It's Never Too Late to Create.

“When you’re not making stuff, there’s this part of you that aches, but you don’t know that’s why it aches.” ~ Lisa Congdon

Imagine living each day with this gnawing sense that something is missing.

And, imagine the day you finally realize that this something missing is actually the better part of the very best of you?

Watch this most beautiful video from artist, Lisa Congdon, who understands so completely the meaning... it's never too late.

The Power of Hugs.

 "Millions and millions of years would still not give me half enough time to describe that tiny instant of eternity when you put your arms around me and I put my arms around you." ~ Jacques Prevert

Imagine a place so wonderful that each new day that arrived you were welcomed with a hug?

A hug is one of the most basic aspects of human touch ~ often, breaking down barriers that a million carefully placed words and all this great expanse of time might not ever do.

And, its beauty is in its simplicity ~ two arms wrapped tightly around, and in an effort to fulfill that most basic human nee...that of touch, and of love.

In the span of one single hug ~ the whole of our entire inner-universe might change.

Because, my dears...only hugs are born from this kind of unconditional love... 

And hugs, my most beautiful friends...are the one thing that connects us all.

Namaste....and many hugs this day!

Video: Tim's Place

Welcome to Tim's Place, a unique and most inspiring restaurant where all dishes come with a heaping side of hugs.

"Tim Harris, owner of Tim's Place, is the country's only restaurant owner with Down's Syndrome, and the joy he gets from serving people good food carries over into his diner's most famous export: hugs! Tim's restaurant is located in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and is open 7 days a week. Read more about Tim & his restaurant here: http://timsplaceabq.com."

How These Hands Can Change This World.

“Tomorrow is not a promise, but a chance.” ~ Rachel Joy Scott  (1981-1999); Student, Columbine High School

She was the very first victim of the Columbine massacre ~ a young woman, just barely 17-years-old and with the life's ambition of changing this world.

In her backpack rested a small notebook that she carried with her each day, on which she had written the words, "I will not be labeled as average."

This was Rachel's Kindness Journal ~ and its pages were filled with each and all and everyone of her hopes and dreams of bringing a little more love to this world.


This was no ordinary child, distracted by the callings of tree climbing and trips to the mall. Rather, this was a child with a much greater mission ~ and one whose roots be found on the back of an old piece of furniture on which she had traced her hands, and written,

"These hands belong to Rachel Joy Scott and will some day touch millions of people's hearts."

How could anyone have known at the time, just how very true these words would soon become.

For you see, Rachel's heart was so filled with hope that it started a chain reaction of loving-kindness. And it was Rachel's infectious optimism that prompted her family to start, Rachel’s Challenge ~ a foundation whose  programs empower both students and adults by creating a culture of kindness and compassion.


By turning the story of a tragic death at Columbine High School into a mission for change, Rachel's Challenge is helping create safer learning environments and making a world-wide impact. And this dream, Rachel's dream, has impacted the hearts of over 10 million people~ including Chuck Norris, President Bill Clinton, President George W. Bush, Larry King, Oprah, and Bill O'Reilly (and, just to name a few).

"I have this theory that if one person can go out of their way to show compassion then it will start a chain reaction of the same"  

And, that my dears, is how one little heart can change this awfully big world.


The story that changes everything from Rachel's Challenge on Vimeo.

What Do You Choose This Day?

"Do I prefer to grow up and relate to life directly, or do I choose to live and die in fear? "
~ Pema Chödrön

My dears, this is the question we all must face within each day and in oh-so very many of ways.

Fear waits for us within each moment ~ crouched like a lion in the tall prairie grasses, waiting patiently for the first signs of weakness to manifest.

Fear never takes on a noteworthy opponent, rather, Fear waits for that moment when all hope has passed.

Fear, you see, is the greatest of spiritual predators.

And, my dears ~ Fear is also a sign that we are moving much closer towards the truth.

The truth of who we really are in all of our bumps and bruises...our upsets and outbursts...and also, all of our gloriousness.

