Discovering God Through Everyday Moments

The concept that one can experience God through the simple act of drinking water is profound yet plausible when we recognize the omnipresence of the Supreme Being. After all, water is just one of the numerous energies that make up this mortal world. Logically, we must conclude: where there is Energy there must be an “Energetic” – a source from which that energy flows. That energetic Source, according to the Vedas is Para-Brahman.[1]

The Bhagavata Purana contains a rich description of how we can perceive the presence of God’s all-pervading energy or universal form in nature:

“O King, the rivers are the veins of the gigantic body, the trees are the hairs of His body, and the omnipotent air is His breath. The passing ages are His movements… (SB 2.1.33) …the clouds, which carry water, are the hairs on His head, the terminations of days or nights are His dress, and the supreme cause of material creation is His intelligence. His mind is the moon, the reservoir of all changes.” (SB 2.1.34)

Even without scriptural references, recognizing a divine presence in our lives becomes evident when we take time for contemplation. While we may debate the specifics of the Divine, there is a consensus that God exists in some form.

The late Mother Teresa encouraged the practice of contemplation as a means to God realization by making it a central component of her mission.

“Our life of contemplation shall…gather the whole universe at the very center of our hearts where the Lord of the universe abides, and allow the pure water of divine grace to flow plentifully and unceasingly from the source itself, on the whole of his creation.”

Her teachings encouraged people to cultivate thoughtfulness by embracing silence amidst our hectic lives.

“We need to find God, and he cannot be found in noise and restlessness. God is the friend of silence. See how nature – trees, flowers, and grass grow in silence; see the stars, the moon and the sun, how they move in silence … We need silence to be able to touch souls.”

Sometimes, we need to slow down and quiet our mind to be able to appreciate the full value of our current situation. Silence is golden. Author of The Ragged Edge of Silence: Finding Peace in a Noisy World, John Francis Ph.D. certainly believes so.

Following an oil spill near San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge in January 1971, Francis took a vow of silence and refrained from using motorized vehicles for 22 years.. A strong-willed and opinionated man, Francis decided to see what he could learn from listening and walking wherever he went. In sharing his experience, Francis learned that contemplation is an effective means to enhance our spiritual awareness because it helps us to discover who we really are – and ultimately – to find peace.

“Lacking a natural quiet of a previous age, we can accept the benefits of meditation and silence as a way to counteract the anxiety and depression often generated through our association with a noise-polluted world.”

Among all material elements, water uniquely resonates with our body, mind, and soul. In its purest form it energizes our body through the process of hydrolysis; as calming tea it can still our mind; as a transporter of higher vibrations it can inspire our soul; and its feminine qualities can embrace and nurture our entire being.

Take a moment to truly appreciate water and enjoy the holistic well-being it offers.

FOOD YOGA – Nourishing Body, Mind & Soul

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[1] Para-Brahman: term often
used by Vedantic philosophers as to the “attainment of the ultimate goal.” There
is only one Supreme Para–Brahman and all energies and other
deities are expansions of this Para-Brahman.

FAQ

Q: How can everyday actions lead to God realization?

A: Everyday actions, like drinking water, remind us of the divine’s omnipresence. By recognizing the sacred in the mundane, we connect with the Supreme’s energy and deepen our spiritual awareness.

Q: What role does contemplation play in realizing God?

A: Contemplation allows us to quiet our minds and embrace silence, creating space for divine grace. This practice enhances our spiritual connection and helps us perceive the divine in our lives.

Q: How does water contribute to spiritual awareness?

A: Water, in its purity, energizes our body and calms our mind. Its nurturing qualities inspire our soul, making it a powerful element for holistic well-being and spiritual growth.

Q: Why is silence important in spiritual practices?

A: Silence helps us slow down and reflect, allowing us to appreciate the present and deepen our spiritual awareness. It counteracts noise pollution and fosters inner peace and self-discovery.

Q: How can everyday actions lead to spiritual awareness?

A: Everyday actions, such as drinking water, remind us of the divine’s omnipresence. By acknowledging the sacred in the mundane, we connect with the Supreme’s energy and deepen our spiritual awareness.

Q: What role does contemplation play in spiritual growth?

A: Contemplation allows us to quiet our minds and embrace silence, creating space for divine grace. This practice enhances our spiritual connection and helps us perceive the divine in our lives.

Q: How does water contribute to spiritual awareness?

A: Water, in its purity, energizes our body and calms our mind. Its nurturing qualities inspire our soul, making it a powerful element for holistic well-being and spiritual growth.

Q: Why is silence important in spiritual practices?

A: Silence helps us slow down and reflect, allowing us to appreciate the present and deepen our spiritual awareness. It counteracts noise pollution and fosters inner peace and self-discovery.

Q: What did Mother Teresa teach about contemplation?

A: Mother Teresa emphasized contemplation as a means to God realization, encouraging people to embrace silence and thoughtful reflection to connect with the divine.

Q: How did John Francis Ph.D. use silence to find peace?

A: John Francis Ph.D. took a vow of silence and refrained from using motorized vehicles for 22 years, finding that contemplation and silence enhanced his spiritual awareness and peace.

Q: What is the significance of the Bhagavata Purana in understanding God?

A: The Bhagavata Purana describes perceiving God’s universal form in nature, illustrating how divine energy is present in all aspects of the natural world.