Sunday, June 30, 2013

Thought for Today 30-06-2013

When I begin to create new thoughts in challenging times, I am able to be happy and peaceful. 
I don't have questions related to the situations, but I am able to find the solutions in my mind. 
This inner peace naturally creates a peaceful environment around me. 

Soul Sustenance

Anger Management And Prevention 

How often has your anger ever made any positive difference to situations? Probably never. 

Have you ever noticed that when you get angry with someone it seems to push them away, they go into hiding, they go underground, and then it’s not possible to influence them and help them to change. 

Then some people think, that if you don’t get angry about anything and with anyone you might as well lie down and be a doormat, one on which anyone can walk over. Well you could if you think doormat is a role you would like to play, but it’s not compulsory. You could be assertive (confidently aggressive in a positive sense or self-assured) instead of angry. You are fortunate to have an intellect that knows the way to differentiate between right and wrong, you are human so you have the ability to be understanding and compassionate (merciful), and you have a unique contribution to make to this game called life. So why not do something to help situations become better by applying the qualities of generosity, kindness and mercy instead of becoming angry? If you care about the situation so much what are you waiting for? Trouble is, the angry person is a bit like the compulsive complainer about situations. If you complain (get upset) about situations it means you have an image of how you would prefer things to be but you are not prepared to actually do something about it. 

Message for the day

The one who has the power of realisation is the one who can bring transformation. 

Projection: When something goes wrong we immediately begin to look for excuses why that mistake happened. This finishes our power of realisation and we will not be able to recognise our own mistake. Then we will not be able to work at improving ourselves and we will not be able to bring any transformation. 

Solution: Instead of looking for excuses for what happened, we need to take the opportunity to check within ourselves and see our own mistake. When we recognise our mistake, however small it may be, we will be able to work on it. Only when we are able to realise our own mistake, will we be able to bring about transformation in ourselves. 


In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Saturday, June 29, 2013

Soul Sustenance

Using Creativity and Positive Thinking To Overcome Dependencies 

The correct use of creativity and positive thinking helps us to overcome any type of dependencies or negative tendencies that we may have. Often we live under the illusion (false belief) that we can only be happy thanks to objects, people and places, but happiness is something that we experience when we put our heart into something, and our intention is of giving and not of taking. In the creative activity that we experience greatest enjoyment in, our happiness comes from within and expresses itself outwards, and not from the outside in. Creative personal development helps us to overcome laziness. On overcoming it, we recover the inner strength necessary to free ourselves of certain dependencies, such as the dependency on the creativity of others to entertain us e.g. watching a movie in which actors entertain the viewers. It is fine to enjoy entertainment, but the important thing is that you are capable of spending a good amount of time being creative yourself, overcoming laziness, boredom and the wasting away of our own inner creative capacity. 

Also, let us learn to create thoughts which are positive and creative. They arise out of the spiritual knowledge of the inner self or soul. In this way, thanks to those higher quality creative thoughts, full of peace, harmony, love and happiness, the mind gets strengthened and is able to overcome old habits and negative tendencies which we hold on to or are dependent on. 

Message for the day

To know that the seed of selfless action will surely bear fruit at its own time is to be light. 

Projection: Sometimes when involved in a task, we tend to get carried away with the result. We become so result-oriented that we begin to expect the fruit of what we have done immediately. Without the recognition of the fact that the result might take time to come, we begin to get caught up with our own expectations. This creates a lot of heaviness in our mind and we might even give up what we are doing. 

Solution: When we make a contribution for something, we must develop faith that whatever has to happen will happen at the right time. We don't have to eat unripe fruit, i.e., not get carried away with immediate results but have to wait patiently knowing that the fruits of our actions will ripen at their own time. With faith this is possible and we will be able to free ourselves from negativity and heaviness. 


In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Friday, June 28, 2013

Thought for Today 28-06-2013

To be strong is to ensure positivity in life. 

When I am weak, I am actually inviting wrong and weak things to enter my life. If I am strong, I only know to move on with self-respect and pride. Even weakness will hesitate to come my way. I will be able to use my strength under all circumstances. Today I will make a list of my own specialties and keep that in my awareness through out the day. I will remind myself of this at least 10 times during the day. So, today I will move forward with an awareness of my strength.

Soul Sustenance

Experiencing The Natural Qualities Of The Soul (Meditation) 

This meditation commentary will allow you to experience the natural qualities and nature of the soul. This is what we call soul consciousness


I sit relaxed and comfortable… I become aware of my breathing… 
I become aware of the thoughts passing in my mind… 
I bring my mind towards thoughts of myself… my true nature… 
Who am I… 
I am a tiny sparkling star of light in the center of the forehead… energy, concentrated energy… 
I radiate light through my body - my costume… 
I feel myself different from the body... A point of light, energy using the body, directing the body… 
I am a being of peace… A loveful being… 
A being of light… A being of power…. I am light… 
I am energy… I am alive, vibrant, sparkling, divine… 

Now I use the powers of meditation to serve others: 
I am separate from this dense body of matter, my vehicle… I am peaceful and stable… 
I am powerful… I radiate the qualities of peace and love to other souls around me… 
These are my natural qualities… In my real nature I am tranquil… 
Radiating light and love into the world… 

Message for the day

To become worthy of blessings means to make success easy. 

Projection: Thinking of benefit for the self increases to such an extent that it sometimes takes on the form of selfishness. When we are selfish we stop thinking about others or the effect that our action is going to have on them. Then we are not able to move forward with lightness because the good wishes and blessings of others are not with us. 

Solution: In each and every action of ours we need to first check if it is going to be beneficial for us as well as for others. As much as there is benefit for others, too, in the task that we are doing, that much the good wishes of others will be there for the task. With these good wishes we will be able to move forward much faster and achieving success will be easy. 


In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Thursday, June 27, 2013

Thought for Today 27-06-2013

Rise above negativity, like the lotus flower. Rise above the muddy waters and grow into something more beautiful.

Yet at the same time, be fully grounded. Just as the muddy water sustains the lotus flower, in the same way, the gritty realities of life helps you to bloom and reach your potential.

So, don't just look at the muddy water; 
notice the beautiful lotus that grows out of it.

Soul Sustenance

The Art Of Forgetting In Relationships 

Sometimes, someone says something in two minutes that makes you feel really bad - they said it in two minutes but it is still there inside the register of your mind two months or even two years later. How could they! Who do they think they are! Something happened in two minutes and you remember it, you repeat it again in your mind and in your words during interactions with others. You keep replaying the scene repeatedly in your mind. Just like an action replay of a cricket match, you see the replays from different angles and judge the scene in many different and negative ways and come to different conclusions, most of which are negative in nature. With this you strengthen that experience in your mental register. Memories and the experiences associated with the memories replayed continuously in the conscious mind enter your sub-conscious, so that even after a long period of time you remember what they said to you. The other person unburdened themselves and forgot it straightaway. 

It's like your neighbour who takes out rubbish, throws it outside his house, into your compound and forgets about it and you allow that rubbish to remain there, without thinking of getting it cleaned. Someone throws a few words at you and they forget, but not only do you not forget but you repeat them in your mind to such a point that at times these action replays do not even let you sleep. We need to learn the art of forgetting memories that generate shadows of hurt or pain in our present. The past has already gone and what you have now is the present moment. 

Message for the day

The one who is powerful shows the practical proof of success instead of just talking about it. 

Projection: It is usually very easy for us to talk about how to do things best, it is as much easy to tell others and give directions. But the one who is powerful is not just satisfied with mere words or proving to others about his success. He is more concerned more about being successful. 

Solution: We need to check if we are applying in our life what we are talking about. We need to see to it that whatever we speak about, we must put into practice. Only then will we find improvement and progress in our life. Then, there will be no more the need to talk about our success but our life will reveal how successful we are. We will, then, be an inspiration to many. 


In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Thought for Today 26-06-2013

To pass with honor is to enjoy the journey of life. 

Just passing through a situation is nothing great. Even the most difficult situation has to end some day. But the one who makes effort and is prepared beforehand, passes through the situation with his head held high. It is like traveling in air conditioned class, that means I am comfortable. The journey is as important as the destination. Today I will sail through the day with the right consciousness. In all that happens through the day, I will keep my mind happy and comfortable. Even if things go wrong, I will not let anything go wrong inside. I will resolve what comes my way and if I can't, just for today I will make sure I'll postpone worrying about it for tomorrow.

Soul Sustenance

Adding A Spiritual Vibration To My Actions 

My quality of yoga or meditation is reflected through the karmas or actions that I perform. If I add meditation in my daily routine, whatever actions I perform, start carrying a different quality or vibration to them. Work itself (whether at home or in the office), far from being a routine affair and just a medium of survival, becomes the basis of real transformation or change. After all, it was through actions that the soul came down from its original, pure, positive state. It is through actions that it can return back to the same state. 

It's not just action for the self but action or karma becomes the means through which I can share the experience I have in meditation, with others – be it family members, my colleagues in the office, at the city mall, in the vegetable market, on the street etc. - just about anywhere and everywhere. My meditation isn't an incognito (invisible) process but a very visible one. I can see the results of yoga through my karmas. If my actions are filled with irritation and anger, or are motivated by emotions such as ego, greed, attachment, jealousy, hatred, etc, or if I do not experience constant happiness or my mind still has a high percentage of waste thoughts, these are indicators that my meditation is inaccurate or insufficient. If there is the experience of a link with the Supreme, his peace, purity, love, joy and power will manifest themselves and be visible to others through my actions. 

Message for the day

Success comes to the one who understands the importance of time. 

Projection: When we are working at a task, success doesn't come as much as it should because we have not been able to recognise the importance of time. Because of this sometimes carelessness sets in which makes us lose valuable time and interferes in what we are doing. Then, we cannot give our best to the task. 

Solution: We need to recognise the importance of time so that we never postpone what we can do now. We will then always have the slogan 'now or never' in our mind. Knowing that what we can do now, we cannot do it as well in the future, we'll give our best to all we do right now. This will enable us to use our time in a fruitful way and success will come very easily to us. 


In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Thought for Today 25-06-2013

When you're angry with someone, rather than letting your anger expand to everything they've ever done or 
failed to do, take a moment to look at the bigger picture 
and NOT just the small details.

Understand it's YOU who is creating the anger, not someone else. So, get clear about why you're feeling angry.

Remind yourself: anger is temporary but the relationship with the person you're angry with is permanent.

Try to break out of anger safely. Curb your anger by taking slow deep breaths - sometimes this is all it takes to 'cool off'.

Soul Sustenance

Creating A Positive Atmosphere 

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. 

Message for the day

True service is to be free and make others free from obstacles. 

Projection: When we are involved in a task, we totally think about ourselves irrespective of what effect it has on others. Such an attitude sometimes takes on the form of selfishness to the extent that we become an obstacle for others. 

Solution: We need to check ourselves whenever we are involved in a task if what we are doing is effecting others positively or negatively. Whatever we do, only if there is benefit for us as well as for others, can we call it truly successful. 


In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Monday, June 24, 2013

Thought for Today 24-06-2013

It is so important to experience God's mercy and forge a strong relationship with God as our Mother. Knowing that a heart that has been hurt becomes hard, we understand God is the only One who can heal our hearts. Each one should ask him or herself : "What can I do to make my heart softer?" There is such a need of mercy. We have to make our hearts softer and stronger, because a strong heart doesn't experience pain and we know that if we experience sorrow, we cannot serve God. 

Soul Sustenance

Hearing The Voice Of Inner Wisdom Clearly 

In a way we already know all that we need to know and all that is required to bring about transformation in the self – after all originally, we were a perfect being, and the experience of that stage as well as the knowledge of the path to reach back to that original, perfect stage is embedded inside us. Then why take up spirituality? Why can't we just listen to our intuition – the voice of inner wisdom? Listening to our intuition would be great but unfortunately most of us are not able to hear the voice of our own inner wisdom, which lies submerged in the sub-conscious because the noise of our thoughts, feelings and attitudes drowns the voice out. We have been gathering, slowly and steadily, thousands of beliefs since we have been a part of the cycle of birth and rebirth and these beliefs, in turn, create a flood of incorrect and unwanted thoughts and feelings, today, which distort the true inner voice so that when we think our intuition is telling us something that is true, it is really a wrong belief that we learned sometime in the past. 

Over a period of time, as the soul gets purified through the practice of meditation and as it starts listening to and understanding true spiritual knowledge, false beliefs based on body consciousness get displaced by true ones based on spiritual consciousness and this inner voice starts speaking absolutely clearly and accurately without any wrong judgments or distortion. That is why, in the beginning, when we are still learning to connect with God, it is extremely important, to have the guidance of someone more experienced when learning meditation, who can guide us with his/her wisdom and experience, so that we can differentiate between what is actually our intuition and our own belief influenced viewpoint. 

Message for the day

Where everything is done according to the right method there is success. 

Projection: When we don't achieve success we sometimes do get tempted to opt for a short cut method, which might bring us temporary success, too. But in the long run we find that it isn't be so beneficial after all. 

Solution: Whenever we are involved in a task specially if it is a difficult one we need to make sure that we are following the right method. Whatever is done according to the right system will surely be successful. 


