Brahma Kumaris

Sunday, September 03, 2017

Soul Sustenance & Message for the day 03-09-2017

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Soul Sustenance 03-09-2017
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Breaking The Cycle Of Negative Energy Exchanges (Part 5)

To conclude, we all know that every individual is inherently good. A little shade of the incorrect or improper personality exists inside each one, however light the shade is. We also know that this shade was not there originally in the soul but is an acquired one. And also the person with the negative shade, in most cases, does become aware of it, in times of silence and self-reflection and is also making an effort to remove it so that no discomfort or sorrow is caused to anyone because of it. Along with the negative shades, every person possesses many positive personality traits which are their strengths. Now when we are having an exchange of negative energies with such a person, what does a spiritually sensible person do? Be aware of those light shades of negativity of the other person, which are coming into action at that time. But also at the same time, he or she focuses on so many positive colours of the personality of the other, colours that he or she may have seen or heard about from others many times in the past. Also, an accompanied realization that even I have my share of negative shades which I am working on removing, makes this vision easy to practice.

Practiced consistently, this kind of positive vision accompanied by a deep hearted appreciation of the positive personality colours of the other person is mercy in action. This mercy is a shade of pure soul-to-soul love. Such appreciation makes it easier for others to reflect on and see what they need to do to change. But the first impact of this appreciation is on me, in keeping me free of negative and waste thoughts internally. So appreciating the other’s strengths in my mind and emerging them in my consciousness at such a time is very important as this not only keeps my perception, which is susceptible to being influenced by the negative at that time, clean, but also reaches the other person on an energy level. Also he or she is inspired and empowered to bring those strengths into action, as a result playing his or her part to end the negative energy exchange. This is spirituality at its most magical. I'll not only have removed a source of pain, which is the negative shade of the other’s personality in this case, which is coming into action; I'll have grown spiritually as well.

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Message for the day 03-09-2017
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The sweetness of the mind brings sweetness in words and interactions.

Expression:There is an understanding of the need for being sweet in words and interactions. But this sweetness can be expressed only when there is sweetness in the mind. Sweetness of the mind means there is not even a trace of negativity. Such a mind is further open to all that is nice and beautiful and expresses its own freshness and beauty in interactions.

Experience: When I am able to keep my mind sweet, i.e., free from any kind of bitterness or ill-feelings, I am able to experience the beauty of life. There is no feeling of sorrow or negativity but the mind is nurtured to further positivity with everything that comes its way. I am then able to experience constant growth and progress.

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Saturday, September 02, 2017

Soul Sustenance & Message for the day 02-09-2017

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Soul Sustenance 02-09-2017
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Breaking The Cycle Of Negative Energy Exchanges (Part 4)

One of the root causes of negative energy exchanges between any two people is a clash of personalities or natures. This can happen between two people who are wrong or between two people, one of whom is right and the other is wrong and also not very uncommonly between two people who are both right in their own unique way. This happens simply because sometimes personalities of two people are correct, their ways of working are correct, their ways of thinking are correct, but they differ. This clash of personalities causes irritation on both sides, which becomes hatred, which becomes anger, causing hurt on both sides. How does one correct this? An important method for this is the sacrifice of the ego. Very often the cause of negative energy exchanges between two people who are both right is subtle ego on both sides, which ends when one of them sacrifices his or her ego. It is often said that the one who sacrifices his or her ego, is worthy of receiving the blessings in a group of people of varying personalities as he or she brings about harmony in relationships.

The one who sacrifices the ego is mature and humble enough to realize that the responsibility to bring to an end negative energy exchanges with a particular person lies with him. Such a person has a soft intellect and realizes the significance of moulding or adjusting himself as the situation demands and how that can bring to an end the exchange. Such a person is like an ocean of good wishes. He will sacrifice his own interest, sacrifice the I am right consciousness, sacrifice the Things should be done the way I like consciousness and put the interest of the other first. Also he will give up his own name and glorify the name of the other. Such a person will very commonly praise the other and his way of working as well as his personality either individually or in a group. Such a person becomes a teacher and friend for the person with whom he was exchanging negative vibes prior to that, becoming an instrument to bring to an end the negative exchange of energy.

