Dark and Light

I wanted to show you these photos, taken at Stonehenge UK. One is cloudy and grey, the other is after the sun comes out. A very different reality. Makes me think of how I or you might view reality. Reality is neutral by nature. Its our view of it, I believe, that makes the difference in our experience.

My most recent photo...

My Candle....and maybe Yours....

First Fig

BY EDNA ST. VINCENT MILLAY

My candle burns at both ends;

   It will not last the night;

But ah, my foes, and oh, my friends—

   It gives a lovely light!

Source: Poetry (June 1918).

I don't know about you, but it is easy in the city to be so busy that it seems I am burning my candle at both ends. Stop. Slow down. The traffic, the dishes, the laundry, the errands, the trip to Trader Joe's or Target, they will all be there tomorrow.

What do I REALLY have to do today? Breathe. Enjoy. Look around me at the beauty. Yes, beauty is always there. And it grows if we notice.

And, what do I really WANT to do today?! Listen to that inner voice. That's all, listen. Just stop and listen. There is beauty within me and beauty around me if I pay attention.

Most People....

"Most people are as happy as they make up their minds to be."    --Abraham Lincoln

Now we know that a person CAN change brain wiring to experience life differently. when we 'make up our minds' to do something we will have success. It may not be what was planned but possibly something even better.

My mother used to say, "Do something if you do it wrong!"

"Most people just want to be happy."

You are alive...

"Don’t judge yourself by what 
the world has done to you

and what the world tells you, 
by what has happened or what has not happened.

You are alive.

You are breathing.

And because you are breathing, you are rich, not poor.

You have a great gift.

The same power that’s backing up the entire universe is backing you up—

Something I cannot even pretend to fathom."

Prem Rawat ♥

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. 

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.