Independent Observer
Peace ends when you are emotionally involved in a situation. The practice of being an independent observer helps you stay stable and calm. It is the best way to approach a decision in any circumstance
Saturday, October 29, 2016
Soul Sustenance
Experiencing Perfection And Success In Role Playing (Part 2)
Continuing from yesterday’s message, if I'm able to protect and maintain my inner spiritual identity in each role that I play in the day, it’s much easier for me to switch roles. I switch roles so many times even in one particular day. If I lose myself in a particular role, my mind and intellect tends to become limited and restricted to that role and I'm not able to see beyond the immediate needs of the role and I find it difficult to adapt to another role. As a father, for example, I may also be called upon to play the different roles of husband or a Managing Director or a friend or a brother or a son or a son-in-law etc. Also many a times, for e.g. in the absence of the mother, I may have to play the role of the mother or in the absence of the Office Manager in my company on a particular day, I may have to play his role, etc., both being roles that I do not normally play. I'll have a better chance of being able to fulfill all these roles if I don’t get too caught up in any of the roles while playing them and remain in my spiritual consciousness while playing them. A spiritual consciousness will keep me detached.
Every role demands different positive personality traits or sanskaras to be put into practice. I need to be flexible and possess the ability to pick those personality traits from my complete spiritual store house of personality traits that I the soul possess inside me,that are best suited to the role and are required for that role at that particular moment, so that the role and the act is played accurately and perfectly to my satisfaction as well as the other’s satisfaction. In a bodily, limited consciousness, I will not be able to that.
(To be continued tomorrow …)
Message of the day
To be an instrument means to consider oneself as the messenger of God.
Expression:When there is the awareness of being an instrument of God, there is naturally a desire to do the best. Every task is marked with the stamp of one's own speciality. There is nothing negative visible, nor is there anything waste or ordinary. This is because there is constantly the aim to be the best in order to become a worthy instrument of God.
Experience: As I am an instrument of God - a beautiful instrument of God - I always find myself to be unique and special. I am the messenger of God Himself, as each and every word and every act of mine is marked with the quality of God. My intellect becomes so divine that God can work through me and bring benefit to those around me.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Expression:When there is the awareness of being an instrument of God, there is naturally a desire to do the best. Every task is marked with the stamp of one's own speciality. There is nothing negative visible, nor is there anything waste or ordinary. This is because there is constantly the aim to be the best in order to become a worthy instrument of God.
Experience: As I am an instrument of God - a beautiful instrument of God - I always find myself to be unique and special. I am the messenger of God Himself, as each and every word and every act of mine is marked with the quality of God. My intellect becomes so divine that God can work through me and bring benefit to those around me.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Thought of the day 28.10.2016
Patience
Patience is a virtue and a power too. Patience tells us that the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step and that we get over there one step at a time. Patience teaches us not to rush. Knowing that there is a reason and a season for everything it enables us to smile at the challenges, realizing that there is an answer to every problem. And, even though we cannot see it, yet there is awareness that within every crisis lies an opportunity.
Soul Sustenance
Experiencing Perfection And Success In Role Playing (Part 1)
Spirituality gives me the detached realization of being pure consciousness. This realization not only detaches me from my physical body, but also detaches me from the different roles I play through my physical body (male or female) and the different acts or scenes in each role, in one particular day or one particular lifetime. The roles may be many, the acts and the scenes may be many, but I am the actor playing the different roles and participating in the different acts.
There is great strength in experiencing myself as an actor as compared to the previous existence in which I used to lose myself and forget my spiritual identity completely while playing the different roles, identifying more with the roles and thinking myself to be the role instead of being a spiritual actor.An actor, even while in the midst of the most dramatic scenes, even whilst getting excited or emotional or angry, knows he is not the part itself, the part is just temporary. He knows he is something more than that, and that when the play is over, the role will not exist anymore. So, even though I play my role, I don’t cut off myself from the role and don’t leave my responsibilities, I need to adopt the observer or spectator or detached consciousness instead of the player consciousness. A player tends to get over-involved. So, the balance has to be maintained – I play as well as remain detached. Only then the roles will be played to complete perfection and I will experience success in each role.
(To be continued tomorrow …)
Spirituality gives me the detached realization of being pure consciousness. This realization not only detaches me from my physical body, but also detaches me from the different roles I play through my physical body (male or female) and the different acts or scenes in each role, in one particular day or one particular lifetime. The roles may be many, the acts and the scenes may be many, but I am the actor playing the different roles and participating in the different acts.
There is great strength in experiencing myself as an actor as compared to the previous existence in which I used to lose myself and forget my spiritual identity completely while playing the different roles, identifying more with the roles and thinking myself to be the role instead of being a spiritual actor.An actor, even while in the midst of the most dramatic scenes, even whilst getting excited or emotional or angry, knows he is not the part itself, the part is just temporary. He knows he is something more than that, and that when the play is over, the role will not exist anymore. So, even though I play my role, I don’t cut off myself from the role and don’t leave my responsibilities, I need to adopt the observer or spectator or detached consciousness instead of the player consciousness. A player tends to get over-involved. So, the balance has to be maintained – I play as well as remain detached. Only then the roles will be played to complete perfection and I will experience success in each role.
(To be continued tomorrow …)
Message of the day
The one who attains blessings are the richest.
Expression:Every individual has some or the other speciality. When this speciality is revealed in one's own words and behaviour, good wishes emerge from others very naturally. These good wishes become a form of blessing for the one who is making effort with an honest heart. Such blessings help one to further put in more effort and move on towards success.
Experience: To experience the good wishes and blessings from others is to experience the richness of life. There is joy in being connected to the others and being in harmony with them. The good wishes of others act as boosters in order to fulfill what I set out to do and I experience quick and easy progress.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Expression:Every individual has some or the other speciality. When this speciality is revealed in one's own words and behaviour, good wishes emerge from others very naturally. These good wishes become a form of blessing for the one who is making effort with an honest heart. Such blessings help one to further put in more effort and move on towards success.
Experience: To experience the good wishes and blessings from others is to experience the richness of life. There is joy in being connected to the others and being in harmony with them. The good wishes of others act as boosters in order to fulfill what I set out to do and I experience quick and easy progress.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Thought of the day 27.10.2016
Life
Ignorance makes you believe that life functions haphazardly. Wisdom teaches you that everything that happens in this theatre of life has profound significance. What you see today is not the fruit of chance but a fruit from seeds planted in the past. Plant seeds of peace now and you will create a life of peace in the future.
Soul Sustenance
8 Steps On The Road To Success (Part 3)
The road to success is filled with major changes which we as travelers on it need to be able to adapt to and face, without the changes affecting us negatively. There are people who are very weak at adapting to change because of lack of spiritual strength and the tendency to look at the changes negatively. It is said at the Brahma Kumaris that the one who moulds becomes real gold or valuable or in other words spiritually pure or powerful. So, the ability to mould or the ability to change as per the different milestones one sees on the road to success is a spiritual power which we need to fill ourselves with. Also, as with traffic signals, what is required is the ability to stop on the road to success on passing certain signposts. These signposts convey to us that crossing them at that moment of time at the speed at which we are, will cause an accident in the form of an ill physical body or a broken relationship. Also, they may cause a stressful mind or a harmed professional or personal role which is being used to reach the destination of success in any sphere of life. This can bring the journey to the destination of success to a standstill.