In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Sunday, June 23, 2013

Soul Sustenance

Stress Management 

Worry is triggered by any negative memory of the past. It means, you are suffering, and you are probably under the illusion (false belief) that you are enjoying your suffering. It also means you are not living now. You are missing your own life by living in your worries, which are always in the past and in the future. Your worry habit has trapped you in the past where you get the raw material for your worries, and a non-existent future, where you focus that material, and the result is you miss your life now. All this won't change until you choose to change the worry habits that you have recorded in your consciousness (mind). That will require the removal of the illusion (false belief) that you hold inside that it's good and necessary to worry. It's a waste of time and energy. It means replacing the desire to create images of negative futures with positive responses to what is happening in your life right now. Otherwise your worry karma will keep you in permanent pain (sorrow). 

Message for the day

To contribute selflessly is to move forward with the blessings of all. 

Projection: Many times weI find ourselves in situations where there is a problem, where we seem to be part of the problem too. We try defending ourselves but people do not always understand. At such times there is no solution to be found, and we find ourselves talking again and again about the problem. 

Solution: We need to become part of the solution instead of just being part of the problem and talking about it. To be part of the solution means to make some contribution in order to better the situation. When we do whatever little we can, we continue to receive blessings from those around us. 


In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Saturday, June 22, 2013

Thought for Today 22-06-2013

To get a real award, avoid waste and negative. 

If there is a long time practice of avoiding negative and waste, I will be able to appreciate fully the gifts of life. This is the reward I get. Also, since I am not sowing wrong seeds, whatever fruits I reap are positive too. Even when life brings different situations, I still am able to receive positive fruits. Today I will check my own thoughts at least 10 times today. I will check the quality of my thoughts. If I catch myself having negative or waste thoughts, I will create one single positive thought like "I am the master of my life" or "I choose my destiny with my actions" or simply "I am happy today".

Soul Sustenance

Saying Yes Or Saying No? 

In life many times we are presented with situations that ask something of us or offer us opportunities.They make us question what we are doing and suggest to us that perhaps we should change direction. To remain in flow with life is to remain bring about changes in the self that situations want from us, as long as it is in agreement with our conscience. But for that, we should be clear about what we say yes to, and what we say noto. When you put your heart into something and your mind is centered, the energy flows powerfully towards there. It is a question of listening to your heart, and daring to say yes or to say no. We have to say it keeping our conscience and action in line, in order to maintain honesty and integrity. 

Personally, we all live through difficult and uncomfortable situations, but in your heart you need to know that you will definitely be there. The trust in yourself, and the confidence that everything will work out fine, knowing that there is some hidden lesson that you have to learn, helps you to say yes. It is what the situation asks of you, although you prefer to be in some other 'more comfortable' situation - a less risky or seemingly negative one. It is important to hear the voice of time, of the moment, of the situation and trust that it would strengthen you, with which it would bring you closer to greater personal development and to your destiny as a person, and also brings about global benefit since you are a part of society, a part of humanity. 

Message for the day

To be obedient to God means to have a right to His inheritance. 

Projection: We sometimes find ourselves feeling low and unenthusiastic. We tend to blame the situations and the people around which makes us feel even more dull. At such times we expect and seek God's help and power but experience no help from him. 

Solution: We need to realise that we don't have to ask God for power or blessings but have a right to them. Before we perform any task we need to ask ourselves if God will like what we are doing. If we do everything according to God's wishes that means we are obedient. Such obedience will get us the inheritance of peace and happiness from God. 


In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Friday, June 21, 2013

Thought for Today 21-06-2013

As we travel towards our destination, it's so easy to get distracted.


Sometimes we become so busy thinking about little things, that we lose focus and 
stop moving forward.

So, when distracting situations arise, remind yourself that they're only sideshows and that they're not important. Instead, keep your destination in focus and you'll get there.

Soul Sustenance

Is It Possible To Manipulate The Law Of Karma? 

Human laws can be adjusted, manipulated and even ignored by some, but no one can do the same with the Law ofKarma. On the physical level, there is no time interval between an action and its reaction. If I throw an object in the air, it falls back immediately with the same force. With the Law of Karma, however, there can be a delay between the action and its result or fruit. The seeds of certain actions (negative or positive) bring immediate fruit. Others can take years or even many births to bear fruit. If I eat too much ice-cream, I will see the result or karmic effect of the negative karma of greed within a space of ten-fifteen minutes in the form of a headache or after two days in the form of a cold and flu. This is an e.g. in which we realize the working of the Law of Karma, we realize clearly the cause and its effect, but on a subtle level, when we see the effects of actions, we do not realize that the cause may have actually been in a previous life. There is a total connection between the cause and the effect. 

When we analyze a natural calamity such as a major earthquake that uproots buildings and trees, overturns vehicles and kills thousands of people. The physical cause may be tectonic activity associated with faults inside the earth’s surface but at the same time, we realize that such a calamity could have its roots in a process initiated by human beings a few hours, days or months ago – an e.g. being testing of nuclear weapons. On a personal level, I can say that there is nothing which happens to me for which I am not responsible. Whether I remember what I did to make it happen or not, whether I realize it or choose to ignore it, I am ultimately responsible. 

Message for the day

The method to overcome weaknesses is to remind ourselves of our positive qualities. 

Projection: When we make a mistake we usually realize the need to remove that weakness but our identification with that particular weakness is so much that we are not able to overcome it. 

Solution: Instead of reminding ourselves again and again about our weaknesses we need to remind ourselves of our positive qualities. The more we do that we will slowly be able to emerge these qualities and work with them and slowly we'll be able to overcome our weaknesses. 


In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Thursday, June 20, 2013

Thought for Today 20-06-2013

The biggest service is to give hope to the hopeless. 

The one who gives hope is the one who does the greatest service. When someone is negative and weak, instead of pointing out and making him weaker, it is important to give him some hope so that he can overcome that situation or weakness. Today I will check my words. I will see if I am being positive and encouraging or not. I will also make sure I speak words that give hope to at least one person. This will help me inculcate a habit of speaking positive encouraging words.

Soul Sustenance

The Senses in Balance 

Our five senses are windows, which open out to the world through which energy flows in two directions. The senses receive impressions and information from the world, and at the same time transmit our personalities to others. Our eyes receive a constant stream of visual messages, but we may also use the eyes to show how we feel. Through our ears we hear the sounds of life; while by "lending an ear" to others we give comfort to them. Touch allows us to experience texture; but can also transmit love and assurance. Our senses are not merely instruments, but deep-rooted aspects of the self or the soul. 

In India, the senses of the body (eyes, ears, nose, tongue and hands) are beautifully depicted in the form of a chariot. The self or the soul is the charioteer (controller of the chariot); the five senses are the five horses. The self keeps the senses harmoniously (peacefully) working together, controlling their tendency to go out of control. 

Message for the day

The one who has faith is always carefree. 

Projection: When things go wrong we tend to worry a lot. Many waste questions come up in our mind troubling us throughout the difficult time. We are not able to be free from these kind of waste thoughts and tend to feel heavy. 

Solution: The way to be light at all times is to develop the faith that things will work out fine. Even during the difficult situation we need to maintain the faith that there will be something good that will emerge from the situation. This will enable us to be light even during the most difficult situation. 


In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Thought for Today 19-06-2013

Just as you would nourish the body with a healthy breakfast, in the same way, start your day on the right foot by feeding the mind with positive material.

Prior to starting your work day, either on your morning commute, or as soon as you walk into the office - take a few moments to read or listen to uplifting, encouraging, and mind-stretching information, words, music or podcast.

Soul Sustenance

Adopting A Wiser Perception 

Depending on my choice of perception, I may see life as a battleground, where I face a constant battle from morning to night. The constant to and fro between family and work may tire me emotionally and mentally. If I let it and see it that way, life can also itself become the cause or source of my tensions. It may even seem as if the path of life is scattered with rocks blocking my way. Instead of stepping around or over them, I perceive them as being obstacles. The thoughts may come easily to my mind - 'If it was not for so-and-so or such-and-such, I would be able to...'. I may mention the same to my loved ones. Instead of bringing me any benefit, these complaints take me away from the power that I, the soul, have within of changing anything. I simply pass on my capacity to change, to persons or objects over whom or which I obviously have no control. 

If I am fortunate to have a wiser perception which spirituality can give me, life can become a great place to learn and grow. Behind seemingly difficult situations are my major lessons. Disguised in routine tasks are the sign boards that point me back towards truth. Relationships that bring with them repeated scenes of negativity with the same person and for the same reasons show me the weaknesses I have to work on. Indeed, until I work on the eradication of my weaknesses, I keep repeating them. Challenges do come, but they help to bring out the best in me. If I have the subtle eyes to see and the courage to go forward... life is a constant experience of reminders and benefits to progress along the road to my highest consciousness.