8 posts from 2006

"happiness, freedom, and peace of mind - are always attained by giving them to someone else." (And Love Baby, Love)

states of being...

I think many of us shift between staying present in moments and being away from them.

We shift between staying and thinking "I'm not really here."   Each has its purpose.

Learning which choice of perception serves our peace of mind and sense of wellness,  reminding ourselves where each event and each moment: big, small, pleasant or unbearable fits or doesn't fit into our own 'big picture' is what will sustain us through  each day, no matter what it brings.
  
It is a choice.  We learn that choice through experience. We earn that choice by learning to love ourselves (so many of us were trained when very young not to and have had to relearn that).

We also earn the right to choose by accepting the faults, the humanity of others and of ourselves and seeing all (except those that are truly evil) as worthy of love and peace of mind, hoping both of these for them and for ourselves.

In truly accepting the humanity of others and of ourselves, we earn the right to peace with ourselves and all that is within and outside of us.  We earn the right to define ourselves, without allowing other's opinions of us, treatment of us or acceptance/denial of us to be determinations of who we are or how worthy we are of love and peace of mind.  We learn to see others with less and less judgement of their heart/mind/soul, knowing they would not choose to act as they do if they knew another way.  We are not far from them, we are the same.  

I learned recently from the teachings of Pema Chodron a little bit about the practice of "learning to stay" through uncomfortable feelings.  I also read recently about the idea of  creating one's own reality when in a situation one can't be free from, must function in,  but the situation is harmful to one's peace of mind and wellness.  The first was a new concept to me, the second was a common, not completely healthy, habit.  :)

Combining these two with the abilty to choose between the them in wisdom, for peace of mind and sense of well-being, for wholeness of self, despite circumstances is a balance worth seeking.   When it serves my big picture and peace of mind, I will  choose to stay.  When it serves my big picture and peace of mind, I will exist in my own reality, away from the reality created around me by others.    

I am practicing learning to see past the behavior of others and "learning to see them as 'just like me'".   

To paraphrase from Pema:

"Just like me, they want to be loved. Just like me, they want to be happy, they don't want to suffer."

May your life contain love, freedom from suffering and happiness, may your "big picture" contain the same hope for others and may it sustain you.

(for shayla)

Flower For Mom

Created by Eamon at http://jacksonpollock.org/

My "Daily" Horoscope

Daily.  Like "Groundhog Day" without Bill Murray, burrowing animals or a movie script.  Playing it over and over and over again until I get it right.

Conscious Serenity
Pisces Daily Horoscope

You could feel obsessive and emotional today. You may notice that your moods are having an effect on your thoughts, which could cause you to become compulsive and scattered. If you can set aside time to be alone and focus on quieting your mind, you will feel your emotions become calmer as a greater sense of peace fills you on the inside. You may find it helpful to explore your emotions more closely to determine why you feel the way you do. If you understand clearly what is upsetting you today, you will be better able to work through issues and release your turbulent thoughts. Focus on releasing tension in your body, calming your emotions, and fostering more positive thoughts.

Consciously choosing to adopt a serene state of mind can allow us to take control of our moods. It is easy to forget that our moods are heavily influenced by our thoughts. When our moods begin to fluctuate wildly, we can choose to take control of our emotions by exploring the reasons behind our inner chaos. Working through internal conflicts and then choosing to let go of negative thoughts can restore our serenity. Rather than wallowing in internal turbulence, we can feel peaceful. By choosing to take control of your thoughts today, you will be able to calm your emotions.

from http://www.dailyom.com/cgi-bin/display/printerfriendly.cgi?articleid=3390

Think About It

from Advaitatoons

Miss Pennsylvania

You just never know, do you?

Adam's Graduation

Commencement Speech: Four Things
(1) Make yourself comfortable with change.
(2) Make informed decisions.
(3) First decide if something is worth doing and then if you decide that it is, do it well.
(4) Personal integrity. Make your word and your handshake your honor.

"Three grand essentials to happiness in this life are something to do, something to love, and something to hope for." - Joseph Addison