tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3707654081468326502024-02-21T03:49:41.791-05:00Mindful MusingsTara Lemieux is a mindful wanderer, and faithful stargazer. She is an ardent explorer and lover of finding things previously undiscovered or at the very least mostly not-uncovered. But mostly, and most of all - she's a rambling writer, always in search of a faithful ear. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15726328993848231053noreply@blogger.comBlogger607125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-370765408146832650.post-68661755762942778862014-01-08T13:20:00.002-05:002014-01-08T13:20:58.405-05:00Measuring the Moments, Not the Limitations.<div class="entry-text">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOmfBjRri-nonqMOWX8VmxfmIldaHgHnV6D2vIJoZv88eZIlJ7f7vxzkSrbdCZj-Qtm9H1yYNUwrko15F7KKY4hiD6A5iegvokpOzCKV7-g1-076qcxLwrLX9qbu79R3SSlyZ0jNNWXKw/s1600/8cb314bce80eb05bd84884b60326dfc5-500x731.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOmfBjRri-nonqMOWX8VmxfmIldaHgHnV6D2vIJoZv88eZIlJ7f7vxzkSrbdCZj-Qtm9H1yYNUwrko15F7KKY4hiD6A5iegvokpOzCKV7-g1-076qcxLwrLX9qbu79R3SSlyZ0jNNWXKw/s1600/8cb314bce80eb05bd84884b60326dfc5-500x731.jpg" height="640" width="436" /></a></div>
<br />
<blockquote>
“Do the crazy thing the
hard-to-imagine-but-somehow-you-did thing the brings-you-to-your-knees
thing, the no-one-would-ever-do-it-that-way-thing the
safety-net-would-not-even-matter thing the
it-could-kill-you-but-not-trying-is-another-kind-of-death thing the
thing on your heart do it and let them gasp right before they call it a
thing of wonder.” – Ciona Rouse</blockquote>
<span class="dropcap dropcap-bg" style="background-color: #333333; font-size: 50px;">I</span>
watched a gentleman working out at the gym the other night – sweat
dripping trails down his languished limbs, as he painstakingly grunted
his way towards ‘victory.’<br />
<br />
I have to say, I was initially quite impressed – watching what appeared to be a testimony of mind over matter.<br />
<br />
But the eyes, often tell those secrets we wish <em>never</em> to be shared -those of lost hope, lingering doubts and dreams that are, as of yet, still unfulfilled.<br />
<br />
And then, I watched as this young man succumbed to defeat…and, like a
soldier worn from the rigors of war, limped his way off this spiritual
battlefield. In his mind, he had formulated this vision of perfection –
and, having fallen short, would accept nothing less.<br />
<br />
Why do we set such arbitrary standards in place? To define our world <em>more</em>
by numbers and repetitions, and less by the greatness of our own
character? Where success is measured in inches and pounds, and less by
the number of people on this Earth that we have inspired?<br />
<br />
Perhaps, because there is no means to measure the true capacity of one human spirit?<br />
<br />
I’m not at all suggesting that we shouldn’t have goals, mind you….I just think we must always be mindful <em>to define our goals</em>, instead of letting those <em>goals define us.</em><br />
<br />
Quite the subtle difference, I know – but one, that is <em>infinitely</em> more beneficial to becoming a ‘much better human.’<br />
<br />
So, maybe just <em>try</em> living a life without such unwavering expectations…<br />
<br />
And, while you’re at it – why not measure the <em>moments</em>, and not all of those <em>limits</em>?<br />
<br />
You might just surprise yourself with a much more impressive victory.<br />
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15726328993848231053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-370765408146832650.post-57560070902725633322014-01-07T11:08:00.003-05:002014-01-07T11:11:47.503-05:00These Paths We Create.<div class="entry-text">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaeIBF3cWENxOfOrYp5ITwNDviAbAE9hOraok2g22hxpAKmp0CL-qxk0xpuYCkqhHGd2N__t4-JEEtRYrolEEHl5O7WJLb5Y5IYFXxdfTFur3Vv9FhJBsUR63fz9xCrq7J8LrEm1Gq3eE/s1600/0fca5f1f572ffd5addd997539dfc8fd6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaeIBF3cWENxOfOrYp5ITwNDviAbAE9hOraok2g22hxpAKmp0CL-qxk0xpuYCkqhHGd2N__t4-JEEtRYrolEEHl5O7WJLb5Y5IYFXxdfTFur3Vv9FhJBsUR63fz9xCrq7J8LrEm1Gq3eE/s1600/0fca5f1f572ffd5addd997539dfc8fd6.jpg" height="640" width="472" /></a></div>
<br />
<blockquote>
"One thing: you have to walk, and
create the way by your walking; you will not find a ready-made path. It
is not so cheap, to reach to the ultimate realization of truth. You
will have to create the path by walking yourself; the path is not
ready-made, lying there and waiting for you. It is just like the sky:
the birds fly, but they don’t leave any footprints. You cannot follow
them; there are no footprints left behind." ~ Osho </blockquote>
Have you ever just had ‘one of those nights’ – a night in which you toss and turn in a most uncertain kind of unsettledness?<br />
<br />
And, try as you might to understand <i>why</i> – there’s really no making any sense of it.<br />
<br />
Because, sometimes the unsettledness just <i>is</i>. And, why…even we late night, doggie walking, musers are prone to our own moments of ‘sticking-ness.”<br />
<br />
But,…these paths that lead us round and round are destined always to bring us <i>home,</i> once again.<br />
<br />
And, my dears, not even the most well-intentioned of prophets and sages can dare to describe how we must travel it.<br />
<br />
We must <i>do</i> as <i>we</i> see fit.<br />
<br />
You know, I was quite fortunate to be graced by the insight of a dear
friend yesterday – who reminded me of the ‘single minded simplicity’ of
the most endearing movie character, Forrest Gump. To some, he may have
seemed rather slow-sitted and naive, but to others…perhaps, he offered a
much needed ‘key’ to an often chaotic world.<br />
<br />
Perhaps, it <i>is</i> the simpler things that get us through the ‘very much bigger’ things?<br />
<br />
Like, death…disease…and the atrocities of war; the pangs of poverty…and the splintered sting of heart left breaking?<br />
<br />
My dears, what if, and in spite of all these things…something as
simple as the sound of a pup sniff-snortling his way through the crisp
night’s air could set your soul back to right again?<br />
<blockquote>
Mama always said, ‘Life is like a box of chocolates… you never know what you’re gonna get<small>Forrest Gump</small></blockquote>
<div>
Indeed, you really never know quite what you’ll get…but, my dears trust that <i>this</i> path is only just beginning, and it will be exactly and everything you most make of it.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
And, maybe that’s the trick now, isn’t it? To learn to be as gentle
as the feather floating along the softest breeze ~ and having faith in
wherever these winds may choose to carry you?</div>
<div>
</div>
My dears, if you wouldn’t mind so very much – something has compelled
me to share with you the immortal words of American author, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Greatest_Salesman_in_the_World" target="_blank">Og Mandino</a>.<br />
<br />
May his most simple passage serve to remind us of this miraculous gift we’ve been given.<br />
<blockquote>
<b>I will live this day as if it is my last.</b></blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote>
And what shall I do with this last precious day, which remains in my
keeping? First, I will seal up its container of life so that not one
drop spills itself upon the sand. I will waste not a moment mourning
yesterday’s misfortunes, yesterday’s defeats, yesterday’s aches of the
heart, for why should I throw good after bad?</blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote>
Can sand flow upward in the hourglass? Will the sun rise where it
sets and set where it rises? Can I relive the errors of yesterday and
right them? Can I become younger than yesterday? No. Yesterday is
buried forever and I will think of it no more.<br />
<b></b></blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote>
<b>I will live this day as if it is my last.</b></blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote>
And what then shall I do? Forgetting yesterday neither will I think
of tomorrow. Why should I throw now after maybe? Can tomorrow’s sand
flow through the glass before today’s? Will the sun rise twice this
morning? Can I perform tomorrow’s deeds while standing in today’s path?
Can I place tomorrow’s gold in today’s purse? Should I concern myself
over events, which I may never witness? Should I torment myself with
problems that may never come to pass? No! Tomorrow lies buried with
yesterday, and I will think of it no more.<br />
<b></b></blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote>
<b>I will live this day as if it is my last.</b></blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote>
This day is all I have and these hours are now my eternity. I greet
this sunrise with cries of joy as a prisoner who is reprieved from
death. I lift mine arms with thanks for this priceless gift of a new
day. So too, I will beat upon my heart with gratitude as I consider all
who greeted yesterday’s sunrise who are no longer with the living today.
I am indeed a fortunate man and today’s hours are but a bonus,
undeserved. Why have I been allowed to live this extra day when others,
far better than I have departed? Is it that they have accomplished their
purpose while mine is yet to be achieved? Is this another opportunity
for me to become the man I know I can be? Is this my day to excel?<br />
<b></b></blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote>
<b>I will live this day as if it is my last.</b></blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote>
I have but one life and life is naught but a measurement of time.
When I waste one I destroy the other. If I waste today I destroy the
last page of my life. Therefore, each hour of this day will I cherish
for it can never return. It cannot be banked today to be withdrawn on
the morrow, for who can trap the wind? Each minute of this day will I
grasp with both hands and fondle with love for its value is beyond
price. What dying man can purchase another breath though he willingly
give all his gold? What price dare I place on the hours ahead? I will
make them priceless!<br />
<b></b></blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote>
<b>I will live this day as if it my last.</b></blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote>
I will avoid with fury the killers of time. Procrastination I will
destroy with action; doubt I will bury under faith; fear I will
dismember with confidence. Where there are idle mouths I will listen
not; where there are idle hands I will linger not; where there are idle
bodies I will visit not.<br />
<b></b></blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote>
<b>I will live this day as if it is my last.</b></blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote>
And if it is my last, it will be my greatest monument. This day I
will make the best day of my life. This day I will drink every minute to
its full. I will savor its taste and give thanks. I will maketh every
hour count and each minute I will trade only for something of value. I
will labor harder than ever before and push my muscles until they cry
for relief, and then I will continue....Each minute of today will be more fruitful than hours
of yesterday. My last must be my best.<br />
<b></b></blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote>
<b>I will live this day as if it is my last. And if it is not, I shall fall to my knees and give thanks. (Og Mandino)</b><small></small></blockquote>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15726328993848231053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-370765408146832650.post-44359866918408200532014-01-06T10:47:00.000-05:002014-01-06T10:47:07.232-05:00Acting Without Expectation<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzg9bmVLITA5bYQHTX8d-1L_e3VQXY3-J3PwVy_dFwDfTuw3X-3BmIsfBmeQRJ4i_LBcT3hA1r0b7s5p937uSl4IThkCRo8JQ_3sHBdl-EsqM4HdL-duUy0tJPIHRjrpF3tBzGUKfdD5s/s1600/78ded16ce362969ef356fb5912f4a3cb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzg9bmVLITA5bYQHTX8d-1L_e3VQXY3-J3PwVy_dFwDfTuw3X-3BmIsfBmeQRJ4i_LBcT3hA1r0b7s5p937uSl4IThkCRo8JQ_3sHBdl-EsqM4HdL-duUy0tJPIHRjrpF3tBzGUKfdD5s/s1600/78ded16ce362969ef356fb5912f4a3cb.jpg" height="440" width="600" /></a>
<br />
<blockquote>
“Don’t burden others with your expectations. Understanding their limitations can <i>inspire</i> <i>compassion</i>
instead of disappointment, ensuring beneficial and workable
relationships. Remember that you have only a short time together. Be <i>grateful</i> for each day you share”.Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche</blockquote>
I <i>love</i> to read.<br />
<br />
Every morning, and when I first wake up—I dust off an old book, and sift through the pages waiting for inspiration to find me.<br />
<br />
I’m a terrible book owner, by the way. My collection is well worn
with pages bent, and notes scribbled along every open margin. I used to
feel badly over ‘tarnishing’ those pages—until one day I realized,
that’s what books are for.<br />
<br />
Books <i>should</i> be well worn, and ravaged with every ounce of
our being—with covers torn nearly all the way through. And each page
should carry the faint scent of well-traveled, from this sleepy town to
all points around the world.<br />
<br />
And in my books this morning, and between two dog-eared pages, I
found this most beautiful quote from Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche—spiritual
leader, and teach of the Nyingma school of Tibetan Vajrayana.<br />
<br />
I had scribbled it down some many years before, this reminder that
our frustrations with others are generally born of our own expectations.<br />
<br />
“He was supposed to call…”<br />
<br />
“Why can’t you remember…”<br />
<br />
“If you just would have listened…”<br />
<br />
Sound familiar? My dears, I can tell you from my own personal
experience that that we are prone to stumble awkwardly along this pitted
path of supposition.<br />
<br />
But, what if we allowed all these things to fall gently into place?<br />
<br />
My dears, sometimes we have to let go, to have faith…that wherever
these pieces may scatter, and whichever direction our paths may lead
us…trust that everything will be ok.<br />
<br />
When we allow these things to gently fall into place – we are able to
redirect our energies from that anxious, and often overwhelming worry,
to that which matters most of all;<br />
<br />
<i>The serenity of our very own spirit.</i><br />
<br />
More specifically, we’re able to express our gratitude for this time
spent together and sharing…knowing, that these moments are often <i>too</i> quickly passing.<br />
<br />
And so, this is how inspiration found me today—in the margins of an
dusty old book, one that I had carried for years, and with still just a
bit of story left to tell.<br />
<br />
My dears, when we’re able to act without expectation, you’ll find – that everything falls so brilliantly into place.<br />
<br />
Much love, and namaste.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15726328993848231053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-370765408146832650.post-44604231247341988962014-01-04T14:49:00.001-05:002014-01-04T14:49:50.240-05:00Make Changes, Not Change Lists.<br />
<img border="0" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixBFhXWsvu9Gnqx1E-AZMHjcuSSWz3OIq1Flg3Uhb7LOC9nr5sTpoz8VQ88m8d_clB3CaN_EBUN-B-i_yEF5sBoX_VzDovuxKc-jfPfcoIjEdcV04rhKG6oebzSuZIDGqFdF6x9nYVdyU/s640/15dc62ee0a8e2bdc3fc17140e428641d.jpg" width="600" /><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"Don’t
make empty resolutions about this or that external little thing – make
one huge resolution to give yourself to yourself. Then everything else
will quite effortlessly fall into place." ― Jay Woodman</blockquote>
<br />
I
was having coffee at the local shop this morning, when I saw a young
girl struggling and scribbling with great ferocity. At the top of the
notebook page read in greatest of letters;<br />
“<b>My Resolutions for 2014</b>.”<br />
<br />
And,
yet underneath were half dozen or so ideas that were quickly
‘extinguished.’ I felt so badly for her, that the blessing of this next
year might be limited by her inability to properly capture the wording.<br />
<br />
It’s
such a sad thing, really – and yet, it happens each year, as we
struggle to determine our best way forward. We dream of the life we
always wished, but never realized – and hope that our scribblings might
bring us closer towards it.<br />
<br />
I’m always amazed at the
number who tread so purposefully into the new year – armed with such
freshly scribed lists, and the determination of a bandit raccoon on a
late evening ‘raid.’<br />
<br />
<i>Go on a trip…Lose 20 pounds…Be the best at (fill in the blank)…</i><br />
<br />
But
as the weeks pass, and the busy-ness settles in…those lists crumple
under the pressures of one’s day. And when that cycle begins, we
quickly lose heart…wondering why we even bothered in the first place.<br />
<br />
But perhaps, instinctively we ‘lose’ the less noteworthy of goals? And in order to make room for something much more important?<br />
<br />
Get up early…watch a sunrise or two..<br />
<br />
Make good choices, help a child tie his shoes…<br />
<br />
Let compassion and kindness greet each of your steps,<br />
<br />
And while you’re at it… why not pay for that next person in line?<br />
<br />
Look,
I’m not saying these lists don’t serve a much needed purpose – it’s
just that somewhere between the writings there needs to be a little <i>doing</i>.<br />
<br />
My dears, it’s the real <i>changes</i> that are far more important.<br />
<br />
So this year, why not make changes instead of change lists ~ and let’s just see what happens this time next year.<br />
<br />
Namaste,
and much love my dearest friends ~ and above all and everything else
in this world, know that living extends beyond just those few simple
linesAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15726328993848231053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-370765408146832650.post-15537200324113339232014-01-03T09:23:00.003-05:002014-01-03T09:24:00.477-05:005 Extraordinarily Ordinary People & the Stories That Most Amaze Us. <h3>
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</h3>
<h3>
Everyday, in every moment, we have the opportunity to make a change. And all you have to do, is be your <i>most beautiful you.</i></h3>
<blockquote>
<i>“Everybody
can be great, because everybody can serve. You don’t have to have a
college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and your
verb agree to serve…You only need a heart full of grace, a soul
generated by love.”</i><br />
<i>~ Martin Luther King, Jr.</i></blockquote>
As
we move into this new year, and we reflect upon our past inner ‘year to
date’—we might also take a moment to consider the littlest things that
can be done to make this world an even more <i>extraordinary</i> place.<br />
<br />
It
doesn’t take a pile of money, or a butt-load of time. And you don’t
have to be a rock star, or a politician, or a super-amazing thought
leader. Because, at the very foundation of all great acts there is one
fundamental thing in common: love.<br />
<br />
Love can take us anywhere and can do for others what to many may seem to be the impossible.<br />
These are just a very few of this world’s most extraordinarily ordinary people and the stories which inspire us most.<br />
<h4>
Where will love take you today?</h4>
<a class="image-comment" data-mce-href="http://www.mindfullymusing.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Tim-Rushby-Smith-yoga-007.jpg" href="http://www.mindfullymusing.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Tim-Rushby-Smith-yoga-007.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Tim-Rushby-Smith-yoga-007" class=" wp-image-1519 alignright" data-mce-src="http://www.mindfullymusing.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Tim-Rushby-Smith-yoga-007.jpg" height="221" src="http://www.mindfullymusing.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Tim-Rushby-Smith-yoga-007.jpg" width="368" /></a>1. Paralyzed
from the chest down since a car accident at age thirteen, Matthew
Sanford is a pioneer in adapting yoga for those with disabilities.
Matthew’s passion for communicating a life without limits has inspired
millions and helped make yoga a possibility for all.<br />
<br />
2. By most standards, <a data-mce-href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/05/16/homeless-man-donates_n_862539.html" href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/05/16/homeless-man-donates_n_862539.html" target="_blank">Curtis Jackson</a>
has nothing. Homeless and destitute, he stands each day holding a small
cardboard sign, asking for even the smallest bit of change from each
passerby. I’m sure we’ve all passed a Curtis Jackson at some point in
our lives, and wondered their story—or even more cynically, perhaps,
what they might be <i>doing</i> with the money collected.<br />
<br />
But on
this day, Curtis Jackson isn’t here for his own personal gain. He is
here for a much larger purpose; to help alleviate the suffering of a
young mother, displaced from her home and struggling to survive with her
10-year-old son. And so on this day, Curtis greets each passerby with a
smile <i>and</i> a purpose—to raise what little change he may so that
this young mother and her son may have a safe place to sleep. To date,
Curtis has raised over $9,000, taking only enough to pay for his own
food and hot coffee each day. In Curtis’ spirit, we may see the true
meaning of compassion and generosity and most importantly, of having
nothing, and giving <i>all.</i><br />
<br />
<a class="image-comment" data-mce-href="http://www.mindfullymusing.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/alice-herz-sommer-worlds-oldest-pianist-and-holocaust-survivor-turns-110.jpg" href="http://www.mindfullymusing.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/alice-herz-sommer-worlds-oldest-pianist-and-holocaust-survivor-turns-110.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="alice-herz-sommer-worlds-oldest-pianist-and-holocaust-survivor-turns-110" class="wp-image-1518 alignleft" data-mce-src="http://www.mindfullymusing.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/alice-herz-sommer-worlds-oldest-pianist-and-holocaust-survivor-turns-110.jpg" height="248" src="http://www.mindfullymusing.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/alice-herz-sommer-worlds-oldest-pianist-and-holocaust-survivor-turns-110.jpg" width="372" /></a><br />
3. <a data-mce-href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alice_Herz-Sommer" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alice_Herz-Sommer" target="_blank">Holocaust survivor Alice Herz Sommer</a> was
an inmate of the The Terezin concentration camp. Surrounded by death
and evil and all those things that might otherwise crush our spirits,
Alice found her way to her most beautiful inner peace. Through music,
she reached deep into her spirit and found a peace unlike anything she
had ever known. When asked how it she is able to preserve her optimism
and hope, Alice replies simply, “Life is beautiful…wherever you look is
beauty.” In Alice we learn that we see this world that surrounds us, not
the way it is, but rather the way we are.<br />
<br />
<a class="image-comment" data-mce-href="http://www.mindfullymusing.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Photo-c-Brittay-Thomasson-41-500x333.jpg" href="http://www.mindfullymusing.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Photo-c-Brittay-Thomasson-41-500x333.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photo-c-Brittay-Thomasson-41-500x333" class="wp-image-1520 alignright" data-mce-src="http://www.mindfullymusing.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Photo-c-Brittay-Thomasson-41-500x333.jpg" height="213" src="http://www.mindfullymusing.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Photo-c-Brittay-Thomasson-41-500x333.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
4. <a data-mce-href="https://twitter.com/veronikascott" href="https://twitter.com/veronikascott" target="_blank">Veronika Scott</a>, a 21-year-old design student, watched each year as the ever-increasing population of homeless suffered brutally
through the harsh Detroit winters. There seemed no hope, until one day
Veronika was inspired to use her talents to make a change. In that
single moment she created the <a data-mce-href="http://detroitempowermentplan.blogspot.com/" href="http://detroitempowermentplan.blogspot.com/">Element S. Coat</a>—a
waterproof, and self-heating garment that could easily transform into a
sleeping bag at night. And though, initially each coat was stitched
lovingly by Veronika’s own hands—now, the coats are produced by a group
of homeless women who are employed through Veronika’s organization, <a data-mce-href="http://detroitempowermentplan.blogspot.com/p/about.html" href="http://detroitempowermentplan.blogspot.com/p/about.html" target="_blank">The Empowerment Plan</a>.
In this way, Veronika not only found a way to provide comfort, but in
her simple act of kindness and ingenuity, she discovered a way to
empower and<i> to give hope again.</i><br />
<br />
<div>
<div>
5. And last,
but certainly not least of all—Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who’s vision
inspired a nation to change, and who’s courage showed us the path to
achieve it. God bless you, Dr. King—for it is because of you, that this
dream remains.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
'An
individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow
confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all
humanity." ~ Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.</blockquote>
<br />
And so, as you take each step into your
busy day and notice those, the ones you are often just passing
by—remember, always, that it only takes just one very small act of
loving kindness to ripple out and change this world. Take a chance and
be that change today.<br />
<br />
Namaste, my most beautiful friends.</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15726328993848231053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-370765408146832650.post-56535751772183100002014-01-01T14:44:00.000-05:002014-01-01T14:44:52.929-05:00My New Year’s Wish for You.
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6rU3G1cb39O_51VmTX1w8KIzReUkNK7lSijbJAp3YjJZBOwPdzRuvvGBIIDPX8WM1xRwtcMACaY1QmIXeqsj6Ho18dtSkMMQRZcvJDnsMF-J-67JOvTXq4oJ6bfkuLZzXeOo-bPJX1tQ/s1600/heart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6rU3G1cb39O_51VmTX1w8KIzReUkNK7lSijbJAp3YjJZBOwPdzRuvvGBIIDPX8WM1xRwtcMACaY1QmIXeqsj6Ho18dtSkMMQRZcvJDnsMF-J-67JOvTXq4oJ6bfkuLZzXeOo-bPJX1tQ/s640/heart.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"Hope smiles from the threshold of the year to come,<br />
Whispering ‘it will be happier’.. ~ Alfred Tennyson </blockquote>
<br />
I don’t know what it is about the New Year that brings about such
careful reflection. Perhaps, it is the promise of new beginnings and the
heartfelt hope for a better tomorrow.<br />
<br />
And on this day, I find myself thinking over all the most beautiful
souls on this Earth…in collective heart we gather here, in the hopes of
shepherding love’s divine grace to all beings.<br />
<br />
We are Love’s guardians, my dears…and with each compassionate act Love’s grasp is further empowered.<br />
<br />
Through even the most desolate and impoverished of streets…and
desperately disconnected of homes… trust, in this way, Love’s roots will
soon take hold.<br />
<br />
My dears, may we always remember that it is through our seemingly
simple acts of kindness, that we are able to effect the greatest impact
on this world.<br />
<br />
In closing, I would like to offer, my special wish for you.<br />
<br />
I wish you daring adventures from long held wishes, and dreams that have yet been unfulfilled…<br />
I wish you all of this Earth’s magic, <em>and</em> all at once;<br />
<br />
Long walks under a massive blanket of stars, and with the ones you love most in this world…<br />
<br />
The morning light through this canopy f trees…and the scent of winter billowing from a chimney nearby…<br />
<br />
And, I wish you all of the love, I have in this heart – and through
the grace of these threads, intertwined, I wish you again a million
times more…<br />
<br />
But mostly my dears, I wish you <em>peace</em>…<br />
<br />
Many blessings, my most beautiful friends – I love you, one and all.<br />
<br />
<div class="row pad-xs-5 pad-sm-10 pad-md-20 pad-lg-20" style="min-height: 0; padding-bottom: 0; padding-top: 0;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<strong>My New Year’s Wish</strong><br />
by Neil Gaiman</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I hope that in this year to come, you make mistakes.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Because if you are making mistakes, then
you are making new things, trying new things, learning, living, pushing
yourself, changing yourself, changing your world. You’re doing things
you’ve never done before, and more importantly, you’re Doing Something.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
So that’s my wish for you, and all of us,
and my wish for myself. Make New Mistakes. Make glorious, amazing
mistakes. Make mistakes nobody’s ever made before. Don’t freeze, don’t
stop, don’t worry that it isn’t good enough, or it isn’t perfect,
whatever it is: art, or love, or work or family or life.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Whatever it is you’re scared of doing, Do it.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Make your mistakes, next year and forever.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15726328993848231053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-370765408146832650.post-376173490708343402013-12-31T11:45:00.002-05:002013-12-31T11:45:43.675-05:00Buddhism and the Art of Breaking Up. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkpEpNb-dmDLIlLSMGgJu7ljRqtG9mepsYr8lA-zxaKRdC8kZD38LJoTjQJB2Gi3mivNX3UZEDoRo29PNCTJ9lNz3emXc7ml4DFHfFk3e5-qmU7GGD44elPgF6FUGehcHTCyw0NURr1Jk/s1600/644f47a0d76d49e0148d0a6ce7d38658.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkpEpNb-dmDLIlLSMGgJu7ljRqtG9mepsYr8lA-zxaKRdC8kZD38LJoTjQJB2Gi3mivNX3UZEDoRo29PNCTJ9lNz3emXc7ml4DFHfFk3e5-qmU7GGD44elPgF6FUGehcHTCyw0NURr1Jk/s1600/644f47a0d76d49e0148d0a6ce7d38658.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"Simply touching a difficult memory with some slight willingness to heal begins to soften the holding and tension around it." ― <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4169.Stephen_Levine">Stephen Levine</a> </blockquote>
<br />
There must be something in the air these days. Some sort of much
bigger ‘cosmic change.’ A transition to higher consciousness, perchance?<br />
<br />
I suppose you’re wondering what it is that I am prattling on about? It’s just that, over the course of the last several weeks…<em>everyone</em> in my world seems to be ‘breaking up.’<br />
<br />
Why, each day I am met with tear-stained messages – from friends
desperately seeking some level of divine insight, and perhaps a little
relief from their pain.<br />
<br />
But, the truth is…there is no Buddhist ‘magic bullet.’<br />
<br />
Most people don’t like hearing this. They want a quick fix, a
spiritual analgesic of sorts…a ‘hurry up and let’s move on’ kind of
pill. Sadly, our society has become so accustomed to speed – that we
often fail to give ourselves the time and space to <em>heal</em>.<br />
<br />
The bottom line, my dears, is that the only real way ‘out’ is ‘<em>through</em>.’<br />
<br />
And, just how do we do that, you might ask? The getting through part?<br />
<br />
Here’s just a few tips, I have collected through the years.<br />
<br />
<strong>1. Treat yourself with honest gentleness.</strong><br />
<br />
Look, I don’t care what the books say on this topic – breakups are <em>grueling</em>, even for the most grounded of hippie Buddhists, like myself.<br />
<br />
When we open our heart, we reveal all of our our bumps and
bruises…our insecurities and deepest doubts…the weird things we do in
the middle of the night. Oh, and the good stuff, too…my dears, that’s in
their, too.<br />
<br />
And then, the person we loved most in this world – seemingly and most simply just<em> walks away.</em><br />
I have been there, my dears… curled up in the farthest corner of the floor, wondering <em>why</em> and wishing for more.<br />
<br />
Pain hurts, my dear…but it also <em>heals</em>, too.<br />
<br />
For inside every frantically patched together tapestry of grief…there is love…kindheartedness and compassion.<br />
<br />
And yet, for some reason, we tend to freeze inside our own pain –
locking our emotional ‘door’ to the world, and hardening against a grief
that is too awful to bear.<br />
<br />
It’s this freezing that gets us stuck, convinced that we will never move on.<br />
<br />
And while we are there, we fixate – on the only thing we have left to hang onto…<br />
<br />
<em>Our suffering.</em><br />
<br />
Can you see the irony of this self-perpetuating cycle? We want to
feel better, and yet we cling desperately to our grief…as if too afraid
of the ‘what might happen next.’<br />
<br />
My dears, no feeling is ever permanent – and I promise you, so long as you are willing to keep a little softness of heart…you <em>will</em> get through.<br />
<br />
But, if you try to force your way through – you may end up missing the ‘lesson’ you needed most of all.<br />
<br />
<strong>2. Allow yourself to <em>feel</em> those emotions (and only those emotions).</strong><br />
<br />
In the brilliant words of American Buddhist nun, <a href="http://www.shambhala.org/teachers/pema/" target="_hplink">Pema Chodron</a>: “Feel the feelings. <em>Drop</em> the story.”<br />
Whatever you’re feeling, whichever emotions that might come into play – resist the urge to be so damned judgmental.<br />
<br />
“If only…”<br />
<br />
“Perhaps, if I were just a little more…”<br />
<br />
Or, on the flip side of that emotional rainbow;<br />
<br />
“How <em>dare</em> he/she…”<br />
<br />
Yes, my dears…I have been there, too. And, I can tell you from my own
experience that when we begin telling stories we run the risk of the
story <em>never</em> being done.<br />
<br />
We fall into the abyss of obsessive thinking, instead of dealing straight-on with our real pain.<br />
<br />
Likewise, whatever you’re feeling…the anger, the resentment, the
drop-to-your-knees sort of grief…it doesn’t make you a bad person. Those
feelings are there for a purpose; trust in the process of your own
revealing.<br />
<br />
Remember, this is <em>your</em> experience…<em>your</em> path…<em>your</em> way forward.<br />
<br />
And no one can define this for you. You must walk the path alone…in
your own way…and in order to discover something about yourself, that you
might not have otherwise ever uncovered.<br />
<br />
So, stop telling yourself to ‘get over it’ – instead, allow yourself the opportunity to go <em>through</em> it.<br />
<br />
<strong>3. Stay open.</strong><br />
<blockquote>
“The only reason we don’t open our hearts and minds to other people is that they trigger confusion in us that we don’t feel <em>brave</em> enough or <em>sane</em>
enough to deal with. To the degree that we look clearly and
compassionately at ourselves, we feel confident and fearless about
looking into someone else’s eyes. ”<small>Pema Chödrön</small><br />
</blockquote>
To keep an open heart during difficult times can prove to be our
greatest challenge. But, that challenge can likewise yield the greatest
reward.<br />
<br />
As, when we’re able to keep our hearts open to others, including
those ‘tyrants’ we feel have wronged us in some way, it softens us…and
helps us to stay present. And, my dears, the moment that we close our
hearts to this world – paralyzed by the fear of being hurt once again –
is the moment our spirit begins to die.<br />
<br />
It’s the staying open that makes this life so worthwhile.<br />
<br />
<strong>4. Allow yourself to learn love’s lesson.</strong><br />
<br />
Everything that we experience is <em>worthwhile</em>. Did you hear that? Do you understand what this means…?<br />
<br />
It means, that we are a reflection of our cumulative experiences –
the sum total of the lessons we learn along the way. And every
relationship offers the potential for spiritual growth – be open to
allowing that growth to occur.<br />
<br />
When we are able to embrace all aspects of our relationships – the good, the bad…the ‘omg…did their nose <em>always</em> whistle that ways’ – allows us to build patience, respect…compassion…and loving-kindness also towards our selves.<br />
<br />
And, that’s not something you could ever learn through a book. Let
yourself settle into the peace of knowing, that you are learning love’s
lesson in the most intimate of ways.<br />
<br />
(spoiler alert) Somewhere out there in that great big world, someone
else is learning this lesson, as well. And when it is that you finally
meet (because, that’s how all good stories come into being), then…when
