Showing posts with label law of attraction. Show all posts
Showing posts with label law of attraction. Show all posts
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Number Ten of Ten
I did not win the MegaMillions lottery drawing Tuesday night. Someone else did. Maybe not the big jackpot, but at least the 5 of 6 numbers prize.
When we hear someone has received a large sum of money, or is driving a new car, or found the perfect job, how do we feel about that? (And please notice the word feel, not just think or believe.)
You may remember that the Tenth Commandment has to do with not coveting thy neighbor's house, spouse, cattle, manservant, maidservant, etc. It is pretty clear that coveting has to do with wanting what someone else has.
So how come we haven't manifested whatever it is? How come those people (who we might look at and judge as not deserving, not as "good" as we are, etc.) got what they got and we didn't?
It has nothing to do with how good someone is (because remember the Bible says that the rain falls on the just and the unjust, not that it is our place to judge--just saying).
It has everything to do with consciousness. When we have a consciousness of prosperity, that becomes our experience. When we have a consciousness of lack and struggle, that becomes our experience.
What do we do when we see that someone else won the lottery? Resentment and bitterness keep our good from coming to us. So we offer thanks that they did win, knowing that because they did, we can, too. And we recognize that the lottery is only one of innumerable ways that Spirit has of bringing our good to us. We stay open to it.
And, by the way, we buy a ticket!
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Walking On Fire & Moving Mountains, Slaying Giants
"Standing outside the fire;
Standing outside the fire;
Life is not tried, it is merely survived,
If you're standing outside the fire."
---"Standing Outside the Fire" recorded by Garth Brooks
Last week, at Edwene Gaines' retreat center in Valley Head, Alabama, I walked on fire.
Literally.
It is always an extraordinary experience, and so not what I expected I would ever do. But I did it. There are innumerable lessons to be learned, but at the top of the list is a reminder that my expectation will be my experience.
After several hours of mindful contemplation and training, we were invited to walk across this sacred eight foot track of coals, that are about 1200 degrees. Medical science and the world say that is impossible, that I would get burned. But I did not. In fact, I did not feel much heat; instead, the fire was soft and welcoming, like talcum powder.
We in Southern California, with our experience of brush fires and Santa Ana winds, may have a perception that fire is frightening and destructive. But it can also be nurturing and cleansing.
I'll bet you have walked on fire as well. It may not have been in Alabama, and there may not have been physical heat involved. But releasing an old regret or resentment, finally standing up and speaking your truth, or changing a belief that no longer serves you is every bit as important as crossing an actual fire.
Perhaps you are ready to do that again. But you haven't quite taken the first step.
All these experiences require change. Might be a physical change, might be a change in the way we see ourselves, others and the world. But the process will be what we expect it to be. And as we walk, we focus on the manifestation of the dream---the finish line.
Remember the story of David and the Princess in the Bible? You might have heard it as David and Goliath. But if you go back in I Samuel and read it again, you find that David was totally focused on the princess (the goal, the prize), and gave very little mind to the fire (Goliath).
When we decide to go for our dream; when we decide this and no further; what do we focus on? When we live from the dream, rather than from the fire (the process of change and growth), the steps we take are so much softer, because we can stay consciously aware that we are walking with Spirit.
There will never be a better day than today to take the first step. Because standing outside the fire just isn't what we deserve.
Moving Mountains, Slaying Giants
I'm sure you remember the story of David from the Old Testament. He and the armies of Israel had a situation with the armies of the Philistines, which included a rather large gentleman named Goliath.
Just as a quick review, David's older brothers were preparing for battle. Goliath, representing the Philistines, announced to Israel that they would serve Israel if Israel won; but if Israel lost, they would have to serve the Philistines. The battle would be won or lost by one person fighting the giant.
One day, David brought food for his older brothers. He happened on the scene as they were discussing the situation. Right about that time, word had gotten out that the King of Israel, Saul, had promised riches, land and most especially, his daughter (the princess), to anyone who could defeat Goliath.
The story in I Samuel has great value for us, because it describes David's reaction. He basically said (paraphrased) to a group of soldiers on his left, "now wait a minute-you mean to tell me that whoever defeats the giant gets the princess?" Then he turned to his right and asked another group-"let me get this straight. The princess?"
David didn't spend any time on the process, or the walking on fire that would be required. Instead, he focused on what he wanted to experience-his eyes on the prize.
There is something in your life that you want to do, be or have. Do you focus on the goal, or spend time trying to figure out how it could possibly happen, or the hard work that will be involved, or?
Standing outside the fire;
Life is not tried, it is merely survived,
If you're standing outside the fire."
---"Standing Outside the Fire" recorded by Garth Brooks
Last week, at Edwene Gaines' retreat center in Valley Head, Alabama, I walked on fire.
Literally.
It is always an extraordinary experience, and so not what I expected I would ever do. But I did it. There are innumerable lessons to be learned, but at the top of the list is a reminder that my expectation will be my experience.
After several hours of mindful contemplation and training, we were invited to walk across this sacred eight foot track of coals, that are about 1200 degrees. Medical science and the world say that is impossible, that I would get burned. But I did not. In fact, I did not feel much heat; instead, the fire was soft and welcoming, like talcum powder.
We in Southern California, with our experience of brush fires and Santa Ana winds, may have a perception that fire is frightening and destructive. But it can also be nurturing and cleansing.
I'll bet you have walked on fire as well. It may not have been in Alabama, and there may not have been physical heat involved. But releasing an old regret or resentment, finally standing up and speaking your truth, or changing a belief that no longer serves you is every bit as important as crossing an actual fire.
Perhaps you are ready to do that again. But you haven't quite taken the first step.
All these experiences require change. Might be a physical change, might be a change in the way we see ourselves, others and the world. But the process will be what we expect it to be. And as we walk, we focus on the manifestation of the dream---the finish line.
Remember the story of David and the Princess in the Bible? You might have heard it as David and Goliath. But if you go back in I Samuel and read it again, you find that David was totally focused on the princess (the goal, the prize), and gave very little mind to the fire (Goliath).
When we decide to go for our dream; when we decide this and no further; what do we focus on? When we live from the dream, rather than from the fire (the process of change and growth), the steps we take are so much softer, because we can stay consciously aware that we are walking with Spirit.
There will never be a better day than today to take the first step. Because standing outside the fire just isn't what we deserve.
Moving Mountains, Slaying Giants
I'm sure you remember the story of David from the Old Testament. He and the armies of Israel had a situation with the armies of the Philistines, which included a rather large gentleman named Goliath.
Just as a quick review, David's older brothers were preparing for battle. Goliath, representing the Philistines, announced to Israel that they would serve Israel if Israel won; but if Israel lost, they would have to serve the Philistines. The battle would be won or lost by one person fighting the giant.
One day, David brought food for his older brothers. He happened on the scene as they were discussing the situation. Right about that time, word had gotten out that the King of Israel, Saul, had promised riches, land and most especially, his daughter (the princess), to anyone who could defeat Goliath.
The story in I Samuel has great value for us, because it describes David's reaction. He basically said (paraphrased) to a group of soldiers on his left, "now wait a minute-you mean to tell me that whoever defeats the giant gets the princess?" Then he turned to his right and asked another group-"let me get this straight. The princess?"
David didn't spend any time on the process, or the walking on fire that would be required. Instead, he focused on what he wanted to experience-his eyes on the prize.
There is something in your life that you want to do, be or have. Do you focus on the goal, or spend time trying to figure out how it could possibly happen, or the hard work that will be involved, or?
Saturday, April 14, 2012
Easter Monday, Easter Tuesday...
We remember and celebrate the resurrection of Jesus on Easter each year, but for us, it can be a day by day experience.
To me, resurrection means coming back to life--remembering the truth of who we are. The stone of the appearance of separation is rolled away when we remember that Life (and life) is for us; that God is our source; that we can forgive ourselves and others.
We live in an orderly universe, and everything is connected. We will not experience financial abundance if there is forgiveness work to do. We will not express perfect health if our relationships are out of whack (using a purely spiritual term).
I believe another important lesson from Easter for us is to not judge by appearances. No matter what our situation might be, we know that God (Spirit, the Universe, our Higher Power) can and does work in the unseen, creating whatever it is we are choosing (consciously or unconsciously) to experience. We wouldn't plant seeds today, then go out tomorrow to dig them up and see if they are growing. We plant them, and trust the Law that grows them. So it is with our prayer work--even if we are not seeing the manifestation of whatever it is, we know that the Universe always responds, and it is in process, to be delivered whenever we are ready.
Happy Easter Wednesday....
To me, resurrection means coming back to life--remembering the truth of who we are. The stone of the appearance of separation is rolled away when we remember that Life (and life) is for us; that God is our source; that we can forgive ourselves and others.
We live in an orderly universe, and everything is connected. We will not experience financial abundance if there is forgiveness work to do. We will not express perfect health if our relationships are out of whack (using a purely spiritual term).
