May you become the embodiment of success by having the determination to make fruit grow even on infertile land. To become the embodiment of success in anything, a combination of determination and love is required. Just as scientists nowadays try to grow things in a desert, in the same way, continue to give the water of love with the power of silence and become fruitful. With determination, you can ignite the lamp of hope in those who are hopeless
Thursday, July 31, 2014
Soul Sustenance
Understanding What Are Karmic Accounts
We are not individuals acting alone in this world drama; we act in this extraordinary drama or play of life with other actors or souls who (along with us) play their different roles with different physical costumes at different times in the drama. During the process of interaction with other actors (souls) and according to the type of interaction with them, we create accounts of debit or credit that become the basis of our connections with others. The reasons for which a specific relationship goes well or not are in the so called karmic accountthat I have accumulated with the other person in the past. The past could be in this birth alone or in one or many previous births. The souls that play the parts of parents, children, husbands, wives, brothers, sisters, friends, office colleagues and others whom I know form a network for the giving and receiving of happiness and sorrow from accounts established in the past or being created in the present.
The strongest relationships that I have now were established previously. We knew each other in other lives and but in different roles. The daughter of some births ago returns now as the father, the best friend comes back as the sister etc. As long as the account exists, the interchange of actions between two souls continues. When there is nothing more to give or receive, the paths between the two souls separate by death, a break-up, a divorce or simply by the loss of contact. An e.g. of this is our school friends. Many of our friends whom we were close to in our school days, we are not in touch with today. Another e.g. is when we change jobs; we might lose complete contact with our old colleagues.
We are not individuals acting alone in this world drama; we act in this extraordinary drama or play of life with other actors or souls who (along with us) play their different roles with different physical costumes at different times in the drama. During the process of interaction with other actors (souls) and according to the type of interaction with them, we create accounts of debit or credit that become the basis of our connections with others. The reasons for which a specific relationship goes well or not are in the so called karmic accountthat I have accumulated with the other person in the past. The past could be in this birth alone or in one or many previous births. The souls that play the parts of parents, children, husbands, wives, brothers, sisters, friends, office colleagues and others whom I know form a network for the giving and receiving of happiness and sorrow from accounts established in the past or being created in the present.
The strongest relationships that I have now were established previously. We knew each other in other lives and but in different roles. The daughter of some births ago returns now as the father, the best friend comes back as the sister etc. As long as the account exists, the interchange of actions between two souls continues. When there is nothing more to give or receive, the paths between the two souls separate by death, a break-up, a divorce or simply by the loss of contact. An e.g. of this is our school friends. Many of our friends whom we were close to in our school days, we are not in touch with today. Another e.g. is when we change jobs; we might lose complete contact with our old colleagues.
Message for the day
To be free from waste questions is to save time.
Projection: When difficult situations come my way I usually have a lot of questions in my mind about it. I continue to ask myself why the situation has come and have no answers. These questions usually bring me no solution for the problems at hand but I continue to have waste thoughts.
Solution: I need to understand the importance of the time that is in my hands. When I recognize the value of my time I will not waste time in unnecessary thoughts but will try to find a solution for the problem. If there is no solution for the problem I at least just stop thinking unnecessarily and just accept it.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Projection: When difficult situations come my way I usually have a lot of questions in my mind about it. I continue to ask myself why the situation has come and have no answers. These questions usually bring me no solution for the problems at hand but I continue to have waste thoughts.
Solution: I need to understand the importance of the time that is in my hands. When I recognize the value of my time I will not waste time in unnecessary thoughts but will try to find a solution for the problem. If there is no solution for the problem I at least just stop thinking unnecessarily and just accept it.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Wednesday, July 30, 2014
Thought for today 30-7-2014
When a ship is caught in a storm, the captain navigates the ship towards the eye of the storm, a place of calm. As the storm subsides, the ship continues on its journey.
Similarly, when everything around us is changing, when there's a storm of emotions or events, we too can turn towards our inner calm; here, we can find strength and stability.
Then when the storm is over, we won't be battered or depleted. Instead we'll be able to continue on our journey with confidence and clarity.
Soul Sustenance
The Benefits Of Soul Consciousness (Part 3)
The following differences between body consciousness and soul consciousness, will make you realize the benefits of soul consciousness (the practice of meditation make us soul conscious):
In Body Consciousness: I am disturbed by feelings of false attractions.
In Soul Consciousness: I am attracted by the qualities of the Supreme Soul only.
In Body Consciousness: I give sorrow, like a thorn hurting everyone.
In Soul Consciousness:I spread the fragrance of virtues like a flower.
In Body Consciousness: I see everyone relative to my individual identity, my life revolving around "me"... this is arrogance (ego).
In Soul Consciousness: I respect each individual and relate to them with humility (egolessness).
In Body Consciousness: I am tense and tired.
In Soul Consciousness: I am alert and relaxed.
The following differences between body consciousness and soul consciousness, will make you realize the benefits of soul consciousness (the practice of meditation make us soul conscious):
In Body Consciousness: I am disturbed by feelings of false attractions.
In Soul Consciousness: I am attracted by the qualities of the Supreme Soul only.
In Body Consciousness: I give sorrow, like a thorn hurting everyone.
In Soul Consciousness:I spread the fragrance of virtues like a flower.
In Body Consciousness: I see everyone relative to my individual identity, my life revolving around "me"... this is arrogance (ego).
In Soul Consciousness: I respect each individual and relate to them with humility (egolessness).
In Body Consciousness: I am tense and tired.
In Soul Consciousness: I am alert and relaxed.
Message for the day
When there is determination in my thoughts, the clouds of negative situations will fade away.