Another spiritual ability is the ability to inculcate new creative and constructive sanskaras as per the demands of what side-scenesare seen on the road to success. These side-scenes may sometimes be surprising for many. The type of sanskaras which may be required to be inculcated at that moment of time could be simple like remaining egoless or keeping love maintained with everyone. Also, avoiding the negatives of someone and also not spreading them, not getting frustrated or tired and remaining patient, not creating thoughts of failure and accepting each one’s role with ease. Some other sanskaras are emerging the power to discriminate between wrong and right or remaining economical in using resources like money, time and energy etc. Also, just like any other journey, sometimes it is also important not to get stuck in these side scenes. We need to ignore or let go of them and carry on with determination on the road to success with our complete focus on the destination of success which our whole journey is dedicated to.
Message of the day
To take up responsibility is to inspire cooperation from others.
Expression:When there is the initiative to take up responsibility, there is accuracy in words and actions too. There is the use of one's own specialities in the task that is to be done and so others too keep getting inspiration to use their specialities. So the task is filled with honest effort that is the contribution of each and everyone.
Experience: Since I take up responsibility for everything that comes up in my life, I find that others too take responsibility to contribute their share to the task. So I find others cooperating with me and the most difficult task becomes easy. The power of cooperation works wonders in the most difficult task.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Expression:When there is the initiative to take up responsibility, there is accuracy in words and actions too. There is the use of one's own specialities in the task that is to be done and so others too keep getting inspiration to use their specialities. So the task is filled with honest effort that is the contribution of each and everyone.
Experience: Since I take up responsibility for everything that comes up in my life, I find that others too take responsibility to contribute their share to the task. So I find others cooperating with me and the most difficult task becomes easy. The power of cooperation works wonders in the most difficult task.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Thought of the day 26.10.2016
Wisdom
The essence of wisdom is using what we know and confessing to what we do not know.
The essence of wisdom is using what we know and confessing to what we do not know.
Soul Sustenance
8 Steps On The Road To Success (Part 2)
Just for a minute stop what you are thinking and ask yourself is a goal or an achievement so significant that you do not mind losing some of the important relationships of your life. Also, what use is an achieved mission if in the process I suffer sleep disorders or my digestive system is weakened or I suffer from high blood pressure or diabetes? Also, I may even suffer from mental illnesses like depression or sometimes even end up attempting suicide. The same purpose of life can be achieved without losing mental peace, even if the achievement takes place at a date later than the one intended.
So, the first step on the road to success is revising your purpose to one that can be achieved at a slower speed than the speed we might see others working at. Of course, it’s needless to say that the wrong energy with which we are working that is giving us hurry and worry sickness is nothing but competition. Competition is not at all an un-required energy in mainstream society but when competition is accompanied by or mixed with comparisons, it becomes negative or self-harming. So compete, competition is healthy but do not compare, comparisons are unhealthy. Also, ensure that while moving towards the destination of success it is important to set smaller goals to be achieved instead of targeting directly at the bigger cause. This is important because this keeps us extremely light in our journey and keeps us on the road to success and does not let us become tired when the going gets difficult at times. This is a way of unburdening oneself while travelling on the road to success which can be long at times. Another important feature of a relaxed journey to success is satisfying people who are a part of the journey and not developing cold relations with them. Very often, people are so obsessed with work or professional targets that a 12 hour day at the workplace is a common practice with busy professionals with no time for their family members. This causes distancing and differences between them and also very often children and husbands or wives are affected negatively by this and remaining dissatisfied.
(To be continued tomorrow …)
Just for a minute stop what you are thinking and ask yourself is a goal or an achievement so significant that you do not mind losing some of the important relationships of your life. Also, what use is an achieved mission if in the process I suffer sleep disorders or my digestive system is weakened or I suffer from high blood pressure or diabetes? Also, I may even suffer from mental illnesses like depression or sometimes even end up attempting suicide. The same purpose of life can be achieved without losing mental peace, even if the achievement takes place at a date later than the one intended.
So, the first step on the road to success is revising your purpose to one that can be achieved at a slower speed than the speed we might see others working at. Of course, it’s needless to say that the wrong energy with which we are working that is giving us hurry and worry sickness is nothing but competition. Competition is not at all an un-required energy in mainstream society but when competition is accompanied by or mixed with comparisons, it becomes negative or self-harming. So compete, competition is healthy but do not compare, comparisons are unhealthy. Also, ensure that while moving towards the destination of success it is important to set smaller goals to be achieved instead of targeting directly at the bigger cause. This is important because this keeps us extremely light in our journey and keeps us on the road to success and does not let us become tired when the going gets difficult at times. This is a way of unburdening oneself while travelling on the road to success which can be long at times. Another important feature of a relaxed journey to success is satisfying people who are a part of the journey and not developing cold relations with them. Very often, people are so obsessed with work or professional targets that a 12 hour day at the workplace is a common practice with busy professionals with no time for their family members. This causes distancing and differences between them and also very often children and husbands or wives are affected negatively by this and remaining dissatisfied.
(To be continued tomorrow …)
Message of the day
The difficulty of the situation lies in one's own state of mind.
Expression:To make something big as small or to make something small as big depends on one's state of mind. When one's state of mind is good, to deal with situations becomes easy. So even difficult situations are crossed over with great ease. Then there will be no dependency on the external situations to change the internal state of mind. That is, there will never be a reaction to external situations but there will be always stability.
Experience: When my state of mind is good and powerful, I am confident of myself and am able to easily win over all obstacles. Otherwise, the situation takes hold of the internal state of my mind and I find myself bound by the situation. At such a time, I find the smallest situation to a very big obstacle. But with faith in myself I am very easily able to use my inner power to overcome situations.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Expression:To make something big as small or to make something small as big depends on one's state of mind. When one's state of mind is good, to deal with situations becomes easy. So even difficult situations are crossed over with great ease. Then there will be no dependency on the external situations to change the internal state of mind. That is, there will never be a reaction to external situations but there will be always stability.
Experience: When my state of mind is good and powerful, I am confident of myself and am able to easily win over all obstacles. Otherwise, the situation takes hold of the internal state of my mind and I find myself bound by the situation. At such a time, I find the smallest situation to a very big obstacle. But with faith in myself I am very easily able to use my inner power to overcome situations.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Tuesday, October 25, 2016
Thought of the day 25.10.2016
Happiness
I open my eyes to the wonder of being. Delighted in the way things turn out, amazed at the beauty of it all.
I am happy.
Soul Sustenance
Steps On The Road To Success (Part 1)
We all live a life which is filled with different actions which we perform from the morning to the night. Every action either in the personal, professional, social or financial sphere is filled with the energy of an intention or a pure desire that I have to achieve what I aspire or aim for. But things go wrong when the ambition starts becoming an obsession and it starts affecting our relationships, health and mind sometimes individually and sometimes all together. With some people, the desire to succeed is so immense and so obsessive that it tends to influence their thoughts excessively. They lose interest in performing any action which takes them away from this aim.
They say success for some comes at a price – a broken soul, a stressful mind, an unhealthy body and harmed relationships. For some, life is like a continuous challenge to be overcome. Challenges are good; they bring out the inner powers and help in tapping the hidden potential inside you. But at the same time, a life which eats, sleeps and breathes challenges and goals is the wrong road to success. A main cause of professional burn out at a young age is an obsession to achieve and dream big. This is even causing a lot of people to become severely depressive, unenthusiastic and disinterested after a certain period of time in their careers and family lives. Many people are taking to meditation and relaxation techniques because they lost the balance at sometime in their lives. They left the right road to success with the destination of success remaining away from them instead of coming towards them.
In the next two days’ messages, we shall explain 8 different steps one needs to take on an emotional level so that success is achieved. At the same time it is a success without any of the side effects in the form of love lost in relationships and physical and mental illnesses.
We all live a life which is filled with different actions which we perform from the morning to the night. Every action either in the personal, professional, social or financial sphere is filled with the energy of an intention or a pure desire that I have to achieve what I aspire or aim for. But things go wrong when the ambition starts becoming an obsession and it starts affecting our relationships, health and mind sometimes individually and sometimes all together. With some people, the desire to succeed is so immense and so obsessive that it tends to influence their thoughts excessively. They lose interest in performing any action which takes them away from this aim.
They say success for some comes at a price – a broken soul, a stressful mind, an unhealthy body and harmed relationships. For some, life is like a continuous challenge to be overcome. Challenges are good; they bring out the inner powers and help in tapping the hidden potential inside you. But at the same time, a life which eats, sleeps and breathes challenges and goals is the wrong road to success. A main cause of professional burn out at a young age is an obsession to achieve and dream big. This is even causing a lot of people to become severely depressive, unenthusiastic and disinterested after a certain period of time in their careers and family lives. Many people are taking to meditation and relaxation techniques because they lost the balance at sometime in their lives. They left the right road to success with the destination of success remaining away from them instead of coming towards them.
In the next two days’ messages, we shall explain 8 different steps one needs to take on an emotional level so that success is achieved. At the same time it is a success without any of the side effects in the form of love lost in relationships and physical and mental illnesses.
Message of the day
Courage brings success.
Expression:Even after repeated trials and failures, when one does not lose courage, there is the ability to go on trying till success is achieved. Courage comes with the understanding that there is surely a way out. So a lot more effort is put in to find the right way. Success, which had been eluding for a long time will be finally attained.
Experience: When I have courage, I have hope. I will not give up the task mid way, but will put in continued effort. Because of this there is no difficulty experienced even whilst putting in extra effort but I do everything with enthusiasm and happiness. So nothing seems difficult and I easily move towards success.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Expression:Even after repeated trials and failures, when one does not lose courage, there is the ability to go on trying till success is achieved. Courage comes with the understanding that there is surely a way out. So a lot more effort is put in to find the right way. Success, which had been eluding for a long time will be finally attained.
Experience: When I have courage, I have hope. I will not give up the task mid way, but will put in continued effort. Because of this there is no difficulty experienced even whilst putting in extra effort but I do everything with enthusiasm and happiness. So nothing seems difficult and I easily move towards success.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Monday, October 24, 2016
Thought of the day 24.10.2016
Remain Cheerful Within
When faced with problems it can seem difficult to maintain inner cheer, the mind gets caught up with more and more negativity, fear or worry. Because of this, the problem seems bigger than it is and we lose the ability to find solutions and work constructively. The first step I need to take when I recognise a problem is to smile to myself. When I make sure I am happy within, I know that every situation will pass and has something to teach me. Then I will find solutions come more quickly and easily.
Soul Sustenance
Tapping Guidance From The Supreme Intellect (Part 2)
In yesterday’s message, we had discussed how no human entity can fulfill all the necessary requirements of someone who can guide us correctly in any difficult situation. Thus to proceed in such a situation, it’s good to take the guidance from the intellect of someone who fulfills all these criteria. That someone is no one except the Supreme Being or God, who is the entity possessing the most powerful intellect, and intellect with the most perfect judgment power. Sometimes my mind and intellect is absolutely clean and clear and I am 100% sure about my right course of action for the future, but even in those times its good to verify the course of action from a higher authority. So, in those times, it is very important to connect for a few minutes with the Supreme, who is an Energy of Unlimited Truth. Then, the question to ask myself at that time is not what do I want, or what do others want, but most importantly: What does the Supreme want, what is his wish, what is his perception of the situation? The deeper my connection with Him in meditation, the clearer the answer will come.
When it becomes a regular practice, it will be as simple as taking guidance from my physical parent or spouse or friend. I'll know without wasting time and energy, the right course of action. Sometimes it may happen that the answer may not come to me immediately, but by connecting my intellect with the Supreme’s intellect my intellect will become clear, which will help me take the right decision. Also, in some cases the Supreme may not respond immediately but may guide me through some other medium, whether living or non-living after some time or even after a day or two.
Message of the day
True effort lies in maintaining inner self-respect.
Expression:When there is no self-respect it becomes difficult to recognise and use one's own potentials. So whatever little effort is put is only to show off to others and to seek their approval. So this further increases such dependency on others. Slowly all effort put in is only to prove to others and hardly any effort is put in for the self. So such effort doesn't contribute to real progress.
Experience: When there is an awareness of my inner potentials and capabilities, and I am in my state of self-respect, I am able to use them for my own progress. As there is the satisfaction of my progress, there is no dependency on the others for approval or encouragement. I can make effort with my inner freedom. There is lightness and enjoyment in whatever I set out to do, and I find quick and easy change.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Sunday, October 23, 2016
Thought of the day 23.10.2016
Just to give
With habits, never give in or we lose our dignity. With the self, never give up or we lose our destiny. With others never give your worst or you will never develop your best. The saying, "What we give is what we receive". The lesson: Just to give.
Soul Sustenance
Tapping Guidance From The Supreme Intellect (Part 1)
There are many occasions in my day-to-day life when I am not sure as to what my next course of action should be in that particular situation. The intellect is the faculty inside the soul which normally takes all decisions for the soul. But sometimes the intellect is clouded by my own or others’ sanskaras, beliefs, opinions, inclinations, assumptions, thoughts, actions, past experiences, etc.
In such a situation, I require the guidance of an entity who:
- is above the whole situation and is seeing it as a spectator or observer and is not a player in the situation,
- is the knower of the three aspects of time (the past, present and the future),
- can see the situation from all dimensions or perspectives,
- is beyond all influences and is impartial,
- is extremely pure and clear,
- knows me more than I know myself,
- knows my benefit and harm more than I know it myself,
- someone who is selfless and is concerned for my well being the most, etc.
No human entity can fulfill all these requirements.
(To be continued tomorrow …)
There are many occasions in my day-to-day life when I am not sure as to what my next course of action should be in that particular situation. The intellect is the faculty inside the soul which normally takes all decisions for the soul. But sometimes the intellect is clouded by my own or others’ sanskaras, beliefs, opinions, inclinations, assumptions, thoughts, actions, past experiences, etc.
In such a situation, I require the guidance of an entity who:
- is above the whole situation and is seeing it as a spectator or observer and is not a player in the situation,
- is the knower of the three aspects of time (the past, present and the future),
- can see the situation from all dimensions or perspectives,
- is beyond all influences and is impartial,
- is extremely pure and clear,
- knows me more than I know myself,
- knows my benefit and harm more than I know it myself,
- someone who is selfless and is concerned for my well being the most, etc.
No human entity can fulfill all these requirements.
(To be continued tomorrow …)
Message of the day
Creating quality thoughts brings happiness and lightness.
Expression:When there is quality thinking, thoughts are not many, but each thought is special. Quality thoughts are reflected in quality words and quality actions. They reduce tiredness and carelessness as thoughts are fewer in quantity.
Experience: When I have good quality thoughts, I experience sweetness, happiness and self-respect. I am able to recognise my own greatness and move forward with lightness under all circumstances.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Expression:When there is quality thinking, thoughts are not many, but each thought is special. Quality thoughts are reflected in quality words and quality actions. They reduce tiredness and carelessness as thoughts are fewer in quantity.
Experience: When I have good quality thoughts, I experience sweetness, happiness and self-respect. I am able to recognise my own greatness and move forward with lightness under all circumstances.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Saturday, October 22, 2016
Thought of the day 22.10.2016
Attitude of Gratitude
Gratitude means being thankful and appreciative for everyone and everything in your life.
Being grateful makes you happy. It stops you from taking life for granted. So cultivate an attitude of gratitude by taking time to focus on all the good things in your life.
Maybe even try holding a short gratitude session, weekly.
Being grateful makes you happy. It stops you from taking life for granted. So cultivate an attitude of gratitude by taking time to focus on all the good things in your life.
Maybe even try holding a short gratitude session, weekly.
Soul Sustenance
The Relationship Between My Conscience And Intellect
To act from a state of truth, it is important to realize the relationship between my intellect and conscience and what role these two play in experiencing this state of truth in my thoughts, words and actions. The quality of my thoughts, words and actions is based on the quality of my intellect and conscience. There are three different stages of the intellect conscience relationship.
The first stage is one in which my conscience and my intellect, both are so pure and transparent that whatever is right and true is naturally brought into my thoughts, words and actions and nothing negative or impure manages to enter into my thoughts, words and actions.
The second stage is one in which my conscience acknowledges that which is the truth, but the intellect does not have the strength to be able to bring the truth into practical. The conscience tells me one thing, but my intellect pulls me elsewhere, and it overpowers me. I do what I know I shouldn’t.
The third stage is one in which my conscience is not clean enough or aware enough to acknowledge the truth so the question of it influencing the intellect to bring the truth into practical does not arise. As a result my intellect, which is not at all backed by the conscience in this state, takes complete control of me. I do what I shouldn’t and I am not even aware of it.
When my intellect overpowers my conscience repeatedly, my conscience loses its influence on my intellect. As a result the conscience keeps weakening until its voice is stifled or silenced. As a result of that, I can then no longer discriminate between truth and falsehood. I will feel that there are no fixed ways of defining right and wrong, that each has their own judgment or definition of truth and falsehood. True spiritual knowledge, which gets stored in the intellect, and the experience of meditation, which purifies the intellect as well as my conscience, both together, make me aware of the definition as well as give me an experience of what is the truth and what is false, what is right and what is wrong.As a result of that, I am able to maintain the first stage of the intellect conscience relationship very easily in my day-to-day actions.
To act from a state of truth, it is important to realize the relationship between my intellect and conscience and what role these two play in experiencing this state of truth in my thoughts, words and actions. The quality of my thoughts, words and actions is based on the quality of my intellect and conscience. There are three different stages of the intellect conscience relationship.
The first stage is one in which my conscience and my intellect, both are so pure and transparent that whatever is right and true is naturally brought into my thoughts, words and actions and nothing negative or impure manages to enter into my thoughts, words and actions.
The second stage is one in which my conscience acknowledges that which is the truth, but the intellect does not have the strength to be able to bring the truth into practical. The conscience tells me one thing, but my intellect pulls me elsewhere, and it overpowers me. I do what I know I shouldn’t.
The third stage is one in which my conscience is not clean enough or aware enough to acknowledge the truth so the question of it influencing the intellect to bring the truth into practical does not arise. As a result my intellect, which is not at all backed by the conscience in this state, takes complete control of me. I do what I shouldn’t and I am not even aware of it.
When my intellect overpowers my conscience repeatedly, my conscience loses its influence on my intellect. As a result the conscience keeps weakening until its voice is stifled or silenced. As a result of that, I can then no longer discriminate between truth and falsehood. I will feel that there are no fixed ways of defining right and wrong, that each has their own judgment or definition of truth and falsehood. True spiritual knowledge, which gets stored in the intellect, and the experience of meditation, which purifies the intellect as well as my conscience, both together, make me aware of the definition as well as give me an experience of what is the truth and what is false, what is right and what is wrong.As a result of that, I am able to maintain the first stage of the intellect conscience relationship very easily in my day-to-day actions.
Message of the day
Honesty to the self brings progress at a quick speed.
Expression:To be honest with one self is to be truly honest. When there is honesty with the self, there is the ability to see things clearly. So one is able to take responsibility for the mistakes committed and have the enthusiasm to learn from them. So there is constant change and progress visible in such a person. At all times there is the ability to bring about change.
Experience: When I am honest with myself, I am able to find the joy of learning from my mistakes. Mistakes don't make me heavy because I know I have something to learn from them. There is constantly enthusiasm to bring about a change and move forward. So I find that I am constantly progressing and also becoming an inspiration for many to bring about change. My honesty, therefore, makes me a true leader.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Expression:To be honest with one self is to be truly honest. When there is honesty with the self, there is the ability to see things clearly. So one is able to take responsibility for the mistakes committed and have the enthusiasm to learn from them. So there is constant change and progress visible in such a person. At all times there is the ability to bring about change.
Experience: When I am honest with myself, I am able to find the joy of learning from my mistakes. Mistakes don't make me heavy because I know I have something to learn from them. There is constantly enthusiasm to bring about a change and move forward. So I find that I am constantly progressing and also becoming an inspiration for many to bring about change. My honesty, therefore, makes me a true leader.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Friday, October 21, 2016
Thought of the day 21.10.2016
Tirelessly Working To Bring About Change
The one who is tireless works quietly to make changes in themselves and others. When things go wrong, tirelessness enables me to work toward bringing about a change without complaining. Like when we add bricks to build a foundation no one notices the actual work, but the result speaks for itself. Sometimes it can be difficult to adjust, especially when the adjustment required is due to someone else's mistake. When this happens I have to have faith that this is my contribution to bring about a change. When I adjust and adapt to the situation without feelings of negativity, I will find things changing for the better.
Soul Sustenance
Reliving The Memories Of The Past (Part 3)
Can someone without spiritual power accept the negative happenings of the past easily? Of course, there are some who easily move on and look at the present and future with a positive vision after an uncomfortable event has passed in their life. But that is only temporary and only a few are gifted with the natural ability to do that. But let us talk about the majority who do tend to become sorrowful sometimes when past events which have hurt them or reduced their happiness are mentioned. Sometimes our family members remind them to us or are remembered by us or their memories are triggered in our minds on seeing certain negative present events in our lives. In such cases, without us consciously deciding, our thoughts and feelings tend to drift into a negative mindset.
Attachment is the seed of all negative emotions. If you see any weaknesses inside the soul – all have their origins in one single negative emotion of attachment. Obviously, some people are attached to past memories more because their mind is not able to let go of what it has faced or what negative experience it went through, however long ago. The ability to let go or forget easily is brought about by the practice of soul consciousness. Also we need the practice of Supreme Soul consciousness or the remembrance of the Supreme Soul. When we souls were completely pure, we were in a state of such strong detachment that even when we left the body and took another body, we used to not experience sorrow. This is an external detachment from the physical body. Not remembering a negative past at all and a positive past excessively requires internal detachment. So, we need to become pure now by visualizing oneself as a sparkling being of light, just above the eyebrows, which is the form of the soul. Also, we can keep an hourly chart for noting the amount of time I have remained in that experience in every hour while performing actions. We need to also practice Supreme Soul consciousness every 2 hours for at least 3 minutes i.e. atleast 5-6 times a day. This means seeing oneself as a sparkling soul or energy in the Supreme Soul’s presence in the soul world and absorbing His pure energy within oneself. This is the method of becoming internally detached from what has already happened in my life – either pleasant or not so pleasant.
Message of the day
The true joy of living lies in the ability to enjoy the present moment.
Expression:The one who is able to remain in the present is able to learn from the past and bring out the best from the self. Also there is a clear vision of the future, so all the energies are directed towards that vision. The mind is neither totally caught up with the past nor with the future. Since there is attention on the present moment, there is the ability to use it to the fullest extent.
Experience: When I am in the present I am able to remain in the awareness of the gifts of the present. Having learnt from the past I am able to enrich myself from the different experiences that I have had. As I am also clear about where I have to go, I enjoy the journey and also move on towards constant success.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Expression:The one who is able to remain in the present is able to learn from the past and bring out the best from the self. Also there is a clear vision of the future, so all the energies are directed towards that vision. The mind is neither totally caught up with the past nor with the future. Since there is attention on the present moment, there is the ability to use it to the fullest extent.
