Daily Positive Thoughts: January 27, 2017: The Power of Judgement

Daily Positive Thoughts: January 27, 2017:  The Power of Judgement

The Eight Powers of the Soul - Day 4

These are powers that recharge the soul. As the soul comes into 

action it experiences the practical form of these powers. 

Justitia Justizpalast Muenchen :Group of statues by Balthasar Schmitt (1858–1942) comprising Justitia flanked by Innocence (left) and Vice (right) on top of the southern gable of the Palace of Justice, Munich, Germany.

 

The Power of Judgment

I can accurately assess any situation with clarity and confidence

 

Rediscover The Essence Of Happiness (Part 2)

Loving your life is about trusting your instinct, taking the odd chance in difficult situations, loving and experiencing joy, enjoying memories of good actions and episodes of life and learning through life time experiences. We just neglect most of these. Nowadays, we try and look for joy in bonuses, promotions or any monetary gain. But can money really buy happiness? Sometimes you see poor people laughing carelessly while they play with their children and experiencing happiness. On the other hand, children from well off families are surrounded with technology today. Technology has created such an influence in an individual’s life that people have almost abandoned their family time. The time of the day that bought so much laughing and giggling in the house is now substituted with members glued to television or mobile phones. Festivals that were the major joyful events have now lost their essence. They are merely days of more worry and tensions because of the new trends of exchanging expensive gifts or celebrating them lavishly.

So what is real happiness - perhaps a better way to describe happiness in its true essence is contentment.   This comes from a complete awareness and acceptance of the self as we are now at an internal level, and an acceptance of what is at an external level. The highest happiness is bliss which can be experienced only when the self is totally free of all attachment and dependency. This is a real understanding and definition of happiness, which is not difficult to accept and make a part of our life, once there is a deep understanding, absorption and appreciation of the divine wisdom of the self and others as well as the laws of action and time involving both of them i.e. wisdom which is accurate and complete in all aspects. Real happiness is a direct result of this divine wisdom.

(To be continued tomorrow …)

Why are our eyes positioned in the front of the head?

So we don't look back. That's not to say we should overlook the past. 

Look back, without regret, to see what worked, what didn't, and what lessons can be learned.

But remember, eyes are at the front, so look ahead.Look ahead with fresh eyes, enthusiasm and confidence.

Message for the day

The one who is the master of the self is able to master situations and control people. 

Expression: If there is an attempt to control situations and people without trying to control the self it becomes impossible. It only takes things more out of control and leads to extreme emotions like anger. To be a master means to be a master of one's own feelings and emotions under all circumstances. It means to have the reins in one's own hands.

Experience: When I am able to be a master of my own thoughts, feelings and emotions I am able to deal effectively with situations and people. I never go out of control or lose my cool however difficult the situation or person may be. This enables me to be aware of my own inner resources and use it to be the best of my ability. 

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Daily Positive Thoughts: January 26, 2017: The Power to Withdraw

Daily Positive Thoughts: January 26, 2017: The Power to Withdraw

The Eight Powers of the Soul - Day 3

These are powers that recharge the soul. As the soul comes into action it  

experiences the practical form of these powers. 

Red-eared Slider Turtle Hiding. Photographed  by Darlyne A. Murawski

The Power to Withdraw

I can withdraw from the organs of the body, and become the seed - detached, and the observer of this drama of life. Contentment comes. 

These powers enable the soul to have pure wishes of love for all others, as the soul itself has more power of love to give through being strong in all circumstances.

Rediscover The Essence Of Happiness (Part 1)

Have you ever wondered - what is the real essence of happiness, what is and what is not real happiness? We count our troubles often, but we never count our joys. If we counted them, we would realize that we have many things to be happy about. Happiness, joy and love hold different meanings for each individual. A person may find happiness in shopping and another may find the same kind of pleasure in social work. But there are some aspects which have the capacity to at least put on a smile on every individual's face. Simple gestures like maybe a love filled handshake or a morning greeting. Going to each mate of yours at the work place or to each loved one at home every morning and greeting them with a huge smile on your face will bring you happiness as well as to the other person.

