I’ve been nursing a head cold for several days now, God’s way of getting me to slow down. My ears are stuffed up, my eyes watery, my short term memory... well, short - VERY short! So one could accurately say that communication between me and others might not be that clear.
Still, Rog has been patient when I ask him to repeat himself so I can make sure I’ve heard him correctly. I’ve misheard several phrases and we’ve been able to laugh at my perception of what he said. Perception for any human being is difficult on any given day, but in this physical body currently, it’s even more so. We’re accepting the circumstances and one another, doing our best to make ourselves clear speakers and clear receivers. We’re laughing and saying “I love you” when a message gets lost in my mind’s translation.
But what about when we’re all in pretty good physical condition - then what’s the reason behind miscommunication? Do I hear any votes for the ego, for not being in fit spiritual condition? One is either in their ego mind or their God mind - there’s no middle ground.
I have to be in fit spiritual condition to accurately perceive when someone makes accusations towards me that have no basis in reality - well, certainly not mine - that something else is going on with that person. It’s not about me. It’s not personal even if it appears that way. When someone chooses to cling to their position, their ego is at work, keeping them closed to other options and possibilities. And, their heart has been clamped shut. Not a fun place to be for anyone.
I certainly don’t want to live that way and I am grateful to be waking up. It’s not always easy, with relationships and possessions going by the wayside through necessity. Waking up means honestly looking at my inner thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors with a microscope so that I can know and be who I truly am. From there, I walk in this world coming from the place of Spirit. Acceptance, love, compassion, and kindness prevail.
Waking up can be challenging, but sticking with the illusion would mean being an open and willing partner to ego, to unnecessary pain and suffering. Freedom is at stake.
On this new earth we may find ourselves not making the journey with the long-time companions we thought would be accompanying us. But we will all get Home and be reunited with those we needed to let go of along the way of getting there. We are One and that can never change.
Dear Spirit -
Thank You for Your mercy and compassion as we each do what we can to wake up to You and to who we really are. May I demonstrate mercy, compassion, forgiveness, and unconditional love to all on my path, yesterday, today, and tomorrow. And, may each do the same with me!
Showing posts with label compassion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label compassion. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Monday, May 24, 2010
True Love
As I wake up, I’m learning more about love, true love.
True love, unconditional love, is not about limitation, judgment, or comparison.
True love accepts beings as they are and offers compassion and mercy. It extends itself out. It is awareness. It is present.
It is Presence.
Thank You, Spirit, for the dissolution of the old earth that obscures love, and for the new earth arising in which waking up reveals our true love for all.
True love, unconditional love, is not about limitation, judgment, or comparison.
True love accepts beings as they are and offers compassion and mercy. It extends itself out. It is awareness. It is present.
It is Presence.
Thank You, Spirit, for the dissolution of the old earth that obscures love, and for the new earth arising in which waking up reveals our true love for all.
Friday, May 21, 2010
Loving
“In loving others, I am doing that which brings me closest to God, for God is love.” - Excerpt from Today’s Daily Word, May 21, 2010
My loving others took some novel forms for me yesterday. In the morning, I did my first volunteer session at the Humane Society of Sedona. I got to be with Beeker, a canine who’s been living there for about two months.
He’s still a bit wary of humans, but when my mentor told me he loves affection, I exclaimed, “We’re a match!” Beeker enjoys his new temporary home and doesn’t like to go very far from it. Hence, my walking him turned out to be a bust but that simply gave us the opportunity to just socialize.
I spent about 30” with Beeker, keeping him company, petting him almost continuously, talking to him and telling him he was a good boy. I was simply loving him. I opened my heart and poured out to him kindness, caring, compassion, and hope for a better life in the future than what he’d lived in the past.
In the evening, during choir practice, one of the members’ children was playing outside and scraped her knee. Somehow I got involved in taking care of her wound, but I certainly didn’t mind. Tara is part of our Unity family and so it’s natural - and an honor - to pitch in and help. She appeared fine emotionally, but still I opened my heart to her as I gave first aid.
It’s “interesting” that yesterday God’s plan was to open me to two populations - both vulnerable ones - I’ve not had as part of my regular life, both in the same day. It was an adventure and an opportunity for me to love others and bring me closer to God.
And, it is not lost on me that it was also a way of loving the little girl within. We are all wounded in some way, but God’s love shining through other beings brightens our life and helps heal us all.
My loving others took some novel forms for me yesterday. In the morning, I did my first volunteer session at the Humane Society of Sedona. I got to be with Beeker, a canine who’s been living there for about two months.
He’s still a bit wary of humans, but when my mentor told me he loves affection, I exclaimed, “We’re a match!” Beeker enjoys his new temporary home and doesn’t like to go very far from it. Hence, my walking him turned out to be a bust but that simply gave us the opportunity to just socialize.
I spent about 30” with Beeker, keeping him company, petting him almost continuously, talking to him and telling him he was a good boy. I was simply loving him. I opened my heart and poured out to him kindness, caring, compassion, and hope for a better life in the future than what he’d lived in the past.
In the evening, during choir practice, one of the members’ children was playing outside and scraped her knee. Somehow I got involved in taking care of her wound, but I certainly didn’t mind. Tara is part of our Unity family and so it’s natural - and an honor - to pitch in and help. She appeared fine emotionally, but still I opened my heart to her as I gave first aid.
It’s “interesting” that yesterday God’s plan was to open me to two populations - both vulnerable ones - I’ve not had as part of my regular life, both in the same day. It was an adventure and an opportunity for me to love others and bring me closer to God.
And, it is not lost on me that it was also a way of loving the little girl within. We are all wounded in some way, but God’s love shining through other beings brightens our life and helps heal us all.
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Holy Day
Every day is indeed special... but yesterday was more so. I say that because Spirit’s Presence and hand in the unfolding of events was so clear.
Yesterday Rog and I were called into service to marry Alana and Matthew, a college couple who wanted a simple wedding ceremony in Sedona. They asked us to gather the two witnesses required by the state and to select a locale. We chose the site of the Amitabha Stupa, a bronze image of the Buddha of Limitless Light that is filled with hundreds of millions of prayers for peace, sacred relics, and ritual objects. It is a beacon of light and virtue and is considered a vortex of Enlightened Presence, radiating waves of compassion to all beings. And, you don't have to be a Buddhist to visit it and benefit from it.
Here the grounds have character, the vistas are beautiful and abundant. There is even a ramada to offer some protection from the elements, which was a consideration yesterday as it was blustery and there was a chance of rain.
Rog and I arrived early to go over the logistics. Over the course of time while waiting for the bride and groom to arrive, not only did the two people we’d asked to be witnesses show up, but one-by-one so did three other people we knew! When we explained why we were at the Stupa wearing our ministerial stoles, they were all intrigued. We asked if they’d like to join us in the wedding and they readily agreed.
Each of our five friends contributed to the wedding celebration both in the physical realm and spiritual. One friend led the group in the ceremonial walk of seven times around the Stupa, chanting a Tibetan prayer. Another had a video camera with him as he had bicycled over to the Stupa to shoot sacred garden space - little did he know he’d be photographing a wedding! Another had an orange and a bar of chocolate that she turned into a ceremonial offering for the wedding (she found out you’re not permitted to leave food as an offering at the Stupa) - she was also the unexpected still photographer. Another offered up words of congratulations, love, and wisdom as we toasted the newlyweds drinking sparkling apple cider in plastic champagne glasses (the bride and groom’s of course were specially decorated). And, our fifth friend provided restaurant suggestions for a romantic dinner. All contributed their spiritual consciousness.
Much of this was unplanned - well, at least by us humans. There was way too much synchronicity and “woo-woo-ness” to go into detail here, but suffice is to say that Spirit indeed had a plan. Nine beings were brought together at a sacred space in Sedona to celebrate a sacred sacrament. It was awesome.
Each ‘guest’ played a part in uplifting and supporting Alana and Matthew as they embarked on their new life. Each called themselves into service on a moment’s notice. This was a wedding that could not have been more perfect if it had been planned for 12 months, had cost $50,000, and 200 guests attended. For this perfect wedding was orchestrated by God and God needs no advance timing, money, or more people than is required to do His work.
We converged at the Stupa as if by clockwork and this coming together was not lost on any of us. I don’t think this event was just about two people entering holy matrimony. I think it was so much about God wanting to send us messages - many messages - and clearly announce Its existence. I’m still processing it all; I’m so grateful to have been a part of this extraordinary experience - thank You, Spirit!
We joked that this couple had eloped because they have big families and didn’t want to have a big wedding where most of the guests are... well, ya know, strangers. Instead they chose to be with us... strangers! But of course, we were not strangers at all. We came together as one family under God, with God’s presence shining. It was indeed a holy day to recognize God all around and in us.
Congratulations, Alana and Matthew! And, thank you for bringing us and God all together to celebrate you!
Yesterday Rog and I were called into service to marry Alana and Matthew, a college couple who wanted a simple wedding ceremony in Sedona. They asked us to gather the two witnesses required by the state and to select a locale. We chose the site of the Amitabha Stupa, a bronze image of the Buddha of Limitless Light that is filled with hundreds of millions of prayers for peace, sacred relics, and ritual objects. It is a beacon of light and virtue and is considered a vortex of Enlightened Presence, radiating waves of compassion to all beings. And, you don't have to be a Buddhist to visit it and benefit from it.
Here the grounds have character, the vistas are beautiful and abundant. There is even a ramada to offer some protection from the elements, which was a consideration yesterday as it was blustery and there was a chance of rain.
Rog and I arrived early to go over the logistics. Over the course of time while waiting for the bride and groom to arrive, not only did the two people we’d asked to be witnesses show up, but one-by-one so did three other people we knew! When we explained why we were at the Stupa wearing our ministerial stoles, they were all intrigued. We asked if they’d like to join us in the wedding and they readily agreed.
Each of our five friends contributed to the wedding celebration both in the physical realm and spiritual. One friend led the group in the ceremonial walk of seven times around the Stupa, chanting a Tibetan prayer. Another had a video camera with him as he had bicycled over to the Stupa to shoot sacred garden space - little did he know he’d be photographing a wedding! Another had an orange and a bar of chocolate that she turned into a ceremonial offering for the wedding (she found out you’re not permitted to leave food as an offering at the Stupa) - she was also the unexpected still photographer. Another offered up words of congratulations, love, and wisdom as we toasted the newlyweds drinking sparkling apple cider in plastic champagne glasses (the bride and groom’s of course were specially decorated). And, our fifth friend provided restaurant suggestions for a romantic dinner. All contributed their spiritual consciousness.
Much of this was unplanned - well, at least by us humans. There was way too much synchronicity and “woo-woo-ness” to go into detail here, but suffice is to say that Spirit indeed had a plan. Nine beings were brought together at a sacred space in Sedona to celebrate a sacred sacrament. It was awesome.
Each ‘guest’ played a part in uplifting and supporting Alana and Matthew as they embarked on their new life. Each called themselves into service on a moment’s notice. This was a wedding that could not have been more perfect if it had been planned for 12 months, had cost $50,000, and 200 guests attended. For this perfect wedding was orchestrated by God and God needs no advance timing, money, or more people than is required to do His work.
We converged at the Stupa as if by clockwork and this coming together was not lost on any of us. I don’t think this event was just about two people entering holy matrimony. I think it was so much about God wanting to send us messages - many messages - and clearly announce Its existence. I’m still processing it all; I’m so grateful to have been a part of this extraordinary experience - thank You, Spirit!
We joked that this couple had eloped because they have big families and didn’t want to have a big wedding where most of the guests are... well, ya know, strangers. Instead they chose to be with us... strangers! But of course, we were not strangers at all. We came together as one family under God, with God’s presence shining. It was indeed a holy day to recognize God all around and in us.
Congratulations, Alana and Matthew! And, thank you for bringing us and God all together to celebrate you!