Projection: There are a lot of negative situations that come my way, as I am moving along. During the difficult phase I tend to experience a lot of negativity within too, either in the form of fear, anger or pain. At that time the difficulty seems very big and seems to last forever.
Solution: I need to recognize the fact that whatever difficulties I face are like passing clouds. These clouds come at their time and fade away at their time too. I need to develop the determination to work on my problems with this understanding. I will then be able to face the situation with ease.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Projection: There are a lot of negative situations that come my way, as I am moving along. During the difficult phase I tend to experience a lot of negativity within too, either in the form of fear, anger or pain. At that time the difficulty seems very big and seems to last forever.
Solution: I need to recognize the fact that whatever difficulties I face are like passing clouds. These clouds come at their time and fade away at their time too. I need to develop the determination to work on my problems with this understanding. I will then be able to face the situation with ease.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Tuesday, July 29, 2014
Thought for today 29-7-2014
When we rewind and replay our memories, not only are we reliving the past but we're also triggering all the associated feelings.
If they're bad memories, not only are we retaining the negativity but we're also causing ourselves unnecessary pain. So be kind to yourself and stop pressing the rewind button.
Of course, there is a time to rewind constructively, a time to rewind the happiness. But there is also a time to unwind,
press play and enjoy the"right now".
Of course, there is a time to rewind constructively, a time to rewind the happiness. But there is also a time to unwind,
press play and enjoy the"right now".
Soul Sustenance
The Benefits Of Soul Consciousness (Part 2)
The following differences between body consciousness and soul consciousness, will make you realize the benefits of soul consciousness (the practice of meditation make us soul conscious):
In Body Consciousness: I become bored and depressed easily.
In Soul Consciousness: I understand situations and overcome them easily. I am able to maintain enthusiasm.
In Body Consciousness: The wings of the soul are clipped (cut).
In Soul Consciousness: I have wings of thought to fly beyond the body.
In Body Consciousness: The intellect is dull. I am limited to the perception (way of looking at things) of this physical world only.
In Soul Consciousness: The intellect is sharp. I can travel, with the power of the intellect, to my original home – paramdham or shantidham.
In Body Consciousness: I see a distorted (misunderstood) past and have no aim for the future.
In Soul Consciousness: The past, present and future of my part are seen clearly.
(To be continued tomorrow ….)
The following differences between body consciousness and soul consciousness, will make you realize the benefits of soul consciousness (the practice of meditation make us soul conscious):
In Body Consciousness: I become bored and depressed easily.
In Soul Consciousness: I understand situations and overcome them easily. I am able to maintain enthusiasm.
In Body Consciousness: The wings of the soul are clipped (cut).
In Soul Consciousness: I have wings of thought to fly beyond the body.
In Body Consciousness: The intellect is dull. I am limited to the perception (way of looking at things) of this physical world only.
In Soul Consciousness: The intellect is sharp. I can travel, with the power of the intellect, to my original home – paramdham or shantidham.
In Body Consciousness: I see a distorted (misunderstood) past and have no aim for the future.
In Soul Consciousness: The past, present and future of my part are seen clearly.
(To be continued tomorrow ….)
Message for the day
The right way of living spreads joy to others.
Projection: When people around me are not happy with me, I usually believe that I am right and they are all wrong. I then cannot check or realise my own mistake. So I rarely make an attempt to change myself and continue to wait for others to change or understand me.
Solution: If people around me are not able to get happiness from me or the way I live, I need to look at my own life in a detached way to see where I could change. Even a slightest change brought by me with sincerity will have a great effect on those around me.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Projection: When people around me are not happy with me, I usually believe that I am right and they are all wrong. I then cannot check or realise my own mistake. So I rarely make an attempt to change myself and continue to wait for others to change or understand me.
Solution: If people around me are not able to get happiness from me or the way I live, I need to look at my own life in a detached way to see where I could change. Even a slightest change brought by me with sincerity will have a great effect on those around me.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Monday, July 28, 2014
Thought for today 28-7-2014
We have a right to free speech but we still have to watch what we say!
Otherwise, all in a flash of a moment, words just leap out and then there may be regret and guilt.
Communicate with ease but consider other people and their feelings. How?
Communicate with ease but consider other people and their feelings. How?
Give your speech censor a moment to consider. You sound so much sweeter when you do!
Soul Sustenance
The Benefits Of Soul Consciousness (Part 1)
The following differences between body consciousness and soul consciousness, will make you realize the benefits of soul consciousness (the practice of meditation make us soul conscious):
In Body Consciousness: I am in bondage (not free).
In Soul Consciousness: There are no bondages, I am free.
In Body Consciousness: I have many questions and few answers.
In Soul Consciousness: I understand everything that I do.
In Body Consciousness: I am afraid of dying (losing the body).
In Soul Consciousness: I know I am eternal (the soul is beyond birth and death) and there is no fear of death.
In Body Consciousness: I have no control over sense organs e.g. eyes, ears, tongue, etc..
In Soul Consciousness: I am able to practice self-control.
(To be continued tomorrow ….)
The following differences between body consciousness and soul consciousness, will make you realize the benefits of soul consciousness (the practice of meditation make us soul conscious):
In Body Consciousness: I am in bondage (not free).
In Soul Consciousness: There are no bondages, I am free.
In Body Consciousness: I have many questions and few answers.
In Soul Consciousness: I understand everything that I do.
In Body Consciousness: I am afraid of dying (losing the body).
In Soul Consciousness: I know I am eternal (the soul is beyond birth and death) and there is no fear of death.
In Body Consciousness: I have no control over sense organs e.g. eyes, ears, tongue, etc..
In Soul Consciousness: I am able to practice self-control.
(To be continued tomorrow ….)
Message for the day
Where there is peace there is patience.
Projection: My usual reactions to the stimuli around me are programmed, so I tend to be impulsive or react quickly to situations, I don't give myself time to think or understand. Because of this lack of patience I lose out on many things and I don't realise that I am losing out too.
Solution: At all times I need to make a conscious effort to keep my mind peaceful and calm, more so when there is a difficult situation. With this state of mind I am able to deal with situations patiently because peace brings power which in turn brings patience.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Projection: My usual reactions to the stimuli around me are programmed, so I tend to be impulsive or react quickly to situations, I don't give myself time to think or understand. Because of this lack of patience I lose out on many things and I don't realise that I am losing out too.
Solution: At all times I need to make a conscious effort to keep my mind peaceful and calm, more so when there is a difficult situation. With this state of mind I am able to deal with situations patiently because peace brings power which in turn brings patience.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Sunday, July 27, 2014
Thought for today 27-7-2014
We know gratitude is important, so here are three steps to integrate gratitude.
Firstly, look up, look around & notice the beauty surrounding you. Secondly, sincerely appreciate the people you interact with, friends, colleagues, the cashier... Thirdly, at the end of the day, look back at the day & note what went well, what you learnt & what you enjoyed.
Do this & you'll find more things to be grateful for!
Firstly, look up, look around & notice the beauty surrounding you. Secondly, sincerely appreciate the people you interact with, friends, colleagues, the cashier... Thirdly, at the end of the day, look back at the day & note what went well, what you learnt & what you enjoyed.
Do this & you'll find more things to be grateful for!
Soul Sustenance
Self Empowerment
Make a list of your strengths and weaknesses. Now make up a series of questions, which will judge how effectively you are using these strengths to improve your personal and professional life, and what negative effects are your weaknesses (shortcomings) having on the same. These are some of the questions that you can ask yourself at the end of each week to monitor your self-progress:
e.g. Which strengths if acquired would help me improve my worth (value) at the workplace? Is any weakness of mine proving to be an obstacle (barrier) in maintaining a healthy relationship with my family? Am I using my strengths in empowering (strengthening) others? Does any weakness exist inside me, which if removed would improve my level of contentment (satisfaction) and lead to greater peace of mind?
Note down three main strengths and three important roles that you play in your life. Now check if your strengths properly match the roles. If they do not match, think if there is a new personality characteristic you need to develop. If a particular role is self-selected, if it does not match your strengths, is it a good role for you to be playing?
Make a list of your strengths and weaknesses. Now make up a series of questions, which will judge how effectively you are using these strengths to improve your personal and professional life, and what negative effects are your weaknesses (shortcomings) having on the same. These are some of the questions that you can ask yourself at the end of each week to monitor your self-progress:
e.g. Which strengths if acquired would help me improve my worth (value) at the workplace? Is any weakness of mine proving to be an obstacle (barrier) in maintaining a healthy relationship with my family? Am I using my strengths in empowering (strengthening) others? Does any weakness exist inside me, which if removed would improve my level of contentment (satisfaction) and lead to greater peace of mind?
Note down three main strengths and three important roles that you play in your life. Now check if your strengths properly match the roles. If they do not match, think if there is a new personality characteristic you need to develop. If a particular role is self-selected, if it does not match your strengths, is it a good role for you to be playing?
Message for the day
To be flexible is to enjoy everything that life brings.
Projection: When I plan perfectly for the day ahead, I sometimes find that I am not able to implement all that I had planned for. Things seem to be coming up unexpectedly spoiling everything for me. I am then not able to be happy with what is happening and so find it difficult to do my best in the particular situation.
Solution: It is as important to be flexible in my thoughts as it is to be particular about my daily schdule. Flexibility allows me to accommodate the unforeseen situations that come up my way and enables me to make the best use of everything. And so I enjoy everything that comes my way.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Projection: When I plan perfectly for the day ahead, I sometimes find that I am not able to implement all that I had planned for. Things seem to be coming up unexpectedly spoiling everything for me. I am then not able to be happy with what is happening and so find it difficult to do my best in the particular situation.
Solution: It is as important to be flexible in my thoughts as it is to be particular about my daily schdule. Flexibility allows me to accommodate the unforeseen situations that come up my way and enables me to make the best use of everything. And so I enjoy everything that comes my way.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Saturday, July 26, 2014
Thought for today 26-7-2014
Comparing yourself to others is not helpful. It can make you feel better than or less than someone else.
But if self improvement is what you're looking for, then use your comparison habit for a positive effect.
How? Value yourself and then value others. Notice the special quality that the other person has and then enhance that quality within yourself. As a result, rather than feeling discouraged, you'll take encouragement from others.
How? Value yourself and then value others. Notice the special quality that the other person has and then enhance that quality within yourself. As a result, rather than feeling discouraged, you'll take encouragement from others.
Soul Sustenance
The Power To Transform Emotions (Part 2)
Thoughts may be temporary. Feelings (either positive or negative), accompanying repeated thought-patterns, stay a bit longer inside us. But when a soul suffers a major setback, loss or failure in life that it is not able to deal with, it becomes emotionally damaged and the results of that can be extreme.
Suppose I lose a loved one all of a sudden. If the feelings that come to me because of this loss can be taken care of at that time, through any means like the remembrance of God, meditation, developing a positive hobby to divert my mind, spending more time in the positive company of other family members, etc.; I will deal with the feelings and move on. If however, I am unable to deal with my feelings through any of the means mentioned, the experience of loss I feel is going to cause a lot of deep damage on the emotional level. Then it will not just be a feeling of loss, but it will actually have wounded the soul emotionally. Until that wound has healed, I'll carry it with me long after the loss has suffered. The emotions linked to it will come to the surface repeatedly, though I may have no idea where my sorrow is coming from. Due to the emotional wound, I'll be unable to stay happy, no matter how positive my circumstances may be today.
