More wisdom from Paramahansa Yogananda

I read this quote to my yoga classes and have requests to post, so here it is.  It's another great reading from Paramahansa Yogananda's How-to-live Series, "To Be Victorious in Life."  Please enjoy!

The Antidote for Can't Consciouness
I have seen persons who, despite ill health, have made up their minds to achieve something.  Their ailing body was always trying to divert their attention, but they overcame that physical barrier and undeterred went on and on, realizing their goal by sheer strength of mind.  And I have seen others with wonderful health, but peanut brains.  No matter how you try to convince them, they say, "I can't do it."  They are stopped by the mental barrier of feeling inadequate.  And some people have both health and intelligence, but they do not succeed because they have spiritual barriers of bad habits.  Whether from physical, mental or spiritual causes, failure starts with the avowal, "I can't do it."  Such is the force of the mind and the vibratory power of words.  When you say to yourself, "I can't do it," no one else in the whole world can change that decree.  You must destroy that paralyzing enemy: "I can't."
There is an antidote for "can't consciousness": the affirmation "I can!"  Create that antidote with your mind and administer it with all your will.

I really love this quote from Paramahansa Yogananda and would like to share it with you.  Please enjoy!

"Break out of the mental cell of ignorance that has you confined.  Think differently.  Refuse to be limited by thoughts of weakness or age.  Who told you that you are old?  You are not old.  You, the soul, are eternally young.  Impress that thought on your consciousness: "I am the soul, a reflection of ever-youthful Spirit.  I am vibrant with youth, with ambition, with power to succeed."  Your thoughts can limit you or they can free you.  You are your worst enemy, and you are your best friend.  You have all the power to accomplish what you want, if you motivate yourself, if you remove the mental kinks that are blocking the flow of conviction."

Anniversary

On November 19, 2012 I celebrated 25 years of being clean and sober.  It is amazing to me that it has been so long.  Back on that first day when I made the decision to change my life, I had no idea that my life could get so good.  At that time, I was so afraid, but also grateful to have found a ray of hope, and have caring people around me who were my strength when I had none of my own.  To this day, I am thankful for all the loving souls along my path that have helped me on my journey to health.  I have a blessed life.  I thank God for the wonderful second chance that I've been given and never take for granted how precious this life is.  My hope is that anyone who suffers from addictions can find the courage and help that they need to turn their life around.  Believe me, I know it's not easy but it is so worth the fight.  Never give up on yourself. 

Compassion

I live in a fairly large city and find that driving can really provide an opportunity to learn a lot about yourself.  I often find myself feeling a bit disturbed when stuck in traffic, or when trying to get home through rush hour.  One thing that has helped me is the Buddhist view of compassion.  The Buddhist interpretation, according to the "Dalai Lama's Book of Wisdom," states that "genuine compassion is based on a clear acceptance or recognition that others, like oneself, want happiness and have a right to overcome suffering.  On that basis one develops some kind of concern about the welfare of others, irrespective of their attitude to oneself."

This little piece of wisdom really helps me when I'm battling the emotional chaos that traffic can bring.  If I remember that everyone on the road wants to get somewhere, and everyone wants to relieve the suffering of stressful driving, then I can deal with my own stress over the situation much better.  What do I want?  To get home and relax after a long day of work.  What does everyone else on the road want?  Probably the same thing, or perhaps they want to get to the gym or take some type of class to relieve their workday stress, or pick up their kids.  We all want to get somewhere, right?  We all have things in our lives that we see as important.  Let's practice a little compassion and see if it makes the journey a little more enjoyable, or at least bearable.

Take time to get quiet

There is a nice reading from Yogananda that says that we need to let go of always being excited.  Meaning, let go of the nervous energy and rushing around.  Take the time each day to be quiet and contemplate, meditate, or just get outside and take a walk without any distractions.  Unplug for just a few minutes each day.  It's a great gift to give yourself and it will allow you to be more in tune with your heart's desire. 

Lessons

Recently I lost my grandma.  She was a beautiful woman who graced with world with her presence for 101 years.  I admire her for so many things.  Her and my grandpa both lived to be 101 years old.  They inspired not only my family, but all who knew them or about them.  They were married for over 75 years and lived out the promise "till death do us part."  I admire them for sticking to their commitment.  I know they must have had challenges not just in life, but in their relationship, yet they stuck to their promise.  How many times do we give up on our promises to ourselves, to others?  It takes more strength and courage to work through the issues that give us excuses to so easily break our promises.  Whatever issue you walk away from when you break a promise or commitment, will only replay itself in your life until you have overcome that obstacle.  So have the courage to take on the challenge.  Stick to your promises to yourself, to others and to living life to the fullest.  Honor those who have walked the earth for years longer than you.  Their wisdom is beyond your years. 

Be Thankful

This is one of my favorite quotes.  It's a great way to see things with a different perspective.  The author is unknown.  Enjoy!

Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire,
If you did, what would there be to look forward to?
Be thankful when you don't know something for it gives you the opportunity to learn.
Be thankful for the difficult times, during those times you grow.
Be thankful for your limitations, because they give you opportunities for improvement.
Be thankful for each new challenge, because it will build your strength and character.
Be thankful for your mistakes, they will teach you valuable lessons.
Be thankful when you're tired and weary, because it means you've made a difference.
It is easy to be thankful for the good things.  A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are also thankful for the setbacks.