Compassion

"Let the ugliness of unkindness in others impel me to make myself beautiful with loving-kindness. 

 May harsh speech from my companions remind me to use sweet words always.  If stones from evil minds are cast at me, let me send in return only missiles of goodwill.

As a jasmine vine sheds its flowers over the hands delivering ax blows at its roots, so, on all who act inimically toward me may I shower the blossoms of forgiveness."

~~~Paramahansa Yogananda

June 3: Peace

Life has been full of unexpected, not entirely, and surprising turns these past few months.  You could say that what was my life six months ago is nothing like it is now.

Truthfully, I am grateful for the major shift; it needed to happen.  I am at peace with the concept of the shift.  The details, hitches, twists and turns; however, leave me feeling less than at peace.  In fact, I am probably the most ungrounded as I have been in a very long time.  It takes a lot to get air between my feet and the earth.

There have been so many posts related to peace, healing, love, moving forward, transition, on Facebook lately.  Each one makes it sound so simple and easy.  I read the post, smile, embrace the content, nod my head in full agreement and then click "share" so maybe someone else can experience that refreshing clarity--as fleeting as it may be.

And yet, no sooner do I share that post than do I return to that previous state of uncertainty.

Today, as I do in the mornings, I reached over to read the inspirational thought for the day from my book Spiritual Diary.  I share it with you here.

"Live each present moment completely and the future will take care of itself.  Fully enjoy the wonder and beauty of each instant.  Practice the presence of peace.  The more you do that, the more you will feel the presence of that power in your life."    ~~~ Paramahansa Yogananda, SRF Lessons

I have read this multiple times today.  A year ago, I completely resonated with this.  This is where I spent my days.  How did I wander off so far?  I am an eternal traveler, but how could I leave such a secure space?

We know "things happen for a reason."  I do believe this.  More than that, I believe everything that happens in our lives, every choice we make and the ensuing consequence, is a lesson.  We are here to learn those lessons and whether or not we learn them is our karma.

I am making the most concerted effort every day to open my heart and mind to this current life lesson.  There is something mighty big in there for me to learn because otherwise, it wouldn't be this difficult.

That little paragraph above that I shared with you is my key.  Now to find the matching keyhole in my soul.

Peace.





 

The Wisdom of Patty

This morning I was at my Sunday meditation circle and prior to commencing service we were chatting about how some people, no matter their age, are full of life and health and vitality. And how on the contrary there are those who at 35 seem old or heavy or unhealthy.

Patty, who will be 76 next month and reminds me a lot of my mother, said she doesn't pray for people to get well. She prays for people's highest good.

She said, paraphrasing, "I can't judge. I don't know their history or their life story. I don't know their previous life story or why they are here in this life. Maybe they are supposed to be how they are. So, I pray for their highest good and potential, that they fulfill what it is they are here to do."

Interesting.

Speaking of age, Wes, who will be 87 in March, was part of this conversation. He is full of kindness, light and life and just had cataract surgery and his blue eyes sparkle again. And Regina, who will be celebrating her 88th birthday in our Line Dance class this Wednesday, isn't picky about cake. But she is particular about her collection of fashionable cowboy boots for dance.

May we all reach out toward our highest potential. May we be inspired by those around us. May we accept each other as who we are as we truly don't know from where we came.

Om. Peace. Amen.

Words Worth Noting

Every now and again you read something that just hits you as extremely profound and even useful. This is what I read recently, and read again and again:

"Words saturated with sincerity, conviction, faith, and intuition are like highly explosive vibration bombs, which, when set off, shatter the rocks of difficulties and create the change desired."

~~~~ Paramahansa Yogananda, Scientific Healing Affirmations

Wisdom Worth Pondering

"Your good habits help you in ordinary and familiar situations but not suffice to guide you when a new problem arises. Then discrimination is necessary.

Man is not an automaton, and therefore cannot always live wisely by simply following set rules and rigid moral precepts. In the great variety of daily problems and events, we find scope for the development of good judgment."

-----Paramahansa Yogananda, "Sayings of Paramahansa Yogananda"

Habits

"It is not your passing inspirations or brilliant ideas so much as your everyday mental habits that control your life."
-----Paramahansa Yogananda

Inspirational Thought for the Day

I really enjoyed this quote. Something to keep in mind always.

"Don't concern yourself with the faults of others. Use the scouring powder of wisdom to keep the rooms of your own mind bright and spotless. By your example, other persons will be inspired to do their own housecleaning." -----Paramahansa Yogananda