Meditation does not require me to go into the subconscious roots of my pain. Instead, through thought,meditation enables me to take conscious control of my feelings and emotions, so as to displace the negative, which brings sorrow; with positive, which brings happiness. It helps me experience pure, powerful emotions and loveful feelings to such an extent that the wounds left by past experiences are healed.Raja Yoga means 'royal union’ - it means having a loveful relationship with God. The experience of God’s love is a soothing balm for my emotions, and a remedy for the emotional pain the soul feels.
Thoughts may be temporary. Feelings (either positive or negative), accompanying repeated thought-patterns, stay a bit longer inside us. But when a soul suffers a major setback, loss or failure in life that it is not able to deal with, it becomes emotionally damaged and the results of that can be extreme.
Suppose I lose a loved one all of a sudden. If the feelings that come to me because of this loss can be taken care of at that time, through any means like the remembrance of God, meditation, developing a positive hobby to divert my mind, spending more time in the positive company of other family members, etc.; I will deal with the feelings and move on. If however, I am unable to deal with my feelings through any of the means mentioned, the experience of loss I feel is going to cause a lot of deep damage on the emotional level. Then it will not just be a feeling of loss, but it will actually have wounded the soul emotionally. Until that wound has healed, I'll carry it with me long after the loss has suffered. The emotions linked to it will come to the surface repeatedly, though I may have no idea where my sorrow is coming from. Due to the emotional wound, I'll be unable to stay happy, no matter how positive my circumstances may be today.
Meditation does not require me to go into the subconscious roots of my pain. Instead, through thought,meditation enables me to take conscious control of my feelings and emotions, so as to displace the negative, which brings sorrow; with positive, which brings happiness. It helps me experience pure, powerful emotions and loveful feelings to such an extent that the wounds left by past experiences are healed.Raja Yoga means 'royal union’ - it means having a loveful relationship with God. The experience of God’s love is a soothing balm for my emotions, and a remedy for the emotional pain the soul feels.
Message for the day
All desires end when there is the one desire to experience progress.
Projection: It is believed normally that in order to progress one needs to have desires. But desires are not always fulfilled and unhappiness is experienced because of it. Then I am not able to appreciate whatever comes my way.
Solution: I need to replace all my desires with one desire, i.e., the desire to experience progress. With this thought, I will be able to make the best use of what I get in the right way. When I move forward in this way making the best use of everything I will be able to experience constant progress.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Projection: It is believed normally that in order to progress one needs to have desires. But desires are not always fulfilled and unhappiness is experienced because of it. Then I am not able to appreciate whatever comes my way.
Solution: I need to replace all my desires with one desire, i.e., the desire to experience progress. With this thought, I will be able to make the best use of what I get in the right way. When I move forward in this way making the best use of everything I will be able to experience constant progress.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Friday, July 25, 2014
Thought for today 25-7-2014
Thinking too much is like eating too much. The heaviness makes it impossible to think effectively. Here are a few tips to keep your mind vibrant and full of energy:
Diet. Avoid pessimistic and cynical thinking. Feed the mind light and healthy thoughts.
Exercise. Stimulate the mind with different and interesting ideas and concepts.
Rest. Every now and then, pause and let your mind digest everything it has taken in.
Diet. Avoid pessimistic and cynical thinking. Feed the mind light and healthy thoughts.
Exercise. Stimulate the mind with different and interesting ideas and concepts.
Rest. Every now and then, pause and let your mind digest everything it has taken in.
Soul Sustenance
The Power To Transform Emotions (Part 1)
As with feelings, when emotions are aroused, there are physical changes inside the body in the form of chemical and electrical activity. In fact, strong emotions don’t just affect the body; they also have an impact on the soul. When the soul suffers emotional trauma, from which there is lasting impact, the emotional trauma brings about an immense strain on the brain and body. Brain chemical production is likely to be affected, and there may also be feelings of depression and tiredness. But the real trauma at the root of these physical effects is at a deeper level within the soul itself, and the resulting emotional sensitivity will also arise from the soul.
e.g. I suffer a series of losses or setbacks in my business that causes a lack of confidence and self-respect inside me. A sanskara of low self-esteem is created inside. As a result I become emotionally unstable and sensitive. I'll show a tendency to react emotionally with extreme sorrow (may be in the form of depression) or extreme anger (sometimes in the form of an outburst) whenever there is a similar setback that touches this sensitivity. A person who has not suffered similarly in the past and does not have a sanskara of low self esteem, and as a result does not have this tendency, will not react in a similar fashion under similar circumstances.
(To be continued tomorrow …)
As with feelings, when emotions are aroused, there are physical changes inside the body in the form of chemical and electrical activity. In fact, strong emotions don’t just affect the body; they also have an impact on the soul. When the soul suffers emotional trauma, from which there is lasting impact, the emotional trauma brings about an immense strain on the brain and body. Brain chemical production is likely to be affected, and there may also be feelings of depression and tiredness. But the real trauma at the root of these physical effects is at a deeper level within the soul itself, and the resulting emotional sensitivity will also arise from the soul.
e.g. I suffer a series of losses or setbacks in my business that causes a lack of confidence and self-respect inside me. A sanskara of low self-esteem is created inside. As a result I become emotionally unstable and sensitive. I'll show a tendency to react emotionally with extreme sorrow (may be in the form of depression) or extreme anger (sometimes in the form of an outburst) whenever there is a similar setback that touches this sensitivity. A person who has not suffered similarly in the past and does not have a sanskara of low self esteem, and as a result does not have this tendency, will not react in a similar fashion under similar circumstances.
