Radical higher care happens when you apply the 3’R’s - Relax, Reframe and Rejoice!
Relax- Let go of expectations, outcome and any need to control
Reframe- Get small so to see what is big. Change your perspective with humility, kindness and patience to see the all sides of whatever comes up. The less it is about the “me” and the more about the “we”, the better. Humbly awaken with a higher or more unified perspective.
Rejoice- celebrate what you can learn. Every moment is a teachable experience to listen, learn and show our gratitude from this experience.
Now there are 5 great ways to feel more alive and well:
1) Be present. Immediately exercise your greatest gift, to simply find joy all that is by just being. Use what you have here and now with creativity and ingenuity. Focus on “newness.”overcoming any greed of “moreness”or arrogance of "otherness".
2) Let go! Begin fresh with nothingness. Everything you need is here. Listen deeply or exercise your “hereness. Less grasping and clinging results in more freeing and being. Unconditional surrender lessens painful circumstances.
3) Balance! Good, and bad go back and forth. All things balance through opposite forces, wealth and poverty to use all the unwanted thing so to awaken out of fears and loves. Accepting what comes us is our life’s challenge
4) Be With. Greet and embrace both disaster and triumph as identical twins. The more can show up to behold our most negative emotions the greater happiness we may discover. Less resistance equates to monumental stress reduction.
5) Heartfelt. Quieting your mind and open yur heart. What has heart and feel the earth. Focus on awakening to treat all things as sacred. People, places and things all interconnect since earth and heart have all exact same letters.
I challenge you to see the benefits of the 3 R's- Relax, Reframe and Rejoice. Being present, letting go, balancing, being with and showing heart compliment the 3'Rs, with greater well being and prosperity!
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Saturday, September 10, 2011
A New Freedom - LOVE
When I remember this moment I celebrate a new freedom. A divine heavenly contact with what is happening right now is my greatest form of love. In any given moment I can expand my heart with the intention of loving kindness and so will benefit by paying attention to what matters most. Or I can remain asleep to the suffering and torment I create by feeding my negative emotions. Can I awaken with exercising greater self compassion?
Having the courage to empty myself of the past and future just to celebrate this presence liberates me from my conditioning. This remembrance also gives me new possibility to full accept our situation without resistance or desire. I have the opportunity to rewire my primal negative response to see a more positive outlook of what is right instead of what is wrong.
Such a state of being shifts my separateness into a oneness to see the interconnection of all things. This process allows greater light is to shine within me. Also this unlocks me from the emotional story that imprisons me so much of my life. I fully awakened when I allow my body sensations to ground me to the “here and now.” Also this allows me to experience my highest truth. As saying goes, “the past is history, the future is a mystery, that is why they call the present a gift.”
So love means to engage with a new momentum all those virtues that benefit you to empty myself by Listening, Observing, Valuing and Enjoying whatever presents itself. Whatever cards are dealt to me, work with not against your hand.
Listening is about hearing at a deep level by pausing and becoming still. I can best awaken by unifying not defying my experience. Listening requires a profound letting go of becoming to just be. Nothing to do, nowhere to go, just see what is true from a new, fresh perspective of what arises and falls in now. Experience the dawn of what arises out of darkness. What will this new sunrise look like since no two are the identical. This leads me to observing.
Observing is the radical act of not judging but seeing from different eyes. What is this experience about? Regardless if it is positive, negative or neutral such inquiry is about being a witness to the mystery. As I observe I find all dreams are real. Hidden in this story I can become more whole by seeing when how I fragment when I judge. Once I get out of this ego feeding behavior I can evolve to a higher awareness of what really is happening, free of rationalizations and other defense mechanisms. Observing is an offensive mechanism to unite me in a higher state of consciousness.
This leads me to what I value or cherish as a sacred or divine. What we deeply value will transform our wants to psychic needs; such transcendence distinguishes us from our primal ape brain to one that sees the unity of all things. Values cultivate virtues which heighten the awareness. This ascension for what we deeply value allowing us to relinquish the drama of wants and desires we have to a self actualization of what really most matters. Observing shifts me to value that I may let go of manifesting results to the act of enjoying whatever presents itself.
Enjoying is simply engaging joy. What brings me the greatest light, love and possibility? Material things may bring me joy for a short time but what deeply sustains me? True enjoyment touch the very core of my being with a sense of peace, harmony. Enjoyment happens when I merge as one or awaken to see my greater connection. Looking into a star filled sky or watching the waves greet the beach are a few of the billions of ways we may enjoy. Beyond the pleasure we become joy by willing to be in that moment with all that is.
LOVE is the ultimate arrival. It is not the journey, however, a process of letting go to what constricts me and allowing my full expanded self. This is freedom to LOVE (Listen, Observe, Value, and Enjoy) may way to be liberated.
.
Having the courage to empty myself of the past and future just to celebrate this presence liberates me from my conditioning. This remembrance also gives me new possibility to full accept our situation without resistance or desire. I have the opportunity to rewire my primal negative response to see a more positive outlook of what is right instead of what is wrong.
Such a state of being shifts my separateness into a oneness to see the interconnection of all things. This process allows greater light is to shine within me. Also this unlocks me from the emotional story that imprisons me so much of my life. I fully awakened when I allow my body sensations to ground me to the “here and now.” Also this allows me to experience my highest truth. As saying goes, “the past is history, the future is a mystery, that is why they call the present a gift.”
So love means to engage with a new momentum all those virtues that benefit you to empty myself by Listening, Observing, Valuing and Enjoying whatever presents itself. Whatever cards are dealt to me, work with not against your hand.
Listening is about hearing at a deep level by pausing and becoming still. I can best awaken by unifying not defying my experience. Listening requires a profound letting go of becoming to just be. Nothing to do, nowhere to go, just see what is true from a new, fresh perspective of what arises and falls in now. Experience the dawn of what arises out of darkness. What will this new sunrise look like since no two are the identical. This leads me to observing.
Observing is the radical act of not judging but seeing from different eyes. What is this experience about? Regardless if it is positive, negative or neutral such inquiry is about being a witness to the mystery. As I observe I find all dreams are real. Hidden in this story I can become more whole by seeing when how I fragment when I judge. Once I get out of this ego feeding behavior I can evolve to a higher awareness of what really is happening, free of rationalizations and other defense mechanisms. Observing is an offensive mechanism to unite me in a higher state of consciousness.
This leads me to what I value or cherish as a sacred or divine. What we deeply value will transform our wants to psychic needs; such transcendence distinguishes us from our primal ape brain to one that sees the unity of all things. Values cultivate virtues which heighten the awareness. This ascension for what we deeply value allowing us to relinquish the drama of wants and desires we have to a self actualization of what really most matters. Observing shifts me to value that I may let go of manifesting results to the act of enjoying whatever presents itself.
Enjoying is simply engaging joy. What brings me the greatest light, love and possibility? Material things may bring me joy for a short time but what deeply sustains me? True enjoyment touch the very core of my being with a sense of peace, harmony. Enjoyment happens when I merge as one or awaken to see my greater connection. Looking into a star filled sky or watching the waves greet the beach are a few of the billions of ways we may enjoy. Beyond the pleasure we become joy by willing to be in that moment with all that is.
LOVE is the ultimate arrival. It is not the journey, however, a process of letting go to what constricts me and allowing my full expanded self. This is freedom to LOVE (Listen, Observe, Value, and Enjoy) may way to be liberated.
.
Friday, August 26, 2011
Despacho
As Hurricane Irene approaches Virginia, I make my blessings to all things. Water, wind and changing weather is symbolic of the living energy that both sustains and changes us. When I show reverence for all things, amazing things happen. Aligning myself with wise earth teachings I touch profoundly what has heart and meaning.
I have recently learned of a wonderful ritual that honors all things called Despacho. This is ancient Peruvian ceremony pays sacred tribute to sending and receiving Earth prayers. This ritual creates a union of our mind, body and spirit as we show our gratitude to our interconnection with all things.
In a Despacho ceremony participants offer their gratitude to Pachamama (Mother Earth) and the Apus (Mountain Spirits). Attendees place prayers of gratitude in their offering. These prayers are then "dispatched" to the Guides and Spirits when the offering is burned or buried by the shaman or ritual leader. This ritual calls bridges the " Seen " with the " Unseen " in order to open to expand awareness and possibility.
This ritual establishes a link between the physical universe, our personal power, our source of our love and wisdom. During this despacho it allows us to transcend our literal and symbolic domains. As we express our appreciation in very beautiful offering bundle. A sequence of items are placed on a flat surface, each representing the dedication of some aspect of life, back to the wholeness. The process itself is an opportunity to reflect for all who participate. As the ceremony progresses, all involved form “kintus”, little groups of three leaves, and, with their own breath, place their prayers and offerings into these, and then add them to the ceremonial bundle.
The despacho gives respect and creates communion with our beloved world. Pachamama, or Mother nature for the closely connected to the group. Inti Tayta, the Sun or the powers of Light,and the guides or guardians of the spirit world who help and provide for the community, the family, the individual person.
Also, these ceremonies may be offered to communicate a specific need: a healing; assistance or other challenging circumstances. Very often a despacho is made for right relationship – among individuals, communities, families, or between man and Nature. The Quechua term is “Ayni”, so this is an “ayni despacho.”
In closing I wish to observe those unrecognized beings that sustain us. It has been recently estimated that roughly 8.7 million living species are life support systems that produces the planet’s air, water, and food. We know next to nothing about 99 percent of those unique species except that many of them are going extinct. May we bow to these beings that bring us life and pray for their survival.
I have recently learned of a wonderful ritual that honors all things called Despacho. This is ancient Peruvian ceremony pays sacred tribute to sending and receiving Earth prayers. This ritual creates a union of our mind, body and spirit as we show our gratitude to our interconnection with all things.
In a Despacho ceremony participants offer their gratitude to Pachamama (Mother Earth) and the Apus (Mountain Spirits). Attendees place prayers of gratitude in their offering. These prayers are then "dispatched" to the Guides and Spirits when the offering is burned or buried by the shaman or ritual leader. This ritual calls bridges the " Seen " with the " Unseen " in order to open to expand awareness and possibility.
This ritual establishes a link between the physical universe, our personal power, our source of our love and wisdom. During this despacho it allows us to transcend our literal and symbolic domains. As we express our appreciation in very beautiful offering bundle. A sequence of items are placed on a flat surface, each representing the dedication of some aspect of life, back to the wholeness. The process itself is an opportunity to reflect for all who participate. As the ceremony progresses, all involved form “kintus”, little groups of three leaves, and, with their own breath, place their prayers and offerings into these, and then add them to the ceremonial bundle.
The despacho gives respect and creates communion with our beloved world. Pachamama, or Mother nature for the closely connected to the group. Inti Tayta, the Sun or the powers of Light,and the guides or guardians of the spirit world who help and provide for the community, the family, the individual person.
Also, these ceremonies may be offered to communicate a specific need: a healing; assistance or other challenging circumstances. Very often a despacho is made for right relationship – among individuals, communities, families, or between man and Nature. The Quechua term is “Ayni”, so this is an “ayni despacho.”
In closing I wish to observe those unrecognized beings that sustain us. It has been recently estimated that roughly 8.7 million living species are life support systems that produces the planet’s air, water, and food. We know next to nothing about 99 percent of those unique species except that many of them are going extinct. May we bow to these beings that bring us life and pray for their survival.
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Taking the Greatest Care
Our deepest fear is that we not inadequate. Our deepest fear is we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. - Marrianne Williamson.
My greatest life challenge is to how to see things as they are so to best take care of myself. There are so many ways I take care of others while I may neglect my very self. Also if I become too excessive and selfish then I become isolated and alone. My freedom is based on more heartfelt to self caring and so I can best be service. The question arises is how to a best balance these two differing scales of being kind to others while also being kind to me?
Understanding how I can best show up versus checking out is what my freedom requires. To fully expand my heart is in question.
My life consists of many patterns and habits. One pattern is I give to much away since I have a worthiness issues. Also I can easily spiral downward when I do not create good boundaries. My inner critic becomes amplified and my shortcomings become I have the opportunity to change my perspective or foster a new attitude. ..
What an invaluable exercise when I get beyond the story of the self. However it is not easy to ignore it, become preoccupied or too busy to cultivate another. My life becomes better aligned when I get out of the deprecating self to a more caring one.
How can I can overcome what I think my sense of the unacceptable allowing me to become more free? To venture in those difficult places can liberate me from the ghosts that haunt me from my past blunders. If I practice forgiveness we gain stimulate increased happiness.
When I remember of my habit of not self caring that I can lessen my suffering. Also this challenges me to embrace the mystery and accept what is happening. What this calls for me is a profound listening to what is true. When I reconnect with my authentic being I find the courage to get out of my habitual roles and the comfort of the familiar. When I shift my “I” identity to welcome the “we” from the ego self I change my own experience.
Remembering to have courage and trust is critical for me in this loving-friendly adventure to see how I can face myself doubt. What patterns can I change and which ones do I accept? Where is the wisdom for this change? Finding support to accept what is and change what I can has bountiful rewards.
By cultivating a greater compassion I can show up and accept thus empowering me to overcome my self-destructive patterns. When I awakened to free myself from my taking care of everyone instead of myself I cultivate the most inclusive and holistic love.
As I increase my self compassion I also increase my courage to act with greater kindness, love and wisdom. Self care takes care so that we can act with the greater reverence in all our life experiences.
So why is caring for the divine self so challenging? It takes self care to fully behold this precious world!
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Champ’s Tribute- Grace, Optimism and Devotion
Your task is not to seek love, but merely to seek and find all the barriers within yourself that you have built against it.”-Rumi
Have you ever won a perfect set? Well Pauline Betz Addie, aka Champ, gave me the confidence to make this once happen. We shared a perfect love set or 24 straight points. Also we shared a the other type of love off the court. Pauline’s game in life was all about excellence. Through focus, practice and preparation she freely excelled herself. Graceful, Optimistic and Devoted were the divine or GOD virtues she bestowed.
Pauline had boundless physical and mental grace. Her ensuing kindness, gentleness and humility complimented her physical poise. Whenever I wish to visualize championship form I would just emulate Pauline’s grace. When things get bad I recall how Pauline would transmute the situation into looking how I can benefit from such difficulty. Finally her devotion to excellence inspired me greater to purposefulness to find explore my divine potential.
Pauline was my beloved friend, teacher, employer, and partner. She gave me the courage to be the beauty I loved by her very presence. We shared a devoted friendship for forty years. She demonstrated to me not for the importance of outcome but the value of a developing the grace of process- cultivating keen concentration.
My greatest fear always has been not using my full potential. Pauline was my Zen Master teaching me the art of living. She showed little distinction between her work and play. Her labor was her leisure. Uniting her mind with her body, her education was her recreation. Pauline’s love and her spirit you could hardly tell which from which. She tapped into excellence in whatever she pursued. All her life you could never tell whether she was working or playing
Pauline was the ultimate optimistic. She always said to me “you never know what bad is” and always made the best out what was given to her. Maybe that is why she so enjoyed playing duplicated bridge transforming bad cards into winning hands. Always she would see good or the silver lining. Her gift was she would transform sow’s ear into a silk purse with whatever presented her. We would go on many a Florida golf trip and laugh and after I would make some horrendous shot and she would always share some positive comment.
Pauline was devoted to so many things. She cared deeply about others and her world. She was always helping those less fortunate either giving them work or loaning them money. When she was given a hotel room she would share it with many other players and even give up the bed and sleep on the floor. She would worked with me at soap kitchens or help me in so many ways. Pauline would recall how she waited tables two days after and worked spooning corn on customer’s plates after winning her first U.S. Forest Hills Title. She was a wholehearted tennis instructor. She loved teaching so much when she came on vacation to visit me in Florida she ended up help teaching my lessons for me.
Her life was filled with both prosperity and setbacks. Pauline enjoyed some of tennis greatest feats while in the last years of her life some of the greatest perils. She exemplified boundless possibility and astounding freedom.Through practice and preparation to what has heart and meaning death comes not as defeat but a triumph to a glorious life. Yes she embodied the If quote as you walk through the doors on Center Court of Wimbledon, “If I can meet with triumph and disaster and treat those two imposters just the same.” Her entire life was based on this theme of taking whatever adversity or honors came her way with evenness and balance. I once joke with her in her 70’s when she was dating Washington most prominent businessman does this mean she was going to stop mopping the courts up with towels when it rained. Of course she did not.
She only cared about being free to excel in new experiences whether it was a late night balancing of the tennis facility books or when she could change the spark plugs on her VW bug. Whether it was, bridge, ping pong, golf, piano, flute, tax preparation, accounting or whatever she endeavored here was a chance for her to compete with herself. She learned it was not so much about overcoming her opponent yet how she could reach her fullest potential.
When I was developing her timeline for the Pauline Betz Addie Center I asked her what was your best match. With her usual grace she responded her 1945 Forest Hills Final loss to Sarah Palfrey Cook. “ I played my best match ever. Sarah was such a terrific and so under rated player who never fully recognized for her incredible talent”. How many champions would give a lost as their best match ever?
Years ago Pauline shared with me that when she was at her highest point of tennis achievement it was a dark and lonely time.
Pauline lead a life just like Jonathan Livingston Seagull. Her speed made her a champion and she was outcast by the flock. She loved to teach beginners and blaze a different trail.
“And the more Jonathan practiced his kindness lessons, and the more he worked the nature of love, the more he wanted to go back the Earth. For in spite of his lonely past, Jonathan Seagull was born as an instructor and he his own way of demonstrating love was to give something of truth that he had seen to a gull who asked only a chance to see truth for himself” .
…”If our friendship depends on things like space and time, then we have finally overcome space and time, we have destroyed our own brotherhood! But overcome space and all we have left is Here. Overcome time, and all we have left is Now. And in the middle of Here and Now, don’t you think we might see each other once or twice?”
Pauline exemplified grace, optimism and devotion. Like Jonathan Livingston Seagull her friends and students CAN FLY! Once in 1943 Tri-State Championship finals Pauline won a perfect love match, no point lost. Yes a perfect love match is freedom. Now whatever stands between our very liberation may be overcome. I believe what Pauline sought both in life and death is what frees us.
Pauline’s death serves to liberate me to what life is all about . What brings you grace, optimism and devotion? Do these virtues free you with a greater sense of possibility? With grace, optimism and devotion I am awakened by Pauline’s death and will always cherish how she exemplified the same liberation during her tribulations and triumphs.
Have you ever won a perfect set? Well Pauline Betz Addie, aka Champ, gave me the confidence to make this once happen. We shared a perfect love set or 24 straight points. Also we shared a the other type of love off the court. Pauline’s game in life was all about excellence. Through focus, practice and preparation she freely excelled herself. Graceful, Optimistic and Devoted were the divine or GOD virtues she bestowed.
Pauline had boundless physical and mental grace. Her ensuing kindness, gentleness and humility complimented her physical poise. Whenever I wish to visualize championship form I would just emulate Pauline’s grace. When things get bad I recall how Pauline would transmute the situation into looking how I can benefit from such difficulty. Finally her devotion to excellence inspired me greater to purposefulness to find explore my divine potential.
Pauline was my beloved friend, teacher, employer, and partner. She gave me the courage to be the beauty I loved by her very presence. We shared a devoted friendship for forty years. She demonstrated to me not for the importance of outcome but the value of a developing the grace of process- cultivating keen concentration.
My greatest fear always has been not using my full potential. Pauline was my Zen Master teaching me the art of living. She showed little distinction between her work and play. Her labor was her leisure. Uniting her mind with her body, her education was her recreation. Pauline’s love and her spirit you could hardly tell which from which. She tapped into excellence in whatever she pursued. All her life you could never tell whether she was working or playing
Pauline was the ultimate optimistic. She always said to me “you never know what bad is” and always made the best out what was given to her. Maybe that is why she so enjoyed playing duplicated bridge transforming bad cards into winning hands. Always she would see good or the silver lining. Her gift was she would transform sow’s ear into a silk purse with whatever presented her. We would go on many a Florida golf trip and laugh and after I would make some horrendous shot and she would always share some positive comment.
Pauline was devoted to so many things. She cared deeply about others and her world. She was always helping those less fortunate either giving them work or loaning them money. When she was given a hotel room she would share it with many other players and even give up the bed and sleep on the floor. She would worked with me at soap kitchens or help me in so many ways. Pauline would recall how she waited tables two days after and worked spooning corn on customer’s plates after winning her first U.S. Forest Hills Title. She was a wholehearted tennis instructor. She loved teaching so much when she came on vacation to visit me in Florida she ended up help teaching my lessons for me.
Her life was filled with both prosperity and setbacks. Pauline enjoyed some of tennis greatest feats while in the last years of her life some of the greatest perils. She exemplified boundless possibility and astounding freedom.Through practice and preparation to what has heart and meaning death comes not as defeat but a triumph to a glorious life. Yes she embodied the If quote as you walk through the doors on Center Court of Wimbledon, “If I can meet with triumph and disaster and treat those two imposters just the same.” Her entire life was based on this theme of taking whatever adversity or honors came her way with evenness and balance. I once joke with her in her 70’s when she was dating Washington most prominent businessman does this mean she was going to stop mopping the courts up with towels when it rained. Of course she did not.
She only cared about being free to excel in new experiences whether it was a late night balancing of the tennis facility books or when she could change the spark plugs on her VW bug. Whether it was, bridge, ping pong, golf, piano, flute, tax preparation, accounting or whatever she endeavored here was a chance for her to compete with herself. She learned it was not so much about overcoming her opponent yet how she could reach her fullest potential.
When I was developing her timeline for the Pauline Betz Addie Center I asked her what was your best match. With her usual grace she responded her 1945 Forest Hills Final loss to Sarah Palfrey Cook. “ I played my best match ever. Sarah was such a terrific and so under rated player who never fully recognized for her incredible talent”. How many champions would give a lost as their best match ever?
Years ago Pauline shared with me that when she was at her highest point of tennis achievement it was a dark and lonely time.
Pauline lead a life just like Jonathan Livingston Seagull. Her speed made her a champion and she was outcast by the flock. She loved to teach beginners and blaze a different trail.
“And the more Jonathan practiced his kindness lessons, and the more he worked the nature of love, the more he wanted to go back the Earth. For in spite of his lonely past, Jonathan Seagull was born as an instructor and he his own way of demonstrating love was to give something of truth that he had seen to a gull who asked only a chance to see truth for himself” .
…”If our friendship depends on things like space and time, then we have finally overcome space and time, we have destroyed our own brotherhood! But overcome space and all we have left is Here. Overcome time, and all we have left is Now. And in the middle of Here and Now, don’t you think we might see each other once or twice?”
Pauline exemplified grace, optimism and devotion. Like Jonathan Livingston Seagull her friends and students CAN FLY! Once in 1943 Tri-State Championship finals Pauline won a perfect love match, no point lost. Yes a perfect love match is freedom. Now whatever stands between our very liberation may be overcome. I believe what Pauline sought both in life and death is what frees us.
Pauline’s death serves to liberate me to what life is all about . What brings you grace, optimism and devotion? Do these virtues free you with a greater sense of possibility? With grace, optimism and devotion I am awakened by Pauline’s death and will always cherish how she exemplified the same liberation during her tribulations and triumphs.
Friday, June 24, 2011
Compassionate Insight
“Only from the heart Can you touch the sky”- Rumi
Rumi is one the best poets who describes love in so many inspiring ways. For example, “let the beauty you love be who you are.” When I look at what deeply touches me it is comes from a heartfelt experience. Also many times I find the reverence beholding each moment as a gift and embracing the wonder of what may possibly arise. This loving friendly mood becomes unifying where I shift out of my ego self into a more emerging sense of oneness. Whether it is taking in of billions of stars late at night or the fellowship of a few close friends speaking about our common shared difficult emotions.
Love is frequently associated with an attachment in diverse emotional, attitudinal, and other feeling states that may cause attraction and other pleasurable senses. Such senses can result in sexual desires, romantic, familial or oneness feelings. Defining these emotional states is challenging and such deeper passion creates a sense of togetherness.
However more profound love transforms my sense of individual self into a more collective consciousness. Compassion may be received or cultivate these feelings of belonging and/or being apart. The type of love I refer to is one that does not separate or creates longing but a state of being held and beholding. Not a form of compassion that is tied or has any possessive qualities yet a state of mind free of expectations or outcome.
Love is an unconditional surrender to the mystery. My insight is comes from the freedom of willingly accepting to be with whatever shows up with compassionate acts of letting go and fully being.
“Your task is not to seek for love, but merely to seek and find all the barriers within yourself that you have built against it.” -Rumi
Rumi is one the best poets who describes love in so many inspiring ways. For example, “let the beauty you love be who you are.” When I look at what deeply touches me it is comes from a heartfelt experience. Also many times I find the reverence beholding each moment as a gift and embracing the wonder of what may possibly arise. This loving friendly mood becomes unifying where I shift out of my ego self into a more emerging sense of oneness. Whether it is taking in of billions of stars late at night or the fellowship of a few close friends speaking about our common shared difficult emotions.
Love is frequently associated with an attachment in diverse emotional, attitudinal, and other feeling states that may cause attraction and other pleasurable senses. Such senses can result in sexual desires, romantic, familial or oneness feelings. Defining these emotional states is challenging and such deeper passion creates a sense of togetherness.
However more profound love transforms my sense of individual self into a more collective consciousness. Compassion may be received or cultivate these feelings of belonging and/or being apart. The type of love I refer to is one that does not separate or creates longing but a state of being held and beholding. Not a form of compassion that is tied or has any possessive qualities yet a state of mind free of expectations or outcome.
Love is an unconditional surrender to the mystery. My insight is comes from the freedom of willingly accepting to be with whatever shows up with compassionate acts of letting go and fully being.
“Your task is not to seek for love, but merely to seek and find all the barriers within yourself that you have built against it.” -Rumi
Friday, April 1, 2011
Deal With a Full Deck
Isn’t this the greatest country? Where else in the world could you get dressed up as a fool and bomb (non violently) on the U.S. Capitol steps with bad jokes? 25 years ago, on April Fool’s Day, I visited my Congresswoman, Connie Morella, dressed up in a court jester costume. As Ray Cycle, I stood on the Capitol steps and proclaimed, "You’re not dealing with a full deck when you throw out the joker out! Recycle Our Nation’s Capital." American you are still so fuelish, Why not lessen our gas guzzling ways and proclaim energy efficiency?
For over 30 years, I have coped with working for the environment in a bureaucratic environment through random and deliberate small acts of humor. When I get too serious, I prefer to laugh rather than cry. I see the difference between a comedy and a tragedy as subtle, but significant-- we can learn from comedy rather than perpetuating a tragic fate. This is why I take refuge in our refuse.
Three decades ago while working at the D.C. Energy Office, I came up with the character of Ray Cycle. My plan was to entertain and promote the value of saving, conservation, thrift—simple good housekeeping. What could be more conservative? Some kids had pictures of baseball players as icons when they were growing up; I had a picture of a crying Indian lamenting the rape of the land. Now, I share the trademarked character of Ray Cycle with the State of Connecticut. Their Ray is a Super Hero; my Ray is just your American joker.
You see, Ray Cycle is always going around being "insightful and mindful". If waste becomes "out of sight and of mind" then the insanity of our blindness impacts future generations. After all, one used oil change improperly disposed of impacts the water supply of fifty people over a period of one year. If you dump it you may have to drink it since what goes around comes around.
Today I will observe that I am a comic not tragic person. Arise rather than fall in love. Let’s transform our waste making by saving our cards for future hands. We have a choice between tragic hard work or comic heart work. Let the humor you love be who you are. Please deal with a full deck. There are thousands of ways to bless ourselves and this earth. Our journey begins with a single awakening laugh.
For over 30 years, I have coped with working for the environment in a bureaucratic environment through random and deliberate small acts of humor. When I get too serious, I prefer to laugh rather than cry. I see the difference between a comedy and a tragedy as subtle, but significant-- we can learn from comedy rather than perpetuating a tragic fate. This is why I take refuge in our refuse.
Three decades ago while working at the D.C. Energy Office, I came up with the character of Ray Cycle. My plan was to entertain and promote the value of saving, conservation, thrift—simple good housekeeping. What could be more conservative? Some kids had pictures of baseball players as icons when they were growing up; I had a picture of a crying Indian lamenting the rape of the land. Now, I share the trademarked character of Ray Cycle with the State of Connecticut. Their Ray is a Super Hero; my Ray is just your American joker.
You see, Ray Cycle is always going around being "insightful and mindful". If waste becomes "out of sight and of mind" then the insanity of our blindness impacts future generations. After all, one used oil change improperly disposed of impacts the water supply of fifty people over a period of one year. If you dump it you may have to drink it since what goes around comes around.
Today I will observe that I am a comic not tragic person. Arise rather than fall in love. Let’s transform our waste making by saving our cards for future hands. We have a choice between tragic hard work or comic heart work. Let the humor you love be who you are. Please deal with a full deck. There are thousands of ways to bless ourselves and this earth. Our journey begins with a single awakening laugh.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Cultivating Virtues from My Vices *
At any present moment I can reframe my vices into virtues. If my mind can be filled with up to three quarters of negative thoughts, then I can transform my curses into blessings. Remembering to use many of the amazing “re” prefix such as “re-defining” is the key—a transformative one—to enter my world of virtue. Better than the three Rs in learning are three Re’s to best go forth with Relax, Reframe, and Rejoice.
I must remember “relax” so that I can exercise my full potential to be here and now. Relaxing with an intentional pause, or simply slowing down, lights my way. Once I lessen my stress, I can expand that other one quarter of my thoughts in positive white light by reframing my vices. Being mindful and remembering, I can rejoice a loving and kind intention that celebrates my whole being. It is only when I pay close attention to my own intention of virtue in relaxing, reframing and rejoicing, will I experience greater freedom from my vices.
Translating Another Five “Re”Words Into Deeds
Complimenting the three Re’s (Relax, Reframe, Rejoice) are another 5 Re’s that help in overcoming my vices and best actualizing my virtues.
Reword in order to speak with virtue. Re-teach the present teachable moment. Re-set clear boundaries. Re-honor through virtuous application. Re-solve by companioning with unity.
• Re-word and empower your virtue by reframing the language of discouragement into encouragement. Acknowledge, guide, correct and be grateful. Speak virtuously.
• Re-teach what is right instead of what is wrong in the present teachable moment.
• Re-set clear boundaries in order to differentiate the subject from the object, the observer from the judges. Reset boundaries.
• Re-honor by integrating virtue in all things through ART: Assertiveness, Respect and Trust. Re-honor by virtuous application.
• Re-solve by offering companionship with compassion and detachment. Understanding and caring can, at any moment, increase your own well being through detachment from negative emotions and cultivation of positive virtue. Re-solve by companioning with unity.
Re-wording can transform language that discourages into language that encourages. In the moment I can empower myself to truly respond, or I can deplete myself and react. Using virtue, I acknowledge, guide, identify needs, correct and thank--thus awakening the best qualities in myself. By changing my language I can perceive a shipwreck as a dream cruise. By diminishing my reactive language, I can increase my own joy. The key to doing that is to virtuously speak. By simply changing places from the judge to the observer, I can truly discern; by willing my inner critic to be my inner creator, and I benefit by becoming stronger, more powerful and more capable. By attributing positive power to my inner language, I transform the world around me. Re-word so to virtuously speak.
Re-teach that every moment offers me the opportunity to grow and learn. There is no greater way to access my full potential than to experience the virtue of peaceful mindfulness in the now. First, acknowledge the gift of being in the moment; second, correct any distraction through focus on the thoughts, words and actions in the present; and third, be grateful for the space to be in the now. Re-teach the present teachable moments.
I create a safe place and Re-set clear boundaries through asserting purity and order. This enables me to keep unwholesome words, thoughts and feeling outside the boundaries. My inner picture is of a safe haven wherein I find love and respect. This gives me a peaceful sense of well-being. Re-setting defined boundaries.
Each new breath invites me to mindfully Re-honor myself with the spirit of virtue in assertion, respect and trust. I strive to assert what is right and true for me in this moment. I recognize my reverence for all beings and all things. I trust in the possibility of what is to come, and I bring my full potential to that which will be. In doing so, I can counter doubt with determination and confidence. Re-honor the spirit of the virtues
Re-solve by offering companionship as I deepen my meditation to alter my vices. I see how all things are interrelated when I reach this point of compassionate detachment. As I deepen my concentration, I develop a profound sense of caring presence. Such understanding heightens my serenity. I empower my senses to become fully aware of what is happening.
When, I invite profound listening and silence in order to be fully receptive and show up to whatever arises, I go to the heart of what is happening. When I have fully emptied myself, this empty container can accept and receive without any judgment.
Further exploration as to all possible open-ended questions helps me best empathize and integrate my situation. What are my feelings, my sensations, my perceptions and other states to focus on?
I reflect on the virtuous answers in response to my feelings. This allows me to find closure and integrate my feelings and thoughts. Finally I acknowledge my virtues with a mirroring statement of affirmation. Re-solve offering companioning with unity.
Being relaxed revitalizes my well being by detaching me from negative emotions and so to cultivate greater virtue. Acknowledging, I reframe and correct my vices in any given moment resulting in an attitude of gratitude. Reflecting upon my virtues is a joyful activity that stimulates me to rejoice. For example when I seek joy rather than desire, I rejoice.
A deep focus on the here and now in the consciousness of virtues shifts me from being identified with my negative thoughts and vices. One scientist estimated that three quarters of our thoughts are unwholesome. For example, reflecting on enthusiasm, unity and the bountiful other virtues, I become free of my negative thoughts. Restlessness gives way to deep peacefulness.
In more difficult times, I may recite virtuous statements of aspirations to overcome adversity. Just saying “May I be filled with peace, love and unity,” or “May I celebrate harmony, possibility and purposefulness” gives me renewed confidence.
There are endless possibilities for me to apply the virtues whether walking, standing, speaking, or lying down. I commit myself to diligence and use of these gifts of character.
Relaxing, reframing and rejoicing allows me to open new doors to growth and learning. There is no greater way to access your full potential then to experience the present virtue of these 3 Re’s. First, acknowledge that any gift of relaxing enables you to best remain present in this moment. Next, I can correct any distraction or sense of being locked out by reframing my inner judge to observe this opportune moment. Finally, I am so grateful for pausing, and remembering my purposefulness. I rejoice to my “now-ness.
The five other strategic Re’s will chart a course of triumph over disaster:
• Re-word so to virtuously speak
• Re-teach the present teachable moment
• Re-set clear boundaries
• Re-honor by integrating virtues; and
• Re-solve by companioning with unity.
ACT with the Re’s. First, I can Acknowledge that relaxing makes more present in this moment. Next, I can Correct any distraction by mindfully reframing these conscious thoughts, words, and actions as they appear. Finally, I can be Thankful for pausing, and rejoice in my “now-ness” and celebrate the loving kindness of this act.
*These words, phrases and ideas were adapted from the Virtues Project™
I must remember “relax” so that I can exercise my full potential to be here and now. Relaxing with an intentional pause, or simply slowing down, lights my way. Once I lessen my stress, I can expand that other one quarter of my thoughts in positive white light by reframing my vices. Being mindful and remembering, I can rejoice a loving and kind intention that celebrates my whole being. It is only when I pay close attention to my own intention of virtue in relaxing, reframing and rejoicing, will I experience greater freedom from my vices.
Translating Another Five “Re”Words Into Deeds
Complimenting the three Re’s (Relax, Reframe, Rejoice) are another 5 Re’s that help in overcoming my vices and best actualizing my virtues.
Reword in order to speak with virtue. Re-teach the present teachable moment. Re-set clear boundaries. Re-honor through virtuous application. Re-solve by companioning with unity.
• Re-word and empower your virtue by reframing the language of discouragement into encouragement. Acknowledge, guide, correct and be grateful. Speak virtuously.
• Re-teach what is right instead of what is wrong in the present teachable moment.
• Re-set clear boundaries in order to differentiate the subject from the object, the observer from the judges. Reset boundaries.
• Re-honor by integrating virtue in all things through ART: Assertiveness, Respect and Trust. Re-honor by virtuous application.
• Re-solve by offering companionship with compassion and detachment. Understanding and caring can, at any moment, increase your own well being through detachment from negative emotions and cultivation of positive virtue. Re-solve by companioning with unity.
Re-wording can transform language that discourages into language that encourages. In the moment I can empower myself to truly respond, or I can deplete myself and react. Using virtue, I acknowledge, guide, identify needs, correct and thank--thus awakening the best qualities in myself. By changing my language I can perceive a shipwreck as a dream cruise. By diminishing my reactive language, I can increase my own joy. The key to doing that is to virtuously speak. By simply changing places from the judge to the observer, I can truly discern; by willing my inner critic to be my inner creator, and I benefit by becoming stronger, more powerful and more capable. By attributing positive power to my inner language, I transform the world around me. Re-word so to virtuously speak.
Re-teach that every moment offers me the opportunity to grow and learn. There is no greater way to access my full potential than to experience the virtue of peaceful mindfulness in the now. First, acknowledge the gift of being in the moment; second, correct any distraction through focus on the thoughts, words and actions in the present; and third, be grateful for the space to be in the now. Re-teach the present teachable moments.
I create a safe place and Re-set clear boundaries through asserting purity and order. This enables me to keep unwholesome words, thoughts and feeling outside the boundaries. My inner picture is of a safe haven wherein I find love and respect. This gives me a peaceful sense of well-being. Re-setting defined boundaries.
Each new breath invites me to mindfully Re-honor myself with the spirit of virtue in assertion, respect and trust. I strive to assert what is right and true for me in this moment. I recognize my reverence for all beings and all things. I trust in the possibility of what is to come, and I bring my full potential to that which will be. In doing so, I can counter doubt with determination and confidence. Re-honor the spirit of the virtues
Re-solve by offering companionship as I deepen my meditation to alter my vices. I see how all things are interrelated when I reach this point of compassionate detachment. As I deepen my concentration, I develop a profound sense of caring presence. Such understanding heightens my serenity. I empower my senses to become fully aware of what is happening.
When, I invite profound listening and silence in order to be fully receptive and show up to whatever arises, I go to the heart of what is happening. When I have fully emptied myself, this empty container can accept and receive without any judgment.
Further exploration as to all possible open-ended questions helps me best empathize and integrate my situation. What are my feelings, my sensations, my perceptions and other states to focus on?
I reflect on the virtuous answers in response to my feelings. This allows me to find closure and integrate my feelings and thoughts. Finally I acknowledge my virtues with a mirroring statement of affirmation. Re-solve offering companioning with unity.
Being relaxed revitalizes my well being by detaching me from negative emotions and so to cultivate greater virtue. Acknowledging, I reframe and correct my vices in any given moment resulting in an attitude of gratitude. Reflecting upon my virtues is a joyful activity that stimulates me to rejoice. For example when I seek joy rather than desire, I rejoice.
A deep focus on the here and now in the consciousness of virtues shifts me from being identified with my negative thoughts and vices. One scientist estimated that three quarters of our thoughts are unwholesome. For example, reflecting on enthusiasm, unity and the bountiful other virtues, I become free of my negative thoughts. Restlessness gives way to deep peacefulness.
In more difficult times, I may recite virtuous statements of aspirations to overcome adversity. Just saying “May I be filled with peace, love and unity,” or “May I celebrate harmony, possibility and purposefulness” gives me renewed confidence.
There are endless possibilities for me to apply the virtues whether walking, standing, speaking, or lying down. I commit myself to diligence and use of these gifts of character.
Relaxing, reframing and rejoicing allows me to open new doors to growth and learning. There is no greater way to access your full potential then to experience the present virtue of these 3 Re’s. First, acknowledge that any gift of relaxing enables you to best remain present in this moment. Next, I can correct any distraction or sense of being locked out by reframing my inner judge to observe this opportune moment. Finally, I am so grateful for pausing, and remembering my purposefulness. I rejoice to my “now-ness.
The five other strategic Re’s will chart a course of triumph over disaster:
• Re-word so to virtuously speak
• Re-teach the present teachable moment
• Re-set clear boundaries
• Re-honor by integrating virtues; and
• Re-solve by companioning with unity.
ACT with the Re’s. First, I can Acknowledge that relaxing makes more present in this moment. Next, I can Correct any distraction by mindfully reframing these conscious thoughts, words, and actions as they appear. Finally, I can be Thankful for pausing, and rejoice in my “now-ness” and celebrate the loving kindness of this act.
*These words, phrases and ideas were adapted from the Virtues Project™
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Liberating My WOW
If you bring forth what is within in, what is within you will save you. If you do not bring forth what is within you, what is within you will destroy you- Jesus
My spirit can entertain a new WOW. Willingness, Openness and Wonder are now the WOW, I venture forth to uncover. Over the years I have developed certain patterns that hampered me from entering into new experiences and fully exercising my fullest potential. Some of my unskillful habits have dulled my talents, and created a mental staleness. How can I best overcome this sense of being stuck and cultivate my natural gifts? Only tapping, devotion, determination, creativity and most importantly a new will I may fully become my authentic self.
I’ve noticed that without venturing beyond my static mind set and taking a chance in exercising my sense of aliveness, my very being can become limited. Cultivating risk, and exploring new juicy possibilities of I can unlock me from certain pernicious routines. Rituals help me find a new discipline to celebrate what is most sacred. If I can change my inertia through renunciation and sacrifice, I can see deeper what is true.
There are bountiful ways I can overcome my faults. Receiving assistance from all possible allies will help me in the right direction to find my soulful purpose. Only when I transform myself can I change the outer world.
I feel inspired when I shift from my sorrow to joy. What splendor arises when I transform my vices into virtues? Not a sunset yet a sunrise when I emulate a noble, ideal being. Also I then lessen distraction, doubt and other petty hindrances. Emotionally I can free myself from being so concerned about what others think, so to fully concentrate on what is the heart of the matter to me. Finally, when I fully focus on my physical obligations then I will have the basis to the greatest possible choice and acceptance of whatever arises. Now I wish to wake out of my nightmare of self aversion to a more fully responsible awareness.
When I play the role of an artist I can break past any limitation, old story, or delusions. I can experience a more profound life by re-introducing myself to greater harmony and self alignment. May I observe within and around me of the abundant light, love and laughter. Knowing that in uniting my mind with my virtue, I tap into a plethora of energy within my soul.
In the present is my opportunity time to find my deepest inner power. Negative states allow me a process to see how all things come and go. Everything breaks up and as earthly things die new seeds are born. Accepting this fact unchains me a new compassion to see the “yes” and be with it all. From denigration I see new possibilities. Also such insight of physical destruction of life’s fragility best rounds my perspective. When I take a more fluid and comedic view of my situation, I can best observe my mortality with a balanced distance.
Now I call upon the universe a new dance step, celebrating play. Such recreation brings meaning since it says “yes” to life. Play allows me to live in the joy amidst my world of sorrow. Creativity allows me to align my life by cleaning the inner house. Such housekeeping is about using simply what I have here and now for the better instead of worse. This purification is about letting go of my old baggage and allowing in that which wishes to be addressed. Through the sea saw of pain and pleasure, I play with the middle as to balance my fullest sense of this wow. Only my choices resulting in action will determine my gain or lost is this mysterious time of precious experience. Willingness, openness and wonder are now the Wow I venture forth to uncover.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Cultivating My Virtues *
What are my present-moment virtues? Will I simply be locked in a dark, tiny room within my negative mind? My “here-ness” is the key—a transformative one—to enter my world of virtue.
I must remember my “now-ness” as it is in doing that that I can exercise my full potential to be here and now. Relaxing with an intentional pause, or simply slowing down, lights the way. In the act of being mindful or of remembering, I can celebrate a loving and kind intention that enhances my own well being. Eventually to embody and to excel, I can cherish the unity of all things.
It is only when I pay close attention to my own intention of virtue, will I be free. I pray to be authentic, to be trusting, gentle, determined, patient, kind, courageous and bountiful. In that I trust that I will reap the treasure of grace.
Translating Five “R”Words Into Deeds
Reword in order to speak with virtue. Recognize the present teachable moment. Reset clear boundaries. Re-honor through virtuous application. Re-solve by companioning with unity.
• Reword and empower your virtue by reframing the language of discouragement into the language of inspiration. Acknowledge, guide, correct and be grateful. Speak virtuously.
• Recognize the blessing by illuminating what is right instead of what is wrong in the present teachable moment.
• Reset clear boundaries in order to differ the subject from the object, the observer from the judges, the intention from the attention. Reset boundaries.
• Re-honor by integrating virtue in all things through assertiveness, respect and trust. Re-honor by virtuous application.
• Re-solve by offering companionship with compassion and detachment. Understanding and caring can, at any moment, increase your own well being through detachment from negative emotions and cultivation of positive virtue. Resolve by companioning with unity.
Rewording can transform language that discourages to language that encourages. In the moment I can empower myself to truly respond or I can deplete myself and react. Using virtue, I acknowledge, guide, identify needs, correct and thank--thus awakening the best qualities in myself. By changing my language I can consider a shipwreck as a dream cruise. By diminishing my reactive language, I can increase my own joy. The key to doing that is to virtuously speak. By simply changing places from the judge to the observer, I can truly discern; by willing my inner critic to be my inner creator, I benefit by becoming stronger, more powerful and more capable. By attributing positive power to my inner language, I transform the world around me. Reword so to virtuously speak.
Recognize that every moment offers me the opportunity to grow and learn. There is no greater way to access my full potential than to experience the virtue of peaceful mindfulness in the now. First, acknowledge the gift of being in the moment; second, correct any distraction through focus on the thoughts, words and actions in the present; and third, be grateful for the space to be in the now. Recognize the present teachable moments.
I create a safe place and Reset clear boundaries through asserting purity and order. This enables me to keep unwholesome words, thoughts and feeling outside the boundaries. My inner picture is of a safe haven wherein I find love and respect. This gives me a peaceful sense of well-being. Re-setting defined boundaries.
Each new breath invites me to mindfully Re-honor myself with the spirit of virtue in assertion, respect and trust. I strive to assert what is right and true for me in this moment. I recognize my reverence for all beings and all things. I trust in the possibility of what is to come, and I bring my full potential to that which will be. In doing so, I can counter doubt with determination and confidence. Re-honor the spirit of the virtues
Resolve I companion as I deepen my meditation. I see how all things are interrelated when I reach this point of compassionate detachment. As I deepen my concentration, I develop a profound sense of caring presence. Such understanding heightens my serenity. I empower my senses to become fully aware of what is happening.
Next, I invite profound listening and silence in order to be fully receptive and show up to whatever arises. I go to the heart of what is happening. When I have fully emptied myself, this empty container can accept and receive without any judgment.
Further exploration as to all possible open-ended questions helps me best empathize and integrate my situation. What are my feelings, my sensations, my perceptions and other states to focus on?
I reflect on the virtuous answers in response to my feelings. This allows me to find closure and integrate my feelings and thoughts. Finally I acknowledge my virtues with a mirroring statement of affirmation. Re-solve offering companioning with unity.
Meditating upon my virtues is a joyful activity that stimulates my present purposefulness. Being mindful and attentive stimulates countless peaceful techniques and revitalizes loving kindness in any moment. When I remember in any given moment, I can revitalize my well being by detaching from negative emotions and cultivating virtue.
For example when I seek joy rather than desire, I embody joy. As I meditate, I energize my senses by reframing how I hear, speak and act with virtue. Acknowledging and remembering in order to reframe, I correct my mindlessness in any given moment resulting in an attitude of gratitude.
A deep focus on the here and now in the consciousness of virtues shifts me from being identified with my negative thoughts and anxieties. Some scientist estimated that three quarters of our thoughts are unwholesome. For example reflecting on enthusiasm, unity and the bountiful other virtues, I become free of my negative thoughts. Restlessness gives way to deep peacefulness.
In more difficult times, I may recite virtuous statements of aspirations to overcome adversity. Just saying “May I be filled with peace, love and unity,” or “May I celebrate harmony, possibility and purposefulness” gives me renewed confidence.
There are endless possibilities for me to apply the virtues whether walking, standing, speaking, or lying down. I commit myself to diligence and use of these gifts of character. I can open the door to new growth and learning. There is no greater way to access your full potential then to experience the present virtue of peaceful mindfulness. First, acknowledge any gift of character while remaining present in this moment. Next, I can correct any distraction or sense of being locked out by fully arriving with this opportunity. Finally, I am so grateful for pausing, and remembering my purposefulness thanks to my “now-ness.
• Reword so to virtuously speak
• Recognize the present teachable moment
• Reset clear boundaries
• Re-honor by integrating virtues; and
• Re-solve by companioning with unity.
ACT with Tact for me is an insightful meditation experience. First, I can Acknowledge any of my gifts of character while remaining present in this moment. Next, I can Correct any distraction by mindfully reflecting on these conscious thoughts, words, and actions as they appear. Finally, I can be Thankful for pausing, and remembering my purposefulness with my “now-ness and celebrating the loving kindness of this act.
*These words, phrases and ideas were adapted from the Virtues Project™
Everything has been thought of before, the question is how to constantly remember your virtue now - Rob Arner
Cultivate Virtue in yourself, and Virtues will be real.
Cultivate Virtue in the family, and Virtue will flourish.
Cultivate Virtue in the village, and Virtues will spread.
Cultivate Virtue in the nation, and Virtues will be abundant.
Cultivate Virtue in the world, and Virtues will triumph - Lao Tzu
I must remember my “now-ness” as it is in doing that that I can exercise my full potential to be here and now. Relaxing with an intentional pause, or simply slowing down, lights the way. In the act of being mindful or of remembering, I can celebrate a loving and kind intention that enhances my own well being. Eventually to embody and to excel, I can cherish the unity of all things.
It is only when I pay close attention to my own intention of virtue, will I be free. I pray to be authentic, to be trusting, gentle, determined, patient, kind, courageous and bountiful. In that I trust that I will reap the treasure of grace.
Translating Five “R”Words Into Deeds
Reword in order to speak with virtue. Recognize the present teachable moment. Reset clear boundaries. Re-honor through virtuous application. Re-solve by companioning with unity.
• Reword and empower your virtue by reframing the language of discouragement into the language of inspiration. Acknowledge, guide, correct and be grateful. Speak virtuously.
• Recognize the blessing by illuminating what is right instead of what is wrong in the present teachable moment.
• Reset clear boundaries in order to differ the subject from the object, the observer from the judges, the intention from the attention. Reset boundaries.
• Re-honor by integrating virtue in all things through assertiveness, respect and trust. Re-honor by virtuous application.
• Re-solve by offering companionship with compassion and detachment. Understanding and caring can, at any moment, increase your own well being through detachment from negative emotions and cultivation of positive virtue. Resolve by companioning with unity.
Rewording can transform language that discourages to language that encourages. In the moment I can empower myself to truly respond or I can deplete myself and react. Using virtue, I acknowledge, guide, identify needs, correct and thank--thus awakening the best qualities in myself. By changing my language I can consider a shipwreck as a dream cruise. By diminishing my reactive language, I can increase my own joy. The key to doing that is to virtuously speak. By simply changing places from the judge to the observer, I can truly discern; by willing my inner critic to be my inner creator, I benefit by becoming stronger, more powerful and more capable. By attributing positive power to my inner language, I transform the world around me. Reword so to virtuously speak.
Recognize that every moment offers me the opportunity to grow and learn. There is no greater way to access my full potential than to experience the virtue of peaceful mindfulness in the now. First, acknowledge the gift of being in the moment; second, correct any distraction through focus on the thoughts, words and actions in the present; and third, be grateful for the space to be in the now. Recognize the present teachable moments.
I create a safe place and Reset clear boundaries through asserting purity and order. This enables me to keep unwholesome words, thoughts and feeling outside the boundaries. My inner picture is of a safe haven wherein I find love and respect. This gives me a peaceful sense of well-being. Re-setting defined boundaries.
Each new breath invites me to mindfully Re-honor myself with the spirit of virtue in assertion, respect and trust. I strive to assert what is right and true for me in this moment. I recognize my reverence for all beings and all things. I trust in the possibility of what is to come, and I bring my full potential to that which will be. In doing so, I can counter doubt with determination and confidence. Re-honor the spirit of the virtues
Resolve I companion as I deepen my meditation. I see how all things are interrelated when I reach this point of compassionate detachment. As I deepen my concentration, I develop a profound sense of caring presence. Such understanding heightens my serenity. I empower my senses to become fully aware of what is happening.
Next, I invite profound listening and silence in order to be fully receptive and show up to whatever arises. I go to the heart of what is happening. When I have fully emptied myself, this empty container can accept and receive without any judgment.
Further exploration as to all possible open-ended questions helps me best empathize and integrate my situation. What are my feelings, my sensations, my perceptions and other states to focus on?
I reflect on the virtuous answers in response to my feelings. This allows me to find closure and integrate my feelings and thoughts. Finally I acknowledge my virtues with a mirroring statement of affirmation. Re-solve offering companioning with unity.
Meditating upon my virtues is a joyful activity that stimulates my present purposefulness. Being mindful and attentive stimulates countless peaceful techniques and revitalizes loving kindness in any moment. When I remember in any given moment, I can revitalize my well being by detaching from negative emotions and cultivating virtue.
For example when I seek joy rather than desire, I embody joy. As I meditate, I energize my senses by reframing how I hear, speak and act with virtue. Acknowledging and remembering in order to reframe, I correct my mindlessness in any given moment resulting in an attitude of gratitude.
A deep focus on the here and now in the consciousness of virtues shifts me from being identified with my negative thoughts and anxieties. Some scientist estimated that three quarters of our thoughts are unwholesome. For example reflecting on enthusiasm, unity and the bountiful other virtues, I become free of my negative thoughts. Restlessness gives way to deep peacefulness.
In more difficult times, I may recite virtuous statements of aspirations to overcome adversity. Just saying “May I be filled with peace, love and unity,” or “May I celebrate harmony, possibility and purposefulness” gives me renewed confidence.
There are endless possibilities for me to apply the virtues whether walking, standing, speaking, or lying down. I commit myself to diligence and use of these gifts of character. I can open the door to new growth and learning. There is no greater way to access your full potential then to experience the present virtue of peaceful mindfulness. First, acknowledge any gift of character while remaining present in this moment. Next, I can correct any distraction or sense of being locked out by fully arriving with this opportunity. Finally, I am so grateful for pausing, and remembering my purposefulness thanks to my “now-ness.
• Reword so to virtuously speak
• Recognize the present teachable moment
• Reset clear boundaries
• Re-honor by integrating virtues; and
• Re-solve by companioning with unity.
ACT with Tact for me is an insightful meditation experience. First, I can Acknowledge any of my gifts of character while remaining present in this moment. Next, I can Correct any distraction by mindfully reflecting on these conscious thoughts, words, and actions as they appear. Finally, I can be Thankful for pausing, and remembering my purposefulness with my “now-ness and celebrating the loving kindness of this act.
*These words, phrases and ideas were adapted from the Virtues Project™
Everything has been thought of before, the question is how to constantly remember your virtue now - Rob Arner
Cultivate Virtue in yourself, and Virtues will be real.
Cultivate Virtue in the family, and Virtue will flourish.
Cultivate Virtue in the village, and Virtues will spread.
Cultivate Virtue in the nation, and Virtues will be abundant.
Cultivate Virtue in the world, and Virtues will triumph - Lao Tzu
Monday, January 10, 2011
Here-nesss with my Heart
When I listen to my heart it creates “Here-ness”. This is a radical way to exercise self love. There are many diverse ways for me to explore this compassionate place. When I quiet my mind, and listen to my heartbeat I cultivate this priceless experience. This is a sacred gift I give to myself.
As I explore the nature of my love my mental phenomenon becomes better understood. This sense of genuine inquiry becomes clear when I judge less. Also being more gentle and friendly increases this special way of “being.”
Recognizing, or noticing the sensations in my heart allows me to test my courage. Can I open myself to experience without any judgment, resistance or grasping? The essence of is to realize how my compassion can open greater awareness.
Today my world is busy, reactive and always on the move. However, there are many helpful relaxation and loving kindness skills to allow me to arrive here and now. Such skills can quiet my mind, get me to remember this moment and allow me to cultivate greater stillness. Allowing myself to “be” instead of “becoming” I can let go of all my “doings” and simply rest in whatever is happening in the present. When I discover what is happening now I awaken. When there is no controlling I can let life be just as it is. This helps me best take care of myself. Also I experience both clarity and insights and discover greater truths when I pay attention to my heart. Such presence results in a calm and collected mind, aware with an open heart.
Experiencing this state of loving kindness allows me to best show up to what is present. Yes, this presence is a present. Also I can explore greater freedom by seeing whatever arises and not being so attached to what comes up. Being more openhearted, and sincere allows me find greater wholeness and liberation. When I become more gentle, loving and friendly to what arises - be it pleasant sensations or fear, peacefulness or confusion, then I can fully celebrate the moment as a gift to myself. This heartfilled meditation cultivates self compassion, friendliness and kindness- providing me with the tools to best address my inner and outer world.
As I explore the nature of my love my mental phenomenon becomes better understood. This sense of genuine inquiry becomes clear when I judge less. Also being more gentle and friendly increases this special way of “being.”
Recognizing, or noticing the sensations in my heart allows me to test my courage. Can I open myself to experience without any judgment, resistance or grasping? The essence of is to realize how my compassion can open greater awareness.
Today my world is busy, reactive and always on the move. However, there are many helpful relaxation and loving kindness skills to allow me to arrive here and now. Such skills can quiet my mind, get me to remember this moment and allow me to cultivate greater stillness. Allowing myself to “be” instead of “becoming” I can let go of all my “doings” and simply rest in whatever is happening in the present. When I discover what is happening now I awaken. When there is no controlling I can let life be just as it is. This helps me best take care of myself. Also I experience both clarity and insights and discover greater truths when I pay attention to my heart. Such presence results in a calm and collected mind, aware with an open heart.
Experiencing this state of loving kindness allows me to best show up to what is present. Yes, this presence is a present. Also I can explore greater freedom by seeing whatever arises and not being so attached to what comes up. Being more openhearted, and sincere allows me find greater wholeness and liberation. When I become more gentle, loving and friendly to what arises - be it pleasant sensations or fear, peacefulness or confusion, then I can fully celebrate the moment as a gift to myself. This heartfilled meditation cultivates self compassion, friendliness and kindness- providing me with the tools to best address my inner and outer world.
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