Life's Perspective

I have a high school reunion coming up.  As I was contemplating whether I wanted to attend or not (I have gained a lot of weight, I am still single, and I have no kids) and feeling...well, basically sorry for myself, a friend shared this video on facebook.  It made me pause and consider what the truly important things in life are. I thought I'd share.

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.

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!