SEGUE

Creating

2010-05-06T05:03:00.000-07:00

Life is not about

finding yourself

Life is about

creating yourself

This is a powerful and wonderful truth. Once we stop living according to the parameters of what we have been taught by others and take control of who and what we are endless possibilities present themselves.

We are not destined to experience life like a leaf blown in the wind. We have the ability to envision and create our ideal self. We are empowerd to determine all that we are.

If we honor each moment while being totally responsibility for our reality we then find new meaning and purpose.

It is no longer a matter of merely existing. We as a species, as caring individuals who desire more for not just ourselves, but all living creatures the very best that this world offers must accept the awe inspiring truth that we establish the path upon which we travel. We must accept the mantle of authority that we have been graced with.

Anger Not - It is a Waste of Energy

2009-09-28T18:47:00.001-07:00

Anger
Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one getting burned.
Buddha
568-488 BC, Founder of Buddhism
~~~~~~~

The thing that usually creates anger within us is what another person
is doing or not doing. Whatever it may be, our anger is in direct proportion to our level of disagreement or un-acceptance.
This would seemingly infer that deep within our psyche is the belief that we have some great, mystical power of control and are in some way responsible for their actions or inactions.

The serenity prayer gives us a well grounded ideal to follow:

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change:
While I know that I have the potential to affect another person over a
period of time by planting seeds of love & kindness. I cannot do
much to alter that persons immediate perception or reality.

The courage to change the things I can:
I can change and control my actions, my words, my perception.
I can choose the type of seed I will plant & wait, trusting that in due
season it will grow & bear fruit.

The wisdom to know the difference:
By thinking and meditating on the above; wisdom is birthed.
I can change myself & over due season encourage positive change in
another, the ultimate change however is entirely up to them.

The opposite of anger is peace, tranquility, calm, harmony.
The measure of our inner peace & harmony will be determined by our
capacity for accepting what is.
“I will have no serenity until I accept that, person, place, thing or
situation as being exactly the way it’s meant to be at this moment.”
(pg. 449 of the Big Book of AA)

Anger, like a venomous bite creates discord, pain & confusion.
The only antitoxin is understanding and forgiveness.
This is what we have the power & control over. To determine whether
we will live in unacceptance and anger, or empathy and compassion.

Kindness No Matter What

2009-08-26T08:55:00.000-07:00

Kindness

The courteous learn their virtue from the discourteous.
Turkish Proverb
~~~~~

Kindness is a distinct & universal language.
It is understood by all & transcends all borders.

Kindness is limitless in its power to transform the ugliness of anger into the beauty of tranquility.

Kindness never fails to turn discord to harmony, chaos to peace.

Kindness is expressed with a smile, a tender touch, a gentle word of encouragement.

Kindness costs the giver little, while providing the recipient with much.

Thinking about the opposite of kindness may help to understand the importance of it being given.

Its' opposites are:
Cruelty
Meanness
Brutality
Spite
Malice
Vindictiveness

All of these negative forces create pain, fear, and anger. One of the primary reasons we suffer from so many wars and conflicts either personally or globally stems from the fact that we do not extend kindness to everyone that we possibly can.

Just imagine a world where everyone was determined to do so. One person at a time we would change this very confused and hurting world to one of peace and harmony.

I will do my part. How about you?

A complicated goodbye

2009-07-13T05:41:00.001-07:00

This is a little something different. It is a response to a dream I recently had that left me feeling confused, empty, hurting.

We had it goin’ on

We had it goin’ on or so we thought,
there was you, me, and the universe fallin’ into step;
answers weren’t needed, there were no questions
my passion could not hide,
our dance was immaculate, divine, a splendid eclipse;
if we could have found the rhythm, if we could have
found the resonance of the tear I shed that very first step;
if only we had not faltered, if only we hadn’t paused
to figure it all out.

We had it goin’ on or so we thought,
there was you, me, and the universe fallin’ into step;
the staccato rhythm, the stumbling of passing time,
no reprieve, no rhyme, only an enigma of tangled desires;
blinding irreverence of the rarity;
slanted views of honor, dignity, fidelity.
slashing and feinting, An enchufla, a gancho, a distortion of fate;
the dance we sought could not be created by the blind,
a quagmire of ignorance leading innocence astray.