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Into Action
“The life of the spirit is centrally and essentially a life of action. Spirituality is something done, not merely something believed or known or experienced.” - Mary McDermott Shideler
Living as a monk in a monastery in isolation I would venture is a relatively easy experience compared to being involved in the outside, crazy world. In the outer world however, is where I think the lessons for waking up often come more readily as I interact with a myriad of situations and people.
When I go beyond myself and am of service is often when I feel closest to Spirit. And, that means I am practicing spiritual principles more readily: faith, love, compassion, empathy... I am putting spirituality into action. As the expressions go, “I am putting my money where my mouth is” and I am “practicing what I preach.” For as the Big Book says (page 88), “Faith without works is dead.”
God is with me in all circumstances and with all whom I meet on my path. In the quiet times of silence I connect and refuel; then I venture out into the outer world, putting my spirituality into action. I let God express Its love and light through me; I am a power of example.
Living as a monk in a monastery in isolation I would venture is a relatively easy experience compared to being involved in the outside, crazy world. In the outer world however, is where I think the lessons for waking up often come more readily as I interact with a myriad of situations and people.
When I go beyond myself and am of service is often when I feel closest to Spirit. And, that means I am practicing spiritual principles more readily: faith, love, compassion, empathy... I am putting spirituality into action. As the expressions go, “I am putting my money where my mouth is” and I am “practicing what I preach.” For as the Big Book says (page 88), “Faith without works is dead.”
God is with me in all circumstances and with all whom I meet on my path. In the quiet times of silence I connect and refuel; then I venture out into the outer world, putting my spirituality into action. I let God express Its love and light through me; I am a power of example.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Looking for Love
Today my attention was brought to the metaphysical meaning of the word adulteress: looking for love in all the wrong places. Boy, does that resonant with me! And, I’d say that everyone I know at some time in their life has looked for love in the wrong places. Many, many people continue to do so.
It can take the form of alcoholism, co-dependency, obsession with money, expecting relationships to complete oneself... the list goes on and on and on.
Not knowing I was seeking God, where I looked for love included: food, work, reading, and romance.
I’d say we’ve all been adulterers or adulteresses more than once in this lifetime. But with great mercy and compassion we are urged to move forward and err no more. For after all, if I’m seeking Truth, what other guidance is there?
Today I am so much more conscious of my thoughts and behaviors - and my heart center. I endeavor to follow the words of Emmet Fox and many others: “We must not allow any consideration whatever, any institution, or organization, or any book, or any man or woman, to come between us and our direct seeking for God.” - The Sermon on the Mount by Emmet Fox, Page 136.
So in my ever expanding awakening, I find myself no longer looking for love in all the wrong places. I just look at me inside and there I find God.
It can take the form of alcoholism, co-dependency, obsession with money, expecting relationships to complete oneself... the list goes on and on and on.
Not knowing I was seeking God, where I looked for love included: food, work, reading, and romance.
I’d say we’ve all been adulterers or adulteresses more than once in this lifetime. But with great mercy and compassion we are urged to move forward and err no more. For after all, if I’m seeking Truth, what other guidance is there?
Today I am so much more conscious of my thoughts and behaviors - and my heart center. I endeavor to follow the words of Emmet Fox and many others: “We must not allow any consideration whatever, any institution, or organization, or any book, or any man or woman, to come between us and our direct seeking for God.” - The Sermon on the Mount by Emmet Fox, Page 136.
So in my ever expanding awakening, I find myself no longer looking for love in all the wrong places. I just look at me inside and there I find God.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Faith
Today’s Daily Word - Monday, March 1, 2010
Faith
I walk by faith, not by sight.
Today I stand firmly in my faith. I meet life courageously and confidently, seeing beyond appearances to the underlying good. Through faith I overcome every limitation. I know that God's power in me is greater than any situation I may have to meet or overcome; God is greater than any condition or circumstance.
Through faith I am fearless and free. Faith dispels fear, for faith knows the nothingness of fear. Faith reminds me that God is the only presence and power in my life.
Through faith I am steady and strong. I am assured that with God there is always a way, with God there are always right answers.
Through faith I walk in the light. I am shown the way of my highest good. I am healed. I am blessed.
We walk by faith, not by sight. - 2 Corinthians 5:7
Of course after this past weekend of spiritual nourishment and enlightenment, it’s synchronistic that Today’s Daily Word and Daily Guideposts Devotional both had faith as their topic. And, my other usual morning reading from In God’s Care was about the three words “Came to believe” referring to coming to believe in a power greater than ourselves that could restore us to sanity.
For it was in coming to believe and developing faith that I now find my joy in life. Being in community with other spiritual beings having a human experience, I easily have faith in God’s existence – and more.
I have faith in God’s love, compassion, mercy, and wondrous power. I have faith that this power greater than myself that I came to believe in is always with me. “And when we experience that insanity, it isn’t that God has moved, but that our faith has wandered and shaken hands with the craziness of self-sufficiency.” (from In God’s Care).
These past few days my soul has been fueled with faith in part via psycho-spiritual inner work. The other part has been through being with others who are also doing their inner work to awaken. We come together as One in loving, compassionate, faith-filled community.
Faith
I walk by faith, not by sight.
Today I stand firmly in my faith. I meet life courageously and confidently, seeing beyond appearances to the underlying good. Through faith I overcome every limitation. I know that God's power in me is greater than any situation I may have to meet or overcome; God is greater than any condition or circumstance.
Through faith I am fearless and free. Faith dispels fear, for faith knows the nothingness of fear. Faith reminds me that God is the only presence and power in my life.
Through faith I am steady and strong. I am assured that with God there is always a way, with God there are always right answers.
Through faith I walk in the light. I am shown the way of my highest good. I am healed. I am blessed.
We walk by faith, not by sight. - 2 Corinthians 5:7
Of course after this past weekend of spiritual nourishment and enlightenment, it’s synchronistic that Today’s Daily Word and Daily Guideposts Devotional both had faith as their topic. And, my other usual morning reading from In God’s Care was about the three words “Came to believe” referring to coming to believe in a power greater than ourselves that could restore us to sanity.
For it was in coming to believe and developing faith that I now find my joy in life. Being in community with other spiritual beings having a human experience, I easily have faith in God’s existence – and more.
I have faith in God’s love, compassion, mercy, and wondrous power. I have faith that this power greater than myself that I came to believe in is always with me. “And when we experience that insanity, it isn’t that God has moved, but that our faith has wandered and shaken hands with the craziness of self-sufficiency.” (from In God’s Care).
These past few days my soul has been fueled with faith in part via psycho-spiritual inner work. The other part has been through being with others who are also doing their inner work to awaken. We come together as One in loving, compassionate, faith-filled community.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Just For One Day
“God just for one day let me see only the good. Give me the eyes of faith, the heart of hope.” – Daily Guideposts, February 7, 2010
God just for one day let me be free of judgment. Let me see through Your eyes with love and understanding of my fellows, practicing compassion and mercy.
God just for one day let me be full of faith every second. Give me the courage and the strength to trust in You and Your Will.
God just for one day may I honor You and praise You first, and then ask for Your Help. Let me feel Your Love, Your Joy, Your Peace.
And, God, just for one day let me live in the Now, not the future nor the past. Let me truly live one day at a time.
God just for one day let me be free of judgment. Let me see through Your eyes with love and understanding of my fellows, practicing compassion and mercy.
God just for one day let me be full of faith every second. Give me the courage and the strength to trust in You and Your Will.
God just for one day may I honor You and praise You first, and then ask for Your Help. Let me feel Your Love, Your Joy, Your Peace.
And, God, just for one day let me live in the Now, not the future nor the past. Let me truly live one day at a time.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Me Too!
“Great joy and satisfaction come from expressing love, compassion and generosity. Since I cannot fully express these qualities while holding resentment against another, I strengthen my spiritual practice through forgiveness.” - Daily Word, Sunday, December 13, 2009
I cannot fully express the qualities of love, compassion and generosity while holding resentment against myself either! And, I can forgive and start anew at any time.
Thank You, God, for Your healing of me - body, mind, and spirit. I go out into the world expressing love, compassion, and generosity... expressing the qualities of You.
I cannot fully express the qualities of love, compassion and generosity while holding resentment against myself either! And, I can forgive and start anew at any time.
Thank You, God, for Your healing of me - body, mind, and spirit. I go out into the world expressing love, compassion, and generosity... expressing the qualities of You.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Purpose and Service
I’m back once again thinking about my life and what meaning there is in it. I feel that my life only has purpose when I am being of service. When I was very involved in the 12 Step program, I felt that I was of service to others who came after me in pain and in need of healing. Through my own experience, I was able to provide strength and help to others, as those who came before me had helped me. I was able to listen, to love, and to not judge, to accept other folks at the level they were at.
I was reminded today that my experience gives me a purpose in life. With it - hitting bottom and rising up from it - I’ve learned compassion. With that opening of heart, I am able to help others, to serve God.
This world of form is changing mighty quickly these days, making way for a new world, a new way of living. Many people are in pain - and not even aware of it. I am in the ranks of those who are being prepared to help those less aware and enlightened about this world of form and how it fits into our lives, our being. My life experience has paved the way.
My purpose is to help others to realize that regardless of what the material world looks like and offers in terms of ‘toys’, we are eternal spiritual beings, whole and perfect, full of love.
My purpose is to hold the sacred space and help people realize that they are not alone. We are all One, we are all in this together, and all is well.
Dear Spirit -
I offer my love, my compassion, and my peace to You in service.
I was reminded today that my experience gives me a purpose in life. With it - hitting bottom and rising up from it - I’ve learned compassion. With that opening of heart, I am able to help others, to serve God.
This world of form is changing mighty quickly these days, making way for a new world, a new way of living. Many people are in pain - and not even aware of it. I am in the ranks of those who are being prepared to help those less aware and enlightened about this world of form and how it fits into our lives, our being. My life experience has paved the way.
My purpose is to help others to realize that regardless of what the material world looks like and offers in terms of ‘toys’, we are eternal spiritual beings, whole and perfect, full of love.
My purpose is to hold the sacred space and help people realize that they are not alone. We are all One, we are all in this together, and all is well.
Dear Spirit -
I offer my love, my compassion, and my peace to You in service.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Practice
If you’re from the Big Apple, and perhaps even if you’re not, you may be familiar with the joke “How do you get to Carnegie Hall?” Answer: “Practice, practice, practice!”
One can apply the same response to “How do I grow in consciousness?” Or, “How can I feel closer to Spirit?” And, how about “How can I be more compassionate?” Answer: “Practice, practice, practice!”
As stated in today’s Daily Inspiration from The Voice for Love: "When gratitude fills your mind, you are joined with God in your awareness. Practice the art of giving thanks, and you will be joined with God all through the day."
And, inspired from today’s Daily Word, when I practice being more loving and gentle with myself, I am more loving and gentle to others.
In 12 Step program it is suggested we “act as if” until we are able to believe. And, if I practice what I want to be, I will succeed. Like Gandhi said, ‘Be the change you want to see in the world.”
Practice, practice, practice.
One can apply the same response to “How do I grow in consciousness?” Or, “How can I feel closer to Spirit?” And, how about “How can I be more compassionate?” Answer: “Practice, practice, practice!”
As stated in today’s Daily Inspiration from The Voice for Love: "When gratitude fills your mind, you are joined with God in your awareness. Practice the art of giving thanks, and you will be joined with God all through the day."
And, inspired from today’s Daily Word, when I practice being more loving and gentle with myself, I am more loving and gentle to others.
In 12 Step program it is suggested we “act as if” until we are able to believe. And, if I practice what I want to be, I will succeed. Like Gandhi said, ‘Be the change you want to see in the world.”
Practice, practice, practice.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Peace
True peace comes not from trying to have peace, but in trying to find God’s will and doing it. Peace comes from letting go. – In God’s Care, June 25
Peace is what I seek, but when my ego gets going, it’s hard to know God’s will, let alone follow it. The ego voice is diametrically opposed to the voice of God, and peace can simply not follow.
As I go through a challenging situation at this time, I am especially seeking to know God’s will and hence, to be at a peace. I decided to look up some more quotes on the topic of peace – here they are.
Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace. - St. Francis of Assisi
As we cultivate peace and happiness in ourselves, we also nourish peace and happiness in those we love. - Thich Nhat Hanh
One can not reflect in streaming water. Only those who know internal peace can give it to others. - Lao Tzu
Compassion and love is the source of external and internal peace... - Tenzin Gyatso, The 14th Dalai Lama
Peace is what I seek, but when my ego gets going, it’s hard to know God’s will, let alone follow it. The ego voice is diametrically opposed to the voice of God, and peace can simply not follow.
As I go through a challenging situation at this time, I am especially seeking to know God’s will and hence, to be at a peace. I decided to look up some more quotes on the topic of peace – here they are.
Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace. - St. Francis of Assisi
As we cultivate peace and happiness in ourselves, we also nourish peace and happiness in those we love. - Thich Nhat Hanh
One can not reflect in streaming water. Only those who know internal peace can give it to others. - Lao Tzu
Compassion and love is the source of external and internal peace... - Tenzin Gyatso, The 14th Dalai Lama
Monday, June 1, 2009
Happiness
I flipped the page of my inspirational quotes wall calendar to the new month of June and read these words of Ralph Waldo Emerson: “The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.”
“To be useful” translates to me as being of service. And, that means giving - of material and financial resources and, more importantly of myself. These days, during my active kundalini meditation particularly, I pray for the highest good of each being that comes to mind, and send each the Light. I’ve come to realize that this is indeed a way that I am giving of myself, being of service. In Emerson’s words, this is a way that I am being useful.
My practice also brings out my compassion for those I happen to know are going through a challenging time. And, I feel my praying for them is making a difference, as all prayer does whether we are aware of it or not. It makes a difference for the being I’m praying for, and I am blessed as well.
Base on the aforementioned and other reasons, I would have to conclude that I am living well. And, while being happy may not be the purpose of my life, it sure does seem that these other things result in bringing me happiness and make the inner, inherent flame of joy burn brighter.
The purpose of life may not be to be happy, but when I live rightly, I cannot but help be happy.
“To be useful” translates to me as being of service. And, that means giving - of material and financial resources and, more importantly of myself. These days, during my active kundalini meditation particularly, I pray for the highest good of each being that comes to mind, and send each the Light. I’ve come to realize that this is indeed a way that I am giving of myself, being of service. In Emerson’s words, this is a way that I am being useful.
My practice also brings out my compassion for those I happen to know are going through a challenging time. And, I feel my praying for them is making a difference, as all prayer does whether we are aware of it or not. It makes a difference for the being I’m praying for, and I am blessed as well.
Base on the aforementioned and other reasons, I would have to conclude that I am living well. And, while being happy may not be the purpose of my life, it sure does seem that these other things result in bringing me happiness and make the inner, inherent flame of joy burn brighter.
The purpose of life may not be to be happy, but when I live rightly, I cannot but help be happy.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Practicing What Is Preached
Today was indeed an historical day for the United States of America in many ways and an historical inauguration.
In the 8 years that have passed since the last main presidential inauguration, my spiritual experience and knowledge have progressed and been enlarged, so I was particularly curious as to how religion and prayer would play a role in this political event.
I enjoyed the prayers, feeling they were mostly inclusive of all peoples, and full of admirable qualities that we all can strive toward. Now, I hope the sentiments expressed are put into action, including by the man who gave the Inaugural Invocation, Pastor Rick Warren.
Below is the Inaugural Invocation in its entirety taken from a Christian political blog site:
Let us pray.
Almighty God, our Father, everything we see and everything we can’t see exists because of you alone. It all comes from you. It all belongs to you. It all exists for your glory.
History is your story. The Scripture tells us, “Hear O Israel, the Lord is our God. The Lord is One.” And you are the compassionate and merciful one. And you are loving to everyone you have made.
Now, today, we rejoice not only in America’s peaceful transfer of power for the 44th time. We celebrate a hingepoint of history with the inauguration of our first African American president of the United States. We are so grateful to live in this land, a land of unequaled possibility, where the son of an African immigrant can rise to the highest level of our leadership. And we know today that Dr. King and a great cloud of witnesses are shouting in heaven.
Give to our new President, Barack Obama, the wisdom to lead us with humility, the courage to lead us with integrity, the compassion to lead us with generosity. Bless and protect him, his family, Vice President Biden, the cabinet, and every one of our freely elected leaders.
Help us, O God, to remember that we are Americans, united not by race, or religion, or blood, but to our commitment to freedom and justice for all. When we focus on ourselves, when we fight each other, when we forget you, forgive us. When we presume that our greatness and our prosperity is ours alone, forgive us. When we fail to treat our fellow human beings and all the earth with the respect that they deserve, forgive us. And as we face these difficult days ahead, may we have a new birth of clarity in our aims, responsibility in our actions, humility in our approaches, and civility in our attitudes, even when we differ.
Help us to share, to serve and to seek the common good of all. May all people of goodwill today join together to work for a more just, a more healthy and a more prosperous nation and a peaceful planet. And may we never forget that one day all nations and all people will stand accountable before you. We now commit our new president and his wife, Michelle and his daughters, Malia and Sasha, into your loving care.
I humbly ask this in the name of the one who changed my life, Yeshua, Isa, Jesus [Spanish pronunciation], Jesus, who taught us to pray:
“Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."
In the 8 years that have passed since the last main presidential inauguration, my spiritual experience and knowledge have progressed and been enlarged, so I was particularly curious as to how religion and prayer would play a role in this political event.
I enjoyed the prayers, feeling they were mostly inclusive of all peoples, and full of admirable qualities that we all can strive toward. Now, I hope the sentiments expressed are put into action, including by the man who gave the Inaugural Invocation, Pastor Rick Warren.
Below is the Inaugural Invocation in its entirety taken from a Christian political blog site:
Let us pray.
Almighty God, our Father, everything we see and everything we can’t see exists because of you alone. It all comes from you. It all belongs to you. It all exists for your glory.
History is your story. The Scripture tells us, “Hear O Israel, the Lord is our God. The Lord is One.” And you are the compassionate and merciful one. And you are loving to everyone you have made.
Now, today, we rejoice not only in America’s peaceful transfer of power for the 44th time. We celebrate a hingepoint of history with the inauguration of our first African American president of the United States. We are so grateful to live in this land, a land of unequaled possibility, where the son of an African immigrant can rise to the highest level of our leadership. And we know today that Dr. King and a great cloud of witnesses are shouting in heaven.
Give to our new President, Barack Obama, the wisdom to lead us with humility, the courage to lead us with integrity, the compassion to lead us with generosity. Bless and protect him, his family, Vice President Biden, the cabinet, and every one of our freely elected leaders.
Help us, O God, to remember that we are Americans, united not by race, or religion, or blood, but to our commitment to freedom and justice for all. When we focus on ourselves, when we fight each other, when we forget you, forgive us. When we presume that our greatness and our prosperity is ours alone, forgive us. When we fail to treat our fellow human beings and all the earth with the respect that they deserve, forgive us. And as we face these difficult days ahead, may we have a new birth of clarity in our aims, responsibility in our actions, humility in our approaches, and civility in our attitudes, even when we differ.
Help us to share, to serve and to seek the common good of all. May all people of goodwill today join together to work for a more just, a more healthy and a more prosperous nation and a peaceful planet. And may we never forget that one day all nations and all people will stand accountable before you. We now commit our new president and his wife, Michelle and his daughters, Malia and Sasha, into your loving care.
I humbly ask this in the name of the one who changed my life, Yeshua, Isa, Jesus [Spanish pronunciation], Jesus, who taught us to pray:
“Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."
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