Daily Positive Thoughts: September 25, 2016: True Peace

Daily Positive Thoughts: September 25, 2016: True Peace

True Peace

True peace can be experienced only when we stop giving and taking sorrow. In order not to give sorrow we need a clear heart that has no ill feelings and for not taking sorrow we need a big heart that can tolerate and help other souls to get over their weaknesses.

Role Induced Stress (Part 2)

It’s not at all wrong to treat what we do seriously, but it's a mistake to believe what we do is extremely extremely important and we are extremely busy people living an extremely busy lifestyle. This kind of consciousness makes us over-serious. A very common sign of this is carrying a lot of thoughts of one role into the other. E.g. Aarti, a young mother, switches roles from a software executive in the corporate sector, a role which she plays in the entire day, to a parent and wife in the evening. If she is over thinking about her day-role while playing her evening-role, it is a sign she is over-identifying with her day role and there is a lack of detachment. As a result she starts becoming over-serious and suffers from role induced stress as a result. There is a deep connection between seriousness and fear. E.g. In this case of Aarti, as a result of attachment to her role, there are lots of fears that she carries regarding her role of software executive – fear of loss of position; loss of love, respect and reputation – either in her company or in general in society, not succeeding, not getting promoted etc. because of which she is over-serious and she carries the role in her head almost all the time, even when she sleeps. That is why so called extremely busy people sometimes complain of sleep problems.

This can happen with us, with any role we play. This kind of stress, just like in the case of the actor (explained yesterday) is generally made up sorrow, anger and fear – one of these three different negative emotions from time to time or more than one at the same time – phases of dejection or feeling low or a lack of enthusiasm or a general disinterest in life events; phases of frustration and experiencing a lack of control of events and people, due to which there are frequent outbursts of anger and phases of immense worry regarding the future, all of which affect our mind, our physical body, relationships and even success of our role; although it is our role itself (our over-identification with it) which is the root cause of this emotional turmoil inside us. So instead of benefitting our role, our over-concern for it starts affecting it adversely.

Acceptance

When we offer an idea, an opinion, or an opportunity to others, we want it to be accepted. But we can't make anyone take or accept anything.

Try this: 
Offer without expectations. Offer with confidence and humility.

When you offer and then let go, you might discover how much more others will accept and appreciate your offerings.

Message for the day

To be cheerful is to contribute to others.

Thought to Ponder:  When I am happy, that happiness is reflected in my face. This becomes a means of help for many others. There are a lot of people today, who are going through their own situations and are looking for some support or help. The biggest help that we can extend is to spread the warmth of happiness. Situations continue to be there. But, with happiness comes hope and a willingness to work towards making things better.

Point to Practice: Today I will make someone happy. Whether I am able to overcome my own situations or not, I will make a special attempt to bring happiness and hope to someone around me. It could be for a colleague, an acquaintance or even a family member. 

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Daily Positive Thoughts: September 24, 2016: Bring Light

Daily Positive Thoughts: September 24, 2016: Bring Light

Lighten Up

Bring Light

There is some darkness in most human minds today, so there is a darkness component in most scenes and situations. Why else is there so much unhappiness and sorrow in the world? So how much value can be given to someone who is able to bring light and lightness to a place or a moment, where others have brought their dark? Like a crown of sparkling jewels, their presence and their words are priceless. It may only be a gentle smile of comfort, an attitude of genuine interest, some words which diffuse an awkward moment. Those who stay light in spirit while others weave their dark are both illuminated and illuminators. Watch out for such a moment today where you may illuminate. Make that moment momentous!

Role Induced Stress (Part 1)

A very common form of stress which has raised its head in recent years is stress induced due to one’s role.  There was once a famous movie actor, well known as one of the best of all time and he was obviously very much aware of the same. One day as he was shooting for his new film; his director, a very prominent figure in the film-making arena, mentioned to him that there was a general perception spreading in the film industry as well as in the film going audiences that the actor was getting older with time and his performance was dropping and he needed to spruce up his performances if he had to compete with the younger actors. As soon as he heard this, he started taking his acting role and everything related to it over seriously and lost his happiness completely because he had been used to listening only to praises regarding his performances and reputation all his life. He also forgot all that the world had given him all his life, all the love, respect and adulation and became angry, bitter and resentful towards everyone he met, believing that they no longer held those feelings for him as much as before. Also a general sense of fear and nervousness started developed inside him regarding his next performance.

