All small things have a place on this earth.
CHECK IT OUT
See the bliss that surrounds your day
Wake up and realize it is time to play
The universe
Will show you how
But you must
Wake up and live in the now
Forget about the past,
And the illusions
They keep you at bay
They’ll stifle your senses
Where you’ll have no imagination
To find your way
Ascend into the new
In that moment,
You’ll be living
Through freedom
Like the birds and the bees
And knowing your truth
Is what will keep you smiling…
Happily.
© Doris Ann Bridgehouse
Understand yourself, and then you'll understand others.
DEATH
What seemed to be going smoothly
Turned into a betrayal
How can I preserve our relationship
When the inner and other shell
Of our existence is broken
My emotions flow in an endless turmoil
Of what was and what is
And as I try to understand
Life’s complexities
I know I must face the fact…
The past cannot meet in the middle
I accept the death of the old
And I absorb all of it
To honor our days when there was light
Slowly my sadness wanes
And
As I feel the wings of change
Tug at my heart
Nudging me toward
New experiences
I can revere
The completeness of now.
Doris Ann Bridgehouse
What seemed to be going smoothly
Turned into a betrayal
How can I preserve our relationship
When the inner and other shell
Of our existence is broken
My emotions flow in an endless turmoil
Of what was and what is
And as I try to understand
Life’s complexities
I know I must face the fact…
The past cannot meet in the middle
I accept the death of the old
And I absorb all of it
To honor our days when there was light
Slowly my sadness wanes
And
As I feel the wings of change
Tug at my heart
Nudging me toward
New experiences
I can revere
The completeness of now.
Doris Ann Bridgehouse
COMMUNITY
KEY TO THIS MONTH
DAILY INSIGHTS AND THINGS WE SHOULD THINK ABOUT...
This is the month to ask the right questions and then LISTEN! Subtle positive changes wisp through the air. Any energy someone puts toward a positive outcome can triple in positivity. On the other hand, those who wish to use others or skirt the truth will have to pay for their indiscretions down the line. This is a time to be real and show your true feelings even though you may have hesitated in the past because of something that happened. That was then this is now. For those who are middle aged or older may have something wonderful happen. Something he or she thought was impossible. When communication goes awry, there is a chance to regroup. This can only happen when the truth is the formal backing. Otherwise, there can be a turn for the worse.
DAILY INSIGHTS AND THINGS WE SHOULD THINK ABOUT...
Join society such as clubs or classes. The task will put you in the middle of a new circle. A circle you have been waiting for.
FOR FUTURE REFERENCE:
It's time to delve into topics of interest. Know matter if you think it may not be worth your while. Learning something new makes you more curious and energetic.
DAILY INSIGHTS AND THINGS WE SHOULD THINK ABOUT...
Your body language is a strong tell.
NEW CATEGORY:
KINDRED CONNECTIONS AND INSIGHTS
IT’S ALL IN THE MOMENT
Some people live a lifetime in a moment. Others may take a lifetime to understand a moment. This is a choice. Yet some of us are already limited by our ability to move forward. Relationships are like that. If one partner is stagnant, for instant holding back (the reason is irrelevant) there is a glitch in their wheel of life. That glitch belongs to them.
There is always movement whether we notice it or not. In truth, nothing stays the same. Even though a person may feel everything is the same.
Can a relationship fall apart? Yes…this is clear. The break happens when the person who feels she or she is left behind becomes jealous or manipulative and tries to force their mate to be the same person they think that person should be. It cannot be done. Know one can go back. Everything in life has a forward movement. It’s nature’s way.
Therefore, through time, all relationships will change. It is inevitable. What keeps relationships together? It is an adjustment to an individual’s growth. If one is truly connected, I wouldn’t matter if one person’s level of development rose another level.
THE JACK IN THE BOX SYNDRONE
JACK IN THE BOX SYNDROME While meditating I had an epiphany. For those of you who may not know what jack-in-the-box is, it’s a children’s toy that outwardly consists of a music box crank. When the crank is turned, a music box mechanism in the toy plays a melody of “pop goes the weasel.” When it is time, the jack-in-the-box suddenly pops out. It is a scary clown-looking face with a smile that is sort of sinister.
Okay…moving forward. Most of us live our lives as though we are turning the crank of a music box. We seem mesmerized with a quirky anticipation of knowing what is going to happen, but we keep cranking that crank. Oh...until the surprise comes. Then we’re either scared of the results, or in a slump thinking is that all there is. People that live this way are on a permanent roller coaster. THINK… do you have the jack-in-the-box syndrome? Or would you rather take a step and listen to your spirt who will always put you on the right track.
INTUTITION, KNOWING AND NOT KNOWING
With a knowing you have a keen discernment and astuteness.
There is a safe silence, an openness, and a willingness
to accept an answer. How do you know you are receiving a
knowing answer versus an answer based on your ego? A
knowing moment is void of space and time. The experience
is alive and fresh with a freeing movement. It is a driven
force and does not hold itself back.
If you are uncomfortable or worry about making a
mistake, you will never have a knowing. A knowing may
not always make sense, but if you wait, time will prove your
knowing was correct. A knowing decision has nothing to
do with friends, family, or opinions. You are the keeper of
the knowing moment. It is a private experience; it is right
for you. A knowing is part of a normal human experience.
Never allow someone else’s criticisms to diminish what you
know.
Example 1: knowing and a Surprise
Beth’s Aunt Valerie passed away and bequeathed an
heirloom broach to her cousin Sandra. On Beth’s birthday,
Sandra gave Beth the broach. Beth felt embarrassed accepting
the broach—it was significantly valuable. Shyly she
suggested Sandra should sell the broach.
Sandra made it clear to Beth she would never think of
selling the broach since it meant so much to her aunt. And
she truly wanted her to have it. Sandra told Beth every moment
she saw her wearing the broach she would think of
Aunt Valerie.
Beth felt overwhelmed by Sandra’s generosity. A secret
part of her thought she would be indebted to Sandra forever.
Yet she could feel Sandra’s sincerity. Beth took a deep
breath. She searched within without preconceiving an idea
or thought—suddenly she had a knowing.
She said, “Thank you, Sandra, for the gracious gift. I
will always treasure the broach, but mostly your thoughtfulness.”
This new experience will add a deep dimension to both
Beth’s and Sandra relationship.
Example 2: Knowing, Dismissing uncomfortable feelings
Let us suppose a person named Mike is having difficulties
with his living arrangements. You volunteer to help
and invited him to move into your apartment—temporarily--
until he can find permanent lodgings. Before
Mike becomes part of your household you mention he has
to pay for his half of the utilities and purchase his food.
When the utility bills arrived, Mike was not receptive.
He told you he could not afford to pay his share. You firmly
explained that you do not have the means to support him. He
insists he will borrow the money from his friend Carol.
The next day, Mike explains that Carol will give him the money
by the end of the week. He begs you to be patient.
He looked you square in the eye with sincerity. He said,
“You will receive your money.”
Your knowing tells you Mike is not being forthright.
But you decide to dismiss your feelings and give into Mike’s
request. Unfortunately, in the middle of the week—while
you were at work—Mike stole your jewelry, ipod, DVD, and
television set.
Some people are moochers. They are not anyone’s
friends. Being kind and generous is fulfilling, but one must
be cautious. Before you allow someone into your home,
make sure he or she can be trusted. I find when the red flag
feeling presents itself there is always more to a story than
initially presented. Listen to your spirit and consider your
knowing as a warning sign. Do your best not to become a
victim.
Example 3: knowing, ignoring the alarm
I heard this example from a friend. A man and a
Woman met on an Internet dating site. Very quickly the relationship
bloomed. The man quit his seven-year engineering
job and followed his new love to another state.
After a few weeks of living together he pressured her into
marrying him. Something in her heart told her they were
moving too quickly. But even though she felt uncomfortable,
she married him anyway.
Four months into their marriage she knew she made a
mistake. He has cheated on her, he does not have a job,
and—on top of that—he has bad credit. She wants out of
the marriage. He is trying to emotionally blackmail her
into giving him half the worth of her home or else he will
contest the divorce.
This woman bears the responsibility for entering into
a union before she had enough information to make a clear
decision. It is time she saved herself before she loses more
ground. In this critical situation, I suggested she call a
lawyer and ask about her rights.
Example 3: Not Knowing, Too trusting
In a grocery store line, two friends had an intense conversation.
One friend mentioned he was robbed. He spoke
since it was the summertime, he thought it would be fun
to entertain his business colleagues on his boat. Before anyone
boarded, he placed his grandfather’s antique Rolex
watch on his bedroom nightstand. Needless to say, someone
took his watch—it is irreplaceable. He said he could
not image who could have taken it. He trusted everyone.
Again, if anyone has a group of people in their home
or otherwise, they should display caution. Sometimes,
under the right circumstance, people will do things out of
character. Why take the chance—be prepared.
Example 4: Not knowing, camouflaging emotions
I heard a story many years ago that went something
like this. A young child notices a wounded poisonous snake
lying on the ground. The snake pleads with her; help me
get my health back to normal.
The child said, “Will you bite me when you recover
from your injury?”
The snake quickly replied, “Of course not, I appreciate
you caring for me.”
The child showed her friends the beautiful snake. They
could not believe how kind he was and how readily he
played with them.
One day the snake told the child he had recovered
from his wounds. He was homesick and he wanted her to
take him into the deep forest. The child agreed to help him.
She reminded him he was not to bite her.
Throughout the journey the child walked anxiously
into the deep forest. Abruptly, the snake asked the child to
stop—he was home. As the child started to place the snake
on the ground, he bit her hand. The child screamed in pain.
She anticipated her sure death.
Sobbing she asked the snake, “Why after all I have
done for you did you renege on your promise?”
The snake simply answered, “I am what I am.”
Only through living in the present can one understand
the circumstances in one’s surroundings. Note every time
you are in a precarious situation—use scrutiny. Always
consider the source. Some people play on one’s sympathies
to camouflage their true motives. Anytime you are helping
someone because you feel sorry for him or her that is not
a knowing.
WISDOM
Wisdom is a way of life where courage and confidentiality
prevail. It does not allow anyone to sidestep an uncomfortable
situation or expect applause or admiration. Wise
people usually do not become frantic about their upheavals.
They are flexible under the most outrageous circumstances.
Yes, they may feel bewildered by life’s
disappointments or an unforeseen tragedy, but they usually
keep their wits about them. They prepare for the unexpected
and make a conscious effort to let go of their
dogmatic tendencies.
Wise people know they are responsible for their own
lives. They do not blame others for their hardships. They
practice clarity. They balance their lives with love and kindness.
They are good listeners. Best yet, they always react to
someone else’s opinion with respect. They do not waste
time looking for sunshine on a rainy day. They reflect sunshine--
their glow shines from within. They serendipitously
travel on that path of the unexpected. They live in the relationship
of knowing they are the teacher and the pupil.
Can you evolve to be a wise person? Sure, by following
a few simple rules anyone can become a wise person.
• Manage your actions to the best of your ability.
• Question the tenets of your foundation.
• Don’t create by chance; create by choice.
• Hold out for the best.
• You can make amazing things happen through meditation.
Concentrate on the colors of a rainbow, smell the
grass, or focus on the height of the sky.
• Have the gumption to use your voice, even when you
feel fearful.
•There are many styles at delivering the truth, and
yours is important.
•Establish what is worth fighting for before you jump
into ring.
MAKE A DECISION
There is real power being able to both observe yourself and
be yourself at once. That is when you become a stronger,
smarter, and proactive. Let your decisions be based on wisdom
rather than raw emotions. And if you happen to experience
a setback, down the line you may find it was not
a setback after all. Solve your problems simply. The answer
is always hidden within a dilemma.
(Excerpts taken from the book SEARCHING WITHIN)
WE ARE BORN
We are one born with (1) adventure, (2) limitations, and the (3) category that blends the 1 and 2 together that forms true understanding. For example: A mother and a father make a baby. The third…a new creation.
The 3rd category is our personal creation. The first two must be recognized before the fullness of the 3rd creation can come into our realization.
NOTE:
Who is your adventurous self?
What are your limitations?
Honesty is the best policy. Metaphorically, when you have both feet planted on the ground, or close to it, an opening will appear as has never before. This opening is devoid of fear and mixed with the unknown. Notice that it is an adult experience. Unlikely to be experienced as a youngster unless you are non-judgmental mixed with wisdom.
How does this creative force guide you and lift you to another level of existence? To name it would be difficult. Mostly, because it is dimensional, and each individual uniqueness makes too many unlimited variables.
Oh… I forgot to mention the secret ingredient to following this path is an important and evasive one. LISTENING to another person. LISTEN to yourself. Ask yourself: What do you hear in your dialogue. What do you hear in another person’s dialogue? What are the thoughts that run around in your head?
Can you answer those questions? Do your homework. Trust in the freedom of being genuine. LOVE the process. Enjoy the small and large surprises that life has to offer. Don’t waste time pondering about the past or tomorrow. Bask in the excitement of begin here.
AN EPIPHANY
The other day, while meditating, I had an epiphany. I observed how we live our lives walking in a borderless fog. Our everyday routines keep us in this stupor where we easily become incapable of seeing the new. The fog also keeps us in a fearful state. And in this space, we cannot see the beauty of the now, or the all-embracing offerings that are in front of us.
This borderless fog floats from person to person, situation to situation, to mishap to mishap strangling us like that kudzu vine (the vine that slowly strangles the trees. In time, the tree will die, and so will we. For us, not so much in chronological time, but spiritually. This is when atrophy and depression take over your life. We won't be able to find joy or share ourselves with others.
It is easy to break this chain of living. Start by being attentive in your daily life. Notice when a person opens a door for you. Notice when someone happily offers you to go in front of the line. Notice small gestures and the surprise connected to kindness, a compliment, and all sorts of humanitarian gifts.
These examples can show you how the light of a kind act can disburse that foggy cloudiness in our lives. And hopefully, in turn you, will do be able to give that same light to others.
A VIVID DREAM
I had a vivid dream the other day. I saw a young boy sobbing. His head was bent as he tried to hide his tears. I could feel he was a sensitive child, and life mishaps made him feel sad. I went to him. I placed my hands on each side of his face. He started to relax.
This part was powerful…
I told him in this life there would be a lot of sad things he would have to deal with. There also would be wonderful things to experience. The only REAL PART OF LIFE is to learn to love yourself. When this happens, you will realize the sad things will roll off your shoulders.
As you grow older you will understand that other people’s opinions or foolish gestures belong to them. You won’t be able to fix their stuff.
Best of all you won’t have to change anything…just enjoy.
RECOMMENDATION
recommend the movie Joe Black…starring Brad Pitt. There are surprises, philosophical outlooks, and most of all family dynamics. Some would say the film is slow-paced. I think it needed to be. It helped the audience absorb the actor’s character essence. This is what I observed: Life is to be enjoyed in the moment. If we are lucky, we have joyous memories. For instance, that is why we take pictures to help us capture an activity of our good times. But when we pass, those pictures cannot be taken with us.
Pay attention: everything you have in front of you is the BEST it gets.
See things from a different perspective and make a note on that. Even if it is one word you can put daily in the calendar. If you need to make a change, step forward in the direction of not knowing. That is the only way you’ll be able to exist in this ever-changing world.
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Check out the Providence, RI First Unitarian Church service on youtube.
Allow the spring weather to make you feel young again.
To promote world peace, repeat this verse once a day... three times.
We love my heart
We love my soul
We love all humanity
Hold our heart and souls together
Love, peace and harmony
Love, peace and harmony
Love, peace and harmony
Don't waste time thinking your days away.
Thought of the day:
Do what you know is best, and allow the naysayer to take a rest.
THE WORLD AS I SEE IT....
Rumi...a wonderful poet
The First and Last Freedom, J. Krishnamurti
The Ending and Beginning of Time, J. Krishnamurti + David Bohn
Alan Watts Teachings
On Fear, J. Krishnamurti
Wholeness and Implicate Order, David Bohn
The Immense Journey, Loren Eiseley
The Wisdom of Love, Jacob Needleman
Varieties of Religious Experience, William James
Cosmic Consciousness, Maurice Bucke
In Search of th Miraculous, P. D. Ouspensky
All or Everything, G. I Gurdjieff
Living Time, Maurice Nicoll
The Art of Loving, Erich Fromm
Time and the Soul, Jacob Needleman
The Gospel According to Jesus, Stephan Mitchell
The art of Happiness, The Dali Lama
A New Science of Life, Rupert Shldrake
The Power of Now, Ekhart Tolle