So, real happiness is not an external stimulation by watching a movie or eating out or buying a new dress; it is not the result of acquiring something – whether it be a new car or a position, or of receiving some good news.  True happiness is not relief from suffering – whether from an illness or a difficult situation, nor is it the achievement of a goal – whether personal or professional.  All these are externally dependent, where happiness is confused with stimulation, excitement, achievement, acquisition or relief. Happiness is not all of these. You commonly say - Well, what I like best, … just then stop and think. Because although each of the above episodes bring us happiness, there is a moment just before you begin to enjoy the episode which is better than when you are enjoying the episode, but you don’t know what its called or what it feels like to enjoy that. Each one of us can experience that joy, we just need to find it. Remember that happiness is not a future promise.  It can only be experienced now, in each and every simple action of the day.

(To be continued tomorrow …)

 Winning thoughts cultivate a positive mindset.

They lead you to take better actions and to perform better.

Think: You are on the stage of the world, competing to be the brightest, happiest, most efficient.... house cleaner, office worker, friend, colleague....

Break through resistance, doubts or anything that interferes with the thought of excelling.

Think better, think stronger, think winning thoughts for even the smallest tasks. And have fun.

Message for the day

The easiest way to bring positivity in life is to become worthy of God's love. 

Expression: A simple checking whether to perform an action or not is to see if it would be approved by God. When every action is thus checked, there would be positivity and benefit expressed through everything. There would not be any negative, waste or even ordinary actions performed, but only those that are sealed with the power of positivity.

Experience: When I am able to bring about such positivity in my life, I'll not only win the love of God, but also the love, praise and good wishes of all those around me. I also become trust worthy and an image of support for those who are seeking to bring positivity in their lives. 

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Daily Positive Thoughts: January 25, 2017: The Power to Tolerate

Daily Positive Thoughts: January 25, 2017: The Power to Tolerate

The Eight Powers of the Soul - Day 2

These are powers that recharge the soul. As the soul comes into action it experiences the practical form of these powers. 

 

The Power to Tolerate

 With the power to tolerate, irritation and annoyance disappear, and nothing disturbs my light frame of mind. The fragrance of this power is attractive to all.

Taking Charge Of Your Responses In Close Relationships

In relationships with your loved ones, when looking at the other, sometimes positive emotions are generated and sometimes negative. On the one hand, joy, love and happiness is generated on being with them; but then attachment, dependency and expectations are generated. In such situations, you are more focused on others and are always looking at the other person's behavior, you stop seeing yourself and being aware of your reactions and taking the responsibility for the responses that you create. You get frustrated when the other person does not meet your expectations. As you depend on them, if they don't act as you would like, if they don't reach home or call you at the time you would like; all this frustrates you. You radiate this energy to the other: they are not doing what they should be doing, and so you feel frustrated and discontented.

All the while that you hold the other one responsible for your frustration, you are not in charge of your own reactions, because you have given power to the other to dominate your emotional world. It is there that you lose your freedom. You lose your freedom because you give to the other, in the name of love, power over your own moods. You allow the other's energy to enter your inner world and cause inside you frustration, bad moods, irritation, sorrow and a mental and emotional dependence where you are constantly thinking about where they are, what they have to do, what they have to say, where they have to go, and all this consumes a lot of your mental energy. Wanting to control the other and the frustration that it brings with it uses up a lot of emotional energy.

To understand others is to harmonize well with them. 

Usually I expect others to have the same level of qualities or understanding as I have. I am not able to accept or understand the other person's behaviour or words if they are different. I thus form an attitude towards the person and am not able to get along well with him. I need to recognize the fact that like the notes of music we are all different. Only when we can harmonize together can we create a beautiful tune. When I remember this I will not expect the other person to change according to me but will learn to understand and blend my personality with his. 

Message for the day

As is the aim, so are the qualifications.

Thought to Ponder: If I have a high aim, I will imbibe qualities to reach that aim. I may or may not get what I set out to, but I will surely gain a lot of qualities while doing so. On the other hand, having no aim or a low aim, is to be content with whatever I have. I will get nothing new, internally or externally. Even if I get something externally, I will not be enriched personally because of it. Once that situation is over, the benefit is over too.

Point to Practice: Today I will create an aim in keeping with what I want. One small aim is enough to focus all my energies on it. This will ensure my personal qualities keep improving with every passing situation. Further, I will not be deterred or distracted with anything.

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Daily Positive Thoughts: January 24, 2017: The Power to Pack Up

Daily Positive Thoughts: January 24, 2017: The Power to Pack Up

 The Eight Powers of the Soul - Day 1

These are powers that recharge the soul. As the soul comes into action it experiences the practical form of these powers. 

