"Dream, Dream, Dream! Conduct these dreams into thoughts, and then transform them into action."

- Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam

#mindfulness

The Whys and Hows

Spiritual Meditation: Key To Your Higher Self

Spiritual meditation is fundamentally the deliberate practice of connecting to something larger, faster, and deeper than oneself. It may appear counterintuitive, yet the way to that connection requires honest self-reflection. While numerous meditation practices aim to develop spiritual awareness, they all require integrity and authenticity when considering ourselves and how we perceive the world. Meditation is practiced in various religious traditions. Mindful practice is not confined to any faith or religion; anybody can participate in a guided spiritual meditation. Spiritual meditation has a positive ripple effect: as our awareness and spiritual confidence grow, so does our desire and ability to help others. For as long as humans have been on spiritual journeys, we have relied on spiritual teachers to guide us. A real spiritual teacher possesses insight, kindness, spiritual strength, and humility. Self-proclaimed gurus who brag about their "spiritual enlightenment" are often misinformed and can easily lead people astray, whether their intentions are good or not. It takes time to achieve spiritual consciousness through meditation. Progress does not happen immediately, and claims of a speedy fix are improbable at best. It takes a lot of effort and practice to gain spiritual realization, but the long-term advantages are invaluable. There is no more worthwhile task for individuals who value their spiritual lives. Can I Gain Spiritual Power Through Meditation? Align Your Thoughts for Better Control In Your Life ~ ( Source: Google Images) Some people believe that the goal of spiritual meditation is to gain "superpowers" such as telepathy, the ability to heal oneself and others, knowledge of past lives, glimpses of the future, levitation, and so on. There will undoubtedly be a snake-oil expert out there who will promise them practically anything they can think of in exchange for their signature. The temptation of fantasy spiritual powers might drown out the basic beauty of spiritual meditation practice. Being honest and loving, as well as a determination to become the best human being possible, are the first steps toward spiritual consciousness. A great longing for magic and miracles makes it harder to notice and appreciate the wonder of life and everything that goes into it. What could be more astounding and beautiful than the air we breathe, the sunlight we see, simple acts of love and compassion, connectivity, and everyday blessings of all kinds? The true fruits of spiritual awakening are a gentle appreciation for the present moment and a compassionate attitude toward all living beings. Keys for a Successful Spiritual Meditation ~ The first stage is to genuinely get to know oneself. Like most people who are devoted to self-knowledge, you'll likely focus on aspects of yourself that you'd like to alter. The first step in actually becoming friends with oneself through spiritual meditation is to acknowledge and embrace who you are. In her book Start Where You Are, meditation expert Pema Chödrön elegantly states this: "Unconditional compassion for ourselves leads naturally to unconditional compassion for others." If we are willing to stand completely in our shoes and never give up on ourselves, we will be able to put ourselves in the shoes of others and never give up on them." Accepting ourselves allows us to accept others just as they are. When we connect with what is sacred in ourselves and others, "giving up" becomes impossible. So you don't have to worry about experiencing spiritual experiences in meditation, gaining spiritual power, or attaining "spiritual enlightenment." Such a relief! Instead, here are some recommendations to help you get serious and focus on yourself: Release whatever grudges that you've been keeping ~ Is That a Grudge Holding You Back? (Source: Google Images)  It can be exceedingly tough to forgive someone who has wronged you