Experience: When I am in the present I am able to remain in the awareness of the gifts of the present. Having learnt from the past I am able to enrich myself from the different experiences that I have had. As I am also clear about where I have to go, I enjoy the journey and also move on towards constant success.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Thursday, October 20, 2016
Thought of the day 20.10.2016
Detached Observer
It is far better to observe than to absorb every word, feeling and attitude, to get over-involved, or react too much. Observing gives us the patience and clarity to think, act appropriately. Observing creates an inner focus that allows us to see reality.
Soul Sustenance
Reliving The Memories Of The Past (Part 2)
While some people realize that remaining in the present is the ideal way of living, but sometimes in their daily life, they find it difficult in not allowing the past in influencing their present life situations. And also their way of looking at them. Also, some people say its fine not to think about the failures of the past but it is unrealistic to not think about past successes, because they are positive events. Some people are so tied up with past success stories of their lives and are so attached to them that it slowly takes the form of a type of ego. This then starts reflecting negatively in their present behaviour and relationships.
Suppose, I have been very good at my studies and I was one of the best in school and college, in excelling in my education. So, do I forget that or remember it because doing that gives me joy? When a joy out of a positive past event becomes excessive and unnecessary, the joy turns into a negative emotion of ego. It crosses the limits of pure pride or self-esteem. Speaking about past successes to each one we meet can easily be seen by others as unnecessary. Also, some people don’t prefer listening to success events of others beyond a certain point. This is because it’s very clear in these cases that the other person does not have an intention of informing only. Ask any person about how they felt after having listened to others’ success stories repeatedly and they will give you a frank opinion that it was slightly egoistic behaviour. People will always like those who mention their successes but at the same time they are humble and remain incognito in not mentioning them repeatedly. That is for speaking about past events of a positive nature. The same applies to thinking about them.
(To be continued tomorrow …)
While some people realize that remaining in the present is the ideal way of living, but sometimes in their daily life, they find it difficult in not allowing the past in influencing their present life situations. And also their way of looking at them. Also, some people say its fine not to think about the failures of the past but it is unrealistic to not think about past successes, because they are positive events. Some people are so tied up with past success stories of their lives and are so attached to them that it slowly takes the form of a type of ego. This then starts reflecting negatively in their present behaviour and relationships.
Suppose, I have been very good at my studies and I was one of the best in school and college, in excelling in my education. So, do I forget that or remember it because doing that gives me joy? When a joy out of a positive past event becomes excessive and unnecessary, the joy turns into a negative emotion of ego. It crosses the limits of pure pride or self-esteem. Speaking about past successes to each one we meet can easily be seen by others as unnecessary. Also, some people don’t prefer listening to success events of others beyond a certain point. This is because it’s very clear in these cases that the other person does not have an intention of informing only. Ask any person about how they felt after having listened to others’ success stories repeatedly and they will give you a frank opinion that it was slightly egoistic behaviour. People will always like those who mention their successes but at the same time they are humble and remain incognito in not mentioning them repeatedly. That is for speaking about past events of a positive nature. The same applies to thinking about them.
(To be continued tomorrow …)
Message of the day
To understand and accept people's ideas is to increase the power of unity.
Expression:When one suggests something and the other accepts, it gives power to the gathering. So instead of expecting others to accept suggestions, it is better to understand and provide with what the other person needs. The more something is given with generosity there is happiness for the one who is receiving and for the one who is giving. And there is power because of being together in the task.
Experience: If I take something with force I find that others give it to me only temporarily. Instead if I give with happiness, I find that others are able to share with me with happiness. So what I give, I find, remains with me permanently. So there is an experience of fullness and the happiness of having attained even while giving. And with this I am able to experience the power of unity, and the joy of doing things together.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Expression:When one suggests something and the other accepts, it gives power to the gathering. So instead of expecting others to accept suggestions, it is better to understand and provide with what the other person needs. The more something is given with generosity there is happiness for the one who is receiving and for the one who is giving. And there is power because of being together in the task.
Experience: If I take something with force I find that others give it to me only temporarily. Instead if I give with happiness, I find that others are able to share with me with happiness. So what I give, I find, remains with me permanently. So there is an experience of fullness and the happiness of having attained even while giving. And with this I am able to experience the power of unity, and the joy of doing things together.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Thought of the day 19.10.2016
Free Mind
A free mind is a mind that is open to everything and attached to nothing. Most people spend much of their time looking for reasons to be offended. An open mind is never offended because it is free of any attachments. It is never the self that is offended but always the illusion that the self has of itself that is affected by insult! If you can really understand this, deeply grasp it's truth, live it each day, then pain will be no more. Next time you 'feel' offended look closely within yourself at yourself and ask yourself what was offended? If you remain aware you will see that it was only an image of yourself which you had become attached to, and that image did not resonate with the image contained in the insult. If you weren't attached, if you didn't identify with the wrong image of yourself then there would be no offence taken. You would then remain free and therefore happy.
Soul Sustenance
Reliving The Memories Of The Past (Part 1)
Have you ever spent a complete day thinking about events that have taken place a day or a month or a year ago? Do you know that the thinking capabilities of the mind are overused when we create thoughts of an already passed past? We forget that a positive future can be rebuilt by simply focusing on the present circumstances and doing the best in making it the best. A very common habit that each one of us holds inside us is of reopening events that have already folded in the reel of life and mixing them with the current state of affairs. We then create a negative future because our perceptions of current situations get influenced negatively by doing that.
Remaining focused on the present is sometimes seen as over-positive thinking by some and also seen as remaining disconnected from the past. The past is very much the truth of your life.So, a balance has to be made between being forward looking i.e. taking care that the past problems do not re-occur in the future. At the same time we take care that we do not worry about that. There is a fine difference between concern and worry. While remaining concerned does involve thinking about the past, on the other hand, worry means the same but there is a difference. In the case of worry, thinking exceeds the necessary thought level, crosses it and touches the unnecessary. Sometimes it even exceeds that and becomes negative. On the other hand, remaining concerned means your thoughts remain limited to positive and necessary. At the same time you take the right action to prevent the past mistakes from happening again. Also, one who is concerned and not worried while remembering the past, will use the past as a stepping stone to enter a future which is free from the influence of negative happenings of the past.
(To be continued tomorrow …)
Message of the day
The power of realisation brings permanent transformation.
Expression:To have the power of realisation means to have the power to understand what is right and to have the commitment to the right thing. So, if a mistake is committed, when there is the realisation, there is easy and permanent transformation. So the same mistake is never committed again.
Experience: When I have the power of realisation, I will never experience difficulty in bringing about a change, because I have actually understood the importance of bringing about change.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Expression:To have the power of realisation means to have the power to understand what is right and to have the commitment to the right thing. So, if a mistake is committed, when there is the realisation, there is easy and permanent transformation. So the same mistake is never committed again.
Experience: When I have the power of realisation, I will never experience difficulty in bringing about a change, because I have actually understood the importance of bringing about change.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Tuesday, October 18, 2016
Thought of the day 18.10.2016
Respect
True respect does not come from what we do, as much as how well we do it. This means we are shown respect according to the virtues and qualities revealed through our behaviour.
Soul Sustenance
Cleaning Up The Cupboards Of Your Mind
When you are capable of relaxing, controlling your thought patterns and concentrating, you can reach deeper and more subtle states of meditation from which you connect with your inner potential for peace and purest love (the positive) and on the other hand, you clean out unnecessary memories (the negative). You reach the spiritual power that allows you to transform habits that are not very healthy and the beliefs that sustain them. Out of love and peace you can purify and clear the turbulent (rough) waters that there are at times in the subconscious. When you meditate, you review whether there is something that has influenced you and you clean it out, so that only the highest, the most positive, the most beautiful, remains inside you and comes out of you. Meditation and reflection help you to clean out the register that, from the subconscious, brings about inadequate thoughts and uncontrolled emotions. Cleansing (cleaning up) in depth requires a clear purpose, being prepared to let go of the past; cleansing the wounds and pain accumulated in the store of your inner being; facing the present with dignity, with wisdom and visualizing, with confidence and trust, a future full of positivity.
The first thing that meditation teaches us is to cleanse (clean up) the mind of the useless thoughts that it creates in the present moment. While your mind identifies with these kinds of thoughts and sees them as absolutely normal, it will not be able to concentrate. And if it cannot concentrate, it will not be able to cleanse in depth. Meditation helps you to live through that inner process without pain. From a space of love, experienced in meditation, you feel secure in order to open up the cupboards of your subconscious mind. Do not open them before commencing (beginning) the practice of meditation, because the accumulated pain can be overwhelming and the loneliness experienced, when you see what you find inside, can terrify you. Because you are alone, with yourself, with your past and with your present and you are alone here, with your inner cupboards and your files. In the silence of contemplative meditation you feel a divine energy accompanying you which helps you overcome this fear of loneliness. You feel embraced by the energy and the presence of unconditional love, which it showers on you - it accepts you as you are, which makes the cleaning up process easier.
When you are capable of relaxing, controlling your thought patterns and concentrating, you can reach deeper and more subtle states of meditation from which you connect with your inner potential for peace and purest love (the positive) and on the other hand, you clean out unnecessary memories (the negative). You reach the spiritual power that allows you to transform habits that are not very healthy and the beliefs that sustain them. Out of love and peace you can purify and clear the turbulent (rough) waters that there are at times in the subconscious. When you meditate, you review whether there is something that has influenced you and you clean it out, so that only the highest, the most positive, the most beautiful, remains inside you and comes out of you. Meditation and reflection help you to clean out the register that, from the subconscious, brings about inadequate thoughts and uncontrolled emotions. Cleansing (cleaning up) in depth requires a clear purpose, being prepared to let go of the past; cleansing the wounds and pain accumulated in the store of your inner being; facing the present with dignity, with wisdom and visualizing, with confidence and trust, a future full of positivity.
The first thing that meditation teaches us is to cleanse (clean up) the mind of the useless thoughts that it creates in the present moment. While your mind identifies with these kinds of thoughts and sees them as absolutely normal, it will not be able to concentrate. And if it cannot concentrate, it will not be able to cleanse in depth. Meditation helps you to live through that inner process without pain. From a space of love, experienced in meditation, you feel secure in order to open up the cupboards of your subconscious mind. Do not open them before commencing (beginning) the practice of meditation, because the accumulated pain can be overwhelming and the loneliness experienced, when you see what you find inside, can terrify you. Because you are alone, with yourself, with your past and with your present and you are alone here, with your inner cupboards and your files. In the silence of contemplative meditation you feel a divine energy accompanying you which helps you overcome this fear of loneliness. You feel embraced by the energy and the presence of unconditional love, which it showers on you - it accepts you as you are, which makes the cleaning up process easier.
Message of the day
The power to merge brings success in relationships.
Expression:The speciality of the ocean is to merge. The most beautiful pearl is made of the dirt that is thrown into the ocean. So also the power to merge actually allows one to look at the positivity in spite of the obvious negativity that is expressed by the other person. So the relationship with the other person is only with their positivity.
Experience: When I am able to merge the negativity of others, and look at the positive aspect in them instead, I can automatically experience being light and positive within. Also I find others relating to me with their positivity. I am able to be successful in my relationship with others, however difficult the personality traits of the other person may be.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Expression:The speciality of the ocean is to merge. The most beautiful pearl is made of the dirt that is thrown into the ocean. So also the power to merge actually allows one to look at the positivity in spite of the obvious negativity that is expressed by the other person. So the relationship with the other person is only with their positivity.
Experience: When I am able to merge the negativity of others, and look at the positive aspect in them instead, I can automatically experience being light and positive within. Also I find others relating to me with their positivity. I am able to be successful in my relationship with others, however difficult the personality traits of the other person may be.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Thought of the day 17.10.2016
Success
Success means to reach such a constant level of positive thoughts that pure actions happen naturally. Pure actions are like good seeds which, when planted, produce healthy, sweet fruit. 'As you sow. so shall you reap.' Concern for the quality of my actions today ensures the Success of my tomorrow.
Soul Sustenance
Situation Proofing Yourself (Part 3)
Situation-proofing can be defined as: Keeping your consciousness free from the questions marks and the exclamation marks mentioned in yesterday’s message, over a long period of time. This is a powerful consciousness with little room for the negative or waste thought patterns. Such a positive consciousness carrying person then has a positive attitude. A positive attitude then influences our perception of problems and makes it positive. This finally leads to positive or correct words and actions which are required to solve the problem in front of us.
Thus, in short, our thoughts are the foundation of our perception. Negative perceptions stand on the foundation of thoughts of negativity which are filled with questions and exclamations created sometimes over a complete life time. Positive perceptions stand on the foundation of thoughts of positivity over a long period of time. It’s not just about that particular moment of time or creating positive thoughts at the time, when you have a difficult situation in your life. It’s a complete life period or a practice of many years or atleast a few months. The mind does not become powerful overnight. Its many different situations, achieving victory many times in keeping the mind positive in all those situations. This transforms and keeps the perception positive in circumstances that one is going to be faced with in the future. Thoughts of positivity are like clean water poured in the bucket of the mind which is used to creating thoughts of negativity, which are like unclean water in the bucket. A large volume of clean water or thoughts of positivity is required to be poured into the bucket so that the unclean water is completely replaced by the clear water of positive thoughts. So, pour positive and beautiful thoughts into your mind everyday for a few minutes through spiritual knowledge. And slowly over a period of time the question marks and exclamation marks in situations which confuse you and reduce your positive perception, will be removed. As a result you will become situation-proofed.
Message of the day
Greatness lies in being humble.
Expression:A seed grows only when it is mingled with the mud. In the same way, the one who is great is naturally humble. He understands the truth that only when there is humility will there be success. Humility gives the power to bow down without reducing one's own self-respect.
Experience: When I am humble I am able to be experience my own inner greatness, which naturally keeps me set on the seat of my self-respect. So when the situation demands, I have no problem bowing down. So I am able to allow the situations to work on me, so I am able to strengthen myself from within under all circumstances.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Expression:A seed grows only when it is mingled with the mud. In the same way, the one who is great is naturally humble. He understands the truth that only when there is humility will there be success. Humility gives the power to bow down without reducing one's own self-respect.
Experience: When I am humble I am able to be experience my own inner greatness, which naturally keeps me set on the seat of my self-respect. So when the situation demands, I have no problem bowing down. So I am able to allow the situations to work on me, so I am able to strengthen myself from within under all circumstances.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Sunday, October 16, 2016
Soul Sustenance
Situation Proofing Yourself (Part 2)
A life without situations is like trying to live a life in an imaginary world, cut off from reality. There are two categories of people. One will make the situation smaller by having positive perceptions or ways of looking at the situation. The other will make the situation bigger than what it is by having negative perceptions. The negative perceptions are the first reasons for making an easy situation seemingly difficult or a difficult situation into a very difficult one. The negative perceptions stand on four pillars, the four questions - How? Why? When? What? Just remember the last time you were faced with a difficult situation, it was always one of these four questions or more than one on which your perceptions stood. If it’s all four, then the negative perceptions become the strongest and stand the tallest. And of course the other two exclamations (being surprised negatively) – the If! and the But! These raise the negative perceptions even higher and before you know the situation looks bigger than it is. On the other hand, if we are positive, we will rise above these questions and not create these two exclamations. This is situation-proofing. A situation is there but I have situation-proofed myself. Situation-proofing means I go beyond the influence of the situation by keeping these questions and exclamations away and not having any negative perceptions.
As we all know, the energy of our consciousness (or smriti in Hindi) flows into our attitudes (or vriti in Hindi) and shapes them. The energy of our attitudes flows into our perceptions or the way we look at real-life situations (drishti or drishtikon in Hindi) and shapes them. Finally the energy of our perceptions flows into our words and actions (or kriti in Hindi) and shapes them. This is the process that takes place in our mind and this is the process that is required to be completely understood before understanding how situation-proofingworks. We shall explain that in tomorrow’s message.
A life without situations is like trying to live a life in an imaginary world, cut off from reality. There are two categories of people. One will make the situation smaller by having positive perceptions or ways of looking at the situation. The other will make the situation bigger than what it is by having negative perceptions. The negative perceptions are the first reasons for making an easy situation seemingly difficult or a difficult situation into a very difficult one. The negative perceptions stand on four pillars, the four questions - How? Why? When? What? Just remember the last time you were faced with a difficult situation, it was always one of these four questions or more than one on which your perceptions stood. If it’s all four, then the negative perceptions become the strongest and stand the tallest. And of course the other two exclamations (being surprised negatively) – the If! and the But! These raise the negative perceptions even higher and before you know the situation looks bigger than it is. On the other hand, if we are positive, we will rise above these questions and not create these two exclamations. This is situation-proofing. A situation is there but I have situation-proofed myself. Situation-proofing means I go beyond the influence of the situation by keeping these questions and exclamations away and not having any negative perceptions.
As we all know, the energy of our consciousness (or smriti in Hindi) flows into our attitudes (or vriti in Hindi) and shapes them. The energy of our attitudes flows into our perceptions or the way we look at real-life situations (drishti or drishtikon in Hindi) and shapes them. Finally the energy of our perceptions flows into our words and actions (or kriti in Hindi) and shapes them. This is the process that takes place in our mind and this is the process that is required to be completely understood before understanding how situation-proofingworks. We shall explain that in tomorrow’s message.
Message of the day
To fail means there is the need to work a little harder
Expression:To fail doesn't means to be a failure but it only means that it will take a little longer before success can be reached. It gives an indication that more effort has to be put in. So when things are done in a different way, it becomes possible to move towards success. Failure in a particular task is a process of strengthening that leads to success.
Experience: During the time of failure, when I understand the significance behind the incident, I am able to be free from negative feelings of fear or disheartenment. Then I am able to learn the right lesson from it and move ahead. So in the worst failures I am able to experience constant progress and thus I find that I am moving on towards success.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Expression:To fail doesn't means to be a failure but it only means that it will take a little longer before success can be reached. It gives an indication that more effort has to be put in. So when things are done in a different way, it becomes possible to move towards success. Failure in a particular task is a process of strengthening that leads to success.
Experience: During the time of failure, when I understand the significance behind the incident, I am able to be free from negative feelings of fear or disheartenment. Then I am able to learn the right lesson from it and move ahead. So in the worst failures I am able to experience constant progress and thus I find that I am moving on towards success.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Thought of the day 15.10.2016
Be Aware
The foundation of all spiritual growth and personal development is the awakening of self awareness. Most people however are not yet self aware, and the majority of those, are not aware that they are not aware. Self-awareness is easy and begins with simply taking a mental step back, and observing your thoughts, feelings, attitudes and actions. Whenever you do you learn about our self and the basis of personal change and growth is always learning. Step back, what do you see, what enters your awareness? What does it tell you? What does it show you about yourself? Don't judge it, just see it. Don't run away from what you see, just watch it. Accept it. Allow whatever is happening within your thoughts and feelings just to be. And suddenly you will find that inner peace which surpasseth all pleasure.
Soul Sustenance
Situation Proofing Yourself (Part 1)
We are always learning a lesson at every step of our lives. The real life situations are our hidden lessons which come to teach us something or the other in a short period of time and bring in front of us questions in the form of – How will I ever live a life without a loved one, lost due to death or due to differences in opinions or Why did this particular event ever have to happen to me like an illness or a sudden financial loss at the workplace or When will I achieve the desired success in a difficult scene full of events that challenge my mental security or What did I do in my past births the results of which I am seeing in the form of a loved one not looking at me with the love and respect that I deserve?
We all know what is water-proofing. A rain coat worn in the rain does that. Based on that, is a term situation-proofing. The situations are there. They will always be present from time to time. But you have to mould the way you live your life and make significant positive changes in the way you perceive difficult situations and become situation-proof. Situation-proof means you become free from the influence of the situations and free of worry. Life for all of us does involve different types of challenging situations. The situations will be sometimes in the form of a temporary rise of my own negative nature characteristic like anger or jealousy or ego; sometimes in the form of lack of respect by a work colleague. Also, there will sometimes be a challenging or difficult work task in any action; sometimes there will be difficult relationships with people and a clash of personalities of two people. And also at times, there will be a temporary setback in the physical body, etc.
(To be continued tomorrow …)
Message of the day
To work with joy is to be free from tiredness.
Expression:When there is the happiness and joy of doing something, one can go on putting in effort even in the most difficult circumstances. For having done everything with happiness, there will be the inner quality revealed in each and every task. The happiness within will spread around to others too.
Experience: As I never leave my inner joy, and am constantly in touch with my inner qualities, I am able to enjoy everything that life brings. Nothing will then be experienced as work, but I feel everything to be entertainment. I will be able to enjoy the richness of life even when there is something actually difficult.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Expression:When there is the happiness and joy of doing something, one can go on putting in effort even in the most difficult circumstances. For having done everything with happiness, there will be the inner quality revealed in each and every task. The happiness within will spread around to others too.
Experience: As I never leave my inner joy, and am constantly in touch with my inner qualities, I am able to enjoy everything that life brings. Nothing will then be experienced as work, but I feel everything to be entertainment. I will be able to enjoy the richness of life even when there is something actually difficult.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Thought of the day 14.10.2016
Count Your Blessings
Even when you feel as though things aren't going well in your life, you have reasons to be grateful. Today, take time to appreciate the gift of life and all its wonders. Count your blessings and cherish what you have.
Soul Sustenance
Overcoming The Fear Of Communication
When the fear of communicating effectively exists inside you e.g. when appearing for a work interview, it may be due to personal insecurity. You have to work on it in order to have more security, confidence and authoritativeness. Being secure and full of authority in the moment of communicating and expressing yourself requires practice and effort. Most importantly, to feel secure in such situations, when the person whom you are faced with is in a position of power, you have to value yourself. Self-value brings self-security and a feeling of fearlessness. When someone is normally asked to talk about what his/her personality is like or what is his/her basic character traits are, they normally speak about their weaknesses. Very rarely does one speak of his/her strengths or positive personality traits. Realizing your strengths requires introspection. Meditation, based on the complete spiritual knowledge about the self, is one of the simplest methods to do this. Once you realize your own strengths, you are able to value yourself immensely. If you value yourself, it does not matter so much to you whether another values you or not. However, if you aren't able to value yourself, then doubts exist: Let's see if this person values or respects me; perhaps this job is not for me; perhaps my communication skills are not very good. Then you need recognition and appreciation. Since you cannot give it to yourself (because you have not realized your strengths), you depend on others giving it to you.