you meet you’ll both be ready to love.<br />
<br />
And love, for all the right reasons…and in the right way.<br />
<br />
Because, in life, there are billions of the tiniest twists and turns –
leading up to the moment that will someday steal your breath away.<br />
<br />
If only we may have the courage to <em>stay</em>…<br />
<br />
Namaste, my most beautiful friends….Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15726328993848231053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-370765408146832650.post-79576326118594829392013-12-30T08:34:00.003-05:002013-12-30T08:34:55.931-05:00The Buddhist and the Little Brown Fox. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilIOF7FlzvB4hlPlZMHhbntERVTZEkfUvoRJu46BmetR8ez5W3k8skLD8pqxrVWqKfucIgZPNYcuWgRDfgl20zztjK6MGFc3s8Dub363eG7047l8u4ff10eJsg5wardt8NNj3M68RTdv4/s1600/Screen-Shot-2013-12-29-at-12.12.36-PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilIOF7FlzvB4hlPlZMHhbntERVTZEkfUvoRJu46BmetR8ez5W3k8skLD8pqxrVWqKfucIgZPNYcuWgRDfgl20zztjK6MGFc3s8Dub363eG7047l8u4ff10eJsg5wardt8NNj3M68RTdv4/s1600/Screen-Shot-2013-12-29-at-12.12.36-PM.png" /></a></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"None of us knows what might happen even the next minute, yet still we go
forward. Because we trust. Because we have Faith.”― Paulo Coelho</blockquote>
<br />
I saw a brown fox along the trail this evening, his leg mangled by the trappings of ‘modern’ man.<br />
<br />
The moonlight cast his shadow long against the base of my favorite
old oak tree , and causing him to appear so very much larger than life.<br />
<br />
I thought at first, that he might just run away – certain that all
humans were very much the same. But instead, he stayed – gently sniffing
the air as if kindness had a fragrance all its own.<br />
<br />
Stillness filled the space between us – two gentle spirits trying
desperately to understand this quandary of humanity. And I, the
softhearted fool that I am…tossed aside all of my Mother’s stern (and
most terrifying) warnings, just to see if I might be able to help.<br />
<br />
I was still a good 4 feet away, when I knelt down before him – closing my eyes, and reaching forward a rather unsteady hand.<br />
<br />
Perhaps, in a way, I was hoping he might push aside a few of his
Mom’s ‘most terrifying’ stories, as well…and simply so that this human
might help him to heal.<br />
<br />
How frightening it must have been for him…alone in the woods, and
suddenly terribly injured. I suppose we have all felt this way once or
twice ourselves.<br />
<br />
I can’t describe fully what happened next, but before I knew it…I had
a fuzzy little fox head resting comfortably in my lap – proving faith
can find its way along just about any dark, wooded trail.<br />
<br />
My dears, these are the moments when my heart is most clear – when I can see beyond hesitation, to know my true purpose here.<br />
<br />
To some, it may be to simply rescue an injured fox – and to others, perhaps it’s to help restore faith in humanity once again.<br />
<br />
My dears, I believe we all have a much greater purpose in this life – revealed to us in these moments, when least expected.<br />
<br />
And all it really takes is a little scrunching of the eyes, and a hand reached forward to realize just what that purpose may be.<br />
<br />
Namaste, my loves…and may we always be mindful of the little ones that we are blessed to meet along the way.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15726328993848231053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-370765408146832650.post-29342173361475550222013-12-28T14:16:00.000-05:002013-12-28T14:16:38.182-05:00What This World Needs: A Loving Reminder From His Holiness, the Dalai Lama.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgofOqxZJXLnwM2rzHE7CEjLmsr4wmmnMOSQZnzLELwm2oEq_eRYyBFxFAzp3YQYIeV0Sr4AAZSV3kbxh_cXVWJbiGG_8maSiahTwLyxjthhGNNEB6TM82k7M5XOglSM5ezqRE2km210nY/s1600/536716ab174e1f5522802bd8ecc0708e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgofOqxZJXLnwM2rzHE7CEjLmsr4wmmnMOSQZnzLELwm2oEq_eRYyBFxFAzp3YQYIeV0Sr4AAZSV3kbxh_cXVWJbiGG_8maSiahTwLyxjthhGNNEB6TM82k7M5XOglSM5ezqRE2km210nY/s640/536716ab174e1f5522802bd8ecc0708e.jpg" width="444" /></a></div>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"Today’s world requires us to accept the oneness of humanity. Many of the
world’s problems, conflicts and fears arise because we have lost sight
of the common experience that binds us all together as a human family." ~
HH, the Dalai Lama</blockquote>
<br />
I was thinking over a few things this morning, and as I settled into
my most favorite chair on the farthest corner of my garden patio.<br />
<br />
And, as I watched the steam rise in brilliant swirls to greet the
crisp morning air—I couldn’t help but to think over all of this world’s
‘connectedness.’<br />
<br />
From something as simple as watching the steam rise from my mug, I am
reminded of the million and one simple things that bring us all here
together as <i>one</i> <i>human</i> <i>family</i>.<br />
<br />
We humans are a curious sort, allows wallowing about in our
loneliness—but, how can we feel so very much alone in a universe that <i>insists</i> upon these interdependencies?<br />
<br />
My dears, “just as the wave cannot exist for itself, but is ever a
part of the heaving surface of the ocean” so, too, must we always
remember that we are a most integral part of all that which surrounds
us…<br />
<br />
Because, my most beautiful friends, in the end—we are all, so most beautifully ‘connected.’<br />
<br />
Enjoy this most beautiful video from His Holiness the Dalai Lama, in
which he speaks about our common basic humanity. The clip is from his
public talk entitled, “Be the Change” given in Inverness, Scotland, on
June 23, 2012.<br />
<br />
The entire talk may be viewed at <a href="http://youtu.be/qBHt02IocLI" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" title="http://youtu.be/qBHt02IocLI">http://youtu.be/qBHt02IocLI</a> (www.dalailama.com)<br />
<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15726328993848231053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-370765408146832650.post-54610243667281684082013-12-27T09:56:00.001-05:002013-12-27T09:56:27.079-05:00A Love That Lights Up the Skies.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
<blockquote>
That’s Venus, September thought. She was the goddess of
love. It’s nice that love comes on first thing in the evening, and goes
out last in the morning. Love keeps the light on all night.~ Catherynne M. Valente</blockquote>
Did you know that Venus rises to the east in winter?<br />
<br />
She is the first point of light to brace the barren sky…sharing with us the blessing of her love.<br />
And, last night – she was most particularly beautiful. Gracefully
twirling through these heavens to capture even the most curmudgeonly of
eyes.<br />
<br />
When I was a little girl, I used to spend hours gazing out my bedroom
window…wondering how many others might have been similarly transfixed.
And these days, it seems even more difficult to look away from this
magnificence that rises above.<br />
<br />
Last night, I was reminded of a story the Navajo used tell – about a
time long ago…before the ‘two leggeds’ walked the Earth, and even before
there were stars or a moon in the sky.<br />
<br />
The nights were so dark that the animals were constantly bumping into
one another. Desperate, they gathered before the Great Spirit to plead
for his help.<br />
<br />
Great Spirit nodded and smiled as he told the animals, “Watch me,
little ones.” He then picked up a bright shiny stone from a stream and
placed it in the sky, where it became the very first star. “This is the
home star” Great Spirit explained “it does not move, use it to find your
way home when you are lost.”<br />
<br />
He then sent the animals off in search of more bright and shiny
stones…asking them to carry them up to the heavens, where they might
make pictures of themselves.<br />
<br />
And though, the animals began the task with great speed – soon, the
little ones grew very tired. And though, the larger animals continued
the task…they, too, soon fell to a similar fate.<br />
<br />
Once again, they pleaded with Great Spirit, who offered, “Go to Coyote and ask him to help you.”<br />
And, so this is just what they did.<br />
<br />
But, Coyote didn’t want to waste his time helping the other animals.
Being such a wise and crafty fellow, he had far better things to be
doing.<br />
<br />
Still, he did not want to offend Great Spirit -so he asked the
animals to leave their stones with him, and promised to soon finish the
task.<br />
<br />
After the animals left, Coyote began thinking of the grand picture of
himself he would create in the sky. “It will be better than <i>all</i>
the rest,” he sneered. He spent hours locked in careful consideration,
and contemplating the very best placement for his stones.<br />
<br />
Suddenly, Coyote realized that it nearly morning – and still, there
was so much work to be done. He quickly snatched up the bag of stones
and hastily flung them into the sky.<br />
<br />
That’s why not all the constellations appear to be ‘finished’ and
somewhat scattered in appearance – thanks to the treachery of one
Coyote, who thought only of himself.<br />
<br />
But, Coyote was soon punished for his deeds – as he realized, that in
his rush he failed to set aside enough stones for his own image.<br />
<br />
Coincidentally, I’m told that is why the Coyotes howl at night –
forever mourning the image that ego so cruelly snatched from the
heavens.<br />
<br />
And, why Venus’ love now lights up this great Earth.<br />
<br />
Namaste, and much love on this day, my dears…<br />
<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15726328993848231053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-370765408146832650.post-23007119693197916132013-12-26T12:11:00.004-05:002013-12-26T12:11:40.907-05:00Embracing Our Imperfect-ness.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi05WRDlMS5ee2MRB5KUsHJfHrERYAMQVGKwfBzsRAS31n0mxyE-duiygyywPk0f3YXeMvPAIMW3Ur_3wh9HFK0fis1zBeFOiWMztuR-stpLktySVFm8T30cFNQoqKO-5Zbmrxmrp9hcY/s1600/ego.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi05WRDlMS5ee2MRB5KUsHJfHrERYAMQVGKwfBzsRAS31n0mxyE-duiygyywPk0f3YXeMvPAIMW3Ur_3wh9HFK0fis1zBeFOiWMztuR-stpLktySVFm8T30cFNQoqKO-5Zbmrxmrp9hcY/s640/ego.jpg" width="600" /></a>
<br />
<br />
I had a bit of a troubling yesterday. You see, my most beautiful children
– who are always so very thoughtful in their actions and deeds – had,
on this Christmas day, forgotten <i>me</i>.<br />
<br />
There were no cards, no gifts…as they hurried through the door, just a quick “Hey Mom” and “Happy Christmas.”<br />
<br />
And, in one whirling wisp of ‘holiday cheer’ – my dears, I felt so <i>terribly</i>
broken. I cried, and sniffled and carried on…like a child caught in the
throes of a ‘collapsed-to-the-floor-carrying-on’ sort of tantrum.<br />
<br />
A <i>spiritual</i> tantrum, but tantrum nonetheless.<br />
<br />
And all the daily meditations, and loving zen practices in this world…couldn’t break through this ‘fortress’ I had just created.<br />
<br />
It was as if, my spirit had been hijacked – by the bully, I like to call ‘ego clinging.’<br />
<br />
And, it was raw…and ugly…and most decidedly horrid. But, more so – it wasn’t at all representative of my beliefs.<br />
<br />
In my heart, I <i>know</i> that my children love me…<br />
<br />
In my heart, I <i>know</i> that they care…<br />
<br />
Add to this, that I am not at all…even the slightest bit…materialistic. In fact, I make a practice each day of <i>giving</i>.<br />
<br />
So, what the <i>heck</i> just happened here?<br />
<br />
I cringed…mortified by this lapse in spiritual judgement, and overwhelmed by the unsettled mess I created.<br />
<br />
I wanted to run away. That’s the instinct isn’t it? When we catch a
glimpse of ourselves in Life’s proverbial mirror…the harsh lighting
casting shadows upon each of our imperfections…we immediately turn away,
terrified over what we might really see.<br />
<blockquote>
Go to your body and connect with the physical sensation.
It always feels really bad; it’s usually a tightening in the throat or
the heart or the solar plexus. Stay with that and say to yourself,
“Millions of people all over the world have this kind of discomfort,
fear—I don’t even have to call it anything—this feeling of not wanting
things to be this way. This is my link with humanity.” Connect with the
idea that this moment is a shared experience all over the world.<small>Pema Chödrön</small></blockquote>
Indeed, we all experience these moments of profound uncomfortability – and generally owing to this experience of being human.<br />
<br />
And, all of those drop-to-your-knees, god-awful humbling sort of moments? They <i>define</i> us, and share with us another aspect of our being.<br />
<br />
My dears, we are not perfect – and that’s precisely the point. Our
imperfections, as horrible as they may feel once revealed…become the
looking glass into another human spirit.<br />
<br />
And, it is within this space of shared understanding that compassion’s roots might finally take form.<br />
And, were it not for this business of being most imperfectly human – my dears, we might not have ever known.<br />
Consequently, and in settling into my own ‘blechiness’ for a bit, I realized…<br />
<br />
That thing I was so certain had upset me before? Turns out – it wasn’t at all what it first seemed.<br />
<br />
<i>(spoiler alert)</i>…it never is.<br />
<br />
My dears, when we learn to simply slow our pace and settle into things a bit…the whole world, becomes just simply infinite.<br />
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<br />
Namaste, and much love on this day.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15726328993848231053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-370765408146832650.post-14616751971153934172013-12-25T18:15:00.002-05:002013-12-25T18:15:53.628-05:00What is Love?<br />
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<br />
<blockquote>
"There are two basic
motivating forces: fear and love. When we are afraid, we pull back from
life. When we are in love, we open to all that life has to offer with
passion, excitement, and acceptance. We need to learn to love ourselves
first, in all our glory and our imperfections. If we cannot love
ourselves, we cannot fully open to our ability to love others or our
potential to create. Evolution and all hopes for a better world rest in
the fearlessness and open-hearted vision of people who embrace life." - John Lennon</blockquote>
My dears, this morning, I must admit I woke to a bit of a funk. You
see, the holidays here, though such a blessing – bring to mind a memory
from so very long ago.<br />
<br />
It was December 8, 1980 – the night John Lennon was gunned down in
front of his home—standing next to him, was his loving wife and soul
mate.<br />
<br />
I was laying in bed in my room, all of just 12 years old, when I heard the breaking news over the television set,<br />
<blockquote>
“An unspeakable tragedy. Confirmed to us by ABC News in
New York City. John Lennon, outside of his apartment building on the
West side of New York City, the most famous, perhaps, of all of the
Beatles. Shot twice in the back. Rushed to Roosevelt’s Hospital.”</blockquote>
And then, the announcer paused just a moment to say, these three words that I shall never forget,<br />
<blockquote>
“<i>Dead…on…arrival</i>.”</blockquote>
It was the first time I remember feeling such an overwhelming sense
of helplessness—at the loss of a most beautiful human life, and one that
was barely half-lived.<br />
<br />
It was also the very first time I questioned my very own <i>faith—</i>not in God, but rather, <i>humanity</i>. I found myself questioning the very depth of humanity’s moral sense.<br />
<br />
It was the first time, I felt such a profound sense of ‘brokeness.’<br />
<br />
You see, when I look into another person’s face, I <i>see</i> their humanity; I <i>feel</i> the energy of their spirit. I see the shimmer of their past in those creases and lines and I can see their heart’s fullest <i>potential</i>.<br />
<br />
And, beyond any question or lingering shadows of doubt – my dears, I can <i>see</i> their love.<br />
<br />
You know, for so many years I held firm to the belief that
‘enlightenment’ was reserved only for the mystics and yogis of t could
be attained only by the mystics and yogis of this world.<br />
<br />
You know, I used to believe that enlightenment was reserved only for the mystics of this world – but, perhaps not…<br />
<br />
My dears, perhaps love is our one true awakening?<br />
<h4 id="watch-headline-title" style="text-align: center;">
oh my love – john lennon</h4>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Oh my love, for the first time in my life<br />
My eyes are wide open<br />
Oh my lover, for the first time in my life<br />
My eyes can see</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I see the wind, oh, I see the trees<br />
Every thing is clear in my heart<br />
I see the clouds, oh, I see the sky<br />
Everything is clear in our world</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Oh my lover, for the first time in my life<br />
My mind is wide open<br />
Oh my love, for the first time in my life<br />
My mind can feel</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I feel the sorrow, oh, I feel dreams<br />
Everything is clear in my heart<br />
I feel life, oh, I feel love<br />
Everything is clear in our world</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15726328993848231053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-370765408146832650.post-74222948879312361872013-12-24T09:52:00.001-05:002013-12-24T09:52:14.713-05:00Amazing Peace: A Christmas Poem.<div class="entry-text">
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<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
I’ve learned that you can tell a
lot about a person by the way (s)he handles these three things: a rainy
day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights. - Maya Angelou</blockquote>
<br />
My dears, what a blessing to stand at the cusp of a brand new year –
to look back, with gratitude for all and everything we have shared.<br />
<br />
I am grateful to <i>you</i>.<br />
<br />
I am grateful to your <i>energy</i>.<br />
<br />
I am grateful to the <i>gift of your light</i>.<br />
<br />
Much love, and namaste during this Holiday Season ~ and may the blessings of this earth soften each of your steps.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Amazing Peace: A Christmas Poem.</b><br />
by Dr. Maya Angelou</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Thunder rumbles in the mountain passes<br />
And lightning rattles the eaves of our houses.<br />
Flood waters await us in our avenues.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Snow falls upon snow, falls upon snow to avalanche<br />
Over unprotected villages.<br />
The sky slips low and grey and threatening.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We question ourselves.<br />
What have we done to so affront nature?<br />
We worry God.<br />
Are you there? Are you there really?<br />
Does the covenant you made with us still hold?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Into this climate of fear and apprehension, Christmas enters,<br />
Streaming lights of joy, ringing bells of hope<br />
And singing carols of forgiveness high up in the bright air.<br />
The world is encouraged to come away from rancor,<br />
Come the way of friendship.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It is the Glad Season.<br />
Thunder ebbs to silence and lightning sleeps quietly in the corner.<br />
Flood waters recede into memory.<br />
Snow becomes a yielding cushion to aid us<br />
As we make our way to higher ground.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hope is born again in the faces of children<br />
It rides on the shoulders of our aged as they walk into their sunsets.<br />
Hope spreads around the earth. Brightening all things,<br />
Even hate which crouches breeding in dark corridors.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In our joy, we think we hear a whisper.<br />
At first it is too soft. Then only half heard.<br />
We listen carefully as it gathers strength.<br />
We hear a sweetness.<br />
The word is Peace.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
It is loud now. It is louder.<br />
Louder than the explosion of bombs.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We tremble at the sound. We are thrilled by its presence.<br />
It is what we have hungered for.<br />
Not just the absence of war. But, true Peace.<br />
A harmony of spirit, a comfort of courtesies.<br />
Security for our beloveds and their beloveds.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We clap hands and welcome the Peace of Christmas.<br />
We beckon this good season to wait a while with us.<br />
We, Baptist and Buddhist, Methodist and Muslim, say come.<br />
Peace.<br />
Come and fill us and our world with your majesty.<br />
We, the Jew and the Jainist, the Catholic and the Confucian,<br />
Implore you, to stay a while with us.<br />
So we may learn by your shimmering light<br />
How to look beyond complexion and see community.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It is Christmas time, a halting of hate time.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
On this platform of peace, we can create a language<br />
To translate ourselves to ourselves and to each other.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
At this Holy Instant, we celebrate the Birth of Jesus Christ<br />
Into the great religions of the world.<br />
We jubilate the precious advent of trust.<br />
We shout with glorious tongues at the coming of hope.<br />
All the earth’s tribes loosen their voices<br />
To celebrate the promise of Peace.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We, Angels and Mortal’s, Believers and Non-Believers,<br />
Look heavenward and speak the word aloud.<br />
Peace. We look at our world and speak the word aloud.<br />
Peace. We look at each other, then into ourselves<br />
And we say without shyness or apology or hesitation.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Peace</i>, My Brother.<br />
<i>Peace</i>, My Sister.<br />
<i>Peace</i>, My Soul.</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15726328993848231053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-370765408146832650.post-64237253737668516952013-12-22T11:18:00.004-05:002013-12-22T11:18:53.783-05:00Learning to Welcome the Rain. <div class="entry-text">
<blockquote>
[...] just remember, the storm
doesn’t last forever. It can scare you; it can shake you to your core.
But it never lasts. The rain subsides, the thunder dies, and the winds
calm to a soft whisper. And that moment after the storm clouds pass,
when all is silent and still, you find peace. Quiet, gentle peace.<small>S.L. Jennings</small>
</blockquote>
There’s a storm passing through today – breaking the silence of early morning with drifting crescendos of pattering rain.<br />
<br />
And, marked by the urgent howling wind through the trees, begging all to ‘take refuge’ before too long.<br />
<br />
When I was a little girl, I was so very terrified of these rumbly
sort of storms—that the first splintering clap of thunder would send me
straight away, sailing to my ‘safe spot’ under the bed.<br />
<br />
The monsters, of course – being a much craftier sort – having vacated many hours before.<br />
<br />
Oh, and, I would lay there for hours – or what seemed like <em>days</em>….my only defense, a rather well worn red cotton blanket.<br />
<br />
In those days, standing up to even the most frightening of storms –
was a much easier proposition. Growing up can certainly make things a
bit more…complicated.<br />
<br />
But, through the years these rains have softened – the crashing bursts of thunder, now signalling the advent of change.<br />
<br />
Isn’t it odd how something which was once so very terrifying can
become something we learn to embrace? As we realize, there is peace even
in the storm.<br />
<br />
And, nowadays, my darlings…I have learned to dance in <em>my</em> rain.<br />
<br />
Oh, yes….and did you know those monsters were just as equally
frightened?<br />
<br />
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It seems, the solace of their slumber was quite often broken
by the haunting screech of one, very loud, little girl.<br />
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15726328993848231053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-370765408146832650.post-20999003251714804692013-12-21T09:31:00.003-05:002013-12-21T09:31:40.656-05:00The Importance of the Mountain's Other View. <div class="entry-text">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRZ0jhdxrCCTDAkcH5mY1be9ZzKwJSxH_4c5Pv4T4HMN0ZMcE2jgGQyMxSNu5399PXD6ErAad_HObIH3UQQnh_8ZJogbzOLZIis1o3cERIjEZRJhO9-1p1edKRbVi_HWddZasSsqtTRWU/s1600/859a67ef741fc0bfd85ef9fb93be7346.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRZ0jhdxrCCTDAkcH5mY1be9ZzKwJSxH_4c5Pv4T4HMN0ZMcE2jgGQyMxSNu5399PXD6ErAad_HObIH3UQQnh_8ZJogbzOLZIis1o3cERIjEZRJhO9-1p1edKRbVi_HWddZasSsqtTRWU/s640/859a67ef741fc0bfd85ef9fb93be7346.jpg" width="492" /></a></div>
<br />
<blockquote>
Mountains, according to the
angle of view, the season, the time of day, the beholder’s frame of
mind, or any one thing, can effectively change their appearance. Thus,
it is essential to recognize that we can never know more than one
side…one small aspect of a mountain.<small> <span style="font-size: small;">~ Haruki Murakami</span></small><br />
</blockquote>
My dears, no matter how great the challenge or seemingly insurmountable the odds…know, that there is <em>always</em> another side to that mountain.<br />
<br />
I think we all need to be reminded of this on the odd occasion – and
particularly, when we find ourselves ‘wincing’ over the climb.<br />
<br />
If only we might always consider, that we really <em>are</em> getting somewhere after all…and even as we are standing here looking upwards at what appears to be a simply impossible height.<br />
<br />
One step at a time, my dears…will bring you always closer, still.<br />
<br />
And hope is never really lost, at all – just a little bit quiet, at times…<br />
<br />
Long enough to find, that belief that was resting inside…waiting for
that one perfect, breathless gasp of wonder to make itself known, once
again.<br />
<br />
So, what’s it gonna be, my friends?<br />
<br />
To wallow in the pity of having seen just one side…<br />
<br />
<em>or</em>,<br />
<br />
Maybe, take a little chance to see what a few extra feet might do for your ‘view’…<br />
<br />
You know, I'm told the peak is actually quite lovely this time of year.<br />
<br />
And, there’s always an extra mug waiting for those who’ll visit me there.<br />
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15726328993848231053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-370765408146832650.post-54241243750068272013-12-18T10:03:00.001-05:002013-12-18T10:03:35.679-05:00Learning to Live in the Just Enough. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLkSzAvMWjcP2mYsAO0zTmH-RrEJSSnv1XTQ8LVDJ-wXrHsaAQrG0RFHV9HxYBNR-D-EIM_pCyRZ-6Pdmqc5WnJycVtCNsJ6Xz21YaB5jmeZIoqi2KaxPEmWZI1QGov1CINyRyrajezHo/s1600/31a9ed507be260da3ba886895f12d0b3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="361" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLkSzAvMWjcP2mYsAO0zTmH-RrEJSSnv1XTQ8LVDJ-wXrHsaAQrG0RFHV9HxYBNR-D-EIM_pCyRZ-6Pdmqc5WnJycVtCNsJ6Xz21YaB5jmeZIoqi2KaxPEmWZI1QGov1CINyRyrajezHo/s640/31a9ed507be260da3ba886895f12d0b3.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
“The soul becomes dyed with the colour of its thoughts.”
―
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17212.Marcus_Aurelius">Marcus Aurelius</a></blockquote>
<br />
I caught myself in a flurry of 'thinky-thoughts' this morning - going over the details of my son's arrival, wondering if I had completed everything on 'the list'..<i>. </i><br />
<br />
And,<i>*spin, spin, spinning*</i> into the day, once again. <br />
<br />
Oh, my dears...and just when does it <i>ever </i>end?<br />
<br />
In our hearts, we wish for happiness and calm...<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, our 'thinking minds' rumble on and on. <br />
<br />
As I looked out the window, I saw my faithful pup racing around the yard - digging and sniffing his way to a forever sort of bliss. It reminded me of the day I took him for a walk along the nature trail. The fields were filled with brightly colored blooms, which he...simply couldn't wait to explore. <br />
<br />
I sat along the pond's edge, watching and smiling as he moved from flower top to flower top ~ stopping only just long enough, to take in the flower's most beautiful essence without becoming too terribly overwhelmed.<br />
<br />
It was the happiest, I believe, I have ever seen him...rolling and wagging in his 'just enough'...<br />
<br />
If only we could adopt the same approach to our present thoughts...not too little...and never too much...<br />
<br />
And...always, learning to pause in our own 'just enough.'<br />
<br />
<br />
Namaste, my most beautiful friends ~ and isn't it amazing the lessons we learn from our pups? <br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15726328993848231053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-370765408146832650.post-87850981123856016342013-12-17T10:17:00.000-05:002013-12-17T10:17:01.541-05:00Remembering to Breathe.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE076vXyo-NIairGUZiRnwfuTU_trKGSxHPXpgCI9SSNxPR4MJZUM_VE-YBq9TUP6GfqHpe5XpmHCivoCC0HJZHKmFccmaiWpUz0p6miYFuqX1jkle9iofWj9oODFXQOe4_eFaNACL3Ag/s1600/fc2039b6431b70519a2ac2e4646b5a0c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE076vXyo-NIairGUZiRnwfuTU_trKGSxHPXpgCI9SSNxPR4MJZUM_VE-YBq9TUP6GfqHpe5XpmHCivoCC0HJZHKmFccmaiWpUz0p6miYFuqX1jkle9iofWj9oODFXQOe4_eFaNACL3Ag/s640/fc2039b6431b70519a2ac2e4646b5a0c.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
<br />
“You will find that it is necessary to let things go; simply for the
reason that they are heavy. So let them go, let go of them. I tie no
weights to my ankles.”
―
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4114218.C_JoyBell_C_">C. JoyBell C.</a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4114218.C_JoyBell_C_"></a> <br />
<br />
What do you do when you find it so difficult to walk away? <br />
<br />
Do you drag your feet, toes pulling trails through the sand or do you celebrate the gift of finally being free?<br />
<br />
My dears, why do we become so terribly unsettled at this prospect? Ripped to shreds by the claws of our very own anxiety?<br />
<br />
And, in that moment where our spirit needs freedom the most - why do we clench our teeth, and grip on with all that we've got? While ironically, wishing it all to go away? <br />
<br />
But, that first new breath always comes - with a bold sweetness of having made our way through. <br />
<br />
<br />
Oh, and isn't <i>this </i>the most beautiful gift of all? This reflection of a new-found understanding and clarity of purpose? <br />
<br />
And, yet we always find our way here. Knowing that this gift is 'out there', yet still making a mess of the 'what we have right here...' <br />
<br />
My dears, hold fast...as this breath is always near...and the light of resilience will guide you there. <br />
<br />
<br />
And, all that you must have is a presence of mind...and a most simple willingness to believe.<br />
<br />
So, why not - and just for today, my dears...just simply breathe.<br />
<br />
Namaste. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15726328993848231053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-370765408146832650.post-77224869036265050152013-12-16T10:44:00.001-05:002013-12-16T10:44:40.081-05:00When We Let Go of Ego, We Release the Soul.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPwFW6sXXqgoyC6HhYtPTqMmpDvPdXQGI4U-plYqAlTbtFAbSKVOcOGzUrupR9czBomclTe6PAZqV-wSxKoazwvEPZhAeR__6_AvEA6yBfv1whvVwrY58ai49pHS1Sjm5hEGzBue8tXdM/s1600/9e48929ab959097cded34651cff15eb9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPwFW6sXXqgoyC6HhYtPTqMmpDvPdXQGI4U-plYqAlTbtFAbSKVOcOGzUrupR9czBomclTe6PAZqV-wSxKoazwvEPZhAeR__6_AvEA6yBfv1whvVwrY58ai49pHS1Sjm5hEGzBue8tXdM/s1600/9e48929ab959097cded34651cff15eb9.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
“Make your ego porous. Will is of little importance, complaining is
nothing, fame is nothing. Openness, patience, receptivity, solitude is <i>
everything</i>.”
―
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7906.Rainer_Maria_Rilke">Rainer Maria Rilke</a></blockquote>
<br />
<br />I had an incident at work the other day – nothing too serious, mind you…simply a bit of a reminder in a ‘pinchy’ sort of way.<br />
<br />
Long story short, I had settled into this view of my ‘work self’ – of
‘slightly disorganized, but mindfully diligent, spit polished and
shined’ sort of perspective.<br />
<br />
And, when someone pointed out that I wasn’t quite all of those things – well…it left me, in a sort of unsettled mess.<br />
<br />
My dears, we hold so tightly to this ‘view’ of ourselves…that we
often, and quite inadvertently, refuse to see things any other way.<br />
<br />
This is the ego, <i>clinging</i>. And, it is a oh-so, very subtle…creeping upon us in ways not ever expected.<br />
<br />
We cling to old habits.<br />
<br />
We cling to pleasing others.<br />
<br />
We cling to the way things should have been.<br />
<br />
We cling to the idea of love in a nearly loveless relationship.<br />
<br />
We even cling to our own stubborn attitude, and the to the perfection of what we believe ‘me’ to be.<br />
<br />
In the end, it’s our ‘self’ that gets in the way.<br />
<br />
“If only I could have/do/change this one simple thing, then…” and, just like that…the ‘clinging’ catches ego, once again.<br />
<br />
Ego says, “Once everything falls into place, I’ll feel Peace”.
Whereas, Spirit says, “find your Peace, and then everything will fall
into place”.<br />
<br />
Can you now see that subtle difference? The critical distinction between <em>self</em> and <em>spirit</em>?<br />
<br />
The great fourteenth-century Tibetan teacher, Longchenpa once
lectured on the importance of mindful attention; specifically, not
allowing our minds to get so very caught up in the meaningless details
that we miss that which matters most of all. This useless occupation of
our focus can carry on for many moments, weeks, and even years. It’s the
time wasted, trapped in the stories we tell – and disconnected from the
magnificent beauty of this life we all share.<br />
<br />
“Yes, <i>but</i>…” you may offer.<br />
<br />
My dears, it’s <i>this </i>sort of thinking that goes on and on and on…leaving a day lost to worries that have yet to manifest.<br />
<br />
You see, it’s so very easy to get caught up in our image of self…that we nearly miss out on the better part of living.<br />
<br />
“Yes, if <i>only</i>…”<br />
<br />
“If I could just <i>be</i>…”<br />
<br />
“You just don’t <i>understand</i>…”<br />
<br />
My dears, these are the words of a clinging hand…and when you let go of ego, you can release the soul.<br />
<br />
So, the only question left to be asked is… what’s keeping <i>you </i>from letting go?<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15726328993848231053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-370765408146832650.post-84056305598902825572013-12-13T13:54:00.002-05:002013-12-13T13:54:56.521-05:00A Little Something They Don’t Teach You in School. <h1 class="entry-title">
</h1>
<div class="entry-info clearfix">
</div>
<div class="entry-text">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm2XykwoLynT3UAaV8OQfkz8SvIcjeMpT9G9nkQeCNmyTNusKJ4pMiyMA9tGk1ntZ_iljfviWzOFvvZvO2yesNV0lpvv20jMQZfJ5w1Hf3T5ZBuqshrtM_k4xddmGsiySh7hzKXdV7XrA/s1600/5-16a6db4c376c1d0cd96167e9df10fe8c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm2XykwoLynT3UAaV8OQfkz8SvIcjeMpT9G9nkQeCNmyTNusKJ4pMiyMA9tGk1ntZ_iljfviWzOFvvZvO2yesNV0lpvv20jMQZfJ5w1Hf3T5ZBuqshrtM_k4xddmGsiySh7hzKXdV7XrA/s1600/5-16a6db4c376c1d0cd96167e9df10fe8c.jpg" height="600" width="600" /></a></div>
<br />
<blockquote>
“I’ve been making a list
of the things they don’t teach you at school. They don’t teach you how
to love somebody. They don’t teach you how to be famous. They don’t
teach you how to be rich or how to be poor. They don’t teach you how to
walk away from someone you don’t love any longer. They don’t teach you
how to know what’s going on in someone else’s mind. They don’t teach you
what to say to someone who’s dying.”<small>Neil Gaiman</small><br />
</blockquote>
I really love this quote, by author Neil Gaiman ~ as it provides a much-needed insight on life and of living.<br />
<br />
My dears, there are just things that must be <em>learned</em>, and not simply <em>taught</em>. These are the lessons that require real life circumstances to help us understand their meaning.<br />
<br />
The pain of watching a loved one’s passing ~ so that we may understand this gift of life.<br />
<br />
The uncertainty of moving forward, without yet ever knowing our path ~ so that we may understand the true power in our purpose.<br />
<br />
The torturous blow of another man’s hate…so that we may <em>always </em>understand the necessity for compassion.<br />
<br />
These are the lessons that matter most of all – the lessons that can not be learned from a book.<br />
<br />
It reminds me of a Buddhist story, the one in which an mad elephant
charges wildly through a crowded street, forcing all in its path to <em>flee</em> in terror.<br />
<br />
But, the Buddha remained ~ silently watching, and just simply waiting.<br />
<br />
And when this mad elephant turned all of its massive rage towards
Buddha ~ still he sat peacefully in meditation…smiling, and calling the
elephant nearer.<br />
<br />
The elephant, was so overcome by the Buddha’s radiant kindness, that
he knelt before him – bowing his head in a most gentle reverence. In
this moment, violent rage was overcome by tenderness.<br />
<br />
Spoiler alert ~ the story isn’t <i>really </i>about a charging elephant, at all…rather, <i>this </i>story is about how we may free ourselves from personal suffering by simply changing our interaction with this world.<br />
<br />
And that, my dears, is a little something they don’t teach you in school ~ to feel peace in <em>this</em> moment, no matter what life’s circumstances…or how ever many ‘charging elephants’…<br />
<br />
Because, my dears…our happiness…our peace…our bliss… is something that <i>we </i>always control.<br />
<br />
Namaste, my most beautiful friends…<br />
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15726328993848231053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-370765408146832650.post-34753479922559675342013-12-12T10:05:00.001-05:002013-12-12T10:05:52.661-05:00To Be Awestruck by Life's Simplicty. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIvlAStbN2-EEiTQ6wtlOpfwu98m9Rt0GUN-J3cfKT6dEw0KprEAxYl2JR4HaM00NxVqMx3FLfP1iHgUZGErmxfnByUGXYsA-d5b9ySGh8Gxq2rfCn-g4XZ_rnAwb8h-jr_FThMT2GVi0/s1600/4b6929e03b3d0e6069daa2a601e2ebda.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIvlAStbN2-EEiTQ6wtlOpfwu98m9Rt0GUN-J3cfKT6dEw0KprEAxYl2JR4HaM00NxVqMx3FLfP1iHgUZGErmxfnByUGXYsA-d5b9ySGh8Gxq2rfCn-g4XZ_rnAwb8h-jr_FThMT2GVi0/s640/4b6929e03b3d0e6069daa2a601e2ebda.jpg" width="426" /></a>
</div>
<blockquote>
“Oftentimes we call Life bitter names, but only when we ourselves are
bitter and dark. And we deem her empty and unprofitable, but only when
the soul goes wandering in desolate places, and the heart is drunken
with overmindfulness of self.<br />
<br />
Life is deep and high and distant;
and though only your vast vision can reach even her feet, yet she is
near; and though only the breath of your breath reaches her heart, the
shadow of your shadow crosses her face, and the echo of your faintest
cry becomes a spring and an autumn in her breast.<br />
<br />
And life is
veiled and hidden, even as your greater self is hidden and veiled. Yet
when Life speaks, all the winds become words; and when she speaks again,
the smiles upon your lips and the tears in your eyes turn also into
words. When she sings, the deaf hear and are held; and when she comes
walking, the sightless behold her and are amazed and follow her in
wonder and astonishment.”
~ <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6466154.Kahlil_Gibran">Kahlil Gibran</a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/850512.Jiddu_Krishnamurti"></a>
</blockquote>
<br />
I've been doing quite a bit of inner reflection, as of late. Moments of profound stillness, fueled by this burning desire to move a little closer to spirit.<br />
<br />
And, it's not so easy, now, is it? Sitting quietly in meditation while our thoughts are so busily churning away.<br />
<br />
Confounded by Enlightenment's elusiveness - watching it forever slip, from our permanently tightened grip. <br />
<br />
Distraction is such a fool's game - captivated by all that we want, transfixed by that which may <i>never</i> come our way.<br />
<br />
But, my dears...even stillness knows to 'breathe softly against those brick walls.' <br />
<br />
So, why not settle into things a bit?<br />
<br />
And, give yourself this much needed space... <br />
<br />
To be awestruck by life's much simpler things...is indeed, and by far, the most wonderful thing. <br />
<br />
<b>Video: The Biological Advantage of Being Awestruck.</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" src="//player.vimeo.com/video/46264514" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe> <br />
<a href="http://vimeo.com/46264514">The Biological Advantage of Being Awestruck - by @JasonSilva</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/jasonsilva">Jason Silva</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15726328993848231053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-370765408146832650.post-27410017764398247222013-12-11T10:11:00.000-05:002013-12-11T10:11:02.146-05:00A Vestibule for Our Fear.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHSpE14kZqEUvUU4oJxr0L9pb98GKxWE981MAZtaz4SVUA6hnQECbChKCQiygCvywdQFX_6m7RYr_RSnfXp_Aqzi5npo-4gUCuwlNYiWclOCCcY2VO1EkDvtt8eFQPOMozBGMoE2K1jOs/s1600/6f0f96a69f8a30051edcfc1e4cfbe3d0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHSpE14kZqEUvUU4oJxr0L9pb98GKxWE981MAZtaz4SVUA6hnQECbChKCQiygCvywdQFX_6m7RYr_RSnfXp_Aqzi5npo-4gUCuwlNYiWclOCCcY2VO1EkDvtt8eFQPOMozBGMoE2K1jOs/s640/6f0f96a69f8a30051edcfc1e4cfbe3d0.jpg" width="600" /></a>
<br />
<blockquote>
“You must not hate those who do wrong or harmful things; but with compassion, you must do what you can to stop them — for they are harming themselves, as well as those who suffer from their actions.” ―
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/570218.Dalai_Lama_XIV">Dalai Lama XIV</a></blockquote>
<br />
I had a most interesting conversation with my workmate this morning. He had read an article indicating that the United States was fast becoming the most hated nation in the world.<br />
<br />
More specifically, that hating America was, in a sense, becoming its very own 'religion.'<br />
<br />
I can't imagine a darkness to this level. And, I can't imagine a heart so devoid of compassion that it would strike the arrow of hatred towards someone who's spirit is not yet even known.<br />
<br />
To hate, without ever knowing <i>why </i>- my dears, that is the most frightening prospect of all.<br />
<br />
Have we so hopelessly lost our connection to our "one human family" - that we allow Fear to determine our way forward?<br />
<br />
My dears, yesterday evening...just before dawn...I heard the sound of gunshots breaking through the stillness of a cold winter night.<br />
<br />
It was inside that moment, that a young boy died - his life's sum relegated to a simple news headline. <br />
<br />
My dears, I believe hatred is trying to destroy our 'view' - born of our deepest fears, and engaging a most primal instinct to fight. <br />
<br />
But, what is it that we're so very afraid of? Is it the pain of life itself? Or, the uncertainty of death? Are we so paralyzed by our fear of the unknown - that we've left only one tiny, dark space for our spirit to go?<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
“In the moment when I truly understand my enemy, understand him well
enough to defeat him, then in that very moment I also love him. I think
it’s impossible to really understand somebody, what they want, what they
believe, and not love them the way they love themselves. And then, in
that very moment when I love them.... I destroy them.” ~
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/589.Orson_Scott_Card">Orson Scott Card</a></blockquote>
<br />
Or, can Fear become Compassion's vestibule?<br />
<br />
<br />
My dears, what is it that <i>you </i>believe? <br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15726328993848231053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-370765408146832650.post-31441947127548078512013-12-11T09:06:00.002-05:002013-12-11T09:06:57.421-05:00Russell Brand: The Only Thing That Matters to Any Of Us Is Love. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjFNWPMxrLDBqfw3T1BtrIwGdpgPehGimq0Ei8Ea38_9RPNvwIX0QahtFtxywTVZq7DrQ2ZfXzxO8vbJQSMwHJE4OhgoJhByCIxOVQC_JY3SEBcUydjS714tyrqiGwnxb9xLRBS368Pw8/s1600/08f0927da95c1910a4b536b447a9ddaf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjFNWPMxrLDBqfw3T1BtrIwGdpgPehGimq0Ei8Ea38_9RPNvwIX0QahtFtxywTVZq7DrQ2ZfXzxO8vbJQSMwHJE4OhgoJhByCIxOVQC_JY3SEBcUydjS714tyrqiGwnxb9xLRBS368Pw8/s640/08f0927da95c1910a4b536b447a9ddaf.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
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<div class="pullquote-text">
“What a privilege it was to edit the words of one of the greatest men of our generation.” ~ Timothy Shieff</div>
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</b><br />
<b>Published on Nov 21, 2013 </b><br />
<br />
<br />
This video is presented through the brilliant creative spirit of
Timothy Shieff, who so painstakingly pieced together the better portions
of a most simple truth.<br />
<br />
That, there is so very much we are unable to <i>see</i> – but, that doesn’t diminish the power of its presence.<br />
<br />
Love permeates our every being… and underscore our every thought, every word…and every action.<br />
We are not ever alone, my dears – rather, we are inseparably intertwined in this fabric of love.<br />
Here’s a download link to the audio for you to carry with you, always.<br />
<br />
<a dir="ltr" href="https://soundcloud.com/timothy-shieff/love-is-all-that-matters" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" title="https://soundcloud.com/timothy-shieff/love-is-all-that-matters">https://soundcloud.com/timothy-shieff…</a><br />
<br />
Much love, and namaste…my most beautiful friends.<br />
<br />
And remember, through love all things are possible.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15726328993848231053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-370765408146832650.post-80192146316837280722013-12-10T09:29:00.002-05:002013-12-10T09:29:59.136-05:00The Magic in a Snow Covered Day. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiHr8e3t5WTTVluBP5AeQeWFCsIh9GqWxmb8IKFL8IrWKBLxXx4GvkeLCg3WtVuVn9wK5gPLiWwiOyNxF6AmDb_AFMqMny_pVv_oh8RP8L9TzOq6AMQhzfTcDtRcnrdgNTF25QuXGmPeo/s1600/5bbb01696b615b8c09f62ab2a104414e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiHr8e3t5WTTVluBP5AeQeWFCsIh9GqWxmb8IKFL8IrWKBLxXx4GvkeLCg3WtVuVn9wK5gPLiWwiOyNxF6AmDb_AFMqMny_pVv_oh8RP8L9TzOq6AMQhzfTcDtRcnrdgNTF25QuXGmPeo/s640/5bbb01696b615b8c09f62ab2a104414e.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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"She stuck her head out and took a deep breath. If she could eat the cold
air, she would. She thought cold snaps were like cookies, like
gingersnaps. In her mind they were made with white chocolate chunks and
had a cool, brittle vanilla frosting. They melted like snow in her
mouth, turning creamy and warm.”
~ <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/566874.Sarah_Addison_Allen">Sarah Addison Allen</a> </blockquote>
Oh, it's a <i>snow</i> day here today - a day in which all offices are closed, and simply because a fine dusting of glorious white winter powder has fallen once again from the sky.<br />
<br />
My own opinion is that those who govern the opening and closing of offices during these winter weather events are, actually, quite fond of building snow forts.<br />
<br />
But, I digress... :)<br />
<br />
When I was a little girl, we lived in an area referred to as, "The Snow Belt." From our house, we could see Lake Erie - who was a notoriously stormy vixen, who thought nothing of delivering a full <i>two</i> feet of snow in <i>one</i> single visit.<br />
<br />
And, each year, my Mother would curse the foul, frigid sloppiness... <br />
<br />
Oh, but I...I could <i>wait</i> to find my way through those lofty drifts. <br />
<br />
In those days, all we had to do was <i>play</i> - stopping only for a quick refuel, and just enough to get through the remainder of the day.<br />
<br />
I do so <i>love</i> my winter days.<br />
<br />
I love the sound of muffledness - the sound the earth makes when 'all tucked in.'<br />
<br />
I love the sound of howling winds, and the creak-crack-shlooshing of ice-encrusted trees.<br />
<br />
I love the way the flurries play, like little white house cats swirling around my legs. <br />
<br />
And today, I watch in wonderment - as the this new snow gently forms against my window - 'politely begging entrance', and in the hopes that we might once again, play.<br />
<br />
Oh, my dears..I do so <i>love</i> my winter days...and the long awaited arrival of Mother Nature's invitation to <i>stay</i>. <br />
<br />
<b>Video: Snow Circles </b>(I might just try this today)<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" src="//player.vimeo.com/video/35890182" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe> <br />
<a href="http://vimeo.com/35890182">Snow Circles</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/steamboat">Beauregard, Steamboat Aerials</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15726328993848231053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-370765408146832650.post-71983124246272883322013-12-09T10:44:00.003-05:002013-12-09T10:47:09.238-05:00When the Path Becomes the Teacher. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaS5PMpV61k5F_gszzzFbP9_smO1Qao9j21rqaAA3jBhyphenhypheniS4uyvpCFi-DzbqMo3kOZtGtw5r5fRh7Zbc9wxv4mLPy5nhsdSx_ZixUBE7kSYL5dfQtM0lHoR5JmSKwKgjCwEGvB70t4APc/s1600/fe88fdc0240f525a1ae396ab700d4c4e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaS5PMpV61k5F_gszzzFbP9_smO1Qao9j21rqaAA3jBhyphenhypheniS4uyvpCFi-DzbqMo3kOZtGtw5r5fRh7Zbc9wxv4mLPy5nhsdSx_ZixUBE7kSYL5dfQtM0lHoR5JmSKwKgjCwEGvB70t4APc/s640/fe88fdc0240f525a1ae396ab700d4c4e.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
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“The two hardest tests on the spiritual road are the patience to wait for the right moment and the courage not to be disappointed with what we encounter.” ― Paulo Coelho</blockquote>
And, isn't that just the most simple truth?<br />
<br />
That we wish so much for only the best things in life, but are often too bothered to wait for their arrival?<br />
<br />
And, when it so happens that it's not quite as expected...well, we tend to forget that sometimes the Universe has a much greater plan. <br />
<br />
My dears, in life <i>patience </i>and <i>courage </i>go hand in hand - where one is absent, the other <i>must </i>stand.<br />
<br />
We must have patience enough to realize, that nothing in this world happens by chance.<br />
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And, courage enough to know that no matter what, we <i>will </i>be ok. <br />
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Our spiritual path is often a long and winding road - and though, at times it may not yield precisely what we may have wanted... trust, my dears, that there is always a reason.<br />
<br />
Because, isn't it true..that in the end, our spiritual path becomes our very best 'teacher<i>'...</i>?<br />
<br />
That is,<i> if </i>we can learn to just simply let it...to let patience and courage go hand in hand. <br />
<br />
Namaste, my most beautiful friends...and just for today, have a little faith, my dears -<br />
<br />
Because, you see...your journey is only just beginning. <br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15726328993848231053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-370765408146832650.post-13485488321829708062013-12-08T11:33:00.001-05:002013-12-08T11:38:01.722-05:00The Magic of Believing.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdEUezspmFipWno2R4H7UqsNtSAFBWB6BPDMHB6J160Iq76lV9pXSDpbHxydQpdoTsRgwY0T5pOzj2ibLYheC95hbzQoI1mXwHSQvcag7Kh-9GHgFv_QaYERnH73IiMqvZJkYL4qnYj50/s1600/704462b151c4da337e3adcc98e04d638.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdEUezspmFipWno2R4H7UqsNtSAFBWB6BPDMHB6J160Iq76lV9pXSDpbHxydQpdoTsRgwY0T5pOzj2ibLYheC95hbzQoI1mXwHSQvcag7Kh-9GHgFv_QaYERnH73IiMqvZJkYL4qnYj50/s640/704462b151c4da337e3adcc98e04d638.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"The moment you doubt whether you can fly, you cease for ever to be able to do it.”
―
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5255014.J_M_Barrie">J.M. Barrie</a></blockquote>
<br />
When I was a little girl, I believed in Santa Claus. <br />
<br />
In fairness, I also believed in the Tooth Fairy and the Easter Bunny...and that pixie dust could make you fly. But, the big guy and I...we had a very special bond.<br />
<br />
It started one year, when I had been unfairly implicated in the breaking of my Dad's new staple gun. Tools were always 'off limits' in our house - and my brother, having been unceremoniously stripped of his 'youngest child' honors, was continuously on the look out for new ways to throw his baby sister under the proverbial bus.<br />
<br />
It was the first time I had ever been in such 'very big' trouble.<br />
<br />
I rehearsed my speech to the Big Guy for weeks - carefully reconstructing the <i>true</i> series of events, and in hopes that I might right the wrong of an unjust 'naughty' status. <br />
<br />
And, as I hopped up onto his lap inside that crowded Higbees's department store - tears flowed, as I began to pour out my heart,<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"My brother..." sniffle, snort, "is <i>stupid</i>."</blockquote>
Yes, after weeks of painstaking preparation - that's all this little heart could muster. I could feel the dark clouds of doom rolling in.<br />
<br />
Not only had I botched the representation of my <i>own</i> case, but I had committed further trespass by revealing my true feelings about my brother. <br />
<br />
But just as I began to run away, Santa pulled me in closer to say, "Ah...it's a good thing Santa loves you anyway."<br />
<br />
In those next few short minutes, he shared with me the meaning of Christmas - that we must always share of our hearts, and to believe in the greater good. <br />
<br />
I've carried that lesson with me, even still to this day. As, it was the first time I recall understanding what it meant to believe. <br />
<br />
When we are small, our beliefs are formed without prejudice and without those awful preconceived notions that are learned through our later years.<br />
<br />
We believe without the complexity of having to ever know <i>why</i>. <br />
<br />
And, <i>when</i> we believed - we believed with <i>all</i> of our heart; and without the expectation of 'something in return.'<br />
<br />
But then, something happens...and our ability to believe, sadly changes. <br />
<br />
We allow fear to take our <i>willingness</i> away. <br />
<br />
My dears, we all feel the sharp pains of sadness. And we are all met, at times, with seemingly insurmountable odds. Challenge and hardship will always find us, and no matter how careful the planning. <br />
<br />
But, isn't this where compassion begins? These events which humble us, which bring us to our knees ~ form the thread which connects all of humanity.<br />
<br />
And, that is what helps to make our believing even stronger still. <br />
<br />
My dears, it is belief that ignites the fire of our purpose. It defines us, carries us forwards...and guides us to the divine essence of that which we <i>truly</i> are.<br />
<br />
When we believe in a cause, we fight for it.<br />
<br />
When we believe in others, we support and uplift them.<br />
<br />
Belief is the basis for all of our being. And, belief will defy any barriers that dare to stand in our way. <br />
<br />
History is replete with stories demonstrating the power of belief in the saga for good.<br />
<br />
Ghandi believed so very strongly in a free India, that he gave his very life to support the continuance of this most simple dream.<br />
<br />
Martin Luther King, Jr. stood, unwavering, against the hostility of an <i>entire</i> <i>nation</i> - and for the single purpose that all men be treated as equals.<br />
<br />
They did so because they believed in humanity...they believed in compassion.<br />
<br />
They believed that with hope, all things are possible. <br />
<br />
In 1948, author Claude Bristol wrote a most wonderful book entitled, The Magic of Believing. In it, he describes the common thread that connects all cultures and religions - that is, what you believe becomes your reality. It is the power of belief that shapes the form and patterns in our lives. <br />
<br />
My dears, what do <i>you</i> believe? If you could make one wish this year, what might it be?<br />
<br />
And why, are you standing in possibility's way?<br />
<br />
<br />
p.s. - I still believe in Santa Claus...and I think this year, I've made the nice list, once again. <br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Video: Charter for Compassion: Karen Armstrong</b><br />
<br />
People want to be religious, says scholar Karen Armstrong; we should
help make religion a force for harmony. She asks the TED community to
help build a Charter for Compassion ~ to restore the Golden Rule as the
central global religious doctrine.<br />
<br />
Watch this most wonderful video, as author Karen Armstrong provides her wish for a much better world. <br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" mozallowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" src="http://embed.ted.com/talks/karen_armstrong_makes_her_ted_prize_wish_the_charter_for_compassion.html" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="560"></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15726328993848231053noreply@blogger.com0