Prayer brings focus and self-belief - Sushma Reddy

Ibelieve not so much in God, but as in a higher power, nature and forces we can’t comprehend. I believe there is science and art in the chaos and randomness of events and possibilities. I pray everyday to all deities who for me represent diverse elements in the universe. I pray to the entire pantheon of deities, the demi gods and everything in between. To me they are manifestations of nature and the elements. I believe that chants and verse invoke blessings. Prayer brings focus and self-belief. 

    I am spiritual person. I am very inspired by Sufi and Islamic devotional songs and ragas. My thoughts are not orthodox, conventional or bound by rites and rituals. However, I have equal respect for all faiths. For me, karam is dharam and God is in the sublime details of the universe. This philosophy that I follow, helps me make sense of all the things I can’t or don’t comprehend or can’t control. Whether its human suffering, vagaries of time and chance, luck, deep family ties, emotions, intelligence, etc. 
 
    I have made pilgrimages to Ujjain, Himachal, Karnataka and to the Balaji temple. I have also been to many small dargahs in the North. Closer home, my family are regulars at Markandeshawar Shiva temple, Mount Mary and the Hanuman math at Banganga in Mumbai. On Thursdays, I go to the Markandeshwar Shiva temple in Worli. It brings me great peace. I remember my ancestors and feed the crows there. I look forward to visiting the Ajmer Shariff dargah, Southern temple towns and temple towns in Uttarakhand, a state I love very much. 
 
    When I pray is when I focus and meditate for about 20 minutes everyday. I spend quality me time everyday with myself, when I am alone driving, having lunch or chilling. I always use my ‘me-time’ to reflect on my thoughts and actions. It leads to growth and positive energy. 

    I am not the expert to give advice on lead a happy life but I can say this: You will never be this age again, and you will never get back lost time. Time is the most precious possession you will ever have, so live wisely and live fully. Understanding gratitude instead of demanding from the Almighty means you will be able to squelch discontent and lack of self belief in it’s tracks. Try to not step on other’s toes and invite bad karma.