(To be continued tomorrow …)
Message for the day
The power of silence makes the impossible achievable.
Projection: When I am faced with a difficult situation, my mind is flooded with thoughts. I also begin to talk about it a lot, describing the problem to all I meet. Then the problem looks so big that I feel I could do nothing to change it.
Solution: I need learn the art of silence(mental and verbal). Internal silence brings the right solutions because my mind is calm. And when I don't describe the problem too much to people I will know there is a solution and I will be able to find it too.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Projection: When I am faced with a difficult situation, my mind is flooded with thoughts. I also begin to talk about it a lot, describing the problem to all I meet. Then the problem looks so big that I feel I could do nothing to change it.
Solution: I need learn the art of silence(mental and verbal). Internal silence brings the right solutions because my mind is calm. And when I don't describe the problem too much to people I will know there is a solution and I will be able to find it too.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Thursday, July 24, 2014
Thought for today 24-7-2014
Everyone thinks they need to get something. But the truth is we don't need anything. We already have what we need. Trouble arises when we think we have to keep what we receive. It's the keeping that sustains our neediness. But whatever comes to us is not for keeping, it is for giving. And when you give, you get. Deep down we all know this eternal truth. It's one of those cast iron laws of the universe. But we are conditioned to think the opposite. No wonder there is a poverty of faith. Not religious faith, but the faith that the universe will bring us whatever we need, at the right moment in the right way. So start today -- give, give, give - time, energy, assistance, care, co-operation. On how many levels do you see the opportunity to give? It's good to be a just do it person. Even better to be a 'just give it person'. And the paradox will make itself known - when you give you will realise you already have everything you need.
Soul Sustenance
Radiating Love To The Universe
I sit in a comfortable position… I relax my body…I breathe deeply and let go of tensions…
I centre myself in the present moment… I concentrate my mind… I enter into the space of inner silence… The thoughts diminish and my mind relaxes fully… Now experience the following thoughts:
I am a non-physical being of light, full of love, centered on the forehead… I am a river flowing with love… my source is the Supreme Ocean Of Love, God; whose child I am… I experience myself sitting under his canopy of the light of love…
I love each part of my physical body which is my vehicle. I relax it… I love each thought that I create, it is my creation… I generate gentle thoughts, tender, relaxing… I feel the energy of love that radiates from within me towards the universe… I, the soul give off love towards what surrounds me…
I give off love towards other souls… I look at everyone with the consciousness that each one, whatever their temporary nature may be, their innate nature is love… I give my spiritual assistance, my good wishes to them, so that they return back to their original, basic nature, which is love… I give off love towards each molecule of the five elements of nature – earth, wind, water, fire and sky and the planet as a whole. I am love… I channel this love towards everything I think, feel, do and transmit…
By performing the above meditation and sharing my unlimited treasure of love, I assist the Supreme Father, through my thoughts, in his task of creating a world full of love, where all souls and the nature co-exist in a loveful and peaceful manner...
I sit in a comfortable position… I relax my body…I breathe deeply and let go of tensions…
I centre myself in the present moment… I concentrate my mind… I enter into the space of inner silence… The thoughts diminish and my mind relaxes fully… Now experience the following thoughts:
I am a non-physical being of light, full of love, centered on the forehead… I am a river flowing with love… my source is the Supreme Ocean Of Love, God; whose child I am… I experience myself sitting under his canopy of the light of love…
I love each part of my physical body which is my vehicle. I relax it… I love each thought that I create, it is my creation… I generate gentle thoughts, tender, relaxing… I feel the energy of love that radiates from within me towards the universe… I, the soul give off love towards what surrounds me…
I give off love towards other souls… I look at everyone with the consciousness that each one, whatever their temporary nature may be, their innate nature is love… I give my spiritual assistance, my good wishes to them, so that they return back to their original, basic nature, which is love… I give off love towards each molecule of the five elements of nature – earth, wind, water, fire and sky and the planet as a whole. I am love… I channel this love towards everything I think, feel, do and transmit…
By performing the above meditation and sharing my unlimited treasure of love, I assist the Supreme Father, through my thoughts, in his task of creating a world full of love, where all souls and the nature co-exist in a loveful and peaceful manner...
Message for the day
To serve with the heart, with love is to guarantee success.
Projection: When I have to be of help to others, I sometimes find myself doing it with force. I don't seem to be really interested in doing it but situations or people seem to be forcing me to do it. I then don't enjoy what I do and also don't find the benefit of it either to others or to myself.
Solution: I need to consciously make an effort to see what people are benefitting when I am helping them. With this conscious effort I am able to help others with love without feeling the heaviness of what I have to do. Thus I find my actions to be much more fruitful.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Projection: When I have to be of help to others, I sometimes find myself doing it with force. I don't seem to be really interested in doing it but situations or people seem to be forcing me to do it. I then don't enjoy what I do and also don't find the benefit of it either to others or to myself.
Solution: I need to consciously make an effort to see what people are benefitting when I am helping them. With this conscious effort I am able to help others with love without feeling the heaviness of what I have to do. Thus I find my actions to be much more fruitful.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Wednesday, July 23, 2014
Thought for today 23-7-2014
When things are tough or when you're dealing with a difficult person; no matter how dark a moment it is, try to bring light.
Connect to your inner light, be illuminated and illuminate the moment. It may be your presence, words, humour or an attitude of genuine interest.
Connect to your inner light, be illuminated and illuminate the moment. It may be your presence, words, humour or an attitude of genuine interest.
Soul Sustenance
Innate (Basic) And Acquired Value
Everything we see has what can be called its acquired value and its innate or basic value. The acquired value is that which it has picked up by coming into contact with external objects throughout its existence or life. The innate value is what it always is irrespective of its external interactions. For example, the acquired value of gold changes with the fluctuations of its price in the market. Its innate or real value is that it's one of the most beautiful metals; very ductile, malleable, etc.
