Daily Positive Thoughts: July 23, 2017: Speak Sweetly and Touch Hearts

 

Speak Sweetly and Touch Hearts

 

When speaking to others we usually speak from our head, or intellect. Words spoken from the head rarely touch the hearts of others. This means they don't create any impact and are soon forgotten. The solution lies in touching the hearts of others when I speak. To do that, I need to speak with my heart as well as my head and fill my words with love.

Enjoying My Stay Inside The Physical Body

An interesting comparison to understand clearly the relationship between the soul and the body is that the soul is the resident of a house or an apartment which is the physical body. It's the awareness of who is the resident living, which is separate from where he is living. I need to realize, that like a resident of a house cannot be the house; he does not and cannot identify with the place in which he resides; in much the same way, I am not my body, the place in which I reside, but I am a resident. A resident of a physical house may or may not stay in the house for 24 hours, depending on his/her role. But I, as a spiritual resident of this physical body spend all my time inside it, in fact a complete lifetime, then I move in to another house or apartment. Since I spend so much time inside it, I need to maintain the body, take care of its upkeep and the kind of physical and spiritual atmosphere that exists inside it. When I keep it clean, fresh and vibrant, only then can I live in it comfortably.

Do not forget, there's plenty of rubbish and dirt waiting to enter the apartment. My apartment's windows are my eyes and ears, through which rubbish can come in. This rubbish can be in the form of negative information, scenes, images and words. Rubbish dirties the resident, in this case my consciousness, taking me away from my true, positive, spiritual state. My nose, facing outwards, is like the front door of my apartment: it's the first part of me that faces the world. If harsh winds of difficult circumstances blow, and I don’t know how to protect myself, I will catch a cold or fall sick i.e. my front door will be harmed and I’ll become vulnerable. The living room of the apartment is my tongue which makes the first impression on anyone, whether it be positive or negative.  There will be constant attacks on our windows, doors, living room, etc. But if I am aware and alert, I will keep my house in order. If any rubbish does get in, I need to soon clean it out again, so that the atmosphere inside the house remains positive and I, the resident can enjoy my stay in it.

Criticism

When there is criticism that comes one's way, there is a tendency to
ignore or to defend oneself. Naturally we then lose the power to
listen. We then find that we are not able to correct our mistakes and
so they repeat. We thus find that we are not able to experience
progress. We need to carefully analyze to see if there is any truth in
any criticism that comes our way. If there is, correction can be made
accordingly. When we listen to others with honesty, we are able to
discover even the most negligible aspect in our behaviour which we can
change. So we find ourselves constantly improving and progressing and
moving on towards success. So having brought about a change, even the
criticism that comes our way stops.

Message for the day

Faith in one's progress brings contentment.

Thought to Ponder: Even when the situation is not according to what is expected, there is contentment for the one who has faith in his own progress. Such a person will not just sit back waiting for things to change nor will he just curse his fate. Instead he'll do his best and use all his resources in bettering the situation. 

Point to Practice: The understanding that all life's situations are a training for me, automatically keeps me content in all situations. There is naturally an experience of constant progress and a feeling of having gained something from all situations. 

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Daily Positive Thoughts: July 22, 2017: Ego Destroys Love

Ego Destroys Love

The difficulty with ego is that it is deeply concealed. Most of us don’t even know we have it. Ego destroys love. It destroys the ability to learn, so there is no more give and take. No more love. We go through many kinds of situations all day long so we should make sure we don’t stop exchanging love. Ego can be overcome by developing humility. If we don't know how to bow, love finishes.

The Relationship Between Virtues And Vices

When we are internally strong, our nature characteristics and skills are reflected, from inside us to the outside, to everyone we interact in, in the form of virtues. If we are internally weak, those same traits emerge and radiate as vices. Vices are just qualities or virtues that have lost their focus and strength. For e.g. if we take the quality of love - when a strong soul radiates love, it is unlimited and without any conditions. Such a soul respects and has good wishes for everything and everyone and under all circumstances, irrespective of whether love and respect is coming from the other side or not. When a weak soul radiates love, he/she tends to restrict the love to limits e.g. the love would vary from person to person and from situation to situation. In a sense, if spiritual might (strength) and spiritual light (understanding or knowledge) are taken away from the virtues, they get transformed into the six vices, which make us spiritually unhealthy or weak: 

Ego - developing an image of the self that is false, temporary or imaginary.
Greed - finding short term fulfillment by acquiring material goods, a role in society or money or through the physical senses – eyes, tongue, ears, etc.
Attachment - finding security by developing a feeling of possessiveness over loved ones and material objects.
Lust - using excessive satisfaction through the senses as a means of fulfillment.
Anger - the feeling of hatred and revenge when any of the other vices are threatened or being taken away from us

Laziness - becoming inactive on a spiritual, physical or mental level.

How fast can life become?