I believe another important lesson from Easter for us is to not judge by appearances. No matter what our situation might be, we know that God (Spirit, the Universe, our Higher Power) can and does work in the unseen, creating whatever it is we are choosing (consciously or unconsciously) to experience. We wouldn't plant seeds today, then go out tomorrow to dig them up and see if they are growing. We plant them, and trust the Law that grows them. So it is with our prayer work--even if we are not seeing the manifestation of whatever it is, we know that the Universe always responds, and it is in process, to be delivered whenever we are ready.
Happy Easter Wednesday....
Saturday, April 7, 2012
Moving to a New State & This Sunday at Joyful Living Church
Moving to a New State:
If you were with me on Sunday, you may remember my talk on forgiveness. (If you were with me, I ask for your indulgence, as some of this may be review.)
As you know, Edwene Gaines, author of The Spiritual Laws of Prosperity, will be with us this Saturday, March 24, starting at 10 a.m., for her "Prosperity Plus" Workshop. One of the four spiritual laws she highlights in the book is forgiveness, suggesting that if we are experiencing a financial challenge, the quickest way out of it may be through forgiveness.
Now, you may be thinking "I'm fine, thank you---no one in my life needs to be forgiven." Really? Parents, children, oil companies, ex (or current) spouses, ex (or current) employers, the church you grew up in, yourself? Any of those strike a cord?
This is big stuff, because in the Science of Mind textbook, Ernest Holmes says "from self reasons alone, if from no loftier reason, we cannot afford to find fault, to hate, or even to hold in mind anything against any living soul! The God of Love cannot hear the prayer of the one who fails to love."
The point is that the Universe (God, Spirit, our Higher Power) works in love, joy, passion, order, and in the moment. We can miss out on the connection if we are in regret, resentment, anger---in other words, the need to forgive.
Forgiveness is absolutely not logical. Your ego will tell you all the reasons why the person (or even yourself) doesn't deserve forgiveness. And maybe they don't. But withholding forgiveness is like taking poison and expecting the other person to die.
This Sunday at Joyful Living Church:
You probably remember the story of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem that is celebrated on Palm Sunday. Looking back on the events that are mentioned in the New Testament, this big celebration and parade was completely out of character for Jesus. My perception of him was that he was a quiet person, with a great sense of humor, full of compassion and understanding for others. He was just out doing what he was doing.
But he agreed to do this celebration thing, because that was what had been fortold about him. In fact, in Zechariah 9:9, (in the second to the last book in the Old Testament) we read "...he is righteous and a Saviour, lowly and riding upon an ass, upon a colt the foal of an ass." And in all four accounts of the event, in the New Testament, it is written that this would happen "so that what was said by the prophet might be fulfilled."
Many of us carry old beliefs based on what someone told us: about how life is, who we are in relationship to Spirit, etc. But what has really been written about us?
If you were with me on Sunday, you may remember my talk on forgiveness. (If you were with me, I ask for your indulgence, as some of this may be review.)
As you know, Edwene Gaines, author of The Spiritual Laws of Prosperity, will be with us this Saturday, March 24, starting at 10 a.m., for her "Prosperity Plus" Workshop. One of the four spiritual laws she highlights in the book is forgiveness, suggesting that if we are experiencing a financial challenge, the quickest way out of it may be through forgiveness.
Now, you may be thinking "I'm fine, thank you---no one in my life needs to be forgiven." Really? Parents, children, oil companies, ex (or current) spouses, ex (or current) employers, the church you grew up in, yourself? Any of those strike a cord?
This is big stuff, because in the Science of Mind textbook, Ernest Holmes says "from self reasons alone, if from no loftier reason, we cannot afford to find fault, to hate, or even to hold in mind anything against any living soul! The God of Love cannot hear the prayer of the one who fails to love."
The point is that the Universe (God, Spirit, our Higher Power) works in love, joy, passion, order, and in the moment. We can miss out on the connection if we are in regret, resentment, anger---in other words, the need to forgive.
Forgiveness is absolutely not logical. Your ego will tell you all the reasons why the person (or even yourself) doesn't deserve forgiveness. And maybe they don't. But withholding forgiveness is like taking poison and expecting the other person to die.
This Sunday at Joyful Living Church:
You probably remember the story of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem that is celebrated on Palm Sunday. Looking back on the events that are mentioned in the New Testament, this big celebration and parade was completely out of character for Jesus. My perception of him was that he was a quiet person, with a great sense of humor, full of compassion and understanding for others. He was just out doing what he was doing.
But he agreed to do this celebration thing, because that was what had been fortold about him. In fact, in Zechariah 9:9, (in the second to the last book in the Old Testament) we read "...he is righteous and a Saviour, lowly and riding upon an ass, upon a colt the foal of an ass." And in all four accounts of the event, in the New Testament, it is written that this would happen "so that what was said by the prophet might be fulfilled."
Many of us carry old beliefs based on what someone told us: about how life is, who we are in relationship to Spirit, etc. But what has really been written about us?
Another Look at Good Friday
Growing up in the Missouri Synod Lutheran Church, I always had alot of trouble with this day.
The translations of the Bible that I was familiar with, Revised Standard and King James, quoted Jesus on the cross saying "My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46)
But how could this be? If you were with me last Sunday, you remember we talked about the prosperity promises that Jesus made about his disciples, about you, and about me. In fact, in Matthew 7, Jesus said, "or who is the man among you, who when his son asks him for bread, will hand him a stone? Or if he should ask him for fish, will he hand him a snake? If therefore you who err, know how to give good gifts to your sons (and daughters), how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask him?"
How can I look upon God as a loving, giving, nurturing presence when He left my older brother Jesus alone to die on the cross?
When we take another look, we see the truth. In the Lamsa translation of the New Testament, taken from the original Aramaic text (the language Jesus spoke), Matthew 27:46 states, "Eli, Eli, lemana shabakthani! My God, my God, for this I was spared (or this was my destiny)!" This was a joyful pronouncement.
Why does it matter? It matters because our perception of God will be our experience of God. If we accept the teachings of our brother, Jesus, God the Father (Spirit, the Universe, our Higher Power) is a loving, nurturing presence that always responds as we believe.
If we stay stuck in that old inaccurate translation, God stays a judgmental, wrathful being out there somewhere that sends us tests and trials just for fun.
My dear friend and teacher, Edwene Gaines, reminds us that "our life means what we say it means." Just about all of us have gone through experiences that we labeled as a betrayal. Someone else betrayed us, or we might have betrayed ourselves. But is it possible that experience was absolutely necessary on our path?
Remember the part that Judas played in the crucifixion and resurrection? Even though he is probably the most hated person in Christianity, he was absolutely necessary for the story.
So often our judgment surrounding a betrayal, resulting in anger, regret and resentment, can block our good from us. Join me Easter Sunday at 10 a.m. for my message entitled "Rolling The Stone Away."
The translations of the Bible that I was familiar with, Revised Standard and King James, quoted Jesus on the cross saying "My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46)
But how could this be? If you were with me last Sunday, you remember we talked about the prosperity promises that Jesus made about his disciples, about you, and about me. In fact, in Matthew 7, Jesus said, "or who is the man among you, who when his son asks him for bread, will hand him a stone? Or if he should ask him for fish, will he hand him a snake? If therefore you who err, know how to give good gifts to your sons (and daughters), how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask him?"
How can I look upon God as a loving, giving, nurturing presence when He left my older brother Jesus alone to die on the cross?
When we take another look, we see the truth. In the Lamsa translation of the New Testament, taken from the original Aramaic text (the language Jesus spoke), Matthew 27:46 states, "Eli, Eli, lemana shabakthani! My God, my God, for this I was spared (or this was my destiny)!" This was a joyful pronouncement.
Why does it matter? It matters because our perception of God will be our experience of God. If we accept the teachings of our brother, Jesus, God the Father (Spirit, the Universe, our Higher Power) is a loving, nurturing presence that always responds as we believe.
If we stay stuck in that old inaccurate translation, God stays a judgmental, wrathful being out there somewhere that sends us tests and trials just for fun.
My dear friend and teacher, Edwene Gaines, reminds us that "our life means what we say it means." Just about all of us have gone through experiences that we labeled as a betrayal. Someone else betrayed us, or we might have betrayed ourselves. But is it possible that experience was absolutely necessary on our path?
Remember the part that Judas played in the crucifixion and resurrection? Even though he is probably the most hated person in Christianity, he was absolutely necessary for the story.
So often our judgment surrounding a betrayal, resulting in anger, regret and resentment, can block our good from us. Join me Easter Sunday at 10 a.m. for my message entitled "Rolling The Stone Away."
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Monday, March 19, 2012
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Friday, March 16, 2012
Re-Finding Our Smile
Greetings!
