From time to time, to remind ourselves to relax, to be peaceful, we may wish to set aside some time for a retreat, a day of mindfulness, when we can walk slowly, smile, drink tea with a friend, enjoy being together as if we are the happiest people on Earth. This is not a retreat, it is a treat. During walking meditation, during kitchen and garden work, during sitting meditation, all day long, we can practice smiling. At first you may find it difficult to smile, and we have to think about why. Smiling means that we are ourselves, that we are not drowned into forgetfulness. This kind of smile can be seen on the faces of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas.
I would like to offer one short poem you can recite from time to time, while breathing and smiling.
Breathing in, I calm body and mind.
Breathing out, I smile.
Dwelling in the present moment
I know this is the only moment.
"Breathing in, I calm body and mind." This line is like drinking a glass of ice water--you feel the cold, the freshness, permeate your body. When I breathe in and recite this line, I actually feel the breathing calming my body, calming my mind.
"Breathing out, I smile." You know the effect of a smile. A smile can relax hundreds of muscles in your face, and relax your nervous system. A smile makes you master of yourself. That is why the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas are always smiling. When you smile, you realize the wonder of the smile.
"Dwelling in the present moment." While I sit here, I don't think of somewhere else, of the future or the past. I sit here and I know where I am. This is very important. We tend to be alive in the future, not now. We say, "Wait until I finish school and get my Ph. D. degree, and then I will be really alive." When we have it, and it's not easy to get, we say to ourselves, "I have to wait until I get a job, in order to be *really* alive." And then after the job, a car. After the car, a house. We are not capable of being alive in the present moment. We tend to postpone being alive to the future, the distant future, we don't know when. Now is not the moment to be alive. We may never be alive in our entire life. Therefore, the technique, if we have to speak of a technique, is to be in the present moment, to be aware that we are here and now, and the only moment to be alive is the present moment. "I know this is the only moment." This is the only moment that is real. To be here and now, and enjoy the present moment is our most important task. "Calming. Smiling, Present moment, Only moment." I hope you will try it.
From Thich Nhat Hanh, Being Peace, edited by Arnold Kotler, Parallax Press, P. O. Box 7355, Berkeley, California.94707.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Walking Meditation - Thich Nhat Hanh
WALKING MEDITATION
Take my hand.
We will walk.
We will only walk.
We will enjoy our walk
without thinking of arriving anywhere.
Walk peacefully.
Walk happily.
Our walk is a peace walk.
Our walk is a happiness walk.
Then we learn
that there is no peace walk;
that peace is the walk;
that there is no happiness walk;
that happiness is the walk.
We walk for ourselves.
We walk for everyone
always hand in hand.
Walk and touch peace every moment.
Walk and touch happiness every moment.
Each step brings a fresh breeze.
Each step makes a flower bloom under our feet.
Kiss the Earth with your feet.
Print on Earth your love and happiness.
Earth will be safe
when we feel in us enough safety.
Thich Nhat Hanh,
Call Me by My True Names: The Collected Poems of Thich Nhat Hanh, Parallax Press, Berkeley, California, 1999, p. 194
Take my hand.
We will walk.
We will only walk.
We will enjoy our walk
without thinking of arriving anywhere.
Walk peacefully.
Walk happily.
Our walk is a peace walk.
Our walk is a happiness walk.
Then we learn
that there is no peace walk;
that peace is the walk;
that there is no happiness walk;
that happiness is the walk.
We walk for ourselves.
We walk for everyone
always hand in hand.
Walk and touch peace every moment.
Walk and touch happiness every moment.
Each step brings a fresh breeze.
Each step makes a flower bloom under our feet.
Kiss the Earth with your feet.
Print on Earth your love and happiness.
Earth will be safe
when we feel in us enough safety.
Thich Nhat Hanh,
Call Me by My True Names: The Collected Poems of Thich Nhat Hanh, Parallax Press, Berkeley, California, 1999, p. 194
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Week 3 - 30 Keys to Change your Destiny Now - by Guy Finley
Monday, January 23, 2010
16. Now Is Always The Time To:
FOLLOW WHAT YOU LOVE
Special Insight: Put what you love first. The rest of your life will take care of itself because Love always finds a way. Love never considers fear. And with Love as your guide, your success in life is assured since Its Nature is already the perfect prize. Follow what you love. You’re sure to find a happy heart.
Tuesday, January 24, 2010
17. Now Is Always The Time To:
Start Your Life All Over
Special Insight: Any time you choose, you can start your whole life over. And you can have just as many new beginnings as you’re willing to leave behind you all of your ideas about yourself. That’s what it means to start all over. Life can only be as new as you choose to be. Wake up. Start your life over Now.
Wednesday, January 25, 2010
18. Now Is Always The Time To:
KEEP YOUR CHIN UP
Special Insight: Even if all of your thoughts are going that way, tell your chin not to fall down. As it obeys, it gives a message to your head: Hold yourself up high! And so your head helps your eyes to keep looking forward, where they can at last see that your thoughts are often blind. Keep your chin up. Consciousness likes heights. Dare to follow!
Thursday, January 26, 2010
19. Now Is Always The Time To:
LET IT GO
Special Insight: You’ve been trying to run your own show and, so far, it’s pretty much been just a nightmare with entertaining intermissions! Let something Higher have Its hand at directing your life. Let your show go. Then watch for a happy ending coming soon.
