no selfishness in whatever I have said. The others too are able to immediately correct themselves. This also enables me to gain good wishes for having taken them a step forward.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Expression: When there are good wishes combined with the words that I speak, there is love. Whatever is spoken with love has its effect on others. Such words are free from all kind of negativity, so they naturally have a lot of power. Only such powerful words can bring about a change in others.
Experience: When I speak with love and good wishes, I find that I am light, knowing that I have no selfishness in whatever I have said. The others too are able to immediately correct themselves. This also enables me to gain good wishes for having taken them a step forward.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Thought for Today 5-02-2012
To become silent, to be still in the ocean of hectic, noisy action, is a choice many people are now making. When this is achieved, this stillness acts on the mind like oxygen, giving the breath to both understand and enrich life. Of course, action is a necessity, an expression of ourselves through time, relationships and the roles we play. However, if we do not sometimes stop and take a breath of silence, then the mind begins to suffocate, thoughts speed like bullet trains and the brain feels as if it is in a pressure cooker. Emotions erupt and react like volcanoes, the eyes become dizzy with mountains of information and the head feels like a rollercoaster. This is stress. The mind needs to come up for air, to leave the jungle of pressure, deadlines and speed and slow down and find the point of silence within.
Meditation is the method to find that point within which recharges the mind with peace, clarity and balance. It is like a compass needle that guides us in the right direction at the right time.
Meditation is the method to find that point within which recharges the mind with peace, clarity and balance. It is like a compass needle that guides us in the right direction at the right time.
Soul Sustenance
Resisting False Attractions In Actions
All that glitters (shines) is not gold. Life presents you with many illusionary scenes, scenes in which what may be visible may not be the truth. These scenes cause desires to be born inside you to achieve something unnecessary for your prosperity or other types of fulfillments. These can be illusions that make you believe that you will gain something from a situation or person, without the same being true. Thus, you waste time going down a path that not only leads you to disappointment; but you also waste the resource of your thoughts and energy and as a result you tire yourself out emotionally and mentally.
If the intellect is polluted, you make incorrect judgments and are easily deceived by situations or people. Thus, you will make incorrect choices, dishonest or illogical decisions. You will justify dishonesty and improper actions and you will be incapable of differentiating between the real and the imaginary. A person with a pure, clear, clean and powerful intellect will act with honesty and sincerity. When your intellect is polluted, you may act against your own conscience or against your better judgment; you also may be insensitive. A person with a doubtful intellect will always justify a dishonest act. Meditation is the process of purifying and cleaning the intellect, because in meditation we connect with the purest intellect, the intellect of the Supreme Soul or God. Meditation is also a process of inner awakening and strengthening of your conscience. Being awake means to realize, and being strong means to act according to what you have realized.
All that glitters (shines) is not gold. Life presents you with many illusionary scenes, scenes in which what may be visible may not be the truth. These scenes cause desires to be born inside you to achieve something unnecessary for your prosperity or other types of fulfillments. These can be illusions that make you believe that you will gain something from a situation or person, without the same being true. Thus, you waste time going down a path that not only leads you to disappointment; but you also waste the resource of your thoughts and energy and as a result you tire yourself out emotionally and mentally.
If the intellect is polluted, you make incorrect judgments and are easily deceived by situations or people. Thus, you will make incorrect choices, dishonest or illogical decisions. You will justify dishonesty and improper actions and you will be incapable of differentiating between the real and the imaginary. A person with a pure, clear, clean and powerful intellect will act with honesty and sincerity. When your intellect is polluted, you may act against your own conscience or against your better judgment; you also may be insensitive. A person with a doubtful intellect will always justify a dishonest act. Meditation is the process of purifying and cleaning the intellect, because in meditation we connect with the purest intellect, the intellect of the Supreme Soul or God. Meditation is also a process of inner awakening and strengthening of your conscience. Being awake means to realize, and being strong means to act according to what you have realized.
Message for the day
To consider problems to be a game is to move forward with lightness.
Expression: Even when the most difficult problem comes my way, I am able to give my best when I understand the significance of whatever is happening. Because I never experience being subservient to the problem, I am always a master.
Experience: When I understand that problems are just a game, I am able to play whatever part I have to, externally. But internally I will experience lightness knowing that this is the part I have to play. It would be easy to understand the significance of the part that I am playing and remain happy.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Expression: Even when the most difficult problem comes my way, I am able to give my best when I understand the significance of whatever is happening. Because I never experience being subservient to the problem, I am always a master.
Experience: When I understand that problems are just a game, I am able to play whatever part I have to, externally. But internally I will experience lightness knowing that this is the part I have to play. It would be easy to understand the significance of the part that I am playing and remain happy.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Thought for Today 4-02-2012
Delegating is a bit tough at times because you may not trust someone to do a particular task.
To make delegating easy: know your team, their individual strengths and weaknesses; and match tasks with staff. Delegate real developmental challenges, not just the stuff you don't want to do. When you approach work with enthusiasm, others will naturally want to be part of that.
