Papa Ramdas: In Joyfilled Bliss
If we apply the lessons of tidying to our thinking, then we would start on the first of two stages, internal house clearing; discarding any thoughts that do not bring us joy. Recognizing that thought is the creative powerhouse that directs our emotions, energy and activity, then choosing only joyful thoughts and the supreme bliss of God is the only course that makes sense.
Yet we see that this is not what many people do. Instead they remain focused on those thoughts that produce unhappiness; with so many of those things outside the direct control of the individual. So, instead of choosing joy, there is too much of choosing suffering instead.
This can seem crazy for anyone to choose unhappiness, and yet we know from first hand experience that we do exactly that. The natural question comes, “Why?” The answers can vary, but it comes down to the same thing–a part of us thinks a negative thought will make us safe and happy. For instance, a state of depression can seem like a safe place to retreat. A child may seek out a closet, make a nest of blankets and pillows inside and close the closet door to darken the room. Inside the closet all the chaos, shame and fear disappear. Depression can initially feel like that closet, all safe and warm.
And every other “negative” behavior has a root cause in seeking happiness–but in all the wrong places. Again, “Why?” Because you are not one whole person yet. You have many parts to your self, parts that vie with one another for fulfillment of varied needs. The key to resolving this inner conflict can be found in learning some basic spiritual principles, and then teaching them to all the various parts of yourself.
One such principle is to choose joy. Absolute joy is ultimately a spiritual gift, not just “luck of the draw” or just for a fortunate few, but grace that comes to all. However the key to having joy is to be realy open to receiving it. There are many who say they want happiness, but parts of them do not believe they deserve it, or if that they get it, then it will be taken from them–“So (goes the reasoning), better not to even think that happiness can be mine.”
However, there is no stopping a determined soul, especially true when individual will is united with Divine Will! Decide to choose joy, discard every other thought and you open the door to grace and real joy; Bliss flows to you, of this I am sure.
Flame Exercise: When a thought comes to you and does not spark joy, then discard it. See with your mind’s eye a flame 12 to 14 inches in front of you, then send the unwanted thought into this flame; the Light of God. See those thoughts you are discarding flowing into the flame, and see the flame consume the thought and take it up and away–purified in those flames.
In this way you can choose only thoughts that give you joy, let everything else go. Moods, unhealthy desires, compulsions and negativity can be gotten rid of, beginning now! Decide to think only of Light, universal Love and ever-new Joy and change your life, never to be the same.