The saying, “a person is known by the company they keep”, highlights a deep truth. We are social beings, and the people around us shape our thoughts, habits, and values quietly but powerfully. Good company can guide us towards growth and a purposeful life, while bad company can slowly pull us away from our potential and send us into a downward spiral of self-destruction.This happens because we tend to imitate the people with whom we spend our time. If our friends value discipline, honesty, learning, and kindness, these qualities become easier to develop. On the other hand, if laziness, dishonesty, or harmful behaviour are the norm with our peer group, these traits can spread just as easily.When we are faced with confusion or temptation, the advice and example of companions is often crucial. Good friends help us make wiser choices while bad company can lead us into actions we may regret later.We have all heard or read about famous persons with talent and promise who drifted into substance abuse or crime after falling in with the wrong peer group. It starts with small compromises encouraged by “friends”, eventually leading to broken education, careers, and families.Good company acts like fertile soil — it allows character, discipline, and purpose to grow. Bad company, on the other hand, is like a slow poison: it weakens judgment and erodes values over time, leading to lasting harm. Choosing good company is, therefore, not a social preference — it is a decision that can impact our life in a major way.In Eastern cultures, particular value is given to the company of elders. Elders have lived through success, failure, loss, responsibility, and change. Their advice is grounded in real consequences, not theory, and learning from their experiences allows younger people to avoid mistakes without paying the full price themselves. In India, ‘satsang’, or company of the wise, is considered an important part of personal and spiritual growth. Elders and teachers are respected as carriers of wisdom accumulated over generations.Younger peers often focus on immediate rewards such as status, pleasure, or approval. Elders tend to have a long-term perspective, and focus on health, family, values, and legacy. This broader view encourages us to develop patience, discipline, and foresight.Elders are also less likely to be impulsive or reactive and more likely to respond calmly. Spending time with them helps us develop maturity and self-control. Not only that, elders act as a protective shield against unhealthy pressures. Peers can sometimes push us toward unhealthy competition or risky behaviour in order to fit in with the peer group. Elders rarely pressure others to impress them; instead, they encourage sincerity and personal growth.This is not to suggest that the company of one’s peers is all bad. Young peers provide companionship, freshness, creativity, and new perspectives. However, without the grounding influence of elders, peer groups can drift toward impulsiveness or shallow values. Elders act as anchors, keeping growth aligned with wisdom rather than impulse.The ultimate company, however, which uplifts and transforms the soul, is the company of God. It is not company in the physical sense. But when we spend time with God, by remembering Him and His virtues, we begin to be coloured by His ‘company’. When the soul dwells on and experiences the Supreme Father’s unconditional love, compassion, purity, and peace, the resulting sense of fulfilment inspires it to share the same with others. Regular companionship of God makes the soul more and more like Him. That is why individuals who are known to be close to God become beacons of His love, kindling in their fellow souls faith in goodness and faith in the Supreme Source of all that is good in humans.<img class="image_resized" style="width:12.74%;" src="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/sister_sheilu_cd4c6f7707.jpg" alt="sister sheilu.jpg" srcset="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/thumbnail_sister_sheilu_cd4c6f7707.jpg 127w," sizes="100vw" width="127px">B.K. Sheilu is a Rajyoga teacher at the Brahma Kumaris headquarters in Mount Abu, Rajasthan.The ultimate company, which uplifts and transforms the soul, is the company of God.

Why the company we keep matters

To reach the heights of peace, love and joy of which the human being is capable, it is said that we need to step back regularly into a state of “no self”, or pure being, beyond thought and feeling. The question “Who am I?” lies at the heart of most traditions of spiritual understanding and inquiry.Some teachings emphasize that we find the deepest reality when we lose all sense of the self as an individual entity. This is based on the idea that our individuality (our “ego self”) emerges from the package of thoughts and feelings with which our brains become equipped to enable us to live as human beings. It enables us to engage with one another in distinctive ways while we play our parts on the stage of the world, but it is also the source of suffering, because it pins our sense of who we are and what we want into the physical dimension, which is constantly changing.The aim is to go beyond surface appearances in our self-understanding, and engage with the core of our being. When the mind becomes still, unlimited love, peace, joy, and timeless wisdom are to be found. Those who experience this state – sometimes accidentally, sometimes through intense spiritual effort - find it liberating, and uplifting. It makes everyday worries shrink into insignificance.Science at the frontiers is lending some support to this way of thinking. A new paradigm called post-materialism holds that consciousness is the primary reality, and that it is unitive: there is a mind-like quality behind everything we see manifesting in the physical world, from a particle to a galaxy. Our consciousness is not a “thing”; it is who we are, and we know this truth when we stop thinking of ourselves in limited ways. This idea also appeals to those who equate God with an omnipresent energy.We are certainly interconnected in much more complex ways than previously understood. For example, laboratory research has shown that the electromagnetic field generated by a person’s heart can be&nbsp;detected by animals nearby, and the nervous systems of other people. Some researchers believe the magnetic field of the earth itself connects all living systems, distributing biologically relevant information, including effects on human health and behavior.These ideas and discoveries point to reality being far more subtle than many of us realize. But do they mean that the “no self” concept is right? Or that God is omnipresent?An aspect of Brahma Kumaris teachings that I have found particularly valuable is the notion of the self, or soul, as a unique and eternal entity.According to these teachings, it is true that the egoistic sense of identity associated with our bodily existence is illusory, and the source of our suffering. But there is also an original and eternal self, offspring of a Supreme Being, who also has a unique part to play in the drama of existence.The original self is pure consciousness, with none of the narrowness of outlook that creates our conflicts and sorrows. It is not just part of an amorphous field. It is individual, with its own unique part to play, perhaps spanning many births.As it takes successive human births, it gradually changes. It begins with a purity of outlook that is experienced and expressed through fullness of heart and generosity of spirit. This is the condition of the deities - remembered vividly in Bharat as the occupants of a golden age. Over time, however, the soul loses sight of its divinity, and at that point the egoistic self takes over. Neediness develops, giving rise to the vices. The decline is progressive and despite the wisdom inherent in the great religions, it cannot be reversed until the end of the play approaches.At that point, when corruption in our thoughts, feelings and behaviors reach a peak, the Supreme Soul – incorporeal Shiva – enters the drama to reintroduce us to what purity of consciousness feels like, explain how we lost it, and how it can be regained – essentially, through remembering that One.Coming from a western background, this story seemed far-fetched when I first heard it. Forty years on, however, having shifted from a “religious” belief in scientific materialism to an experience of God as my guide, I feel I do now know with certainty who I am, and am gradually recovering that true sense of self.<img class="image_resized" style="width:11.56%;" src="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/neville_d31ac1c0ed.jpg" alt="neville.jpg" srcset="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/thumbnail_neville_d31ac1c0ed.jpg 109w," sizes="100vw" width="109px"><img src="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/BK_Neville_hodgkinson_6d4e08cbda.png" alt="BK Neville hodgkinson.png" srcset="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/thumbnail_BK_Neville_hodgkinson_6d4e08cbda.png 126w," sizes="100vw" width="126px"><img src="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/BK_Neville_hodgkinson_6d4e08cbda.png" alt="BK Neville hodgkinson.png" srcset="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/thumbnail_BK_Neville_hodgkinson_6d4e08cbda.png 126w," sizes="100vw" width="126px"><img src="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/BK_Neville_hodgkinson_6d4e08cbda.png" alt="BK Neville hodgkinson.png" srcset="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/thumbnail_BK_Neville_hodgkinson_6d4e08cbda.png 126w," sizes="100vw" width="126px">Neville Hodgkinson is a UK-based author and journalist, and a long-time student of Rajyoga.The original self is pure consciousness.

