Daily Positive Thoughts: June 18, 2016: Think First

Daily Positive Thoughts: June 18, 2016: Think First

Think First

Every action has an equal and opposite reaction. Whatever I do, when all is said and done, I do for or to myself. Perhaps I should think before I perform actions because after the seed of action is sown I have to reap the fruit. Moreover, I do not receive only one fruit for every seed sown, I often get a whole crop, good or bad according to the action or seed.

Mental Churning And Its Benefits (Part 3)

Whenever you start the day, create a few positive thoughts in your mind. Go for a walk or get ready for the day, keeping these thoughts and thinking about them. Also, ensure that before you do that, you read something which will fill your mind with positive thoughts. Remember, if an empty mind tries to think positive and create positive thoughts, it tires easily and in fact feels stressed. Try one day creating positive thoughts after filling your mind with positive information and the next day create positive thoughts when your mind is completely blank and see the difference. The energy and enthusiasm which you feel inside yourself after thinking deeply with a mind full of positive thoughts is much more than with an empty mind.

This can be compared with the process of churning cream to get butter. If you try and churn an empty vessel without cream, will you get butter or if you try and churn a vessel partially filled with cream, will you get butter of a high quality? On the other hand, you will experience tiredness. In the same way, when you have information in the mind, you build on it and multiply the positive information by adding new perspectives, view points and angles to the knowledge. This is called churning of knowledge to create the butter of spiritual power. So, always remember to backup positive affirmations in your mind with lots of extra information which is like a cushion on which you rest and play with the points of knowledge. It is like throwing a ball in a closed room and letting it bounce from wall to wall. In the same way, churning knowledge is not simply repeating what you have read but creating a movement of the knowledge inside the room of your mind and experiencing happiness as a result of that. Such an exercise, when done over many days, creates soul power and strengthens our mind. In fact, it makes us extremely positive and free from negative and unnecessary thoughts that waste our mental energy when indulged in repeatedly.

To seek richness and potential in everything is true positivity. 

When I have the eye for seeing potential, I am not caught up with any weaknesses of the present. I am able to see, even in people, the promise of what they can do and become. When I do this, I will be able to help people discover the latent potential. Today I will free myself from seeing waste and negative. And if I do see, I will make an attempt to see something positive and beautiful. This slowly becomes a practice, which helps me be positive, under all circumstances.

Message for the day

Not to expect respect is to get respect from all. 

Thought to ponder: When I expect that people have to respect me, I will not be able to get their respect; as the feeling that they get is of weakness. To seek or wait for others is to never get it. Instead, when I have self-respect, I am able to create a positive impact on others, and automatically get respect from them. 

Point to practice: Today I will appreciate myself. I will look into the mirror and say "I like you for what you are". Perfection is of course a journey, so right now I love myself for what I am today and am also moving towards becoming better and better. When I know to like myself, others will like me too. 

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Daily Positive Thoughts: June 17, 2016: Peace

Daily Positive Thoughts: June 17, 2016: Peace

1 Million Meditating children for world peace in Thailand

Peace

Peace is not a passive attitude; it is an active state. It requires having constant attention in order to live and to respond as a peaceful being to any upset in life.

Mental Churning And Its Benefits (Part 2)

A beautiful mind leads to a beautiful personality which shows itself through our thoughts, words and actions. So taking utmost care of the mind in the early morning hours is extremely important because the absorption capacity of the mind at that time is very high and giving instructions to it in the form of thoughts based on the soul and the Supreme Soul makes the mind soul-conscious and this is a training to the mind to keep its remembrance oriented towards the soul i.e. its own spiritual self and the Father of the spiritual self, who is God, the entire day after that.

