Thought for Today 31-8-2012

To be an example is to inspire people to change. 

It is not always necessary to correct people through words. When my own actions don't reflect the words that I speak, it will not have any effect on people. They would want to see the change that I talk about in my own actions. Since actions speak louder than words, they are inspired to bring about a change in themselves too. Today I will be an example for others in whatever I do. I will check myself when I find the need to correct someone. I will bring about a change in that particular aspect. Then, whether I see the desired change in the other person or not, at least I am richer for whatever effort I make.

Soul Sustenance

The Three Mirrors For Inner Beauty (Part 2) 

In yesterday's message, we had discussed the first mirror, the mirror of spiritual knowledge. Elaborating further, this mirror will also show you the Supreme Soul and it will remind you about His virtues and actions which will help you check where you stand in comparison to Him in terms of virtues and actions and will influence you to follow him by imbibing those virtues and performing actions in the similar way. Lastly this mirror will remind you of your relationship with the Supreme and forging a deep and personal connection with Him in different ways which will benefit you and others. 

The knowledge read every morning will help you see and realize what mistakes you have committed in the last 24 hours while performing actions and also in maintaining a connection with the Supreme and also see what you have done positively in the same regard during the same time, which will encourage you further to do the same in the future. The mirror of knowledge will also help you remain careful for the day ahead and perform actions and experience a relationship with the Supreme based on what you have read. It is a common experience of a lot of people that the spiritual knowledge read in the morning is always what the need of the moment for them is. The spiritual knowledge read is very commonly an exact reflection of the activities and mental state of your last 24 hours and/or something which you require for the coming day for the self, for your relationships, for facing different types of obstacles in your personal and professional life. This is the Law of Spiritual Attraction that works in each one's life, but to different extents. Our consciousness and inner requirements attract towards us the spiritual knowledge of a similar nature. 

(To be continued tomorrow ….) 

Message for the day

To have respect for the self constantly is to experience progress. 

Expression: The one who has respect for the self is not dependent on external inputs for having a good state of mind. To have respect for the self means to have the right state of mind and the right way of working with the self specially when things are not going well. It means to constantly express the positivity that is within. 

Experience: When I am able to give respect for the self under all circumstances I am able to experience constant progress. Especially when I am not able to achieve the desired results or when I am not able to be successful, at that time I need to be good to myself. Then I will be able to be the best and do the best with what I have. So I will be able to experience constant progress. 


In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Thought for Today 30-8-2012

When there's a fire, the most urgent thing to do is to try to 
put the flames out, and not worry about how the fire started.

In the same way, when someone's angry, instead of adding fuel to the fire and making things worse or heating up and getting angry yourself - put out the fire.

Become cool and create 'cooling thoughts.' 'Cool' the other person down by sending them good vibrations and good feelings

Soul Sustenance

The Flight Of Harmony 

There are two faces to one coin; a person who wishes to live fully as a human being needs to understand that the existence of one's unique individuality has to be acknowledged, as well as the existence of the group or collective. One cannot exist without the other. Individuals who are developing spiritually feel a personal sense of value. They clearly recognize their uniqueness and have the feeling that there is the freedom to be whatever they choose to be. At the same time, their sense of personal independence allows them to come close to others and work with them. They do not have selfish independence. They get close to others because they have found fulfillment in their own self. Someone who has truly found the value of the self above and beyond labels, name, fame and approval can effectively cooperate within the collective or group and interact appropriately. Such people not only feel themselves to be a part of the whole but, even more importantly, the group or collective feels them to be a part of the whole. 

In nature, when birds have to fly to a warmer climate in winter, they flock together and start their journey as a group. The success of the journey depends on the group: if an individual bird does not join the group, it cannot reach the destination on its own. Birds fly in a particular formation, with an appropriate space between them as they fly. If they fly too close to each other, their wings get entangled; they lose their balance and fall. If they remain too far from each other, the formation cannot be created properly, and they are not able to ride the currents of air, which help to propel them in their flight. Furthermore, the leader of the formation does not remain the leader throughout the whole flight, but moves back and allows another to take its place. This repositioning continues throughout the flight until the destination is reached, allowing individual birds to contribute to the success of the journey. 

The reality of life is that we are individuals within a collective whole. Just like the birds, we are all a part of an unlimited Flight of Harmony. 

Message for the day

To contribute specialties is to have the power to cooperate. 

Expression: Each individual is unique with his own unique set of capabilities. The one who is aware of his specialties and contributes them to any task is the one who is able to cooperate under all circumstances and with all people. There are no conditions attached to contribute these resources. 