Soul Sustenance
Self Transformation (Change) (cont.)
Over the last few days, we have shared with you some practical reminders and steps we can take to grow spiritually and bring out transformation (change) in ourselves. Noted below is the last of the series, but the most important one.
Get Started!
The main part of any journey is to start. Sometimes we hesitate, sometimes we make excuses, but we must not give in to these thoughts. When we accept the challenge to try, the journey begins. When we agree to take the first steps, success is there waiting for us. Faith in ourselves brings optimism to what we do. Optimism and faith open the Horizon of Possibility, and I begin to see what good could be there on the spiritual path, which as yet, I cannot see, or even imagine.
It is said, 'Nothing ventured (attempted), nothing gained.' So why not venture? Why not gain?
Over the last few days, we have shared with you some practical reminders and steps we can take to grow spiritually and bring out transformation (change) in ourselves. Noted below is the last of the series, but the most important one.
Get Started!
The main part of any journey is to start. Sometimes we hesitate, sometimes we make excuses, but we must not give in to these thoughts. When we accept the challenge to try, the journey begins. When we agree to take the first steps, success is there waiting for us. Faith in ourselves brings optimism to what we do. Optimism and faith open the Horizon of Possibility, and I begin to see what good could be there on the spiritual path, which as yet, I cannot see, or even imagine.
It is said, 'Nothing ventured (attempted), nothing gained.' So why not venture? Why not gain?
Message for the day
To pay attention to every act is to be a hero.
Expression: A hero actor is one who has great attention for every act of his. He makes sure that none of his words or actions are ordinary or waste. He ensures perfection in everything he does. This naturally brings the best out of him.
Experience: Since I pay constant attention to everything I do, I find that I am able to give my best. I am then satisfied with whatever is happening since I know what I do is not as important as how well I do it.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Expression: A hero actor is one who has great attention for every act of his. He makes sure that none of his words or actions are ordinary or waste. He ensures perfection in everything he does. This naturally brings the best out of him.
Experience: Since I pay constant attention to everything I do, I find that I am able to give my best. I am then satisfied with whatever is happening since I know what I do is not as important as how well I do it.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Friday, February 3, 2012
Thought for Today 3-02-2012
You can achieve constant success when you are generous with your specialities and virtues.
Deep within, each and everyone have treasures of virtues and specialities that could be used. The more we are generous with these treasures and use them for others' benefit, we find that they are available for us too. This ensures success in our life. Think of one speciality or good quality you have that can be put to use. Use this speciality for the benefit of at least one person each day. The more you use this speciality, the more it will get strengthened.
Soul Sustenance
Self Transformation (Change) (cont.)
Here are some practical reminders and steps we can take to grow spiritually and bring out transformation (change) in ourselves:
Develop a spiritual lifestyle
The daily practice of meditation will be aided (helped) if we change those aspects of our life that affect, or weaken our ability to control the mind and live in a state of peace e.g. taking mind-altering substances (substances which affect the mind negatively) like alcohol and drugs, watching violent films or performing other negative actions that strengthen old patterns of behaviour and sanskars that take us away from our true self.
Many changes happen easily and naturally as we begin to experience the benefits of meditation. Our desires for material objects beyond those that are necessary for daily living reduce as we seek to live a simpler, quieter life. We gain a deeper respect for nature and loose the desire to eat animal flesh, and we become more selective about the company we keep and the things we talk about, realizing that everything we say and do has an impact on us and the world around us.
As our self-esteem and confidence subsequently grow, we feel ourselves drawn to help others, to share the benefits we have learned from our own inner journey. Life becomes filled with greater meaning and purpose and we want to do our best for the spiritual upliftment for ourselves, for our families and for our communities.
(To be continued tomorrow..)
Here are some practical reminders and steps we can take to grow spiritually and bring out transformation (change) in ourselves:
Develop a spiritual lifestyle
The daily practice of meditation will be aided (helped) if we change those aspects of our life that affect, or weaken our ability to control the mind and live in a state of peace e.g. taking mind-altering substances (substances which affect the mind negatively) like alcohol and drugs, watching violent films or performing other negative actions that strengthen old patterns of behaviour and sanskars that take us away from our true self.
Many changes happen easily and naturally as we begin to experience the benefits of meditation. Our desires for material objects beyond those that are necessary for daily living reduce as we seek to live a simpler, quieter life. We gain a deeper respect for nature and loose the desire to eat animal flesh, and we become more selective about the company we keep and the things we talk about, realizing that everything we say and do has an impact on us and the world around us.
As our self-esteem and confidence subsequently grow, we feel ourselves drawn to help others, to share the benefits we have learned from our own inner journey. Life becomes filled with greater meaning and purpose and we want to do our best for the spiritual upliftment for ourselves, for our families and for our communities.
(To be continued tomorrow..)
Message for the day
Creativity comes when there is happiness.
Expression: Happiness touches the heart and enables the creativity to come from within. The one who is happy doesn't wait for the right opportunity to be creative, but uses each moment as a chance for using creativity - for bringing newness.