At any point of time on any particular day, if you have had a bad day, you could check how the start of that particular day was and you will realize that a bad start of the day very often leads to the remaining day being spent negatively. Also, a day which started positively in the company of your loved ones or a day which started by hearing a good piece of news or imbibing positive information or by watching a good program of spirituality on television will normally be spent positively whereas a day which started with watching or listening to negative news on the TV of accidents, death and violence or by reading a negative piece of information or with an argument with someone will be followed by a day with negative events. Why is this so? The thoughts are given shape in the morning and they act accordingly in the day after that. Also, the thoughts inside the mind in the night, before sleeping, have an influence on the state of mind the next morning and that in turn affects the whole day and is carried inside till the night. So, it is a cyclic process and to keep the cycle positive, the start has to be made every morning. As they say - as the food, so the mind i.e. physical food eaten of a good spiritual feel or positive energy level or saatvik in nature influences the mind positively. On the other hand, food eaten of low energy levels or tamsic in nature will influence the mind negatively. That holds true for physical food eaten by us. In the same way, food for thought, as they say i.e. the quality of our thoughts also influences our state of mind and complete inner state and how we feel.

(To be continued tomorrow …)

To have pride for our role is to be happy. 

To compare myself with others is to actually insult myself. I have my own uniqueness which I express in my own unique way through my unique role. When I remember this, I will neither have superiority or inferiority complex. I will accept each and everyone's characteristics, including myself. Today I will walk in my own shoes. I will not attempt to walk in someone else's shoes, as it doesn't fit me properly. Walking in my own shoes, leads me on the path of happiness. So, today I will walk on the path of pride and happiness.

Message for the day

To use the treasure of time well is to ensure success. 
Thought to ponder: Everyone has the same amount of time in their hands. There are some who spend it waiting for something to happen, there are others who waste it thinking unnecessarily or talking unnecessarily. But those who invest time and perform beneficial and fruitful actions, find themselves successful at every step. 

Point to practice: Today I will not waste my time in small little things that I normally would. I will save small drops of time and invest them well. I will be careful and pay attention to see if everything that I do is using the treasure of time well. 

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Daily Positive Thoughts: June 16, 2016: Harmony

Daily Positive Thoughts: June 16, 2016: Harmony

Harmony

Love dissolves hate;

Kindness melts cruelty;

Compassion calms passion;

Cooperation evokes love and when we bow, others bend;

This creates harmony.

Mental Churning And Its Benefits (Part 1)

Starting the day on a positive note sets the foundation for a day filled with positivity and purpose. There was once a gardener who used to take utmost care of his plants by starting the day in their presence, watering them and ensuring that they were nourished with the right amount of sunlight and the right type of soil. The gardener’s love for the plants used to reflect in the way his plants started being loved by everyone around him. When people sometimes used to ask him the secret of his beautiful plants, he would give credit to the early morning sustenance that he would give his plants which would ensure that they grew positively throughout the day.

We all also have to create thoughts, speak words and perform actions throughout the day, all of which need to be perfection filled so that even other people around us are full of praises for them. It’s easier said than done especially with so many people around us with different sanskaras and different ways of thinking and also sometimes with their own priorities, which sometimes take us away from our path of perfection and our thoughts, words and actions are not of as high a quality as we wish. In such cases, we forget that the foundation of a day full of perfect thoughts, words and actions is laid in the morning by beginning the day on a positive note. Here by positive we mean reading a paragraph or two of positive information, which is a like an exercise to shape our thoughts which keeps them fit for the whole day, which as a result keeps our words and actions full of purity and positivity. At the Brahma Kumaris, we make it a point to absorb spiritual knowledge before starting the day because we have realized the significance of that, in keeping our thoughts, words and actions beautiful the whole day. Just like the garden requires early morning attention, the garden of our mind which consists of the flowers of thoughts, feelings, emotions and attitudes requires attention in the morning, which keeps our complete personal landscape consisting of thoughts, words and actions, beautiful the whole day.

(To be continued tomorrow …)

Accept Yourself

Are you happy with what you see in the mirror? 
Do you consider yourself to be beautiful?

Most of us complain about the reflection in the mirror. 
Even the swan could complain: "I'm too big, 
my neck is ridiculously long and my feathers are plain white."

Be less critical, be more appreciative. 
Accept yourself. You are beautiful.

Message for the day

Sweet words bring benefit. 

Thought to ponder: When I get upset or disturbed by something that someone did, my immediate reaction is to say something to them. But most times, such words only turn out to be like stones hit at them, which are hurting. In fact, it is all the more important to say something positive and encouraging to someone who neither have the power at that time to act positively nor realize their mistake. 

Point to practice: Today I will only say something positive. If I feel that my saying something will not help the other person, today I will not say that. I will pay special attention to what I speak. I will only say that which would create a positive effect. 

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Daily Positive Thoughts: June 15, 2016: Healing

Daily Positive Thoughts: June 15, 2016: Healing

Artist: Kinuko Y. Craft

Healing

I gently return to equilibrium, nurtured by a well spring of love. I, the soul, am washed and soothed by the quiet energies of stillness. Embracing the vastness of my inner landscape, I understand the cycles of growth and decay. Today I will fix something broken, or find a new use for it.

Soul Power Over Role Power (Part 3)

Continuing from yesterday’s message, the remaining components of soul power are:

The power of good wishes, desires and feelings full of love for others, while coming in contact with them. These type of feelings will bring good wishes in return from the other to you, which will not only empower you, but will also assist your physical role on a subtle level.

The power of complete purity and cleanliness in thoughts, words and actions- A state where one is not under the influence of vices like anger, ego, attachment, greed, hatred, jealousy etc.

The 8 main powers - the power to tolerate, accommodate, face, pack up, discriminate (or discern), judge (or decide), withdraw and co-operate – their implementation on an internal and external level i.e. not only in words and actions, but also on a thought level. Where there is lack of any of the above powers inside me, there will definitely be waste and you will be weakened, which reduces the probability of success of your role.

The power of truth or spiritual wisdom - A state where the self has deeply realized and understood eternal truths of the soul, the Supreme and the Law of Karma and has drawn immense amount of power and experience from that knowledge. The power of physical knowledge would fall under role power, which has been explained earlier.

By focusing on each of the above components of soul power and those explained in yesterday’s message, by giving them more weightage and using them along with the components of the role, which were mentioned in the message before that, one can experience the desired success in any role in any sphere of life very easily without much effort.

To stand for what we believe in is not to fall before what we fear. 

When fear takes over, I need to focus more on what I believe in, rather than focusing on what I fear. To think of what I don't want or what I want to avoid is not the solution. Rather, I need to focus my energies on what I want. When I do this, I will be able to avoid negativity and use my potential and energy for what needs to be done. Today I will think of one thing I have been avoiding. I will then see what I want to do in its place. If I don't want something, there would surely be something that I want. When I start working on what I should be doing, I will naturally be able to do away with what I fear or what I am avoiding.

Message for the day

To have the consciousness of being on a pilgrimage is to move forward with contentment. 

Thought to ponder: On a pilgrimage, there are many obstacles that one faces. But they don't stop, because their goal is clear. In the same way, in our lives too, when we move forward with clarity, we are able to be free from wasteful actions. We will do only that which is useful and that too with love and dedication. Also, there would be no looking back, the journey is always forward. 

Point to practice: Today I will remember that I am on a pilgrimage. Whatever I do today holds significance and I do it with so much dedication and love. I will only do that which is right. I will not perform any action, which is negative or destructive for the self. 

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Daily Positive Thoughts: June 14, 2016: The Truth about Illusion

Daily Positive Thoughts: June 14, 2016: The Truth about Illusion

Orange Paint Leaks Marigolds in a Public Park in France

The Truth about Illusion

Illusion is the idea that people should be, and do, what we want them to. The truth is, all is as it should be, despite appearances or our perceptions of others to the contrary.