or someone you care about. However, as your spiritual meditation practice progresses, you will recognize that keeping grudges gives you nothing but misery and serves no use for others. The sooner you forgive, the faster you can let go of the grief and go on. Don't let a refusal to forgive impede your spiritual awakening. You may educate your mind to let go by practicing mindfulness and wishing people happiness. It may take some time, but letting go is the obvious remedy to clinging to the ache of bitterness. Concentrate your spiritual goals on others ~ It’s a Long Way but Keep Going Towards It! (Source: Google Images)  True spirituality is concerned with helping others, but to do so, we must first look within ourselves. Looking inward, we learn to accept ourselves with kindness and benevolence. We can then share this tenderness and benevolence with others. As we continue our spiritual practice, we notice that the more we focus on the well-being of others, the less we worry about our wishes and frustrations. We know that we're all just trying to be happy and avoid pain. In this sense, we're all the same. The Dalaï Lama jokes, "If you want to be selfish, you should be very altruistic!" "You should take good care of others, be concerned for their welfare, help them, serve them, make more friends, and smile more." It may appear counterintuitive, but we can see that the more energy we put into helping others, the happier we are." Incorporate mindfulness into your faith ~ Realize Your Higher Self Sooner Than Ever ~  (Source: Google Images)  Many people believe that following their faith provides great comfort and is a fantastic way to nourish their spirits. They find peace of mind in their meditation center or place of worship, or simply by practicing with others who share their beliefs.  When religious practices uphold the essential spiritual principles of kindness, openness, and connection, they can result in spiritual awakening experiences that go beyond the everyday. On the other side, some people use their faith to avoid life rather than embrace it wholeheartedly. Incorporating mindfulness into your spiritual practice keeps you open to the connection and blessings of the present moment. Your faith sustains you in the present moment, and awareness sustains your faith. Open your mind to new ideas ~  Allow Yourself To Wander Into New Ideas~ (Source: Google Images)  While we are all diverse in many ways, all living species have certain basic wants and experiences. From the smallest insect to the most powerful king, we all seek to maintain our well-being and prevent misery. Besides, none of us could survive without the others. Guided spiritual meditation can help us understand our oneness and reduce the value of our individuality. Accepting that we are only a small but necessary part of the larger picture, a speck of cosmic dust in the universe, or, as some say, a grain of sand, provides a tremendous deal of freedom. Rather than remaining self-centered, we might broaden our thoughts to embrace all of the possibilities that this freedom offers. We may embrace change right now and progress towards deeper spiritual understanding. We can do so without leaving our seats by taking the greatest free online meditation instruction session. The often-repeated statement "be yourself" encourages you to stop pretending to be someone or something you're not just to please others or hide your flaws. Unfortunately, many individuals have become so accustomed to living a make-believe life that they have no idea how to be honest, or just be themselves. If you are not the same person at home as you are at work or with friends, you should examine your conduct to see if it contributes to your and others' well-being. Being authentic means being honest, transparent, and full of integrity. Meditation practice promotes clarity and openness, which are valuable allies on the path to true honesty. Authenticity also avoids the two dangers of spiritual bypassing and spiritual materialism.  Aside from the physical and mental benefits of mindfulness, spiritual meditation can lead to a healthy, full inner life.

