Value: Simplicity - January 2025

Fourth Week: Both at home and workplace, delegate tasks that others can do. Simplify your personal needs. Do your tasks with a smile and help others.

Delegation is a delicate task for several reasons. Not everyone can handle every aspect of the work, and not everyone will approach tasks however you prefer. It is crucial to accept the imperfections that come with delegating tasks. 

Some people may complete the tasks differently but achieve results exceeding your expectations! It’s only by trying and being patient that you will come to realize this. This is so true when you give the tasks to the next generation!

Pay attention to your daily activities and note those that drain your energy and offer little contentment or fulfillment. This may include spending excessive time on mundane tasks or engaging in discussions with others that do not enhance any part of your life. 

Some individuals have an obsessive interest in certain mundane tasks. For example, they may clean the house 2-3 times every day as if someone comes to inspect it daily! Some brush their teeth every time they eat!

Observing and correcting certain habits is essential for creating time for quiet hours dedicated to contemplation and meditation.

Perform your daily activities cheerfully and willingly. I have seen Pujya Gurudev preparing for his evening talks with great enthusiasm, eager to meet his audience, and joyfully sharing his thoughts. He approached answering every mail with the same enthusiasm, offering thoughtful advice to seekers around the world.

Smiling itself is a service to others. Surprisingly, many want reasons to smile and more reasons to serve!

January Week 4 Guidance Audio:  

 

Q & A

• My natural inclination is to be helpful, and I have been this way since childhood, even if it sometimes puts me at a disadvantage. Sometimes, I wonder if I should avoid helping in certain situations instead of lying, which makes me uncomfortable. Should I continue to help others because it promotes good karma?
• As a sadhaka, you should not extend help to get appreciated. The spirit of Karma Yoga is to help where necessary without expecting anything in return. When our actions do not bloat our ego, we are free from that karma.
• Recently, I've found it challenging to participate in social gatherings. My friends often feel that I'm out of sync with their interests, whether it’s related to clothing, decorations, or conversations. Will I end up alone because I’m trying to simplify my life and focus my energy on what truly matters, even if it means distancing myself from my former circle of friends? Additionally, do indulgence and hedonism naturally accompany spiritual practice?
• Know this for certain: you are always alone. Who is with your thoughts from morning till night? Ultimately, you are alone with your mind. While you may share your thoughts with others, the experience of those thoughts is uniquely yours. There's nothing wrong with spending time with friends, even if your interests differ. You might not participate in the same activities, but you can still engage in conversations about topics you both find interesting.
• If you are a first-generation immigrant, think about how you left your friends back home to pursue your professional career here. You will grow and mature on this journey by learning to redirect your thoughts and quiet your mind. In doing so, you will no longer feel bad about having distanced yourself from your circle of friends.