Soul Power Over Role Power (Part 2)

Continuing from yesterday’s message, the various components of soul power are:

The power of inner silence or the silence of my mind - Silence is a power. The fewer the thoughts in my mind and the more powerful, positive, peaceful and focused they are, the more my mind will contribute to the success of the role on a subtle level. My silence is regularly tested when faced with negative situations or obstacles. The more successful I am in maintaining this stage in such situations, the more is my treasure of silence collected over a period of time and the more positive the influence of this silence will be on my physical role and the success of various tasks connected with the role.

The power of inner and outer carefreeness, happiness and contentment - Happiness not only inside but also giving others an experience of the same through my face, my eyes, my words and actions full of lightness and enthusiasm, etc. while coming in contact with them. Ensuring I am content with myself and others and also others are content with me. Regular periods of discontentment or unhappiness either within me or in my relationships affect the success of my role adversely.

In tomorrow’s message, we shall explain the remaining components that make up soul power.

Examine your opinions about others. 

Are your opinions about other people really yours? 
Or have you adopted other people's opinions?

We're shaped and influenced by other people's ideas. 
But our opinions should be a reflection of what we really think and feel, right?

Connect with your values and then create your own opinions.

Message for the day

To move forward with respect is to be free from punishment. 

Thought to ponder: The biggest punishment that one faces is that of repentance. When I am clear about the way I am going, about my own values, I would find that I move forward with self-respect. Then, there is no repentance or regret, but only learning for the future. The steps that I take are sure and firm at every step. 

Point to practice: Today I will make myself free from regret. I will not allow guilt or negativity about the self to crop up in my mind and corrupt it. I will only create positive thoughts about myself and perform every action in that consciousness. 

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Daily Positive Thoughts: June 13, 2016: Free From Gossip

Daily Positive Thoughts: June 13, 2016: Free From Gossip

Free From Gossip

When someone is talking about another person's shortcomings, I need to question why I am listening: is this information of any use to me, or can I do anything about the situation? If not, then I need to remind myself that there is no use in listening to such talk. Instead, I need to make an attempt to look at the positive qualities of the person in question, and think about how I can help everyone focus on these instead.

Soul Power Over Role Power (Part 1)

Every act that we are involved in throughout the day is made possible or real by two entities - role and soul working in conjunction with each other. Although, it is a spiritual fact that the soul is the master and makes the role function, without the soul the role cannot function; while playing any role in our day-to-day life we tend to forget this fact and our entire focus falls on the role that is to be played, forgetting that by doing that, we bring down the probability of success of that role in our personal or professional life. Focusing positively on the soul and its components while playing the role fills the role with soul power and focusing on the role and its components while playing the role fills the role with something you could call role power. We need to create a balance between the role and the soul and a balance in using both role and soul power to bring about the success of the role, the role could be of any type. Even a project that you have to work on in the office which is going to last for a month is an example of a temporary role you have to play. There are many other examples of roles - getting your child’s homework done, preparing food for the entire family, doing charity work at the club together, taking part in an extracurricular activity in school or college, etc.

Any such or other role will consist of some or all of these components - various tasks, interaction with people or relationships, mediums like wealth and other objects, time, knowledge of everything connected with the role including the components that make up the role, etc. All these components are physical in nature and make up the role. The power that these components possess makes up what we call role power. Now, what happens is that as soon as we step into the role each day or on a particular day, obviously our aim is to bring about success of the role, but to achieve that, our entire focus falls on using the power of the role, neglecting the immense potential that soul power possesses. We spend our day and night in streamlining the role components for the well being of the role, not realizing that this purpose could be more easily achieved, if the focus is more on using soul power, obviously without neglecting role power (without which the purpose cannot be achieved).

In tomorrow’s message, we shall explain the various components that make up soul power.

To travel light is to enjoy the journey of life. 

I can travel far in life when I am free from the baggage of the past. I also take only the essence from everything, packing up essencefully. So, I am light. I never stop because of anything. Instead, I learn from everything, pack up the essence and move forward. Today I will resolve one thing from my past that I have been carrying as a burden. I will try and understand what learning I can take from it. Once I take the learning, I don't have to relive those feelings that I had during the situation. If I can't resolve it today, I'll at least believe and have faith that it will happen tomorrow. This finishes the burden of the situation and brings lightness.

Message for the day

The treasure of thoughts is the biggest treasure. 

Thought to ponder: When I think negative or waste, there is a high speed of my thoughts. Such thoughts are not powerful. On the other hand, when my thoughts are positive, there are few powerful thoughts. Such thoughts create a positive impact. 

Point to practice: Today I will check my thoughts. I will also create a beautiful thought that I will sustain throughout the day. "I have the power to influence my life" "I am the master" is a simple positive thought that will lessen the speed of my thoughts and make me powerful. 

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Daily Positive Thoughts: June 12, 2016: Create Vision

Daily Positive Thoughts: June 12, 2016: Create Vision

Create Vision

Never believe anyone who says we cannot change. Vision is one of the secrets of personal transformation. We are all artists, our mind is the arena of creation and vision is what we are constantly creating. What is your vision of yourself today - patient, relaxed, positive or tense, tight and negative? What do you prefer? So be creative - what does patience look like, feel like, what are you doing that is different when you are patient and you are expressing your power to ...wait? Always start with vision not action. See it and you will be it. Be it and you will do it. This is how we create our own life.

The I Inside (Part 3)

If we continue to love our specialties, our personality or our role for the most part of our life, then over a period of time we forget the real self which is waiting to be recognized. Every time I think I am one of the above, I become more and more disconnected with my real self which is going to give me a more permanent self-esteem or pride and as a result a permanent happiness. The personality skills, the sparkling education success and the way I dress up, these are all temporary because don’t forget life is a roller coaster where success can easily leave me within a short period of time. So, enjoy all of them because even they are attainments and enjoying attainments is not being materialistic or non-spiritual but don’t become dependent on them for your happiness. On the other hand, the source of all the specialties and personality – the real I is a sum total of the basic qualities of the soul – peace, love and joy and all that is good inside which is eternal and also the relationship of the I or myself with a higher source which is also imperishable (un-destroyable) is what I need to be dependent on because it will never leave me.

Don’t forget, in our earliest births as pure deities, we were extremely skilled, very beautiful and very rich, so much so that everything good that a human being can have physically was with us, yet we were completely detached from all these attainments, enjoying all of them. That too at a time when these attainments were imperishable, because that was the original world, a world of happiness. But, now all these attainments in our life are no longer permanent and can very easily go away from us in a split second because we live in a world which is unpredictable and with many ups and downs. No skill or role has with it the assurance of being permanent. On the other hand, it is the time when the imperishable I is the one which stands by us permanently. So, it is this I the hand of which we need to hold tight permanently and also connect the I with a permanent source – the Supreme Soul and enjoy every moment of life with complete security, surety and safety.

To keep the mind free and light is to get a detached perspective. 

When I keep my mind free from the burden of negativity and waste, I am free and light. This lightness gives me the ability to rise above clouds of despair and mountains of confusion. So, I don't have to work hard to understand and cross over them. I automatically get a detached perspective and am able to understand and cross over all obstacles easily. Today I will be an audience to my situation. I will see all aspects of the situation with detachment. I will then become a director and change the script in order to take it to a better conclusion. I need to make even the smallest contribution I can.

Message for the day

To know the art of moulding and controlling is to be a master. 
Thought to ponder: Just as a driver knows when to turn the steering, when to apply the brake or when to press the accelerator, I too, in life need to know this art. When I am able to use this power of moulding and controlling in the right way, I will be an expert in handling situations and will deal well with situations. I will then be a master. 

Point to practice: Today I will be prepared and in control. When people do take me for a surprise, I will be alert and be ready to move ahead. I will not let any accidents happen nor will I be led away from my path. With my vision firmly on my goal, I will move ahead. 

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris