What is my ultimate goal in this life? It’s the age old question of why we are here. I’ve been thinking about that lately. I mean, really, what is the point of what we do every day? Yes, there are the day to day things, going to work, making a living, cooking dinner, feeding the dog, opening the mail, paying bills and on and on…
Is it looking up at the sky, like I did this evening and seeing the most wondrous blending of rose and turquiose in slim tendrils as the sun glanced off the low cloud cover? Is it sitting close on the couch with my son and talking about the day? Or breathing in the heady smells of spring? For me it is these things, but even more so, it is working to elevate my consciousness to notice and appreciate them.
Today, I am grateful that I had the opportunity to learn from my teacher; to be given the technology of kundalini yoga, meditation, the gift of the Shabd Guru. My name means, “One who meditates with every breath.” There are times when I forget that. Remembering and doing that brings me back to myself. I am thankful that I have that to guide me, to keep me on track.
Seven Steps to Happiness
from Yogi Bhajan’s, “The Game of Love”
1. COMMITMENT to kindness and compassion gives you Character.
2. CHARACTER is a pattern of behavior where you can clearly answer to, and stand before, your own consciousness. It leads to Dignity.
3. DIGNITY is when you act as a god for another – then you gain Divinity.
4. DIVINITY is when you put yourself and your life on the line to serve another person or creature, which leads you to Grace.
5. GRACE is when you’ve developed a presence that works so that you have the Power to Sacrifice.
6. SACRIFICE is when God sits in your heart and presides in your head so that you are able to sacrifice – and that takes you to Happiness.
7. HAPPINESS is when you can give thanks for being these seven things.
Gratitude creates it’s own attitude. It can give you a new perspective, a new focus. I am going to use this day as my opportunity to see those things.
Take a few minutes today to create your own Thankful Thursday.
How:
Visit these other blogs that often participate in Thankful Thursday:
And you, dear woman, I see living The Game of Love. It is not often that the faith we claim to believe and follow is visible and expressed to others in our daily lives. We say one thing and do another. You believe and live what you claim. And I see you at Grace at times, teetering towards sacrifice (except when it comes to horse tack). You know what I think? I actually think you might have started at Happiness and are working your way back in the other direction …
I love you, Simrat. You are beautiful. Thank you for bringing your strength, courage, and faith into my life and sharing it with me.
lol! You are right. I certainly don’t like to sacrifice as far as tack is concerned.
;D
I think that we all flit up and down this scale. I just hope that, as time goes on, I spend a bit more time towards the upper end.
I certainly have been up and down that scale. I know I have spent much of my life at Character and Diginity, Not I sure if ever made it though Divinity or if I did, when? I am always seeking Grace. Somehow I have landed on Sacrifice and I do believe it is the true path to Happiness.
I’m with Amy Jo, I believe you are living very close to the hgiher end of the scale and that is what draws those of us to you who seek the secrets to gaining this wisdom.
You are beautiful Simrat and bring so much to into our lives when you become present to us. I am so thankful you came into my life.
HUGS!!
Another comment today, but on the original TT post…
http://www.akalranch.com/2009/01/thankful-thursday/comment-page-1/#comment-1286
I am just happy to be a conduit for grace and joy. My hope is that I can ride this wave into and through next winter. That’s the harder time for me.
Simrat
This is beautiful. Everyone should accept this teaching in the spirit in which it was offered.
Thank you.