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

Daily Positive Thoughts: September 19, 2016: Energy

Daily Positive Thoughts: September 19, 2016: Energy

Energy

If you speak badly of others, the negative energy that you put out into the Universe will return to you. The same is true of positive energy.

Be The Change That God Wants To See (Part 2)

Whenever you perform any action or speak a few words or even create a thought, ask yourself, will this thought, word or action be liked by God or not? Then create the thought or speak the word or perform the action. It’s as if God is like a role model whom I have to follow and keep in mind in the complete day. This can be called as following the footsteps of God. Such a person’s life is then filled with a lot of praise from people around them. Their words, actions and personality are a source of inspiration for others and by making God a role model for themselves; they become role models for others. God fills such clean souls with specialties that help in revealing God to the whole world and bringing people close to God. Other people will come close to God but souls who are like God in their actions become the mediums for bringing them close. Remember, initially people may find it difficult to come close to God because they are in awe of Him but souls who are already close to God and to whom God has revealed Himself completely, will through their similarity in qualities with God, show them the way. This is not something to be proud of, but it is a bond of pure love with other souls and our duty to bring the lost ones and tie them in an eternal relationship with their spiritual parent - the Supreme and make sure that they not only experience love and joy from Him but also go on to share that love and joy with others. Wow – that’s a beautiful feeling of the heart when one is able to bring someone close to God, who is the spiritual parent of humanity and wants to see the whole world family united by the thread of His love.

So, whenever you look at someone, whom you meet, remind yourself that you have a duty towards that person, which has been given to you by God of making the other person an extremely close companion of God. That is the most beautiful bond of many lifetimes and something which every human being has longed for many times in the journey of birth and rebirth.

(To be continued tomorrow ...)

Over-thinking

The biggest disease of the mind is over-thinking, especially too much thinking about others. 

Thinking too much is like eating too much. 

The heaviness makes it impossible to remain light and flexible.

Message for the day

To finish weaknesses is to get the gift of virtues. 

Thought to ponder: When we make effort to finish any weakness with determination, we automatically get the gift of some virtue. The process of finishing the weakness itself brings out virtues in us. Also, the end result may not be the virtue we want, but it is surely some virtue that we obtain. So, it is important to work on removing weaknesses, whether we see visible gain or not. 

Point to practice: Today I will take a firm decision to work on one weakness of mine, which I have been wanting to remove. I will chalk out a plan and begin work on removing it completely. From time to time, I will also revise and review my plan. I will also start appreciating the gift of virtues I am gaining in this process. 

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Daily Positive Thoughts: September 18, 2016: Success in Life

Daily Positive Thoughts: September 18, 2016: Success in Life

Success in Life

The best way to succeed in life is to act on the advice you give to others.

Be The Change That God Wants To See (Part 1)

Starting a journey of a loveful connection with God brings with it, along with the love and care experienced from God, a lot of sacrifice and discipline. This is because God is not only an Ocean of Love but also a watchful parent who expects His children to not only take love and belongingness from Him but also give Him a return of the love. When we see physical parents, no matter how big the child becomes, the parents always expect their children to be like them and also follow them completely and be good and clean human beings. In the same way, God, the spiritual parent, has His own way of defining what is right and wrong and how we should make the right a part of our lives and keep the wrong away which can harm us on a spiritual level. Remember God’s personality is not like us but it stands at a higher level, to reach which, we have to stand tall and upright and let go of not only our ego but also our rigid beliefs of a very long time.

So, to reach God and be with Him up there, which means have a personality like Him, we have to listen to His every word and every instruction and change our old ways of thinking instead of being stubborn and continuing with our old habits, which do not go away easily. There are some who promise God their love but when it comes to following in His footsteps, they are not as faithful and trustworthy as God expects them to be. So, what does one call such children? Unfaithful – we cannot call them that because they love God a lot and also like changing themselves as per God’s desire, but not to the extent which God wants them to. As a result they are seen as semi-faithful because they are loveful and loyal to God but lack the determination and power to bring significant shifts in their thinking and become soul conscious, completely pure and egoless, which are the three primary qualities to reach upto God and stand as tall as Him.

(To be continued tomorrow ...)

Be a Leader

Whatever or whoever you give time to, you give your attention to. Whatever gets your attention gets your energy. Whatever gets your energy must grow. So what will you give your time to today - who will get your attention? What or who needs your attention? Is it a task, a process or a relationship? Or are you waiting for these things to give you time and attention? How long have you been waiting? Why are you waiting? Are you a leader or a follower, a master or a slave? Mmmm...all questions today!

Message for the day

Happiness stays in the life of the one who has faith in the self. 
Thought to ponder: When there is faith, there is obvious happiness visible in thought, word and action. Whatever the obstacles come by, faith in the self brings the confidence to face all obstacles very easily and happily. 

Point to practice: Whatever the task you take up, remind yourself again and again, that you are going to succeed in it. This gives you the faith to go on with happiness in spite of seeming difficulties. 

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris