Thursday, October 31, 2013

Giving Thanks

 
 
Photo: When you rise in the morning, give thanks for the light, for your life, for your strength. Give thanks for your food and for the joy of living.  
 -------Tecumseh
 
When you rise in the morning, give thanks for the light, for your life, for your strength. Give thanks for your food and for the joy of living.
-------Tecumseh
 
 
Ra Divakar What a distinguished looking and accomplished man!1
  •  
    Rob Jackson A great man ! He was a Shawnee though, not Pawnee. But yes, very enlightened, very articulate spokesman, a great leader.
  • Not half-empty or even half-ful but OVERFLOWING!

    Photo: May peace, love & happiness overflow our hearts, One to another.

Share this post with your close friends & family to remind them of the love you have for them.

We are all in this together!

    Forgive to Love and Love to Forgive

    Thanks to LOVE NEVER FAILS Effie Aghili
     
    Photo: PLEASE VISIT THIS PAGE... LIKE...TAG & SHARE....UNCONDITIONALLY ♥ Love never fails


You have to forgive in order to love.
And love in order to forgive. <3

    When do you feel the most alive?

     
     
    When I am feeling nourished, healthy physically, mentally and most of all spiritually. I choose this healing space right now, and so it is!
     
    Ron Alexander And I left out also when I feel supported even in Cyberspace with friends like Evelyn Leonard Wright now, thanks sweetie!
     
  • Evelyn Leonard Wright You are so very welcome, Ron!!! Makes my day to see your posts!
  • Crystals' Great Mystery

    Photo: I am... you are..we are ..  a crystal  boom!

    Happy Halloween Now

    At any moment the fully present mind can shatter time and burst into Now.

    David Steindl-Rast
    A Listening Heart (gratefulness.org)
     
     
    Photo: WORD FOR THE DAY - www.gratefulness.org
Thursday, Oct. 31

At any moment the fully present mind can shatter time and burst into Now.

David Steindl-Rast
A Listening Heart

    Wednesday, October 30, 2013

    SURRENDER (or not!)


    Ra Divakar Like: Because the universe will always be there...you may doubt that, but in the end, you will realize that it gave you exactly what you needed when you needed it the most...
     
     
    Ron Alexander Sometimes you have to stand up for your rights or have a good lawyer(yes, there are good ones) stand up for you!

     
  •  
    Ra Divakar Like: Because the universe will always be there...you may doubt that, but in the end, you will realize that it gave you exactly what you needed when you needed it the most...
     
  • Richard Kent Matthews That may or may not be true, Ra. But we cannot take that chance in this moment. WE must alway stand up for ourselves and our causes or we will be run over by those who do not believe as you do. If I'm wrong, I'll find out on the 'other side.'
    Oh, I should add... I do not like the word surrender. It is not the empowering word a lot of folks think it is.
  • Ron Alexander I think you are both "right" - you in reality Richard Kent Matthews and Ra in Reality, however as long as we are in our bodies on this planet, we need to honor "reality

    One Lover, One Fire

    
    What a miracle,
    You and I,
    Entwined in the same nest;
    What a miracle,
    You and I: one Love,...

    One Lover, one Fire,
    In this world and the next,
    In an ecstasy without end.
    ~ Rumi

    Honoring the light/the darkness; the sun/the moon; the water/the earth; the night/the day; the stars/the ocean and all that is in us; in our duality..OMETEOTL

    Many Blessings,
    Kalpulli Teocalli Ollin

    

    Couer-age from the Heart

    Photo: “Courage is the most important of all the virtues because without courage, you can't practice any other virtue consistently.” ― Maya Angelou
     
     
    “Courage is the most important of all the virtues because without courage, you can't practice any other virtue consistently.” ― Maya Angelou 

    The Most Beautiful Person

    Photo: The most beautiful person in a room is the one who operates from their heart. 