 

The Power to Pack Up

I can pack up all wasteful thinking, so the soul becomes light and free of burdens and worries. Let me consciously practice this as the challenges of the day unfold.

Serving Though The Subtle Body Of Light

Apart from our physical form (body), each one of us also has a form of light - a subtle light body.  It is referred to as the aura, and can be seen by some sensitive souls. All of us might not be able to see it, but we can become aware of the aura of others’ through the vibrations they emit. The purity of our subtle, light form is dependent on the purity of our thoughts or mental vibrations.  Given below are some thoughts for a meditation to help experience your subtle form and serve through it.  Think and visualize each thought alongside:

I become detached from my physical surroundings... I consciously create only the purest thoughts... Now I visualize my true form… I am a subtle being of pure spiritual light, a sparkling star situated at the center of the forehead... Gradually, I become aware of my subtle body of pure, white light surrounding my physical form... In my body of light, I, the soul, the sparkling energy, consciously stand up and step away from my physical form, which remains seated... I, the soul, inside my subtle body, observe my physical body in a detached way… Now I slowly fly outside the room I am in… I visualize myself, in the subtle form, suspended in the sky… White rays of spiritual light radiate from me, the soul, and my body of light into the world...  like that of an angel… In this pure awareness of myself in my form of light, I realize that the greatest gifts I can share with those around me are the light of love, peace and truth.

Sitting anywhere, this meditation exercise can be done to visualize oneself in a hospital, on the site of a natural calamity, accident, next to a friend or relative in pain etc., basically anywhere where vibrations  of positivity, peace and happiness are required – the location of visualizing yourself can be hundreds of miles from where you may physically be.  As you practice the art of being aware of your subtle body, you will begin to sense how you can have a positive effect on others simply radiating good wishes, pure thoughts and pure feelings.

Ideas!

When working with someone else's idea, are you able to apply the same interest & excitement that you give to your own ideas? 

Try letting the idea percolate in your head to stimulate your creative thinking. Then you can contribute & collaborate.

If there's no room for contribution or collaboration, then develop a genuine interest & simply start working on the idea.

Message for the day

To be free from ego is to ensure lifelong learning. 

Thought to Ponder: When someone corrects me, or when something happens that reflects my mistake, I tend to get defensive. This actually is a form of ego, which deprives me of learning. At least to myself, I need to be honest and see what I can learn from it. This helps me enrich myself and progress constantly. 

Point to Practice: Today I will think of one incident where things went wrong. I will then see what I learnt from it. Even if 99% of it is another person's mistake, I will not think of that right now, but will focus only on what I can learn from it. I will repeat this exercise for any other incidents that happen today. 

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Daily Positive Thoughts: January 23, 2017: Go Giver

Daily Positive Thoughts: January 23, 2017: Go Giver

Go Giver

It’s been said that you cannot give away what you do not have. One of the most spiritual important insights or secrets in life is that you already have, and always have had, what you need to give away! If you impart the message that ‘I am not worthy’ the universe will send it straight back in many shapes, forms and circumstances. When we say ‘give me’ we are imparting this message. We are saying we think we need to get something to complete ourselves or prove our worth. Most of us are taught to live a life of gimmie gimmie gimmie – always striving, desiring, wanting, struggling. We do so only because we think that when we get what we want we will be fulfilled and esteemed by others. But it’s an illusion. We are all already complete and worthy but we cannot know it and experience it, until we give it away! Only giving allows us to know what we are and what we have within. Ask the question – how can I serve? The intention to serve will point you towards what you need to give. If the intention is real it also generates the will. The most successful people in life are not go getters, but go givers!

The Role Of My Intentions In Shaping My Future

The word karma has been given many negative meanings. In common language, most people almost always relate it to suffering, but the simplest meaning of karma is action. Newton's Third Law of Physics (every action has an equal and opposite reaction) is a physical law of motion. The Law of Karma is the metaphysical (non-physical) equivalent of the Newton's Third Law - it refers to action and its result (fruit) or, simply, cause and effect. The quality of my actions, thoughts more specifically determines my personal level of happiness. Our natures today are the result of everything we have thought; they are formed by our thoughts. It's not so much the act that determines the return or fruit but the quality of the motive or intention behind it e.g. in the simple task of buying a new car, the intention can be different in the case of three different people:

- I need to buy a good car; it’s an urgent need of my family (concern).
- What if I am not able to buy that car model which my wife so badly wants (worry)?
- With me at the wheel of the brand new car, which I will be buying soon, I will be the talk of the town, my office colleagues will really be jealous of me (ego)!

Although the action is the same in each case, each of these attitudes will lead to a different result. This role of intentions become clear when analyzing the difference in guilt between an army officer who kills another while protecting his country and another person who plans for months to commit a murder out of personal enmity and hatred. The karma of taking the life of someone is the same in both cases, but the return or fruit of the karma depends on the intention.

The importance of work is by its quality and not by its quantity. 

When I want to work well I think of putting in a lot of effort in terms of quantity. I try and fit in as much as possible in one day, yet I do not find as much satisfaction as I should by the end of the day. I need to concentrate more on the quality of work I do rather than thinking about how much I do. Each action of mine should be with a value and should never be just ordinary. When I concentrate on this, I can contribute for quality work.

Message for the day

To be special is to do ordinary things in a special way. 

Thought to Ponder: If I want to be special, I don't really have to do something special and spectacular. Probably, the opportunities for doing such things are also very rare. But we surely have plenty of opportunity to do each and everything in a special way. That means, I value the contribution I make and I value the action itself. 

Point to Practice: Today I will bring specialty to my actions. Before I start any action, I will remind myself of the contribution I have to make and also understand the significance of the task itself. I will then start the action. This will bring specialty to all I do.

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Daily Positive Thoughts: January 22, 2017: Spiritual Language

Daily Positive Thoughts: January 22, 2017: Spiritual Language

Spiritual Language

To create the future we desire we need a spiritual language; we must speak from the heart and in the language of the soul - a language of trust, faith and higher values, of inner growth, love and listening.

Radiating The Right Energy (Part 3)

The beautiful aspect of each one of our lives is that we all know what is good and what is bad, what is right and what is wrong but when it comes to implementing that in actual action, we find it difficult. What stops us from living according to what we know is lack of spiritual power, which is hidden inside us. So whenever you are about to perform an action, think twice whether you should perform the action or not. The same applies to your thoughts and words also. Don’t perform the action without thinking about the result of the action. After all, everything you do will come back to you one day, whether negative or positive. Also, remember that we not only send out energy to others, but we also receive energy from others. Here we are not talking about physical energy, but the non-physical energy which our mind radiates. The energy that we receive from others is largely dependent on what we have sent to others over many births and it keeps getting accumulated. All the energy, whether positive or negative, which we have radiated to others, does not come back to us at one time. It can take many years, even many births of our birth-rebirth cycle. Karma keeps getting accumulated and keeps coming back and there is no end to this invisible process. Creating positive or negative karma is in our hands.

The beautiful thing about life though is that we get a chance from God at the end of the world time cycle, to improve our karma, based on the understanding that He gives us. And this change in destiny that we experience goes with us in the complete cycle after that. It’s not that we cannot improve our destiny during the world cycle. But the knowledge to create positive karma is given by God once and this knowledge has immense power that it can destroy all our negative karmas of the past and also help us create positive karma for the future. And that time in the world cycle is now, when the Golden Age of complete happiness is being established by God. In the Golden Age everyone enjoys a positive destiny based on the good karmas performed now when God is amongst us and is giving us the knowledge of good and bad karma.

Real love is like a tiny diamond:

it is not flashy and it is without a single flaw.

The problem nowadays is that love is interpreted on a gross level. Just as many people are attracted to the size and glitter of a fake diamond, so are they swayed by false, superficial love. There is no value in either. A real diamond is often quite small, but it is flawless. That is where it's value lies. 

Real love is one hundred percent pure. There is nothing artificial mixed into it. It is clean. There are no ulterior motives in real love.

Message for the day

To know what I want is to work for it.

Thought to Ponder: When something happens that I don't like or don't want, I tend to wish for it to go away. I may even pray to God that it should be over. At such times, instead of thinking of what I don't want, it is more important to think of what I want. This will give me a clarity of where I want to go and use my resources constructively. 

Point to Practice: Today I will think of one thing that I really want to bring in my life. I will do something constructively for making it happen. When I work on what should be there, it would automatically help me get rid of the heaviness of what I don't want. Eventually, the situation will change anyways. 

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris