Look Around

Daily Reflection
Today, I want you to look around at the people that you have in your life. Are they kind, friendly, warm, compassionate? Are they greedy, mean, selfish, angry? The people we are surrounded by often help us to create what we see in life. If we are surrounded by kind people, we see kindness. If we are surrounded by angry people, we see anger. If we are surrounded by anxious people, we see anxiety.

In your journal today think about the people in your life and the characteristics they have. Choose several people to write about and try to pick people in which you see positive qualities as well as negative. How do you feel and what do you think when you are with those people you feel have positive qualities? How do you feel and what do you think when you are with those people you feel have negative qualities? Who do you want to be?

Swami K

The Influence of Our Dreams

Daily Reflection
I often find that our dreams can sometimes heavily influence our thinking. For example, last night I had a dream about my grandmother. My grandmother passed away over ten years ago now and I don't find myself thinking about her as much as I used to; however, because she was in my dream last night, I have spent a good portion of the day reflecting on her life. This happens not only with people but with themes. For example, last week I had a dream that alligators were trapping me in a stadium. The main theme of the dream was feeling trapped. I found that I spent a good portion of the day thinking about all of the times I have felt trapped in my own life.

In your journal today record your dream. Watch how that dream influences your thinking and actions today. Ask yourself, what influence did my dream have on my thoughts today? Just be aware.


Swami K

Beware Your Thoughts

Daily Reflection
This morning I wanted to share a quote from one of my teachers, Goswami Kriyananda. In his book, A Meditation for Each Day, he asks us to watch our thoughts. He says, "Beware of that which you desire because tomorrow will be fashioned by it." The sole purpose for us to keep this journal is for us to watch our thoughts so that we can become more aware of our thoughts and so that we can beware of those thoughts. We need to think about our thinking.

In your journal today, I want you to observe your thinking, paying specific attention to your desires. What desires are floating around in there? Do you want to pick them up? In other words, do you want to act on those desires or would it be better to just let them dissolve away?


Swami K

Obstacles

Daily Reflection
Obstacles. We all encounter them along our path. There are external obstacles and internal obstacles. Sometimes an external obstacle (loss of a job, move to a new place, death of a loved one) creates an internal obstacle (those thoughts and patterns that we hold on to that no longer serve us). Spend a part of today reflecting on both your external obstacles and your internal obstacles.

In your journal write down a list of your external and internal obstacles. Think about how one effects the other. Think about the relationship between the two. What is your biggest obstacle right now? How might you work more harmoniously with this obstacle? Is there a way to make it softer and less intrusive in your life? Are you ready to let it go?


Swami K

The Space Between the Thoughts

Daily Reflection
Most of the time we are too busy to recognize that there is a space between our thoughts or as soon as we sense a space we tend to fill it. We don't stop, observe it, and just be in the moment; instead, we move forward and run with the next thought. We grab onto it and let it carry us. We let it inform our day and the actions we take. Today, let's take a moment to slow down our thoughts and focus on the space. To quiet ourselves and let ourselves rest. Out of rest comes great creativity. Give yourself permission just to be still.

In your journal think about how you approach the space between your thoughts. Do you try to fill it as quickly as possible? Are you afraid when it is too quiet or you don't know how to fill your mind? Are you relieved when their is space? Do you feel peaceful?

Swami K