“He who has not Christmas in his heart will never find it under a tree.” – Anonymous
Not growing up as a Christian and being an atheist, I nevertheless was still interested in the spirit of the season. I decided as a young adult that Christmas was a time to celebrate love, joy, and friendship. It started including giving of gifts, often very much from the heart, but sometimes out of a feeling of obligation.
As I moved into a spiritual life after “coming to believe,” and my heart opened to God and people, Christmas became more and more about love and joy, now looked at as spiritual qualities. The material world of holiday shopping and gift-giving paled compared to the spiritual world’s gifts of the heart.
In these quickly and severely changing times in the world, the material has less meaning to me, and relationships are clearly more important than any item I can touch and wrap. During this holiday season - and any time really - the best gift I can give to others is my presence. That is, to be attentive, a good listener, compassionate, and uplifting. To be present in body, mind, and spirit. To come from a place of heart. This cannot be bought or found under a tree - joy and love can only be found through Spirit.
Showing posts with label compassionate. Show all posts
Showing posts with label compassionate. Show all posts
Friday, December 18, 2009
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Hurry
I love synchronicity, for it is how I “came to believe” and it continues to bolster my faith that there is a loving Something greater than myself that knows about this whole show.
That said, an email about the topic of hurrying has been sitting in my Inbox since Thursday, but I’ve not hurried to read it. How synchronistic that twisting (or whatever) my back yesterday has made me slowed down. Today, being better able to sit in my desk chair, I read it.
Here is an excerpt from my friend’s email regarding the message she received in her role as an author for the Mayan Day Keepers. To read more, you can visit her website.
I realize the message is not a new one, but I appreciate the reminder about what’s truly important.
“… never in your history has there been the need to "hurry" to do anything. What is more important is to be in joy and express love each and every moment. This entails releasing fears and habits that keep you from enjoying a passionate and compassionate life.
“Learn how to maintain a state of calm and peace no matter what storm is brewing around you. Have courage to stand in your truth, no matter who may disagree with what you say or do. Take time each day to go within, quiet your mind and set clear intentions for what you wish to accomplish. Pay attention to what is happening around you, especially in nature and be respectful to all beings who reside on the earth. Fill your heart with gratitude each moment, reveling in the beauty that surrounds you. This is your path to ascension.
“… if you still feel the need to "hurry," we would suggest your quickening be focused "inside" rather that upward. Take time to look at how you can be part of the soul-ution when it comes to creating heaven on earth.”
- Excerpt from Mayan Message, Day 19, Cauac 6
That said, an email about the topic of hurrying has been sitting in my Inbox since Thursday, but I’ve not hurried to read it. How synchronistic that twisting (or whatever) my back yesterday has made me slowed down. Today, being better able to sit in my desk chair, I read it.
Here is an excerpt from my friend’s email regarding the message she received in her role as an author for the Mayan Day Keepers. To read more, you can visit her website.
I realize the message is not a new one, but I appreciate the reminder about what’s truly important.
“… never in your history has there been the need to "hurry" to do anything. What is more important is to be in joy and express love each and every moment. This entails releasing fears and habits that keep you from enjoying a passionate and compassionate life.
“Learn how to maintain a state of calm and peace no matter what storm is brewing around you. Have courage to stand in your truth, no matter who may disagree with what you say or do. Take time each day to go within, quiet your mind and set clear intentions for what you wish to accomplish. Pay attention to what is happening around you, especially in nature and be respectful to all beings who reside on the earth. Fill your heart with gratitude each moment, reveling in the beauty that surrounds you. This is your path to ascension.
“… if you still feel the need to "hurry," we would suggest your quickening be focused "inside" rather that upward. Take time to look at how you can be part of the soul-ution when it comes to creating heaven on earth.”
- Excerpt from Mayan Message, Day 19, Cauac 6
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Still...
As we lay down to go to sleep last night, Rog commented that he was glad the day was over, an unusual sentiment coming from him. Still, I can understand why.
From our house mailbox, we received a letter related to our bankruptcy requesting another pile of documents with a deadline for submission. There was incorrect information written in it and it had not been sent to our mailing address as it should have been, so had been sitting for a week. Still, I was grateful that the letter wasn’t from the mortgagor setting a new trustee sale.
From our other mailbox, we received a letter from our homeowners association. It was another annoying complaint, once again shedding no specific light on what we were supposedly not in compliance with. Still, I was grateful that I’d already called them weeks back about the matter in general and was confident that we would prevail. I was also grateful that Rog said he’d draft a response.
The website I had hoped to complete building and go live by mid afternoon took me into the evening. Still, I was grateful that my client is a warm, easy-going person to work with and appreciates the extra mile that I go. And, when there was a delay for the site to go live, I was grateful that the hosting server company had a helpful associate to work with, that I had uploaded the files correctly, and that the site will go live as soon as the company finishes its process.
And, if this all wasn’t enough to test my attitude, the saga of my front tooth was brought to life once again. Still, I was grateful that my crown came out during the dentist’s work week, and that he is a kind, compassionate good man with a great staff. I’ll call this morning for an emergency appointment and trust that God will arrange it so I don’t have to delay today’s trip to Tucson. Also, I’m grateful that I’m no longer so vain about the gap in the front of my mouth – when I speak, I just place my hand in front of it to cover the grossness.
Yes, my peace was challenged yesterday, but all in all I think I did a pretty good job of asking Spirit for help and coping. But what I noticed - and am so grateful for - is that, in most cases, my upbeat take on each situation was an immediate response. I’ve come a long way from when I would have immediately gone into a tailspin or a fit of lingering angry, both of which would have stoked my eating disorder and not made me a particularly nice person to be around. Mostly these days, I am able to see the blessings in every situation and feel gratitude. These challenges become opportunities to grow closer to God.
Oh, did I mention that Rog accidentally brewed decaf coffee for himself and high test for me for our afternoon coffee vacation?!
As we lay down to go to sleep last night, and the caffeine was still surging through my body, Rog commented that he was glad the day was over; I can understand why. I had some more than usual awake time before falling asleep so I converted the challenge into an opportunity. I used the time for extra prayers to God and my angels, thankful for my growing consciousness and the many blessings in my life.
From our house mailbox, we received a letter related to our bankruptcy requesting another pile of documents with a deadline for submission. There was incorrect information written in it and it had not been sent to our mailing address as it should have been, so had been sitting for a week. Still, I was grateful that the letter wasn’t from the mortgagor setting a new trustee sale.
From our other mailbox, we received a letter from our homeowners association. It was another annoying complaint, once again shedding no specific light on what we were supposedly not in compliance with. Still, I was grateful that I’d already called them weeks back about the matter in general and was confident that we would prevail. I was also grateful that Rog said he’d draft a response.
The website I had hoped to complete building and go live by mid afternoon took me into the evening. Still, I was grateful that my client is a warm, easy-going person to work with and appreciates the extra mile that I go. And, when there was a delay for the site to go live, I was grateful that the hosting server company had a helpful associate to work with, that I had uploaded the files correctly, and that the site will go live as soon as the company finishes its process.
And, if this all wasn’t enough to test my attitude, the saga of my front tooth was brought to life once again. Still, I was grateful that my crown came out during the dentist’s work week, and that he is a kind, compassionate good man with a great staff. I’ll call this morning for an emergency appointment and trust that God will arrange it so I don’t have to delay today’s trip to Tucson. Also, I’m grateful that I’m no longer so vain about the gap in the front of my mouth – when I speak, I just place my hand in front of it to cover the grossness.
Yes, my peace was challenged yesterday, but all in all I think I did a pretty good job of asking Spirit for help and coping. But what I noticed - and am so grateful for - is that, in most cases, my upbeat take on each situation was an immediate response. I’ve come a long way from when I would have immediately gone into a tailspin or a fit of lingering angry, both of which would have stoked my eating disorder and not made me a particularly nice person to be around. Mostly these days, I am able to see the blessings in every situation and feel gratitude. These challenges become opportunities to grow closer to God.
Oh, did I mention that Rog accidentally brewed decaf coffee for himself and high test for me for our afternoon coffee vacation?!
As we lay down to go to sleep last night, and the caffeine was still surging through my body, Rog commented that he was glad the day was over; I can understand why. I had some more than usual awake time before falling asleep so I converted the challenge into an opportunity. I used the time for extra prayers to God and my angels, thankful for my growing consciousness and the many blessings in my life.
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.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Morning Prayer 03.04.09
Dear God;
Thank You for this day
Thank You for this life
Thank You for Roger.
Please remove any fears within me and have me know in every cell of my body that You are my Source of everything, and all is well.
Please remove any obstacles within me that keep me from my good and being of service to others. May I be compassionate, giving, and full of only love as I go through this day.
Fill me with peace. Thank You. So it is.
Thank You for this day
Thank You for this life
Thank You for Roger.
Please remove any fears within me and have me know in every cell of my body that You are my Source of everything, and all is well.
Please remove any obstacles within me that keep me from my good and being of service to others. May I be compassionate, giving, and full of only love as I go through this day.
Fill me with peace. Thank You. So it is.
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