11 Apr 2024
The Whys and Hows

Positive Reads

The Power of Self~ Fulfilling prophecies

Why is it important to control and give thought to expectations? There is a direct link between performance and expectation management. For instance, so-called psychological contracts encompass expectations between an employer and an employee. The psychological contract's expectations are seriously misaligned, which compromises crucial outcomes including work performance, organizational commitment, and job happiness. Expectations are simple to establish. We take advantage of every chance to provide the best possible result. Our beliefs, behaviors, emotions, and thoughts will all be influenced by these expectations. When we anticipate something with fear or excitement, our expectations reflect those feelings. It just takes a few seconds to conjure up the perfect situation in our brains, and we cling like glue to that anticipation. The issue arises when our hopes are dashed and our dreams come true. That may have a long-term detrimental effect on our mental health. How expectations impact our lives ~ In certain situations, expectations might be beneficial, particularly in a professional setting. We are interested in knowing what to anticipate from coworkers, staff members, pupils, instructors, and superiors. Expectations are set appropriately in the workplace so that workers are aware of what is expected of them and how much time and effort is needed for their tasks. This frequently results in a more concentrated and enjoyable work atmosphere for everyone Involved. What are the expected results? An expectation is a mental model that explains how we expect things to be and evolve. However, the intricate design of those mental images is more than just a question of preference. Our background, identity, and professional and personal experiences all influence our expectations. Expectations can never be true or false since they are by definition irrational. Therefore, managing and aligning expectations proactively becomes even more important. Going A Little Deeper ~  Two different kinds of expectations A personal notion that something will occur in the future is called an expectation. Expectations have two distinct aspects: the expectations we have of other people and the expectations we have of ourselves. Furthermore, our experiences and level of confidence in others are shaped by the expectations we establish and the way we "manage" them. Perhaps you're familiar with this equation: Reality - expectations = disappointment. Our happiness levels are inversely related to our expectations, hence the formula suggests that the approach to maintain better happiness is to keep lower expectations. However, is this the best method to consider expectations? Are we so hazardous because we have high expectations? There are a few simple steps you can take to put in place a good expectation management procedure. We'll quickly go over some essential guidelines to properly manage expectations: Never assume that the expectations are the same ~ Write them down and discuss them. As said before, companies naturally have a propensity to avoid discussing expectations. Being conscious of the fact that expectations are significant yet seldom met is the first step towards managing them successfully. Talk about them after taking the initial step. It often makes more sense to put them in writing and make them accessible outside of your conversation. Within a company, for example, there are expectations associated with each job. As the needs of the work change, make sure they are updated. Organizations depend on individuals who carry out their duties by their roles and responsibilities. Although there is typically a consensus on the expectations associated with particular roles, they might change based on the company, industry, and individuals involved. Make sure that everyone understands what is expected of them, and that expectations are updated when work needs change. Expectations can shift along with those folks. Talking about expectations won't help you manage them. To make things stick, put them in writing, picture them, and then repeat, connect, and rephrase them frequently. Having a conversation about expectations is an excellent place to start. However, you must somehow record and depict them to make them accessible to others who were not directly participating in the debate. Furthermore, it is imperative that you consistently reiterate, connect, and restage the most significant expectations. These expectations will thus be included in the process by which your business makes sense of the world. Remember that expectations might have a direct or indirect relationship with short-, medium-, and long-term results. To be effective, you must handle all three dimensions. Since expectations are focused on the future, they are inherently temporally oriented. Short--, medium-, and long-term expectations are all taken into account by effective expectation management. Make sure you give each of the three dimensions equal attention. Setting goals and creating strategies are crucial management skills that may support you in controlling expectations for the medium and long term. Anticipations hold significance. It is up to you to appropriately handle them. An orchestra is like an organization. They need very talented musicians who can perform a difficult piece of music with precision and efficiency. Expectation management is a crucial managerial skill needed to reach this degree of perfection! Do What You Wish For ~ Setting Your Path ~ Yes, indeed it's a lonely road ahead but the results await with a lot of blessings and a sense of gratitude. Setting reasonable expectations does not preclude having dreams. Many of us have learned from the epidemic that life is too brief to merely go through the rituals of daily existence. These days, all you have to do is put in a lot of effort and work hard to achieve your goals. It's important to meet organizational standards, but don't be scared to push yourself to reach new heights in your profession or in your personal life.  

4 Mar 2024
Positive Reads

Explore the Transformative Power of Forgiveness, From Releasing Resentment to Embracing Peace and Healing.