One piece of information had changed him altogether. What had gripped him – Role Induced Stress. His emotion of stress was made of three sub emotions - sorrow, anger and fear (or worry). What was the cause – he over identified with his role. He believed he was an extremely famous hero actor. But was hero actor what he was? It's what he did. But he learned to believe it is what he is.  Even we need to remind ourself that we get to play various roles on the world stage of action and that if we over-identify with any of the roles, which a lot of us do, then just like the actor, our creativity, spontaneity and lightness is reduced and we start to take things far too seriously, more than necessary, and as a result get stressed.

(To be continued tomorrow …)

"Hell is other people," so said Sartre. 

What a way to start the day! If this is our perception of others, even if it is just one other, then we can expect both the people and the day to be hell. We all know how fast expectations can become self-fulfilling prophecies. We seem to forget that other people are always in two places at once - out there and in our heads. And if we decide others are hell we therefore create hell for ourselves in our own heads. So let's do a little work, not too much, and transform our own vision. What do you prefer hell or heaven? When heaven is other people we will know our transformation is complete. Remember, everyone has a little piece of heaven inside their heart. Have you found yours? If not then start in your head, practice perceiving heaven in other people and let the day be heavenly. You will be amazed what comes out of your heart when you make this little effort with your head.

Message for the day

The biggest service is to rectify that which has gone wrong. 

Thought to Ponder: When we see that something goes wrong, instead of getting affected with it, we need to find a way to make the situation better. If we are affected and colored by the negativity, we can do nothing to change it. But if we watch with detachment, we will be able to get the right solution for the problem at hand. In this way, we can help the other person to make the situation better. 

Point to Practice: Today I will see every scene that comes my way with detachment. Even if something goes wrong, I will make sure I will first check my state of mind if I am able to remain unaffected. I will then find the best possible solution for it. 

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Daily Positive Thoughts: September 23, 2016: No Limits

Daily Positive Thoughts: September 23, 2016: No Limits

Witnessing the Aurora Borealis and feeling the polar spirits on the summit of Durmalstinden, on the Lofoten islands, Norway. Photograph by Max Rive

No Limits

You are as large as your dreams.

Perfecting The Art Of Detached Involvement In Relationships

Perfecting the art of detachment involvement is a necessity if we are to meditate successfully. But a newcomer to meditation might wonder how can we become detached? Don’t we have to run our homes and offices and interact with people even if we are practicing meditation? Then does detachment not mean that we are withdrawing from our relationships and becoming cold?

In almost all spiritual paths right through the passage of time a lot of significance has been given to the practice of detachment. This is simply because one of the deepest habits all souls have developed in the cycle of birth and rebirth is attachment and we don't realize that whatever we become attached to becomes a trap for our consciousness, for the self, which causes the creation of fear inside us.

So then how do we know that we are attached to someone or something? We know that we are attached when we start thinking about someone or something when they are not present with us and when there is no need to think about them. Sometimes realizing and sometimes without us realizing consciously at that time, our mental energy is being drained and we do not have control over our thoughts and feelings. Whenever we become attached to anything, we automatically invite fear to be present, whether it is to people, objects, position, power, money or even an opinion. Any form of attachment means there will be a fear of damage or loss.  Fear then takes many forms like worry, anxiety and stress as it hinders our spiritual growth. Where there is fear, love cannot exist.  Detachment is the foundation if we are to remain positive, fearless and loving towards others while interacting with them.  This is known as detached involvement.

Shhh! Make today a quiet day.

There's no need to retreat from the world. Carry on with your schedule as planned, just practice being quieter than normal. There's no need to stop talking, just talk less.

By being quiet in your mind as well as in your interactions, you might just find yourself observing and accomplishing more. Being quiet might even fuel your creativity and clarity.

If you enjoy your quiet day, then maybe practice 'a quiet day' weekly or monthly.

