Daily Positive Thoughts: December 21, 2015: Acceptance

Daily Positive Thoughts: December 21, 2015: Acceptance

Acceptance

When you accept others unconditionally, they can remove their masks and feel at ease with who they are. The security of being accepted gives them the freedom to be themselves.

Being impressed by others

To keep our self-esteem intact, we need to make sure that we do not have an impressionable intellect. Being impressed by people, in itself, is not bad, but we can fall into the tendency of staying trapped in the superfluous and in appearances. What impresses us - influences us and even moulds our awareness at that moment. We lose the ability to create our thoughts and feelings and these are influenced by the impression that we have allowed the other person to leave on us. Sometimes the impression is such that we completely give ourselves to it. We give up our power to the other, and we allow them to dominate our emotional world. The results of allowing oneself to be impressed are varied and on different levels. 

For example, when we are impressed by the other's position; it is fine to respect the authority and the position of the other, but when we allow their position to impress us, our ability to relate to the person in a smooth way is blocked. This can make it difficult for us to be the authority in our own life. 

Another example is when we are impressed by the achievements of the other and put them on a pedestal. We compare ourselves with him or her and have weak thoughts of ourselves, such as that we are not as good or effective as them, or we might feel jealousy or guilt. All of this acts as an obstacle on the path towards our own achievement. 

It is good to recognize and appreciate the achievements and skills of others, but when we allow them to impress us, in some way, we submit ourselves to their influence and we weaken our self-esteem and our respect towards ourselves. Without realizing, we use the other to fill a gap that we feel in ourselves. This will not always work. It will not strengthen us; rather it will create a dependency and dependencies weaken us.

Breaking The Cycle Of Negative Energy Exchanges (Part 5)

To conclude, we all know that every individual is inherently good. A little shade of the incorrect or improper personality exists inside each one, however light the shade is. We also know that this shade was not there originally in the soul but is an acquired one. And also the person with the shade does become aware of it in times of solitude and also is making an effort to remove it so that no discomfort or sorrow is caused to anyone because of it. Along with the negative shades every person possesses many positive personality traits which are their strengths. Now when we are having an exchange of negative energies with such a person, what does a spiritually sensible person do, look at those light shades of negativity which are coming into action at that time or focus on so many positive colours of the personality of the other, colours that we have seen or heard about from others many times in the past. Also, an accompanied realization that even I have my share of negative shades which I am working on erasing, makes this vision easy to practice.

Practiced consistently, this kind of positive vision accompanied by a deep hearted appreciation of the positive personality colours of the other person is mercy in action, which is a shade of pure soul-to-soul love. Such appreciation makes it easier for others to reflect on and see what they need to do to change. But the first impact of this appreciation is on me, in keeping me free of negative and waste internally. So appreciating the other's strengths in my mind and emerging them in my consciousness at such a time is very important as this not only keeps my perception, which is susceptible to being influenced by the negative at that time, clean, but also reaches the other person on a vibrational level and he/she is inspired and empowered to bring those strengths into action, as a result playing his/her part to end the negative energy exchange. This is spirituality at its most magical. I'll not only have removed a source of pain, which is the negative shade of the other's personality in this case, which is coming into action; I'll have grown spiritually as well.

Soul Sustenance

Positive Thinking 

Given below are some examples of simple positive affirmations (thoughts) that you can make about oneself, others, real life situations and the future, which will help you in becoming a positive thinker. 

The self: I do like myself; I accept my weaknesses; I understand myself; I have special skills and qualities; I value myself; I believe in myself; I am lovable. 
Others: I accept others as they are; I look for the best in others; there is something good in everyone I meet; I appreciate others. 
A real life situation: I am capable of handling the situation; I have all I need; I am fortunate; there is a bright side to everything; nothing lasts forever. 
The future: I look forward to each day; every difficult situation is an opportunity/challenge in disguise; each day brings something new and beautiful, something to learn. 

Message for the day

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

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

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

Daily Positive Thoughts: December 20, 2015: Seeds Of Peace

Daily Positive Thoughts: December 20, 2015: Seeds Of Peace

Seeds of Peace

Sow seeds of peace by remaining rooted in the awareness of how loved, lovable and loving you are.

When promise is combined with determination, there is transformation. 

When there is a desire for transformation, we make promises. But such promises are usually momentary are forgotten as time goes by. But when the promise is combined with determination, we are able to remind ourselves again and again of the promise made. We need to ensure promises are not forgotten. Only then will there be transformation. Today I will take up something that I want to change in myself. I will keep reminding of this again and again. And I will not give up till I achieve it. For this to happen, I will also make a checklist that will remind me of this change that I have promised to myself.

