Share with God every feeling, every thought and little by little you’ll see that it becomes a habit ― and gradually you will be in continuous conversation with God, says SWAMI KRIYANANDA

I love the saying: “Today is the first day of the rest of your life.” The past is not important. From today onward, we can change. My guru, Paramhansa Yogananda often said, “Forget the past.” I was surprised to hear Yogananda say once, “God is pleased when you give him your mistakes.” The thought of past mistakes takes us downward. People also live too much in their victories. In self-pride, they say, “Oh, I did this and I did that.” But that’s past history.

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 living inside yourself, and in everything you do, think of God: “I am doing 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.”

Swami Kriyananda

Resolve to think of God for five minutes a day. When you can do that, then do it for ten minutes, and then longer. I have found it very inspiring, when I am slowly walking, to try to share every moment, every movement, thought, and sound, with God.

If you hear a bird singing, then think it’s God who is singing. If you hear a car horn, think, “God is making that sound.” 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 calm. We need to put small things behind us. The only responsibility the universe has placed on us is to change ourselves and 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 power to bless others.” You must bless others. You must also meditate for others.

Those of you who feel you are too small, you are not small. You are the greatest mystery of the universe! Each person has the ability to serve, even as the angels, if you will simply be conscious of God’s presence, and if you want to serve Him.

When you’re travelling on the highway or visiting the shops, consciously try to bless others. You’ll see many sad faces; try to send blessings to those you see suffering, unhappy, and 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 ten 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 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 through you. This is God’s purpose. Give Him that chance.

Swami Kriyananda (born J. Donald Walters) was only 22 when he became a direct disciple of Paramhansa Yogananda, the author of Autobiography of a Yogi. At Yogananda’s request, Swami Kriyananda devoted his life to lecturing and writing, helping others to experience the living presence of God within. He founded the Ananda community. 

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