If you are a poet,
you will see clearly that there is a cloud floating in this sheet of paper.
Without a cloud there will be no water;
without water the trees cannot grow;
and without trees,
you cannot make paper.
So the cloud is in here.
The existence of this page is dependent on the existence of a cloud.
Paper and cloud are so close.
Let us think of other things,
like sunshine.
Sunshine is very important because the forest cannot grow without sunshine,
and we as humans cannot grow without sunshine.
So the logger needs sunshine in order to cut the tree,
and the tree needs sunshine in order to be a tree.
Therefore, you can see sunshine in this sheet of paper.
And if you look deeply, with the eyes of a bodhisattva,
with the eyes of those who are awake,
you see not only the cloud and the sunshine in it,
but that everything is here,
the wheat that became the bread for the logger to eat,
the logger's father--everything is in this sheet of paper...
This paper is empty of an independent self.
Empty,
in this sense,
means that the paper is full of everything,
the entire cosmos.
The presence of this tiny sheet of paper proves the presence of the whole cosmos.
by Thich Nhat Hanh
Tuesday, August 23, 2005
Sunday, August 21, 2005
Our Deepest Fear by Marianne Williamson
Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?
Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world.
There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you.
We are all meant to shine, as children do.
We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us.
It is not just in some of us; it is in everyone.
And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.
by Marianne Williamson
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?
Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world.
There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you.
We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us.
It is not just in some of us; it is in everyone.
And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.
by Marianne Williamson
Come to the Edge... by Guillaume Apollinaire
Version 1
Come to the edge, he said.
They said: We are afraid.
Come to the edge, he said.
They came.
He pushed them...
And they flew.
by Guillaume Apollinaire
Version 2
He said, "Come to the Edge."
I said, "I can't, I'm afraid."
He said, "Come to the Edge."
I said, "I can't, I'll fall off."
He said, finally, "Come to the Edge."
And I came to the Edge.
And he pushed me.
And I flew.
by Guillaume Apollinaire
Come to the edge, he said.They said: We are afraid.
Come to the edge, he said.
They came.
He pushed them...
And they flew.
by Guillaume Apollinaire
Version 2
He said, "Come to the Edge."
I said, "I can't, I'm afraid."
He said, "Come to the Edge."
I said, "I can't, I'll fall off."
He said, finally, "Come to the Edge."
And I came to the Edge.
And he pushed me.
And I flew.
by Guillaume Apollinaire
From Fear to Freedom by Robin Sharma
1. What you resist will persist. As the author Sam Keen once said: "You are caught by what you are running from." Do not run away from your fears, run towards them.
2. Put a voice to your fears. Most people disown their fear and pretend that it is not there. When you speak about it, you begin to release it.
3. Write about your fears. A great way to build self awareness is to write in a journal about the things that frighten you. When you see them on paper, they have less power over you.
4. Take wise risks. Every day do something small to walk towards your fears. On the other side of every fear door there lives a precious gift.
5. Celebrate fearlessness. Every time you transcend a fear, honour yourself for your achievement.
by Robin Sharma
2. Put a voice to your fears. Most people disown their fear and pretend that it is not there. When you speak about it, you begin to release it.
3. Write about your fears. A great way to build self awareness is to write in a journal about the things that frighten you. When you see them on paper, they have less power over you.
4. Take wise risks. Every day do something small to walk towards your fears. On the other side of every fear door there lives a precious gift.
5. Celebrate fearlessness. Every time you transcend a fear, honour yourself for your achievement.
by Robin Sharma
Saturday, August 20, 2005
Surrender & Appreciate the Understanding Limits Brings
This piece was written in 1998... so please pardon the wierd flow of words :-) Just enjoy the essence & throw away what you do not like ;-)
There is much
in our life
that we can change,
but some things
must be accepted.
No matter how we
rail against these
seeming injustices
they will still be there.
We can choose to
live in spite of them,
make the changes
we are able to make,
and to enjoy
the small gifts that
come into our life.
Appreciate
the understanding
these limits bring.
There is muchin our life
that we can change,
but some things
must be accepted.
No matter how we
rail against these
seeming injustices
they will still be there.
We can choose to
live in spite of them,
make the changes
we are able to make,
and to enjoy
the small gifts that
come into our life.
Appreciate
the understanding
these limits bring.
If I have to fall, may it be from a high place... by Paulo Coelho
"A fall from the third floor hurts as much as a fall from the hundredth. If I have to fall, may it be from a high place." ~ Paulo Coelho
"Be nice to people on the way up because you'll meet them on your way down." ~ Wilson Mizner
And there was a bird, who wanted to fly like the boy.
There was a boy,who wanted to fly like a bird.
And there was a bird,
who wanted to fly like the boy.
They both shined in their own ways,
but alas neither could see. (OR - but each looked the other way)
No matter who you are, know that there is always someone out there who is dying to live the life you have.
Stop being what others want you to be and
stop being what you think others want you to be.
Stop trying to impress anyone.
Life need not be a struggle.
You can simply be yourself.
It is not only about being different.
It is about being authentically unique.
A Sparrow's Courage, Life's Impermanance
The following poem was written about a decade ago, while I was still in Secondary school ;-) The photo was taken recently... so you can see the difference :-)
A sparrow appear before my eyes,
From the sky through which she fly.
The sky that lies so high,
The sky where peace will never die.
She seeks warmth, from my palm,
In her eyes, I see calm.
Small as she is, she dares seek,
This is the courage, all man seeks.
From my palm she flew away,
In anticipation of a brand new day.
Try as I might, I lost that night,
Impermanace is what I cannot fight.
Photo 1 = House Sparrow Passer domesticus in Melbourne
A sparrow appear before my eyes,
From the sky through which she fly.
The sky that lies so high,
The sky where peace will never die.
She seeks warmth, from my palm,
In her eyes, I see calm.
Small as she is, she dares seek,
This is the courage, all man seeks.
From my palm she flew away,
In anticipation of a brand new day.
Try as I might, I lost that night,
Impermanace is what I cannot fight.
Photo 1 = House Sparrow Passer domesticus in Melbourne
Take A Moment by Denis Waitley
Take a moment to listen todayto what your children are trying to say,
Listen to them, whatever you do
or they won't be there to listen to you.
Listen to their problems, listen to their needs
Praise their smallest triumphs, praise their littlest deeds;
Tolerate their chatter, amplify their laughter,
Find out what's the matter, find out what they're after.
If we tell our children all the bad in them we see,
They'll grow up exactly how we hoped they'd never be;
But if we tell our children we're so proud to wear their name,
They'll grow up believing that they're winners in the game.
So tell them that you love them every single night;
And though you scold them make sure you hold them
and tell them they're all right, "Good night, happy dreams,
Tomorrow's looking bright."
Take a moment to listen today to what
your children are trying to say
Listen to them whatever you do, and
They'll be there to listen to you.
by Denis Waitley
Friday, August 19, 2005
Writing for Well-being - Write Reasons for Writing by Heather Blakey
A carefree wanderer stands on the roadside with his bundle and staff, extending a hopeful smile and a thumb. He is young, free of responsibility and eager to explore the world beyond his front gate. Along comes a peddler whose beguiling smile and charismatic charm lures him. The peddler whispers softly 'I can see that you have something important to say. You have a book in you. Buy this pen and paper...'
Filled with the warming thought of fame, fortune and immortality, of being a famous author, the wanderer parts with the last of his cash, finds a spot under an old Yew tree and prepares to write. Anxious to be effective, to meet the standards of other authors, to impress people, the youth stops to think. From deep within comes the rumbling of voices. Mother and father archetypes boom out, the various authority figures queue up to have their say. Jeering voices of teachers, critics, family rumble. His hand is frozen...
Full Story @ http://www.dailywriting.net/Wellbeing3.htm
by Heather Blakey
Filled with the warming thought of fame, fortune and immortality, of being a famous author, the wanderer parts with the last of his cash, finds a spot under an old Yew tree and prepares to write. Anxious to be effective, to meet the standards of other authors, to impress people, the youth stops to think. From deep within comes the rumbling of voices. Mother and father archetypes boom out, the various authority figures queue up to have their say. Jeering voices of teachers, critics, family rumble. His hand is frozen...
Full Story @ http://www.dailywriting.net/Wellbeing3.htm
by Heather Blakey
Thursday, August 18, 2005
Asking Just The Right Question To Get Just What You Desire by Lee Wise
19 GOOD QUESTIONS FOR LIVING THE GOOD LIFE
What one small thing is holding me back from doing my best today?
What one small thing is hindering me from becoming the person I be could be today in one area of my life?
What action could I take today to brighten someone's world? (Key: make it simple, doable, and even fun!)
How can I double my value as a ___________ this year? *As a... husband, father, employee, friend, etc. Suggestion: ask this question many, many times.
Where should I influence my world in a positive way?
Are negative thinking patterns eating away my potential in any area of my life -- no matter how small?
Am I saying "I can't" when I should be saying "I can" or "I must!" anywhere in my life?
My greatest area of tension at work or home right now is ____. How could I improve just 10% in this area?
What positive discipline have I let slip lately? What price am I paying for this slip?
Where can I, or should I, make a positive difference?
If I took a thirty second "happy memory break" right now, what would I remember?
How can I schedule a small break in my life -- just enough to be refreshed and recharged a bit?
What untapped potential could I bring to my world?
Am I learning what I need to learn?
Are my associations making me or breaking me?
Who is challenging me or inspiring me right now? Who could?
Should I procrastinate on anything, or set aside anything, that is not important for what is most important?
Is there anything I should stop doing?
Am I out of balance anywhere in terms of striving to perform? Am I seeking a standard of excellence in the right way, for the right reasons?
by Lee Wise
What one small thing is holding me back from doing my best today?
What one small thing is hindering me from becoming the person I be could be today in one area of my life?
What action could I take today to brighten someone's world? (Key: make it simple, doable, and even fun!)
How can I double my value as a ___________ this year? *As a... husband, father, employee, friend, etc. Suggestion: ask this question many, many times.
Where should I influence my world in a positive way?
Are negative thinking patterns eating away my potential in any area of my life -- no matter how small?
Am I saying "I can't" when I should be saying "I can" or "I must!" anywhere in my life?
My greatest area of tension at work or home right now is ____. How could I improve just 10% in this area?
What positive discipline have I let slip lately? What price am I paying for this slip?
Where can I, or should I, make a positive difference?
If I took a thirty second "happy memory break" right now, what would I remember?
How can I schedule a small break in my life -- just enough to be refreshed and recharged a bit?
What untapped potential could I bring to my world?
Am I learning what I need to learn?
Are my associations making me or breaking me?
Who is challenging me or inspiring me right now? Who could?
Should I procrastinate on anything, or set aside anything, that is not important for what is most important?
Is there anything I should stop doing?
Am I out of balance anywhere in terms of striving to perform? Am I seeking a standard of excellence in the right way, for the right reasons?
by Lee Wise
Questions to ask ourselves as we walk down our path... by Neale Donald Walsch
“What if?”
“What if I said YES?”
“What if I said NO?”
“What if I did not need to be liked by anyone?”
“How do I want to Be right now?”
“If not now, when?”
“In what ways is my life abundant?”
“What if I really could?”
“What am I resisting?”
"What would love do now?"
“Is anything I fear ever happening right NOW?”
“What will you do and when will you do it?”
“Which part of me is in charge of me right now?”
“What is stopping me?”
“What if I were less hard on myself?”
“What if I were to choose to believe that the thing I dislike most right now is as wonderful as the thing I love most right now?”
“Am I being true to myself?”
“What if chose to believe that I have more than enough time to do all that I wish to do?”
“How might my perspective change if I were to breathe more deeply?”
“What do you wish to release?”
“What if I could?”
“What is next?”
“What if nothing happens by accident and there is no such thing as random coincidence?”
“What is the opportunity in the problem that concerns you most?”
“What, at this exact moment, is lacking?”
“How would I respond to anger if all anger is a call for help?”
“What if I did tomorrow what I have been meaning to do for a long time?”
“What do you want?”
“How many more times?”
“Which choice would I make now if I believed that I could not make a mistake no matter what I choose?”
“Could I be fully happy even if everything stayed exactly as it now is for the rest of my life?”
"What is the question for which my life is the answer?"
“What if I were grateful for the things in my life that I dislike?”
“What if I feared nothing?”
What would it take for you to dance with the question in a way that truly serves You?
by Neale Donald Walsch
"He who asks questions cannot avoid the answers."
~ African Proverb
"Be patient towards all that is unsolved in your heart and dreams, try to love the questions themselves."
~ Rainer Maria Rilke
"There are no stupid questions. Only stupid people who remain ignorant because they do not ask enough questions, or worst, stoppped asking questions."
~ Alex Chua
My Own Questions...
What would you do if you weren't afraid?
Do I want to be happy or do I want to be right?
If today was the last day of my life, what choices will I make?
What will I no longer tolerate in my life?
What is the impact I want to create in the world?
What would it be like to be living a fulfilling life?
What would more love (happiness etc.) look like in my life?
What is the cost of pursuing my dreams?
“What if I said YES?”
“What if I said NO?”
“What if I did not need to be liked by anyone?”
“How do I want to Be right now?”
“If not now, when?”
“In what ways is my life abundant?”
“What if I really could?”
“What am I resisting?”
"What would love do now?"
“Is anything I fear ever happening right NOW?”
“What will you do and when will you do it?”
“Which part of me is in charge of me right now?”
“What is stopping me?”
“What if I were less hard on myself?”
“What if I were to choose to believe that the thing I dislike most right now is as wonderful as the thing I love most right now?”
“Am I being true to myself?”
“What if chose to believe that I have more than enough time to do all that I wish to do?”
“How might my perspective change if I were to breathe more deeply?”
“What do you wish to release?”
“What if I could?”
“What is next?”
“What if nothing happens by accident and there is no such thing as random coincidence?”
“What is the opportunity in the problem that concerns you most?”
“What, at this exact moment, is lacking?”
“How would I respond to anger if all anger is a call for help?”
“What if I did tomorrow what I have been meaning to do for a long time?”
“What do you want?”
“How many more times?”
“Which choice would I make now if I believed that I could not make a mistake no matter what I choose?”
“Could I be fully happy even if everything stayed exactly as it now is for the rest of my life?”
"What is the question for which my life is the answer?"
“What if I were grateful for the things in my life that I dislike?”
“What if I feared nothing?”
What would it take for you to dance with the question in a way that truly serves You?
by Neale Donald Walsch
"He who asks questions cannot avoid the answers."
~ African Proverb
"Be patient towards all that is unsolved in your heart and dreams, try to love the questions themselves."
~ Rainer Maria Rilke
"There are no stupid questions. Only stupid people who remain ignorant because they do not ask enough questions, or worst, stoppped asking questions."
~ Alex Chua
My Own Questions...
What would you do if you weren't afraid?
Do I want to be happy or do I want to be right?
If today was the last day of my life, what choices will I make?
What will I no longer tolerate in my life?
What is the impact I want to create in the world?
What would it be like to be living a fulfilling life?
What would more love (happiness etc.) look like in my life?
What is the cost of pursuing my dreams?
5 Questions To Journal On Over The Next 30 Days by Robin Sharma
1. What have been the 5 defining moments of my life and how have they shaped me?
2. Who have been the 3 people who have influenced the way I see the world the most and what lessons have I learned from them?
3. If I could live my life over again, what new things would I do?
4. If I could only have 3 lines written on my tombstone, what would they say?
5. What 3 books have had the greatest impact on my life and why?
by Robin Sharma
2. Who have been the 3 people who have influenced the way I see the world the most and what lessons have I learned from them?
3. If I could live my life over again, what new things would I do?
4. If I could only have 3 lines written on my tombstone, what would they say?
5. What 3 books have had the greatest impact on my life and why?
by Robin Sharma
Monday, August 15, 2005
Sunday, August 14, 2005
Freedom: A Statement of My Life Purpose
My Kickstart Mission Statement
I will shower Empthy on everyone and guide my circle of influence to find their own sense of empthy and compassion.
I will show her unconditional love and respect her chosen path in life.
I will respect and love her while still being true to myself.
I will be a strong and courages pilliar that she can depend on.
I will be self-reliant so that she no longer need to sacrifice her life for mine.
I will look within myself and listen to my Heart for Truth, Love and Wisdom.
I will give everyone the respect that they deserve and I will repect myself by being the best I can be.
I will be understanding towards my family and friends and extend this compassion to the rest of the world.
I will appreciate all the people and things that I have in my life at this very moment and remember that all that I really need are already in abundance in the Universe.
I will always improve myself and allow knowledge and wisdom to flow through me into the world.
I will help others find their Truth so that they too may experience eternal Happiness.
I will observe Integrity in all that I do.
I will start by respecting myself and I will continue with respect for all others.
I will be an inspiration to people. A mentor, coach and guide to my fellow beings.
Get Yours @ http://www.franklincovey.com/missionbuilder/index.html
Saturday, August 13, 2005
It is never too late to be who you might have been... ...
"It is never too late to be who you might have been." ~ George Elliot (pen name of Mary Ann Evans)
Actually, the above is a mutated version... that actual context (in a conversation between Maggie and Phili) as researched by Alex Measday is as follows:
"I've been a great deal happier," she said, at last, timidly, "since I have given up thinking about what is easy and pleasant, and being discontented because I couldn't have my own will. Our life is determined for us - and it makes the mind very free when we give up wishing and only think of bearing what is laid upon us and doing what is given us to do."
"But I can't give up wishing," said Philip, impatiently. "It seems to me we can never give up longing and wishing while we are thoroughly alive. There are certain things we feel to be beautiful and good, and we must hunger after them. How can we ever be satisfied without them until our feelings are deadened? I delight in fine pictures - I long to be able to paint such. I strive and strive, and can't produce what I want. That is pain to me, and always will be pain, until my faculties lose their keenness, like aged eyes. Then, there are many other things I long for" - here Philip hesitated a little, and then said - "things that other men have and that will always be denied me. My life will have nothing great or beautiful in it - I would rather not have lived."
~ George Elliot (pen name of Mary Ann Evans)
Here's a motivating speech from the movie Braveheart to move you into taking immediate action to becoming who you truely are!
"Fight and you may die, run and you'll live at least a while,
and dying in your beds, many years from now,
would you be willing to trade all the days from this day to that
for one chance, just one chance!
to come back here and tell our enemies that they may
take our lives but they'll never take our FREEDOM!!!"
~ William Wallace (acted by Mel Gibson)
Actually, the above is a mutated version... that actual context (in a conversation between Maggie and Phili) as researched by Alex Measday is as follows:
"I've been a great deal happier," she said, at last, timidly, "since I have given up thinking about what is easy and pleasant, and being discontented because I couldn't have my own will. Our life is determined for us - and it makes the mind very free when we give up wishing and only think of bearing what is laid upon us and doing what is given us to do."
"But I can't give up wishing," said Philip, impatiently. "It seems to me we can never give up longing and wishing while we are thoroughly alive. There are certain things we feel to be beautiful and good, and we must hunger after them. How can we ever be satisfied without them until our feelings are deadened? I delight in fine pictures - I long to be able to paint such. I strive and strive, and can't produce what I want. That is pain to me, and always will be pain, until my faculties lose their keenness, like aged eyes. Then, there are many other things I long for" - here Philip hesitated a little, and then said - "things that other men have and that will always be denied me. My life will have nothing great or beautiful in it - I would rather not have lived."
~ George Elliot (pen name of Mary Ann Evans)
Here's a motivating speech from the movie Braveheart to move you into taking immediate action to becoming who you truely are!
"Fight and you may die, run and you'll live at least a while,
and dying in your beds, many years from now,
would you be willing to trade all the days from this day to that
for one chance, just one chance!
to come back here and tell our enemies that they may
take our lives but they'll never take our FREEDOM!!!"
~ William Wallace (acted by Mel Gibson)
Friday, August 12, 2005
A Message From the Hopi Elders by The Elders
A Message From the Hopi Elders wass sent to me by Douglas on 12 August 2005
You have been telling the people that this is the Eleventh Hour.
Now you must go back and tell the people that this is The Hour.
Here are the things that must be considered:
Where are you living?
What are you doing?
What are your relationships?
Are you in right relation?
Where is your water?
Know our garden.
It is time to speak your Truth.
Create your community.
Be good to each other.
And do not look outside yourself for the leader.
This could be a good time!
There is a river flowing now very fast.
It is so great and swift that there are those who will be afraid.
They will try to hold on to the shore.
They will feel like they are being torn apart, and they will suffer greatly.
Know the river has its destination.
The elders say we must let go of the shore, push off toward the middle of
the river,
keep our eyes open, and our heads above the water.
See who is there with you and celebrate.
At this time in history, we are to take nothing personally, least of all
ourselves!
For the moment we do, our spiritual growth and journey comes to a halt.
The time of the lonely wolf is over.
Gather yourselves!
Banish the word struggle from your attitude and vocabulary.
All that we do now must be done in a sacred manner and in celebration.
We are the ones we have been waiting for.
The Elders,
Oraibi, Arizona
Hopi Nation
You have been telling the people that this is the Eleventh Hour.
Now you must go back and tell the people that this is The Hour.
Here are the things that must be considered:
Where are you living?
What are you doing?
What are your relationships?
Are you in right relation?
Where is your water?
Know our garden.
It is time to speak your Truth.
Create your community.
Be good to each other.
And do not look outside yourself for the leader.
This could be a good time!
There is a river flowing now very fast.
It is so great and swift that there are those who will be afraid.
They will try to hold on to the shore.
They will feel like they are being torn apart, and they will suffer greatly.
Know the river has its destination.
The elders say we must let go of the shore, push off toward the middle of
the river,
keep our eyes open, and our heads above the water.
See who is there with you and celebrate.
At this time in history, we are to take nothing personally, least of all
ourselves!
For the moment we do, our spiritual growth and journey comes to a halt.
The time of the lonely wolf is over.
Gather yourselves!
Banish the word struggle from your attitude and vocabulary.
All that we do now must be done in a sacred manner and in celebration.
We are the ones we have been waiting for.
The Elders,
Oraibi, Arizona
Hopi Nation
Thursday, August 11, 2005
The Invitation by Oriah Mountain Dreamer
It doesn't interest me what you do for a living.
I want to know what you ache for
and if you dare to dream of meeting your heart's longing.
It doesn't interest me how old you are.
I want to know if you will risk looking like a fool
for love
for your dream
for the adventure of being alive.
It doesn't interest me what planets are squaring your moon...
I want to know if you have touched the centre of your own sorrow
if you have been opened by life's betrayals
or have become shrivelled and closed
from fear of further pain.
I want to know if you can sit with pain
mine or your own
without moving to hide it
or fade it
or fix it.
I want to know if you can be with joy
mine or your own
if you can dance with wildness
and let the ecstasy fill you to the tips of your fingers and toes
without cautioning us to
be careful
be realistic
remember the limitations of being human.
It doesn't interest me if the story you are telling me
is true.
I want to know if you can
disappoint another
to be true to yourself.
If you can bear the accusation of betrayal
and not betray your own soul.
If you can be faithless
and therefore trustworthy.
I want to know if you can see Beauty
even when it is not pretty
every day.
And if you can source your own life
from its presence.
I want to know if you can live with failure
yours and mine
and still stand at the edge of the lake
and shout to the silver of the full moon,
"Yes."
It doesn't interest me
to know where you live or how much money you have.
I want to know if you can get up
after the night of grief and despair
weary and bruised to the bone
and do what needs to be done
to feed the children.
It doesn't interest me who you know
or how you came to be here.
I want to know if you will stand
in the centre of the fire
with me
and not shrink back.
It doesn't interest me where or what or with whom
you have studied.
I want to know what sustains you
from the inside
when all else falls away.
I want to know if you can be alone
with yourself
and if you truly like the company you keep
in the empty moments.
The Invitation
Oriah Mountain Dreamer
Canadian Teacher, Writer
I want to know what you ache for
and if you dare to dream of meeting your heart's longing.
It doesn't interest me how old you are.
I want to know if you will risk looking like a fool
for love
for your dream
for the adventure of being alive.
It doesn't interest me what planets are squaring your moon...
I want to know if you have touched the centre of your own sorrow
if you have been opened by life's betrayals
or have become shrivelled and closed
from fear of further pain.
I want to know if you can sit with pain
mine or your own
without moving to hide it
or fade it
or fix it.
I want to know if you can be with joy
mine or your own
if you can dance with wildness
and let the ecstasy fill you to the tips of your fingers and toes
without cautioning us to
be careful
be realistic
remember the limitations of being human.
It doesn't interest me if the story you are telling me
is true.
I want to know if you can
disappoint another
to be true to yourself.
If you can bear the accusation of betrayal
and not betray your own soul.
If you can be faithless
and therefore trustworthy.
I want to know if you can see Beauty
even when it is not pretty
every day.
And if you can source your own life
from its presence.
I want to know if you can live with failure
yours and mine
and still stand at the edge of the lake
and shout to the silver of the full moon,
"Yes."
It doesn't interest me
to know where you live or how much money you have.
I want to know if you can get up
after the night of grief and despair
weary and bruised to the bone
and do what needs to be done
to feed the children.
It doesn't interest me who you know
or how you came to be here.
I want to know if you will stand
in the centre of the fire
with me
and not shrink back.
It doesn't interest me where or what or with whom
you have studied.
I want to know what sustains you
from the inside
when all else falls away.
I want to know if you can be alone
with yourself
and if you truly like the company you keep
in the empty moments.
The Invitation
Oriah Mountain Dreamer
Canadian Teacher, Writer
Friday, August 05, 2005
Event + Response = Outcome
"When I was a young man, I wanted to change the world. I found it was difficult to change the world, so I tried to change my nation. When I found I couldn't change the nation, I began to focus on my town. I couldn't change the town and as an older man, I tried to change my family. Now, as an old man, I realize the only thing I can change is myself, and suddenly I realize that if long ago I had changed myself, I could have made an impact on my family. My family and I could have made an impact on our town. Their impact could have changed the nation and I could indeed have changed the world." ~ Anonymous
E + R = O
Event + Response = Outcome
We may not be able to control the Events that happen in our lives. However, we can control our Response to these Events. Our Choice of Response determines the Outcome. Instead of looking for someone else to blame whenever a problem occurs, focus on what you can do to co-create the outcome you want.
"Be the change that you want to see in the world."
~ Mahatma Gandhi
E + R = O
Event + Response = Outcome
We may not be able to control the Events that happen in our lives. However, we can control our Response to these Events. Our Choice of Response determines the Outcome. Instead of looking for someone else to blame whenever a problem occurs, focus on what you can do to co-create the outcome you want.
"Be the change that you want to see in the world."
~ Mahatma Gandhi
Self-Responsibility - There's a hole in my sidewalk by Portia Nelson
Autobiography in Five Short Chapters | |
| Chapter One I walk down the street. There is a deep hole in the sidewalk. I fall in. I am lost .... I am helpless. It isn't my fault. It takes forever to find a way out. | Chapter Two I walk down the street. There is a deep hole in the sidewalk. I pretend that I don't see it. I fall in again. I can't believe I am in this same place. But, it isn't my fault. It still takes a long time to get out. |
| Chapter Three I walk down the same street. There is a deep hole in the sidewalk. I see it is there. I still fall in ... it's a habit ... but, my eyes are open. I know where I am. It is my fault. I get out immediately. | Chapter Four I walk down the same street. There is a deep hole in the sidewalk. I walk around it. Chapter Five |
Thursday, August 04, 2005
My Guardian Angle
I met my guardian angle during my recent pilgrimage in Melbourne... This piece is a thank you note inspired by her love & compassion.
To Brigitte I say thank you
Your compassion this world has too few
It is with this compassion that miracles brew
And our spirits do not run out of fuel
Though the days we had were few
My hopes are now renew
The day we bid each other adieu
Was the start towards those ideals we pursue
To Brigitte I say thank you
Your compassion this world has too few
It is with this compassion that miracles brew
And our spirits do not run out of fuel
Though the days we had were few
My hopes are now renew
The day we bid each other adieu
Was the start towards those ideals we pursue
Wednesday, August 03, 2005
An Act Without A Name... ... A Sequel
After writing my response to Christy's "An Act Without A Name... ...,” I was out in the zone and just allowing divine grace to carry me along in the flow... ... and the most extraordinary synchronicity took place... ... I have been embraced by so much synchronicity since I embarked on this journey... ... but this one was by far the most magnificent.
Worry was starting to creep into my being again… … I am going back to Singapore tomorrow… … I recalled the downpour that greeted me on my second night in Melbourne. I was lost in the rain that night… … drenched but feeling refresh… … I did not really mind the rain as it sort of washed away my pain.
This rain reminded me of the feeling of being lost… … I guess I was feeling a little lost again… … and this rain was a reflection of my mood… but I finally found my way back anyway… … and maybe that was my spirit’s way of reassuring me.
