Revolution of the Heart

 

The greatest challenge of the day is: how to bring about a revolution of the heart, a revolution which has to start with each one of us?

Dorothy Day(gratefulness.org)

 

Bill Shore founded the nonprofit organization Share Our Strength to help America in the fight against hunger. Now, in "Revolution of the Heart" he presents a new vision for revitalizing our communities--simple, powerful ways to effect positive social change through personal contributions of skill, talent, and time.

 



Inspired by Love and Service

 

 

The beauty and charm of selfless love and service should not die away from the face of the earth. The world should know that a life of dedication is possible, that a life inspired by love and service to humanity is possible.

Sri Amritanandamayi Devi(gratefulness.org)
 

 

The life of work is necessary and the life of contemplation is good. In service we gather the harvest that has been sown in contemplation. Meister Eckhart — 

 



BE GENTLE WITH YOURSELF

Gratefulness brings Peace of Heart

 

We are never more than one grateful thought away from peace of heart.

David Steindl-Rasta(gratefulness.org)

 



Don't Despair - A Secret Path Awaits

 

Love this:
Whatever happens to you, don’t fall in despair. Even if all the doors are closed, a secret path will be there for you that no one knows. You can’t see it yet but so many paradises are at the end of this path. Be grateful! It is easy to thank after obtaining what you want, thank before having what you want.

 

 ~ Rumi

 

 

 

 



Live in a Loving World

Go Where You Are Celebrated

 

 

Hmm, Leaving tomorrow!

ONE - The Grandeur of God

 

 

 

WORD FOR THE DAY - www. gratefulness.org


Lâ ilâha illâ Allâh. (There is nothing other than the One.)

Qur'ân 37:35 and 47:19
(e-card quotation: Gerard Manly Hopkins) 

Someday soon...

Joyous Expectations

 

Thanks for the reminder of "joyful expectations", as I was brought up with "expect the worst, and be grateful when it is not that bad." That one never worked for me, and I even now have to be careful of my "expectations." We must step into the vibration and feeling tone of “It is done.” We must see it with the mind’s eye, feel it with the senses, and joyfully expect it to be more than we’ve imagined.

We have the key that opens the door to the phrase and experience of “Wow! It was so much more than I ever dreamed it could be!”

How do we receive more wow experiences? It all is centered on what we expect to be possible! We can imagine, dream, and visualize all day long, and if we don’t couple that with joyful expectancy, it is just a cool exercise in stretching the imagination. We must step int...o the vibration and feeling tone of “It is done.” We must see it with the mind’s eye, feel it with the senses, and joyfully expect it to be more than we’ve imagined.

Everything is created twice. The first creation is in the mind, and the second is in physical form. Since this is how it works, we might as well go all out in the first creation and enjoy the pleasures of the second in physical expression.
From the Daily Guides by Rev. Sunshine Daye, SOM Sep 2013.

 

Mary Jones This coincides nicely with Einstein's "to make it a reality, attain the same vibration"...(always paraphrasing)

 

 



Blaming others and outer conditions, just who is doing the driving?

 

SPIRIT  Healing  Music  Meditation  Someone told me once that it takes seven miles for a battle ship to come to a complete stop. Seven miles? A battle ship has a lot of momentum going, and it cannot simply stop and change direction on a dime. This was, of course, in relation to my life. I had a lot of momentum going, and I had been going in my direction for a good while. Now that I wanted to change, I wanted to change immediately. Not only did I want to be going in a different direction, I wanted it to be as if I had been going in this different direction all along! You and I both know that this isn't realistic. There is a process, a procedure to follow. You can bring the battle ship to a halt, you can direct it in any direction you would like, but this takes a little time. It takes a little focus, it takes consistency, it takes determination, and it takes a little faith. More than anything though, it takes a clear plan. Take stock of your life today! What do you not like? What isn't going right for you? Where are your "issues"? What are the things you like? Are there people who are important to you that you want to spend more time with? You see, you have to know what direction you want to go in, and exactly what this means. You have to know exactly what you want in your life, in order to get it. Trust me, once you know what you want, once you know a direction that you want to go in, nothing can stop you but yourself. I had to own my life and take responsibility for everything. I was the battle ship, not you. This was my life and I was so busy blaming other people and outer conditions, that I forgot it was mine. I forgot that I was driving. So I had to get up and take the wheel. I had to assess my situation, decide what was good in my life, and what had to go. I had to decide how I wanted my life to be, what direction I would need to take in order for that to happen, and then get rid of the things and people that were holding me back. I had to chart a course and then begin the process. Now, I find myself working as a life coach, and this is exactly what I help people to do. I had to have help myself, because... I hate to be the one to tell you this, but I was the one that got myself into the situation that I didn't want to be in. My way didn't work for me. I reached a point to where I got willing to ask for help, to ask for someone else's ideas, and then things started to get a lot better, and a lot easier. I began to change. If I had known, then everything would have been good, right? As soon as I said "I don't know!" and "I clearly don't have a handle on this" and asked for help, I got help. So if you are a battleship and you are going in a direction that you do not want to be going in, if you need some help assessing your situation and charting a better course for yourself, give me a shout! kyle@thespiritcenter.us or 912-495-8520 I just put in a call to Kyle, I think he is from Savannah area and performed at Charleston Unity and is scheduled to perform and give workshop at Myrtle Beach Oct. 6.  I like his messages and music! Here is another message from him: CD Release Party a HUGE SUCCESS! We had a great turnout at Unity of Savannah for the release of "We Are All One Human Family". I have honestly never felt so loved, and it was my best night ever! People drove from all over to attend, and one of my new friends even drove all the way from North Carolina! The band played great, we all had fun, and it was a success! It was a great honor to not only be the guest musician, but to give the message during service this weekend too! You have a "God part". See it, be it, live it! This is your purpose!.



You are loved just for being who you are....

 

 

You are loved just for being who you are, just for existing.

 

You are loved just for being who you are, just for existing. You don’t have to do anything to earn it. Your shortcomings, your lack of self-esteem, physical perfection, or social and economic success - none of that matters. No one can take this love away from you, and it will always be here.

http://ramdass.org/

 

 

ONE LOVE

Dialogue vs. Discussion

 

 

A Native talking stick can help with a dialogue - where whoever is holding the stick has all the attention of everyone in the group. A dialogue is not about being closed minded with your own beliefs - that is called a discussion (percussion, concussion, cussing and dissing). Being open, listening and observing what is a win-win (or at least agree to not agree) answer, even if it takes several rounds with the talking stick!

 



Emmanuel Dagher's Excellent Inquiry on Challenges

 

Hi my friend,

A challenge is simply a lesson in disguise. It's the way we react to a challenge that directs what our experience of it will be. A challenge allows us to look inside ourselves and gauge whether there is still some inner healing/releasing that can take place.

Here are a few questions that can support us in moving through challenges with more ease & grace.

"Am I fully embracing the present moment right now?"

"Am I creating a story about myself that's keeping me from living my greatest vision?"

"What lessons and gifts am I meant to receive from this experience?"

"Am I truly making my deep inner joy a priority in my life?"

Questions like this light up new and life enhancing neuro-waves in the brain that open us up to higher insights and ways of being. These insights have the power to expand and realign us with the natural flow of life where ease, joy, love & miracles are common place.

We are all in this together!

 

 LIKE: "Am I fully embracing the present moment right now?"
"Am I creating a story about myself that's keeping me from living my greatest vision?"
"What lessons and gifts am I meant to receive from this experience?"
"Am I truly making my deep inner joy a priority in my life?"

 

 



Planning Cool Changes

 

 

We must be willing to get rid of the life we've planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us.

Joseph Campbell(gratefulness.org)

Hmm, this is good one for me, as I am kind of confused what to do with my life, as I "planning" changes: "Cool Changes"

If there's one thing

In my life that's missing

It's the time that I spend alone

Sailing on the cool

And bright clear water

Lots of those friendly people

They're showing me ways to go

And I never want to

Lose their inspiration

Time for a cool change

I know that it's time for a cool change

Now that my life is so prearranged

I know that it's time for a cool change

Well, I was born in the sign of water

And it's there that I feel my best

The albatross and the whales

They are my brothers

It's kind of a special feeling

When you're out on the sea alone

Staring at the full moon like a lover

Time for a cool change

I know that it's time for a cool change

Now that my life is so prearranged

I know that it's time for a cool change

I've never been romantic

And sometimes, I don't care

I know it may sound selfish
( From: http://www.elyrics.net )

But let me breathe the air

Yeah, yeah

Let me breathe the air

If there's one thing

In my life that's missing

It's the time that I spend alone

Sailing on the cool

And bright clear water

It's kind of a special feeling

Out on the sea alone

Staring at the full moon

Like a lover

Time for a cool change

I know that it's time for a cool change

Now that my life is so prearranged

I know that it's time for a cool change

(Time for a cool change)

It's time, it's time

It's time, it's time

For a cool, cool change

(Time for a cool change)

I know it's time for a cool change

(Time for a cool change)

Now that my life is so prearranged

Well, I know, I know

I know, I know

(Time for a cool change)

It's time for a cool change

Yes, it is, yes, it is yes, it is

You know it's time for a cool change 

Songwriter(s): Glenn Barrie Shorrock

LITTLE RIVER BAND

Cool Change Lyrics
 

I "think" I know it is time for cool changes?

Ron Alexander Thanks Dr. Dean A. Banks - for liking both of "Planned Changes" - Hmm, do you think that means drop the "plan" and go with the flow?

 

 

Dean A. Banks If you plan for the inevitable, you are prepared to handle it when, and if, it comes. If you don't plan, you will be caught off balance and will have to put your energy in damage control. Being prepared doesn't mean you have to plan for every contingency; it means that you walk the path and trust in the Divine to guide you to your destination.

Ron Alexander Thanks Dr. Dean A. Banks,

 I liked what you stated recently that "trusting is KNOWING that the Divine will guide you." Very comforting and I really appreciate you taking the time to answer my question!

 

 

Evelyn Leonard Wright you know, plan away! nothing wrong with planning! it's just when the winds of change blow into your life, be ready to seize the moment!

 

 

Ron Alexander Thanks Evelyn Leonard Wright, supportive comforting words! Also, a life lesson from cruising under sail - one can go against the wind even by tacking - different angles to get as close to the wind as possible.

 

Ra Divakar: Good stuff Ron and Dean A. Banks: Trust is ‘knowing’ that you are protected and guided to what is best for you and all concerned and that you will be completely fulfilled. (I saw that you "liked" this the other day).
Knowing requires no defense is what I saw you Ron, wrote the other day too - only a smile!

 

Greatest secrets of are always hidden in the most unlikely places'..



Tales of Ordinary Magic

"And above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don't believe in magic will never find it.” - Roald Dahl

A wise person

 



I am Blessed

 



Travel While You are Young

 

This is the time for small paychecks and big memories. This is the time for travel. We are about as attached to one location as we are to our favorite Chinese take-out place. We know what we like about it, and we take comfort in the familiarity, but that's about it. - Jessy Tapper

 

Ron Alexander: This was true for me, when I was sailing, flying, exploring around the world, I earned my living from working stiffs, who told me, ''when I retire...'' - don't wait:-)

Ron Alexander Now, almost 30 years later, (went back to school at age 40), I am contemplating sailing away again, however I am struggling with having enough energy and motivation to have the drive necessary to throw off the dock lines. It is not economics as the wind and anchoring out is free - one can live cheaply on the sea.

 

 

Ra Divakar Yep, Ron, my Brother, I believe you can do it again, especially with you getting healthier - much healthier in last 6 months or so and you keeping the health kick going...

 

  Ah, brother Ra, that brings tears to my eyes -
"Everything is energy and that's all there is to it. Match the frequency of the reality you want and you cannot help but get that reality...."

 



All is well.

All is well.
Be happy
Be free!

 



A Cup of Peace - a Interfaith Gathering

 

 

 

A Cup of Peace from that terrific Interfaith Gathering at College of Charleston Sunday. It was profound, entertaining, inspiring and greatly diverse with speakers from Islam (photo), Yoruba(photo), Christian (awesome Melvina Ravenel and son... but no photo), Dynamic Taiko drummers (Photo), Native American spirituality (Photo), Hinduism, Sikh, Very entertaining Puppeteer (photo), Bahai (photo later), Secular Humanism, Gullah storyteller (photo), narrated nicely by Rev. Edwin D Kosak and parishioner Cookie.

 

Ron Alexander:Unfortunately left out outstanding Jewish and Pagan speakers for peace, sorry, ron

And how could I leave out Dances of Universal Peace with 3 photos! Very heartwarming dancing to Loving Oneness!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Soon I Will Be Free

 

 

Well it's not far down to paradise, at least it's not for me
If the wind is right you can sail away and find tranquility
Oh the canvas can do miracles, just you wait and see, believe me

It's not far to never, never land, reason to pretend
And if the wind is right you can find the joy of innocence again
Oh the canvas can do miracles, just you wait and see, believe me

Sailing, takes me away
To where I've always heard it
Just a dream and the wind to carry me
Soon I will be free

Fantasy, it gets the best of me when I'm sailing
All caught up in the reverie
Every word is a symphony, won't you believe me?

Sailing, takes me away
To where I've always heard it
Just a dream and the wind to carry me
Soon I will be free

It's not far back to sanity at least it's not for me
And when the wind is right you can sail away and find serenity
Oh the canvas can do miracles, just you wait and see, believe me

Sailing, takes me away
To where I've always heard it
Just a dream and the wind to carry me
Soon I will be free.



Don't Waste Time on Revenge

 

 



Power Does It in a Circle

Everything the Power does, it does in a circle...

- Black Elk



Being Present - Arriving Where We Started

 

For many years, at great cost, I traveled through many countries, saw the high mountains, the oceans. The only things I did not see were the sparkling dewdrops in the grass just outside my door.

Rabindranath Tagore(gratefulness.org)

 

And at the end of all our exploring
Will be to arrive where we started
And know the place for the first time...

- t.s. elliot

Rose and Thorn Fence

The gardener uses both roses in the flowerbed and thorns in making fences.

Hazrat Inayat Khan
Gayan

Courage to Embrace the New

 

“It takes a lot of courage to release the familiar and seemingly secure, to embrace the new. But there is no real security in what is no longer meaningful. There is more security in the adventurous and exciting, for in movement there is life, and in change there is power.”
-Alan Cohen 

Say YES! to the Flow of Love

YES!

 



We Know the Place Where We Started for the First Time

 

And at the end of all our exploring
Will be to arrive where we started
And know the place for the first time...

- t.s. elliot

artist: rod mciver

 

Ron Alexander Is this saying the same thing? And at the end of all our exploring
Will be to arrive where we started
And know the place for the first time

- t.s. Elliot

 

Ra Divakar Eerily similar "to arrive where we started" "...already there" sounds same?