Friday, January 27, 2010
20. Now Is Always The Time To:
STOP LOOKING OUTSIDE OF YOURSELF
Special Insight: Your Life is only as complete as you are. No more, no less. Looking to relationships, your work, or even happy events for a feeling of self wholeness is like trying to put a smile on your face in the mirror — while you’re still frowning. Being complete is first an Understanding, and then a feeling. Stop looking outside of yourself. Seek the understanding. Seek it within. The feeling will follow.
Saturday, January 28, 2010
21. Now Is Always The Time To:
HAVE YOUR OWN LIFE
Special Insight: There is no pleasing the fear you may displease others. Allowing
what others may feel about what you want… to change the way you feel about that same
want … is like believing someone else can put on your sweater, and that you’ll feel the warmth! The only real pleasure comes from knowing that you have your own life. Take your life back Now.
Sunday, January 29, 2010
22. Now Is Always The Time To:
PUT YOUR LIFE IN PERFECT ORDER
Special Insight: Without the raindrop, there is no ocean. The river runs to the sea because each stream finds, and fills, its course. There is an Order, its clear: From the small is born the Mighty, and the small is small no more. Remember each day of your life, there’s already an Order. Let go into its flow. And there you’ll find you’re small no more.
Remember:
1. Your decision to be free begins right now.
2. Never believe that you must learn to live with anything that torments you.
3. Self compromise is the same as self sorrow.
4. All the pure powers that form the foundation of true freedom are already in place within you.
5. Stop thinking in terms of where you want to go, and begin thinking in terms of who you need to be.
6. Drop all thoughts that anxiously instruct you to give yourself away today, so that tomorrow you might have what you need to own yourself.
7. A change of nature is not evolutionary, it is voluntary.
Guy Finley
16. Now Is Always The Time To:
FOLLOW WHAT YOU LOVE
Special Insight: Put what you love first. The rest of your life will take care of itself because Love always finds a way. Love never considers fear. And with Love as your guide, your success in life is assured since Its Nature is already the perfect prize. Follow what you love. You’re sure to find a happy heart.
Tuesday, January 24, 2010
17. Now Is Always The Time To:
Start Your Life All Over
Special Insight: Any time you choose, you can start your whole life over. And you can have just as many new beginnings as you’re willing to leave behind you all of your ideas about yourself. That’s what it means to start all over. Life can only be as new as you choose to be. Wake up. Start your life over Now.
Wednesday, January 25, 2010
18. Now Is Always The Time To:
KEEP YOUR CHIN UP
Special Insight: Even if all of your thoughts are going that way, tell your chin not to fall down. As it obeys, it gives a message to your head: Hold yourself up high! And so your head helps your eyes to keep looking forward, where they can at last see that your thoughts are often blind. Keep your chin up. Consciousness likes heights. Dare to follow!
Thursday, January 26, 2010
19. Now Is Always The Time To:
LET IT GO
Special Insight: You’ve been trying to run your own show and, so far, it’s pretty much been just a nightmare with entertaining intermissions! Let something Higher have Its hand at directing your life. Let your show go. Then watch for a happy ending coming soon.
Friday, January 27, 2010
20. Now Is Always The Time To:
STOP LOOKING OUTSIDE OF YOURSELF
Special Insight: Your Life is only as complete as you are. No more, no less. Looking to relationships, your work, or even happy events for a feeling of self wholeness is like trying to put a smile on your face in the mirror — while you’re still frowning. Being complete is first an Understanding, and then a feeling. Stop looking outside of yourself. Seek the understanding. Seek it within. The feeling will follow.
Saturday, January 28, 2010
21. Now Is Always The Time To:
HAVE YOUR OWN LIFE
Special Insight: There is no pleasing the fear you may displease others. Allowing
what others may feel about what you want… to change the way you feel about that same
want … is like believing someone else can put on your sweater, and that you’ll feel the warmth! The only real pleasure comes from knowing that you have your own life. Take your life back Now.
Sunday, January 29, 2010
22. Now Is Always The Time To:
PUT YOUR LIFE IN PERFECT ORDER
Special Insight: Without the raindrop, there is no ocean. The river runs to the sea because each stream finds, and fills, its course. There is an Order, its clear: From the small is born the Mighty, and the small is small no more. Remember each day of your life, there’s already an Order. Let go into its flow. And there you’ll find you’re small no more.
Remember:
1. Your decision to be free begins right now.
2. Never believe that you must learn to live with anything that torments you.
3. Self compromise is the same as self sorrow.
4. All the pure powers that form the foundation of true freedom are already in place within you.
5. Stop thinking in terms of where you want to go, and begin thinking in terms of who you need to be.
6. Drop all thoughts that anxiously instruct you to give yourself away today, so that tomorrow you might have what you need to own yourself.
7. A change of nature is not evolutionary, it is voluntary.
Guy Finley
Renewal, Transformation, Heart's Desire - How I spent my Summer
This week I’ve been reflecting on the theme: “How did you spend your summer vacation?” Some may be saying “what vacation”…..so I’ll make it simple: How did you spend your summer?”