Who am I

“In a time of distraction and disconnection,&nbsp;nature gently calls us home — it whispers ‘Look here. See! Come closer’ … For those who listen, it offers not only peace but&nbsp;profound wisdom&nbsp;about how to live, how to care, and how to be.”Sonja OhlssonThe Divine in the UnseenNature whispers what is often forgotten: that we are&nbsp;part of the eternal chain. Every action ripples outward. Every leaf, every breeze, every droplet speaks to&nbsp;interconnection. We are not separate. There are no silos. Nothing stands alone.Nature teaches us to trust not only in what we can see, but also in what we cannot. The&nbsp;unseeable is not unknowable. Within it lies ancient knowledge — subtle truths that guide the soul when we become still enough to hear them.The Sacred Rhythm of LifeObserve the seasons: spring follows winter. Rebirth follows stillness. Even destruction carries the seed of new life.Nature teaches us to:<ul><li>Hibernate when needed, and rest without guilt.</li><li>Blossom without fear, revealing colour, light, and beauty.</li><li>Let go, curling up when the time is right, knowing renewal will come.</li></ul>This is the&nbsp;rhythm of the soul, mirrored in the cycles of the Earth. To live well is to move in harmony with this sacred pulse.Inner Qualities Reflected in NatureEvery flower that opens, every bird that sings, every drop of dew on morning grass reflects something deeper — our true nature. Nature teaches us about:<ul><li>Gentleness and tenderness, the quiet strength of care.</li><li>Resilience, bending without breaking.</li><li>Humility, a sweet surrender to what is.</li><li>Introversion, the silent power of inward growth.</li><li>Unity and harmony, a layered symphony in which no single note dominates, but all are essential.</li></ul>In nature’s generosity, we learn that true giving comes not for reward, but because&nbsp;it is in our nature to give.Ethics Rooted in EarthIn a world that often values accumulation and competition, nature teaches&nbsp;a different ethic:<ul><li>There is&nbsp;enough for all. Waste not. Hoard not.</li><li>Care for the vulnerable, protect the small and the still.</li><li>You do not have to be big to make a difference — a tiny insect can shift entire ecosystems.</li></ul>Nature is a reminder that&nbsp;power lies in presence, not dominance. In reciprocity, not extraction. It will return what we give. It will care for us, if we care for it.A Spiritual ConnectionNature is not only a teacher; it is&nbsp;a mirror&nbsp;and&nbsp;a bridge — between the human and the divine. In its&nbsp;purity, we fall to our knees, not in fear, but in reverence. In its stillness, we are reminded of the&nbsp;eternal presence of benevolence&nbsp;that is always available, always flowing.To care for nature is to&nbsp;nurture the soul. To see the beauty of nature is to&nbsp;recognize our own essence. To protect it is to protect&nbsp;the sacred—within and around us.Nature’s Final MessageIn the end, nature speaks not in loud commands, but in soft invitations:“Slow down. Stop. Breathe. You are part of this. You belong here. Flow with it.”In a world that often feels lost, nature is not. Its&nbsp;wonder still shines, calling us back to a way of being that is whole, rooted, alive, and wise.<img class="image_resized" style="width:12.56%;" src="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/Bk_Judy_Johnson_2ff74ad400.png" alt="Bk.Judy Johnson.png" srcset="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/thumbnail_Bk_Judy_Johnson_2ff74ad400.png 148w," sizes="100vw" width="148px">Judy Johnson coordinates the activities of the Brahma Kumaris in Atlantic Canada.Nature calls us back to a way of being that is whole, rooted, alive, and wise.

What nature teaches us

What a wonder to be able to step so lightly on the earth that we harm no one. Living lightly is possible, but it requires me to lay down burdens, and let go of any heaviness in my heart. Heaviness comes when we hold on to memories of hurt, whether they were caused by someone’s words, someone’s actions, a situation, or even my own words and actions. To remain light and cheerful, full of good wishes for the self and others, is an act of creation. When we view life as a magnificent game, we can retain our enthusiasm and happiness and create wonders.What few of us realise is that it is all down to my own perception of the self and others. When this is truly understood, it is immensely liberating. Focusing on the weaknesses and mistakes of others makes me miserable and unhappy, and weakens me spiritually. Even more so, when I only see the weaknesses of others, then those very weaknesses are awakened within me. The vision I have of life, people, and situations determines the experienced of my life. It is all up to me and my thoughts.To let go and live lightly requires introspection. I need to acknowledge how I feel and what I need and want. If all I tell my mind is what I do not want, what I do not like, who I dislike, and situations I do not want to be in, the mind cannot be creative. If I tell the mind what I want and ask it how to get there, then creation happens. Unless we learn to let go, we cannot move forward with any relationships, work achievements, abilities to work in a team or within the family. We may move forward a little. We may even tell ourselves that yes, little by little things will change, but unless we let go, the pace is too slow. Gradual does not mean slow. Maybe we are still waiting patiently for things to change, but how long will we wait? We have to make things happen. Life is so precious and time is invaluable. We can go step by step, but we can turn those steps into leaps and even fly along. The creative light within the body is infinitesimal and invisible, but it has the wings of the power of our thoughts. We can overcome things very quickly if we so wish. It does not take a lot of effort to heal or repair a relationship – all it needs is a little step of courage. The expression of love with humility is a massive healing energy.The old habits of thought and perceptions that hold us back are especially connected to times of trauma; of a time we were unable to protect ourselves. Sometimes these habits are triggered in the here and now, and we project our hurt onto those who trigger them. However, it has nothing to do with anyone else but me. Feeling light and letting go needs time. Time to clean my heart and clear my inner sacred space of my mind, so that I can take responsibility for my thoughts.Meditation helps us to become observers of the self and go within; make a connection with the real self. We are able to observe what is really going on in our hearts and discover what we really want. Another vitally important factor is a connection with the Source. Letting go of fear and guilt requires Divine help – surgery – and God, the Supreme Light is the Divine Surgeon. We need a way to be very still and honest to allow that energy of unconditional love to heal the heart. This is done in meditation and connection with the Supreme. This is like coming home from ego to true self-respect. God is the only One who knows me and my full potential, and whose vision is beyond good and bad. I can bathe in this pure vision and recreate myself. In deep meditation I allow that light of God to ignite the light that has been dormant within me and allows me to recognise who I truly am. There is nothing at all that makes a soul lighter, happier, and full of benevolence, than that.<img class="image_resized" style="width:12.71%;" src="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/Moria_Lowe_f4f3dab7e7.jpg" alt="Moria Lowe.jpg">Moira Lowe is Director of Brahma Kumaris Argentina.Photo caption: I can be light and happy when I discard the heaviness of old memories of pain and suffering.

The art of living lightly

In a fast-moving world where our life is driven by competition and expectations, we focus on grades, careers, salaries, and social approval. We do not pause to ask a deeper question: Am I becoming the person I want to be? Introspection — the habit of looking inward and examining our thoughts, actions, and values — offers an answer.Introspection is the conscious act of observing and understanding our inner world — our thoughts, emotions, motivations, strengths, and weaknesses. It is the foundation of self-improvement. It involves asking honest questions such as: Why did I react this way? What are my true priorities? Are my actions aligned with my values? Without introspection, growth is accidental, while with it, growth becomes intentional.Unlike overthinking, which may lead to anxiety and confusion, healthy introspection is purposeful and constructive. Its goal is clarity, not self-criticism. Excessive self-criticism can harm our confidence. In healthy introspection we acknowledge our flaws while also recognising our strengths. It encourages responsibility, not guilt.Self-improvement is impossible without self-awareness. Introspection helps us recognise our habits, emotional triggers, and patterns of behaviour. When we understand why we act in a certain way, we can begin to change it.Many people chase goals chosen by their society, family, or peers. Introspection helps us identify what truly matters to us. This clarity leads to meaningful goals rather than ambitions shaped by the opinions of others.Introspection also improves our decision-making. Reflecting on past choices — both good and bad — teaches us valuable lessons. Over time, introspection sharpens our judgment and helps us make wiser decisions in our studies, relationships, and careers.Our emotional intelligence is also strengthened by introspection. When we observe our emotions instead of suppressing them, we learn to manage stress, anger, and disappointment more effectively. This is especially important in the high-pressure environments common in modern life.When it comes to self-improvement, introspection serves as the compass that guides our journey. Honest self-reflection reveals what is lacking in our skills, mindset, or behaviour, prompting us to focus attention there in order to fill the gaps. With regular introspection, we can measure our progress and make course corrections when needed.One factor that creates hurdles on the path of self-improvement is limiting beliefs. Many of these limitations are mental — fear of failure, fear of judgment, or self-doubt. Introspection brings these beliefs to light so they can be challenged.Practices like journalling, meditation, yoga, or even quiet reflection during a morning walk can make introspection a daily habit. By regularly looking within, we learn not only how to succeed, but how to live an honest, purposeful, and fulfilling life.<img class="image_resized" style="width:9.91%;" src="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/bkgeeta_dfa6ad13b2.jpg" alt="bkgeeta.jpg" srcset="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/thumbnail_bkgeeta_dfa6ad13b2.jpg 97w," sizes="100vw" width="97px">B.K. Geeta is a Rajyoga teacher at the Brahma Kumaris headquarters in Abu Road, Rajasthan.Introspection serves as a compass that guides our journey of self-improvement.

Why introspection matters in self-improvement

How many of us come to know when our mind gets disturbed? Some do not recognize the disturbance. When does the mind get disturbed, and how do we feel the disturbance, what exactly happens? One sign is that we cannot concentrate; we may feel pained inside, or become irritated, which shows in our behaviour. We can easily tell when someone is disturbed if it shows in their behaviour. But that is a late stage of the 'illness'. If we check the disturbance when it is confined to our thoughts, it does not grow and influence our behavior. When the disturbance goes beyond the mind and affects the body, our heart begins to beat faster - because of anxiety and fear.Many people have become habituated to creating fearful thoughts. We ourselves may be suffering from this malady. What if someone sitting next to you says, "I fear I might fall off this sofa... its leg might break." What will you do if the other person keeps repeating this? Will you be dismissive, or will you try to reassure them that nothing of the sort will happen? If you love the other person, you will talk to them gently and try to convince them that there is no reason they should fall off the sofa. Eventually, your power of conviction and your love for the other person will remove their fear and heal them. This kind of a dialogue often takes place in our mind - a negative thought arises and we try to counter it with a corresponding positive thought. If we leave the mind unchecked to create and dwell on thoughts of fear, failure, and doubt, it might become our default way of thinking, without our realizing it.This harmful pattern of thinking can be changed, and I do not need to seek anyone’s help for it. The best person to go to for healing, so that there is no dependence on anybody else, is the self. Sit back, be with yourself, and if you are not able to say it to yourself, write out your thoughts. The mind is saying, “What if I fail... what will happen to my family... who will take care of my children...? Write down this thought, and under the thought write the counter-thought. By doing this we gradually teach the mind, the way we teach a baby, the right way of thinking.Do not allow the mind to speak a language that depletes your energy, and that of the people around you. Just as we encourage and motivate others when they are a bit down, we can do the same with the self. Every time the mind creates weak, defeatist thoughts, we need to guide it towards a constructive way of thinking. With persistence, the power of positivity will prevail over negative thoughts. This is the way to remain strong and happy in all situations.&nbsp;We also need to watch what we feed the mind - the information we put into it. If I start my day by watching news about the terrible things happening around the world, or if I regularly watch crime thrillers, that is the easiest way to cultivate fear. Some time ago I was with someone on a plane, and throughout the two-hour flight he watched a crime-based serial. Later, we were together in a meeting with other people, and during a discussion he said, "After I leave home I am not sure if I turned off the gas, or locked the door." So he has devised a way to deal with the persistent anxiety. He said: "After I turn off the gas, I take a photo of it. When I switch off the lights, I take a photo of it, and then when I lock the door, I take a photo of it." During the day, when he becomes anxious about if he locked the door, he looks at the photo and tells himself that this is the truth. This is how what we consume, or put into the mind, creates a 'sanskar' of fear and anxiety.When we watch such things, we think it is nothing to do with our life, it is happening in another part of the world, or it is just a story. But the negative energy of the story is what we are feeding our mind. What do we do when we have to feed a baby? We sterilize the feeding bottle. We take great care about what we give to the baby. Similarly we need to take care of our mind and feed it only clean, healthy information - especially at the start of the day. If we pay attention to this, our mental environment and way of thinking will change, saving us a lot of fear and anxiety.<img class="image_resized" style="width:12.12%;" src="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/sister_shivani_0cdcd11aae.jpg" alt="sister shivani.jpg">B.K. Shivani is a well-known motivational speaker and Rajyoga teacher.To keep the mind healthy, we need to be careful about the kind of content we feed it.

Managing fear and anxiety

Meditation has gained popularity across the globe in recent years. People are learning meditation for various reasons, including stress reduction, calming the mind, and improving concentration. Some have spiritual aims such as developing self-awareness and having communion with God.Various types of meditation are practised in the world, and they train the mind in different ways. There is simple concentration - on one’s breath, a mantra, or a candle flame. It improves our mental focus and calms the mind. Mindfulness involves observing our thoughts, sensations, and emotions without reacting. In Zen meditation, one sits still, with open awareness, sometimes counting one’s breaths or observing one’s thoughts.Rajyoga involves seeing the self as a soul and remembering the Supreme Soul, the Father of all souls. When we relate to God in this way, the loving, emotional connection serves as a conduit for His virtues and powers to flow into the soul, enriching and empowering it.Many wonder what is the most effective meditation technique, or what is the best way to meditate? There is no universal best technique. What is good for me depends on my aim: do I simply want relief from stress, to reduce overthinking, heal emotional wounds, develop discipline, or achieve spiritual growth? Depending on my objective, one of the many techniques may be most suitable for me.However, focusing solely on the technique is a mistake. Meditation is not a technical procedure where following a prescribed formula or steps produces a predictable result. Success in meditation is less about the “perfect” technique and more about inner qualities and habits that allow any technique to work.One of the most important of these is consistency. Meditation is like exercise, and doing it for 15-20 minutes daily is better than meditating for an hour once in a while. Regular practice brings progress, as it gradually improves our focus, enhances emotional stability, and develops discipline.The right attitude is equally vital for success in meditation. Having the right attitude means being patient with gradual progress, instead of being frustrated or cynical about it. Being non-judgmental when the mind wanders or unwanted thoughts arise, and kindness towards the self -- self-criticism is often a bigger obstacle than mental distraction –- also help.We may be using the best technique, but if we practise meditation with pressure, judgment, or self-criticism, our experience and progress would not be the same as that of someone who does it with a healthy, relaxed attitude.One simple secret to successful meditation is that relaxed attention is far more effective than strained concentration. We need to be alert but not tense, and at the same time relaxed but not sleepy. Having this balance makes our practice of meditation smooth and naturally deep.When we are learning to meditate, one mistake we may sometimes make is to expect a specific result at the very outset, such as an experience of bliss, a blank mind with no thoughts, or absolute silence. Having such expectations creates tension, which is a major obstacle to having a good meditation experience. Instead, when we let go of such expectations and practise sincerely, results arise naturally, and our experience – of calm, bliss, stability – gradually deepens.<img class="image_resized" style="width:14.42%;" src="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/BK_Surya_aeb538f1f7.png" alt="BK.Surya.png" srcset="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/thumbnail_BK_Surya_aeb538f1f7.png 142w," sizes="100vw" width="142px">B.K. Surya is a Rajyoga teacher at the Brahma Kumaris headquarters in Mount Abu, Rajasthan.In meditation, relaxed attention is far more effective than strained concentration.

Right attitude key to good meditation experience 

Being busy with pure, elevated thoughts keeps the mind free from waste.A loving gardener never harshly judges a plant that has not bloomed. Instead, he gently tends the soil, waters with care, and patiently waits. True leadership skills are the same. To truly lead, we start by quietly listening and silently guiding with love and genuine care, free from making judgments. We realise words spoken with a soul connection heal others best, rather than those from a mind eager to correct. True transformation begins from the silent power of love, not pressure - the love to do our best.Every action we perform is recorded within the soul, and creates our character and destiny. When we understand and practise this principle, “As I do, so I become”, we will pay more attention to do our best. Pure actions carry a quiet light that speaks louder than words. You do not need to convince; your peace does the talking. And sometimes, just your presence calms the storms in others.&nbsp;We are responsible for the kind of seeds we sow in the furrows of our mind. Think wisely; what we focus on multiplies. Focus on solutions, and you grow wisdom. Focus on problems, and grow weeds of worry and conflict. Take a moment today to step back from the grip of everyday worries and noise. That clarity you have been searching for is already within you, waiting for the stillness to speak. Even in an external situation of conflict and confusion, there is no internal chaos, only the clarity of spiritual power in your thoughts.Sometimes, in our brokenness, we find our greatest wholeness. Keeping busy with elevated thoughts frees you from the internal clutter of worry and the bonds of waste. Trust that the broken cracks are where the light gets in. All that is needed is to turn on the switch of one powerful thought to bring light, then the darkness of waste vanishes. One of my favourite elevated thoughts to concentrate on is, “God is doing and I am enjoying.” These vibrations of soul consciousness, felt through our physical features and personality, bring others close to the loving spiritual vibrations of God. “With God’s light you are not broken; you are breaking through."<img class="image_resized" style="width:11.59%;" src="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/Chirya_Risely_cfb256a837.png" alt="Chirya Risely.png" srcset="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/thumbnail_Chirya_Risely_cfb256a837.png 115w," sizes="100vw" width="115px">Chirya Risely is a Rajyoga meditation teacher based at the Brahma Kumaris Peace Village Retreat Center, USA.Pure actions speak louder than words.

True leadership skills grow from loving to do our best

Imagine a stage where a play is being enacted. There are five actors on stage, each acting according to their script. If the actors follow their respective scripts, the drama will go smoothly. But suppose one actor forgets his lines and says something else, what will the others do? They will not stop and say, “Why are you saying this...” The play has to go on, so they will stick to their lines, which can guide the other actor to what he needs to do or say next. When every actor focuses on their part, their lines, all goes well, but if the actors start correcting each other on stage, there will be chaos. This holds a lesson for us.Do we focus on our part and our lines in real life? If there is an argument at home, with your spouse, note the kind of thoughts you have. “They should have done that...”, “They should not have spoken like that....” We get busy writing the other person’s script in our mind, and they are doing the same for us. Since most of the time we are thinking about what the other person should be doing or saying, we forget to write our own script: ‘What is the best way to look at this situation... what words should I choose to speak right now, when my spouse is disturbed?’ All of us know the answers to these questions, but our mind is too busy with what the other person should be saying or doing. Why? Because of our attachment to the image of what I am and what the other person should be like: ‘My husband should be like this... my child should be like this....’ But remember, husband, child, parent, sibling - these are merely roles. Who is playing the role? The soul. Recognising this fact is the first step towards changing the way we see our relationships.I may know what is good for the other person, but I must remember that like me they are a soul on a journey of their own. This shift in our consciousness will change our way of thinking. What happens when we are not soul conscious? Suppose we go to our workplace. At the gate we see the security guard, and then the person at the front desk greets us. Later we see the manager, and have a meeting with the CEO. How do we behave with these people? Are we the same with each of them? No. When I am with the CEO there is the feeling of being a subordinate, whereas I feel superior to the security guard. Why? Because I am identifying myself and others by the roles we are playing. When I see myself and others as souls, the soul’s original qualities - purity, peace, love, truth - will inform my behaviour.If I am role conscious, I may open the door and pull back the chair for my boss, but I may not be having the best thoughts or feelings for them. True respect is when my thoughts for the other person are pure. Then I will radiate positive vibes. The first step to doing that is becoming soul conscious. The soul is the actor playing a role. Once I start seeing myself and others with this awareness, a lot will start changing in life. I will neither feel inferior nor superior to anyone. I will also not seek validation or approval from others. With regular practice, the awareness of being a soul will become strong and I will naturally operate on the basis of the soul’s original qualities. Then I will cease to be affected by the behaviour of others.We can strengthen the awareness of being a soul in simple ways. The next time someone asks you your age, say you are ageless. Your body may be 30, 50, or 60 years old, but the soul is eternal. You can ask yourself, if I the soul am eternal, where was I before I was born in this body? I was in another body, with a different family, maybe in a different country and culture. And where was I before that? In another body, again a different family, a different environment. Reflecting like this helps us understand that we are much more than what we appear to be in the present, and the same is true for other people.When someone leaves their body, people remark philosophically that the person came into this world empty-handed and left empty-handed. That is not true, because it applies only to material things. When I the soul leave my body, I will leave behind all my possessions, relationships, the titles I acquired.... What goes with me are my karma and ‘sanskars’ - they decide, to a large extent, the quality of my experiences in future lives.But we tend to pay more attention to the things we will leave behind upon death. Becoming soul-conscious changes that and we get our priorities right. We take care that while working, raising a family, and achieving our other goals, our karma and ‘sanskars’ are right. Then we will not get stressed by work, or use anger to get things done. The thoughts we repeatedly create, the corresponding feelings that arise, and the way we function and relate to others, all go into forming our ‘sanskars’ - the blueprint for the soul’s future actions and experiences. When we see to it that our karma and ‘sanskars’ are right, we ensure that our destiny will be good.<img class="image_resized" style="width:13.1%;" src="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/sister_shivani_0cdcd11aae.jpg" alt="sister shivani.jpg">B.K. Shivani is a well-known motivational speaker and Rajyoga teacher.Recognising the fact that I am an immortal soul helps me make far-sighted decisions.

