Keep Believing in Yourself ~ Keep believing in yourself There may be days when you get up in the morning and things aren't the way you had hoped they would be. That's when you have to tell yourself that things will get better. ~~~~There are times when people disappoint you and let you down, but those are the times when you must remind yourself to trust your own judgments and opinions, and to keep your life focused on believing in yourself and all that you are capable of. ~~~~There will be challenges to face and changes to make in your life, and it is up to you to accept them. Constantly keep yourself headed in the right directions for you. It may not be easy at times, but in those times of struggle you will find a stronger sense of who you are, and you will also see yourself developing into the person you have always wanted to be. ~~~~ Life is a journey through time, filled with many choices; each of us will experience life in our own special way. So when the days come that are filled with frustration and unexpected responsibilities, remember to believe in yourself and all you want your life to be, because the challenges and changes will only help you to find the dreams that you know are meant to come true for you. ~Unknown
~It's Up To You~ One song can spark a moment, One flower can wake the dream. One tree can start a forest, One bird can herald spring. One smile begins a friendship, One handclasp lifts a soul. One star can guide a ship at sea, One word can frame the goal. One vote can change a nation, One sunbeam lights a room. One candle wipes out darkness, One laugh will conquer gloom. One step must start each journey, One word must start each prayer. One hope will raise our spirits, One touch can show you care. One voice can speak with wisdom, One heart can know what's true. One life can make the difference, You see, It's Up to You! Author Unknown
You may be someone who understands the true nature of reality, perceiving deeply that we all emanate from the same source, that we are all essentially one, and that we are here on earth to love one another. To understand this is to be awakened to the true nature of the self, and it is a blessing. Nevertheless, people who just don’t get it are seemingly everywhere and, often, in positions of power. It can be frustrating and painful to watch them behave unconsciously. We all encounter individuals of this bent in our families, at work, and in all areas of public life. It is easy to find ourselves feeling intolerant of these people, wishing we could be free of them even though we know that separation from them is an illusion. It helps sometimes to think of us all as different parts of one psyche. Just as within our own hearts and minds we have dark places that need healing, the heart and mind of the world has its dark places. The health of the whole organism depends upon the relative health of the individuals within it. We increase harmony when we hold onto the light, not allowing it to be darkened by judgment, anger, and fear about those who behave unconsciously. It’s easier to accomplish this if we don’t focus on the negative qualities of individuals and instead focus on how increasing our own light will increase the light of the overall picture. When dealing with people who seem very unconscious, it helps to remember that every one must find their own way to awakening and that the experiences they are having are an essential part of their process. Holding them in the light of our own energy may be the best way to awaken theirs. At the same time, we are inspired by their example to look within and shed light on our own unconscious places, sacrificing the urge to judge and surrendering instead to humble self-inquiry. ~Daily Om~
Don't let anyone push your buttons Johnathon Lockwood Huie "Whether phrased as "push your buttons," "get your goat," "get you riled up," or "annoy you," it's no fun to be on the receiving end. How to cope? 1. Don't take it personally. Even when someone criticizes your actions or demeans your very nature, know that they are merely directing their inner turmoil in your direction. Someone else's opinion of you is mostly irrelevant, and basically none of your business. Don't assume that there is any validity to an accusation. Perhaps there is a valuable lesson buried inside the unkindness that merits objective consideration, but negative emotions are best just quickly discarded. 2. Look to the positive people in your life for support. If you balance many positive and supportive friends against one or two negative influences, it is much easier to cope. If you don't currently have enough positive people in your life, begin a focused effort to add positive people to your inner circle. If you don't have personal connections, search for groups of positive people at MeetUp.com 3. Remove negative people from your life. Yes you can, even if it's your boss. You don't need that job so much that it's worth your health or happiness. Everything in life is a choice. Sometimes making a change is important, while other times just knowing that you hold the power to make a different choice is enough. 4. Forgive the offender, not for their sake, but for your own sake. The act of forgiving releases your anger and provides space for rational thinking and action. 5. Be grateful for the wake-up call. Any time that someone or something grabs your attention is a good time to be grateful - even if the message is unpleasant. Something is happening that requires your conscious awareness. Perhaps you have a lesson to learn or an action to take. Perhaps it is time to remove another negative influence from your life. 6. Release any expectations that the unkind person should have acted differently. Life is not fair, and you only cause yourself unhappiness if you hold an expectation that life or any individual should be fair or kind." Posted by wonderful member of UYS group.
Risk: To laugh is to risk appearing a fool. To weep is to risk appearing sentimental. To reach out to another is to risk involvement. To expose your feelings is to risk rejection. To place your dreams before the crowd is to risk ridicule. To love is to risk not being loved in return. To go forward in the face of overwhelming odds is to risk failure. But risks must be taken, because the greatest risk of all is to risk nothing. The person who risks nothing, does nothing, has nothing and is nothing. He may avoid suffering and sorrow, but he cannot learn, he cannot feel, he cannot change, he cannot grow and he cannot love. Chained by his certitudes, he is a slave. Only the person who risks is truly free - author unknown-
12 SUGGESTIONS FOR TAKING CARE OF YOURSELF by Thomas Wright 1. Learn to air your feelings. Don't keep them bottled up inside you. Share your sorrows and disappointments with someone you trust. Remember, expressed feelings are changed feelings. 2. Avoid comparing yourself with others by admiring their gifts and ignoring your gifts. This kind of envy causes self-disgust. Put no one's head higher than your own. 3. Form a small group of people you can call on for emotional support. Agree to "be there" for each other. Offer advice only when it is asked for. Listen without interrupting. Take turns talking and listening. 4. Take time to play. Remember that play is any activity that you do just because it feels good. Remind yourself that you deserve to take time to play. 5. Don't forget to laugh, especially at yourself. Look for the humor in things around you. Let your hair down more often. Do something silly and totally unexpected from time to time.
6. Learn to relax. You can find books, tapes, programs, classes, instructors and other materials to teach you how to relax. Relaxation improves the mind, helps the body heal, and feels so much better than stress and tension. 7. Protect your right to be human. Don't let others put you on a pedestal. When people put you on a pedestal, they expect you to be perfect and feel angry when you let them down. 8. Learn to say no. As you become comfortable saying no to the unreasonable expectations, requests or demands of others you will discover that you have more compassion. When you do say yes to others, you will feel better about yourself and the people you're responding to.
9. Change jobs if you are miserable at work. First, try to figure out if the job is wrong for you or if certain people are causing you to feel miserable at work. Try paying more attention to the things you enjoy about your job and less attention to the things that annoy you. Remember that all jobs have some unpleasant aspects. 10. Stretch your muscles. Break a sweat. Go for a walk. Ride a bike. Park farther from the door. Take the stairs. You don't need fancy clothes, club memberships or expensive equipment to add exercise to your daily life. 11. Practice being a positive, encouraging person. Each time you give others a word of encouragement you not only feel better, but you build up your best self.
12. Pay attention to your spiritual life.Slow down. Practice sitting quietly. Listen to your inner voice. Spend time thinking about the things which bring peace, beauty and serenity to your life. Find the courage to follow your own spiritual path if a traditional religion has not been helpful for you. - Thank you Jo for posting this!!!
Believe in your heart that something wonderful is about to happen. Love your life. Believe in your own powers and your own potential and in your own innate goodness. Wake every morning with the awe of just being alive. Discover each day the magnificent awesome beauty in the world. Explore and embrace life in yourself and in everyone you see each day. Reach within to find your own specialness. Amaze yourself and rouse those around you to the potential of each new day. Don't be afraid to admit that you are less than perfect. This is the essence of your humanity. Let those who love you help you. Trust enough to be able to take. Look with hope to the horizon of today for today is all we truly have. Live this day well. Let a little sun out as well as in. Create your own rainbows. Be open to all your possibilities - All possibilities and Miracles. Always believe in Miracles -author unknown- Thanks for another great posting Jo!!!
Earth Teach Me to Remember by John Yellow Lark Earth teach me stillness as the grasses are stilled with light. Earth teach me suffering as old stones suffer with memory. Earth teach me humility as blossoms are humble with beginning. Earth Teach me caring as the mother who secures her young. Earth teach me courage as the tree which stands alone. Earth teach me limitation as the ant which crawls on the ground. Earth teach me freedom as the eagle which soars in the sky. Earth teach me resignation as the leaves which die in the fall. Earth teach me regeneration as the seed which rises in the spring. Earth teach me to forget myself as melted snow forgets its life. Earth teach me to remember kindness as dry fields weep in the rain. Ute, North American. Thanks to the posting by SilverBird ~ Native American Friendship Group
the Track of the Sun across the Sky leaves its shining message, Illuminating, Strengthening, Warming, us who are here, showing us we are not alone, we are yet ALIVE! And this fireÖ Our fireÖ Shall not die! -Atoni (Choctaw) Thank you Silverbird ~ post from Native Anerican Friendship Circle ~ 03/24/09
This new moment has already been filled with possibilities for you. Now you have the challenging and delightful task of filling it with life. Feel the sweet coolness of the brisk wind in your face as you race forward into new and exciting territory. Watch the world change for the better as a result of your good and purposeful actions. Look closely and see the extraordinary beauty in the most ordinary of things. Lovingly pay attention to every experience, and treasure the valuable new lessons you learn. Reach out to others and give them your best. Create joy out of nothing and know that joy is always yours the moment you choose to live it. Recall just a fraction of your many blessings and realize how truly wealthy you are. Know that from here, you can take positive and purposeful steps in whatever direction you choose. This new moment is a golden opportunity that now surrounds you. Love it, live it, and make it the magnificent moment it was meant to be. (Ralph Marston)
A Cherokee Prayer Great Spirit I am alive Great Spirit you are all That is and has ever been! I was born to say, "I Love You!" Help remind me through the day That love should be my only goal, My only thought in what I do, And my only inspiration. For without love, I Am Lost, I am Lonely.
Transformation BOOM it For years I remained Hidden from view Afraid to show myself or my true colors. Cloaked Concealed I endured. Waiting for the spring with the sunlight the signal to emerge. Slowly Cautiously I begin to unfold my wings, finding the courage discovering my strength. In awe I marvel at the array Deepest sapphire blue Renewing amethyst violet Tranquil aquamarine Iridescent blushing rose Sparkling Radiant I take flight. ~Kirsti A. Dyer, MD, MS~ from the UYS group, thanks Jo.
Native American Prayer Oh, Great Spirit Whose voice I hear in the winds, And whose breath gives life to all the world, hear me, I am small and weak, I need your strength and wisdom. Let me walk in beauty and make my eyes ever behold the red and purple sunset. Make my hands respect the things you have made and my ears sharp to hear your voice. Make me wise so that I may understand the things you have taught my people. Let me learn the lessons you have hidden in every leaf and rock. I seek strength, not to be greater than my brother, but to fight my greatest enemy - myself. Make me always ready to come to you with clean hands and straight eyes. So when life fades, as the fading sunset, my Spirit may come to you without shame. (translated by Lakota Sioux Chief Yellow Lark in 1887)published in Native American Prayers - by the Episcopal Church. Posted by my friend POCO in Native American Friendship group.
"Sadness flies on the wings of the morning and out of the heart of darkness comes the light." ~Jean Giraudoux~ Thanks JO!
From John Kabat-Zinn, "Letting Everything Become Your Teacher" "Cultivating mindfulness is not unlike the process of eating. It would be absurd to propose that someone else eat for you. And when you go to a restaurant, you don’t eat the menu, mistaking it for the meal, nor are you nourished by listening to the waiter describe the food. You have to actually eat the food for it to nourish you. In the same way, you have to actually practice mindfulness in order to reap its benefits and come to understand why it is so valuable." From the BSA group, thanks AJ.
Elder's Meditation of the Day November 19 Where there is vision, the people live. They are made rich in the things of the spirit; and then, as the logical next step, they are rich in human life. --Phil Lane, Sr., YANKTON SIOUX Since the beginning of time, Indian people have been blessed with the ability and knowledge of the vision. The vision determines our future. The concept is, we move toward and become that which we think about. We have known that all visions are about the Great Spirit. They should include God's will in every area of our lives. We should have visions about our people, about healthy relationships, about helping others, about being happy, about being educated. Each day we should renew our vision. We should ask the Creator to give us a vision of what He wants us to be and where He wants us to go in our lives. We should be the seekers of vision. Great Spirit, give me a vision to follow today. Let me do Your will. Wado, LadySilverbird
It takes courage to live - courage and strength and hope and humor. And courage and strength and hope and humor have to be brought and paid for with pain and work and progress and tears, -Jerome P. Fleishman- Many thanks Jo!!
ELDERS MEDITATION FOR AUG 27 --Fools Crow, LAKOTA There are certain prayers or actions we can take that will call the Powers. The Powers can only work through the people. The Powers are always waiting to express themselves through people that are ready. Every person born is born with a purpose. They have a song to sing. They have a mission to accomplish. Every true purpose will always be about serving the Creator and helping others. When we let the Powers know that we are ready to serve the people, the Powers get excited because they can now do things to help the people and make things better for them. The decision is powerful because it turns an idea into action. Great Spirit, the greatest joy or feeling that I have ever experienced is when you are using me to help the people, the feeling of giving, the feeling of being your channel. Today, let me have that feeling of giving. Use me as You will. thank you NAF group, LadySilverBird
Elder's Meditation of the Day October 5 "The dances are prayers." --Pop Chalee, TAOS PUEBLO When we dance to the drum we pray to the Creator and attract the heartbeat of the earth. We never dance without reason; every dance has a purpose. We dance for rain; we dance for healing; we dance for seasons; we dance for joy; we dance for our children; we dance for the people; we dance for courage. The drum plays to the beat of the heart, to the beat of the Earth. The drum connects us to the Earth while we dance our prayers. Oh, Great One, let my dance and prayer be heard by YOU
Happiness More or less It's just a change in me Something in my liberty Happiness Coming and going I watch you look at me Watch my fever growing I know just where I am But how many corners do I have to turn? How many times do I have to learn All the love I have is in my mind? Well, I'm a lucky man With fire in my hands Happiness Something in my own place I'm standing naked Smiling, I feel no disgrace With who I am I hope you understand Gotta love that'll never die It's just a change in me Something in my liberty ~ Verbe
The Verbe The Bitter Sweet Simphony Lyrics: Cos' it's a bittersweet symphony this life... Trying to make ends meet , you're a slave to money then you die. I'll take you down the only road I've ever been down... You know the one that takes you to the places where all the pain lives , yeah. No change, I can change, I can change, I can change, but I'm here in my mould , I am here in my mould. But I'm a million different people from one day to the next... I can't change my mould , no,no,no,no,no,no,no well have you ever been down? Well I never pray, But tonight I'm on my knees, yeah. I need to hear some sounds that recognise the pain in me, yeah. I let the melody shine, let it cleans my mind , I feel free now. But the airwaves are clean and there's nobody singing to me, now. (Well have you ever been down?) (I can change, I can change...)
Elder's Meditation of the Day November 2 "Praying is what has brought us old people through life. We've all gone through hard times. We've all done our share of bad things. But through our prayers and faith in the Creator we get together again and we try hard to live right." --Paula Weasel Head, BLOOD As we go through life we find ourselves on track one day and off track the next day. We gain consistency through prayer. Prayer is our connection to the Great Spirit. Prayer is our channel for knowledge and wisdom. Prayer is how we keep our sanity. The Elders say we should walk in prayer. Great Spirit, teach me to walk in prayer. Help keep my faith strong. Wado LadySilverBird
A goodbye isn't painful unless you're never going to say hello again. ~Author Unknown
A chord, stronger or weaker, is snapped asunder in every parting, and time's busy fingers are not practiced in re-splicing broken ties. Meet again you may; will it be in the same way? With the same sympathies? With the same sentiments? Will the souls, hurrying on in diverse paths, unite once more, as if the interval had been a dream? Rarely, rarely! ~Edward George Earle Bulwer-Lytton
Let's not unman each other - part at once; All farewells should be sudden, when forever, Else they make an eternity of moments, And clog the last sad sands of life with tears. ~Lord Byron
Why can't we get all the people together in the world that we really like and then just stay together? I guess that wouldn't work. Someone would leave. Someone always leaves. Then we would have to say good-bye. I hate good-byes. I know what I need. I need more hellos. ~Charles M. Schulz
No distance of place or lapse of time can lessen the friendship of those who are thoroughly persuaded of each other's worth. ~Robert Southey
Not to understand a treasure's worth till time has stole away the slighted good, is cause of half the poverty we feel, and makes the world the wilderness it is. ~William Cowper
Monday Morning Reflection: Affirmation of life is the spiritual act by which man ceases to live unreflectively and begins to devote himself to his life with reverence in order to raise it to its true value. To affirm life is to deepen, to make more inward, and to exalt the will to live. By Albert Schweitzer Try these - I am feeling warm and loving toward my self. I am worthy of all the good in my life. I am forgiving myself unconditionally. I am grateful for my life. I am loving and accepting myself and others. I am treating all problems as opportunities to grow in wisdom and love. I am giving myself permission to live, love, and laugh. By Peter McWilliams Thanks Foxbay!!!
WHEN WOMEN CONSIDER THEMSELVES SACRED When women consider themselves sacred They will not allow themselves to be abused in a relationship They will not submit to harrassment in the workplace They will not fall victim to the "beauty" industry They will not limit their life choices to traditional roles They will own their own bodies and hold the right to share them at their own will They will not hide their strength or diminish themselves to attract a man They will not consent to be treated as objects or possessions They will not be ashamed of who or what they are They will not be silenced by others judgemental voices They will not give up their power to others but will honor their own wisdom and make their own choices When women consider themsleves sacred WHAT KIND OF WORLD WILL IT CREATE? May the Great Spirit bless all YOU Sacred Women.
Elder's Meditation of the Day November 20 "Money cannot buy affection." --Mangas Coloradas, APACHE In these modern times we put too much emphasis on material things and on money. We believe that money is power. If we have money, people will respect us. If we have money, people will admire us. If we have money, we can have anything we want. Maybe we can purchase anything in the material world, but we cannot purchase anything in the Unseen World. The Unseen World is not for sale. It can only be given away. Love, affection, admiration, trust, respect, commitment -- these must be earned or given away. If we use these things from the Unseen World, we are using real power. My Creator, let me demonstrate Your power today. Let me be loving to all I meet. Wado LadySilverbird !
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