(To be continued tomorrow …)

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Message for the day 02-09-2017
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To be free from weakness means to have the power to mould.

Expression:When there is a weakness, it becomes difficult to mould according to the needs of the situation. Weakness creates hardness and rigidity not allowing the situations to create internal beauty. So the one who is constantly working with one's own weakness finds it difficult to stop the negativity from being expressed immediately. The weakness is revealed inspite of making effort not to and there is unpleasantness created.

Experience: To have the ability to mould means to become real gold. I become as flexible and beautiful as pure gold, which is ready to take beautiful shapes when it comes under the influence of the heat of the situation. So I have no hard feelings for having to adjust, but I am able to enjoy the beauty I create and the joy I spread.

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Friday, September 01, 2017

Soul Sustenance & Message for the day 01-09-2017

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Soul Sustenance 01-09-2017
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Breaking The Cycle Of Negative Energy Exchanges (Part 3)

A simple positive response in breaking the cycle of negative energy exchanges with another person is the deep inner realization that the other soul is at that point of time lacking in the treasures of peace and love. The foundation for the realization should be a humble consciousness. Very often this realization is based on an egoistic consciousness, which instead of cooling the situation can make it more volatile on a subtle level. So based on this realization is an inner reminder to the self of my duty at that point of time - serving the other soul with the infinite treasures of God's love and peace, which I possess.

So, pure donations at that time in the form of constructive positive and powerful thought vibrations for 5 minutes, once a day, does the work of a soothing balm of love and peace for the other person. Through this method, your feelings of lightness, contentment and goodwill reach the other person, with whom you have a problem. By doing that, these positive feelings transmitted to the other person pave the way for a realization inside the other person, of the negative that exists inside him or her. This negative is in the form of weaknesses and incorrect actions committed by the person, if any. The realization serves as a motivator for change. Also coming into contact with the other person with a cheerful face and colouring the other person with your enthusiastic company, a company full of the feelings of sweetness, happiness and contentment brings about transformation in the other. This is because our actions become teachers for the other and the other person becomes more humble and is inspired to become like us. Also donations in the form of humble and soft words, words that are few but invaluable, help in bringing to an end the negative energy exchanges. Also, they win the blessings and good wishes of the other as well as people connected with the situation.

(To be continued tomorrow …)

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Message for the day 01-09-2017
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Feelings change intentions, thus changing actions too.

Expression:When there are negative feelings like jealousy or hatred towards another person, those feelings naturally create misunderstanding. Even if the other person has a good feeling while doing something, a negative intention is attributed and this naturally changes one's own behaviour or response making it negative too.

Experience: When there is the slightest bit of negative feeling within me for someone, it naturally creates further negativity from others too. I find everything I come across to be negative, like the one who wears coloured glasses sees everything to be of that particular colour.

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Thursday, August 31, 2017

Soul Sustenance & Message for the day 31-08-2017

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Soul Sustenance 31-08-2017
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Breaking The Cycle Of Negative Energy Exchanges (Part 2)

The foremost method to break the cycle of negative energy exchanges with another person is one of self-transformation.

The most basic level of self transformation is that I don’t react verbally to the other person with words. But, I mention the negative energy received from the other, in the physical forms of negative expressions, vision, words and actions, to others and create an atmosphere of negativity. This also gives birth to negative perceptions of the person in others’ minds. In such cases, damage occurs on a physical level and damage control has to be done later, which sometimes is too late to do, since relationships have already been harmed. This is because those who we pass on negative information to pass on the information received from us, to others and sometimes even to the person who seemingly harmed us in the first place.

The second and little deeper level of self transformation is where I not only don’t react but I don’t talk against the person to anyone, even to people who are close to me. But I continue to think negatively about the other person. In such cases, damage is reduced but still happens, unknowingly and invisibly, behind the curtains of physical eyes and ears, as my thoughts and emotions are not completely under my control. They are led to a direction, which is incorrect as per the basics of spiritual wisdom – sometimes willingly and sometimes I do not want them to be led there but they go in that direction unwillingly due to a lack of inner strength. These negative thoughts and emotions do reach the other person on a subtle level, harming relations with that person.