Experience: When I contribute to every task with my own specialties I have double satisfaction. I have the satisfaction of having contributed something and I am also free from expectations from others. I also find that because I am able to give unconditionally, others too are able to cooperate with me. 


In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Thought for Today 29-8-2012

To be free from blame and excuses is to get others' help too. 

When I blame others for whatever has happened to me, I lose the chance for improvement. On the other hand, when I make effort to bring about a change, using that situation as a learning point for myself, I find others helping too. There is no negativity involved, but only a move towards a positive change. Today I will not blame anyone for whatever happened to me. I will find a way to deal with the situation, without blaming others or trying to escape by giving excuses. I would be able to courageously take on any situation that I would be faced with. 

Soul Sustenance

The Flight Of Harmony 

There are two faces to one coin; a person who wishes to live fully as a human being needs to understand that the existence of one's unique individuality has to be acknowledged, as well as the existence of the group or collective. One cannot exist without the other. Individuals who are developing spiritually feel a personal sense of value. They clearly recognize their uniqueness and have the feeling that there is the freedom to be whatever they choose to be. At the same time, their sense of personal independence allows them to come close to others and work with them. They do not have selfish independence. They get close to others because they have found fulfillment in their own self. Someone who has truly found the value of the self above and beyond labels, name, fame and approval can effectively cooperate within the collective or group and interact appropriately. Such people not only feel themselves to be a part of the whole but, even more importantly, the group or collective feels them to be a part of the whole. 

In nature, when birds have to fly to a warmer climate in winter, they flock together and start their journey as a group. The success of the journey depends on the group: if an individual bird does not join the group, it cannot reach the destination on its own. Birds fly in a particular formation, with an appropriate space between them as they fly. If they fly too close to each other, their wings get entangled; they lose their balance and fall. If they remain too far from each other, the formation cannot be created properly, and they are not able to ride the currents of air, which help to propel them in their flight. Furthermore, the leader of the formation does not remain the leader throughout the whole flight, but moves back and allows another to take its place. This repositioning continues throughout the flight until the destination is reached, allowing individual birds to contribute to the success of the journey. 

The reality of life is that we are individuals within a collective whole. Just like the birds, we are all a part of an unlimited Flight of Harmony. 

Message for the day

To be committed towards one's own progress is to help others to move forward. 

Expression: The one who is committed towards his own self-progress, is free from criticizing others when he sees them make mistakes. Having realised what is wrong, such a person makes corrections immediately. He is able to realise his own mistake in a second and take the chance for self-improvement. This naturally gives the ability to help others also to bring about a change for the better. 

Experience: Since I am committed to my own self-progress, I am able to become stronger and stronger with each passing situation. I find that I become a source of inspiration for those around, as I continue to learn from all that happens. I don't put people down for their mistakes, but am able to give them the help to be better. 


In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Thought for Today 28-8-2012

On the path of Raja Yoga meditation there is a saying, "See, but don't see! Hear, but don't hear!" which means to remain aware of all realities, including the negative, but not to focus on them. We get caught up in the negative because we react and the reactions are expressed in the form of judgments, accusations, criticism, or labeling. As soon as we criticize, we put everything into convenient boxes and, just as convenience foods are not always so healthy, such conveniences at the mental and attitudinal level are a great danger, because we mentally seal (close) the fate (destiny) of the person or situation: they are like this and so must be treated accordingly. Meditation is used to bring such attitudes and behaviours to the surface, conscious awareness. 

When our vision and attitude remain judgmental or critical, they do so because there is no input of positivity from the self to encourage or allow a positive change. There cannot be a positive output when there is a negative input. 

When our awareness is more detached, rather than focusing on what is wrong, we look at how we can put something right by contributing a positive feeling, or attitude. This anonymous contribution is a generous act, which offers a solution, instead of the usual complaints by critical and judgmental people. 

Soul Sustenance

Does Greed Fulfill? 

The false intention and assumption behind greed, in the form of a thought and feeling, is 'the more I have, the more I am'. It is a combination of trying to add to the value of the self through material possessions, position, role, talent or achievements and then becoming attached to these as a form of identity, finally leading to personal collapse. To try to add to the sense of self in this way has the effect of diverting oneself from the real self, which is why, in many cases, a person who has everything material is left with the feeling of being empty, disorientated and even fearful. 

We cannot accumulate, or rely on the external, to create a sense of personal value. 

People often try to fill the void of personal inadequacy or emptiness through greed, but this 'method' goes against natural, universal laws. All that I am, all that I can be, all that will make me truly happy must begin from inside the self. We have to start from the inside out, not the other way round, otherwise we create desires that have no end, like the ten-headed Ravana - every time Ram cut off one of his heads, another grew in its place. Ravana did not die until Ram aimed for his heart. Desires are created from wanting one thing or another, believing that we will find achievement when those desires are fulfilled. This pattern of behavior keeps deceiving us and the proof of this is seen in the state of discontentment and emptiness people find themselves in. 

Message for the day

The one who is the master is the one who creates positive thoughts under all circumstances. 

Expression: The one who is the master of himself is always able to create the right kind of thoughts according to the circumstance. Never is there the dependency on situations or people for the right kind of responses. Since there is mastery over thoughts, there is also mastery over all words spoken and everything done. 

Experience: When I am able to be a master of myself, I am able to constantly create positive thoughts. I am in touch with the inner resources and I am able to make use of these resources in a timely way. I never get confused or pressurized with outside situations, but am able to be in control in all situations. 


In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Thought for Today 27-8-2012

Everyday, read something inspirational. Make what you read meaningful by taking a few moments to reflect on it. 

Maybe even take one inspiration and write down a few thoughts on how it applies to you and the changes you can make.

Soul Sustenance

Turning Qualities Into Powers (Part 2) 

There are interesting spiritual parallels to the way the physical sciences differentiate energy and power. In physical terms, energy is defined as the capacity of doing work. Power is defined as the rate of doing work. 

Similarly, we can look upon spiritual energy as our capacity for experiencing the original qualities of the soul. We all have this capacity, but to different degrees. Spiritual power is then seen as the extent to which we put these qualities to work in difficult situations and in our relationships. Spiritual power helps us remain in a state of truth, in the face of the various tests that come. Also, our actions and relationships give us an opportunity to utilize the power we have accumulated. 

The qualities of God experienced in meditation are also the original qualities of the soul, but the link with God is essential for us to enhance these qualities inside us. In fact God, too, needs the connection with us, despite having these qualities to the highest degree, in order to exercise his power to restore truth to the world. 

There are eight key spiritual powers (power to tolerate, accommodate, face, pack up, discriminate (or discern), judge (or decide), withdraw and co-operate) in terms of their application in everyday life - all of which we have discussed and shared with our readers previously. 

Message for the day

To be free from desires is to have the experience of attainment. 

Expression: The more there are desires, the more it becomes difficult to appreciate what is there and what is attained. Life becomes a constant struggle for attaining something else. One desire is fulfilled and before it can be appreciated all energies are focused on the fulfillment of ten other desires. 

Experience: When I continue to run after desires, I am not able to have the experience of having attained anything. Running for desires is like running after the shadow, I can never get it. But when I turn my back on it, it runs after me. If I am free from desires, I am rich because I am content with whatever little I have and I am happy putting in effort to be better with that little. 


In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Thought for Today 26-8-2012

To finish the burden of the past is to move forward with lightness and speed. 

Throughout the day, I may not have that much attention on myself. I may not be able to sustain a thought that I had taken for myself. But before I go to sleep, I need to check myself how I was through out the day and hand clear out all my fears, feelings etc and go to sleep. This practice will make my sleep peaceful and the next day will be beautiful too, because there is no burden of the baggage of the previous day. Today I will talk to myself and God before I go to sleep. I will write down all my doubts, fears and feelings to Him. I will become light in my mind and go to sleep peacefully. Because I will, then, look forward to a brighter tomorrow.

Soul Sustenance

Turning Qualities Into Powers (Part 1) 

An important aspect of God or the Supreme Being, remembered throughout history in all cultures and traditions, has been the concept of God being an Almighty Authority. The interpretation of this concept has been varied, however: 

Some have conceived a God who is fearsome and revengeful and one who punishes. That is very different from the experience of God, in meditation, as a gentle, benevolent (generous), merciful parent; as a teacher of absolute spiritual wisdom or knowledge, but a wisdom that has total humility, and is free from the demands of ego. 

Yet, it is also the experience of the soul that God is the Almighty Authority, the source of all power and strength. When I meditate and connect with the Supreme, I experience a state of truth in which the combination of all the original qualities of the soul — peace, love, purity, wisdom and happiness — fills me with a positive power — a power that overcomes negativity in myself and others, so that those I am connected with become better able to experience their own truth. This power also extends to my physical surroundings, transforming the atmosphere around me. 

(To be continued tomorrow ...) 

Message for the day

To switch on the power of awareness is to be free from being mood off. 

Expression: To be mood off means to find excuses and reasons to feel negative - to have negative thoughts for the self or for the others. But if there is a strong powerful awareness in the mind, a positive thought about the self, there will not be a chance for a negative thought to enter the mind. So there will never be any reason to be mood off. 

Experience: When I am able to maintain a single powerful thought, I am able to remain happy and content. I am not dependent on the external situations for the internal state of mind. Nor do I make external situations as an excuse to further weaken my own thoughts. So there is constantly a feeling of positivity under all circumstances. 


In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Thought for Today 25-8-2012

"I don't play games! But other people do." When we interpret others' motives & behaviours as games of manipulation & spin, we develop a cynical perspective & become disillusioned. We lose trust & become wary as we watch out for how we may be taken advantage of by others. 

To enjoy the relationships in our life, all cynicism has to go! Just break the tendency of being judgmental towards others. So, this week, get really good at trusting.

Soul Sustenance

Neutralizing Anger 

What is a good neutralizer for anger? Peace you would say. It’s not only peace, but a combination of truth, peace and love, in equal amounts. Truth and peace are the two inner states, which never ever leave us. Both remain permanently within each one of us. We already know, inside our subconscious and sometimes even consciously, the truth about anger and we can call our inner peace whenever we want – it’s there to be used. But what happens in real life situations is that we lose awareness of what is true i.e. the truth that anger is harmful and the truth of 'who I am'. And we also forget the practice of peacefulness because some negative situation or experience temporarily blocks our access to the peace of our heart. 

Peace is also deeply connected with love and we all have experienced many a times that it is impossible to feel loving and angry at the same time. Both cannot co-exist. In fact it is love that is the healing balm for our heart, that we our self have stabbed and wounded by indulging in many anger habits since we were young. But what happens is that we search for love and peace from the hearts of others. That means we have not yet realized that we already have what we search for, within our own hearts. To heal the wounds of anger, which can be in different forms like irritation, resentment, hatred, revenge, rage, etc., it is essential to rediscover the truth of who we are and the peace and love of what we are. 

Message for the day

The one who follows the right method gets easy success. 

Expression: When there is a clear aim of what has to be done and how one has to go about doing it, then there is accuracy in all words and actions. Whatever effort is put in is according to the system and is naturally accurate. So when there is accuracy in all that is done, the fruit of that is also right. 

Experience: When I have been following the right method for whatever I have to do, I am able to remain happy for the effort that I have put in. I am also able to be patient and wait for the fruit of my effort to come at its own time. I am never in a hurry, so I always experience success whatever the outcome of the task may be. 


In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Thought for Today 24-8-2012

To start the day with positivity is to ensure success throughout the day. 

When I am a journey, I choose and decide my way - where I have to go. My choice leads me on further in that way. In the same way, the first thought that I have as soon as I wake up decides the quality of my day. If I start the day with a positive thought, I will be able to pick out the best from all that the day has to offer and move ahead towards success. Today I will check what the first thought was that I had when I woke up from bed. I will then take an aim to start the day with a positive thought. Instead of thinking "Oh God, I am late", let me think "I am going to have a great day". I will also create a positive thought before starting any new task.

Soul Sustenance

The Principle Of Focus and Flow (Part 2) 

With reference to the sun and the earth (explained yesterday) - in certain situations and moments we need focus (like the sun), that is, a concentration of thought, will power and understanding. These three need to be together in one focused point if we are to reach depth and newness. However, if we become over-focused, then rigidity and pressure gradually set in. This subsequently leads to an imbalance that makes us lose our creativity and openness to new vision. Once we have learnt to focus, then it will require less effort and, eventually, the flow (like the earth) will become natural. 

In focus, we find vision, inspiration and understanding, and in the flow, we find expression, experimentation and experience. 

It is important not to over-flow, otherwise we get lost in a flood of over-thinking, over-speaking and over-doing. In such a state, there is no direction to guide the expression and things become unclear and delicate. At such a point, we need to recognize that it is time for focus again. 

According to necessity, a human being needs to move between focus and flow and it is only through the ability to discriminate, that we can know when and how to do this. Everything has its time. We are eternal beings working in time, so we need to know the balance between focus - where we find truth and purpose - and the flow of time - where we find expression and experience. 

Message for the day

To have the spirit of sharing is to be constantly happy. 

Expression: There are lots of resources in each one's life that can be shared with others. The more there is the consciousness of giving there is the ability to give and share these inner resources with others. New treasures are discovered and used for the benefit of all and also for the self. 

Experience: There is constant satisfaction in my life when there is the spirit of giving. There are no expectations from others, but only an awareness of what I have. Life becomes more and more satisfactory and I feel richer for having given unconditionally. There are also constant good wishes that I receive from others. 


In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Thought for Today 23-8-2012

To be focused on the goal is to use our potential well. 

When I am focused on my goal, I will not be caught up with the side scenes that come my way. Distractions need not necessarily be positive; it can also be in the form of my own weaknesses or challenges from others. When I understand that I am on a journey and I have to move forward to my goal, I will not be distracted by any good or bad scene that comes my way. Today I will clarify my goal and focus my energies towards it. I will do at least one thing that will make me move towards that goal. And if anything happens that disturbs me, I will remind myself that getting stuck there would not help me move forward in my journey.

Soul Sustenance

The Principle Of Focus and Flow (Part 1) 

If we look at the sun and the earth, we appreciate a basic and fundamental law of life, which we as human beings can learn from, that is of great help in the right movement of life. By means of light, the sun gives life to the earth; in addition, the sun is fixed in its position (a symbol of focus) to enable the earth (a symbol of flow) and all the other planets of our solar system to continue in their rhythmic, harmonious orbit. Otherwise, there would be chaos, upheaval and great damage. The earth on the other hand, constantly moves in repetitive cycles around the sun. This movement allows for changes and expression on the earth, which have a beginning, middle and end. In other words, the phenomenon of time is created as a direct result of the earth's balanced and harmonious cyclic movements. Both the fixed position of the sun and the movement of the earth are necessary for life. The earth has all the potential for life but, without light from a fixed source, there would be no life. In the same way, the sun has the power to give life, but if the moving earth did not hold the potential, even with light, there would be no sustenance of life. 

Tomorrow we shall explain how this fundamental law involving the sun and the earth can be applied to real life (the principle of focus and flow)… 

Message for the day

To listen to others fully is to be able to be free from repeating mistakes. 

Expression: When there is criticism that comes one's way, it should be carefully analysed to see if there is any truth in it. If there is correction can be made accordingly. On the other hand, if others' criticism is ignored or there is a tendency to defend oneself, there cannot be any correction and mistakes are repeated. 

Experience: When I listen to others with honesty, I am able to discover even the most negligible aspect in my behaviour which I can change. So I find myself constantly improving and progressing and moving on towards success. So having brought about a change, even the criticism that comes my way stops. 


In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Thought for Today 22-8-2012

Spirituality is not a luxury, something for people who have nothing else to do but sit around and meditate. In fact, it is the lack of spirituality in daily life that is causing the breakdown and destruction of our planet and our civilisation. 

As we restore spirituality we can find methods of working together to create better selves and a better world. Thus we can see, looking at our global relationships, that spirituality is an integral part of life.

Soul Sustenance

The Power To Face 

Situations arise where it may not be enough to tolerate or accommodate, but where I need power to face very unpleasant and perhaps threatening realities. What we are talking about here, in effect, is courage. Meditation helps enormously. 

First, the practice of the awareness of myself and others as eternal souls greatly reduces fear of death, an ever-present reality that we spend much time, money and mental and emotional energy trying to avoid. If soul-consciousness is firm enough, I'll have the absolute conviction that when someone dies, it's not that they are no more, just that they have moved further on their eternal journey. This faith makes it much easier to face the departure of someone close to me. It also removes much or all of the fear I might otherwise suffer about leaving my own body. I'll still value my life greatly - probably even more than before, because of having the burden of fear removed. But I won't let concern for the body stop me from facing what I must. 

Secondly, meditation makes it easier for me to oppose evil. It does this by allowing me to differentiate clearly between the actor and the action. Spirituality helps me understand that the original qualities of every soul are peace, love, happiness and so I have no hatred in my heart for anyone. This helps me become fearless and stand firm against wrongdoing. With a clean heart, a clear understanding of good and evil, and connection with the divine, I am much more likely to have the faith and courage with which to stand up for what is right. 

Thirdly, if the negative behaviour I am opposing activates negative tendencies within my own personality, the fight will soon wear me out and I'm unlikely to be victorious. Power absorbed from the Supreme in meditation helps me remain positive and above negative tendencies and hence face someone’s negative behavior and emerge victorious.

Message for the day

To find reasons to be happy is to increase happiness. 

Expression: When the mind searches for reasons to be sad and sorrowful, even situations with no great significance are seen with a vision of negativity. So there is constantly an expression of words and actions that reflect the need for sympathy and reassurance. On the other hand, when there is the search for happiness, then everything is positive giving happiness.. 

Experience: When I am happy, I start perceiving everything with that vision. It is like wearing coloured glasses. Whatever colour my glasses are, the whole world is coloured with it. Then, I am no longer able to perceive and recognize negativity and I am able to remain happy with everything. 


In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Thought for Today 21-8-2012

To understand the significance of the role that I have to play is to make it special. 

When I compare myself with others, I either feel superior or inferior to them. There is also a chance that I feel jealous. This negativity doesn't help me do the best in what I have to do. In fact, it is true that each and every actor has a special part to play and so do I. When I remember the special role that I have to play in my life and understand its significance, I will be able to give my best to it. Today I will remember that I am the hero actor in this drama of life. Each and everything that happens to me has a meaning and is making me better in this role. I have to excel in this role that I am playing at present. I will then be able to be free from wasteful comparisons

Soul Sustenance

Living Life On The Surface 

In an ideal situation, the thoughts that run in my mind, should be exactly those that I would like and I want. We do exert this control, that we possess, over our thoughts, but it is not complete and it is only sometimes. The more we become completely engrossed in our daily routine, the more our thoughts tend to become ‘reactions’ to what goes on outside us. That’s when they go out of control and our lives move in an unfocused way. As a result things don't work out as we might have desired. Then we develop a habit of blaming other people and circumstances, or we justify our pain by telling ourselves we are not very worthy or powerful enough. Often, these two inner strategies go together. The trouble is, both are cover ups, preventing us from going for a long-term solution. 

In this way, we tend to live our lives on a very superficial level, without taking the time to find the solution to what is going on wrong inside. Deeper difficulties remain hidden inside. I move from one scene of life to another - eating, watching television, studying in college, getting married, changing jobs, buying a new car or house, etc. without ever stopping. All these are part of living, but if I make them my whole and sole, my foundation, it’s as if I skate across the surface of life without being in touch with the core. As time progresses, an inner shallowness develops. Then the feeling keeps growing inside that 'there must be more to life than this'. I then, find that my relationships are not working out as I would have hoped and they are lacking in depth. 

Message for the day

Every reaction to situations is a reflection of one's own self-respect. 

Expression: To the extent that there is a high degree of self-respect, to that extent there is a positive response to even the most negative situations. If there is low self-respect, even the smallest situation brings forth a strong negative reaction. This reaction only makes matters worse. 

Experience: When I am able to maintain my own self-respect even in the worst situation, I am able to have a hold, control over these situations. But if I have a low self-respect I continue to blame situations and use them as excuses to feel helpless. So I am not able to do anything about these situations and just continue to have negative feelings. 


In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Thought for Today 20-8-2012

Like the sea, we're influenced by our surroundings. When the weather is calm, the waves roll gently. When stormy winds blow, we get wild and out of control. 

But like the sea, deep beneath the surface there is another world; a world of stillness, beauty and power. When we spend time visiting our depths, we become resilient to the world around us.

Soul Sustenance

The Energy Of Faith 

What we believe becomes reality. It has been said that faith can move mountains. The highest mountains are our negative thoughts, feelings and ideas, which block our capacity to rise beyond our limits. 

Faith is the energy of understanding that enables us to realize anything is possible even if it is not visible in front of our eyes.

The success that comes from faith is closely linked with 'letting go'. It is only when we let go of what we are used to, or what we have learnt to depend on, that new perceptions and new possibilities will present themselves to us. All that is needed are a few basic facts and then we can take action. When we drive a car, do we insist on knowing how the engine works in detail before driving it? Do we know the mechanical details of a lift before we use it? Most people are only aware of the basic functions and this is all they need to carry out the action. However, they do have the faith that the car has been correctly constructed to do its job safely and that by pressing a few buttons the lift will raise them to wherever it is they want to go. In the modern life-style, there is a tendency to over-think, to want to control and direct every outcome, but such a life lacks spontaneity and simplicity. 

Although we do need a framework, it must be flexible enough to allow space for the unexpected, the unpredictable and the great surprise. Such a space is the window through which the light of innovation can enter. When life is over-planned, we become cemented in, unable to grow, or flow, into new horizons. Faith allows us to realize that optimum results can happen without always having to structure or plan. Such faith is the basis for new vision and allows us to reach beyond our limits; because we believe we are more than what meets the eye. Such faith is the inspirational energy of every pioneer in whatever field.