Neem Karoli Baba distills life to three grateful imperatives of love service and remembrance.
There is something so incredibly grounding about the simplicity of these words. When we look at the instruction to love everyone, serve everyone, and remember God, we aren't looking at a complex set of rules, but rather a beautiful, rhythmic way of existing in the world. It is a call to move through our days with an open heart, hands ready to help, and a spirit that stays connected to something much larger than our own small worries. It reminds us that our purpose isn't found in grand achievements, but in the quiet, consistent way we treat the souls we encounter.
In our busy, modern lives, it is so easy to become wrapped up in our own bubbles. We focus on our deadlines, our grocery lists, and our personal frustrations, often forgetting that every person we pass on the street is carrying their own heavy invisible backpack. Serving others doesn't always mean a grand gesture of charity; often, it is as simple as holding a door, offering a genuine smile to a tired cashier, or truly listening to a friend without checking your phone. These small acts of service weave a thread of connection that pulls us out of our isolation and into a shared human experience.
I remember a rainy Tuesday when I was feeling particularly overwhelmed and grumpy. I was rushing through the park, dodging puddles and feeling quite sorry for myself, when I saw an elderly man struggling to steady his umbrella while trying to feed some birds. Without really thinking about it, I stopped, held my own umbrella over him for a moment, and shared a small laugh about the weather. In that tiny moment of service, my own stress seemed to melt away. I wasn't just helping him; I was remembering that I am part of a larger, beautiful tapestry of life. I felt a sudden sense of peace, a quiet reminder of the divine presence in the simple act of kindness.
When we focus on loving and serving, the third part of the quote—remembering God—happens almost naturally. It is the spiritual anchor that keeps our kindness from becoming an exhausting chore. It reminds us that we are being fueled by a source of infinite love. As you go about your day today, I want to gently nudge you to look for one small way to be of service to someone else. Notice how it shifts your perspective and brings a little more light into your own heart.