Message for the day

The biggest service is to rectify that which has gone wrong. 
Thought to Ponder: When we see that something goes wrong, instead of getting affected with it, we need to find a way to make the situation better. If we are affected and colored by the negativity, we can do nothing to change it. But if we watch with detachment, we will be able to get the right solution for the problem at hand. In this way, we can help the other person to make the situation better. 

Point to Practice: Today I will see every scene that comes my way with detachment. Even if something goes wrong, I will make sure I will first check my state of mind if I am able to remain unaffected. I will then find the best possible solution for it. 

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Daily Positive Thoughts: September 22, 2016: The Peacemaker

Daily Positive Thoughts: September 22, 2016: The Peacemaker

 

The Peacemaker

 

The first lesson on the path of becoming a peacemaker is to stop being at war with myself. It is only when the turbulence of my mind ceases that I can begin to make peace with the world.

Checking Myself On The Stage Of Action

Once we become aware of the possible types of thoughts that the mind creates at different times in the span of a particular day, then we are in a position to keep a check on our thoughts and understand where our energy is being wasted.   Once we realize that there are patterns of waste and negative thinking at some times during the day, which are usually triggered by certain situations or people, we can apply a brake on the pattern of habitual negative thinking, thereby transforming this energy wastage into something more positive.

It does happen, that when we are informed about the benefits of meditation for the first time, perhaps in a course or a presentation either in the office, in a center of a spiritual organization or elsewhere; we realize the need for the same but we also feel that, in order to get the house of our minds in order, we need to leave our busy city lifestyles behind and head for the hills.   There, we think, we will find the time and the physical and spiritual environment to practice meditation and get our mental state in order, but this is absolutely untrue. While going on an occasional spiritual retreat is certainly useful and recommended for the development of the spiritual self, the real workshop is life itself. Even if I am able to maintain a positive and powerful state of mind in a retreat, it is in our daily actions and relationships with others where the challenge lies, it is on the stage of action or karma kshetra that we have to check whether we can remain soul-conscious i.e. in the awareness of our spiritual identity. It is here where we have to see whether we can apply the brakes on patterns of negative thinking, establish and maintain patterns of positive thinking and test whether we have reached the stage where, no person or situation, however negative, can disturb our state of mind.

Moody?

Your mood affects others. It's as contagious as having a cough, cold or flu! 

The next time you're in a bad mood, become aware of how your mood is impacting those around you. 

And then take a moment to change your mood and begin to notice how your good mood affects others and creates a positive vibe all around.

Message for the day

The seed of one positive thought gives fruits of success. 

Thought to Ponder: One positive thought helps in changing the situation totally. When I start experiencing that one positive thought and continue sustaining it, I find that there is a flow of positive energy which changes things. Something that seems impossible starts seeming possible. And everything and everyone around start cooperating too.

Point to Practice: Today I will create and sustain a positive thought right in the morning. Even if there is a negative situation, I will try and find something positive in it. This will help me create a thought of positivity in spite of the negative situation. Once I experience this positive thought by sustaining it, I find that there is a possibility to work on the situation to make it better. 

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Daily Positive Thoughts: September 21, 2016: Balance

Daily Positive Thoughts: September 21, 2016: Balance

 

 

Sunset over the beautiful landscape of Iceland - Photo by Max Rive

Balance

When we work only with our heart, success is fleeting. But if we work only with the head, relying on logical thinking, we get the task done but somehow the beauty is missing. To be successful throughout life, I need to balance love with logical thinking. I am then better able to see all the options available to me, which will lead to greater success.

Bringing Your Dreams Alive

Each one of us has dreams that we nourish right through our lives. Some are short-term dreams and some long term ones. Dreams keep changing as we progress through different phases of our life. Some are achieved, some are not. Some of us possess the ability to realize our dreams more than the rest. The most important and influential factor in this process is how much we believe in our dream and believe that it will be realized. Some of the factors that hamper this belief are:

* The influence of the past - the memories of our past failures, which sow seeds of doubt in our mind;as well as successes, which keep us in an illusionary consciousness and distance us from the present moment and our present actions. Also, sometimes we associate present temporary failures or ups and downs which may come in our way, with failures of the past.