I have a feeling that you my friend, are this person. <3

    Be a Candle

    Photo: Join: Elephant Buddhadharma

    Magic and Beauty in Ourselves

    Photo: Wonderful image thanks to Healing with Art

    Religion is only Religion when it unites" Rev. Ed Kosak(Unity of Charleston)

     
    I also consider Goenka to be my teacher of meditation being at his classes three times - two ten day silent retreats and one 3 day,   Ron Alexander 
     
    Thought For the Week
    Though I never met the man, I considered S.N. Goenka to be my teacher of meditation. His teachings were viewed per videotape at the four courses I have attended in GA and IL, as they are at all courses worldwide.  He made his transition  9-24-2013. Below is a wonderful story about how Goenka impacted the entire assembly of the UN one day. Enjoy.
     
    It was late afternoon of a long day toward the end of August 2000. In the United Nations General Assembly Hall in New York, delegates to the Millennium World Peace Summit were weary and a little jaded. This was the first global gathering of religious and spiritual leaders at the UN, and it had descended into acrimony. Far from finding common ground, the delegates had sharply differed over the question of conversion. Some delegates were highly critical of the practice; others representing some of the leading religions rejected those views. Over the years, the hall had often been the setting for this sort of wrangle involving politicians; it was disappointing to see spiritual leaders doing no better.
    To close the session, a lesser-known figure made his way to the podium, helped by an assistant. His silver hair gleamed; he wore a smartly tailored Indian suit. Carefully he paid respects and smilingly surveyed the crowd. Then he started speaking, and within seconds he had caught the attention of the assembled dignitaries.
    “Religion is religion only when it unites,” he said. “Religion is no religion when it divides. Religion is not for dividing people. It is for uniting people.”
     
    The words were greeted with a sudden burst of applause. This was not more of the same argument that had been dragging on all day. The delegates started to pay attention.
    The speaker picked up his thread: “So much has been said for and against conversion. I am for conversion, not against it. But conversion not from one organized religion to another organized religion—no. Conversion from misery to happiness. Conversion from bondage to liberation. Conversion from cruelty to compassion. That is the conversion needed today.”
    Applause greeted almost every statement. The speaker warmed to his theme:  “If I have an agitated mind full of anger, hatred, ill will and animosity, how can I give peace to the world?
    “Therefore all the sages and saints and seers of the world have said, ‘Know thyself.’ Not merely at the intellectual, emotional or devotional level, but at the actual level. When you know the truth about yourself at the experiential level, many of the problems get solved. You start understanding the universal law of nature or God, which is applicable to one and all.
    “When I observe myself and find that I am generating anger, ill will or animosity, I realize that I am the first victim of the hatred or animosity I am generating within myself. Only afterwards do I start harming others. And if I am free from these negativities, nature or God Almighty starts rewarding me: I feel so peaceful.
    “Whether I call myself a Hindu or a Muslim or a Christian or a Jain, it makes no difference: a human being is a human being. Human mind is human mind. Conversion should be from impurity of the mind to purity of the mind. This is the real conversion that is necessary—nothing else.”
    The gong had rung, indicating that the speaker’s time was up. But he begged indulgence to deliver a message from a past ruler of his country. Quoting and then paraphrasing, the speaker said:
    “Every religion has the wholesome core of love, compassion and good will. The outer shell differs, but give importance to the inner essence and there will be no quarrel. Don’t condemn anything, give importance to the essence of every religion and there will be real peace and harmony.”
    The ruler referred to was the great Emperor Ashoka of India, who had issued the message—the world’s first call for religious tolerance—more than two millennia before. And the messenger was a man who always regarded Ashoka as a hero and had devoted his life to teaching a way to inner peace: Satya Narayan Goenka

     
    
    
    Eric Gibson: Were so much on the same page brother.I love this information,I don't know if we need the religious leaders permission to remain silent,lol Every religion has the wholesome core of love, compassion and good will. The outer shell differs, but give importance to the inner essence and there will be no quarrel. Don’t condemn anything, give importance to the essence of every religion and there will be real peace and harmony.”This is beautiful,I will share it soon.Although I support the Dharmma foundation,I am not Buddhist,I just am and that encompass all.I watched the Dharmma Brothers some years ago,and have found it to be true,Ive worked with at risk teenagers and career criminals,this is the best and fastest method i have found,thank-you so much brother
    Ron Alexander: Interestingly, Brother Eric Gibson, Goenka was not a Buddhist either. He was powerful rich industrialist in Burma, who turned to meditation ito try to cure his migraines....
    As he ''purified'' his mind while meditating, his migraines went away - only to return with toxic thinking, so he meditated a lot. Then he took it back to his family in India and helped his Mother heal. Then others asked him to teach them The Buddha's meditation. Goenka was always proud that he taught Vipassana as a non-religious layman. The Dalai Lama sends his Monks to learn ''advanced'' meditation. Anapana, using breath as a concentration,, is considered as the beginner meditation, and is always the first three days of the ten day course. This Free ten days of silent learning is a requirement to even become a Vipassana student in Goenka's strict way. I have studied with a well-known teacher who maintains he is a Vipassana Meditator, but he only teaches Anapana, which is very helpful, but not powerful enough to stop migraine headaches. Prayer specifically Metta is also a part of Goenka's teaching - vital! MAY ALL BEINGS BE HAPPY!

     

    

    Grounded in the Sky

    Look at your feet. You are standing in the sky. When we think of the sky, we tend to look up, but the sky actually begins at the earth.
    Diane Ackerman
    

    Tuesday, October 29, 2013

    Pick yourself up and move on!

    Photo
    Happy Monday - I feel like staying in bed, however I will get up, put on my sweats, stretch walk run to beach for sunrise. Meditate there for 15 minutes, walk run the beach route back here. Meditate/pray after reading Ernest Holmes' 365 Daily Inspirations deep breathing consciously the whole time. Next I will fix powerfully healthy oatmeal adding dried fruit with almonds and walnuts along with my daily gala apple and green tea drinking filtered water the whole time. This is the awesome start of a terrific week! Let's Go:-)
     I AM living Mindfully Moment to Moment enjoying the rest of my time here at my Father's house. Accepting letting it go has been hard, sad and anxiety-producing, yet freeing me for my Divine Journey.:-)
    A miracle is happening in my life as I let go of things and past grievances. The best things in life are not things. I am sorry, please forgive me. Thank you, I love you!
     

    Row, row your boat gently down the stream, life is merely a dream

    Today's oneness message

    MIND IS A DREAM... Sri AmmaBhagavan

    Exposition World Oneness Centre by Guides

    "Reality is far different from what goes in the mind. The mind is made of thoughts, beliefs, dogmas, superstitions etc. The decisions are based on past experiences and there is no absolute truth. They are all stories and perceptions created in the mind. New stories are also created in the mind.... Basically, continuous dreaming is going on. For example, if you have an ailment, say, typhoid. There are two things happening. One is the physical pain which is real and the other is psychological suffering which is daydreaming. Worrying about what will happen to your future, your children, your financial status if you become bed ridden. All these thoughts are not real but stories created in the mind which is nothing but day dreaming. Keep observing how your Mind is only a dream."
    — with Ron Alexander.
     
    

    Love Many Things and accomplish much!

     
     
    “It is good to love many things, for therein lies the true strength, and whosoever loves much performs much, and can accomplish much, and what is done in love is well done.”
    ― Vincent van Gogh
     
    Photo: “It is good to love many things, for therein lies the true strength, and whosoever loves much performs much, and can accomplish much, and what is done in love is well done.” 
                                                             ― Vincent van Gogh

    Why Can Angels Fly?

    Angels can fly because they take themselves so lightly.
    G.K. Chesterton(gratefulness.org)
     
    

    Monday, October 28, 2013

    Love Thyself

    

    Acceptance not resistance

                                                                              


     Photo: Fighting against things you don't want in your life just gives them more energy. Stop resisting <3
#GoodEnergy
     
    
    Fighting against things you don't want in your life just gives them more energy. Stop resisting   Panache Desai

    Deep Within You have the Wisdom to Bring Forth All that is Good!

    Photo: "When it appears that the well is dry, consider that deep within the earth, just as deep within our own consciousness, is the boundless wisdom and the potential to manifest and bring forth all that is good." 

- VDY, Oct. 2013 Wisdom Class (http://www.beautywayproductions.com/2013-masterful-living-online-class/)
     
    Beautiful
    Wisdom and Image!
    "When it appears that the well is dry, consider that deep within the earth, just as deep within our own consciousness, is the boundless wisdom and the potential to manifest and bring forth all that is good." 