We had it goin’ on or so we thought,
there was you, me, and the universe fallin’ into step;
razing the bar, dwelling on that, that never was,
whimsical meanderings of forbidden dreams
desirous delirium altering wanton crucibles of belief.
Falling just short of demented rejection,
not far enough away from the circumcision of time
we wallowed in the frothing moments of indecision.
A Waltz; a Tango; a Salsa; a gaffe of diminutive miscalculation.

We had it goin’ on or so we thought,
there was you, me, and the universe fallin’ into step;
Until rendered helpless by the continued ejaculation of impotent
conversation we fell from grace;
a chasm built on clouds leaving no residue, no charred ashes, no shadow;
like a magicians illusion we vanished, no Bossa Nova, no Twist,
no Fox Trot; the steps to our dance remained elusive, a phantasm
conjured by some deranged miscreant.
I’d be alright now; if only you hadn’t told me how stupid a bovine is.

Time & Place

2009-04-26T05:53:00.000-07:00

TIME IS NOT ENDLESS

Life is too short to waste. Dreams are fulfilled only through action, not through endless planning to take action.Traveling your path in this life provides opportunities for many choices.

Where we are at any given moment in time is a direct result of the choices we have made previous to this NOW. It is only in assuming full responsibility for our reality that we are able to create the world we desire. As long as we allow ourselve's to blame our past, or others for our present circumstances we disempower the potential within us.

The small spot on this planet that we each iondividually inhabit at any given time is totally ours. We are responsible for the effect we have on those around us; for the effect we have on everything that touches us. If we desire a life of harmony, peace, joy and love then we must emit those qualities to everything within our reach. It is a proven law of physics that for every action there is a reaction. A positive action results in a positive consequence.

If you want to be loved, then be loving. If your desire is to enjoy the sweet fruits of a rich and fertile life then you must plant like seeds in the lives of others.
Embrace your NOW! Embrace your power. Embrace your potential.

CHANGE

2009-02-16T08:13:00.000-08:00

Change is the only constant. Resisting the ever changing world around us brings only pain, resentment and eventually anger. We must learn to roll easily with change. We must allow change to transform us willingly without resistance. Like a soft piece of clay we must be molded and shaped into that which we are truly meant to be.

In December of last year I was not too surprisingly (considering the economy) let go from my position with Riverside County; this led to my actively entering the job market which we are all too painfully aware is struggling right now.

By entering this phase of change free of resentment, free of resistance, I was greeted with the offer of new employment that requires I move to Central California a most beautiful part of the state. I will be working as a supervising counselor at the state prison in Soledad. What a wonderful opportunity to have a positive impact in the lives of individuals lost and hurting. The fact that it brings a very nice salary increase from what I was bringing home is an added bonus that alone would make it an affirmative transformation.

Had I resisted the change brought by my release from the county. If I had not greeted the change with open arms while embracing the potential it held I very easily could have fallen into depression, inaction and stagnation. I share this little scene from my life in the hope that you who might read this would be blessed. So that you would face your trials and tribulations knowing that just around the corner is a new day full of wonder and grace; a new reality that can only be seen with an open, eager heart.

I talk often about living in "NOWNESS." So I say again, Carpe diem. This moment, this "NOW" is your's. Live it, embrace it. Do not deprive yourself of the marvel that resides in the present.

When Times are Tough

2009-01-12T06:46:00.000-08:00

It certainly seems as if the world is going quite insane these days.

Israel is waging war in the Gaza. The USA is continuing its' aggression in the Middle-East. Africa remains in a state of civil war, poverty & debauchery. Recession, lay-offs, and graft are all pervasive. Everywhere one looks there is discontent, anger & violence.

During times like this it is easy to allow ourselve's to become discouraged, to join the masses in a disillusioned frenzy of malcontent. It is times like these that truly separate the heroes from the common person. I encourage you to visit the following link titled, "Are you going to finish strong?" http://www.maniacworld.com/are-you-going-to-finish-strong.html .

