We all have something we love doing in our free time. It may be listening to music, playing an instrument, cooking, painting, reading or simply being in nature. A hobby refreshes us because we do it with love, interest and without pressure.

Could remembering God become a hobby too?

In the Brahma Kumaris, a simple method of meditation is taught: “I am a soul, a tiny point of spiritual light, and God is the Supreme Soul, the Ocean of Love, Peace and Purity.” We gently turn our attention away from our roles, responsibilities and worries and reconnect with our true spiritual identity.

This is not about following a complicated ritual. It can be practised anywhere and at any time. What makes it special is that it involves both the mind and the intellect: the intellect understands who I am, while the mind experiences the qualities and feelings connected with that awareness.

Discovering the Self

When I consciously think, “I am a soul, not merely this body or my role,” I begin to experience a different kind of freedom.

I am not only a parent, professional, friend, partner or member of society. Behind all these roles is a spiritual being who is naturally peaceful, loving and pure.

I can then experiment with different thoughts about myself:

• I am a child of God.
• I am a peaceful soul.
• I am a soul filled with love and wisdom.
• I am a conqueror of negativity.
• I am an angel of peace.
• I am a valuable soul, connected with God.

These are not merely positive statements. The purpose is to experience them.

From Self-Experience to God’s Remembrance

Once I become stable in the awareness of myself as a soul, I turn my attention towards God.

I imagine God as the Supreme Soul, the source of unconditional love, peace, purity, wisdom and strength. I allow my mind to experience these qualities, just as sitting peacefully beside someone loving can influence our state of mind.

The more we practise, the more natural it can become.

Just as a musician becomes eager to pick up an instrument whenever there is free time, we can gradually develop the desire to spend a few moments in God’s remembrance.

The aim is not to force ourselves to remember God. The aim is to discover the joy of remembrance until we naturally want to return to it.

Making Remembrance a Hobby

A hobby becomes enjoyable when we explore it creatively. We can do the same with spiritual remembrance.

Instead of simply repeating, “I am a soul,” we can ask:

What does being a peaceful soul feel like?
What would I experience if I connected with God’s love right now?
How would I respond to someone if I carried God’s patience with me?
How could I bring God’s qualities into my actions today?

Every moment of remembrance then becomes a small experiment in transforming ourselves.

Gradually, remembrance can become more than a meditation practice. It can become a way of living, bringing greater peace into our thoughts, greater love into our relationships and greater clarity into our decisions.

A Short Meditation

Close your eyes gently and take a moment to become quiet.

1. Think of something you genuinely enjoy doing. Notice the happiness it brings you.

2. Now bring your attention to yourself.
I am a soul, a tiny point of spiritual light, sitting in the centre of my forehead.

3. Become aware that you are more than your body, your roles and your responsibilities.

4. Visualise God as the Supreme Soul, an Ocean of Peace, Love, Purity and Strength.

5. Choose one quality you need today, perhaps peace, love, courage or patience.

6. Imagine receiving that quality from God and allowing it to become part of you.

7. Experience the feeling for a few moments.

8. Finally, create the thought:
“I would like to make God’s remembrance a joyful part of my everyday life.”

Perhaps, with practice, remembrance will no longer feel like something we have to do.

It may become something we love to do.

And that is when remembering God becomes a truly special hobby.