    Here's to the crazy ones

     
    Ra Divakar's photo.

    ten ways to be happy!

    Photo: Hi my friend, here are 10 scientifically proven ways to create more happiness in your life. Which one(s) resonates most with you?

    YOU!

    Photo

    Change Makes Life Alive

    Photo: "The one essential element in life, the element that makes life alive, is change. To be what you and I are, here or elsewhere, is to change—and hopefully, to grow." From the book "Of Time and Eternity," by James Dillet-Freeman.
     
    "The one essential element in life, the element that makes life alive, is change. To be what you and I are, here or elsewhere, is to change—and hopefully, to grow." From the book "Of Time and Eternity," by James Dillet-Freeman. 

    Compassion is First with God

    Whatever God does, the first outburst is always compassion.
    Meister Eckhart(gratefulness.org)
    And Awe Women!
    Below, leave off the "please" as God's Love is unconditional!
     
     
    

    Sunday, October 27, 2013

    Be Kind Starting with Your precious self

    Photo

    Solar Panels

    

    Your Spiritual Calling

    

    Raw Honey, lemons and ginger yummie!

    Make sure you have some of this ready...great recipe for sore throats and chest colds

    makes about 2 cups
    ◾2 lemons thoroughly cleaned and sliced...

    ◾2 piece of ginger about the size of your pointer and middle finger together sliced into coin size pieces
    ◾Honey (about 1 cup-maybe more)* make sure it is raw pure honey as regular honey is diluted with high fructose corn sugar to save money!



     In a 12-16 oz. jar combine lemon slices and sliced ginger. Pour honey (organic is best) over it slowly. This may take a little time to let the honey sink down and around the lemon and ginger slices. Make sure when the honey has filled in all the voids, there is enough to cover the top of the lemon slices. Close jar and put it in the fridge, it will form into a "jelly". To serve: Spoon jelly into mug and pour boiling water over it. Store in fridge 2-3 months.


    Simply watch your thinking!

    Photo: Just to remind you: your happiness doesn't depend on what you own, or who you are in life. It simply depends on what you think. So simple <3 Rewiring the Soul
     
     
    I.S.S. KEEP it simple SWEETHEART, thanks Gabriella Kortsch Phd:-)
    Just to remind you: your happiness doesn't depend on what you own, or who you are in life. It simply depends on what you think. So simple Rewiring the Soul 

    Give a Piece of your heart not your mind

    

    Vipassana Meditation a great way to hear the answers from within

    Photo: Find the Answer with Meditation

We recommend this vipassana technique for everyone. Adopt one of the sitting postures.

Choose a sitting position, place your hands in your lap, palms facing upward, the right hand on top of the left. If doing the exercise lying down, put your hands on the abdomen, one on top of the other, or at your sides. Close your eyes. If you are disabled or have a chronic illness you can do the exercise lying down.

Next, direct your attention to the abdomen, an inch or two above the navel. Find the point that seems clearest to you. Don't actually look at the spot. Just place your mind there. The point should lie along the vertical midline of the body.

As you breathe in, the abdomen expands; as you breathe out, it contracts. In meditation these movements are called, respectively, "rising" and "falling." They never cease to alternate as long as you live.

As the abdomen rises, observe the motion from beginning to end with your mind. When the abdomen falls, do the same. That's all there is to it. Just keep watching the rising and falling movements. You don't have to do anything to them. Just know the movements without judging or describing them.

If it is difficult to perceive the rising and falling motions, put your hand on your stomach in order to feel them clearly.

Instead of making a continuous loop, the rising and falling motions are actually separate movements. Imagine a rock thrown straight up in the air. When reaching the highest point the rock stops for a fraction of a second before falling. Likewise, the abdomen stops rising for a moment before falling back.

As you do the exercise, restrict your attention to what is occurring in the immediate present moment. Don't think about the past or future—don't think about anything at all. Let go of worries, concerns, and memories. Empty your mind of everything except the abdominal movements occurring right now. But don't think about them; just know them.

It's important to understand that knowing bodily motion (or knowing anything) as it actually is in the present moment is entirely different from thinking about it. In insight meditation the aim is not to think, but only to know.

To know an object during vipassana meditation means to experience it with bare, nonverbal awareness. You merely register the sensation with impartial attention, without identifying, naming, judging or describing it. You don't have to comment on the movements: "That falling motion lasted longer than the previous one. That rising movement wasn't as clear as the others," and so on.

As soon as there is bare awareness of the rising or falling movement, you are already knowing it. The same is true of everything you might observe during meditation practice. No matter what appears, just know it with bare attention for one moment and then let it go.

Keeping your mind on the rising and falling movements may not be as easy as you'd think. Be patient and don't judge yourself, even if the mind wanders out often. Remember that you're learning a new skill. When learning to play the piano, for example, you wouldn't expect perfection right away. Likewise, you shouldn't expect it in meditation. Don't get discouraged if your progress seems slow. As long as you stick with the practice, results are sure to come.

http://www.vipassanadhura.com/howto.htm

Earth. We are one.
www.ewao.net
     
    Find the Answer with Meditation

    We recommend this vipassana technique for everyone. Adopt one of the sitting postures.

    Choose a sitting position, place your hands in your lap, palms facing upward, the right hand on top of the left. If doi...ng the exercise lying down, put your hands on the abdomen, one on top of the other, or at your sides. Close your eyes. If you are disabled or have a chronic illness you can do the exercise lying down.

    Next, direct your attention to the abdomen, an inch or two above the navel. Find the point that seems clearest to you. Don't actually look at the spot. Just place your mind there. The point should lie along the vertical midline of the body.

    As you breathe in, the abdomen expands; as you breathe out, it contracts. In meditation these movements are called, respectively, "rising" and "falling." They never cease to alternate as long as you live.

    As the abdomen rises, observe the motion from beginning to end with your mind. When the abdomen falls, do the same. That's all there is to it. Just keep watching the rising and falling movements. You don't have to do anything to them. Just know the movements without judging or describing them.

    If it is difficult to perceive the rising and falling motions, put your hand on your stomach in order to feel them clearly.

    Instead of making a continuous loop, the rising and falling motions are actually separate movements. Imagine a rock thrown straight up in the air. When reaching the highest point the rock stops for a fraction of a second before falling. Likewise, the abdomen stops rising for a moment before falling back.

    As you do the exercise, restrict your attention to what is occurring in the immediate present moment. Don't think about the past or future—don't think about anything at all. Let go of worries, concerns, and memories. Empty your mind of everything except the abdominal movements occurring right now. But don't think about them; just know them.

    It's important to understand that knowing bodily motion (or knowing anything) as it actually is in the present moment is entirely different from thinking about it. In insight meditation the aim is not to think, but only to know.

    To know an object during vipassana meditation means to experience it with bare, nonverbal awareness. You merely register the sensation with impartial attention, without identifying, naming, judging or describing it. You don't have to comment on the movements: "That falling motion lasted longer than the previous one. That rising movement wasn't as clear as the others," and so on.

    As soon as there is bare awareness of the rising or falling movement, you are already knowing it. The same is true of everything you might observe during meditation practice. No matter what appears, just know it with bare attention for one moment and then let it go.

    Keeping your mind on the rising and falling movements may not be as easy as you'd think. Be patient and don't judge yourself, even if the mind wanders out often. Remember that you're learning a new skill. When learning to play the piano, for example, you wouldn't expect perfection right away. Likewise, you shouldn't expect it in meditation. Don't get discouraged if your progress seems slow. As long as you stick with the practice, results are sure to come.

    http://www.vipassanadhura.com/howto.htm

    

    Be Here with all your heart

    Photo: Be here with an open heart and trust that you are here for a reason greater than your ability to understand <3
     
    Be here with an open heart and trust that you are here for a reason greater than your ability to understand  

    With all my heart

    Photo: <3

    Good Morning

    Photo: Please feel free to SHARE & LIKE
Namasté ॐ

    You are the Greatest Miracle

    Photo

    Divide up Your Large Tasks

    There is no large and difficult task that can’t be divided into little easy tasks.
    Buddhist Saying(gratefulness.org)