wise words of Pema

Wise and timely, as always. A reminder to be open.
Moving out and about sometimes in DC, I am struck by how unfriendly and unhappy some people are, but I remind myself not to take it personally, and I keep myself open to them, to just touch someone's heart, a stranger, by acting toward them in a simple way from my heart, something seemingly small like a smile or a kind word, or even a simple hello. Sometimes you see or feel something moving in that person.

from Weekly Heart Advice from Pema Chodron for today:

THE BEGINNING OF GROWING UP

Opening to the world begins to benefit ourselves and others simultaneously. The more we relate with others, the more quickly we discover where we’re blocked. Seeing this is helpful, but it’s also painful. Sometimes we use it as ammunition against ourselves: we aren’t kind, we aren’t honest, we aren’t brave, and we might as well give up right now. But when we apply the instruction to be soft and nonjudgmental to whatever we see at this very moment, the embarrassing reflection in the mirror becomes our friend. We soften further and lighten up more, because we know it’s the only way we can continue to work with others and be of any benefit in the world. This is the beginning of growing up.

giving thanks for T Din & meditation

Wed., 25 Jan.:  I give thanks for Takoda Din.  (That's my 3rd and final child, and if you haven't met him in person and are wondering, Din is pronounced 'Deen'. ;)
     The most amazing baby ever.  Ok, I know I'm not the first parent to boast such a proclamation.  However, I will just say, as I probably have here already, that I am so incredibly grateful to have such an 'easy' baby, especially considering how difficult the pregnancy was.  I think if after all I went through in carrying him, he was one of those babies who fusses and fights all the time, I just might lose it.  My heart really goes out to those parents (& the babies themselves) who are dealing or have dealt with that.  I have heard the stories of the babies who cry, inconsolably, practically all day long, and I just can't imagine. He is a pure joy and delight, and I feel truly blessed.

Tues., 24 Jan.:  I give thanks for meditation.  Perhaps the most grounding influence in my life.  Not always easy, sometimes torturous, sometimes pure bliss.  When I manage to keep a regular practice, days begin to have a different quality.

New Beginnings

To pick up where I left off, oh-so-long-ago, I am thankful that I can begin again. 

Any time, any place, any day, any hour, until the moment of my last breath in this body, I can reset, start anew, look at life or any particular situation with a new perspective.

It's been almost a full year since I wrote last, when I set out with the endeavor to write down each day at least one thing for which I'm thankful.  That was a real challenge to stick to, and I didn't make it past the first month of 2012, although I will say that I do give thanks for many blessings in my life every day.

2012 was full of many challenges for myself and so many people I know.  One thing that has been tremendously helpful for me, when there are things happening in personal life that seem so absolutely overwhelming and at times hopeless or impossible, is to shift perspective out of my own personal little life into my universal self, my higher self, and connect with the suffering, and joy, of my fellow humans, feel compassion, empathy, and releasement, and look for beauty around me. 

There are also two books that were my main 'sustenance' for 2012 and aided greatly in such a difficult time of transition and nuttiness.  I highly recommend them both for any & all of my human family:

Eckhart Tolle's A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose
and Pema Chodron's When Things Fall Apart: Heart Advice for Difficult Times. 

I will not attempt to write a book review here or summarize the benefits of either of these books.  I'll just say you should really check them out!  Great reminders, great affirmations, great practical advice especially for when times are feeling really tough.