How much can we do in the corporeal amount  of time we have. There is only 24 hours in the day, but we're trying to fit 26 hours into it. If we could watch a movie of our average day we'd probably be amazed at all the things we try to do. And then there is the exact opposite. Some of us spend our lives watching others doing and achieving, and from these images we build such high expectations of our own life, and then sit around feeling utterly powerless in our attempts to meet these expectations. That 
powerlessness becomes hopelessness and hopelessness becomes 
depression. If we can just see this process and release these expectations. If we can at least be detached from any expectations, we will get back some of our inner power and self-motivation. It helps to stop watching others and their lifestyles, especially in the media, and then comparing yourself to them. It helps to eliminate all but one 'I wish' from your mind. There is only one valid and useful 'I wish' and it is simply "I wish to be me". For that is all you can ever be. It is all you can ever have. It is all that you are. And when you know it, you will be free of all expectation and desire, and able to enter the most relaxed state of being, at will.relax7

Message for the day

To recognize my own uniqueness is to bring beauty to all I do. 

Thought to Ponder: Each one is unique and special and so am I. when I recognize the beauty of who I am, and what I can contribute, I will be able to appreciate myself. This is not ego, but it is talking positively to the self, encouraging and motivating to discover further specialties. When I learn to appreciate myself, I will also have the humility to learn from everything that happens in life. 

Point to Practice: Today I will appreciate myself. I believe I am like a jewel. No matter where I am, whether in a box or in a gold ornament, my worth remains the same. So, today I will recognize my own worth and make time to appreciate it in all I do. 

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumari

Daily Positive Thoughts: July 21, 2017: Every Word Is Precious 

 

 

Every Word Is Precious

Let me fill every word that I speak with love, wisdom and honesty and then be confident that the truth will reveal itself, just as a diamond will sparkle even in the dust.

8 Keys To Success For Facing Exams (Part 3)

While facing exams, always keep a check on your concentration and ability to focus while studying. Check yourself – Am I taking too long to finish studying or revising a chapter in my course? If yes, check the number of thoughts in your mind. They are not only more in number but many of them are unnecessary and unrelated to my studies – may be of the past or the future or of other people. Reduce these unnecessary thoughts by stopping your studies and remaining silent for 1 minute every hour during the day and giving that short period of time to meditation. You can learn meditation at any Brahma Kumaris center for that. Also, remind yourself that you are not only studying for yourself but are also fulfilling the aspirations and hopes of your loved ones. These include your parents and other family members and friends. This will make you responsible and focused and you will look at the exam period and the time before that with seriousness.

The seventh key to success for facing exams is love for your studies. Do remember that everything I learn in my school or college or while studying for any exam even after that, is not only for achieving success at that time. It is also for becoming more and wiser with knowledge and becoming a better person with good virtues. If you want to give happiness to a lot of people in your life, it will be through your nature full of good qualities and your knowledge. Both of these become better by studying with sincerity and doing well in exams. Lastly and the eighth key to success is reducing the exam pressure by reading at least one page of spiritual wisdom or knowledge every morning. This could be done before you begin your studies. This will keep you calm, relaxed and positive throughout the day. Remember the mind is like a blotting paper early in the morning and whatever knowledge of positivity you give it, it will absorb very easily and fast. That will keep you full of positive information in the day and also keep your mind and attitude to your studies positive and full of sure success.

Listen in Silence

What is an anagram of listen?  Silent.

Silence accentuates listening.  When you listen, refrain from speaking and also still the noise in your mind.

Listen.  Listen with an open mind and you'll hear the words. Listen with your heart and you'll understand what the words mean.  Listen and you'll enrich what you have to say.

Message for the day

To celebrate achievements is to get the motivation to do more. 

Thought to Ponder: Normally, we expect great achievements from ourselves or from what life offers. As soon as we sow a seed, we expect instant fruits. In fact, that is not possible. We need to first celebrate small little achievements, which will of course lead us to bigger things. But, first it is important to acknowledge those little steps and appreciate them. Then, I will be able to enjoy the journey of life. 

Point to Practice: Today I will move forward. Whatever is my aim, I will make effort to go one step closer to it. Today I will do something to take me closer. Not only that, I will also watch with detachment and see the beauty of my journey and the milestones I have already achieved. So, today I will take the inspiration to keep moving forward. 

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Daily Positive Thoughts: July 20, 2017: Transform Regrets

Bonsai Hibiscus

Transform Regrets

Transform regrets into realizations and therefore ensure that what could become waste is made into something worthwhile.

8 Keys To Success For Facing Exams (Part 2)

A very important way of remaining stable in the days before exams and the exam days is keeping a positive thought of success and repeating it in your mind a few times in the day. This could be done starting from the morning as soon as you get up and ending in the night just before you go to sleep. Positive affirmations reduce your fear and increase your confidence. This could be done for 10-12 times in a day. Secondly, always remember that God, who is the most powerful energy in the world, is my constant companion at every step. Also, if I remember God a lot and leave the responsibility of my exam performance to Him, I will not get stressed myself. Say to yourself while studying - God, you are my best friend and companion and I hold your hand to take me to my destination of success. In this way, I will remain extremely light. Experience God is sitting with me while studying and while giving the exam and you will not only remain light but you will perform in your exams with immense satisfaction and success.

Another method of remaining powerful and focused mentally during exams is keeping a dream in your mind and bringing it alive. Always think that I will stand first in my class or school or college. Even if you have many friends or student colleagues who are better in their studies, dream big. A positive dream will become reality when filled with the energy of hope and determination. Fourthly, always think and believe that the good wishes of all my close loved ones are with me. The ones who have the blessings and positive energy of many people behind them, are more successful. So ensure that all the people you come in contact with, including your family members and close friends are giving you their support and love at all times. Also, take the help of your teachers and ensure that they are always thinking positively about your performance and always persuading you to do well.

(To be continued tomorrow …)

Lightness

Lightness is like hitting a spring of water inside. A sudden break out
from the dryness of your normal reactions as you begin to express from
within, rather than just responding to what you see outside. It usually
happens when you come upon a quality that hasn't been destroyed or
jaded by time, something very old and inherent in you that has
survived. Most qualities and talents are developed through use, but are
also in some way diluted and changed. Lightness is touching what makes
you unique, because it has never changed.

Message for the day

To check accurately and change instantly is the method to win over weaknesses. 

Thought to Ponder: In any given situation, if I am having negative thoughts, it means I need to bring about a change in some way. So, I need to check accurately, what in me needs to be changed to see things in a positive way. Once, I do this checking, I also need to work on bringing about a change instantly. That is how I move progressively towards removing my weaknesses. 

Point to Practice: Today I will look within and see what the real cause of my weaknesses is. The source could be jealousy, inferior feelings, comparisons, dominance or any other weakness. So, today I am going to find out what aspect in me people are not comfortable with. And today I am going to work on changing that. 

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Daily Positive Thoughts: July 19, 2017: No Problem

 

No Problem

Solutions are never necessary because there are no problems, only our perception makes it seem so, and only our minds make our perceptions seem real. If there is a problem it is our perception. That is hard to see in a world that celebrates and rewards the finding and solving of ‘the problem’. When you decide that you will no longer perceive the problem, you will see only the facts or a situation. Facts are just facts and any and every situation can always be improved, unless it is in the past, then it’s just a memory, and memories are never a problem, are they? If you can cancel from the patterns of your perceptions, the very idea of ‘problem’ then you will not only be a positive thinker and positive proactive actor, you will be a leader.

8 Keys To Success For Facing Exams (Part 1)

We all live our lives with different types of challenges always in front of us. One of the most important challenge which all of us at some time or the other face is giving a school or college exam, which will determine our future. And such an exam is as important as anything else. We often hear some of our close ones tell us that yes – we have an important exam in the coming days. These are mostly school or college exams and the ones giving them are important to us and we want them to do well in the same.

So, what should I, as a parent or a friend or a relative, give advice to people close to me so that they succeed in exams? A first step in giving exams that are extremely important is being determined and strong mentally and having a positive vision as well as attitude to them. Very often, some very intelligent children or grown-ups don’t do well in their exams. This is because of a lack of concentration which is affected by fear and nervousness. Very very well prepared students with their courses and syllabus, at the last moment, are not able to answer the questions presented to them because their minds are flooded with lots of thoughts. Most of such thoughts are negative ones of failure and the fear of the same. On the other hand, students who are lesser prepared but more strong mentally sometimes do well because their mental stability and the drive to excel positively is a lot more. In this message, we shall explain eight ways of increasing mental strength and focus, which will help students in their exams. They will also help you, even if you are not studying for any exam.

(To be continued tomorrow …)

Purity

A powerful, yet often misunderstood, aim of spiritual study is purity.
Purity of the soul means to return to its original divine qualities.
The soul has become so polluted with less than divine qualities, it can
hardly enjoy being alive. Purifying the soul puts the higher self back
in charge - useless and negative thoughts are removed and annoying
habits finish. A pure soul cannot be touched by sorrow; indeed the
power of purity is such, it serves to remove the sorrow of the whole
world. Purity restores happiness - even bliss. All you need to do, in
order to re-establish your purity, is want it. But you need to want it
intensely, to the exclusion of everything else. The one thought, "I
must become completely pure". sparks a fire of love between you and
God. This fire melts away all the pollution, and your purity becomes
such a power that it frees you from all battles for ever.

Message for the day

To be a giver is to understand others' needs and give accordingly. 

Thought to Ponder:  When there is a conflict, it is easy to expect from others. But, the other person too is expecting from us. Instead, it is important to make an attempt to understand what the other person needs and provide accordingly. For this, I need to be full too. So, I need to ensure that I constantly recharge myself and replenish my inner treasures. 

Point to Practice: Today I will contribute. Whatever is missing, that's what I choose to contribute. If someone is lacking peace, because of which he is shouting, I need to contribute peace. I don't depend on the external situation to get what I have to but I delve within and find what I have to. This helps me contribute what is required. 

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris