There are days when everything seems a little off-track—and today was one of those days.

I was late heading to the Gurudwara. By the time I arrived, the Sukhasan ceremony was already taking place. I quietly joined the Sangat, folded my hands, and stood in silence. As the Sukhasan concluded, most people began heading home. But something in me said—stay. I felt like doing Paath (recitation of Gurbani).

The Start of My Paath: A Wandering Mind

I sat down to begin. As I started reciting the first Paudi, I could already sense my mind was elsewhere. By the time I reached the second Paudi, suddenly it felt like I was transported to Hemkund Sahib—my imagination completely took over.

In the third Paudi, my mind wandered to my sister’s wedding. Memories flooded in. Happiness, nostalgia, distractions.

Then came the fourth Paudi, and I was already thinking about something completely unrelated—“What content should I post today?”
So many thoughts, one after another, just flowing nonstop. It was clear: my mind wasn’t steady, my focus wasn’t aligned.

The Turning Point: Slowing Down to Tune In

That’s when it hit me.
Instead of rushing through the words, why not slow down?

I decided to read every single word, every syllable, with full attention and presence.
Not just to finish the Paath, but to feel it, to live it.

And as I started doing that—something shifted.
The noise in my mind started to fade away. The wandering thoughts? Gone.
My inner voice became quiet.
What remained was me, the Shabad (word), and the connection.

By the time I completed the Paath, I was no longer restless.
Instead, I felt deeply centered, peaceful, and fulfilled.

The Realization: The Power of Presence in Gurbani

That day taught me something priceless:

“When we give our full attention to each word of Gurbani, it starts to reveal its essence. The Shabad isn’t just meant to be read—it’s meant to be absorbed.”

It’s not about how fast or how much we read.
It’s about how present we are when we read it.

Even one line, when read with full consciousness, can become a divine experience.

???? Takeaway for Readers:

Next time you sit down for Paath or Simran, try this:

• Slow down your pace.

• Focus on each akhar (letter) and shabad (word).

• Let the meaning and vibration of Gurbani touch your soul.

You may be surprised how powerfully it brings clarity, peace, and connection with the Divine.