If we were asked about the qualities of any good, peaceful relationship with someone, we would quickly reply: love, trust, patience, respect, honesty, sincerity, tolerance, humility, sympathy, etc. How do we know this? Is it purely from experience? Can we remember having really experienced any of these qualities in any relationship completely and constantly? Probably no. Then how can we say it is from experience? In such a case, where does this urge for rightness come from? Our heart tells us it comes from a basic, inherent sense of what is true and good, of our innate value. Though these qualities are what we see as our ideal qualities; when I am in a weakened state, I’m unable to bring them into practice, when I want, according to the needs of the moment. They need to be strengthened inside. One of the most immediate benefits of the practice of meditation then, is to bring about this internal strengthening. My basic qualities are just waiting for a chance to emerge out in the open. Like a light bulb without current, possibility of lighting up my qualities exists, but they need to be connected to a source of power, which is exactly what meditation gives us.
Everything we see has what can be called its acquired value and its innate or basic value. The acquired value is that which it has picked up by coming into contact with external objects throughout its existence or life. The innate value is what it always is irrespective of its external interactions. For example, the acquired value of gold changes with the fluctuations of its price in the market. Its innate or real value is that it's one of the most beautiful metals; very ductile, malleable, etc.
If we were asked about the qualities of any good, peaceful relationship with someone, we would quickly reply: love, trust, patience, respect, honesty, sincerity, tolerance, humility, sympathy, etc. How do we know this? Is it purely from experience? Can we remember having really experienced any of these qualities in any relationship completely and constantly? Probably no. Then how can we say it is from experience? In such a case, where does this urge for rightness come from? Our heart tells us it comes from a basic, inherent sense of what is true and good, of our innate value. Though these qualities are what we see as our ideal qualities; when I am in a weakened state, I’m unable to bring them into practice, when I want, according to the needs of the moment. They need to be strengthened inside. One of the most immediate benefits of the practice of meditation then, is to bring about this internal strengthening. My basic qualities are just waiting for a chance to emerge out in the open. Like a light bulb without current, possibility of lighting up my qualities exists, but they need to be connected to a source of power, which is exactly what meditation gives us.
Message for the day
Inner satisfaction brings creativity.
Projection: Quite often I find myself trying to keep pace with the things that I have always been doing. I seem to be caught up in the routine to the extent that I experience monotony. I then cannot think of any newness that I can bring in my life.
Solution: It is only with my inner satisfaction that can I bring creativity in my life. For this, while doing the routine jobs that I am involved in throughout the day, I need to make special effort to keep myself content with the things that are going on and also think of new ways of doing what I am already doing. Then I will never experience boredom in my life.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Projection: Quite often I find myself trying to keep pace with the things that I have always been doing. I seem to be caught up in the routine to the extent that I experience monotony. I then cannot think of any newness that I can bring in my life.
Solution: It is only with my inner satisfaction that can I bring creativity in my life. For this, while doing the routine jobs that I am involved in throughout the day, I need to make special effort to keep myself content with the things that are going on and also think of new ways of doing what I am already doing. Then I will never experience boredom in my life.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Tuesday, July 22, 2014
Thought for today 22-7-2014
Self-discipline is the glue that enables you to stick with what you're doing, be consistent & facilitate what needs to happen.
Discipline doesn't have to be hard or harsh. Actually, it involves love for your goal & commitment to what you really want. Then it becomes much easier to avoid instant gratification &, instead, to go for your goal.
Discipline doesn't have to be hard or harsh. Actually, it involves love for your goal & commitment to what you really want. Then it becomes much easier to avoid instant gratification &, instead, to go for your goal.
Soul Sustenance
Creating Positive Circumstances
Why do we find it so hard to create positive circumstances, a positive future in our life? One reason is we all have the tendency to spend most of our time in the past, reliving and replaying our memories. Look back on your average day and you may find that more than 3/4ths of your time is spent in the past (a lot of times without you realizing it). Not only do we try to relive the past, but we also attempt to change it! We attempt the impossible and, in so doing, we live in very small cycles where tomorrow tends to turn out similar to yesterday, and then we wonder why we do not have the power to change our lives. It feels like we do not have the will-power, we do not have the ability to change the circumstances in our lives, our destiny.
The past cannot be relived; it cannot be changed. The past is like a cupboard of old files. When you arrive at work every day, do you step into such a cupboard and spend the day there? The past is a great resource for learning and sometimes, a resource for useful information, but it is not a place to live. We can build on the old, but we cannot rewrite it. The future is the result of what we think, feel and do today. If today is the same as yesterday (because of constantly thinking about yesterday) then tomorrow will look and feel like yesterday and in this way we feel we are stuck in a web and we get frustrated. We need to let go of the past if we want the future to shape up positively, different from yesterday, which is negative at times! The past is past. Drop it and keep dropping it.
Message for the day
With the balance of love and discipline, energy can be saved while speaking.
Projection: Throughout the day I find myself having to give explanations or corrections to so many people. When I do this I find that I have to spend a lot of words. In the process I tend to lose a lot of my energy and find myself tired.
Solution: In order to save my energy and to use fewer words I need to have the balance of love and discipline. Discipline will enable me to give the right directions while love will make my directions effective. So I find that just a few words would be enough to get my message across.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Projection: Throughout the day I find myself having to give explanations or corrections to so many people. When I do this I find that I have to spend a lot of words. In the process I tend to lose a lot of my energy and find myself tired.
Solution: In order to save my energy and to use fewer words I need to have the balance of love and discipline. Discipline will enable me to give the right directions while love will make my directions effective. So I find that just a few words would be enough to get my message across.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Monday, July 21, 2014
Thought for today 21-7-2014
Our minds are constantly wandering off to different locations. Some are over visited & some are just not good for us. It could be a sulking corner, a complaining cushion, or somewhere that's become a bit industrial or polluted.
Where we are in our mind really makes a difference. So why not visit a location that entertains, enlivens & energises your mind.
Just be more aware of where, when & for how long you let your mind wander. When necessary, make sure you pay attention & engage fully with the world around you.
Where we are in our mind really makes a difference. So why not visit a location that entertains, enlivens & energises your mind.
Just be more aware of where, when & for how long you let your mind wander. When necessary, make sure you pay attention & engage fully with the world around you.
Soul Sustenance
Self Empowerment
Our internal strengths create the foundation on which we make our decisions in life, how we relate to others and how we understand ourselves. For most people their strengths are understood but never made very conscious. They lie below the surface and are not openly talked about. Bringing them into our conscious understanding improves our process of self-empowerment.
To realize and review your strengths, sit comfortably in a pleasant atmosphere and answer silently the following questions:
A. Look back into the past and remember the times when you experienced your greatest successes. List the unique talents or strengths, which you made use of at those times.
B. List the specific features, which you admire in yourself.
C. If you were to take the opinion of your family, friends and colleagues, what strengths would they say that you have?
D. List your most valuable assets.
E. Now examine your answers and summarize. What are your main strengths?
Our internal strengths create the foundation on which we make our decisions in life, how we relate to others and how we understand ourselves. For most people their strengths are understood but never made very conscious. They lie below the surface and are not openly talked about. Bringing them into our conscious understanding improves our process of self-empowerment.
To realize and review your strengths, sit comfortably in a pleasant atmosphere and answer silently the following questions:
A. Look back into the past and remember the times when you experienced your greatest successes. List the unique talents or strengths, which you made use of at those times.
B. List the specific features, which you admire in yourself.
C. If you were to take the opinion of your family, friends and colleagues, what strengths would they say that you have?
D. List your most valuable assets.
E. Now examine your answers and summarize. What are your main strengths?
Message for the day
The one who is a giver, has attention constantly on giving fully.
Projection: When the system that I am working in doesn't let me give maximum benefit to the people around me or deprives them of their natural right, I tend to react negatively. I tend to become upset which doesn't help either of us in anyway.
Solution: When I remember and maintain the awareness that I am a giver, instead of complaining about the restrictions that society or people around me impose I continue to give those around me something that will make them happy. This could be in the form of kind and supportive words or at least an understanding smile. When I give in this way, it will make others too free from negative thoughts.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Projection: When the system that I am working in doesn't let me give maximum benefit to the people around me or deprives them of their natural right, I tend to react negatively. I tend to become upset which doesn't help either of us in anyway.
Solution: When I remember and maintain the awareness that I am a giver, instead of complaining about the restrictions that society or people around me impose I continue to give those around me something that will make them happy. This could be in the form of kind and supportive words or at least an understanding smile. When I give in this way, it will make others too free from negative thoughts.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Sunday, July 20, 2014
Thought for today 20-7-2014
Being defensive has its place but being overly defensive does not.
So the next time you're responding disproportionately to something, get clear about what you're defending & justifying; what's pushing your buttons?
Learn to accept other people's point of view or the fact that you may not be right.
Learn to accept other people's point of view or the fact that you may not be right.
With a strong sense of self-worth, relax confidently & replace the over-defensiveness with constructive interaction.
Soul Sustenance
Controlling Your Emotions
There are five essential steps to emotional control and mastery. Although the complete process will finally happen in a few seconds in real life, it is essential for our learning to break it down and see what is required at every step.
Step One – Awareness
This simply means being aware of the emergence of the subtlest (finest) of emotions, which, if left unchecked, will grow into important disturbances. For example irritation leads to frustration leads to anger leads to rage.
Step Two – Acknowledge
Which means taking responsibility for the emotion by understanding and acknowledging that I am the creator of the emotion, not someone or something else.
Step three – Acceptance
Fully accept the presence of the emotion without resisting (opposing) it in any way. If it is resisted it simply becomes stronger, or is suppressed for another day.
Step Four – Ascend
This is the moment of full detachment from both the emotion and the inner source of emotion. In the process of detached observation the emotion is losing its power. And it is only through detached observation that the emotion will begin to dissolve.
Step Five – Attune
This means returning our attention to the very centre of ourselves where our inner peace and power are to be found. This is the purpose of meditation.
There are five essential steps to emotional control and mastery. Although the complete process will finally happen in a few seconds in real life, it is essential for our learning to break it down and see what is required at every step.
Step One – Awareness
This simply means being aware of the emergence of the subtlest (finest) of emotions, which, if left unchecked, will grow into important disturbances. For example irritation leads to frustration leads to anger leads to rage.
Step Two – Acknowledge
Which means taking responsibility for the emotion by understanding and acknowledging that I am the creator of the emotion, not someone or something else.
Step three – Acceptance
Fully accept the presence of the emotion without resisting (opposing) it in any way. If it is resisted it simply becomes stronger, or is suppressed for another day.
Step Four – Ascend
This is the moment of full detachment from both the emotion and the inner source of emotion. In the process of detached observation the emotion is losing its power. And it is only through detached observation that the emotion will begin to dissolve.
Step Five – Attune
This means returning our attention to the very centre of ourselves where our inner peace and power are to be found. This is the purpose of meditation.
Message for the day
To be in the awareness of my own speciality is to be free from negativity.