If you are reading this message then you are undoubtedly a person much like myself; a person who wants to have a positive impact on & in the world. It is painfully obvious that anger, rage, violence, aggression & all the other negative practices that seem to pervade our world aren't the answer. No the answer is in the opposite. Paul of Tarsus defined love as "patient, and kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs (Corinthians 13:3-5) ." Regardless of your faith or lack of; living according to this set of principles is obviously the only way we can turn this maddened world around.

So here is the challenge; when all seems lost. When you have been laid off from your job, your family is frightened of what tomorrow will bring & there does not seem to be even a scrap of good news on the horizon; will you finish strong? Will you give to your neighbor patience & kindness; will you remain grounded in the principles of love. Remember what Gandhi said, "whatever change I would see in this world let it begin, here, now, with me."

The only way we will see positive change in this world is to finish strong in love!

Another Year has Passed

2008-12-09T17:31:00.000-08:00

It is most certainly Christmas time; the weather has finally become just a little frosty here in Southern California; my friend in Duluth Minnesota reports four inches of snow just night before last.

For the very first time I actually went out to the stores to see what all the fuss was about on Black Friday; except for a whole lotta crowds, packed parking lots, and a ton of confusion I just sorta missed what everone else was gettin so excited bout.

It was encouraging to see so many folks willing to let go of their hard earned dollars in the midst of all this recession talk. It is a time to be particularly thankful if we have a roof over our heads, food in our tummy, clothes on our back, even doubly thankful if we have a steady paycheck comin in.

This is a time of the year when kindness is a tradition and giving seems to come a little bit easier for most folks. I hope you will extend your hand out to someone a little less fortunate than you. Share some love and generosity with another; you will both benefit in the giving.

Happy holidays to all, may you be wonderfully and richly blessed.

David

2008-11-20T05:56:00.000-08:00

Kindness

The courteous learn their virtue from the discourteous.
Turkish Proverb

Kindness is a distinct & universal language.
It is understood by all & transcends all borders.

Kindness is limitless in its power to transform the ugliness of anger into the beauty of tranquility.

Kindness never fails to turn discord to harmony, chaos to peace.

Kindness is expressed with a smile, a tender touch, a gentle word of encouragement.

Kindness costs the giver little, while providing the recipient with much.

Thinking about the opposite of kindness may help to understand the importance of it being given.

Its' opposites are:
Cruelty
Meanness
Brutality
Spite
Malice
Vindictiveness

All of these negative forces create pain, fear, and anger. One of the primary reasons we suffer from so many wars and conflicts either personally or globally stems from the fact that we do not extend kindness to everyone that we possibly can.

Just imagine a world where everyone was determined to do so. One person at a time we would change this very confused and hurting world to one of peace and harmony.

I will do my part. How about you?

Purpose and Character

2008-09-22T08:40:00.000-07:00

Anyone can live heroically and successfully for one day. The man who achieves a high purpose makes that day the pattern for all the days of his life.
Author Unknown
~~~~~
The opportunity to test ones true character is given; when an opportunity to relieve the need, pain, or suffering of another is perceived. The question is; at such a time are you willing to sacrifice your own comfort level to aid that person?

Are you willing to go the extra mile in improving the overall human condition, or do you turn away, leaving that person still wanting, still hurting, still needing.

The more self-absorbed we are the less likely are we to lend a helping hand when needed, and the further from being in the company of God we become.

It is impossible to truly feel good about ones self or life in general when we ignore the needs of our fellows. We see our true character every morning as we rise, we know who and what we are beneath all the masks that we wear for others.

We know bone deep if we are kind, caring, generous and a benefactor to the overall well being of the world. We also know if we are selfish, self-centered, a taker and not a giver.

This self-knowingness is what creates our true inner state of being. How we feel about and relate to the world is dictated by our own actions, when we respond to our circumstances in a positive or negative manner we immediately place a brushstroke over our self-image.

You figure it out, if you are uncomfortable, unhappy, discontent, suffer periods of doubt and frustration review your actions, review your responses to the only thing that matters in this world, our brothers and sisters.

We must recognize that when one suffers all suffer.

The great Teacher said: “In accordance with the measure you deal out to others, it will be dealt out again to you.” Jesus of Nazareth, Matthew 7:2B

Our Very Best

2008-08-23T04:06:00.000-07:00

There is a wondrous outcome that comes from always doing our very best.

Regardless of how others may perceive the job at hand;
no matter that it is seemingly the smallest of things.

When we do our very best.........within our hearts and minds we feel the greatest of victories has been won.

2008-08-10T10:20:00.000-07:00

Ability & Determination
~~~~~
If we are going to make this world a better place in which to live,
then we must adopt and embrace a code for living that far exceeds
the norm. We must live according to a set of principles rooted
in the highest moral & ethical values.