"If it's not fun, why do it? -- Ben and Jerry
In this teaching we call Religious Science or New Thought, we spend a lot of time on very serious business like goals, dreams, forgiveness, our relationship with Spirit, etc. And all that is important. But I believe that sometimes we postpone our experience of joy and happiness until....
As soon as I reach that goal, as soon as that whatever manifests for me, as soon as.... We stay focused on our goal (someone said our "eyes on the prize"), which is good. But when we do, there is the possibility that we are missing out on the happiness of the moment.
We are mature and responsible and orderly and serious. Breakfast food is for breakfast. You don't wear blue and green together.
But what if we stirred it up a little and broke some rules? What happens when we do that? More often than not, it makes us smile.
Just about everyone I know has a storage compartment someplace. Or two or three. And if not, their garage looks like an Oklahoma windstorm went through. We have all the stuff, so why aren't we happy?
Maybe because we don't allow ourselves to be.
The wonderful book Happiness Is A Choice by Barry Neil Kaufman, which a dear friend reminded me of, offers "shortcuts to happiness," including:
Make happiness a priority. In our interactions in the world, we can choose whether to react or respond. Or even just smile. A Course in Miracles reminds us that "I can be right, or I can be happy." Sometimes we get both, but when we don't, which is more important?
Personal authenticity and integrity. We all have things that we do differently from anyone else. It is part of what makes us, us. Honor and celebrate the unique and wonderful being you are!
Let go of judgments. See point number 1.
Be present. As I write this, the house is quiet and there is a Golden Retriever lying across my left foot. The wind is rustling in the trees outside, and I hear an airplane and traffic in the distance. Thoughts of past and future keep us from the lusciousness of the moment.
Be grateful. Everyone and everything brings us a blessing. Without exception.
The Universe works on ease and grace and joy and wonder and passion. Ever seen an aardvark? Not only a rather unattractive creature, but the name starts with two a's. How much fun is that?
Hmmm. How about a waffle for dinner, with a lemon drop martini to wash it down? Think of all that lovely vitamin C in the lemons...
Shawn Achor: The happy secret to better work
http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/en/shawn_achor_the_happy_secret_to_better_work.html
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Quote of the day!
Human beings are made up of two things; their beliefs and the truth. When you let go of your beliefs, you will see more of the truth. The greatest human beings who have ever lived, had the courage to let go of beliefs, and they became the truth. They showed us the way.
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Thanks everyone for enjoying my Blog!!
i add to it every day.
You can tell that i add to it according to the date of the blog.
All of my blogs are uplifting in some way, according to there subjects.
Lately you can tell by looking at my Archives that since late 2011 my blog has EXPLODED!!!
What you will mostly find in my blogs is personal development life coaching law of attraction material, and Ron Paul material as well. I hope you get something from my uplifting blog, and i enjoy adding them and get a lot from them myself too!!
good night
Tyler
You can tell that i add to it according to the date of the blog.
All of my blogs are uplifting in some way, according to there subjects.
Lately you can tell by looking at my Archives that since late 2011 my blog has EXPLODED!!!
What you will mostly find in my blogs is personal development life coaching law of attraction material, and Ron Paul material as well. I hope you get something from my uplifting blog, and i enjoy adding them and get a lot from them myself too!!
good night
Tyler
Thursday, February 16, 2012
"The Greatest Love of All"
"The greatest love of all is easy to achieve. Learning to love yourself -- It is the greatest love of all"
In honoring and celebrating the life and talent of Whitney Houston, I was reminded of this song that she recorded.
On this Valentine's Day, whether you have another beloved (besides yourself) or not, how will you honor yourself and this "greatest love"? What do you say about yourself?
My dear friend and mentor, Edwene Gaines, says that "my life means what I say it means."
If we say (whether verbally or in our thoughts) that we are powerful and power-ful beings, that we are a blessing to the world and that the world is a blessing to us, that is our truth.
What I know for you is that everything in your life is exactly as it should be.
Depending on how your life looks, that statement might surprise you. But when we step back from judgment, away from how it is "supposed to be" based on someone else's rules and regulations, we can honor ourselves for how far we have come, the opportunities and lessons we have learned, and face today (and every day) with excitement and anticipation of new and wonderful blessings. Every experience has been there to bring us a blessing, whether it seemed like it at the time or not.
A Course in Miracles reminds you that you are host to God. (Remember that Jesus said the kingdom of heaven is within you.) How different would your life look, today and every day, if you were consciously aware of that in every moment?
