Attitude

When the forgetful man gets up in the morning,
he reflects on what he is going to do,
whereas the intelligent man sees what God is doing with him.
_{Ibn ‘Ata’ Illah, as quoted in The Book of Wisdom, by V. Danner, W.M. Thackston, A. Schimmel}

How will I approach this day? What is my attitude going to be? I have two choices. My actions and choices can be based on my will or on the Master’s will. I know from experience that if I try to do things my way, this day will probably be rough to get through. While I am trying to control people and situations, I will be anxious and impatient, and if the results do not meet my expectations, I will be frustrated and even angry.

If, on the other hand, I try to align my will with the Master’s will, it’s more likely my day will be successful. I’ll be better able to accept whatever happens, knowing that everything is as it should be. Because of my faith and trust in the Lord, I will be more flexible in my expectations of myself and others and in the day’s unfolding events. It is not as likely that I will be disappointed and upset when things do not go my way.

Taking this approach, I will assuredly be more comfortable, calm, and serene throughout the day. With Master’s guidance, my energy can flow into constructive actions and positive channels instead of being squandered in wilful pursuits.

Although crises happen in all of our lives – a terminal illness, a death in the family, or a financial problem – Master has repeatedly told us to be positive; whatever is going to happen is already destined to happen, so why worry? We are all dancing to the tune of our karmas – karmas of many past lives, not just one past life. We will have to reap the results of all our actions, good or bad. And our attitude can make all the difference.

Maharaj Charan Singh in Spiritual Perspectives, Vol. III, says:

If we go on adjusting to situations, we will be happy. We have to go through a combination of good and bad karmas during this span of life. So we have to go on adjusting to every situation.…
If we try to swim against the waves, naturally we will be miserable. Instead of cursing the darkness, we must light the candle. Why should we curse our destiny or anything? We should try to light a candle. We must have a positive, objective approach to life.

Meditation is the only way to follow the path. And love will definitely push us and pull us towards our destination. That is very essential. But love without meditation is just emotion– sometimes you feel it, sometimes you don’t feel it.… By meditation you develop love that comes with experience, with conviction. Meditation takes our roots very deep in love; nobody can shake us then.
_{Maharaj Charan Singh, Spiritual Perspectives, Vol. III}