Breaking The Cycle Of Negative Energy Exchanges (Part 4)

One of the root causes of negative energy exchanges between any two people is a clash of personalities or also called clash of sanskaras in spiritual parlance (language). This can happen between two people who are wrong or between two people, one of whom is right and the other is wrong and also not very uncommonly between two people who are both right in their own unique way. This happens simply because sometimes personalities of two people are correct, their ways of working are correct, their ways of thinking are correct but they differ. This clash of personalities causes irritation on both sides, which becomes dislike, which becomes anger, causing hurt on both sides. How does one correct this? An important method for this is the sacrifice of the ego. Very often the cause of negative energy exchanges between two people who are both right is subtle ego on both sides, which ends when one of them sacrifices his/her ego. It is often said that the one who sacrifices his/her ego, is worthy of receiving the garland of blessings in a gathering of people of varying personalities as he/she brings about harmony in relationships.

The one who sacrifices the ego is mature and humble enough to realize that the responsibility to bring to an end negative energy exchanges with a particular person lies with him. Such a person has a soft intellect and realizes the significance of moulding or adjusting himself as the situation demands and how that can bring to an end the exchange. Such a person is like an ocean of good wishes. He will sacrifice his own interest, sacrifice the I am right consciousness, sacrifice the Things should be done the way I like consciousness and put the interest of the other first; he will renounce his own name and glorify the name of the other. Such a person will very commonly praise the other and his way of working as well as his personality either individually or in a gathering. Such a person becomes a teacher and friend for the person with whom he was exchanging negative vibes prior to that, becoming an instrument to bring to an end the negative exchange of energy.

(To be continued tomorrow ...)

Soul Sustenance

Overcoming Fears Connected With Negative Past Experiences (Part 2) 

The work with oneself to see what aspects of your past burden you and coming to terms with those aspects, requires silence, reflection and meditation. When you come to terms with your own past, you can let go of it and be free of it, not be afraid that the past will come back to you. If not, sometimes, it is like a shadow that follows you. If your house was robbed once, the shadow follows you that, perhaps, you might be robbed again. If they hurt you, you fear it will happen again. Sometimes that experience presents itself in dreams, in the subconscious or in present attitudes. Reliving the past in your mind, you do not fully enjoy the present. You have to accept the pieces of your past so that they do not continue to generate upsets. Accept that you had to live through them and live the present with a constructive vision of the future. 

In the above context, it helps to write letters to God about your experiences. The exercise of sharing them with God in writing brings clarity inside you and helps you to bring the spiritual light and might in your life in order not to be burdened by unnecessary experiences, unhappiness or grief. Have you ever written to God? You could do it at night and tell Him the things that affected you or that you have learned. You can tell Him the things or intimate feelings that other people perhaps wouldn't understand or wouldn't be there to listen to. You could also talk to Him about all that you question, and you do not have an answer to. And the following morning, when you meditate and study a little bit of spiritual knowledge, you often receive answers. 

Message for the day

When there is the attention to bring benefit at each step that you take, you will find yourself in constant happiness. 

Checking: At the end of each day, check if you are happy with all that you have done throughout the day. If there was a feeling of unhappiness, check if it was because the actions performed throughout the day were either ordinary or wasteful. 

Practice: Whenever any important decision has to be made, practice asking yourself if the action that you are going to perform is going to bring benefit to yourself or others. When you make your decisions in this way you'll find yourself in constant happiness. 
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Daily Positive Thoughts: December 19, 2015: Solutions

Daily Positive Thoughts: December 19, 2015: Solutions

One Million children meditating together for world peace in Thailand

Solutions

We are never without the solutions to our problems. It's just that sometimes we may have to wait a little. Learn how to remain peaceful and patient.

Live in the Present

Life is a game of forgetting and remembering. 

You are losing the game when you... forget who you are and what you are doing here, remember the false things of the past and what they did to you. 

You are winning the game when you... remember your true identity of peace, remember God who is always peaceful and has unconditional love for you, forget troubles of the past and move forward with the lessons learned. 

Observe what you remember during the day and what you forget during the day. Forget the past, it is gone. Don't worry about the future. You do not know it. Learn to live in the present and discover how full it is of peaceful moments.

Breaking The Cycle Of Negative Energy Exchanges (Part 3)

A simple pro-active response in breaking the cycle of negative energy exchanges with another person is the deep inner realization that the other soul is at that point of time lacking in the treasures of peace and love, although the foundation for the realization should be a humble consciousness. Very often this realization is based on an egocentric consciousness, which instead of cooling the situation can serve to make it more volatile on a subtle level. So based on this realization is an inner reminder to the self of my duty at that point of time - serving the other soul with the infinite treasures of God's love and peace, which I am an embodiment of.

So, pure donations at that time in the form of constructive positive and powerful thought vibrations for 5 minutes, once a day, at a fixed time, does the work of a soothing balm of love and peace for the other person. Through this method, your feelings of lightness, contentment and goodwill reach the other person, with whom you have a problem. By doing that, these positive feelings transmitted to the other person pave the way for a realization inside the other person, of the negative that exists inside him/her in the form of shortcomings and misdemeanors (incorrect actions) committed, if any. The realization serves as a motivator for change. Also coming into contact with the other person with a cheerful face and colouring the other person with your enthusiastic company, a company full of the feelings of sweetness, happiness and contentment brings about transformation in the other as our actions become teachers for the other and the other is humbled and is inspired to become likewise. Also donations in the form of humble and soft words, words that are numbered (few) but invaluable, help in bringing to an end the negative energy exchanges and winning the blessings and good wishes of the other as well as people connected with the situation.

(To be continued tomorrow ...)

Soul Sustenance

Overcoming Fears Connected With Negative Past Experiences (Part 1) 

Some of our fears arise due to the situations we have lived through; for example, if you are driving a car and you have an accident. Then you take some time to drive again, because the memory of the accident awakens the fear of having another one or reliving the one you had. The person that has never had a car accident gets in the car with confidence, because they do not have that scene recorded, since they haven't lived through it. 

There are fears that we carry within us that are not of the present. Something happened to us in the dark and we are now afraid of the dark. Fears in relationships: you opened your heart, you fell in love and, after a time, you experienced pain, you felt hurt, misunderstood, manipulated, deceived or mistreated, and now you no longer open your heart for anything; it is closed off with the shields that you yourself have created. To overcome this kind of fear due to experiences you have lived through, you have to come to terms with your past and accept it fully. You cannot change your past; lamenting the past doesn't help you; complaining about the past doesn't benefit you. Those shields brought about by fears do not disappear unless you do a deep cleansing. Begin to heal your experience of the past. Part of the past is healed with forgiveness. Without forgiving, you cannot forget. 

(To be continued tomorrow …) 

Message for the day

Use the treasures you have in a practical way and you'll find benefit. 

Checking: Check what treasures you have that you could share with others. It could be the treasure of happiness, of love or of clear thinking. Check if you are using any of the treasures for your own benefit or that of others. 

Practice: Each day begin the day with a thought to use the treasure that you have discovered for yourself. Remind yourself that the more you give the more it'll grow. Continue using your treasures in this way and bring benefit to all. 
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Daily Positive Thoughts: December 18, 2015: Best time for Meditation

Daily Positive Thoughts: December 18, 2015: Best time for Meditation

Best time for Meditation

Is there a best time for meditation - a time just for you, when no one and nothing has priority on your time? 

The solution you’ll most likely find is early in the morning, when everyone else is asleep. 

Create the habit of waking up early. 

Early morning meditation gives you energy, mental clarity and strength. It prepares you for the day.

Pause a Moment

During the day, when you're really, really busy, 
it's not really possible to block out ten minutes to stop, 
sit down and meditate, is it?

Here is an expression of hope to all the busy people: 
before making a phone call, answering an e-mail or starting your car - pause. 

Take a brief pause; it can even be for just a moment. Breathe deeply, calm your mind and create a pause. 
Within each pause there is peace.

Achieve a quick meditative state and then continue with what you were doing.

Breaking The Cycle Of Negative Energy Exchanges (Part 2)

The foremost method to break the cycle of negative energy exchanges with another person is one of self-transformation.

The most basic level of self-transformation is that I don't react verbally to the other person with words. But, I mention the negative energy received from the other, in the physical forms of negative expressions, vision, words and actions, to others and create an atmosphere of negativity and also give birth to negative perceptions of the person in others' minds. In such cases, damage occurs on a physical level and damage control has to be done later, which sometimes is too late to do, since relationships have already been harmed. This is because those who we pass on negative information to pass on the information received from us, to others and sometimes even to the person who seemingly harmed us in the first place.

The second and little deeper level of self-transformation is where I not only don't react but I don't talk against the person to anyone, even to people who are close to me, but I continue to think negatively about the other person. In such cases, damage is reduced but still happens, unknowingly and invisibly, behind the curtains of physical eyes and ears, as my thoughts and emotions are not completely under my control and they are led to a direction, which is incorrect as per the basics of spiritual wisdom - sometimes willingly and sometimes I do not want them to be led there but they go in that direction unwillingly due to a lack of inner strength. These negative thoughts and emotions do reach the other person on a subtle level, harming relations with that person.

The third and deepest level of self-transformation is where I develop the power to change the quality of my thoughts and feelings as well. I am emotionally empowered enough to remove the flaw (weakness) in my own character that was at the root of my reactions, so that what used to pinch me so much will not do so anymore. Also, relationships get protected by doing that, which is something each one of us desires.  This is the power of accommodation and self-transformation in action, at its best and possesses the potential to stop negative energy exchanges with the other.

(To be continued tomorrow ...)

Soul Sustenance

The Significance Of The Power Of Thought In Meditation 

Meditation is not a process of emptying the mind of thought. In meditation I use the natural power of the soul – the power to create thoughts, as a take-off point (or as a spring-board) to finally experience the consciousness of the true self. In meditation, I climb a ladder of well-prepared, positive and spiritual thoughts and eventually climb beyond the ladder into the pure experience of what I really am. Pondering over these pure and real thoughts can occupy the soul for long periods of time. 

In the most basic stage of Rajyoga meditation, first comes the realization: I am a soul, the energy of consciousness made up of a mind, an intellect and a collection of sanskars. My eyes, ears, nose, mouth are just the organs, which when used correctly, help me, the soul, enjoy life. I now possess the knowledge that will free me from my cage. I have the key, spiritual knowledge is the key - I am a soul, a being of light, a bird which has the power to fly freely. Knowing this, I am not bound by physical laws. I can detach and fly at the speed of a thought, to the soul world, where I can easily experience my original state. I must realize that it is impossible to have peace of mind if I cannot detach from the body. I must look upon all my family members, friends, colleagues, also as souls which have come from the soul world. We are all fellow souls. 

Message for the day

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

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

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

Daily Positive Thoughts: December 17, 2015: Power

Daily Positive Thoughts: December 17, 2015: Power

Power
Give birth to new possibilities through your ability to reach into the future and let go of the past.

The beauty of interactions lies in an exchange of virtues. 

Every interaction is an opportunity to exchange virtues. The more we have this understanding and aim; we will be able to give an experience of virtues through our mind. We will also be able to give an inspiration of virtues through our deeds. For having expressed and experienced virtues, we too will be benefited. We would get a lot of good wishes, blessings and virtues from others too. Today I will give an experience of one virtue to at least 3 people. I will use the interactions with them as an excuse to use and express my qualities. The more I do this, the more I find my interactions becoming harmonious and beautiful.

Breaking The Cycle Of Negative Energy Exchanges (Part 1)

A common term that we use in relationships is: 'the following person manages to always ruffle my feathers'. There are always those one or two people in our lives, just being in the company of whom, makes us uncomfortable and they will almost all the time do something or we will perceive their doing something, in such a way, so as to irritate us. Instead of simply accommodating the other person's nature, we find our self pinched by their nature and actions based on that nature repeatedly, although that may not be the intention of the other person at all at times. The effects of these negative feelings, in the form of reactions, created by us in return, would be limited if they were restricted to us and were to cause discomfort only to us, but what these feelings do is that they start a cycle of negative actions and reactions inside us, whereby such harmful feelings keep reaching the other person. On receiving this energy, the other person in turn starts perceiving us negatively and reacts or thinks about us in a similar way and an emotional cold war begins between us and the other person; negative thoughts, feelings, attitudes, words and actions are exchanged with each other from time to time and negative karmic accounts or bondages are created with the other person, which keep getting stronger and stronger. In such a scenario, even if we or the other person, from time to time, act or react in a positive way on a physical or non-physical level, that does little to break the negative bond and make the relationship positive, because a little bit of positive is accompanied by a lot of negative, and what it can do is only dilute the negative a little bit but not remove its effects completely.

So, how do we break this vicious cycle of negative energy exchange? We shall discuss some methods for that in the next few days' messages.

Soul Sustenance

The Four Pillars Of A Spiritual Lifestyle - Achieving A Balance 

A balanced and fulfilling spiritual life is like a table. It stands on four legs and if one leg is shorter than the others then both balance and equilibrium will be difficult. The four legs or pillars of a spiritual life are given below in the form of four subjects. If any of the subjects is not a part of our lives or is a part of our life, but not to as great an extent as the others, then the overall balance of our spiritual life will be affected adversely (negatively). 