WOW – it’s hard to believe that summer is almost over. I say almost, as I’m “old school”…..we started back to school, the Wednesday after Labor Day (more a West Coast thing!) …..not two (2) weeks before like I see today…..
As I look back – I’ve had an exciting, transformative summer. One which began witnessing Dr Will Coleman’s discussion on Ezekiel 40.4:
“Son of man, look with your eyes and hear with your ears and pay attention in everything I am going to show you, for that is why you have been brought here. Tell the house of Israel everything you see.” ~ New International
“…..watch and listen and take to heart everything I show you, for you have been brought here so I can show you many things; and then you are to return to the people of Israel to tell them all you have seen” ~ Living Bible
“Son of man, look with your eyes, and hear with your ears, and set your mind upon all that I shall show you, for you were brought here in order that I might show it to you; declare all that you see to the house of Israel.” ~ Revised Standard
I’ve purposely included three variations. Three (3) of course being the Triune nature of God – known by some as: Father, Son and Holy Ghost, others: in me, as me, thru me. Dr Coleman’s discussion was on the power of transformation and the simple principles as show in Ezekiel: Look; Listen; set your Mind; declare…….ummm sounds a bit like the steps in prayer or the teachings “be still and know”
In all things, the key is gaining insights and understanding of all that is presented in our day to day life and what to do, how to discern all, so that I can know what is mine, and not hold on to that which is not. To do so, I know I have to be in my “zone”, that place in which All belongs, that place of Oneness. Then, I can look from One-derment; see from One-derment; set my course, my mind, my intent; then declare my intention “to the house of Israel”, to God.
Utilizing these tools of Oneness, we create, create and demonstrate Heaven on Earth. We demonstrate “be not conformed to this world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind(the renewing of your heart) that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” KJV Romans 12:2.
YES, summer has been transformational!
For more information on Dr Will Coleman visit: http://www.willcolemanphd.com/
WOW – it’s hard to believe that summer is almost over. I say almost, as I’m “old school”…..we started back to school, the Wednesday after Labor Day (more a West Coast thing!) …..not two (2) weeks before like I see today…..
As I look back – I’ve had an exciting, transformative summer. One which began witnessing Dr Will Coleman’s discussion on Ezekiel 40.4:
“Son of man, look with your eyes and hear with your ears and pay attention in everything I am going to show you, for that is why you have been brought here. Tell the house of Israel everything you see.” ~ New International
“…..watch and listen and take to heart everything I show you, for you have been brought here so I can show you many things; and then you are to return to the people of Israel to tell them all you have seen” ~ Living Bible
“Son of man, look with your eyes, and hear with your ears, and set your mind upon all that I shall show you, for you were brought here in order that I might show it to you; declare all that you see to the house of Israel.” ~ Revised Standard
I’ve purposely included three variations. Three (3) of course being the Triune nature of God – known by some as: Father, Son and Holy Ghost, others: in me, as me, thru me. Dr Coleman’s discussion was on the power of transformation and the simple principles as show in Ezekiel: Look; Listen; set your Mind; declare…….ummm sounds a bit like the steps in prayer or the teachings “be still and know”
In all things, the key is gaining insights and understanding of all that is presented in our day to day life and what to do, how to discern all, so that I can know what is mine, and not hold on to that which is not. To do so, I know I have to be in my “zone”, that place in which All belongs, that place of Oneness. Then, I can look from One-derment; see from One-derment; set my course, my mind, my intent; then declare my intention “to the house of Israel”, to God.
Utilizing these tools of Oneness, we create, create and demonstrate Heaven on Earth. We demonstrate “be not conformed to this world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind(the renewing of your heart) that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” KJV Romans 12:2.
YES, summer has been transformational!
For more information on Dr Will Coleman visit: http://www.willcolemanphd.com/
Sunday, August 15, 2010
I'm reminded of a story shared by Maya Angelou....in "How Strong Women Pray" by Bonnie St John
"I was asked to write a piece, come to the Bush White House (from Kathleen - no this is not a political piece), and participate in the lighting of the national Christmas tree. I wrote a piece called "Amazing Peace." I knew I was taking the idea of peace into the war zone.
I prayed long ago, If the Lord wants somebody nearby, send me. I said that I can't take it back. So I wrote "Amazing Peace" with a more than passing interest and went to the White House to be with President Bush:
I our joy, we think we hear a whisper.
At first it is too soft. Then only half heard.
We listen carefully as it gathers strength.
We hear a sweetness.
The word is Peace.
It is loud now
Louder than the explosion of bombs.
We tremble at the sound. We are thrilled by its presence.
It is what we have hungered for.
Not just the absence of war. But true Peace.
A harmony of spirit, a comfort of courtesies.
Security for our beloveds and their beloveds.
We, Angels and Mortals, Believers and Nonbelievers,
Look heavenward and speak the word aloud.
Peace. We look at each other, then into ourselves,
And we say without shyness or apology or hesitation:
Peace, My Brother
Peace, My Sister
Peace, My Soul"
Maya Angelou 2005
We say "we believe in a world that works for everyone......" If we do, than it is ours to stand for the freedom of expression......we can stand: with those who believe in the Sacred Text, regardless of there origins; we can stand and share our beliefs; .......we can interpret Maya's Amazing Peace from the profound place it was written.....and she says it best "We look at each other, then into ourselves, and we say without shyness, or apology, or hesitation: Peace, My Brother. Peace, My Sister. Peace, My Soul."...
What is our Soul calling each of us to do - individually and collectively....
God's Grace,
Kathleen
"I was asked to write a piece, come to the Bush White House (from Kathleen - no this is not a political piece), and participate in the lighting of the national Christmas tree. I wrote a piece called "Amazing Peace." I knew I was taking the idea of peace into the war zone.
I prayed long ago, If the Lord wants somebody nearby, send me. I said that I can't take it back. So I wrote "Amazing Peace" with a more than passing interest and went to the White House to be with President Bush:
I our joy, we think we hear a whisper.
At first it is too soft. Then only half heard.
We listen carefully as it gathers strength.
We hear a sweetness.
The word is Peace.
It is loud now
Louder than the explosion of bombs.
We tremble at the sound. We are thrilled by its presence.
It is what we have hungered for.
Not just the absence of war. But true Peace.
A harmony of spirit, a comfort of courtesies.
Security for our beloveds and their beloveds.
We, Angels and Mortals, Believers and Nonbelievers,
Look heavenward and speak the word aloud.
Peace. We look at each other, then into ourselves,
And we say without shyness or apology or hesitation:
Peace, My Brother
Peace, My Sister
Peace, My Soul"
Maya Angelou 2005
We say "we believe in a world that works for everyone......" If we do, than it is ours to stand for the freedom of expression......we can stand: with those who believe in the Sacred Text, regardless of there origins; we can stand and share our beliefs; .......we can interpret Maya's Amazing Peace from the profound place it was written.....and she says it best "We look at each other, then into ourselves, and we say without shyness, or apology, or hesitation: Peace, My Brother. Peace, My Sister. Peace, My Soul."...
What is our Soul calling each of us to do - individually and collectively....
God's Grace,
Kathleen
Life explained . . . by an MBA graduate
A friend shared this.....don't know who the original author is......Makes Sense....something to think about - LIFE Explained
A boat docked in a tiny Mexican fishing village.
A tourist complimented the local fishermen on the quality of their fish and asked
how long it took them to catch them.
"Not very long." they answered in unison.
"Why didn't you stay out longer and catch more?"
The fishermen explained that their small catches were sufficient to meet their needs and those of their families.
"But what do you do with the rest of your time?"
"We sleep late, fish a little, play with our children, and take siestas with our wives. In the evenings, we go into the village to see our friends, have a few drinks, play the guitar, and sing a few songs.
"We have a full life." The tourist interrupted,
"I have an MBA from Harvard and I can help you! You should start by fishing longer every day. You can then sell the extra fish you catch. With the extra revenue, you can buy a bigger boat."
"And after that?"
"With the extra money the larger boat will bring, you can buy a second one and a third one and so on until you have an entire fleet of trawlers. Instead of selling your fish to a middle man, you can then negotiate directly with the processing plants
and maybe even open your own plant.
You can then leave this little village and move to Mexico City , Los Angeles , or even New York City !
From there you can direct your huge new enterprise."
"How long would that take?"
"Twenty, perhaps twenty-five years." replied the tourist.
"And after that?"
"Afterwards? Well my friend, that's when it gets really interesting, answered the tourist, laughing. "When your business gets really big, you can start buying and selling stocks and make millions!"
"Millions? Really? And after that?" asked the fishermen.
"After that you'll be able to retire, live in a tiny village near the coast, sleep late, play with your children, catch a few fish, take a siesta with your wife
and spend your evenings drinking and enjoying your friends."
And the moral of this story is:
Know where you're going in life...you may already be there!!
A boat docked in a tiny Mexican fishing village.
A tourist complimented the local fishermen on the quality of their fish and asked
how long it took them to catch them.
"Not very long." they answered in unison.
"Why didn't you stay out longer and catch more?"
The fishermen explained that their small catches were sufficient to meet their needs and those of their families.
"But what do you do with the rest of your time?"
"We sleep late, fish a little, play with our children, and take siestas with our wives. In the evenings, we go into the village to see our friends, have a few drinks, play the guitar, and sing a few songs.
"We have a full life." The tourist interrupted,
"I have an MBA from Harvard and I can help you! You should start by fishing longer every day. You can then sell the extra fish you catch. With the extra revenue, you can buy a bigger boat."
"And after that?"
"With the extra money the larger boat will bring, you can buy a second one and a third one and so on until you have an entire fleet of trawlers. Instead of selling your fish to a middle man, you can then negotiate directly with the processing plants
and maybe even open your own plant.
You can then leave this little village and move to Mexico City , Los Angeles , or even New York City !
From there you can direct your huge new enterprise."
"How long would that take?"
"Twenty, perhaps twenty-five years." replied the tourist.
"And after that?"
"Afterwards? Well my friend, that's when it gets really interesting, answered the tourist, laughing. "When your business gets really big, you can start buying and selling stocks and make millions!"
"Millions? Really? And after that?" asked the fishermen.
"After that you'll be able to retire, live in a tiny village near the coast, sleep late, play with your children, catch a few fish, take a siesta with your wife
and spend your evenings drinking and enjoying your friends."
And the moral of this story is:
Know where you're going in life...you may already be there!!
