The older I get, the more I realise something simple:
Blessings are everything.
Not success.
Not recognition.
Not achievement.
But blessings.
Recently, I spent time with Kripamoya and Gurupadma, both disciples of Swami Prabhupada and also the parents of Grammy-nominated devotional singer and musician Jahnavi Harrison.
Their blessings and guidance have been with me for some time now, and honestly, that means more to me than I can properly put into words.
Alongside this, I often reflect on the blessings I’ve received from my spiritual mentor, S.B. Keshava Swami, and from my Guru, Jayapataka Swami.
When I look at my own spiritual journey, I can genuinely say I would not be where I am without their encouragement, guidance, prayers and example.
More Than Personal Effort
There are certain people who carry a sincerity that affects your life deeply.
You see it in the way they live.
The way they serve.
The way they care for others.
And over time, I’ve come to appreciate how rare that really is.
In today’s world, we can easily feel that we have to build everything ourselves.
Work harder.
Push further.
Achieve more.
Become more.
But spiritual life continues to teach me something different.
Growth is not built through effort alone.
It is also built through grace.
Through sincere guidance.
Through genuine encouragement.
Through the blessings of people who truly want the best for us.
The People Who Help Us Become More
Many meaningful moments in my own life came not simply because I was qualified or capable.
They came because people placed their support, trust and blessings behind me.
And that changes a person.
Perhaps one of the greatest gifts we can receive is to have people around us who help us become better simply through their presence and goodwill.
People who remind us what truly matters.
People whose lives quietly strengthen our own direction.
People who believe in us when perhaps we struggle to believe in ourselves.
I don’t take that lightly.
Because sometimes another person’s encouragement carries us much further than we could have travelled alone.
Don’t Wait to Say Thank You
Perhaps there is someone like that in your own life.
Someone whose kindness strengthened you.
Someone whose guidance changed your direction.
Someone whose prayers or encouragement carried you through a difficult moment.
Someone who gave you something they may not even realise they gave.
Take a moment to remember them.
And if you can, reach out.
Say thank you.
Let them know what their presence has meant.
Because sometimes we become so focused on where we’re going that we forget to honour the people who helped us get there.
Blessings grow where appreciation lives.
Jagannātha Dās
Come and Experience It
If these reflections resonate with you, why not come and experience kirtan for yourself?
Every Friday, we come together at OMNOM Birmingham for an evening of mantra, music, meditation and community. I also share kirtan at retreats, festivals and gatherings throughout the year.
Whether you’ve experienced kirtan many times or you’re completely new, you’re warmly welcome.
See all upcoming events:
https://jagannathadas.com/events
Continue the Journey
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