Relax Meditate Smile

Speaking with a friend last night the subject of “change” came up and while this person had a very good attitude about the change they are going through, this reminded me of times when I have experienced much change. Sometimes it can feel as if we have lost our footing and we are not sure if we are actually making upward progress, or slipping into a deep crevasse. At these times it has been helpful for me to think of life as surfing a wave in the ocean. To succeed we must remain nearly as fluid as water while riding the changing wave to our goal. Spiritual growth is a flow, it’s not bashing through the waves with jet power. For me it’s all about working with life in harmony with eternal principals that are always present. In these principals I find the firm grounding I desire, even when my actual path has never been predictable.

(Eternal Principals: We may listen to, or ignore them, but they never change. For example: It’s never right to hate another. To do so brings pain in my heart, therefore I know I have gone against myself in this act.)

This morning I was studying one of my favorite books of all time in preparation for a study group that I lead in Los Angeles and felt inspired to share these quotes with you. I offer these because they have helped me in my most difficult times, and I hope they do the same for you.

The book is called, The Art and Science of Raja Yoga, and was written by Swami Kriyananda. These excerpts are from chapter 14.

“Remember, the surest guideline of spiritual progress is the growing sense that God’s is the only power in life—a growing sense, because this understanding must be dynamic, not passive. (Too many devotees shrink from acts demanding courage and initiative, out of fear of strengthening their own egos. But how can one realize God as the Sole Doer, when nothing ever gets done?)

“The basis of all true progress is right attitude. If you are becoming more kind, more self-giving, more calm, you may be sure that you are progressing whether you see visions or not. If you are succeeding in relinquishing your likes and dislikes, and are learning to accept even-mindedly whatever experiences life sends you, then you have much cause for rejoicing. If you find that you have fewer and fewer desires for the things of this world, know that you are truly finding freedom. And more important still, if your love for God is growing ever deeper, know that you are fast approaching Him. And if through all the trials of life you always feel joy inwardly, a joy that nothing can shake, know that you have Him already to a wonderful degree.”

Have a great day!

turiya