WHAT IS YOUR MESSAGE?

"It is no use walking anywhere to preach unless our walking is our preaching" - St. Francis of Assisi.

Every act of ours sends a message to others. If we come late for a meeting or a class, we are sending a message to others that, "this meeting or class is not very important." If we keep things untidy, we are sending a message across that, "cleanliness is not that important." If someone takes bribe, the message that person sends is, "corruption is normal." If someone keeps criticising others and engages in politics, the message he sends to others is, "it's normal to criticise and engage in politics."

If we are very active and fully utilize our time, we give the message that "time is very precious and valuable." If someone sits erect and chants with absorption, he sends a message across that, "chanting is the most wonderful experience in life." If someone continues on in life with hope even amidst unlimited problems, he sends a message that, "life may be difficult but it is always filled with adventurous lessons for which we can be grateful."

We don't have to speak a word to give a message to the world, our actions speak everything. As they say - actions speak louder than words. Every action of ours sends out either an empowering and a positive message or an dis-empowering and a negative message. Look at your life and see what message you are unconsciously sending out. And if you are not happy with that message, it's time to consciously change it to a meaningful and an inspiring one because after all, our life is just a message.

- Achyut Gopal Das

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