30 Keys to Change your Destiny Now- 2nd Week - by Guy Finley
Sunday, August 15th
8. Now Is Always The Time To:
STEP DOWN AS JUDGE
Special Insight: The easiest thing in the world is to walk around unconsciously feeling superior to everyone you meet. But with what do you measure? A critical spirit? A judgmental mind? What kind of eyes have to look down on another to convince themselves of up? Step down as judge.
Monday, August 16th
9. Now Is Always The Time To:
FACE THOSE FEARFUL FEELINGS
Special Insight: There is really no such thing as a shaky situation, so any time you start to tremble, don’t look around you for the fault: Look inward. It’s the inner-ground you’re standing on that isn’t solid. Any weakness faced by looking in this new direction becomes the foundation of a new strength. Face those fearful feelings. Fearlessness follows.
Tuesday, August 17th
10. Now Is Always The Time To:
HELP SOMEONE ELSE GO HIGHER
Special Insight: There’s no such thing as a separate self, so anything you do to encourage another person to do better, or go farther, is the same as helping yourself go higher. So, give yourself a lift up. Try a little kindness even if you’re not feeling that way at the moment. Then you will. Help someone else go Higher.
Wednesday, August 18th
11. Now Is Always The Time To:
RELEASE ALL RESENTMENTS
Special Insight: It’s very important for you to see that holding on to some hurt, or hatred, over what others may have done to you in the past, makes you their slave in the here and Now. Is that what you want? Learn to ask for something new by refusing to relive what’s been tearing at you. This Higher request releases you from raging resentments.
Thursday, August 19th
12. Now Is Always The Time To:
DO WHAT IS TRUE REGARDLESS OF THE
CONSEQUENCES
Special Insight: Choosing what’s true in spite of fearing what that choice may cost you, is the same as giving yourself a fearless life. Here’s why: Nothing you’re afraid of losing can ever be the source of your fearlessness. Do what’s true regardless of the consequences. All you can lose is fear.
Friday, August 20th
13. Now Is Always The Time To:
LET THE EMPTY SPACE FILL ITSELF
Special Insight: Nothing you’ve ever done has filled the emptiness you feel inside, so stop giving yourself empty things to do. Leave the space empty. This allows it to fill itself — which it wants to do — with something you can’t give yourself: The end of feeling empty. Stay out of it. Don’t fill the emptiness. Let the empty space fill itself.
Saturday, August 21st
14. Now Is Always The Time To:
STOP EXPLAINING YOURSELF TO OTHERS
Special Insight: The only difference between the need to endlessly explain your life to others — and feeling as though you have to excuse yourself for being alive — is that while you’re explaining yourself, at least it feels like you have a good reason for being excused. You’re not required to explain yourself to anyone. Stop Now.
Sunday, August 22nd
15. Now Is Always The Time To:
LAUGH IN THE FACE OF DEFEAT
Special Insight: It is a fact: Defeat is nothing but a bad memory. And no memory has any real life of its own. This means that the only time you have to feel the pain of any defeat is if you ask for it — by going into troubled thought about some painful past loss. You can have the last laugh on defeat. Stay in the Present Moment. Learn to laugh Now.
8. Now Is Always The Time To:
STEP DOWN AS JUDGE
Special Insight: The easiest thing in the world is to walk around unconsciously feeling superior to everyone you meet. But with what do you measure? A critical spirit? A judgmental mind? What kind of eyes have to look down on another to convince themselves of up? Step down as judge.
Monday, August 16th
9. Now Is Always The Time To:
FACE THOSE FEARFUL FEELINGS
Special Insight: There is really no such thing as a shaky situation, so any time you start to tremble, don’t look around you for the fault: Look inward. It’s the inner-ground you’re standing on that isn’t solid. Any weakness faced by looking in this new direction becomes the foundation of a new strength. Face those fearful feelings. Fearlessness follows.
Tuesday, August 17th
10. Now Is Always The Time To:
HELP SOMEONE ELSE GO HIGHER
Special Insight: There’s no such thing as a separate self, so anything you do to encourage another person to do better, or go farther, is the same as helping yourself go higher. So, give yourself a lift up. Try a little kindness even if you’re not feeling that way at the moment. Then you will. Help someone else go Higher.
Wednesday, August 18th
11. Now Is Always The Time To:
RELEASE ALL RESENTMENTS
Special Insight: It’s very important for you to see that holding on to some hurt, or hatred, over what others may have done to you in the past, makes you their slave in the here and Now. Is that what you want? Learn to ask for something new by refusing to relive what’s been tearing at you. This Higher request releases you from raging resentments.
Thursday, August 19th
12. Now Is Always The Time To:
DO WHAT IS TRUE REGARDLESS OF THE
CONSEQUENCES
Special Insight: Choosing what’s true in spite of fearing what that choice may cost you, is the same as giving yourself a fearless life. Here’s why: Nothing you’re afraid of losing can ever be the source of your fearlessness. Do what’s true regardless of the consequences. All you can lose is fear.
Friday, August 20th
13. Now Is Always The Time To:
LET THE EMPTY SPACE FILL ITSELF
Special Insight: Nothing you’ve ever done has filled the emptiness you feel inside, so stop giving yourself empty things to do. Leave the space empty. This allows it to fill itself — which it wants to do — with something you can’t give yourself: The end of feeling empty. Stay out of it. Don’t fill the emptiness. Let the empty space fill itself.
Saturday, August 21st
14. Now Is Always The Time To:
STOP EXPLAINING YOURSELF TO OTHERS
Special Insight: The only difference between the need to endlessly explain your life to others — and feeling as though you have to excuse yourself for being alive — is that while you’re explaining yourself, at least it feels like you have a good reason for being excused. You’re not required to explain yourself to anyone. Stop Now.
Sunday, August 22nd
15. Now Is Always The Time To:
LAUGH IN THE FACE OF DEFEAT
Special Insight: It is a fact: Defeat is nothing but a bad memory. And no memory has any real life of its own. This means that the only time you have to feel the pain of any defeat is if you ask for it — by going into troubled thought about some painful past loss. You can have the last laugh on defeat. Stay in the Present Moment. Learn to laugh Now.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Today's Prayer - Gratitude
"To speak gratitude is courteous and pleasant, to enact gratitude is generous and noble, but to live gratitude is to touch Heaven." -- Johannes A. Gaertner
Its with a grateful heart, I share this prayer......we begin in the simplicity of our breathe.....breathing in, taking in God's unconditional love; filling/feeling our every cell. We exhale into the vastness of God. We breath in again.....knowing God's peace; we allow this peace to resonate within us. We exhale our peace into the World. And once again, we breathe in God, fulfilling the triune nature of God - in me, as me, thru me - and we exhale with the knowingness of God, the knowingness we are all connected....
Its in this knowingness of Oneness I speak/write my word - Knowing in this moment - God's Love; God's Peace; God's will for all within the reach of this email. Knowing all are connected in and thru God; all celebrate their personnel journey with God; all Truth's revealed; all joy fulfilled; heart's desires expressed. For the Minister's, Practitioners; Laity; Friends; Families of Centers for Spiritual Living; for the World - - - God's unconditional love expressed in and and thru each expression.....the simple reminder I AM that, I AM.....
I allow God's Grace to express in every step; every breath - in Gratitude, I touch; I express Heaven, here and now on Earth.
And I ask you to join with me in this wonderfilled space, affirming its truth; releasing my/our peace, love, abundance, and the why (individual expression of each of us) into this moment, this day, our world.
And So it IS!
Blessings to all,
Rev Kathleen
God at PLAY Virtual Ministry
Union City, CA
Its with a grateful heart, I share this prayer......we begin in the simplicity of our breathe.....breathing in, taking in God's unconditional love; filling/feeling our every cell. We exhale into the vastness of God. We breath in again.....knowing God's peace; we allow this peace to resonate within us. We exhale our peace into the World. And once again, we breathe in God, fulfilling the triune nature of God - in me, as me, thru me - and we exhale with the knowingness of God, the knowingness we are all connected....
Its in this knowingness of Oneness I speak/write my word - Knowing in this moment - God's Love; God's Peace; God's will for all within the reach of this email. Knowing all are connected in and thru God; all celebrate their personnel journey with God; all Truth's revealed; all joy fulfilled; heart's desires expressed. For the Minister's, Practitioners; Laity; Friends; Families of Centers for Spiritual Living; for the World - - - God's unconditional love expressed in and and thru each expression.....the simple reminder I AM that, I AM.....
I allow God's Grace to express in every step; every breath - in Gratitude, I touch; I express Heaven, here and now on Earth.
And I ask you to join with me in this wonderfilled space, affirming its truth; releasing my/our peace, love, abundance, and the why (individual expression of each of us) into this moment, this day, our world.
And So it IS!
Blessings to all,
Rev Kathleen
God at PLAY Virtual Ministry
Union City, CA
Thursday, August 5, 2010
30 Keys to Change your Destiny Now - by Guy Finley
I thought I would share these a week at a time - thus you can set the intention in motion as you rise.....
Friday, August 6, 2010
1. Now Is Always The Time To:
STEP OUT OF THE RUSH AND INTO YOUR OWN LIFE
Special Insight: Dare to slow down. Just do it. Here’s help. See that even at a million miles an hour, anxious thoughts and feelings still take you no-where. If you want to find what is timeless, dare to live as though you have all the time in the world. Go ahead. Step out of the rush. Step out Now.
Saturday, August 7, 2010
2. Now Is Always The Time To:
TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR LIFE EXPERIENCE
Special Insight: The way you feel toward what you meet in life is a direct expression of who you are. And who you are is exactly the same as what you secretly value. Being willing to see you feel the way you do, because you treasure what you do, is what it means to take responsibility for your life.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
3. Now Is Always The Time To:
REFUSE TO BE SELF COMPROMISING
Special Insight: Drop any thought or action that creates conflict in the present moment for the promise of a better feeling to come. Your True Nature is Now. There is no later. You can’t be divided and be content. Choose to be whole. Begin by consciously refusing to compromise yourself.
Monday, August 9, 2010
4. Now Is Always The Time To:
REMEMBER YOU’RE NOT THE ONLY ONE IN THE WORLD
Special Insight: It may feel like it, but you’re not the only one who suffers! That’s why you mustn’t be afraid to take a good look at — and really consider — another human being. This will help you be less wrongly concerned with the way you feel about yourself — which will come as welcome relief. Remember, you’re not the only one in the world.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
5. Now Is Always The Time To:
GO BEYOND THE BEST THAT YOU THINK YOU CAN
Special Insight: Anybody can do what everybody else does — which is usually the minimum to get the maximum. You do more. Take the step you’re sure you can’t. You’ll discover that the “you” who could not is only a thought that believes it can not. See this. Then get going beyond yourself.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
6. Now Is Always The Time To:
REALIZE THERE’S NO GAIN IN BLAME
Special Insight: When your feet ache because your shoes are too tight, you don’t complain that someone else made you put them on. So why blame another when it’s your feelings that are hurting you? If wearing painful emotions means you have to bear their pressure, then dare to drop them. You’ll feel better. There’s no gain, only pain, in blame.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
7. Now Is Always The Time To:
HAVE A LIGHT SPIRIT
Special Insight: The heart tends to feel heavy when the mind says things aren’t the way they ought to be. But your True Nature is neither thought nor emotion. You are Spirit. And your Spirit is always Light Hearted. It knows better than to look for, or find, Itself in a dark thought. Look at life through its eyes. Be Light Spirited.
Friday, August 6, 2010
1. Now Is Always The Time To:
STEP OUT OF THE RUSH AND INTO YOUR OWN LIFE
Special Insight: Dare to slow down. Just do it. Here’s help. See that even at a million miles an hour, anxious thoughts and feelings still take you no-where. If you want to find what is timeless, dare to live as though you have all the time in the world. Go ahead. Step out of the rush. Step out Now.
Saturday, August 7, 2010
2. Now Is Always The Time To:
TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR LIFE EXPERIENCE
Special Insight: The way you feel toward what you meet in life is a direct expression of who you are. And who you are is exactly the same as what you secretly value. Being willing to see you feel the way you do, because you treasure what you do, is what it means to take responsibility for your life.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
3. Now Is Always The Time To:
REFUSE TO BE SELF COMPROMISING
Special Insight: Drop any thought or action that creates conflict in the present moment for the promise of a better feeling to come. Your True Nature is Now. There is no later. You can’t be divided and be content. Choose to be whole. Begin by consciously refusing to compromise yourself.
Monday, August 9, 2010
4. Now Is Always The Time To:
REMEMBER YOU’RE NOT THE ONLY ONE IN THE WORLD
Special Insight: It may feel like it, but you’re not the only one who suffers! That’s why you mustn’t be afraid to take a good look at — and really consider — another human being. This will help you be less wrongly concerned with the way you feel about yourself — which will come as welcome relief. Remember, you’re not the only one in the world.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
5. Now Is Always The Time To:
GO BEYOND THE BEST THAT YOU THINK YOU CAN
Special Insight: Anybody can do what everybody else does — which is usually the minimum to get the maximum. You do more. Take the step you’re sure you can’t. You’ll discover that the “you” who could not is only a thought that believes it can not. See this. Then get going beyond yourself.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
6. Now Is Always The Time To:
REALIZE THERE’S NO GAIN IN BLAME
Special Insight: When your feet ache because your shoes are too tight, you don’t complain that someone else made you put them on. So why blame another when it’s your feelings that are hurting you? If wearing painful emotions means you have to bear their pressure, then dare to drop them. You’ll feel better. There’s no gain, only pain, in blame.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
7. Now Is Always The Time To:
HAVE A LIGHT SPIRIT
Special Insight: The heart tends to feel heavy when the mind says things aren’t the way they ought to be. But your True Nature is neither thought nor emotion. You are Spirit. And your Spirit is always Light Hearted. It knows better than to look for, or find, Itself in a dark thought. Look at life through its eyes. Be Light Spirited.
30 Keys to Change YOUR Destiny NOW - by Guy Finley
I was recently gifted 30 Keys to Change your Destiny.....a GREAT article....so I'm sharing - starting first with the main information, then following on a daily basis each key, to allow daily contemplation
"It is a Law: Not of Man’s or of Woman’s — but of Life. Before you can have a different
life; before you can be happier, wiser, more at peace and in quiet command of yourself, you must first be different. Being is everything.
What is Being? Every thing on Earth and in the heavens has Being because — animated or not All forms are an expression of one great Intelligent, Creative Energy. Even a common rock has Being of a sort. Similarly, all manner of Beings — from rocks to roses —to you and I — all unique expressions of this One Great Energy — possess a nature. The nature of a rock is determined by the natural forces acting upon it. Both the rock’s nature — and its destiny — are predetermined. Its Being is without choice. One day it will be dust.
Neither does the rose, dressed so delicately in its fragrant velveteen petals, have a choice as to its nature. An individual rose can’t choose not to have thorns, or attract bees. Its nature is a fixed expression of its Being.
But human nature, your nature, is not fixed. It can be transformed. That’s what makes us special above all of God’s countless expressions. And this fact empowers us in a very special way. It means, that as a feature of our Being, each of us is created with the power to choose our own destiny. Let’s see how this is possible.
Your Being is in a constant process of unfolding. That it will unfold is not your choice. Being is a gift you can’t refuse. It came with birth. But how the rest of your life unfolds is something you can influence. It’s called making choices. Being empowered to have a real voice in your life-choices is what this booklet is all about.
But, before you can learn how to change your destiny, you must first realize that secret place within yourself where your own future is created. You must consciously enter that place of power where Being and your present nature meet; that place where all of your life-choices are made for you. It’s called the Present Moment: The Now. And this Now is the seed of all that comes later. The following paragraph helps us see into this great mystery.
It’s only what you do right this moment, right Now, that’s the seed of personal change. And in the endless beauty and mystery of what is the Now, this same seed of change is also the seed of your New and Higher Nature.
Grasp the meaning of the next sentence, fully, and you’ll have your first glimpse of just one of the special ways in which The Power of the Present Moment can help you change your destiny. If you choose to change right Now, then you won’t have to worry about how to be different next time!
In fact, choose to change Now, and that moment will never come for you to worry about how to be better next time. Why? Because your conscious choice for real change in the present moment automatically cancels the need for a better you in a better future. Why? Because all will be better for you Now, which is the only time it really matters!
Make it your moment to moment practice to stay awake, and to watch for all the opportunities that your own Now presents. Keep your efforts personal, practical, and to the point. If your inner work doesn’t transform the whole of your life into a more relaxed, amazing, and uplifting experience, then you’re dreaming; not changing. To help you begin this important process of using The Power of the Present Moment for personal transformation, the remainder of this booklet is designed to reveal the countless opportunities each day presents for you to be free Now.
I’ve created a list of thirty ways in which your awareness of the power of Now can transform each challenging life-moment into a new and true beginning for you. Learning how to use these moments leads to real inner change, which is the same as being in command of your own destiny. For best results, read the following list of 30 Keys all the way through without stopping. Then, go back over the individual points which hold some special meaning for you. Make notes of your impressions. Add to each of these insights any personal details which might help make that particular lesson more meaningful to you.
Here’s an encouragement. Your efforts to contribute to these studies turn their revelations into a part of your own evolving Nature. And as you awaken to this Higher Life within yourself, you naturally attract higher and happier events. There is no such thing as a wasted step when your final destination is self transformation."
"It is a Law: Not of Man’s or of Woman’s — but of Life. Before you can have a different
life; before you can be happier, wiser, more at peace and in quiet command of yourself, you must first be different. Being is everything.
What is Being? Every thing on Earth and in the heavens has Being because — animated or not All forms are an expression of one great Intelligent, Creative Energy. Even a common rock has Being of a sort. Similarly, all manner of Beings — from rocks to roses —to you and I — all unique expressions of this One Great Energy — possess a nature. The nature of a rock is determined by the natural forces acting upon it. Both the rock’s nature — and its destiny — are predetermined. Its Being is without choice. One day it will be dust.
Neither does the rose, dressed so delicately in its fragrant velveteen petals, have a choice as to its nature. An individual rose can’t choose not to have thorns, or attract bees. Its nature is a fixed expression of its Being.
But human nature, your nature, is not fixed. It can be transformed. That’s what makes us special above all of God’s countless expressions. And this fact empowers us in a very special way. It means, that as a feature of our Being, each of us is created with the power to choose our own destiny. Let’s see how this is possible.
Your Being is in a constant process of unfolding. That it will unfold is not your choice. Being is a gift you can’t refuse. It came with birth. But how the rest of your life unfolds is something you can influence. It’s called making choices. Being empowered to have a real voice in your life-choices is what this booklet is all about.
But, before you can learn how to change your destiny, you must first realize that secret place within yourself where your own future is created. You must consciously enter that place of power where Being and your present nature meet; that place where all of your life-choices are made for you. It’s called the Present Moment: The Now. And this Now is the seed of all that comes later. The following paragraph helps us see into this great mystery.
It’s only what you do right this moment, right Now, that’s the seed of personal change. And in the endless beauty and mystery of what is the Now, this same seed of change is also the seed of your New and Higher Nature.
Grasp the meaning of the next sentence, fully, and you’ll have your first glimpse of just one of the special ways in which The Power of the Present Moment can help you change your destiny. If you choose to change right Now, then you won’t have to worry about how to be different next time!
In fact, choose to change Now, and that moment will never come for you to worry about how to be better next time. Why? Because your conscious choice for real change in the present moment automatically cancels the need for a better you in a better future. Why? Because all will be better for you Now, which is the only time it really matters!
Make it your moment to moment practice to stay awake, and to watch for all the opportunities that your own Now presents. Keep your efforts personal, practical, and to the point. If your inner work doesn’t transform the whole of your life into a more relaxed, amazing, and uplifting experience, then you’re dreaming; not changing. To help you begin this important process of using The Power of the Present Moment for personal transformation, the remainder of this booklet is designed to reveal the countless opportunities each day presents for you to be free Now.
I’ve created a list of thirty ways in which your awareness of the power of Now can transform each challenging life-moment into a new and true beginning for you. Learning how to use these moments leads to real inner change, which is the same as being in command of your own destiny. For best results, read the following list of 30 Keys all the way through without stopping. Then, go back over the individual points which hold some special meaning for you. Make notes of your impressions. Add to each of these insights any personal details which might help make that particular lesson more meaningful to you.
Here’s an encouragement. Your efforts to contribute to these studies turn their revelations into a part of your own evolving Nature. And as you awaken to this Higher Life within yourself, you naturally attract higher and happier events. There is no such thing as a wasted step when your final destination is self transformation."
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)