* Lack of inner strength or power, when faced with obstacles in your path. Tendency to get dejected very easily and creating weak thoughts like we do not deserve it or we are not capable of it or are we not lucky enough or it is not in our destiny or maybe it is our negative past actions which are influencing our dream realization process adversely, etc.

* The opinions or comments of people surrounding you who sometimes, are not in tune with your consciousness and are not able to empathize with your purpose. Their comments easily de-focus you from your purpose.

* Lack of ability to mould or adjust during the dream realization journey. Any journey is always full of twists, turns and sudden changes.  A rigid state of mind, which is not able to change its tactics as required, may make the path seem more difficult than it actually is.

* It is very good to dream but excessive attachment to the dream also may make the journey towards the dream stressful and bring down your self-belief at times.

Accuracy

Accuracy is not just thinking about doing things perfectly or to set a standard. 

In spiritual terms, being accurate first of all requires that I be aware of the attitude. I need to create harmony in my relationships. 

If I inspire enthusiasm, trust and confidence in those around me, whether colleagues, friends or family, my own self-esteem and ability to get things right will also flourish.

Message for the day

Where there is humility and self-respect, it results in selfless service. 

Contemplation: When there is a combination of humility and self-respect you become a giver. Your humility enables you to put others forward and your actions will be ones that give happiness to others.

Application: When you are involved in some major task remind yourself of your humility and give the ones around you a chance. When you put others forward you will be able to ensure your own progress too along with that of others. 

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Daily Positive Thoughts: September 20, 2016: Silence

Daily Positive Thoughts: September 20, 2016: Silence

Silence

Silence gives rest to the mind and this means giving rest to the body. Sometimes rest is the only medicine needed.

Be The Change That God Wants To See (Part 3)

God loves those whose actions are in tune with their thoughts i.e. they practice what they preach. Very often you will meet people who love God but their actions do not reflect that. Will someone who is egoistic or likes bringing others down, who are more successful than him or someone who is lustful be called as one who loves God? Does such a person’s love reach God or does God accept that love with a big heart or is such a person’s relationship with God one sided? If you want God to receive your love and also love you in return, we need to learn to make our actions and words and even our thoughts which others cannot see as what God loves. That means a personality as close to God’s personality as possible which is not very difficult. There are many people all over the world who are extremely clean and enjoy a good closeness with God because of that. It’s not that you have to leave your home and your family for doing that but you can become like Him while playing your roles in your personal as well as professional lives. It’s just a matter of being determined and having 100% love for the Supreme because where there is love for Him, change in the self becomes easy to make and this change gradually becomes a lifestyle. Adopting such a lifestyle of deep change and a desire to make others also like God, who is above all of us and is the source of all the good that exists in humanity, then becomes the purpose of our life.

Many people question the reason for making an effort to becoming perfect and say that it is a waste of time. They believe that instead one should be action oriented and perform ones worldly duties and not worry about weaknesses and let them remain inside our personality. In fact, some people even go the extent of saying that let weaknesses like anger, ego and greed be a part of one’s lives because will help us in becoming successful. This is a convenient way of running away from our responsibilities as a spiritual child of the Supreme Father. These responsibilities involve a lifestyle of active self-transformation. So, live life to its fullest but at the same time be and live the change that God wants to see inside you.

Happiness is an Art

It is the art of living, the purpose of our existence. Happiness is the true index of quality of life. Without happiness, life is dry and meaningless. With happiness, life immediately becomes fulfilling and wonderful. Happiness is an infectious feeling that immediately lifts the sagging spirits of people. Happy people keep themselves happy because they know the little ways to appreciate themselves and to see the humour and magic in each moment.

Message for the day

The ones who work towards perfection naturally inspire perfection in others. 
Thought to ponder: All life's situations are lessons for bringing about progress, for the one who is committed towards perfection. Such a person never expects others to be perfect, knowing that every human being has his own weaknesses. He is instead able to accommodate others' weaknesses. He only inspires others to bring about transformation and work towards perfection. 

Point to practice: When I am constantly working towards bringing perfection within myself, I am able to take everything that happens to me in a positive way, as a chance for bringing about self-progress. Also I am able to keep myself positive seeing only the goodness in the other individual and encouraging it. So I am able to enjoy each moment of my life. 

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris