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.

Strength from Trials

My life had been a fairly easy one, even though my parents divorced when I was young.  I was fortunate in that my parents worked hard to remain friends.  I have been very grateful to them for that. 

In 1999, it seemed like the ‘powers that be’ took a look at my life and decided I was WAY behind on the trials we all have in life - and they decided to catch me up on them.  For nine years, my life was lived in what I call a ‘black hole’.  Hit after hit came, giving me no time to recover before the next one hit.  During that time I remember reading about how trials make us stronger.  And I vehemently disagreed with that statement.  I felt weaker, not stronger – they were crazy and didn’t know what they were talking about!

I had major anxiety issues from all the stress that was going on in my life.  I had no 'tools' to deal with what was happening.  My mental state...well, while my family has always considered me odd, was now also on shaky ground.  I couldn't take it any more...I had to find a way to deal with this.  I did a lot of researching anxiety.  This introduced me to many tools and resources to help me.  And each thing I learned led me to another one, which eventually led me to my spiritual journey I am currently on.

Three years ago these major events culminated with the death of my eldest nephew.  As sad as I am, I have to be grateful to him - he gave me a last gift in his passing.  It was through that whole ordeal that I recognized that I had become stronger.  The saying was true, we do become stronger through our trials.  I now view it as similar to strengthening our muscles.  We have to be pushed to the point of being a little weaker, in order for the muscles to build and become stronger.

If you’re in a ‘black hole’, believing you’re weaker and will never be strong(er) again, just have faith.  It just takes a little time, but you will come out on the other side stronger. Trust me, I’ve been there. 

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.

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.