You need to know that you are unique and that you are worth a great deal. If the other person does not value you it is their loss; they are losing something precious. If you are established in that self esteem of Who am I, a very elevated consciousness and that awareness – here comes a treasure whom you will be interviewing; your words and your body language will be sharp, secure and stable. Within you, you value yourself; and if you value yourself, it will be easier for people to value you. On the other hand, if you do not like and respect yourself, you will cause the same energy, which you radiate, to come back to you from others.
Message of the day
The method to bring about change is forgiveness.
Expression:Forgiveness means to have good wishes, cooperation, love, respect and faith. This becomes like a blessing for the one who needs to bring about change. Words spoken will then be powerful and easy. This will naturally bring faith in the other person in order to bring about natural transformation.
Experience: When I give only correction I forget to forgive. But when I first forgive I am able to remain cool and easy. I am also able to forget the intensity of the mistake. So when I forgive and forget in this way, my forgiveness itself becomes a correction for the other person.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Expression:Forgiveness means to have good wishes, cooperation, love, respect and faith. This becomes like a blessing for the one who needs to bring about change. Words spoken will then be powerful and easy. This will naturally bring faith in the other person in order to bring about natural transformation.
Experience: When I give only correction I forget to forgive. But when I first forgive I am able to remain cool and easy. I am also able to forget the intensity of the mistake. So when I forgive and forget in this way, my forgiveness itself becomes a correction for the other person.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Thought of the day 13.10.2016
Admiration not Envy
Very fortunate is the one who has learned to admire, but not to envy. To envy others neither diminishes their good fortune nor increases your own.
Soul Sustenance
Keeping The Balance With Ease (Part 3)
We are all action-conscious at times, forgetting that all the actions are performed by the inner being or soul. Actions may seem to be performed by our hands; words may seem to be spoken by our tongue and everything we see and hear seems to done by our eyes and ears. But, always remember, to keep a balance of all our actions and to maintain a positive and powerful as well as detached state of mind which does not get disturbed, we need to remember one thing. The hands, tongue, eyes and ears, all of them are being controlled by the soul or the real me. I am not Mr. X or Ms. Y. That is the name of the physical body or the physical costume I wear. The real I is the invisible being of spiritual energy or non-physical light – the soul.
With this kind of soul-consciousness, I will look at all my actions and words from a distance and not be worried too much in their involvement. Things can go wrong at times. Work may go in the wrong direction, people can at times be negative towards us and our physical body can be ill at times. Also, there will be lot of actions to be completed at times. All this will happen at times. Also, there will be days when there is lots to do. But, if we remain soul-conscious, or in touch with the inner being, remembering our spiritual qualities and powers, we will be remain at peace and in control. So, work hard, have beautiful relationships full of love and happiness and excel in every sphere of life. At the same time, remember to keep the balance by remaining introverted and detached. This is the key to contentment and a stress free lifestyle full of calmness and self-esteem.
Message of the day
Cleanliness means no waste within.
Expression:To be totally clean means there is not a trace of negativity or waste within. Even in the most complicated situations there is clarity within. The mind is clear and clean so there is clarity in words and actions also. Every decision is taken with a clear mind and so whatever is done is naturally accurate.
Experience: When there is cleanliness in the heart, I am able to win the love of those around me and also of God. I find that I become a mirror for the others and they are able to see their own perfection through me. I also find that I am able to save a lot of time as I am able to see things for what they are and because there is clarity in my thoughts.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Expression:To be totally clean means there is not a trace of negativity or waste within. Even in the most complicated situations there is clarity within. The mind is clear and clean so there is clarity in words and actions also. Every decision is taken with a clear mind and so whatever is done is naturally accurate.
Experience: When there is cleanliness in the heart, I am able to win the love of those around me and also of God. I find that I become a mirror for the others and they are able to see their own perfection through me. I also find that I am able to save a lot of time as I am able to see things for what they are and because there is clarity in my thoughts.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Thursday, October 13, 2016
Thought of the day 12.10.2016
Admiration not Envy
Very fortunate is the one who has learned to admire, but not to envy. To envy others neither
diminishes their good fortune nor increases your own.
Soul Sustenance
Keeping The Balance With Ease (Part 2)
How do I keep myself stable and constant when surrounded by lots of actions either in my personal life or my professional work or anything else? As per the knowledge of who I am, what we see about ourselves in the physical mirror is the way we look. Other than that, we know our education, our personality, our skills and even our work or the role we play. This is our physical self. But, inside this physical body and the one which plays its part through the physical body is the inner being or also called the soul. The soul is an energy which is a natural storehouse of all our qualities and powers. If I experience these qualities and powers inside my mind, which is a part of the soul, I will remain at peace and in a content state of mind. But what happens is that when we begin our actions, we lose our connection with the inner self. We start acting on a physical level, without giving importance to the inner spiritual self.
A very simple method to bring these qualities and powers into my consciousness and then into my actions is reminding myself. Reminding that I am a peaceful soul or I am a loveful soul or even I am a powerful soul. What this will do is make you that. These are called affirmations. The more I bring these qualities and powers into actions, the more my actions will become streamlined and I will not get over-involved with them. At the same time I will perform them accurately, because my mind is focused and full. This is called soul-consciousness and is a higher state of mind than being action-conscious.
(To be continued tomorrow …)
How do I keep myself stable and constant when surrounded by lots of actions either in my personal life or my professional work or anything else? As per the knowledge of who I am, what we see about ourselves in the physical mirror is the way we look. Other than that, we know our education, our personality, our skills and even our work or the role we play. This is our physical self. But, inside this physical body and the one which plays its part through the physical body is the inner being or also called the soul. The soul is an energy which is a natural storehouse of all our qualities and powers. If I experience these qualities and powers inside my mind, which is a part of the soul, I will remain at peace and in a content state of mind. But what happens is that when we begin our actions, we lose our connection with the inner self. We start acting on a physical level, without giving importance to the inner spiritual self.
A very simple method to bring these qualities and powers into my consciousness and then into my actions is reminding myself. Reminding that I am a peaceful soul or I am a loveful soul or even I am a powerful soul. What this will do is make you that. These are called affirmations. The more I bring these qualities and powers into actions, the more my actions will become streamlined and I will not get over-involved with them. At the same time I will perform them accurately, because my mind is focused and full. This is called soul-consciousness and is a higher state of mind than being action-conscious.
(To be continued tomorrow …)
Message of the day
To be set on the seat of one's own position is to be free from the opposition of situations.
Expression:To be set on the seat of one's own position means to remain stable and beyond fluctuation even in challenging situations. This comes when there is an experience of the inner qualities and strength. So during difficult times, it is this inner strength that is revealed. So there is no opposition from even the challenging situations that come up.
Experience: When I know my own inner qualities and strength and have this awareness in a conscious way, I am able to set myself on an elevated position. No opposition, however powerful it may be, can shake me from my seat of self-respect. In fact, I experience becoming firmer in my position with every opposition that comes.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Expression:To be set on the seat of one's own position means to remain stable and beyond fluctuation even in challenging situations. This comes when there is an experience of the inner qualities and strength. So during difficult times, it is this inner strength that is revealed. So there is no opposition from even the challenging situations that come up.
Experience: When I know my own inner qualities and strength and have this awareness in a conscious way, I am able to set myself on an elevated position. No opposition, however powerful it may be, can shake me from my seat of self-respect. In fact, I experience becoming firmer in my position with every opposition that comes.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris
Thought of the day 11.10.2016
First Change
There is no greater teacher than one's own practical example. To be really benevolent therefore means that I must first change, then I have the power, the knowledge and the experience of thinking and doing for the ultimate benefit of all
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