Getting our priorities right

The power of our spiritual essence is not always visible to ourselves. But when we tap into our spirituality, it provides a foundation for our own inner development. It contributes to our ability to stay stable and loving in a constantly changing and sometimes chaotic, unsettling world. It enables us to face and move through difficult times with courage, focus, determination, and dignity. It creates a springboard for positivity and compassionate interaction and relationship. It changes our perceptions and therefore the atmosphere in which we live.This awakening of spirit has become apparent in a group of women who have been meeting in Halifax, Canada for the past two years. It began as an experiment with a group of women leaders in the community interested in their own inner development. When invited to come to the Brahma Kumaris meditation center for a spiritual conversation, they were intrigued. It was evident that the first conversation sparked an inner chord because the women wanted to come back and extend the conversation. These conversations have now become a significant support in their lives, a way to sustain themselves and each other.Each conversation begins with a simple but provocative question. At the first meeting, the question was, how does your spiritual journey influence the way you show up in the world? After ten minutes of reflection and silent writing time, each woman shared her reflections by reading what she had written, or speaking about her insights.Each woman took a turn to speak, nervous and hesitant at first, then building in strength as she felt the others listening with interest. The room was silent, vibrating with honesty as the authenticity of personal truth was shared. Hearing her own voice speak… vulnerability became strength. Nervousness became confidence. Lived experience became wisdom.We wondered why such a simple conversation like this could be so satisfying. Why does it bring women back month after month to sit in a circle to reflect and share?<ul><li>There are few places in our lives now where we can spend time in silence to reflect on our experience. Tapping into the inner power of silence opens a door to inner wisdom, otherwise inaccessible through the walls of daily noise.</li><li>The experiences of a lifetime lie dormant in the soul, soft without shape, blended and hidden from the self until they are revealed in conversation. Patterns connect, giving shape to previously unseen truth. Clarity creates a foundation of understanding and strength.</li><li>Women are inspired by each other’s vulnerable authenticity, creating a mirror to see themselves more clearly and honor the value of their personal voice and experience.</li><li>The collective energy amplifies each one’s wisdom, creating a sacred space where it is safe to reveal what is in the heart.</li><li>The deep listening and focused attention create fertile soil for brilliance to emerge. What is spoken by one pollinates the thoughts of another, weaving each individual thread of insight into a tapestry of collective wisdom, owned by all, not by one.</li></ul>Spirituality is about facing the world and all its practical challenges with the inner resources innate to the soul. When personal experience is examined through the lens of spiritual understanding, it reveals the wisdom of living truth. There is great power in spiritual reflection, revealed in the women’s conversations as authenticity, sincerity, and collective wisdom.<img class="image_resized" style="width:13.05%;" src="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/Teri_Crawford_05d0cd74e3.jpg" alt="Teri Crawford.jpg" srcset="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/thumbnail_Teri_Crawford_05d0cd74e3.jpg 124w," sizes="100vw" width="124px">Teri Crawford is a student of Rajyoga with the Brahma Kumaris in Halifax, Canada.Spirituality is about facing the world and all its practical challenges with the inner resources innate to the soul.

treasures

The Daily Guardian