Experience: When I am happy I am able to enjoy and make the best use of each and every moment of my life. I will want to do something new, unique and different. So I also have the satisfaction of having done my best.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Expression: Happiness touches the heart and enables the creativity to come from within. The one who is happy doesn't wait for the right opportunity to be creative, but uses each moment as a chance for using creativity - for bringing newness.
Experience: When I am happy I am able to enjoy and make the best use of each and every moment of my life. I will want to do something new, unique and different. So I also have the satisfaction of having done my best.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Thought for Today 02-02-2012
Where change results in resistance or fear,
ask yourself the question
'What is the learning that is happening for me at this moment?'
If you continue to resist, that negative force will push you into more resistance. But when you learn to let go of resistance and simply move with the flow, having the faith and trust that there is something of benefit here, then you can embrace change and let go of fear.
ask yourself the question
'What is the learning that is happening for me at this moment?'
If you continue to resist, that negative force will push you into more resistance. But when you learn to let go of resistance and simply move with the flow, having the faith and trust that there is something of benefit here, then you can embrace change and let go of fear.
Soul Sustenance
Self Transformation (Change) (cont.)
Here are some practical reminders and steps we can take to grow spiritually and bring out transformation (change) in ourselves:
Meditate with others
Another great help in maintaining a stable base on the path of meditation is collective practice (practicing together). Through personal practice, I keep my sense of responsibility intact and remain independent. However, without losing these, I can also get together with others at the meditation centre, valuing and learning from their experiences and perceptions (ways of looking at situations) - the group energy brings us to another level of experience, a space of mutual (shared) experience and learning. We learn from everyone, everywhere, all the time; it depends on our willingness to accept certain realities.
Often we live too much in the past, or future, and so do not realize that the present is the bridge to moving away from the negativity of the past and to creating a confident future. We do not cross this bridge because we live by, or are too influenced by, the other two time zones (past and future).
Remember that NOW is the opportunity where newness on any level can be created and for that getting together regularly with people who are on the spiritual path is very important.
(To be continued tomorrow..)
Here are some practical reminders and steps we can take to grow spiritually and bring out transformation (change) in ourselves:
Meditate with others
Another great help in maintaining a stable base on the path of meditation is collective practice (practicing together). Through personal practice, I keep my sense of responsibility intact and remain independent. However, without losing these, I can also get together with others at the meditation centre, valuing and learning from their experiences and perceptions (ways of looking at situations) - the group energy brings us to another level of experience, a space of mutual (shared) experience and learning. We learn from everyone, everywhere, all the time; it depends on our willingness to accept certain realities.
Often we live too much in the past, or future, and so do not realize that the present is the bridge to moving away from the negativity of the past and to creating a confident future. We do not cross this bridge because we live by, or are too influenced by, the other two time zones (past and future).
Remember that NOW is the opportunity where newness on any level can be created and for that getting together regularly with people who are on the spiritual path is very important.
(To be continued tomorrow..)
Message for the day
Understanding brings happiness.
Expression: Happiness lies in understanding the secret of whatever is happening. When one is able to remain happy in this way, he is able to spread this happiness to those around too, influencing the lives of all.
Experience: When I am able to remain happy under all circumstances, I am able to be free from the influence of others' negativity. Instead I will be able to become a major source of positive influence to those around me.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Expression: Happiness lies in understanding the secret of whatever is happening. When one is able to remain happy in this way, he is able to spread this happiness to those around too, influencing the lives of all.
Experience: When I am able to remain happy under all circumstances, I am able to be free from the influence of others' negativity. Instead I will be able to become a major source of positive influence to those around me.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Thought for Today 01-02-2012
Your generosity will make you free from feelings of negativity.
When you are always generous, you are always a giver. You will not expect anything from anyone. Thus you will always be free from such negativity like jealousy, hatred, inferior feelings etc. Identify one person for whom you have negative feelings. Now spend a few moments each day giving good wishes to this person. When you become a giver you will automatically find yourself wishing the best for that person and your negativity will fade away.
Soul Sustenance
Self Transformation (Change) (cont.)
Here are some practical reminders and steps we can take to grow spiritually and bring out transformation (change) in ourselves:
Attend a meditation centre
The starting point is knowledge, or understanding. It is not possible to begin this journey without some kind of route map (directions). There are Brahma Kumaris centers of Raja Yoga meditation throughout the world that provide these maps and help a person begin his, or her, practice of meditation. At these centers, information is shared on how the mind functions, the power of positivity, spiritual values and the art of effective concentration. All of these maps help us to know ourselves better and, when translated into our personal daily life, give us strength in the form of self-respect and happiness.
A Raja Yoga meditation centre is a spiritual school, where we can learn the original arts of true living; it is a spiritual clinic, where we receive the understanding of how to apply the healing medicines of peace, trust and respect in our relationships; it is a spiritual family, where we realize that each member has a uniqueness and goodness that needs to be appreciated and genuinely accepted, and where we pay attention to avoiding the trap of focusing on weaknesses and the roles of others.
(To be continued tomorrow..)
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