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Soul Sustenance 07-10-2012
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Shedding Off The Attachment To A Positive Past (Part 1)
A very powerful mis-identification (incorrect identification) that each one of us
indulges in, to different extents, is identifying with our positive or glorious
actions of the past. This identification is so strong that almost every
day it comes to the surface of our consciousness when we switch on the movie of
this story of these actions on the screen of our minds. By rehearsing this story
repeatedly we love experiencing the same emotions and feelings that we felt at that
time, emotions that we had enjoyed very much. We not only re-experience that pleasure
but we also love to share the pleasure by persuading others to see that movie by
broadcasting that movie in front of whoever we come across. This is normally done
in the form of words by speaking about our professional or personal achievements,
our educational qualifications, our experiences, actions for which we gained recognition,
our history, etc., all a thing of the past. But this is not talking about the real
self, this is just a story, thus it is a false identification with something we
are not. Every time we indulge in this type of identification, we strengthen
the incorrect belief that we are talking about our self. We believe the past is
us. This is the incorrect identification.
If someone were to ask us to describe ourselves in a few words, instead of talking
with humility about our spiritual self, our virtues, powers, strengths, etc., which
is the real self, we quickly mention all of the above features of our past, thinking
this will give the other an impression of our credibility. Even when we communicate
with people over email or some other mediums, we are quick to mention all these
things in our signature, etc. believing this is our story and portraying that we
are in love with it and other people should identify us with this story as we do
and love us for the same. To remember and identify with any memory of action that
we created yesterday is to identify with what we do. And we are not what
we do.
(To be continued tomorrow …)
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Message for the day 07-10-2012
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To do something altruistic each day is to ensure happiness.
Expression: When there is the thought to do something altruistic for someone
every day, there is the ability to give happiness unconditionally. Whatever the
relationship or whatever the personality of the other person, the one who develops
the habit of doing this, is able to remain a source of support for those around.
Experience: The best gift I can give is to give happiness and to finish sorrow.
When I am constantly thinking of this, not for any reward but just for the sake
of it, I am able to discover and enjoy the fruit of that action. I am free from
expectations and am able to enjoy the action itself.
In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris