Tag: faith

Posted in Being Prayerful, Blessings from Appaji, Celebrating Existence, Celebrating Life, Life, Love and Blessings

Celebrating Time: Happy New Year 2025!

Posted on by rachaelathomasj

Hey everyone, Happy New Year and all the best to you and your loved ones in 2025!

As many of you know, I always say that I am eternally blessed, and I am forever grateful because I mean it! Recently, I have added moving forward with faith so it’s now: Eternally grateful, forever blessed and moving forward with faith.

Looking back at the past year, I am grateful for not giving up! I am grateful for my persistence, resilience, the love and support of those in my circle, opportunities to create memorable moments and blessings from the Divine Master.

I am not saying that it wasn’t a year with challenges, but I am not dwelling on them. It was a year of valuable learning, experiences and growth. While I didn’t run from challenges, I have learnt the value of taking the time to put things into context, get clarity and take it bit by bit and step by step, one moment at a time.

What are some of my wins?

  1. Being able to spread positivity, one person at a time. This blog, Celebrating Existence, is now in 143 countries, it is being viewed daily, and it has 26k viewers.
  2. On TikTok I have been sharing positive messages via rachaelathomasj and I have generally been consistent.
  3. My YouTube channel continues to grow.
  4. Additions to my Time to Travel to Trinidad and Tobago were made.
  5. I completed the script for a play entitled Shattered Dreams and Silver Linings which is due to be staged in Barbados this year. The play itself is based on a storyline very close to my heart and seeks to bring awareness and a need for persons to look out for each other. It focuses echoes so many things, primarily that things can change in a split second, not everything can be fixed and brings together a focus on health, family, personal struggles just to name a few, reminding us of two things I always say- no one can fit in your shoes the way you do and tomorrow is promised to no one.
  6. Being able to deal with some tough situations, knowing that I did the right thing, so even I can say, I did it my way!
  7. Being saved from a catastrophic situation where one job opportunity could have placed my family in harm’s way. Thankfully the Divine Master protected us and took care of us as always.

This being said, I wish each and every one of you and your beautiful families a joyful, peaceful, and love-filled New Year! May this coming year bring gentle moments, shared laughter, healing, new beginnings, and the kind of happiness that lingers in your heart. May your homes be filled with warmth, your days with purpose, and your lives with blessings beyond measure. Here’s to new memories, stronger bonds, and all the magic this fresh chapter holds—Happy New Year!

@rachaelathomasj

Happy New Year 2025! #newyearsday #happynewyear #rachaelathomasj #celebratingexistence #2025 #today #motivation #inspiration #fyp #faith #blessed #you

♬ original sound – rachaelathomasj
@rachaelathomasj

Happy New Year 2025 #happynewyear #goodvibes #positivity #rachaelathomasj #celebratingexistence #newyearsday #2025 #lovelife #fyp #today #blessed #you

♬ 2025 Happy New year – Alexander Shangoi Syiem
Posted in Love and Blessings, Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji

Celebrating Pujya Appaji!

Posted on by rachaelathomasj

In this post I am celebrating His Holiness Parama Pujya Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji, our dearest Pujya Appaji! Appaji is like no other and those who know His Holiness can surely agree that He has never been! Appaji, over and over again, I place my most humble prostrations at Your Lotus Feet!

Not one day in my life have I ever questioned Appaji or His greatness and Appaji knows I never would. My journey with Appaji began years ago as a little girl seeing His name and trying to say it and practicing it syllable by syllable without knowing Sachchidanda means ‘truth, consciousness and bliss”. To see Pujya Appaji’s smiling face is always a comfort.  To hear His voice, read His messages, go through the different platforms He exposes us to daily is only just a fraction of the many blessings we receive on a daily basis!

From the very first day I saw Pujya Appaji, His priceless smile and His eyes said it all! Every day of our lives with Pujya Appaji has been a blessing and no number of words can adequately say Thank You to His Holiness for all He has done for us and continues to do for us! As I am writing this, I am listening to Appaji’s bhajans, and His voice is my comfort.

Photo Credit: Avadhoota Datta Peetham

When I posted on Facebook a few days ago it felt like I was looking on at a dream and as these past two weeks have unfolded Appaji and Lord Hanuman showed that together They have provided protection and guidance consistently as always.

 Indeed, I had a career opportunity that I was working towards for over the last eight years. When it came it felt surreal. I had forgotten about it for a bit because of how long I had applied but I was honored to be selected. I spoke to Shiva and let him know I needed the kids and him with me as I couldn’t be away from them for over a month and leave them alone so he knew what my thoughts were and though I followed the instructions I was given, I spoke mentally to Appaji saying, “Whatever You decide I will follow!” The reality was that I just needed to make an effort to show interest and I did, but nothing else was in my hands and with good reason! This job would have placed my entire family in jeopardy because as I said, I would have been on an island waiting with Shiva and our little ones for Hurricane Beryl to hit. Seeing the damage it wreaked on so many people in so many countries, knowing how many people it affected, I know what we were spared from.

My reality is this:

  1. Pujya Appaji and Lord Hanumanta have saved me several times and I will always be eternally grateful for this.
  2. Pujya Appaji has taught me the value of silence on so many levels.
  3. Pujya Appaji has taught me why I need to focus.
  4. Pujya Appaji has given me many avenues to be good and do good.

Like me, many of you can attest to the fact that:

5. Pujya Appaji blesses us each day abundantly and no number of words can adequately say Thank You because we owe Pujya Appaji a debt of gratitude that we can never repay.

6. Pujya Appaji has found so many avenues to interact with us on a daily basis that He reminds us He is always with us. We have Pujya Appaji’s social media platforms, SGS Posts and all other apps, YouTube, the Ashramas and Datta Yoga Centers globally, Kriya Yoga, Bhagavad Gita, Kavachas, daily live sessions, Dattavani speeches and Bhajans just to name a few.

7. Pujya Appaji has established several Bala Datta Centers to ensure that our children are taken care of.

8. Pujya Appaji has authorized the publishing of so many books available in print and as e-books on sites like Amazon.

9. Pujya Appaji has given us Ragas and provided us with Healing Music.

10. Pujya Appaji has and continues to tell us and show us day after day, how to take better care of ourselves.

11. Pujya Appaji has always been committed to helping us take better care of ourselves.

12. Pujya Appaji has always been committed to serving mankind.

13. Pujya Appaji has and continues to teach us how to take better care of our environment, and by extension, this world we live in.

14. Pujya Appaji’s actions have always been selfless.

15. Pujya Appaji has always been committed to helping people the world over!

16. Pujya Appaji always urges us to live together.

17. Pujya Appaji does not discriminate.

18. Pujya Appaji is the purest representation of Divinity, Selflessness and all that is good.

19. Pujya Appaji leads by example.

20. Pujya Appaji’s commitment, dedication and love have been unwavering.

21. Pujya Appaji loves us all and that love speaks volumes.

Appaji, we pray for Your Health and will continue to do so! We thank You immensely for all You have done for us and continue to do for us, every second of every day! We love You Appaji!

Posted in Celebrate Today, Learning Opportunity, Life, Unfortunate Experiences

Celebrating Embracing Humility and Honesty: Striving for Excellence Amidst Misunderstandings

Posted on by rachaelathomasj

Yes, I am embracing humility and honesty because this is who I am. I always do my best! All through my life as far as I can remember, I have always treated others the way I would want to be treated. People who really know me would say yes, it is true! Unfortunately, those who don’t understand me would misunderstand my silence or my staying away from persons who misunderstand me as something it is not. Even better, those in my circle keep me going and I know I cannot do it without Pujya Appaji.

In life, we often aspire to do our best, guided by the principles of humility and honesty. Giving my best is always me! These values shape our actions and interactions, leading us towards personal growth and meaningful connections. However, despite our best intentions, we may encounter situations where others misunderstand us or accuse us of things we haven’t done. Why? Is it so they can feel better about themselves, or their mindset is just so low that they cannot think about anything better? How do we deal with such situations while staying true to ourselves? It lies in making a conscious decision to continue being your best friend!

The Virtue of Doing Your Best: Doing your best isn’t just about achieving perfection; it’s about giving your all, whether in work, relationships, or personal endeavors. It’s a mindset that drives continuous improvement and resilience in the face of challenges.

The Humility Factor: Humility is often misunderstood as weakness, but it’s a strength that allows us to acknowledge our imperfections and learn from them. Being humble doesn’t mean diminishing your achievements; it means recognizing that you are part of something bigger than yourself.

The Importance of Honesty: Honesty forms the foundation of trust and integrity. It’s about being truthful, even when it’s uncomfortable or unpopular. Honesty builds credibility and fosters genuine connections with others.

Navigating Misunderstandings: Despite our best efforts to be humble and honest, misunderstandings can arise. People may misinterpret our actions or motives, leading to false accusations. It’s crucial to respond calmly and with clarity, seeking to understand the root of the misunderstanding.

Dealing with False Accusations: Being accused of things we haven’t done can be hurtful and challenging. It tests our patience and resilience. In such situations, it’s important to stay calm, gather facts to refute the accusations if needed, and seek support from trustworthy persons who know the truth and accept it for what it is.

Embracing Resilience and Integrity: Resilience is the ability to bounce back from setbacks. It’s about facing adversity with courage and determination while integrity on the other hand, is staying true to your values and principles, even when it’s difficult.

In a world where misunderstandings and false accusations surround us day after day, staying true to ourselves becomes a powerful act of resilience and integrity. By doing our best, embracing humility, and practicing honesty, we not only grow personally but also inspire others to do the same. Let’s navigate life’s challenges with grace and integrity, knowing that staying true to who we are is the ultimate victory.

From me to you, here’s to celebrating your journey!