Sidetracked Again

Once again I've allowed life to sidetrack me from my journey.  But then again, was I really sidetracked?  All experiences are lessons on our spiritual path.  They just may not be that obvious.  And really, getting sidetracked is, in itself, a lesson. 

I've been having a lot of fun since I last posted.  My social life has become very, very busy!  So busy, I've forgotten to consciously work on my spirituality.  I did try getting on here one day, but my mind went blank.  Which is one reason I'm rambling right now.  I'm just trying to get back in the swing of things.  One of the best ways to beat writer's block is to just start writing, whatever it may be.

I've been fortunate in the fact that love has come into my life.  Funny, I always had love in my life so why do we state it that way when 'romantic' love comes into our life?  Even without 'romantic' love, we have love in our life (at least, if we want it).  There's the love from our friends and family.  And in my case, of my pets.  There's nature's love.  Yes, nature loves us even while we treat it badly.  And whatever your spiritual belief, that spiritual belief loves us. 

Anyway, I allowed the entrance of this romantic love to sidetrack me (pleasantly, I must add).  And it's given me lessons on my spiritual path. 

• First, I'm learning I need to stay focused on my spiritual path, as well as my other activities  - stay true to who I am and want to be. 
• Second, I'm learning that we all bring baggage into a relationship and that I need to be careful about the baggage I bring in.  I have insecurities about trusting someone can love me for who I am.  This wonderful guy has been helping me learn that someone CAN love me for who I am. 
• Third, I've been given an opportunity to put into practice my beliefs.  They haven't really been tested much since I started on this journey.  There are some unusual circumstances around this relationship and I've been given the opportunity to accept how things can be different from what our normal expectations are.

I'm going to make a more conscious effort to stay true to my spiritual path.  Make sure I take time each day to work on it.  Yes, as usual I've been lax on many things, including the all-important meditation (not to mention I haven't been taking care of the physical body either).  So we'll see how well I do until next time.

Peace and love to all of you.  For those of you who have religious holidays around this time, happy _________ (whatever fits your religion)!

Reactions to Osama Bin Laden's Death

When I first heard the news of Osama Bin Laden's death, I was sad.  Do not get me wrong...I was NOT supportive of him or what he did, and yes...he needed to be stopped and held accountable.  However, I believe we are all connected...all children of God, if you will.  And that included him.

And then I couldn't believe what I was reading...people were celebrating his death.  I do not mean the normal celebration of defeating someone, but extreme jubilation...from individuals who claim to belong to a peace-loving religion.  Excuse me?  You say you're peace-loving then turn around and celebrate a death?  How is celebrating the killing of someone peace-loving?  I do understand the premise behind his death is to reduce terrorism (if it will) and to hold him accountable, but peace-loving people should be sad for him...sad for whatever the circumstances were in his life which led him to become the way he did and that no one was able to help him see killing was evil, no matter what the provocation.

And if people just cannot bring themselves to be sad for him personally, what about the people who loved him?  Just because he did what he did doesn't mean they agreed (anyone out there love someone with any kind of addiction?  Should you be to blame for their behavior? It is no ones fault but the person doing the behavior).  And what about his children that are too young to realize what their dad did?  Shouldn't you be sad for their bewilderment?  How their hearts are breaking?  It doesn't matter if you feel they will be better off in the future, what about their pain right now?

Religious leaders and other religious individuals have been issuing many statements and articles today about the reaction to Bin Laden's death.  It is pretty much a concensus...no matter what the major religion, they do not support the jubilation and celebrating that has been occurring over his death - those behaviors do not reflect and are against their religions. 

Here are a few of the articles, if you'd like to see for yourself what is being said:

• A Buddhist response to the killing of Osama bin Laden and the response to that event
• A Christian response to the killing of Osama bin Laden and the response to that event
• Another Christian perspective on revenge -- from John Dear, who was the priest coordinator of the chaplains who worked at Ground Zero after 9/11. He knows firsthand about grief and also about nonviolence
• A Jewish response to the killing of Osama bin Laden and the reaction to that event
• Another Christian response

I will add to this as I come across them (many of these were posted by the Facebook page Spirituality & Practice).

There is no winning on this one, especially by force from either side (see last post, the quote by Martin Luther King, Jr).  There should be no rejoicing in any living beings death. 

Peace to all...

Emergency Stress Kit

I got caught up in life recently...my apologies for not posting something sooner.

I have put together two things...one is my emergency stress kit, one is my prevention plan.  In my emergency stress kit are:

• First and foremost, make sure I am spiritually connected.  Have I been meditating and staying connected with my higher power?  This is the most important one, the rest are tools my higher power provided me.
• Comedy television shows and movies!  When I'm having problems, I need the laughter...it's one of the best forms of stress relief.
• If I am having trouble sleeping due to stress or anxiety, I like Sleepytime Extra.  About the time I am half way through the cup, I can hardly keep my eyes open (I make sure I'm in bed prior to drinking it).  I found the regular Sleepytime does not do quite the job as Sleepytime Extra.  If I am at work, or do not want to do to sleep, I use Tension Tamer.
• Physical exercise!!  This is a must to wear off that energy that is built up!!  Many studies show aerobic exercise is the best, however for me I find that using my muscles works best.  So I clean, rearrange my furniture, etc.
• Yoga/Meditation - or any form of relaxation technique (I've just discovered Qi-Gong and love it).  These relaxation techniques help calm the mind.
• Vitamin B supplement.
• Try to eliminate all caffeine and sugar! The system does not need that when you are trying to calm down.
• I have to admit, I have a teddy bear I sleep with when it's really bad.  It's comforting.
• I have CD's that help reduce stress.  Some have soothing music, such as Enya, Yanni, Kenny G, or are made just for the purpose of reducing stress (found in the book stores), others are affirmation CDs.
• List reasons I am grateful...blue sky, flowers, a pet snuggling with me, the smell of rain on the ground, a child's laughter, hot running water for a shower...the list can go on indefinitely.
• Go to the Do As One site.  This site focuses on breathing (or laughter in one 'room').  I really like this site as there are various length timers, including one for only two minutes.  This is a great resource to use when I don't have much time, such as when I'm at work.
• DRINK LOTS OF WATER!!!
• JOURNAL!!!

This is my stress management kit...so if I can't find my document on my computer, at least I can always come back here!  Next I will be talking about my prevention plan, which will be very similar to the above...

Have a peaceful day everyone!

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.

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. 

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.