How to practise the presence of God.

[Guest guest]

How to practise the presence of God

 

I love the saying: " Today is the first day of the rest of your

life " . The past isn't important, for, from today onward, we can

change. My guru, Paramhamsa Yogananda, often said, " Forget the

past " . The thought of past mistakes pulls us down. People also live

too much in their victories. In self-pride they say, " Oh, I did this

and I did that " , but that's history.

 

The Bhagavad-Gita tells us to give the results of our actions to God. I

was surprised to hear Yogananda say, " God is pleased when you give

him your mistakes " . If you dwell on the thought, " I made a

mistake " , you close the door to self- improvement.

 

We live in an age where one could say that today's religion is

science. This is good in the sense that science says, " If it's

true, we have to prove it " . I suggest that you test religion or

spirituality scientifically within your own self. As an experiment, try

for one week to think of God and talk to Him.

 

Try to think of God as inside yourself, and think that in everything you

do, " I do this with You " . Every thought that comes to you, even

an ugly thought, share it with Him. Say, " God, help me. Change this

idea, because I don't like it " .

 

Resolve to think of God for five minutes every day. When you can do

that, and then do it for 10 minutes, and then longer. I have found it to

be very inspiring, when slowly walking, to try to share every moment,

every movement, thought, and sound with God.

 

If you hear a car horn, think, " God is making that sound " . If

you hear a bird singing in a tree, then think it's God who is

singing. Little by little you will see that that all is divine. Life is

a symphony and everyone, in one way or another, is God in that form

talking to you.

 

Don't take interest in gossip and little things that don't touch

you. Try to become more charitable and calmer. We need to put the small

things behind us. The only responsibility the universe has placed on our

shoulders is to change ourselves and to find Truth in our lives.

 

Wherever you live, try to give more of your mind and your soul to God.

Don't say, " I'm not a saint: I don't have the right or

the power to bless others " . You must bless others. You must also

meditate for others.

 

Those of you, who feel you are small, know that you are not small: You

are the greatest mystery of the universe! Each person has the ability to

serve, even as the angels do, if you are conscious of God's

presence, and if you want to do it.

 

When you're travelling on the highway or visiting the shops,

consciously try to bless others. You'll see many sad faces, but try

to send a blessing to those you see who are suffering, unhappy, or in

need of encouragement. Send them your peace. These blessings can create

a new reality.

 

Be a spiritual scientist. You take one or two minutes to brush your

teeth and five or 10 minutes to bathe, so why not take five minutes of

your day to think of God? Share with God every feeling, every thought.

It may become difficult after five minutes, but little-by-little

you'll see that it becomes a habit: You'll see that gradually

you will be in continuous conversation with God.

 

God is infinite: He has many voices and He has many instruments. Each

one of us needs to play his own song. In this way, God can do beautiful

things through us. What God wants, finally, is to enjoy Himself in you.

This is God's purpose: Give Him that chance.

 

(By Swami Kriyananda)