March 30,
Since most of our experiences are rooted in cause and effect, we naturally want to justify our contentment. We envision grand circumstances, stating that if only we could achieve this goal or obtain that possession, we would finally be in a position to attain happiness. As a result, satisfaction is always just out of reach and the very notion of grabbing hold of it seems like nothing more than a pipe dream. But the truth is that sincere contentment and fulfillment are never wholly the result of external events or situations. Though life's joyful moments can ignite the spark of contentment within us, that spark is fueled by serenity long established in our souls. When we forget this, it is easy to become stuck in "if only" patterns of thought. If we concentrate on the natural serenity that exists within us, however, we can move forward unimpeded by disappointment. The circumstances you live through each day have the potential to bring both joy and despair into your life. Relying on the reactions they awaken within you to create an emotional foundation means living on a roller coaster of feeling whose course is determined by chance. Though you may yearn for the object of your desire-be it a new job, financial health, a spouse, or some other symbol of success-you have within you the power to be happy without it. Letting go of your "if only" thinking patterns can be as easy as recognizing that inward emptiness cannot be dispelled with outer world solutions. Try creating a list of your "if only"s. Then literally and figuratively let go of the items on the list by tearing it up or burning it. This simple action can help set in motion the intention to set you free, enabling you to make a fresh and balanced start in the present, unencumbered by regrets and unfulfilled desires. There will likely be periods in your life in which you find yourself tempted to seek a magic formula for fulfillment that is centered upon a single goal or achievement. But the ingredients that come together to form the seeds of happiness that can sustain your spirit throughout the triumphs and trials of existence come from within rather than from without. When your search for satisfaction is focused on your soul, you will never fail to find the joy you seek.
Friday, March 30, 2007
Gift of the Week
Recycled Wrapper Bowls & Coasters
The decisions we make, the thoughts we think, and the actions we take are all parts of a larger web of human development. This means that each and every human being has been blessed with the ability to positively impact the whole of humanity by living conscious lives and making thoughtful choices. Bringing this notion of interconnectivity into our lives in a practical fashion can be as effortless as beautifying our spaces with objects that are evocative of this highly significant concept and that help us connect with individuals from diverse cultures. Recycled wrapper bowls and coasters are handcrafted using colorful recycled snack-food wrappers, forming brilliant and practical items that help improve the lives of the artisans who create them. They also remind us that we are also a part of a larger chain of unified existence. In Nepal, in the remote mountain villages of Lapa, Tipling, and Shertung, what might be viewed as a throwaway item is made meaningful by artisans who weave the recycled wrappers into useful and uplifting works of art. Their efforts, however, are only one part of a larger effort to encourage the collection of non-biodegradable materials and share the importance of a balanced ecology with the inhabitants of these untouched natural areas. Proceeds from these unique, one-of-a-kind objects help fund health care and community education in rural Nepal, while also providing a much needed livelihood for talented artists. Using a set of three recycled wrapper bowls or six coasters is one way of showing that you care deeply for the welfare and well-being of humanity. Should someone close to you comment on these distinctive treasures, you can explain their origin and encourage others to become a more active part of the chain of interconnectivity.
The decisions we make, the thoughts we think, and the actions we take are all parts of a larger web of human development. This means that each and every human being has been blessed with the ability to positively impact the whole of humanity by living conscious lives and making thoughtful choices. Bringing this notion of interconnectivity into our lives in a practical fashion can be as effortless as beautifying our spaces with objects that are evocative of this highly significant concept and that help us connect with individuals from diverse cultures. Recycled wrapper bowls and coasters are handcrafted using colorful recycled snack-food wrappers, forming brilliant and practical items that help improve the lives of the artisans who create them. They also remind us that we are also a part of a larger chain of unified existence. In Nepal, in the remote mountain villages of Lapa, Tipling, and Shertung, what might be viewed as a throwaway item is made meaningful by artisans who weave the recycled wrappers into useful and uplifting works of art. Their efforts, however, are only one part of a larger effort to encourage the collection of non-biodegradable materials and share the importance of a balanced ecology with the inhabitants of these untouched natural areas. Proceeds from these unique, one-of-a-kind objects help fund health care and community education in rural Nepal, while also providing a much needed livelihood for talented artists. Using a set of three recycled wrapper bowls or six coasters is one way of showing that you care deeply for the welfare and well-being of humanity. Should someone close to you comment on these distinctive treasures, you can explain their origin and encourage others to become a more active part of the chain of interconnectivity.
Friday, March 23, 2007
Majical Things
March 23, 2007
Tangible Enchantment
Though the universe as a whole is imbued with an undeniable aura of magic, we can further fill our lives with magic by creating a collection of magical things. More than being simply beautiful, such objects can potentially play an active role in the shaping of our experience as each magical object serves a unique and multifaceted purpose. Some inspire us to reflect while some have the power to positively influence our moods. Others take us back in time, capturing in their essence memories locked in history or helping us reaffirm our connection with the universe. Magical objects can be found almost anywhere and can be practically anything, from gifts of nature to manmade artifacts. You'll know an object is truly magical when it touches you deeply, awakening some primal part of yourself that is more profoundly connected to the ethereal. There is no right or wrong way to introduce a magical object into your life-the collection you create can be large or small, kept in private or publicly displayed. You may already be in possession of such objects. Perhaps you keep a smooth river stone next to your bed because its presence is soothing. Or you find yourself intensely drawn to certain antique items that seem to radiate light and energy. Whatever the nature of the objects you deem magical, there are many ways to utilize them. Those that help you reach a contemplative and relaxed state may best serve their purpose on your personal altar or in some special place in your home. Objects that bring you comfort can be kept in a small pouch and carried throughout the day. Or you may feel compelled to infuse your collection with beauty by making it into a collage that naturally draws your eye and stimulates your soul. Everyone can benefit from surrounding themselves with magical objects. Our lives are made just a little more light and fun when having magical things in our presence. If you feel you don't have anything magical in your life, ask the universe for help, and it will not be long before a meaningful artifact, a simple feather, a special stone, or another powerful item reveals itself to you and fills your life with enchantment.
Tangible Enchantment
Though the universe as a whole is imbued with an undeniable aura of magic, we can further fill our lives with magic by creating a collection of magical things. More than being simply beautiful, such objects can potentially play an active role in the shaping of our experience as each magical object serves a unique and multifaceted purpose. Some inspire us to reflect while some have the power to positively influence our moods. Others take us back in time, capturing in their essence memories locked in history or helping us reaffirm our connection with the universe. Magical objects can be found almost anywhere and can be practically anything, from gifts of nature to manmade artifacts. You'll know an object is truly magical when it touches you deeply, awakening some primal part of yourself that is more profoundly connected to the ethereal. There is no right or wrong way to introduce a magical object into your life-the collection you create can be large or small, kept in private or publicly displayed. You may already be in possession of such objects. Perhaps you keep a smooth river stone next to your bed because its presence is soothing. Or you find yourself intensely drawn to certain antique items that seem to radiate light and energy. Whatever the nature of the objects you deem magical, there are many ways to utilize them. Those that help you reach a contemplative and relaxed state may best serve their purpose on your personal altar or in some special place in your home. Objects that bring you comfort can be kept in a small pouch and carried throughout the day. Or you may feel compelled to infuse your collection with beauty by making it into a collage that naturally draws your eye and stimulates your soul. Everyone can benefit from surrounding themselves with magical objects. Our lives are made just a little more light and fun when having magical things in our presence. If you feel you don't have anything magical in your life, ask the universe for help, and it will not be long before a meaningful artifact, a simple feather, a special stone, or another powerful item reveals itself to you and fills your life with enchantment.
Friday, March 16, 2007
The Five Finger PrayerThis is beautiful - and it is surely worth making the 5 finger prayer a part of our lives.
1. Your thumb is nearest you. So begin your prayers by praying for those closest to you. They are the easiest to remember. To pray for our loved ones is, as C. S Lewis once said, a "sweet duty."
2.The next finger is the pointing finger. Pray for those who teach, instruct and heal. This includes teachers, doctors, and medicine people/m inisters. They need support and wisdom in pointing others in the right direction. Keep them in your prayers.
3.The next finger is the tallest finger. It reminds us of our leaders. Pray for the our, leaders in business and industry and otherwise. These people shape our nation and guide public opinion. They need guidance.
4.The fourth finger is our ring finger. Surprising to many is the fact that this is our weakest finger; as any piano teacher will testify. It should remind us to pray for those who are weak, in trouble or in pain. They need your prayers day and night. You cannot pray too much for them.
5.And lastly comes our little finger the smallest finger of all which is where we should place ourselves in relation to Great Spirit and others. Your pinkie should remind you to pray for yourself. By the time you have prayed for the other four groups, your own needs will be put into proper perspective and you will be able to pray for yourself more effectively.Prayer...it surely can't hurt, but it certainly can help.
---The happiest of people don't have the best of everything;they just make the best of everything that comes their way.
1. Your thumb is nearest you. So begin your prayers by praying for those closest to you. They are the easiest to remember. To pray for our loved ones is, as C. S Lewis once said, a "sweet duty."
2.The next finger is the pointing finger. Pray for those who teach, instruct and heal. This includes teachers, doctors, and medicine people/m inisters. They need support and wisdom in pointing others in the right direction. Keep them in your prayers.
3.The next finger is the tallest finger. It reminds us of our leaders. Pray for the our, leaders in business and industry and otherwise. These people shape our nation and guide public opinion. They need guidance.
4.The fourth finger is our ring finger. Surprising to many is the fact that this is our weakest finger; as any piano teacher will testify. It should remind us to pray for those who are weak, in trouble or in pain. They need your prayers day and night. You cannot pray too much for them.
5.And lastly comes our little finger the smallest finger of all which is where we should place ourselves in relation to Great Spirit and others. Your pinkie should remind you to pray for yourself. By the time you have prayed for the other four groups, your own needs will be put into proper perspective and you will be able to pray for yourself more effectively.Prayer...it surely can't hurt, but it certainly can help.
---The happiest of people don't have the best of everything;they just make the best of everything that comes their way.
Saturday, March 03, 2007
They do walk among us...
I walked into a Blimpie's with a buy-one-get-one-free coupon for a sandwich. I handed it to the girl and she looked over at a little chalkboard that said "buy one-get one free". "They're already buy-one-get-one-free", she said, "so I guess they're both free". She handed me my free sandwiches and I walked out the door.
They walk among us and many work retail.
One day I was walking down the beach with some friends when one of them shouted, "Look at that dead bird!" Someone looked up at the sky and said, "Where?" They walk among us!
While looking at a house, my brother asked the real estate agent which direction was north because, he explained, he didn't want the sun waking him up every morning. She asked, "Does the sun rise in the north?" When my brother explained that the sun rises in the east, and has for sometime, she shook her head and said, "Oh, I don't keep up with that stuff."
They walk among us!!
I used to work in technical support for a 24/7 call center. One day I got a call from an individual who asked what hours the call center was open. I told her, "The number you dialed is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week." She responded, "Is that Eastern or Pacific time?" Wanting to end the call quickly, I said, "Uh, Pacific."
They walk among us!
My sister has a lifesaving tool in her car designed to cut\n through a seat belt if she gets trapped. She keeps it in the trunk.
They walk among us!
I couldn't find my luggage at the airport baggage area, so I went to the lost luggage office and told the woman there that my bags never showed up. She smiled and told me not to worry because she was a trained professional and I was in good hands. "Now ," she asked me, "has your plane arrived yet?"
They walk among us!
While working at a pizza parlor I observed a man ordering a small pizza to go. He appeared to be alone and the cook asked him if\n he would like it cut into 4 pieces or 6. He thought about it for some time before responding. "Just cut it into 4 pieces; I don't think I'm hungry enough to eat 6 pieces."
AND........ they reproduce! ".
They walk among us and many work retail.
One day I was walking down the beach with some friends when one of them shouted, "Look at that dead bird!" Someone looked up at the sky and said, "Where?" They walk among us!
While looking at a house, my brother asked the real estate agent which direction was north because, he explained, he didn't want the sun waking him up every morning. She asked, "Does the sun rise in the north?" When my brother explained that the sun rises in the east, and has for sometime, she shook her head and said, "Oh, I don't keep up with that stuff."
They walk among us!!
I used to work in technical support for a 24/7 call center. One day I got a call from an individual who asked what hours the call center was open. I told her, "The number you dialed is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week." She responded, "Is that Eastern or Pacific time?" Wanting to end the call quickly, I said, "Uh, Pacific."
They walk among us!
My sister has a lifesaving tool in her car designed to cut\n through a seat belt if she gets trapped. She keeps it in the trunk.
They walk among us!
I couldn't find my luggage at the airport baggage area, so I went to the lost luggage office and told the woman there that my bags never showed up. She smiled and told me not to worry because she was a trained professional and I was in good hands. "Now ," she asked me, "has your plane arrived yet?"
They walk among us!
While working at a pizza parlor I observed a man ordering a small pizza to go. He appeared to be alone and the cook asked him if\n he would like it cut into 4 pieces or 6. He thought about it for some time before responding. "Just cut it into 4 pieces; I don't think I'm hungry enough to eat 6 pieces."
AND........ they reproduce! ".
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