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1.Create opportunities to do what you love to do for Krishna. We all have gifts and talents that are God- given. Use them in devotional service. When you do what you love to do, you often do it best, and giving your best to Krishna is what is wanted. The practice of surrender is often doing services that need to be done, for the pleasure of Krishna, even when it doesn’t suit us, or we don’t like to do it. That’s wonderful. And needed. But along with that, do what you love to do for Krishna. Regularly.

2.Neglect the Mind’s wanderings and bring it back to the present. The mind is the cause of all our trouble in life. It never stops harassing us, moving us between hankering and lamenting, all day long. Ignore the mind, neglect the mind and organize your life in such a way that the mind is fully engaged in service, thinking positively of others, planning for Krishna, remembering Krishna etc. Bring the mind to the present moment. Don’t take your mind seriously. Ever.

3.Practice the 26 qualities of a devotee. Focus on one quality per day. For example: Benevolent – give generously to as many people as you can that day, give in words, things, hugs…;

Kind – focus on kindness all day, be kind to animals, plants, people you don’t like – say something kind to them…

(1.kind to everyone, 2.does not quarrel with anyone, 3.fixed in the Absolute Truth, 4.equal to everyone, 5.faultless, 6.charitable, 7.mild, 8.clean, 9.simple, without material possession, 10.benevolent, 11.peaceful, 12.completely attached to Krsna, 13.has no material hankering, 14.meek, 15.steady, 16.self-controlled, 17.does not eat more than required, 18.sane, 19.respectful, 20.humble, 21.grave, 22.compassionate, 23.friendly, 24.poetic, 25.silent, 26.expert)

4.Remember Krishna and fight.: Krishna told this to Arjuna. Take time to remember Krishna in the day – pause, be quiet. Look for Krishna. “How did you see that? I was looking for it.” Be awake for the clues, for how Krishna speaks to you, serendipity, be present to the presence of Krishna in others.

5.Remember that all that happens to us is Krishna’s mercy, and there are lessons to be learned. This really helps us be detached and let go, and that is a source of great joy. It also helps us understand that Krishna is taking care of us.

6.Practice Detachment – it’s all an illusion. Ten years from now is it going to matter, the issue that seems so big in our life? We are like drops of water on a lotus leaf. We are renting an apartment, yet calling it our own. Life is so short. Remember, it all belongs to Krishna, we must use it properly and give it back to him.

7.Make others happy. You become most happy when you do things for others. Think of yourself less, not less of yourself. Serve, in small ways, quietly and anonymously.