Thich Nhat Hanh's Message to the Next Generation — Feather Wisdom

A thought provoking speech by Thich Nhat Hanh, talking about how our generation has borrowed from our children and grandchildren - that this planet belongs to them.  He mentions how we've damaged our earth and borrowed too much from the planet.  He feels the people need to wait up as soon as possible and take responsibility - and it can't be done individually, it needs to be done as a group - a 'collective awakening'.

Hanh also mentions how we always want more (we're never satisfied, basically - not news to me).  Even when we get our needs met (shelter, food, heat, clothing, transportation) we still feel it's not enough.  That even people with butler's and/or fame 'suffer'. 

We need something more than things...we need love and understanding.  Peace.  I love how he says we cannot get these things - the things we're hungry for - from a super market. Check it out and see what thought's you come up with. 

Since When is Doing the Right Thing a Random Act of Kindness??

A little bit ago, I was waiting for an elevator.  I saw a lady with her hands full walking towards the elevator.  As the elevator doors opened, I asked her if she was coming to the elevator.  She responsed affirmatively, so I held the elevator for her.

She was very surprised I did that and thanked me. When I appeared puzzled, she said most people would not have done so.  I WAS very puzzled, as I only did what was courtesy and the right thing to do.  It never crossed my mind NOT to do so.

It's sad when doing the "right thing" is considered a random act of kindness.  Let's get these type of gestures back to being the normal thing to do!

My Soul is Feasting

The Winter Feast for the Soul started yesterday.  I have to admit, I forgot about it until last night after I went to bed.  So today I'm getting caught up.  I'm checking out some of the meditations that have been posted on their website.   I really enjoyed the Oneness Meditations, as I believe in all things being connected and one.  However, there are so many other ones available to explore!

One of the aspects I especially like about this event is that it involves individuals around the world from all religions and spirituality beliefs together.  I personally do not belong to any specific religion or spiritual faith.  As I've explored my spiritual path, I've discovered that all the religions and spiritual beliefs have so much in common.  With each of them, I find so many aspects I like that I decided I do not belong to any one (similiar in that aspect to the Bahai' Faith).  So for me, this event is especially beneficial.  I wish more individuals could see - and focus on - the similiarities between all the beliefs instead of the differences.  Then we could have peace.

Winter Feast for the Soul

This January 15 - February 23, 2011 the Winter Feast for the Soul will be held.  I just learned about this event myself from a cousin.  I went to their website to learn more about it.  According to their website, their Longer-term Vision is “We hold a vision that includes all spiritual traditions and organizations in a synchronized schedule for their winter practice periods. Through this collaboration we will all become part of a shared dream for a new consciousness and peace on our planet.”

As I read the above, I wondered what the heck did this mean?  So I dug a little more into their website.  According to their website, for 40 days each participant will “set aside 40 minutes each day to still and focus the mind and to dedicate that time to communion with Spirit.”

This event is not restricted to meditation.  While many will use meditation, contemplative prayer, reading sacred texts, yoga, journaling or expressive arts are other forms that the participants will use. 

Some history - this event started in 2008 with 150 people and has grown to over 20,000 in three years with participants from over 29 countries.  It was inspired by the following poem:

“What nine months does for the embryo
Forty early mornings
Will do for your growing awareness.”

~  Jelaluddin Rumi

I’m still learning more about the event and will share with you as I do.  It sounds like it should be very interesting and I signed up to participate.

I believe this is my last blog for my class requirements.  Please continue checking back for future blogs as this is just the beginning.  I will delve more into so many aspects of my spiritual path that I am on.  It’s exciting to discover my path and I can’t wait to see what’s around the corner.

Why Meditate?

Meditation is one of the best things you can do for yourself.  While I knew it helps calm the mind, I just learned it also helps reverse the aging process and for losing weight!  Deepak Chopra was on Dr Oz this week discussing these topics and more. 

Your thoughts greatly affect your health.  It contributes to cancer, aging, heart disease and more.  Dr Oz asked Deepak Chopra to share one thing people could do right now that would help improve their life.  Chopra replied, “Close your eyes, watch your breath for about five minutes, put your attention on your heart, and ask yourself who am I, what do I want, what’s my purpose. You do not need to know the answers, live the questions, and life will move you into the answers.”

Chopra also discussed how managing stress is very important for our health, as stress affects everything (including addictive behavior stress) which leads to heart disease, cancer, etc.  For managing stress, he say we should breathe (he has a special technique he walks you through on the show), pay attention to our diet (favor fresh foods, avoid ‘dead’ foods, the 6 tastes of life and the 7 colors of the rainbow), get a restful sleep (which he addresses more in-depth), and nutritional complements which we usually call supplements.

Dr Oz asked Chopra what our biggest mistake is and Chopra replied, “Biggest mistake is that people think there is a pill or magic bullet that will resolve all their problems. Healing comes from within.”