Today, you don't have to send yourself candy and flowers (unless you want to). But I challenge you to experience that "greatest love," in the remembrance that you are the beloved of God. Not anyway, but period. And then act accordingly.
When you do, the most amazing things will happen. When we decide that we deserve only the best, and settle for only the best, Life responds (because as we know, Life is a mirror of our beliefs) with only the best in our relationships, our health, our money, and in every other area. Godiva or Whitman's Sampler--always our choice.
In honoring and celebrating the life and talent of Whitney Houston, I was reminded of this song that she recorded.
On this Valentine's Day, whether you have another beloved (besides yourself) or not, how will you honor yourself and this "greatest love"? What do you say about yourself?
My dear friend and mentor, Edwene Gaines, says that "my life means what I say it means."
If we say (whether verbally or in our thoughts) that we are powerful and power-ful beings, that we are a blessing to the world and that the world is a blessing to us, that is our truth.
What I know for you is that everything in your life is exactly as it should be.
Depending on how your life looks, that statement might surprise you. But when we step back from judgment, away from how it is "supposed to be" based on someone else's rules and regulations, we can honor ourselves for how far we have come, the opportunities and lessons we have learned, and face today (and every day) with excitement and anticipation of new and wonderful blessings. Every experience has been there to bring us a blessing, whether it seemed like it at the time or not.
A Course in Miracles reminds you that you are host to God. (Remember that Jesus said the kingdom of heaven is within you.) How different would your life look, today and every day, if you were consciously aware of that in every moment?
Today, you don't have to send yourself candy and flowers (unless you want to). But I challenge you to experience that "greatest love," in the remembrance that you are the beloved of God. Not anyway, but period. And then act accordingly.
When you do, the most amazing things will happen. When we decide that we deserve only the best, and settle for only the best, Life responds (because as we know, Life is a mirror of our beliefs) with only the best in our relationships, our health, our money, and in every other area. Godiva or Whitman's Sampler--always our choice.
Friday, February 10, 2012
An Opportunity for Inconvenience
My first full-time job was with San Diego Trust & Savings Bank in Escondido. In 1978, our branch was the first one in the system to install an automated teller. Called a "7/24" machine, you could get your balance, or withdraw money. It was HOT.
This, of course, was before the days of direct deposit, the internet, and scanning checks to be deposited on your smart phone. But suddenly you didn't have to stand in line in the bank (between the hours of 10 and 4, thank you) in order to make a withdrawal.
We've come along way. I sometimes find myself feeling a little inconvenienced if the internet moves too slowly, or if I do have to go to the bank and stand in line for 5 minutes. Spoiled? Perhaps.
As you may know, A Season for Non-violence is the annual 64 day campaign celebrating the lives and work of Gandhi and Dr. Martin Luther King. Non-violence sounds like something governments and countries should do. If they would just _______________
(and feel free to fill in the blank), the world would be a better place.
But I believe that violence is more than just physical. It is also in the ways we treat one other--anger, resentment, bitterness and the need for forgiveness are also forms of violence.
Our decision to be non-violent starts with a willingness to change. Change is most often inconvenient--we may have to do something we have never done before. Giving someone the benefit of the doubt; putting ourselves in their position; being willing to not take their actions personally.
I choose to consciously experience this year's SNV personally, by allowing myself to be inconvenienced, and by being aware of how I can be more loving. Won't you join me?
This, of course, was before the days of direct deposit, the internet, and scanning checks to be deposited on your smart phone. But suddenly you didn't have to stand in line in the bank (between the hours of 10 and 4, thank you) in order to make a withdrawal.
We've come along way. I sometimes find myself feeling a little inconvenienced if the internet moves too slowly, or if I do have to go to the bank and stand in line for 5 minutes. Spoiled? Perhaps.
As you may know, A Season for Non-violence is the annual 64 day campaign celebrating the lives and work of Gandhi and Dr. Martin Luther King. Non-violence sounds like something governments and countries should do. If they would just _______________
(and feel free to fill in the blank), the world would be a better place.
But I believe that violence is more than just physical. It is also in the ways we treat one other--anger, resentment, bitterness and the need for forgiveness are also forms of violence.
Our decision to be non-violent starts with a willingness to change. Change is most often inconvenient--we may have to do something we have never done before. Giving someone the benefit of the doubt; putting ourselves in their position; being willing to not take their actions personally.
I choose to consciously experience this year's SNV personally, by allowing myself to be inconvenienced, and by being aware of how I can be more loving. Won't you join me?
Saturday, January 28, 2012
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