1. Daily spiritual study (knowledge or gyan)
Daily spiritual study provides the right quality of nourishment for our mind and intellect, the two important energies of the soul.

2. Daily meditation (spiritual yoga)
Daily meditation provides the means to explore, discover and reconnect with oneself and with God. 

3. The inculcation and development of virtues (dharna)
Giving some time each day to the conscious development of our character (virtue) helps to eliminate any negative sanskars or personality characteristics (vices) arid improves our ability to build positive and harmonious relationships. The quality of our relationships is a mirror reflection of our dharna. 

4. The service of others (seva)
A life purpose based on some kind of service is the foundation of personal growth through the practice of giving. Finding appropriate ways to use our increasing spiritual power and understanding (through the three subjects mentioned above) for the benefit of others is the most satisfying way to use our energy today. It also ensures happiness for the present as well as for the future through accumulation of positive energy in the form of blessings of those who are served. 

Message for the day

The one who follows the right method gets easy success. 

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

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

Daily Positive Thoughts: December 16, 2015: Are your words and actions ALIGNED?

Daily Positive Thoughts: December 16, 2015: Are your words and actions ALIGNED?

Thor's Well is located in Cape Perpetua that hugs the stunning coast 2 miles south of Yachats, Oregon.

Are your words and actions ALIGNED?

The gap between what you SAY and what you DO, between what you PROMISE and what you DELIVER acts like a drain in the road.  A drain, where your power seeps away, due to the difference between your words and your actions.

Are your words and actions ALIGNED?

To have desire for something good is to finish unnecessary desires. 

When there is a desire for something good and elevated, all other desires get merged in that one desire. I start seeing opportunities to fulfill that desire. Since it is a good desire, there is benefit for everyone involved, including me. For example, just one desire of achieving something good and beneficial makes me forget everything else and work towards that. Today I will create a thought of what I want to achieve. I will then work towards it. I will also remind myself of this from time to time, so that I do not forget it. This will ensure that all my energy flows into it. All other waste, then finishes. 

Keeping The Watchman Of Attention Alert

All the religions and spiritual groups place a lot of importance on the virtue of discipline. Without discipline you do not manage to transform negative habits and you do not create a new state of awareness where the self is nourished through the experience of spirituality. Every day you eat, you brush your teeth, bathe, drink water and breathe, and all of this you do not consider a discipline; you have adopted them as something natural in order for your body to continue working. On a spiritual level you also need to nourish yourself and to have a discipline that, with practice, a time comes when it becomes natural because you incorporate it into your life. In the process of change you need to discipline yourself in order not to let old habits come to the forefront. Until you have burnt them and they have died, you should keep the watchman of attention alert in order to maintain your self-control, given that each time you use a negative habit in action, you strengthen it. When you do not use it, you allow it to die.

The path of the spiritual traveler is therefore one of waking (awareness of self as soul) and sleeping (under the illusion that we are our body), waking and sleeping. We tend to fluctuate between the two (like dawn and dusk) until we find stability in soul-consciousness. This is why it is important to awaken and stay awake, and why it's important to give our mind and intellect good spiritual food (knowledge) and exercise (meditation) every day to keep them fresh and alert. Being conscious of the soul, acting from that consciousness, the scars (habits and tendencies) left by past actions based on illusions of bodily awareness are healed. Discipline is necessary for growth and personal transformation if you want to obtain satisfying and permanent results. If not, the old habits continue to rule in your life. The evidence that our discipline in the practice of meditation is working is mental lightness and an increasing easiness in our interactions with others. 

Soul Sustenance

What Are Some Of The Benefits Of Positive Thinking On The Body? 

• You feel more relaxed physically. 

• You feel more active with more energy. 

• Your breathing improves, being slower and deeper. 

• Your immunological system (immunity) is strengthened and your digestive system improves. 

• The nervous system is strengthened. 

• Your mind is balanced and in harmony and your health improves. 

• Your energy flows better and you feel more active. 

Message for the day

Be free from desire and you'll be free from anger too. 

Checking: When the ideas that you have offered are being rejected, check what kind of feelings you are having. Is there any irritation or anger? Where there is either of these it indicates that there is a desire for what you have said to be fulfilled. 

Practice: When you are giving your ideas, just tell yourself that your idea is just for the good of all, if it is accepted by all it's good. Even if it isn't it is nothing to get upset about. When there is no consciousness of 'it has to happen', you'll find yourself free from anger. 
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris