Surrender, Listen and Give

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Blog Archive

Friday, October 31, 2008

Surrender, Listen and Give (Poem)

Surrender all thoughts, irrespective of right or wrong, for they all arise from Within.

Listen to the forceful or soft voice, whether it makes sense or not, for that is Awakening.

Give compassion to all beings, without judging them as good or bad, for we are all One.

***
Aum Tat Sat

Let Peace Prevail (poem)

Let space be created , by getting rid of extra clothing.

Let only needs be met, by getting rid of excess gadgets.


Let clarity rule, by getting rid of extraneous thoughts.

Let peace prevail, by getting rid of desired expectations.

***
Aum Tat Sat

Uncertainty is Certain (Poem)

The only thing that is certain is uncertainty.

The only thing that is constant is change.

The only thing that is absolute is peace.

The only thing that is perennial is spirit.

***
Aum Tat Sat

What is Fear? (poem)

Fear is like an alarm, which monitors danger.

Fear is a tree, which is rooted purely in intuition.


Fear is like dense fog, which blocks all clarity.

Fear is a problem, which can be solved with Faith.

***
Aum Tat Sat

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Bliss Keeps on Happening (poem)

When a heart feels connected,

a few words keep on echoing,

tearful eyes keeps on longing,

a warmth keeps on flowing,

desires keep on surrendering,

and bliss keeps on happening.

***
Aum Tat Sat

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Growing During a Change (poem)

I was resisting a change in my life, and therefore struggling. I was unhappy and perturbed.

During meditation, it occurred to me that, when one resists something, it increases manifold. Also, a change is inevitable in life, for in nature everything is constantly changing. The stars, the moon, the Sun and the Earth are constantly moving. The trees, the grass, the plants are constantly growing. So, nature is inspiring me to accept the changes, finding a way for personal growth during the change, and transmuting it towards a wishful change.

And this is possible by first halting all resistances. Secondly, letting everything happen. Thirdly, emptying all that is stored inside mind and heart. Fourthly, by being open to receiving all that it wishes me to learn. Lastly, finding the joy in the process.

Today, on this Indian festival of lights, called Diwali,
I PRAY THAT ALL BEINGS BE BLESSED TO ACCEPT THE CHANGE IN DIVINE LIGHT.

***

Change is the only thing constant in life,

So, simply accept it with a genuine smile,

Search a way to grow during the change,

And, then convert it into a wishful change.

***
Aum Tat Sat

Monday, October 27, 2008

How Does Love Feel? (poem)

Love feels Naive, for it innocently Happens.

Love feels like a Force, for it leads to Surrender.


Love feels Pure, for it seeks only the Spirit.

Love feels like God, for it is sacred to the Heart.

***

Aum Tat Sat

How Does a Prayer Work? (poem)

When my son was in preschool, one day he was coughing a lot. I wanted him to be given the cough syrup but the preschool needed paperwork from the hospital.

After making several anxious phone calls/messages to the doctor's office, I realized that the paperwork would not be faxed before his nap time.

In that moment, I resorted to what works best for me, which is Praying. Leaving phone aside, I started praying for my son's peaceful sleep.

When I picked him up in the AN, the teacher told me that he slept fine without coughing at all. I smiled within, and thanked God silently.

Recently, I was listening to another parents concern regarding her 4 year old son. I immediately shared this story with her and later when I reflected upon how I have experienced (first hand) things getting arranged, this following poem surfaced.

***

Prayer works most efficiently, when it is requested for someone else.

Prayer heals very quickly, when it is addressed by someone who loves.


Prayer arranges everything smoothly, when it arises out of necessity.

Prayer gets answered immediately, when it is made for seeking clarity.

***
Aum Tat Sat

Sunday, October 26, 2008

A Physicist Responds (India Currents)

Here is the link to letter to the editor (India Currents) about "What is a person of scientific temper to do about all these gurus?” (“A Rationalist’s Dilemma,” India Currents, August 2008) at

http://www.indiacurrents.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=27c7ce632d6423f405dfab9c274eb2cf&this_category_id=109

Saturday, October 25, 2008

Surrendering to God (poem)

During this morning's meditation, I realized that God is the only one who knows me completely inside out and therefore is controlling my circumstances in such a way that it will only foster my growth.

God is asking me to empty all that I have in my mind and heart and encouraging me to trust the process.

When I heard this, I knew that nothing can ever harm me.

And the following words poured out in complete Surrender.

***

To God, who is arranging for each one of my needs lovingly, I Surrender.

To God, who is teaching me to accept uncertainties smilingly, I Surrender.


To God, who is prodding me to offer all actions in divine trust, I Surrender.

To God, who is controlling my thoughts as well as my destiny, I Surrender.

***
Aum Tat Sat

Friday, October 24, 2008

How to pursue one's love? (poem)

My 5 year old son loves cooking. Yesterday, he insisted on cutting onions even though his eyes were constantly watering. When I asked him to leave it in a firm voice, he protested (almost crying), “But, I love cutting onions.”

Knowing that the nature of onions cannot be changed, I brainstormed to somehow keep him happy. Just then an idea flashed. I asked him to pull out his exploring, geologist big-bulky glasses (from a science project kit), which completely covers the eye so that nothing external can slide in, while providing a clear vision.

It was a happy moment for me, to watch my son cut, extremely patiently and carefully those thin slices of onions. Being able to pursue what he loves surely made him happy.

This poem surfaced during this morning's meditation, after reflecting on how I myself and kids or adults around me find happiness by pursuing what they love.

***

Pursue love for cooking by cutting onions wearing goggles.

Pursue love for acting by enacting alone or amidst people.


Pursue love for an instrument by playing it while waiting.

Pursue love for writing by scribbling ideas while cooking.


Pursue love for connecting through single minded seeking.

Pursue love for dear people by sending it out through God.

***
Aum Tat Sat

Thursday, October 23, 2008

What happens in True Love? (poem)

I was talking to some friends about reading (in “ There is no other” by Swami Chetanananda) that one can sense God in nature, silence and true love. We all agreed upon Nature and Silence but wondered, “What happens in True love?”

From, my limited experience, I feel true love is this.

***

In true love, one constantly prays for the other.

In true love, one understands the other's silence.

In true love, one can sense the pain of the other.

In true love, one gives without any expectations.

***
Aum Tat Sat

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Give Love to be Loved (Poem)

I was reflecting on one of the best times of my life. I remembered, I was most happy when I was loving and friendly to almost the entire college. There was laughter, joy and no worries.

Then, as I allowed the pressure of studies or family to overtake, I started becoming clamped and unhappy.

Perhaps, somewhere, I started limiting my own energy within a box. I allowed my free spirit to get confined inside a stuffy box.

At 40, I find myself pressed under tons of responsibilities and uncertainty. But, after this morning's, meditation, I feel like promising myself to start singing once again, a song that my heart is longing to sing, wherever I am. Plus making efforts to go out and meet friends I wish to be with, talking about our dreams and laughing while watching Charlie Chaplin with kids.

But, now, unlike at age 18, I wish to do all this while staying connected to my God within and facing whatever is arising, while loving, singing and laughing.

This poem is like a guideline for me to follow, drawn from Within.

***

If possible give Love to be loved, else send out Prayers.

If possible Interact to get enriched, else Share writings.

If possible be with Nature to connect, else Visualize it.

If possible Converse within for guidance, else be Quiet.

***
Aum Tat Sat

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Just Let It Be (poem)

I was reflecting about a wide variety of emotions, from thoughts to fears, to taking a stand or even allowing spirit to rule over mind, that I experience pretty often. I realized that most of the thoughts and emotions can be ignored but some really bothersome ones need to be addressed, in higher awareness.

Most of the time it is my own resistance while opposing them or at other instances, getting swayed away that actually drains me out.

But if for a change, instead of resisting, if I let all that is happening, happen and watch it, while staying focused on God, perhaps I will be able to discover something hidden in them and will be released from the "trouble" contained in them.

This poem surfaced in the early morning, during meditation, as if my soft voice was telling me all this.

***

Let thoughts arise.

Let heart speak.


Let fears surface.

Let courage pop.


Let stands be taken.

Let love be given.


Let spirit awaken.

Let path be shown.


***
Aum Tat Sat

What Happens Sometimes? (poems)

Sometimes, a few moments seem longer than hours.

Sometimes, a path becomes visible in the darkness.


Sometimes, two words can speak more than sentences.

Sometimes, silence connects deeper than conversations.


Sometimes, hugs can be experienced in meditation.

Sometimes, peace can be received during Surrender.

***
Aum Tat Sat

Monday, October 20, 2008

I am Being Done (poem)

In the two last days, the circumstances seemed to be extremely harsh. And to save myself, I really needed to take some drastic steps.

But, then I sensed as if a sincere prayer shifted the direction of the storm heading towards me.
It reconfirmed my faith in “Universe arranging things for me” and brought to light a new awareness that I am always, simply being done.

The following poem, came out as a joyful-tearful-thanks to all those who prayed for me .

***

I am not really thinking my own thoughts,
for, Circumstances keep on changing them.

I am not truly speaking from my own heart,
for, Destiny is simply announcing its plans .

I am not exactly the doer of my creativity,
for, Source is the actual, humble performer.

I am not even worried about my problems,
for, now, I know that I am just being Done.

***
Aum Tat Sat

What are tears saying? (poem)

While wiping my tears during meditation, I remembered my own tears of joy and sadness, of contentment and fear, under different circumstances.

Also, I reflected on the moments when I observed others tears around me.

It was amazing that these tiny, transparent, moist drops communicate a wide variety of our feelings even when coming out of the same set of eyes.

Here, is a poem dedicated to those who have the courage to listen to their heart and allow these precious pearls to cleanse their eyes, heart and the mind; without caring for others opinion.

***

Tears say, “Hurray!”, when a heart felt wish gets fulfilled.

Tears say, “I need your attention!”, when an infant wakes up.


Tears say, “I love you!”, when a heart is longing for someone.

Tears say, “Don't do this to me!”, when a child resists punishment.


Tears say, “Feels better now!”, when courage pours out the truth.

Tears say, “Why, me (or my...)?”, when an adult complains to God.


Tears say, “God, help me!”, when a dense fog masks clarity.

Tears say, “Thank God!”, whenever a prayer gets answered.

***
Aum Tat Sat

Saturday, October 18, 2008

What feels like Peace? (poem)

I was extremely perturbed and kept on dealing with conflicting thoughts. I could not even sing any of my chants.

After sometime, when I could finally sit down to meditate. I felt peace, remembering Amma (the hugging saint) in the following forms.

***

Peace felt like the shade of a cool tree.

Peace felt like the calmness of a still lake.

Peace felt like an umbrella in heavy rain.

Peace felt as if I were in Amma's embrace.

***
Aum Tat Sat

New Family (poem)

Every morning when I step out for my morning walk and sense the Nature, I hear myself saying involuntarily, “What could be better than this?”.

I feel an instant connection with the orange clouds, the pink sky, the dancing leaves, the singing birds, the cool breeze, the wet grass and the invisible Sun. I feel in that moment that I am indeed a part of God's family.

This poem, surfaced while taking my morning walk and realizing that, now, I can never be lonely.
For, now, the Nature, like a caring family is nurturing my spiritual growth, just as my family and friends nurtured my physical, mental and emotional growth.



***


Widespread grass, feels like, my Mother's open arms,

And warm Sun, feels like, my Father's loving pats.



Changing clouds, feel like, my Brother's innovative teasing,

And swaying leaves, feel like, my Sister's warm greeting.



Chirping birds, feel like, my best Friend's cheerful singing,

And caressing breeze, feels like, a Blessed cheek kissing.



Blue sky, feels like, my Grandpa's constant encouraging,

And blossoming buds, feel like, my True nature's unfolding.




***

Aum Tat Sat

Friday, October 17, 2008

Seeking from the Infinite (poem)

These days, when I am interacting with some of my old friends, I feel I am drifting away from them. Sometimes, I wish to end the conversation right away, for I realize that there is nothing common to talk about, and other times their remarks (about my new path) put me off. Then there are some, who even try to pull me towards their path, which now seems uninteresting. During these interactions, I get drained and feel that I have wasted my energy.

Then on other occasions, I also meet a group of completely new friends, who are walking my path; we resonate and support each other.

Now, that I am sure, I am walking the right path, I pray that my bothersome old friends get connected within. I seek that I find courage to tell them lovingly why I am walking away (to those who try to distract me off my path), and discover calmness to stay centered while sending out compassion (towards those who make disrespectful comments).

Old friends are still welcome in my life, if they wish to walk with me or respect my journey walking their own path.

The mantra of Spirituality of being open in mind and heart, holds good not only to generate compassion and look at every situation lovingly, but also in filtering out people in my life.

The following poem surfaced as a result of some of my recent uneasy interactions with old friends.

***

I am feeling God's love, because, I am connecting to my own Source.


I am walking God's path, because, I am praying for Divine guidance.


I am giving God's love, because, I am following the Supreme force.


I am sensing God's protection, because, I am seeking from the Infinite.


***

Aum Tat Sat

Thursday, October 16, 2008

What I am Not? (poem)

Yesterday, night I attended a wonderful talk about life, death and astral world. During this morning's meditation, I realized that all my manifestations are NOT really me. These manifestations are housing my real me, my imprinted soul, which is sometimes free to move around (as in Astral world) or sometimes resides inside a body (in this materialistic world). All that is visible is a wonderful, hi-tech house in which my soul resides. The cleanliness( hygiene), the maintenance(looks), the burglar/fire alarm (senses) are important for the presentable-packaging-and-protection of the soul which is residing within. I need to honor and take care of these manifestations much like a rental apartment instead of possessing it as my own home. And above all, reminding myself that, I am truly Not any of these.

***

I am Not my casual or fine clothes.

I am Not this pretty or pimpled face.

I am Not this trim or lumpy body.

I am Not this soft or rough skin.

I am Not this wise or weak mind.

I am Not this pink or red blood.

I am Not this deep or shallow breath.

I am Not these strong or weak bones.

I am Not these alert or craving senses.

I am Not this Ph. D. or untitled name.

I am Not this relaxed or stiff body.

I am Not anything, but a free spirit.

***
Aum Tat Sat

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

What is Courage? (poem)

Yesterday, my 10 year old daughter, communicated her frank opinion negating a derogatory comment (about someone else) made by an adult. In that moment, I realized that she had started discriminating between right and wrong. I felt very proud of her instant reaction, for it had put the inconsiderate speaker in an uncomfortable spot.

But, unfortunately, I did not find the courage to applaud her in that moment, for I got into the loop that my applauding (her) might hurt/upset/disrespect the speaker.

However, after, this early morning's meditation, I realized that I should have done that. Now, I know that courage is also finding the courage to support it (whenever or wherever I see it happening), in addition to acting courageously.

***

Courage is knowing that something is not correct and speaking fearlessly against it.

Courage is finding the courage to applaud other's inspiring actions, defying all barriers.

Courage is realizing the truth, upholding it and taking a doubt-free-firm stand for it.

Courage is sensing the authenticity in a moment and following the heart with conviction.

Courage is recognizing the Divine Force within and honoring it in complete Surrender.

***

Aum Tat Sat

Monday, October 13, 2008

The forceful force (poem)

I was sitting in meditation, seeking guidance from within. I broke down right at the beginning and as the crying increased, the clarity surfaced. It was a powerful moment, when I recognized the truth.

Then, I felt a strong force pushing me forward, blessing me with the courage which is much needed to take a stand for the truth.

***

It felt like a gushing force rising up,
as if lifting something along with it.

It flooded my whole being with tears,
which acted like magnifying lenses.

It showed me all that had always been there,
only waiting to be recognized and accepted.

It pushed me to spell out the truth,
which had long been suppressed.

It blessed me with a lingering contentment,
as if encouraging me to follow the calling.

***
Aum Tat Sat

What is a dream? (poem)

Recently, my 10 year old daughter confided her dream in me. It was an extraordinary moment which happened in ordinary circumstances, when we were cooking dinner together on the stove and there was nobody else around us. While she was speaking, I saw it twinkling in her eyes.

Later, while thinking about it, I wondered about the magic of the dream. It made me question myself, how wonderful it would be, if everyone starts focusing on their dream(s) instead of the pain or problems?

I share this poem with a prayer, that this poem triggers the dreamer residing in the Universe.

***

To dream, is fostering a sacred wish.

A dream grows with each warm breath.

To dream, is to work without effort.

A dream is a prayer already in action.

***

Aum Tat Sat

Sunday, October 12, 2008

While I am Seeking booklet of poems (published at IdeaIndia.com)

Dear Readers,

I take pride in sharing the news at the first booklet of 6 poems has been published at IdeaIndia.com on the following website.

http://www.ideaindia.com/product.php?catid=25

I seek your blessings, if you read through it and get back to me about it.


Kind Regards,
Gunjan

Saturday, October 11, 2008

What is Giving? (poem)

Recently, one of my neighbor's mother, sent me a gift from India. My neighbor screamed out my name and told me about it, pausing her car in the middle of the traffic (from across the street). I was touched by the thought and with tears in my eyes, I almost danced on the street. In that moment, her mother illustrated me, what God urges me to do constantly, GIVING.

She truly is a giving person, for she showered me with a motherly hug, each time I met her (while she was here) and kept me in her loving thoughts (even when she was away).

This poem is dedicated to all those who give for the sake of giving, and thereby contribute a significant part in making this world a better place.

***

Giving is what God does.

Giving is all about caring.

Giving from heart spreads joy.

Giving is life's true goal.

***
Aum Tat Sat

Friday, October 10, 2008

I am Safe, I am Sound (chant)

I am Safe, I am Sound,
I am Clear, I am Calm,
I am Yours, I am You,
I am I AM.

***
Aum Tat Sat

What is Emancipating? (poem)

Emancipation is felt in the moments of

Loving without expecting any returns,

Courageously speaking from the heart,

Forgiving self and other's mistakes and,

Experiencing spirit overruling the mind.

***
Aum Tat Sat

I am God's (chant + audio)

I am God's, you are God's,
He is God's, she is God's,
Everyone is God's,
Nobody is mine.
***

To listen to this chant, click on the triangle above:




Aum Tat Sat

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

How does one express caring? (poem)

I was reflecting on some moments, when I was touched by the care expressed by others and when I conveyed it without saying it in words, “I care for you.” This is what surfaced from that reflection and those precious moments.

***

The caring can be expressed,

By honoring the message,

By scolding with concern,

By listening with attention,

By arguing with conviction,

By speaking the truth, and

By giving one's very best.

***
Aum Tat Sat

What is Fun? (poem)

One of my old friends called me up out of the blue and asked me, “How is life?”
I replied, “Its fun.”
She inquired,” What kind of fun?”
This is what I told her.

***

Fun is to feel the cool sprinkler water on face and hands.

Fun is to walk through the dried maple leaves in the park.

Fun is to listen to the melodious chirping of the birds.

Fun is to look at the joyful swaying of the leaves.

Fun is to cherish the gentle kissing of the cool breeze.

Fun is to able to enjoy all this, everywhere and at all times.

***
Aum Tat Sat

I am Safe, I am Sound (chant)

This chant is a sequel to “I am Love, I am Joy”, “I am Here, I am Now”, “I am Courage, I am Truth”.

The first line came up when my 5 year old son was feeling unsafe in his new school, and the second line when a big uncertainty got cleared up soon after my 40th birthday.

Singing this chant (like its predecessors) anywhere or anytime, helps me in replacing scattered thoughts with crystal clear thoughts.

***

I am Safe, I am Sound,
I am Clear, I am Calm.
I am Yours, I am You,
I am I AM.

***
Aum Tat Sat

What is my goal? (poem)

My goal is to GIVE.

Because, I am God,

God is Love, and

Love is GIVING.

***
Aum Tat Sat

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

If Thoughts are Chosen (poem)

Now, I know that I am my thoughts, and that I am creating my life through each one of my thoughts.

Now, I have realized that thoughts are like waves, which propagate in all directions, carry leaves sitting on them and also hit the rocks. The only thing under my control is the choice of thought, which once set out simply spreads out, becomes amplified, affects my energy as well as interactions and then get fulfilled; whether I like it or not.

With this new awareness after reading a book (Creative Mind and Success by Ernest Holmes) and reflecting back on my memories; I choose to think that the following prayer gets fulfilled.

I pray, that I am able to focus each one of my thoughts towards my goals in higher awareness; and (if at times, I am not able to do so) I vomit out bothersome thoughts (out of my system) at the earliest through repeated meditation/writing/sketching or channelize any other thought (sweet or stimulating) towards the goal. DO NOT GET LURED BY THEM.

This poem surfaced gradually, as I read through this 63 page book in 3 days/nights. I send out my thanks to Ernest (for sharing his wisdom) and to God, for showing me this explosive awareness.

***

If (thoughts are chosen)
{
Visualize goals in them.
}
else
if (thoughts are pricking)
{
Just bottle them out.
}
else
{
Deflect them towards the goal.
}
***
Aum Tat Sat

Monday, October 6, 2008

Rejuvenating Relationships (poem)

The handle of an 11 year old most-used pan in the kitchen broke off. The pan was intact, but could no longer be used. I thought of getting a new one, but just then, discovered an unused pan with a brand new handle inside the kitchen. An idea flashed and led to replacing the broken handle with the new one. It enabled me to start re-using the old pan with the same ease, without having to get another one.

Somehow, I carried the old-pan-with-new-handle picture during meditation. It surfaced then that perhaps, the same analogy would work with some old-much-needed relationships in my life, which need rejuvenating.


***

Just as, a new handle can replace a broken one.

talking through God can replace the verbal one.


Just as, the new handle works for an old pan,

a new trust in God can rejuvenate relationships.

***

Aum Tat Sat

Needs and Wishes (poem)

This Monday morning (during meditation), I was reflecting about what I talked to my father (last night). It was about my wishing to talk less and lesser. This was news to my father, for I have always been a nonstop-chatter box.

I realized I have changed. So far, I enjoyed talking, but now, I find a joy in silence.

The following poem came out right after this meditation.

***

I need to filter my thoughts, for they get amplified.

I wish to constantly remember, that I am the GOD.


I need to watch my words, for they keep creating.

I wish to keep quiet, for I prefer tuning to the SELF.


I need to select my actions, for they consume energy.

I wish to aid, the flow of what's coming through ME.


***

Aum Tat Sat

Sunday, October 5, 2008

Seeking security (poem)

On last Friday, my 5 year old son was extremely tired by 7 pm. I was still in the kitchen and he knew that it would take me at least an hour to be around him in his bedroom (upstairs). Listening to his body (which was dying to sleep) and his mind (which needed the security of my presence), he without talking about it, decided to hit the sofa. Looking at the way he was sleeping, I registered that security meant much more to him than the comfort and the coziness of the bed. In that moment, I remembered my childhood (around the same age) and then reflected on where do I seek security (now).

***

Recently, I observed my son sleeping on the sofa,

instead of his cozy bed, just because I was around.


I remembered, choosing to stay with my mother,

over a day-long trip with the rest of the family.


Presently, I sense nothing-can-harm-me security,

overriding my fears, only during deep meditation.


***

Aum Tat Sat

Thursday, October 2, 2008

Who is a True Friend? (poem)

One day before my 40th birthday, I sat down writing down the names of friends to invite. Next, I wondered how many of them were true friends. While answering this question, I remembered some delicate moments with different friends. In tears, the following poem got written.

Today, when I have turned 40, I have a lot to thank God about and especially for blessing me with true friends.

This poem is dedicated to all dear and true friends in the world.

***

A true friend is someone,

who yells at me angrily, in disagreement

yet, runs to pick me up, when I stumble.


A true friend is someone,

who, despite having different priorities,

confides in me, everything, honestly.


A true friend is someone,

who keeps on telling me, I can do it,

and, listens to me, without judging.


A true friend is someone,

who is happy in my happiness,

and cares for me, in my pain.


A true friend is someone,

who is an absolute joy to be with,

and a blessing, which keeps giving.


***

Aum Tat Sat