Category: Love Others
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Love in the Deeps…
In a tiny book called “true love,” Thich Nhat Hanh offers a “telephone” meditation to bring harmony into a relationship. In today’s world, perhaps we could call it Texting Meditation or DMing Meditation. His suggestion to wait a few rings before answering a ringing phone traces back to when we didn’t know who might be…
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Mantras Make Things Happen…
Another ELAN Principle is “Make Things Happen.” ELAN, which stands for Elevating Life Attitudes Now, is a self-improvement curriculum I created and facilitated many years ago, but I still rely on the tenets to work on my own “life in progress.” One of the most effective ways to make things happen is to write a…
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Zen Again…
How do you add beauty to your world? A fresh, home-cooked meal, or listening to (even playing) your favorite song? Where have you been surprised by joy? A red geranium in a window box, morning birdsong or a tiny flower sprouting in cracked concrete? Zen is found in quiet moments wrapped in wonder. Turn off…
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Broken Zen…
Time to reread old favorites that promote quiet time, non-judgment, inner calm and a Zen vibe. I so easily allow the scary wide world to poke a talon in the loose weave of my pretend peace. I’m not alone in this state of heightened frenzy over our 24/7 365 four-year cycle of coming together (haha)…
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Pivot…
We think life runs in a straight line. But the dash between a life’s beginning and ending years, as posted on gravestones, is really a rectangular box that, when enlarged, reveals hills and dips and even backward steps of ragged years. Those detours and redirects signify an interesting and engaging life. Many blips in my…
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Music Appreciation…
It is quiet in my office, with only the rustling wind announcing a coming storm. Most writing days are like this, but earlier I had cranked up the volume on a favorite playlist to energize me. Moving to the beat really got me going, until my head was bobbing, even banging. I am so thankful…
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Quote of the Week…
“Don’t let people pull you into their storm. Pull them into your peace.” Pema Chödrön, 1936-
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Word of the Year…
This year I’m adopting a focus word for 2024; one to ground me, spur me on toward an inward or outward goal. I’m trained to be a keen observer. That can translate to deep passion on all sides – love but also judgement, joy but also fear, excitement but also agitation. While seeking signs of…
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Little Drummer Boy/Girl…
While drumming with the Joy of Djembe Drumming Ensemble, I feel peace wash over me as we send harmonious vibrations up and out. I hold visions of all peoples connecting via a common thrum within. A heartbeat. A need for love and connection. Acceptance of all. How glorious that vision. My human mind tells me…
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Enthusiasm…
Miriam Webster defines enthusiasm as “intense and eager enjoyment, interest, or approval.” Plus this archaic, derogatory meaning: “religious fervor supposedly resulting directly from divine inspiration, typically involving speaking in tongues and wild, uncoordinated movements of the body.” The Latin origin is “inspired or possessed by a god.” I recently read a quote comparing enthusiasm to…