For some reason, and quite oddly enough, that latter truth seems to frighten us the most.

But these moments, as uncomfortable as they may be ~ all of these feeling of loss, fear... rage...as Pema would say,

(they) "never touch our basic wealth. They are like clouds that temporarily block the sun. But all the time our warmth and brilliance are right here. This is who we really are. We are one blink of an eye away from being fully awake."

Namaste, my most beautiful friends...and, just for today, may we try to embrace all of these moments in our day.

A Most Beautiful Quote for this Day.

 "Many paths lead up the mountain, but at the top we all look at the same bright moon" ~ Ikkyu

For those who are as of yet, unfamiliar, Ikkyu (1394-1481) was a Japanese Zen Buddhist priest and poet. He was also one of the creators of the Japanese tea ceremony.

But most noteworthy, I believe, were these few simple words ~ grounded in a truth that transcends all that we are and believe. 

It is the most fundamental and unchanging truth in this most amazing universe ~ that no matter what, in the end, we are all the same. 

And, that this most beautiful moon shines its light equally upon all, yet favors none.

Namaste, my dear friends... a little something to remember in this day.

Your Patch of Sun for Today.

“Happiness is a warm puppy.” ― Charles M. Schulz

Good morning, my most beautiful friends ~ the sun is peeking in through a small break in the window drapes, and my dearest puppy has found his place for this day. How wonderful to have a soul just like this...where something as simple as a patch of sun on a well worn carpet completely fills your spirit?

Perhaps, there is a lesson right here ~ ?

Much love, my most beautiful friends ~ and namaste...

Do you have your 'patch of sun' for this day?

What's the Most Important Thing?

One of my most favorite teachings from Pema Chödrön, and one that I wanted very much to share here today. Within each day, I ask myself these very questions ~ what have I done to really live?

It is the basis for all of my thoughts and my being, and my mantra through every moment of my day.

"One of my favorite subjects of contemplation is this question: “Since death is certain, but the time of death is uncertain, what is the most important thing?” You know you will die, but you really don’t know how long you have to wake up from the cocoon of your habitual patterns. You don’t know how much time you have left to fulfill the potential of your precious human birth. Given this, what is the most important thing?

Every day of your life, every morning of your life, you could ask yourself, “As I go into this day, what is the most important thing? What is the best use of this day?”

At my age, it’s kind of scary when I go to bed at night and I look back at the day, and it seems like it passed in the snap of a finger. That was a whole day? What did I do with it? Did I move any closer to being more compassionate, loving, and caring—to being fully awake? Is my mind more open? What did I actually do? I feel how little time there is and how important it is how we spend our time.

What is the best use of each day of our lives?

In one very short day, each of us could become more sane, more compassionate, more tender, more in touch with the dream-like quality of reality.

Or we could bury all these qualities more deeply and get more in touch with solid mind, retreating more into our own cocoon."

To Give Hope.

"A person, who no matter how desperate the situation, gives others hope, is a true leader.” 

~ Daisaku Ikeda

I was thinking of this just the other day, and as I ponder-walked my favorite trail ~ the one lined with the most beautiful of red wild flowers. 

How simple is it, this act of giving others hope?

To offer a kindness so great that it transcends all boundaries of life and of living?

To offer something that holds no real monetary value ~ and yet, in giving, becomes the most magnificent gift of all?

This, my most beautiful friends, is the gift of hope...

And hope is the truest essence of our life and our being.

Namaste, my most beautiful friends...may we all find just one opportunity to offer hope's gift, on this day.

Pay Attention to the Love That is Sometimes Missed.

“Give me odorous at sunrise a garden of beautiful flowers where I can walk undisturbed.”

~ Walt Whitman

Today, I had the great blessing of happening upon the most beautiful flowers I believe I have ever seen.

At first, my mind was sadly a bit distracted...you see, I took the walk in order to find a little peace.

