One thought at a time

Life is happening … !

Second by second or thought by thought. One thought at a time, not one day at a time. Isn’t it true? Pause, and you will see that the reality of life is very simple.

The faster the thoughts run, the more unstable we feel. The slower the thoughts flow, the greater the clarity and the deeper the peace that rises within. Life is unfolding inside us, one thought at a time – either ‘by default’ or ‘by design’.

THE DEFAULT MODE

Most of the time, our thoughts are shaped unconsciously. This is the default mode, where the mind becomes a screen reflecting whatever the world throws at it. In this state, we are carried by the natural forces of the five elements, influenced by the behaviour of others, the circumstances around us, noise, stress, or the constant demands of life.

When we live by default, our thoughts react more than they create. Someone’s harsh words can hijack our peace. A difficult situation can disturb our balance. The weather, traffic, the mood of people around us – everything begins to dictate what we think and how we feel. It appears as if the steering wheel of our inner world has been handed over to the outside world.

This is the state of disconnection. The mind is outward-pulled, restless, and easily shaken. Instead of living, we get carried by the currents of situations. And, in this state, life feels confusing, rushed, unpredictable and heavy.

DESIGNED MODE: WHEN YOU CHOOSE

Now imagine the opposite – living by design. This is when you consciously choose which thought to allow, which thought to ignore, and which thought to nurture. You become the gardener of your inner space, selecting only those thoughts that align with peace, clarity, compassion, and purpose.

Here, the external world may remain the same, but your inner world begins to shift. You stop reacting and start responding. You stop absorbing negativity and start generating positivity. You stop being controlled by the environment and start influencing it through your calm presence.

This is the power of awareness: the ability to pause, to observe, to choose. When you live by design, every thought becomes a step toward the future you are meant to live.

THOUGHT BY THOUGHT

Life is not happening to you; it is happening through you. Every thought leaves an imprint. Every thought becomes a subtle seed. These seeds shape your attitudes, your actions, your choices – and eventually your destiny. You are building your future, thought by thought.

Think wisely.

Think gently.

And the most important – think consciously.

Because the quality of your life is determined by the quality of your thoughts.

Courtesy: Rajyoga Meditation Centre, Kingston (meditation courses and counselling are offered free of charge). Get in touch via email: bkmeditation.jam@gmail.com or WhatsApp: 876-853-7848. Follow them on Instagram: rajyoga_meditation_jamaica.