We mustn’t allow what others do or don’t do dictate our actions.
We must dare to separate ourselves from the crowd and do the
right thing, simply because it is right & just.

All of us have great potential lying dormant just beneath the
surface of our consciousness. It is at least in part not being
realized because we have not been willing to step outside the box.
The challenge for each of us is to free ourselves from the limitations
that the masses place upon themselves and others.

To change a way of thinking and alter our course requires great
courage & steadfastness. As Gandhi said, “we must be the
change we wish to see in the world.”

2008-07-28T14:19:00.000-07:00

Anger
Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one getting burned.
Buddha 568-488 BC, Founder of Buddhism
~~~~~~~

The thing that usually creates anger within us is what another person
is doing or not doing. Whatever it may be, our anger is in direct proportion to our level of disagreement or un-acceptance.

This would seemingly infer that deep within our psyche is the belief that we have some great, mystical power of control and are in some way responsible for their actions or inactions.

The serenity prayer gives us a well grounded ideal to follow:

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change:
While I know that I have the potential to affect another person over a
period of time by planting seeds of love & kindness. I cannot do
much to alter that persons immediate perception or reality.

The courage to change the things I can:
I can change and control my actions, my words, my perception.
I can choose the type of seed I will plant & wait, trusting that in due
season it will grow & bear fruit.

The wisdom to know the difference:

By thinking and meditating on the above; wisdom is birthed.
I can change myself & over due season encourage positive change in
another, the ultimate change however is entirely up to them.

The opposite of anger is peace, tranquility, calm, harmony.
The measure of our inner peace & harmony will be determined by our
capacity for accepting what is.

“I will have no serenity until I accept that, person, place, thing or
situation as being exactly the way it’s meant to be at this moment”
(pg. 449 of the Big Book of AA).

Anger, like a venomous bite creates discord, pain & confusion.
The only antitoxin is understanding and forgiveness.
This is what we have the power & control over. To determine whether
we will live in un-acceptance and anger, or empathy and compassion.

Everyone Has a Cross to Bare

2008-07-01T05:48:00.000-07:00

In truth there are many injustices. The world is full of illusions and there is no longer equal opportunity for everyone to become rich and famous. Make the best of it. Be the best you possible. A goal that is achievable for all is happiness.

11 Things you will not learn in school

Feel-good, politically correct teaching has created a generation of kids with no concept of reality. This concept sets them up for failure in the real world.

RULE 1 Life is not fair - get used to it.

RULE 2 The world won't care about your self-esteem. The world will expect you to accomplish something BEFORE you feel good about yourself.

RULE 3 You will NOT make 40 thousand dollars a year right out of high school. You won't be a vice president with a car phone, until you earn both.

RULE 4 If you think your teacher is tough, wait till you get a boss. He doesn't have tenure.

RULE 5 Flipping burgers is not beneath your dignity. Your grandparents had a different word for burger flipping they called it Opportunity.

RULE 6 If you mess up, it's not your parents' fault, so don't whine about your mistakes, learn from them.

RULE 7 Before you were born, your parents weren't as boring as they are now. They got that way from paying your bills, cleaning your clothes and listening to you talk about how cool you are. So before you save the rain forest from the parasites of your parent's generation, try delousing the closet in your own room.

RULE 8 Your school may have done away with winners and losers, but life has not. In some schools they have abolished failing grades and they'll give you as many times as you want to get the right answer. This doesn't bear the slightest resemblance to ANYTHING in real life.

RULE 9 Life is not divided into semesters. You don't get summers off and very few employers are interested in helping you find yourself. Do that on your own time.

RULE 10 Television is NOT real life. In real life people actually have to leave the coffee shop and go to jobs.

RULE 11 Be nice to nerds. Chances are you'll end up working for one.

My Apologies

2008-06-01T06:54:00.000-07:00

It has been a considerable period of time since I have been able to check in, I do apologize for my lack.

While I have enjoyed successes of a minor nature over the past few years as the world counts them; I am still striving to grow, learn and discover the fullest potential within me.

This post will be a bit different, rather than sending out my thoughts and ideas - things I have written in the past, I thought I would share some of the wonderful things that are going on in my life today.

Quite unexpectedly I have met the most lovely lady who has captured my heart. Your prayers that I am uplifted mentally, emotionally and spiritually to fulfill the role of friend, lover, and partner are appreciated.

Exciting News: My book Living A spiritual Life has been chosen as the book of the week by the publisher. Visit their website http://www.publishamerica.com/. This was a totally unexpected honor and probably the closest thing to national attention it will have received thus far.

Many of you know that I went to work for Riverside County here in CA. at the beginning of the year. It is a demanding job, a daily reminder that there is far too much suffering, and lack in this world. It most certainly has its personal rewards as it offers an opportunity to be a source of encouragement to others who are hurting, lonely and afraid.

A training that I was fortunate enough to attend recently on Dialectic Behavior Therapy begins with a set of assumptions that I believe are worthy of mention. They can most certainly be of use in every day life as we work towards living in acceptance and gratitude:

1. Everyone is doing the very best they can (with what they know, have been taught, and are aware of).

2. Everyone has the power to change, to grow, to create their own reality.

3. We must stop fighting that which is. Remembering "that it is - what it is" helps lead to a powerful state of acceptance in the NOW. This does not mean we agree or condone wrongs that are taking place; or, that we are not prepared to develop positive courses of action to create change. It simply means that in this moment we accept that "it is what it is."
This helps to create an inner peace and prevent our reacting purely on emotion.

I of course continue to encourage others to plant healthy positive seed in the hearts and minds of others. Be totally responsible for your life, your reality, your actions and inactions. Wishing you all great joy and prosperity.

dlb

NOWNESS

2008-03-02T08:57:00.000-08:00

No Problems
~~~~~~~

The way we approach life or view our circumstances is in large part
determined by how we define and interpret our experiences.
This interpretation takes place in a subtle way, often without our
being aware of the process.

A primary factor in determining the way we perceive life’s events
is the label we place on the event in our mind.
For instance; if we are confronted with a situation that stretches
our faith, or appears unsolvable we have a choice in how we approach
or define it for ourselves.
It can either be an unbearable struggle, a burden that we don’t want
to face, or it can be an opportunity for growth.
It can be a bothersome chore, or it can be a joy that we accept gladly.
By simply changing the word we use to describe to ourselves the event
we are confronting then the attitude we take towards it changes as well. By changing struggle to challenge, problem to opportunity, etc. then what seemed to be a tribulation or misfortune becomes a doorway leading to promise and maturity.

By determining the way we choose to define life’s circumstances we also determine our overall state of mind and being . Self-pity will vanish. Sorrow, guilt, shame, bitterness, resentment, anger, anguish, despair, remorse, will melt away and be replaced with gratitude, joy, understanding and wholeness.

The ability to live in “NOWNESS’ rather than in fear of tomorrow
or shame of the past becomes a reality. This simple principle will lift you out of the quagmire of defeat and stagnation to continued success.

Every Living Entity is Valuable

2008-01-12T05:00:00.000-08:00

The wise weigh their words on a scale with gold.

The Bible

~~~~~

Many folks will tell you that if you haven't got something good to say; don't say anything at all. This has within it the idea that an unspoken word can do no harm.

While this is undoubtedly a general truth, I should think that
there are times when an unspoken kindness,
an unspoken expression of caring, concern, compassion and
empathy could do a great deal of harm.

How often I wonder, has the despondent man or woman who
simply needs to know he or she is not alone or that someone cares,
prematurely ends their life.

How often I wonder, has a man or woman in a moment of
pain, confusion and turmoil turned to alcohol and drugs for relief,
only to find themselves lost in even greater desperation.

Yes, it is true that an unspoken word will usually cause no harm.
Following the rule that silence is golden is often the wisest choice,
however, there are times when not expressing our love for one
another results in the terrible and tremendous loss of our greatest asset;

Each other.

The Potential Within

2007-12-28T10:30:00.000-08:00

Potential

Never be afraid to try something new. Remember, amateurs built the Ark. Professionals built the Titanic.
~ Author Unknown ~

“With men this is impossible, but all things are
possible with God.”
Jesus of Nazareth - Matt. 19:26
~~~~~

Never take the God quotient out of your thinking.

As you survey the path before you attempting to decide whether to go
to the left or to the right remember to pause in prayer
asking for guidance, then move forward in confidence.

As you face the difficulties, the trials & tribulations of this world
keep in mind that your ability to make choices is limited
by your experiences, by a finite mind that is not able to see clearly
where those choices will lead.
Always take a moment to pray, to seek divine inspiration, then
allow yourself to go forth encouraged & filled with a sense of assurance & rightness.

As you develop this practice you will begin to recognize that
where in the past you made many erroneous decisions leading to
confusion & turmoil, you now find yourself walking through
circumstances in complete peace & harmony, regardless of
outward circumstances.

Things that seemed impossible will now be seen with clarity,
inevitably leading to fulfillment, contentment, peace, joy &
happiness.

The power packed potential within you, will be realized.

Maintain a sense of balance & humility realizing that the potential
was a gift from God & the ability, the power to utilize it comes
from a Divine source as well.

A HOLIDAY WISH FOR YOU

2007-12-06T08:11:00.000-08:00

Is it possible for the rose to say, 'I will give my fragrance to the good people who smell me, but I will withhold it from the bad?' Or is it possible for the lamp to say, 'I will give my light to the good people in this room, but I will withhold it from the evil people'? Or can a tree say, 'I'll give my shade to the good people who rest under me, but I will withhold it from the bad'? These are images of what love is about. Anthony De Mello, 1931-1987

Everybody can be great... because anybody can serve. You don't
have to have a college degree to serve. You don't have to make your
subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A
soul generated by love. Martin Luther King, Jr.

HERE'S WISHING YOU A WONDERFUL HOLIDAY AND A MOST PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR.
LET US EACH AND EVERYONE DEVOTE OURSELVES TO THE GIVING OF LOVE AND SERVICE TO ALL; THUS CREATING A WORLD OF PEACE, JOY, AND HARMONY

Talking with God

2007-11-30T08:38:00.000-08:00

Prayer

Many believe that prayer is a realm reserved only for
the mystic, others that they are unworthy of God’s attention, still others that
they don’t know how.
~~~~~~

Fortunately there is a simple formula for prayer:
That makes it possible for even the simplest man or woman to pray effective, powerful prayers.
Recognize God as God.
Acknowledge your need & desire for divine help.
Give praise and thanksgiving.

The absolute truth is, that more important than these
is sincerity. Open your heart and just speak to the Creator.
Relationships are built by sharing time, thoughts, worries, troubles, & encouragement. Open your heart and allow your hurts, pains, disappointments, fears, hopes and dreams to flood forth.

Just as you spend time with friends and family spend some quality time with God.

With a quiet mind & heart commune with the light of the universe.
As time passes a sense of purpose, strength & joy will begin to pervade every fiber of your being.

God always reveals the path if we but ask, wait & expect.

Gratitude

2007-11-19T08:26:00.000-08:00

Gratitude

Nothing will content him who is not content with a little.
Greek Proverb
~~~~~

True gratitude is much more than a thought or an idea. True gratitude is an action of thanksgiving that is a potent force in creating fulfillment, it is an undeniable force that has the potential to turn every circumstance into a joyous experience.

Gratitude is a daily exercise of acknowledging the blessings in your life coupled with the sharing of those blessings with others. Remembering that our thoughts ultimately create our emotional state, it is not difficult to discern that by developing the discipline of active gratitude we empower ourselves to create a life of continuous wonder.

Gratitude is dynamic action, it is the giving of thanks whereby one reflects upon the positive energy in their life radiating that goodness to the world. Gratitude like a beacon in the night brilliantly shines hope & strength to all it encounters.

Gratitude is filled with true humility for it recognizes the truth that we are all connected & that what we have is resultant of much love, much caring & much generosity.

Gratitude generates an irrepressible energy that will not allow depression, jealousy, or discouragement to overcome us.

Living in gratitude is a conscious decision whereby one determines to focus on the positive rather than the negative. It is the practice of seeing the glass half full rather than half empty. By living in gratitude one becomes a painter, creating a canvas that mirrors the sunrise upon a lake on a spring morning.

Gratitude as much as any other discipline one can develop has the power to produce a life rich, vibrant, and full of life giving energy.

Kindness

2007-11-08T09:13:00.000-08:00

Kindness

The courteous learn their virtue from the discourteous.

Turkish Proverb
~~~~~

Kindness is a distinct & universal language.
It is understood by all & transcends all borders.

Kindness is limitless in its power to transform the ugliness of anger into the beauty of tranquility.

Kindness never fails to turn discord to harmony, chaos to peace.

Kindness is expressed with a smile, a tender touch, a gentle word of encouragement.

Kindness is: Benevolence, charity, humanitarianism, kindness, magnanimity, philanthropy, public spirit, selflessness, social conscience.

Kindness costs the giver little, while providing the recipient with much.

Thinking about the opposite of kindness may help to understand the importance of it being given.

Its' opposites are:
Cruelty
Meanness
Brutality
Spite
Malice
Vindictiveness
coldness
disgust
hatred
loathing

All of these negative forces create pain, fear, and anger. One of the primary reasons we suffer from so many wars and conflicts either personally or globally stems from the fact that we are controlled by the negative and do not extend kindness to everyone that we possibly can.

Just imagine a world where everyone was determined to do so. One person at a time we would change this very confused and hurting world to one of peace and harmony.

2007-11-02T08:10:00.000-07:00

Purpose and Character

Anyone can live heroically and successfully for one day. The man who achieves a high purpose makes that day the pattern for all the days of his life.
Author Unknown
~~~~~

The opportunity to test ones true character is given; When an opportunity to relieve the need, pain, or suffering of another is perceived. At such times are you willing to sacrifice your own comfort level.

Are you willing to go the extra mile in improving the overall human condition, or do you turn away, leaving that person still wanting, still hurting, still needing.

The more self-absorbed we are the less likely are we to lend a helping hand when needed, and the further from being in the company of God we become.

It is impossible to truly feel good about ones self or life in general when we ignore the needs of our fellows. We see our true character every morning as we rise, we know who and what we are beneath all the masks that we wear for others.

We know bone deep if we are kind, caring, generous and a benefactor to the overall well being of the world. We also know if we are selfish, self-centered, a taker and not a giver.

This self-knowingness is what creates our true inner state of being. How we feel about and relate to the world is dictated by our own actions, when we respond to our circumstances whether in a positive or negative manner we immediately place a brushstroke over our self-image.

You figure it out, if you are uncomfortable, unhappy, discontent, suffer periods of doubt and frustration review your actions, review your responses to the only thing that matters in this world, our brothers and sisters.
We must recognize that when one suffers all suffer.

The great Teacher said: “In accordance with the measure you deal out to others, it will be dealt out again to you.” Jesus of Nazareth Matthew 7:2B

Possibilities

2007-10-29T15:22:00.000-07:00

The Power of Possibility
~~~~~

So many people seem to lock themselves in a little box, living with the belief that “I am what I am, and that’s all that I am.” i call this the Popeye syndrome.
They in turn put everyone else in a similar little box and unwittingly
discourage all from change & growth.

The weed seeds of negative thought that lead to stagnation and unhappiness
take hold in the unprotected, untended mind..
These weed seeds of limitation produce more of their own kind creating
a cesspool of discontent.

A key to the accomplishment of our hopes & dreams in this life is to guard the garden of our minds allowing only encouraging, positive thought seed to take root. We must consistently pull the negative thought weeds allowing for healthy growth.

Each & every one of us, has the ability to control the type of thought seed
that is planted in the garden of our minds.
By carefully & attentively choosing the seeds we plant we create a garden
that produces a sweet harvest of productive fruit.

Do not allow the limitations others place on themselves determine what you
can or cannot do. Take charge of your own thought belief system.
Live according to the principle that all good things are possible for those
who are willing & determined to work for them.

Live in resolute & consistent control of your thoughts.
When the voice of self-doubt whispers in your mind that you cannot.
Replace that limiting self-defeating thought.

Turn on your light.
Think power thoughts.
I can!
I will!
I am!
There is nothing I cannot accomplish if I truly have the desire!

Adversity

2007-10-26T06:43:00.000-07:00

Adversity
In today's microwave western culture we are taught to get everything we want right now. Adversity or trials are normally greeted with distaste, even resentment. It is vital that we reframe our thinking about difficulties. They are not hindrances or inconveniences meant to defeat us; rather they are meant to mold and shape us into realizing our full potential. Adversity once overcome creates confidence. By meeting and conquering adversity we learn just how much we can actually accomplish.
~~~~

The human experience is wrought with mistakes. In our limited understanding & ability we all too often cause pain, confusion and turmoil not only in our own life but in the lives around us.
When our interactions with others results in pain we often fall prey to self-condemnation, guilt, shame, and remorse. When others are the source of the pain, we tend to focus our thoughts on judgment & condemnation.

The only antidote for the poison contained in these reactions is forgiveness, for it cleanses and heals all wounds.

There are two primary keys to living in forgiveness:
One, is to recognize & accept the truth that as human beings we will inevitably fall short of the best we are capable of (all of us).
Two, is to always learn from our errors and determine that they will not be repeated.
In this way they gain value. They become jewels gathered on our journey; upon which we learn, grow, and realize our full potential.

Learn and develop the art of forgiveness. It takes concerted effort.
Live in forgiveness of yourself and others. This does not mean that we
give ourselves permission to do harm intentionally knowing we can
just forgive ourselves later but even then. as long as you resolutely determine that you will not repeat the same mistakes go ahead forgive yourself and move on.

Unforgiveness, becomes bitterness and resentment that acts like a ball
and chain keeping us tied to the past.
Free yourself to live in the present.
Free yourself to be the best you possible.

My Responsibility

2007-10-25T05:08:00.000-07:00

Being Responsible
"In all the universe, in all time, you are the only you. Never have molecules come together exactly like you, never again will your footsteps be repeated upon this earth. Your strength is the strength someone can count on, your life is the life that can make a difference." Author Unknown
~~~~~~~~

We are all neighbors, each & every human being on the planet.
we may not have met, we may not even know of each others
existence, but we are neighbors none the less.
We affect every human being that shares this world
with us many times over during our lifetime.
It’s a kind of domino effect. If I express anger, disgust, contempt
etc. towards another, that creates a negative energy and they
in turn convey that negative energy to the next person they
interact with.

Like the pebble cast upon the water creating a ripple that
expands outward to the shore, the prevailing attitude I express
also expands & gains momentum as it travels to distant shores.
My responsibility, birthed in this knowingness, is to cast
upon the waters a light filled energy of love, kindness
generosity, compassion & empathy.

A sure motivator towards determining the type of energy I
give forth is to recognize that each of us is a shore
upon which the ripples will eventually land. I will in time
experience & receive back the same energy I cast forth.

We are all brothers & sisters, comprising part of a whole
that includes every living thing. Let us commit ourselves
to the challenge of being a source of life giving energy, a light
shining brightly in the darkness.

Acceptance

2007-10-24T09:47:00.000-07:00

God grant me the serenity to accept
the things I cannot change.
The courage to change the things I can.
And the wisdom to know the difference.
~~~~
While it is true that in this moment the only thing I can
control, alter, or command is myself.
Through the power of the spoken word I have the potential to
effect change in an unlimited capacity.

The word seeds I plant in the hearts & minds of others have
within them the potential to alter the course of human existence.
I determine who & what I am; the quality of seed I plant;
recognizing fully that before the seed I plant matures
& bears fruit, time must pass.

If I combine prayer, patience, and perseverance with the
passing of time then I can change:
Hatred to Love
Condemnation to Forgiveness
Prejudice to Acceptance
Judgment to Humility
Turmoil to Serenity
Discord to Harmony

I must not allow the human susceptibility for desiring immediate gratification deter me from recognizing that I am responsible for the seeds I plant. I may not see the fruit that the tree will eventually bear, but that does not relieve me of the responsibility to plant the very best seed that I possess.