The third and deepest level of self transformation is where I develop the power to change the quality of my thoughts and feelings as well. I am emotionally empowered enough to remove the flaw (weakness) in my own character that was at the root of my reactions, so that what used to pinch or hurt me so much will not do so anymore. Also, relationships get protected by doing that, which is something each one of us desires. This is the power of accommodation and self-transformation in action, at its best and possesses the potential to stop negative energy exchanges with the other.

(To be continued tomorrow …)

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Message for the day 31-08-2017
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An elevated consciousness brings speciality to the task being done.

Expression:As is the consciousness, so is the feeling behind the task, and therefore its quality. Just to perform action and finish the tasks at hand does not bring speciality and accuracy as much as it should. When the consciousness is special, that means before a task is performed there is a thought given both to the task and to the self, there is speciality revealed in the task.

Experience: When I am able to start each task with a special consciousness, like "I am victorious", or "I am powerful" or "this task is for the benefit of all", I am able to experience the speciality of doing the task. I am also able to increase my state of self-respect, whatever the task or however simple it maybe.

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Wednesday, August 30, 2017

Soul Sustenance & Message for the day 30-08-2017

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Soul Sustenance 30-08-2017
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Breaking The Cycle Of Negative Energy Exchanges (Part 1)

A common term that we use in relationships is: the following person manages to always ruffle my feathers. There are always those one or two people in our lives, just being in the company of whom, makes us uncomfortable and they will almost all the time do something or we will perceive their doing something, in such a way, so as to irritate us. Instead of simply accommodating the other person’s nature, we find our self pinched by their nature and actions based on that nature repeatedly, although that may not be the intention of the other person at all at times. The effects of these negative feelings, in the form of reactions, created by us in return, would be limited if they were restricted to us and were to cause discomfort only to us. But what these feelings do is that they start a cycle of negative actions and reactions inside us, whereby such harmful feelings keep reaching the other person. On receiving this energy, the other person in turn starts perceiving us negatively and reacts or thinks about us in a similar way and an emotional cold war begins between us and the other person. Negative thoughts, feelings, attitudes, words and actions are exchanged with each other from time to time and negative karmic accounts or bondages are created with the other person. These negative karmic accounts keep getting stronger and stronger. In such a scenario, even if we or the other person, from time to time, act or react in a positive way on a physical or non-physical level, that does little to break the negative bond and make the relationship positive. This is because a little bit of positive is accompanied by a lot of negative, and what it can do is only dilute the negative a little bit but not remove its effects completely.

So, how do we break this vicious cycle of negative energy exchange? We shall discuss some methods for that in the next few days’ messages.

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Message for the day 30-08-2017
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To be free from worry means to have the power to change negative into positive.

Expression:The ones who are free from worry change that which is bad into something good, because the state of mind is calm. The one with a calm state of mind is able to think creatively and see very clearly even beyond the situation. So there is the ability to transform the seemingly negative situation into something very positive. So there is clear decision-making and quick action. There is also no time wasted.

Experience: When I am free from worry, I constantly remain satisfied for having seen the positive and finding the solutions immediately instead of looking at the problem and worrying over it. This internal silence gives the feeling of power, which naturally enables transformation in a second and only the goodness is absorbed.

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Tuesday, August 29, 2017

Soul Sustenance & Message for the day 29-08-2017

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Soul Sustenance 29-08-2017
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Happiness: Incorrect Beliefs And The Truth (Part 2)

Yesterday we identified how owing to one wrong belief, we had equated happiness to our accomplishments. Today let us check two more incorrect beliefs and understand the truth.