And then I felt the soft tugging of the smallest of flowers, as I a small child desperate for attention...and tugging, "look...look right here...look what I can do!!"

And there it was, this my most beautiful bloom.

Sometimes life's lessons come to us in a way that is so subtle that we might often miss it...if we don't have that moment to pause, to breathe and to see...

Beauty and love surrounds you, my friends. It's in the way the wind catches your hair...or the way the blooms tug at your feet.

And love is in these words right here...love for each and all and every single one of you.

And on this day...pay attention to the love that is sometimes missed.

Namaste, my most beautiful friends...

My Gift to You..."Wanted: Writers, Artists, Musicians and other Mindful Wanderers.."

“Like a gift, beautifully wrapped at the foot of your bed each morning, today asks that you open it and enjoy everything inside. Exhaust yourself with all it has to offer!” ~ Steve Maraboli

And, finally... my gift to all of you...who have come here each day to offer me a little love, and to share your light.

I have created a space that is just for you...I'm calling it "Your Mindful Musings".

This is your space…carefully crafted with all of my love, and specifically for you to go…do…and create.
And, without having to worry over hosting fees, technologies…or any other such suchness that might keep you from sharing your love with this world.

And, I will be here to help you along your way…just as elephant journal shared their love with me. They were their to hold my hand, and offer unconditional love, guidance and support. But most importantly, they ‘held the curtain back’ for me…and helped me to find my voice in this world.

This is my dream, to offer the same to you…my most beautiful friends, who have supported me with each and every single word.

I love you all. Now go…do…create.

Just send a quick note to tara@taralemieux.com ~ indicating that you would like your own ‘contributor’ account. I’ll set you up just as soon as my fingers reach a keyboard. I’ll also show you around, and offer my guidance in all of your creative efforts.

Not quite ready to post your own fabulous musings…art…music? Need a little inspiration? Or, do you just want to hook up with other amazing, super creative folks for a little nudge…some much need feedback…or just to say, “hello?’

That’s ok, too ~ this is a community, and we are all very much ‘family’ here. And, I have made a space for you, too.

It’s called “Create Space” – a little something I threw together, taking the best parts of Facebook and Google+ and all molded into one (and without Big Brother watching you!)

The Creating Space gives you the ability to:

• Share photos, videos, music;
• Blog, ask questions, get feedback on your ‘stuff’;
• Set up your own groups, and invite friends to co-create;
• Comment, tag, rate any kind of creative content;
• Collaborate, share, and even video chat!
• Personalize your profile, and set security the way you want it;
• … and much much more.

Why am I doing this?

Because, I am so grateful to all of you…who have been there each day to read over my early morning musings.

You’ve been most awesome ~ and I love you all. And, I guess this…is the legacy of all the love that we’ve created.

So this is my gift to all of you, who have come faithfully here each day to bring my heart a smile ~ “may this gift "be a light to you in dark places, when all other lights go out.”

Namaste.

~ Tara Lemieux

Wanted: Writers, Artists, Musicians and other Mindful Wanderers..

http://yourmindfulmusings.com/wanted-writers-artists-and-musicians/

The Creating Space Sangha: A Community For All to Live, Learn, Grow and Share.

http://create.yourmindfulmusings.com/

How to Create.

 

“One of the strangest things is the act of creation.

You are faced with a blank slate—a page, a canvas, a block of stone or wood, a silent musical instrument.

You then look inside yourself. You pull and tug and squeeze and fish around for slippery raw shapeless things that swim like fish made of cloud vapor and fill you with living clamor. You latch onto something. And you bring it forth out of your head like Zeus giving birth to Athena.

And as it comes out, it takes shape and tangible form.

It drips on the canvas, and slides through your pen, it springs forth and resonates into the musical strings, and slips along the edge of the sculptor’s tool onto the surface of the wood or marble.

You have given it cohesion. You have brought forth something ordered and beautiful out of nothing.

You have glimpsed the divine.” ~ Vera Nazarian

Nearly every day I am asked, "How do you do what you do...how do you create?"


I create from the deepest part of my most human soul...the me that is so very much me. 

I create each morning as I sit in my garden, and watch the dew form along the leaves.

And when the evening sun tips its hat to say, 'Good night' ~ in that moment, I am creating, too.

In everything I touch, feel, sense and do...my gentle muse stands with me, too.



It's who I am in every waking moment of my day.

To create is one of the deepest yearning of the human spirit ~ and when denied, this 'breath of life' slips away.

Creating isn't something we do, rather...creating is our truest sense of being.

Namaste my most beautiful friends...and just for today, go...do...and create.

What They Don't Teach You in School.

“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. They don't teach you anything worth knowing.” ~ Neil Gaiman

I really love this quote, by author Neil Gaiman ~ a little something on life and of living.

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 flee in terror.

But, the Buddha remained ~ sitting quietly, waiting.

And when this mad elephant turned all of its massive rage towards Buddha ~ the Buddha sat peacefully in meditation...smiling, and calling the elephant nearer.

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 is overcome by tenderness.

Spoiler alert ~ the story isn't really about a charging elephant, at all...rather, this story is about how we may free ourselves from personal suffering by simply changing our 'view' of this world.

And that, my dears, is a little something they don't teach you in school ~ to feel peace in each moment, whether there are charging elephants or too many hours spent inside the four walls of a very drab doctors waiting room.

Our happiness and bliss is always something we control.

Namaste, my most beautiful friends...

Dying to Be Me (Event).

All, if you've not yet read this most wonderful book...you must.

The story is phenomenal ~ showing the critical importance of spirit as it relates to healing. I had the good fortune of reading this book just at that point in my life when my physical body was beginning its decline, and my spirit felt overwhelmed...alone...and somewhat broken, on the inside.

Her words really transformed my way of looking at myself through this illness.

I am so excited to join in on this most amazing event ~ I hope that you may 'join' met, too. 

Namaste, and much love this day...

Dying to Be Me: The Power of Transformation Four-Lesson Course with Anita Moorjani July 11 - August 1, 2013, 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm, Pacific Time REGISTER NOW for only $50! Special Offer for Participants of this course: Save 50% off Anita's book, Dying To Be Me when you purchase this Live Online Event.* *Participants will receive a separate e-mail with details about this offer after purchase of the Live Online Event. Be inspired by this brand-new Live Online Course with New York Times best-selling author Anita Moorjani, as she delves deeper into the four most powerful transformational lessons she learned from her near-death experience. Anita’s strength is found in her unique ability to share and express the concepts she gleaned from her experience in a practical and down-to-earth way that resonates with anyone seeking to transform their life. The teachings in these profound and healing lessons will provide you with the ability to look deep within and bring transformation to every aspect of your life. Anita will help you discover the importance of loving yourself and transforming your fears, and will teach you how to bring a piece of heaven into your everyday life. Anita will also be taking your calls and answering your questions each week, so be sure to tune in live at 4pm Pacific and 7pm Eastern. Lesson 1: The Importance of Loving Yourself Unconditionally July 11, 2013, 4:00 pm –5:30 pm, Pacific / 7:00 pm–8:30 pm, Eastern Learning how to love herself was the most important lesson Anita learned from nearly dying, and was key in saving her life from end stage cancer. Anita will talk about self love, and how we have misconstrued it as a culture. She will also speak in more detail about practical ways you can learn to love yourself unconditionally, and why it is so important to do so. Lesson 2: Living Fearlessly July 18, 2013, 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm, Pacific / 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm, Eastern Loving yourself removes fear and doubt from your daily life, as fear and love cannot exist together. This session will be about how you can transcend your fearful thoughts so that fear is no longer the driving force behind all the decisions you make in your life. Anita will give you practical tips on how to become more aware of your fears, and in doing so, you will see improvements not only in your health, but everything else in your life, including your relationships. Lesson 3: Realizing that Life is a Gift July 25, 2013, 4:00 pm –5:30 pm, Pacific / 7:00 pm–8:30 pm, Eastern Anita will talk about how to value life, and see the gift in even the most challenging situations, and learn how to surrender and trust in the moment. She will also help you to learn how to uncover the gift that is found in painful situations, and how to deal with the process of going through pain and fear. She will also speak about the importance of trusting your own instincts, especially during those times when you feel pain, fear and confusion, and how to access this part of yourself. Lesson 4: Being Myself Aug 1, 2013, 4:00 pm –5:30 pm, Pacific / 7:00 pm–8:30 pm, Eastern In this session, Anita teaches that as we become aware of our greatness (or our magnificence) instead of our inadequacies, it allows us to be who we are – that is, to be who nature intended us to be. In realizing the importance of expressing our own truth, we free ourselves from trying to be or do what society expects of us, and we free ourselves from the perception of failing when we don’t live up to other people’s expectations. This also allows us to surrender and relax into our own truth with full acceptance. In this session, Anita will speak about how to just celebrate being ourselves, and the importance of being versus doing. She will also speak about how to shift from a state of “pursuing” what you believe is your purpose, to a state of “allowing” your purpose to unfold before you. If you can’t make the live airdates, you can still join Anita! For your convenience, all participants automatically receive downloadable mp3s of all 4 lessons. Each lesson will be uploaded into your account within a few days of its live airdate and will then be available with unlimited On-Demand access! Hay House will send you a notification email when each lesson is available to download from your account. So you can still take the course no matter what your schedule! (Please note: All Live Online Event purchases are non-refundable.)

Click here to view complete details. July 11 - August 1, 2013, 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm, Pacific Time HayHouse.com Price: $75 • Discounted Price: $50 Sign up today to listen live or on demand!

A Little More Loving-Kindess.

 

"Kindness' covers all of my political beliefs. No need to spell them out. I believe that if, at the end, according to our abilities, we have done something to make others a little happier, and something to make ourselves a little happier, that is about the best we can do. To make others less happy is a crime. To make ourselves unhappy is where all crime starts. We must try to contribute joy to the world. That is true no matter what our problems, our health, our circumstances. We must try. I didn't always know this and am happy I lived long enough to find it out." ~ Roger Ebert

Indeed, we must all try to contribute a little joy and loving-kindness to this world...as I believe, this world so very much needs our love.

And kindness, my dears...is the gift that's always free...

Namaste, and much love this day... 

Love is...

Love ~ John Lennon

Love is real, real is love
Love is feeling, feeling love
Love is wanting to be loved

Love is touch, touch is love
Love is reaching, reaching love
Love is asking to be loved

Love is you
You and me
Love is knowing
We can be

Love is free, free is love
Love is living, living love
Love is needing to be loved 

Video: John Lennon Sings, "Love"

Why We Do What We Do. {Video}

“It is your decisions, and not your conditions, that determine your destiny.” ― Anthony Robbins 

Tony Robbins discusses the "invisible forces" that make us do what we do -- and high-fives Al Gore in the front row.

Your Most Amazing Quote of the Day. (Pema)

"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 brave enough or sane 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." ~ Pema Chodron

The Meaning of the Flower Sermon.

I was sitting in my garden today, sipping sweet tea and letting my mind just be free. 

And as I looked out onto the different flower blooms, admiring each leaf and each petal...this most beautiful calm settled in. It reminded me of a story I had once heard ~ about how the truest nature and beauty can be often effected without words.

Sometimes, there are just no words ~ and yet, the meaning is transcribed still so flawlessly...so completely.

This is the feeling I enjoyed while sipping sweet tea in my garden.

This is the story of the Flower Sermon, and today, I most wanted to share it with you:

One day, Śākyamuni Buddha (Siddhartha Gautama) transmits direct prajñā (wisdom) to the disciple Mahākāśyapa.

In the original Sino-Japanese, the story is called nengemishō 拈花微笑, which means literally "pick up flower, subtle smile".

And, I happen to like this title quite a lot.

In the story, Śākyamuni gives a wordless sermon to his disciples by gently holding up a most beautiful pure white flower.

No one in the audience understands except for Mahākāśyapa, who smiles.

Within Zen, this story communicates the ineffable nature of tathātā (suchness) and Mahākāśyapa's smile signifies the direct transmission of wisdom without words.

It's simple, and loving...and so very true. That there is this nature to communication that surpasses all that we may know and understand.

Sometimes, all that we hold in our hearts is too great to be limited by words....

In which case, we must learn to communicate simply through our being.

That's why I love this story so very much, and it's why in sitting in my garden I thought of it today.

Namaste, my most beautiful friends.

Take Time to Breathe (Author: Lori Deschene)

This article is just too beautiful not to share...from author Lori Deschene, and reprinted from Tiny Buddha)

Just Breathe By Lori Deschene

“Our way to practice is one step at a time, one breath at a time.” -Shunryu Suzuki

When I was younger I frequently had mini panic attacks and feared that I might suffocate. It literally felt difficult to catch my breath; it almost felt like I was being smothered.

When I felt this type of anxiety, people often told me, “Just breathe.” But that was the problem—it didn’t feel like I could. The missing piece of their advice was how.

When we’re feeling frustrated, or panicked, or stressed, or scared, we tend to breathe rapid, shallow breaths, allowing minimal air to our lungs.

This can actually lead to a number of physical problems, including dizziness, headaches, chronic fatigue, heart palpitations, headaches, high blood pressure, and numbness.

So on top of the difficult emotions we may experience, we then create short-term and long-term physical problems by reducing the amount of oxygen that gets to our brains.

The alternative: Take deep, slow, mindful breaths through the nose. Then hold the breath briefly before exhaling for twice as long as the inhalation.

Not only does this help us release tension and reduce anxiety; it also provides a solid internal focus to help ground us when we may feel overwhelmed by external circumstances.

That’s what it means to just breathe: to just breathe. To concentrate solely on the experience of nourishing our bodies with air and in doing so foster a deep sense of internal safety.

This reminds us that no matter how catastrophic things may seem, we’re alive. We’re okay. We’ll get through it. We are still here, still strong, still breathing.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, just breathe. Forget for a minute about everything that needs to be done, and take it all one slow step and deep breath at time.

If you’re feeling worried, just breathe. Forget for a minute about everything that might go wrong and create what can go right, one slow step and deep breath at a time.

If you’re feeling scared, just breathe. Forget for a minute about everything that might hurt you and take care of yourself, one slow step and deep breath at a time.

Oftentimes the world inside our heads is far more chaotic than the world outside it. We have immense power to calm it by remembering to just breathe.

The Thing That Matters Most (You).

“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” ~ Maya Angelou

I love this quote, by author, poet and most beautiful light of this universe, Maya Angelou.

I like it because it sums up so completely how I have always felt about life and about being.

Even as a little girl, when all others around me were planning out their 'what do I wish to be in this world's ~ I remember sitting carefully and wondering with all of my 8-year-old capacity..."yes, but isn't there something more?"

Indeed, there is much more to this life ~ more than status, by-lines, money will every accrue...it's the legacy that matters most of all...and that legacy, my dears, is you.

It's that one moment that you smile to a stranger - never knowing the depth of this person's most recent loss.

It's in the softness of your voice when you say, 'that's ok, keep trying..we'll get this...just watch' - never knowing the person with who you are speaking, almost nearly just gave up...

It's in the life that we share...our hearts...spirits...souls....

It's in the kindness that we give each day...unconditionally.

It's in the way that you are right here...for me now...and reading just this.

My dears, may we all step into this world each day....ever-mindful of the greater importance of our presence here...

Because, my most beautiful friends...there is something much more.

The mud is this earth, my dears...you are...are it's flower.
 
Namaste.