Sunday, January 22, 2012

A Simple Meditation

Meditation can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and make us more alive. There are many types of meditation from the disciplines of formal meditation to this simple method of paying attention. This is something you can do in just a few minutes. 


1. Take a moment to notice the sounds around you. You may want to close your eyes. Focus on what you are hearing--a bird singing, traffic in the street, people talking, whatever the sounds, just notice.


2. Open your eyes and look at what is around you. Notice what is there. Look as if seeing for the first time. Really look, not evaluate or judge or categorize just look. Look at your hands. 


3. Fill yourself with air, once, twice, three times. Notice how you feel. 


4. Square your shoulders, straighten your back. Notice what you're thinking. Breathe. 


5. Carry on with your day. Be you. Oscar Wilde said, 'Be yourself, Everyone else is already taken.'


Notice if this simple exercise has an effect on you--your mood, your experiences of the day. Be well. 







Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Gratitude

A lovely video by Louis Schwartzberg on Gratitude.

Graditude is an attitude very helpful to us. Taking a few moments to write a gratitude list helps produce endorphins, the inner high, and can change a bad mood into a good mood. Take a look...

Click here--TedxSF Gratitude--Louie Schwartzberg

2012 predictions

Many of us are thinking about this year, 2012, and all the many predictions about what is going to happen. Some people worry that the world will end because the Mayan calendar ends as of December 21 this year. I think we have nothing to worry about. AND it might do us well to prepare cause it seems that our world is quite dynamic and many things are changing.

In trying to find the truth about 2012 and learn any valid predictions, I found an hour long video which covers the topic quite well. Scientists and Maya people are interviewed. The science seems valid and the Maya people interpret their calendar for us. You can watch the video for $1.99. It was created by an organization called PeaceJam, a youth group that has linked with Nobel Peace Prize winners. Just follow this link...

Click here--2012:The True Maya Prophecy


Let me know what you think...

January 17, 2012

An Italian cruise ship ran aground. It came too close to an island in the mediterranean sea and hit rocks. This reminded some passengers of the Titanic film. The ship was soon on its side and filled with sea water. Some people died and some are still missing.

The cruise company says it was the fault of the captain who deviated from the usual route. He wanted to come close to the island to wave at the people on shore. The captain apparently miscalculated, hit the rocks, and left the ship before evacuation was complete. He is in jail while authorities investigate.

Some passengers said the captain had been partying, drinking and socializing. I often think of alcohol and/or drug use when I see tragic events in the news. And I ask myself, "What role did alcohol or drugs play in this incident?" Often it seems that accidents, violence, and corruption have drugs and/or alcohol involved.

We will see what the investigation uncovers. Even one ounce of alcohol influences judgment.

As folks in AA say, more will be revealed.