Belief 2: I can buy happiness.
Suppose I believe that buying my dream car gives me happiness, I may purchase and own the most expensive car. I have essentially bought physical comfort. While on a long drive in it, I could get one phone call conveying an unpleasant news which finishes my happiness. If my car gave happiness, happiness would stay despite the call. Even after the call, my car continues to give physical comfort and my physical body is comfortable. Since happiness is an emotional comfort, it disappeared when I (who is looking for happiness) went into pain after the call. Why do we feel happy upon buying a car? Because when we create a thought - I bought my dream car it generates a feeling of happiness. So we used an object (car) as a stimulus to create a response (positive thought).
Truth: Let us not purchase objects seeking happiness in them. Everything physical is designed to give physical comfort. Happiness is an emotional comfort.

Belief 3: Family and friends give me happiness.
Oscillating between acceptance and expectations, our relationships are getting strained. We focus on what to get from relationships rather than give. Our expectations from each other is getting long. We are accepting people only when they, speak, behave as per our needs. If I equate my happiness to others obeying me, it cannot last. No sooner than someone obeys the first time, I hand out my next expectation. So happiness leaves me at this point, only to return if the person obeys again. Else I get upset. People have their definitions of rights and wrongs, so setting expectations will always hamper relationships and ruin happiness.
Truth: No one can make us happy or sad. Happiness is our emotion, our internal creation regardless of quality of our relationships.

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Message for the day 29-08-2017
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True help is to help people discover their own specialities.

Expression:When others' negativities or weaknesses are perceived, it is essential to look at their positivity or specialities too. This will naturally bring love and positivity in the relationship and there will be an encouragement of that positivity. So even if that person has no recognition or has not been using his speciality, an encouragement of it by others will naturally enable him to begin to use it.

Experience: Making others aware of their specialities and subtly encouraging them to use these specialities is a great help that I can do for others. When I am able to give this unique help and cooperation, I not only find benefit for others, but I am also able to get the good wishes of others. Even others naturally become positive with my positive attitude.

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris

Monday, August 28, 2017

Soul Sustenance & Message for the day 28-08-2017

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Soul Sustenance 28-08-2017
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Happiness: Incorrect Beliefs And The Truth (Part 1)

A significant number of people are suffering from depression in the world today. This is a hint for us to pause and ask if we are doing enough for our mental wellness, which is directly connected to emotional wellness. If we experience stress, anger, fear, hurt, jealousy, our emotional health suffers. Basically, we are caught in these negative emotions in pursuit of happiness. Most of us begin chasing dreams since childhood and do not pause thereafter for decades, because of the biggest incorrect belief that our happiness is what we acquire — that happiness is a byproduct of our belongings. So, we seek happiness in accomplishments, possessions and relationships. Let us scrutinize these three popular but misleading beliefs.

Belief 1: Accomplishments make me happy.
Suppose I am an employee who knows that it takes two years to be promoted as a manager, I sincerely work for it. But my own conditioned thought often reminds me - I will be happy when promoted as a manager. So I do not permit myself to be happy today, I will not permit for two more years. Some day if I sense that my promotion may not happen due to my inefficiency, issue with team members or a management decision, I create stress, anger and anxiety - as I believe these are not only affecting my career but snatching my happiness. I may resort to unfair means to get the promotion. So I create and transmit negativity, going into pain for two long years. If in this state I become a manager, can I be happy? Also such happiness does not last as I will focus on the next promotion, then the next...
Truth: Happiness is not in our accomplishments. It is not to be postponed until our goal is reached. Happiness is in our way of thinking along the way, while working towards the goal.

Tomorrow we shall evaluate two other belief systems.

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Message for the day 28-08-2017
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The one who has self-respect is the one who is free from aggression.

Expression:When the situation seems out of control, there is naturally a feeling of helplessness. This helplessness further creates tension, which gets expressed in the form of aggression. Such a kind of aggression cannot be suppressed or controlled. To be in the state of one's own self-respect is to be confident and the one who is confident will be assertive but can never be aggressive.

Experience: I am able to keep my mind cool, when I am in my state of self-respect. So I never react to situations negatively but I am able to understand the situation and respond in the right way. I take decisions in a calm and composed state of mind, so I find myself relaxed and easy even in the most difficult situations.

In Spiritual Service,
Brahma Kumaris