And then I recalled the verse that I wrote in response to Christy's… … And I marvelled at the opportunity to play in the rain… … I took a deep breath of inspiring air and was soon on my way to Fitzroy Gardens.
I was suppose to be going to Telstra Dome and Victoria Harbour to take photographs so I really did not know what came over me… … I mean Telstra Dome was at least indoors… … what made me think I could take any decent photos out in the rain at the gardens? The rain was getting heavier at this time… … but I followed my heart anyway, and I rationalised that I might get a good photo for the “playing in the rain” part of my verse.
Seconds after I stepped onto the wet grass of Fitzroy Gardens, the rain stopped and I was miraculously greeted with a rainbow. It was over this Conservatory and it was beautiful… … I pulled out my camera and the photographer in me took over… …
[Please click on the Photo Blog link at the top right hand side of this page for more photos of this rainbow.]
After a couple of shots, I notice that it was more beautiful than I had realised… … It was a full rainbow… … it was huge and it was so near… … I sort of chased after it and noticed a twin appearing on the right end… … and then I noticed the colours intensify… … It was like a flower blooming right before my eyes! A peacock strutting in its full glory! A phoenix at her peak!
This was the first time I have ever seen a full rainbow in my life. It was breathtaking. Then it started to dissipate and disslove into nothingness… … I hung on to the euphoria… … capturing this divine image in my memory for eternity.
It was then that I saw this little Japanese girl… … she was near to tears because by the time she saw the rainbow… … by the time her parents took aim with their camera… … the rainbow was gone… … she had wanted to have her picture taken with this divine light… …
It was also there and then that I realised how few of the people in the gardens noticed this rainbow… … At this point, I realised how lucky I was. It was yet another instance of being at the right place, at the right time, having all that I need, and doing the right thing.
I was still basking in the euphoria as I lingered a little while longer in the gardens… … there was nothing else there really… … it was like I was lead there just to experience this wonderful sight… …
As I was walking away, feeling grateful and full of joy, I suddenly remembered that I had silently wished for an opportunity to take my own photo of a rainbow just a couple of days ago! I am at a lost for words… … totally dumbfounded!
What can I say but thank you!!!
And now the piece of work by Louis Armstrong that popped into my mind when I first read Christy’s verse makes sense… … The connection is very clear to me now… …
When You Wish Upon A Star
Louis Armstrong
When you wish upon a star
Makes no difference who you are
Anything your heart desires
Will come to you
If your heart is in your dreams
No request is too extreme
When you wish upon a star
As dreamers do
Fate is kind
She brings to those who love
As sweet fullfillment of their secret drowns
Like a boat out of the blue
Fate steps in and see's you through
Moma when you wished upon a star
Your dreams come true
(instrumental break)
Fate is kind
She brings to those who love
As sweet fullfillment of their secret drowns
Like a boat out of the blue
Fate steps in and see's you through
Baby when you wish upon a star
Your dreams come true
When you wished upon a star
Makes no difference who you are
Your dreams come true
Worry was starting to creep into my being again… … I am going back to Singapore tomorrow… … I recalled the downpour that greeted me on my second night in Melbourne. I was lost in the rain that night… … drenched but feeling refresh… … I did not really mind the rain as it sort of washed away my pain.
This rain reminded me of the feeling of being lost… … I guess I was feeling a little lost again… … and this rain was a reflection of my mood… but I finally found my way back anyway… … and maybe that was my spirit’s way of reassuring me.
And then I recalled the verse that I wrote in response to Christy's… … And I marvelled at the opportunity to play in the rain… … I took a deep breath of inspiring air and was soon on my way to Fitzroy Gardens.
I was suppose to be going to Telstra Dome and Victoria Harbour to take photographs so I really did not know what came over me… … I mean Telstra Dome was at least indoors… … what made me think I could take any decent photos out in the rain at the gardens? The rain was getting heavier at this time… … but I followed my heart anyway, and I rationalised that I might get a good photo for the “playing in the rain” part of my verse.
Seconds after I stepped onto the wet grass of Fitzroy Gardens, the rain stopped and I was miraculously greeted with a rainbow. It was over this Conservatory and it was beautiful… … I pulled out my camera and the photographer in me took over… …
[Please click on the Photo Blog link at the top right hand side of this page for more photos of this rainbow.]
After a couple of shots, I notice that it was more beautiful than I had realised… … It was a full rainbow… … it was huge and it was so near… … I sort of chased after it and noticed a twin appearing on the right end… … and then I noticed the colours intensify… … It was like a flower blooming right before my eyes! A peacock strutting in its full glory! A phoenix at her peak!
This was the first time I have ever seen a full rainbow in my life. It was breathtaking. Then it started to dissipate and disslove into nothingness… … I hung on to the euphoria… … capturing this divine image in my memory for eternity.
It was then that I saw this little Japanese girl… … she was near to tears because by the time she saw the rainbow… … by the time her parents took aim with their camera… … the rainbow was gone… … she had wanted to have her picture taken with this divine light… …
It was also there and then that I realised how few of the people in the gardens noticed this rainbow… … At this point, I realised how lucky I was. It was yet another instance of being at the right place, at the right time, having all that I need, and doing the right thing.
I was still basking in the euphoria as I lingered a little while longer in the gardens… … there was nothing else there really… … it was like I was lead there just to experience this wonderful sight… …
As I was walking away, feeling grateful and full of joy, I suddenly remembered that I had silently wished for an opportunity to take my own photo of a rainbow just a couple of days ago! I am at a lost for words… … totally dumbfounded!
What can I say but thank you!!!
And now the piece of work by Louis Armstrong that popped into my mind when I first read Christy’s verse makes sense… … The connection is very clear to me now… …
When You Wish Upon A Star
Louis Armstrong
When you wish upon a star
Makes no difference who you are
Anything your heart desires
Will come to you
If your heart is in your dreams
No request is too extreme
When you wish upon a star
As dreamers do
Fate is kind
She brings to those who love
As sweet fullfillment of their secret drowns
Like a boat out of the blue
Fate steps in and see's you through
Moma when you wished upon a star
Your dreams come true
(instrumental break)
Fate is kind
She brings to those who love
As sweet fullfillment of their secret drowns
Like a boat out of the blue
Fate steps in and see's you through
Baby when you wish upon a star
Your dreams come true
When you wished upon a star
Makes no difference who you are
Your dreams come true
An Act Without A Name... ...
Seems like an act without a name
an act without a form
like magic but only more
with divine light fanning another aflame
an act only regconisable by another being...
equally divine!
Christy Lee-O'Loughlin
The piece that follows was inspired by a very special woman, Christy. Her response to an email I sent to her husband, Douglas was really beautiful and deep. Her piece (above) has an aura of Zen like qualities that inspired the flow of the following verse… … a clear result of being deeply touched by her divinity.
Yes it was without a name
The music from a divine being
Unconditional love he shares
With a being in despair
Without desire for fame
He sets another’s heart aflame
A heart that was lost and scared
Her owner’s vision spiritually impaired
A source of strength he became
In this life some call a game
Where love and sincerity is so rare
His care was more than most could bear
The being that was in pain
Is now playing in the rain
Appreciating each breath of air
Thanks to Douglas he declares
For the clarity he has gained
Shall not be in vain
Because joy and love he will now share
With other beings whom he cares
an act without a form
like magic but only more
with divine light fanning another aflame
an act only regconisable by another being...
equally divine!
Christy Lee-O'Loughlin
The piece that follows was inspired by a very special woman, Christy. Her response to an email I sent to her husband, Douglas was really beautiful and deep. Her piece (above) has an aura of Zen like qualities that inspired the flow of the following verse… … a clear result of being deeply touched by her divinity.
Yes it was without a name
The music from a divine being
Unconditional love he shares
With a being in despair
Without desire for fame
He sets another’s heart aflame
A heart that was lost and scared
Her owner’s vision spiritually impaired
A source of strength he became
In this life some call a game
Where love and sincerity is so rare
His care was more than most could bear
The being that was in pain
Is now playing in the rain
Appreciating each breath of air
Thanks to Douglas he declares
For the clarity he has gained
Shall not be in vain
Because joy and love he will now share
With other beings whom he cares
Tuesday, August 02, 2005
Seven Wonders of the World
A group of students were asked to list what they thought were the present "Seven Wonders of the World."
Though there were some disagreements, the following received the most votes:
- Egypt's Great Pyramids
- Taj Mahal
- Grand Canyon
- Panama Canal
- Empire State Building
- St. Peter's Basilica
- China's Great Wall
While gathering the votes, the teacher noted that one student had not finished her paper yet. So she asked the girl if she was having trouble with her list. The girl replied, "Yes, a little. I couldn't quite make up my mind because there were so many."
The teacher said, "Well, tell us what you have, and maybe we can help." The girl hesitated, then read, "I think the 'Seven Wonders of the World' are:
- to see
- to hear
- to touch
- to taste
- to feel
- to laugh
- and to love."
The room was so quiet you could have heard a pin drop. The things we overlook as simple and ordinary and that we take for granted are truly wondrous!
How A Child Learns by Dorothy Law Nolte
Version 1
If children live with criticism, they learn to condemn.
If children live with hostility, they learn to fight.
If children live with fear, they learn to be apprehensive.
If children live with pity, they learn to feel sorry for themselves.
If children live with ridicule, they learn to feel shy.
If children live with jealousy, they learn to feel envy.
If children live with shame, they learn to feel guilty.
If children live with encouragement, they learn confidence.
If children live with tolerance, they learn patience.
If children live with praise, they learn appreciation.
If children live with acceptance, they learn to love.
If children live with approval, they learn to like themselves.
If children live with recognition, they learn it is good to have a goal.
If children live with sharing, they learn generosity.
If children live with honesty, they learn truthfulness.
If children live with fairness, they learn justice.
If children live with kindness and consideration, they learn respect.
If children live with security, they learn to have faith in themselves and in those about them.
If children live with friendliness, they learn the world is a nice place in which to live.
by Dorothy Law Nolte
Version 2
If children live with criticism,
They learn to condemn.
If children live with hostility,
They learn to fight.
If children live with ridicule,
They learn to be shy.
If children live with shame,
They learn to feel guilty.
If children live with encouragement,
They learn confidence.
If children live with tolerance,
They learn to be patient.
If children live with praise,
They learn to appreciate.
If children live with acceptance,
They learn to love.
If children live with approval,
They learn to like themselves.
If children live with honesty,
They learn truthfulness.
If children live with security,
They learn to have faith in themselves and others.
If children live with friendliness,
They learn the world is a nice place in which to live.
by Dorothy Law Nolte
If children live with criticism, they learn to condemn.
If children live with hostility, they learn to fight.
If children live with fear, they learn to be apprehensive.
If children live with pity, they learn to feel sorry for themselves.
If children live with ridicule, they learn to feel shy.
If children live with jealousy, they learn to feel envy.
If children live with shame, they learn to feel guilty.
If children live with encouragement, they learn confidence.
If children live with tolerance, they learn patience.
If children live with praise, they learn appreciation.
If children live with acceptance, they learn to love.
If children live with approval, they learn to like themselves.
If children live with recognition, they learn it is good to have a goal.
If children live with sharing, they learn generosity.
If children live with honesty, they learn truthfulness.
If children live with fairness, they learn justice.
If children live with kindness and consideration, they learn respect.
If children live with security, they learn to have faith in themselves and in those about them.
If children live with friendliness, they learn the world is a nice place in which to live.
by Dorothy Law Nolte
Version 2
If children live with criticism,They learn to condemn.
If children live with hostility,
They learn to fight.