Who has not been hurt by the actions or words of another? Maybe a parent constantly criticized you growing up, a colleague sabotaged a project, or your partner had an affair. Or maybe you've had a traumatic experience, like someone close to you being physically or emotionally abused. Those wounds can leave lasting resentment, bitterness, and anger—sometimes even hatred. But if you hold on to that pain, you may be the one who pays the most. As you accept forgiveness, you can also accept peace and hope. Consider how forgiveness can put you on a path to physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. What is forgiveness? Forgiveness means different things to different people. But usually, it's about a deliberate decision to let go of resentment and anger. The act that hurt or offended you can always be with you. But working for forgiveness can lessen the act's hold on you. It can help you free yourself from the control of the person who harmed you. Sometimes forgiveness can even create feelings of understanding, empathy, and compassion for the person who hurt you. Forgiveness does not mean forgetting or forgiving the harm done to you. Nor does it necessarily mean mediation with the injured party. Forgiveness brings a kind of peace that allows you to focus on yourself and help you move on with your life. What are the benefits of forgiveness? Letting go of resentment and bitterness can improve your health and peace of mind. Forgiveness can lead to:   Healthier relationships. Better mental health. Less anxiety, stress, and hostility. Fewer symptoms of depression. Lowers blood pressure. Strengthens the immune system. Improves heart health. Feels better. . respect appreciation. Why is it so easy to hold a grudge? When someone hurts you, especially someone you love and trust, it can cause anger, sadness, and confusion. When you think about painful events or situations, anger filled with resentment and hostility can take root. When you allow negative emotions to override positive emotions, you can leave yourself exhausted or with a sense of injustice. Some people are naturally more forgiving than others. But even if you tend to hold a grudge, almost anyone can learn to be more forgiving. What are the consequences of holding a grudge? If you struggle to find forgiveness, you can: Become depressed, irritable, or anxious. Feel in conflict with your spiritual beliefs. Lose valuable and enriching relationships with others. How do I move to a state of forgiveness? Forgiveness is a commitment to change. It takes practice. Here's what you can do to move toward forgiveness. Recognize the value of forgiveness and how it can improve your life. Recognize what needs healing and who you want to forgive. Join a support group or see a counselor. Recognize. your feelings. about the harm done to you, identify how those feelings affect your behavior, and try to let them go. Choose to forgive the person who hurt you. Release the control and power that the offending person and situation had over your life. And if I can't, can you forgive someone? Forgiving can be difficult, especially when the person who hurt you won't admit they did wrong. If you find yourself stuck: Exercise empathy. Try to see the situation from the other person's point of view. Ask yourself about the circumstances that may have caused the other person to behave this way. Maybe you would react the same way if you were in the same situation. Think about the times when others have forgiven you. Write in a journal, pray, or use a guided meditation. Or talk to someone you've found wise and compassionate, such as a spiritual director, mental health provider, or an impartial loved one or friend. Remember that forgiveness is a process. Even small offenses can require reflection and forgiveness over and over again. Does forgiveness guarantee reconciliation? If the hurtful event involved someone you value, forgiveness can lead to reconciliation. But this does not always happen. Reconciliation may not be possible if the perpetrator is dead or does not want to communicate with you. In other cases, mediation may not be appropriate. However, forgiveness is possible - even if there is no reconciliation. What if the person I am forgiving doesn't change? Forgiving is not about changing someone else. It's about focusing on what you can control here and now. Think about forgiveness more in terms of how it can change your life, bringing you peace, happiness, and emotional and spiritual healing. Forgiveness can remove the power from your life that the other person still has. What if I am the one who needs forgiveness? The first step is to honestly assess and acknowledge the wrongs that have been done and how they have affected. others. Avoid judging yourself too harshly. If you truly regret something you said or did and want to apologize, consider reaching out to those you have harmed. Talk about your sincere sadness or regret. Forgive without apologies. You cannot force someone to forgive you. Others must move toward forgiveness in their own time. Remember that forgiveness is a process. No matter what happens, commit to treating others with compassion, empathy, and respect. Forgiveness is empowering. This allows you to release the abuser's power over your emotions, allowing you to reclaim your emotions and your life. By forgiving, you choose peace over pain, over stunted growth, and free yourself from bitterness. There is also much to learn from the conflicts experienced. Sometimes these lessons are just about pushing our limits and taking care of ourselves. Sometimes it has to do with increasing our means of communication. If you find a lesson in a struggle, you can change your attitude towards it and empower yourself to move forward even more wisely.  

1 Mar 2024
Positive Reads

Journalising Things down: Keep your Mindfulness In Check

The Power Of Writing Things Down: Writing in detail about feelings and thoughts associated with stressful experiences is one of the most efficient strategies to relieve stress through journaling. Mindfulness in your daily actions comes with experience and virtue. Although after going through this article it's time to give writing a try if you're feeling anxious and you can't seem to control your life. You may organise your ideas, control your feelings, and preserve your mental health by writing down your experiences and feelings in a notebook. Of course, adopting good habits like exercising, eating well, practising meditation, getting enough sleep, and abstaining from drugs and alcohol are essential for the best stress alleviation. However, if you're already doing all of that and you still feel like you need a boost, consider journaling. It has incredible health advantages.   Assisting you in identifying and overcoming your issues and worries. Oneself empowerment. You'll start to view yourself and your life from a different angle. You can reroute and refocus your ideas by journaling. Assisting you in keeping track of and identifying daily symptoms that can be brought on by a certain event. Assisting you in recognising destructive behaviour and self-talk. Enhancing your physical well-being. Yes, keeping a journal has been proven to be beneficial for people with chronic diseases like arthritis and asthma. Developing a strategy to feel better, assists you in feeling in control of your stress. Separating yourself from unpleasant ideas or experiences. It's simpler to let them go after you've put them in writing. You own the journal. This allows you to write however and whatever you desire. If you don't want to share it, don't fret about having to. You'll notice that as you write frequently, you start to understand yourself better.

22 Aug 2023
Positive Reads

When Stress and Anxiety Pulls You Down, This Emotional Fitness App Comes to Your Rescue

In 2018, when the world was already under enough stress due to the Covid-19 pandemic, ThinkRight.me, an emotional fitness app from Pune-based IT giant JetSynthesys, was downloaded one million times and quickly rose to become one of India's fastest-growing platforms for mindfulness. On ThinkRight.me, articles by Brahma Kumari Sister Shivani, and other experts in the field of mindfulness and fitness have been curated and include yoga, affirmations, positive thinking, meditation and other such tools. Users are kept on track throughout the day with aids like three-minute reminders. Users are kept on task throughout the day by tools like three-minute reminders. More than 3.25 million individuals in 121 countries have currently downloaded ThinkRight.me. Happy with the success, JetSynthesys is increasing its investment in this area. At the head office in Pune's Kalyani Nagar, the team behind ThinkRight.me is currently putting the finishing touches on the next stage Right Life, a new organization designed for the post-pandemic world. It will offer a holistic approach to living, including eating and speaking right.  According to Rajan Navani, vice-chairman and managing director of JetSynthesys, their goal for the future is to figure out how to bring ThinkRight.me's dialogue to the West, with the US as a key target market. He adds that they aim to  develop an ecosystem of mindfulness on the digital medium.

10 Nov 2022
Positive Reads

Star Citizens

Telangana Yoga Teacher Inspires Global Mindfulness Movement

In a remarkable display of dedication and passion, Satish Thota, a physical education teacher at Marpadaga Government High School in Telangana's Siddipet district, has made a profound impact on the world through his teachings of yoga. His efforts have earned him international recognition and praise, leading to the establishment of a global mindfulness movement. Satish's journey began with his relentless commitment to teaching yoga to his students on a daily basis. However, his influence extended far beyond the boundaries of his classroom. He organized yoga training camps in Siddipet and provided training to teachers from various schools and the general public as part of the Arogya Siddipet initiative. During the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, Satish went above and beyond by conducting online yoga classes for around five hundred NRIs located overseas. His dedication didn't stop there. Satish played a pivotal role in establishing the NRI Vasavi Association, which now boasts a membership of 250 people. Satish's remarkable achievements have earned him the prestigious National Best Technical Official Award by the Ministry of Youth and Sports. This recognition will be conferred upon him during the 37th National Games in Goa. His commitment to promoting yoga as an integral part of daily life led him to establish the Vyasa Maharshi Yoga Society in Siddipet, with the support of Minister Harish Rao. Approximately 50 students trained by Satish have actively participated in state and national-level yoga competitions and other sports events, showcasing the transformative power of yoga. Satish, along with his wife Sandhya, continues to advocate for yoga's inclusion in daily routines, emphasizing its manifold benefits.

13 Sep 2023
Star Citizens

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