Adversity? Stay Optimistic!

I do seem to be in a Dalai Lama/Buddhist frame of mind since this class started.  Of course, with my topic he is one of the individuals that make news happen!  This past week the Dalai Lama had an interactive session with students in Gangtok, Sikkim, India on how to stay optimistic during adversarial times.  His message struck me as information that helps manage anxiety, and I figured it would be good to share.

As some of you may know, the Dalai Lama has faced his share of adversity in his lifetime, starting when he was 16 years old.  He’s lost his country and freedom.  However he managed to keep his mental state calm.  How did he do this?  The Dalai Lama states on his video clip, “when things look difficult, accept that.  When we face a problem, investigate that problem, nature of that problem.  If that problem can work on it through effort, than no need worry.  If that problem no need to work on it, than no use to worry.  Very realistic approach.”

I loved how simplistic his advice is!  It might be stating the obvious; however for those with anxiety issues, it’s not so obvious when in the middle of an anxiety attack.  As the Dalai Lama said, “Try it, in order to keep our emotion mind calm, than no matter what the situation, you can be happy person, and useful for other people.”

Now, I just need to have this advice tattooed on me somewhere I can see it all the time…

Kindness

I am so glad I took this course.  Writing this blog is much easier than I ever anticipated. However, getting readers after the class is over will be a little tough (suggestions welcome). There is so much to discuss that I am glad this blog will continue after class is over. From the comments I’ve received so far, I feel for the rest of this class I need to focus on what I’ve learned regarding anxiety, and I want to bring up random acts of kindness - especially with the holiday season upon us.

My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness. ~ Dalai Lama

So let’s talk about it now!!  There are so many random acts of violence in this world. Years ago I got tired of it and thought, ‘what about committing random acts of kindness?’  Maybe this would help counter those acts of violence.  A few years later I discovered a small book titled Random Acts of Kindness and in the back their website was listed.  I was so excited!  One of my problems is coming up with inexpensive ideas as I don’t have money.  This resource helps not only provide ideas, but also gives individuals a support system where you can share your ideas, stories, and even blog about them. If there are any elementary ed majors out there, they also have resources specifically for you.

An example I can share is a friend came in a couple weeks ago all pumped up.  She was excited, surprised, and a little stunned. She had stopped at Starbucks on the way in. When she went to pay, she was informed the lady that went through before her paid for her (my friend’s) coffee.  It turned out the day hadn’t started the best for my friend, and this little random act of kindness perked her day right up. 

A few non-monetary ideas would be holding the door open for someone or letting someone go ahead of you in the grocery store (especially if you have a huge cart and they only have a few items).

Please share any random acts of kindness you have experienced, done, or seen.  Or any inexpensive ideas you may have.  In addition, I challenge you to try doing one random act of kindness this next week and share how it went and how you felt about doing it.

Happy Holidays!

International Conference for Science, Spirituality and Education

Yesterday, His Holiness the Dalai Lama opened the International Conference for Science, Spirituality and Education talking about the changing role of science.  He said people told him to be careful because science is a killer of religion.  He thought carefully about it and determined “without investigation, you cannot find reality.”  He said we have to investigate.  He also quoted the Buddha, stating “You should not accept my teaching of your faith and devotion, but rather investigate and experiment.”  The Dalai Lama said once you investigate, you have the right to reject what you learn.

He made three points in the opening address:

1. Modern science is the feat of external things, really remarkable, yet also about inner science, inner mind, peace.
2. World peace cannot come through prayer or blessing, but through action.  Buddha’s blessing must go through your hands. 
3. The final results come through practice.  It’s important to preserve Buddhist culture--through education.

He had many interesting and contemplative points that I do not have the space to devote the attention they deserve on this blog.  If you are interested, please view the full video.  Please note that it is 42 minutes long.

Purpose Of This Blog

I am very excited about this blog as I have wanted to start one, but did not know how to go about it.  Then the University of Northern Colorado offered a course called Blogging for Journalists, which teaches how to blog.  I jumped at the chance!  So now I am using this course to get my blog off and running.  While the course will only last four weeks, this blog will continue.

Each of us is on our own spiritual path.  I am creating this blog with the hopes that by sharing what I have learned through my spiritual lessons, I might help others on their own path. 

This topic has become very important to me over the last five years.  I have had problems with anxiety over the years.  It wasn’t until I started unknowingly discovering my spiritual path that I started to make progress with reducing my anxiety.  Yes, my discovery started accidently – more on that another day.  If anything I can say here helps even one person, this blog is worth my time and effort.  Please let me know your thoughts and perspectives during this journey.

Stay tuned...

Please check back tomorrow.  My first post will be posted later tonight.  Thank you for checking out this blog.