If children live with ridicule,
They learn to be shy.
If children live with shame,
They learn to feel guilty.
If children live with encouragement,
They learn confidence.
If children live with tolerance,
They learn to be patient.
If children live with praise,
They learn to appreciate.
If children live with acceptance,
They learn to love.
If children live with approval,
They learn to like themselves.
If children live with honesty,
They learn truthfulness.
If children live with security,
They learn to have faith in themselves and others.
If children live with friendliness,
They learn the world is a nice place in which to live.
by Dorothy Law Nolte
Monday, August 01, 2005
Relax! Pur your burdens down before you go home...
A lecturer, when explaining stress management to an audience... by Anonymous
... raised a glass of water and asked, "how heavy is this glass of water?" Answers called out ranged from 20g to 500g. The lecturer replied, "The absolute weight doesn't matter. It depends on how long you try to hold it."
"If I hold it for a minute, that's not a problem. If I hold it for an hour, I'll have an ache in my right arm. If I hold it for a day, you'll have to call an ambulance. "In each case, it's the same weight, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it becomes."
He continued, "And that's the way it is with stress management. If we carry our burdens all the time, sooner or later, as the burden becomes increasingly heavy, we won't be able to carry on."
"As with the glass of water, you have to put it down for a while and rest before holding it again. When we're refreshed, we can carry on with the burden."
"So, before you return home tonight, put the burden of work down. Don't carry it home. You can pick it up tomorrow. Whatever burdens you're carrying now, let them down for a moment if you can."
"Relax; pick them up later after you've rested. Life is short. Enjoy it!"
And then he shared some ways of dealing with the burdens of life:
* Accept that some days you're the pigeon, and some days you're the statue.
* Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them.
* Always read stuff that will make you look good if you die in the middle of it.
* Drive carefully. It's not only cars that can be recalled by their maker.
* If you can't be kind, at least have the decency to be vague.
* If you lend someone $20 and never see that person again, it was probably worth it.
* It may be that your sole purpose in life is simply to serve as a warning to others.
* Never buy a car you can't push.
* Never put both feet in your mouth at the same time, because then you won't have a leg to stand on.
* Nobody cares if you can't dance well. Just get up and dance.
* Since it's the early worm that gets eaten by the bird, sleep late.
* The second mouse gets the cheese.
* When everything's coming your way, you're in the wrong lane.
* Birthdays are good for you. The more you have, the longer you live.
* You may be only one person in the world, but you may also be the world to one person.
* Some mistakes are too much fun to only make once.
* We could learn a lot from crayons. Some are sharp, some are pretty and some are dull. Some have weird names, and all are different colors, but they all have to live in the same box.
* A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour.
... raised a glass of water and asked, "how heavy is this glass of water?" Answers called out ranged from 20g to 500g. The lecturer replied, "The absolute weight doesn't matter. It depends on how long you try to hold it."
"If I hold it for a minute, that's not a problem. If I hold it for an hour, I'll have an ache in my right arm. If I hold it for a day, you'll have to call an ambulance. "In each case, it's the same weight, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it becomes."
He continued, "And that's the way it is with stress management. If we carry our burdens all the time, sooner or later, as the burden becomes increasingly heavy, we won't be able to carry on."
"As with the glass of water, you have to put it down for a while and rest before holding it again. When we're refreshed, we can carry on with the burden."
"So, before you return home tonight, put the burden of work down. Don't carry it home. You can pick it up tomorrow. Whatever burdens you're carrying now, let them down for a moment if you can."
"Relax; pick them up later after you've rested. Life is short. Enjoy it!"
And then he shared some ways of dealing with the burdens of life:
* Accept that some days you're the pigeon, and some days you're the statue.
* Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them.
* Always read stuff that will make you look good if you die in the middle of it.
* Drive carefully. It's not only cars that can be recalled by their maker.
* If you can't be kind, at least have the decency to be vague.
* If you lend someone $20 and never see that person again, it was probably worth it.
* It may be that your sole purpose in life is simply to serve as a warning to others.
* Never buy a car you can't push.
* Never put both feet in your mouth at the same time, because then you won't have a leg to stand on.
* Nobody cares if you can't dance well. Just get up and dance.
* Since it's the early worm that gets eaten by the bird, sleep late.
* The second mouse gets the cheese.
* When everything's coming your way, you're in the wrong lane.
* Birthdays are good for you. The more you have, the longer you live.
* You may be only one person in the world, but you may also be the world to one person.
* Some mistakes are too much fun to only make once.
* We could learn a lot from crayons. Some are sharp, some are pretty and some are dull. Some have weird names, and all are different colors, but they all have to live in the same box.
* A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour.
Ten Secrets for Success and Inner Peace by Wayne Dyer
The First Secret:
Have a mind that is open to everything and attached to nothing.
The Second Secret:
Don't die with your music still in you.
The Third Secret:
You can't give away what you don't have.
The Fourth Secret:
Embrace silence.
The Fifth Secret:
Give up your personal history.
The Sixth Secret:
You can't solve a problem with the same mind that created it.
The Seventh Secret:
There are no justified resentments.
The Eighth Secret:
Treat yourself as if you already are what you'd like to be.
The Ninth Secret:
Treasure your divinity.
The Tenth Secret:
Wisdom is avoiding all thoughts that weaken you.
by Wayne Dyer
Have a mind that is open to everything and attached to nothing.
The Second Secret:
Don't die with your music still in you.
The Third Secret:
You can't give away what you don't have.
The Fourth Secret:
Embrace silence.
The Fifth Secret:
Give up your personal history.
The Sixth Secret:
You can't solve a problem with the same mind that created it.
The Seventh Secret:
There are no justified resentments.
The Eighth Secret:
Treat yourself as if you already are what you'd like to be.
The Ninth Secret:
Treasure your divinity.
The Tenth Secret:
Wisdom is avoiding all thoughts that weaken you.
by Wayne Dyer
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