Projection: When I percieve negativity in others, I find myself very easily influenced by it. I then react negatively to them and am not able to maintain my own positivity. All my specialities remain hidden in such a negative atmosphere and I continue to be negative too.
Solution: Like a rose I need to maintain my originality and uniqueness while being amongst the thorns. Instead of blaming others and their negativity for my own negativity, I need to practice being positive and working with my original qualities. Then I will never complain but will always use my own specialities.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Projection: When I percieve negativity in others, I find myself very easily influenced by it. I then react negatively to them and am not able to maintain my own positivity. All my specialities remain hidden in such a negative atmosphere and I continue to be negative too.
Solution: Like a rose I need to maintain my originality and uniqueness while being amongst the thorns. Instead of blaming others and their negativity for my own negativity, I need to practice being positive and working with my original qualities. Then I will never complain but will always use my own specialities.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Saturday, July 19, 2014
Thought for today 19-7-2014
Often we can be verbally silent but we're not experiencing inner silence. Inner silence doesn't mean no thoughts or an empty void.
To experience inner silence, turn your attention away from the rush of conversations, lists & obligations, & bring your mental & emotional energy to a point of concentration, where you can be still.
In this stillness your original blueprint of love, bliss & peace emerge; & flows through your being, harmonising & rectifying any imbalance.
To experience inner silence, turn your attention away from the rush of conversations, lists & obligations, & bring your mental & emotional energy to a point of concentration, where you can be still.
In this stillness your original blueprint of love, bliss & peace emerge; & flows through your being, harmonising & rectifying any imbalance.
Soul Sustenance
Understanding The Birth-Life-Death-Rebirth Cycle (Part 2)
We subconsciously know that we are souls. Birth, life and death are just stages in existence. In fact all natural processes can be found to have a beginning, a middle, an end and a new beginning to continue the cycle. The soul takes a bodily form, gives life to it and after a period of time, long or short, leaves it and takes another suited to the continuation of its role. As long as the soul is in the body, the body grows like a plant from baby to child, youth to maturity. It then begins to decay and finally becomes unusable. The moment the soul leaves the body, the body becomes like a dead log of a tree. It immediately starts to decompose and eventually goes back to dust.
Again the soul moves into a foetus inside the womb of a mother. After time it emerges as a newborn baby and immediately begins to show the sanskars it had developed in its previous life. It is the same soul but in a new physical situation. Thus death is merely the means by which a complete change of circumstances and environment for the soul takes place. Time never kills the soul, but the body, being a part of nature or matter, obeys the law of decay that everything new becomes old and eventually finishes. The molecular components of this body disintegrate only to re-integrate as another form (body) some time later.
The process of birth-life-death-rebirth is also eternal (without a beginning or an end). It has always been going on and will continue. The soul comes into the body, expresses a role and experiences the results of that for a certain time, then leaves it, and the process starts again. Similarly, souls come into this world, remain here as actors for a number of births and then return to the region from which they come, for rest. This process also starts again. The pattern is a cyclic one. This is called the eternal world cycle.
We subconsciously know that we are souls. Birth, life and death are just stages in existence. In fact all natural processes can be found to have a beginning, a middle, an end and a new beginning to continue the cycle. The soul takes a bodily form, gives life to it and after a period of time, long or short, leaves it and takes another suited to the continuation of its role. As long as the soul is in the body, the body grows like a plant from baby to child, youth to maturity. It then begins to decay and finally becomes unusable. The moment the soul leaves the body, the body becomes like a dead log of a tree. It immediately starts to decompose and eventually goes back to dust.
Again the soul moves into a foetus inside the womb of a mother. After time it emerges as a newborn baby and immediately begins to show the sanskars it had developed in its previous life. It is the same soul but in a new physical situation. Thus death is merely the means by which a complete change of circumstances and environment for the soul takes place. Time never kills the soul, but the body, being a part of nature or matter, obeys the law of decay that everything new becomes old and eventually finishes. The molecular components of this body disintegrate only to re-integrate as another form (body) some time later.
The process of birth-life-death-rebirth is also eternal (without a beginning or an end). It has always been going on and will continue. The soul comes into the body, expresses a role and experiences the results of that for a certain time, then leaves it, and the process starts again. Similarly, souls come into this world, remain here as actors for a number of births and then return to the region from which they come, for rest. This process also starts again. The pattern is a cyclic one. This is called the eternal world cycle.
Message for the day
To make thoughts as pure as the actions is to be truly elevated.
Projection: There is usually attention on the self not to perform any negative acts. There is also considerable attention not to speak any words that are harmful or negative. But very rarely is there that attention on the thoughts. Because of this a lot of negative thoughts tend to remain in the intellect causing trouble for me.
Solution: I need to understand the fact that my thoughts form the basis for my words and actions. The more I pay attention to make my thoughts positive, the more it will make a positive impact on my words and actions too. Constant awareness of a positive thought enables me to maintain my own inner positivity.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Projection: There is usually attention on the self not to perform any negative acts. There is also considerable attention not to speak any words that are harmful or negative. But very rarely is there that attention on the thoughts. Because of this a lot of negative thoughts tend to remain in the intellect causing trouble for me.
Solution: I need to understand the fact that my thoughts form the basis for my words and actions. The more I pay attention to make my thoughts positive, the more it will make a positive impact on my words and actions too. Constant awareness of a positive thought enables me to maintain my own inner positivity.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Friday, July 18, 2014
Thought for today 18-7-2014
Making a complaint doesn't always have to be negative, it's good to express your opinions & suggestions.
But if you're not gaining anything positive by complaining, then you might want to
1) reduce the whining & grumbling; or
2) turn your complaint into a compliment.
Stop the unnecessary complaints & your necessary complaints will be more effective
Stop the unnecessary complaints & your necessary complaints will be more effective
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