Be prepared to bump into wonder!!!

Monday, November 09, 2009

It's so easy for me to bow my head and feel cheated, feel like a loser, feel like I've only got half a life.

"WHAT'S THAT ABOUT?" I ask myself.

Well...it's a habit, developed over recent years of seeing the glass half empty...and even further back, in the devlopmental years and beyond, of indulging in negative affirmations. Uh huh. But LOOK AT ME --

~ though I wobble on the path, I have indeed made AMAZING strides toward wellness, teaching myself to eat in a whole, organic way that supports wellness and carrying around over seventy pounds less of dead weight on this compliant body
~ though my life in these later years may have challenges and difficulties that require clear seeing and creative problem-solving, I have myriad resources to assist me in that important work
~ though I have not managed to attain a consistent daily sitting practice, any efforts toward PRESENCE and MINDFULNESS will be, and has been, rewarded with greater consciousness
~ though I have a nay-sayer in my life who constantly reminds me of my shorcomings, I have the tools to sweep the path of these psychic obstacles and prepare for WONDER

So, better said --

~ I am living witness to the benefits of healthy living. I took control. I'm DOING IT.
~ I have wonderful friends, new and old, who love and support and guide me on this intrepid journey
~ I know the importance of continuing in spite of failures, because my ongoing success is built upon these holes on the path that I tumble into and climb out of
~ I choose joy over sorrow, both being ever-present

James Boughton is an ever-present Joy Guru, ALWAYS bringing a smile and making me want to get up and move, and reminding me of the goodness in this topsy-turvy journey we call life.



Not dawdling
not doubting
intrepid all the way
walk toward clarity
with sharp eye
With sharpened sword
clearcut the path
to the lucent surprise
of enlightenment
At every crossroad
be prepared to bump into wonder

~ James Broughton ~

(Little Sermons of the Big Joy)
www.panhala.net/Archive/Not_Dawdling
.html

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

COTEL1 11/17/2009 9:57AM

That was awesome. Thank You Report Inappropriate Comment

HAPPY-DESTINY 11/14/2009 12:20AM

Great! Report Inappropriate Comment

EMBBEAR 11/10/2009 12:06PM

Wow! You are such beautiful writer! (I would know I'm a writing tutor) what a wonderful blog of good affirmations! I'm sorry to hear you have a negative nancy in your life, I think we all do at one point or another. After moving I made sure to keep my encounters with people of that mindset very short! You are doing so well for yourself, keep it up! Report Inappropriate Comment

JNEUBS 11/10/2009 10:35AM

So true...you are amazing Maha! May Maha enjoy happiness and the root of happiness! May Maha be free of suffering and the root of suffering! May Maha not be separated from the great happiness devoid of suffering! May Maha dwell in the great equanimity free from passion, aggression, and prejudice! ChiTown Jeff Peace, Love, Compassion, Laughter & Hope! Report Inappropriate Comment

MENT2BE 11/9/2009 11:01PM

LOVED IT ALL!!! Bless you for making our day!! In Wonder, --ME Report Inappropriate Comment

CORPUSANNIE 11/9/2009 9:49PM

Oh, I think I found a blog to build a dream on tonight. Thank you, wonderful friend to so many of us. You are a blessing. peace montie Report Inappropriate Comment

COLIBRI930 11/9/2009 9:37PM

Very refreshing, thanks! Report Inappropriate Comment

MACGIRRL 11/9/2009 9:18PM

What a delightful gift of affirmation and motivation and celebration this Monday evening! With gratitude, I'll carry this "reframing" mindset with me on Tuesday as I head into the battlefield of the "office". , Lynne Report Inappropriate Comment

RIPPEDPAUL1 11/9/2009 8:51PM

Good blog post, I'm glad I stopped to look. Report Inappropriate Comment

AZIMAT 11/9/2009 8:27PM

Beautiful blog, my friend, a wonderful honest account of your journey. Your willingness to bare your soul is such a gift to so many of us. Thank you. Report Inappropriate Comment

STRAWBERRY*MOON 11/9/2009 8:07PM

Wise words, indeed, ones I need to be reminded of frequently. Many thanks, as always, Maha. Something else I try to remember: Seeking perfection is the enemy of finding your true life. Report Inappropriate Comment

FRANCESCANAZ 11/9/2009 6:08PM

Thanks for being such a Spark friend to so many! You never fail to cheer me up and keep my feet on the ground with your intelligent blogs. Paz, Francesca Report Inappropriate Comment

CARLI_MAE 11/9/2009 1:06PM

Ah, yes, you and Vicki ... "what's that about?" ... I think you know what it's about ... the real challenge is rising above it and shaking it all off, so to speak. More difficult for some (many women, especially, it seems) than others. The really cool thing is watching others, like I was telling TAZ, unfold into their real selves ... one of the unexpected, but totally delightful things I've witnessed in this community. Who'd a thought, huh? Carli Report Inappropriate Comment

LAPORTE2006 11/9/2009 10:07AM

Life is full of surprises and wonder. You never know what is around the bend. You have to open your eyes to see the wonder that surrounds us. I think too many times I have gone into a day with my eyes shut. Every new day, I try to open them and see what I was missing. Most of my life, I spent hiding...from myself..from others and from life. As I grew older, I learned not to hide. So lets all see that half full glass and appreciate who we are. Just be. Report Inappropriate Comment

TAZMOMSGOL 11/9/2009 10:05AM

Aw something we have in common AND WE are changing it!! Making that voice stop and rephrase is a great practice. You have been an encouragement to ME reinforcing the action - the proactive choice, sista!!! We are amazing, aren�t we?!!! for the link to Eva Cassidy�s version of my fave song - lovely and relaxing, actually, maybe, dreamy! Report Inappropriate Comment

SLASALLE 11/9/2009 8:54AM

I agree with Gboomer 150%, my friend. I have missed reading your blogs and it is a pleasure and honor to start my week reading thie one. Let's BOTH make it a week of the glass half full ... Report Inappropriate Comment

LISANANCY 11/9/2009 8:52AM

I have to give myself a real talking to today! Where do these negative thoughts come from? No, not anymore. We are really worth it. Thanks for your time to share with us. Report Inappropriate Comment

JUDY4652 11/9/2009 8:42AM

You have done really well! Keep up the good work! Report Inappropriate Comment

GBOOMER 11/9/2009 8:33AM

You could have been writing about my own struggles. James Broughton is good, but I like your voice even more. Report Inappropriate Comment

Sometimes in my tears I drown...but I never let it get me down....

Friday, November 06, 2009

...so says musician Matisyahu, the personification of harmony. He is a Hasidic Jewish musician from New York City known for blending traditional Jewish themes with reggae, rock, and hip-hop sounds.

He pushes musical boundaries by incorporating a variety of genres to create unique sounds with deep messages that aim to unite and uplift. Matisyahu once said, "All of my songs are influenced..by the teachings that inspire me. I want my music to have meaning, to be able to touch people and make them think."

Chasidism teaches that music is 'the quill of the soul.' Music taps into a very deep place and speaks to us in a way that regular words can't." Listen to one of his latest songs 'One Day', which he created as an anthem for hope and a source of inspiration for people struggling to open their hearts and stay positive.





Don't miss this soul-touching, heart-opening moment!

www.karmatube.org/videos.php?id=1753

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

ASHERAH38 11/12/2009 9:45AM

Music--the quill of the soul. Wow, I love it! Report Inappropriate Comment

STRAWBERRY*MOON 11/9/2009 7:58PM

Wise words, indeed, and one I seem to need to hear frequently. As always, many thanks, Maha. I'll add one thing I also believe: perfection is the enemy of life. Report Inappropriate Comment

SUNNY332 11/9/2009 6:38AM

I loved it and it touched my heart. Thanks so much for sharing it and introducing me to this artist. I am passing it on. Hugs, Sunny Report Inappropriate Comment

MACGIRRL 11/8/2009 9:22PM

What a reminder of how much I "used" to listen to Matisyahu on WXPN.. that was my introduction to his gift.. and I loved his essence and values even more when I listened to an in studio interview... THANK YOU for dusting off my cobwebs and reintroducing! and gratitude for the intro to Karma Tube! Beaming Gratitude. :) Namaste' Lynne Report Inappropriate Comment

CORPUSANNIE 11/7/2009 1:20PM

I'm glad you posted this..thought of you when I heard it on KarmaTube and sent it to my DD Laura Blissful music, so sure and hopeful peace montie Report Inappropriate Comment

RIPPEDPAUL1 11/7/2009 8:59AM

Thanks for sharing, I am going to forward the link to several of my friends Report Inappropriate Comment

FRANCESCANAZ 11/7/2009 6:50AM

Great share mi amiga! Keep them coming, please! Report Inappropriate Comment

GOODHEALTH4EVER 11/7/2009 4:36AM

i've heard him before...thanks for helping me remember his music:) Report Inappropriate Comment

LAPORTE2006 11/6/2009 4:46PM

I wish that I could hear it but have no sound right now. I have always said that music has a way of touching your heart and soul. There are certain beats that get us moving in our seats and eventually jumping up and dancing. I love to listen to Celtic woman. Actually I love all kinds of music except the kind that screams and you can't tell what they are singing. Report Inappropriate Comment

CARLI_MAE 11/6/2009 12:43PM

Very nice, really cool video effects ... love it. Report Inappropriate Comment

EMBBEAR 11/6/2009 12:00PM

I love Matisyahu! I used to bike to work listening to him everyday and it was a very spiritually uplifting moment. His music does things I can't explain it's a feeling like singing in a church, it's a connection felt through music. Thanks for sharing! Report Inappropriate Comment

GBOOMER 11/6/2009 11:29AM

Thanks for introducing me to this song. I've decided to learn it. Sometimes I lead a song or two at Jewish events. This one would be perfect. Report Inappropriate Comment

SVLCEK 11/6/2009 9:42AM

This guy is great! Thank you for sharing. Report Inappropriate Comment

JNEUBS 11/6/2009 9:41AM

This song never fails to put a smile on my face, expand my heart and give me chills throughout my body! Whole family loves Matisyahu....my daughters have seen them live many times! Got this email earlier as I'm subscribed! Love it! Thanks! May Maha enjoy happiness and the root of happiness! ChiTown Jeff Peace, Love, Compassion, Laughter & Hope! Comment edited on: 11/6/2009 9:44:54 AM Report Inappropriate Comment

What's YOUR name???

Thursday, November 05, 2009

We often *name* ourselves "slacker," "loser," "anxious," "isolated," "not up to the task," "lonely," "lazy"...but what about the myriad OTHER names...?

THANK YOU Carli-Mae! She reminded me of Jim Croce's great "I Got A Name" song, perfect in its own unique lyrical elegance!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=YcqauC49Xmc





EACH OF US HAS A NAME

Each of us has a name
given by the divine
and given by our parents

Each of us has a name
given by our stature and our smile
and given by what we wear

Each of us has a name
given by the mountains
and given by our walls

Each of us has a name
given by the stars
and given by our neighbors

Each of us has a name
given by our sins
and given by our longing

Each of us has a name
given by our enemies
and given by our love

Each of us has a name
given by our celebrations
and given by our work

Each of us has a name
given by the seasons
and given by our blindness

Each of us has a name
given by the sea
and given by
our death.

~ Zelda ~

(Trans. by Marcia Lee Falk in Beloved on the Earth,
ed. by J. Perman, D. Cooper, M. Hart, and P. Mittlefehldt) www.panhala.net/Archive/Each_of_Us_H
as_A_Name.html

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Zelda Schneersohn Mishkovsky (June 20, 1914-April 30, 1984), widely known as Zelda, was an Israeli poet. She was born in Chernigoff, Ukraine and the family settled in Jerusalem in 1926.

Penai (Free Time), Zelda's first collection of poetry, was published in 1967. With its emotive and contemplative images drawn from the world of Jewish mysticism, Hasidism, and Russian fairy tales, this collection established her reputation in the literary world.

Her poems, highly spiritual but at same time very direct, colorful, and precise, touched the hearts of religious and secular alike. Zelda's poetry is imbued with deep faith, free of the doubt and irony that sometimes permeates the work of other modern Hebrew poets. Her poems reflect her abiding faith - for example in "When I said the blessing over the Shabbat candles."
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zelda_%28poet%
29

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

TAZMOMSGOL 11/7/2009 1:21PM

I wonder what ALL of MY names are! Report Inappropriate Comment

GOODHEALTH4EVER 11/7/2009 4:47AM

CERTAINLY WORDS FOR THOUGHT...WORDS HAVE POWER...I WISH TO USE THEM WISELY...THANK YOU FOR SHARING THIS. IT TOUCHED ME... Report Inappropriate Comment

RANA!! 11/6/2009 7:59PM

What a great blog. I wonder what I will call myself today?! Report Inappropriate Comment

STRAWBERRY*MOON 11/6/2009 12:54PM

A friend from eons ago with whom I've lost touch was a wonderful poet. Her first booklet was called "Name Yourself Feast." Thanks for sharing this poem and for bringing back a special memory. Report Inappropriate Comment

PEACEFULONE 11/6/2009 6:09AM

Wonderful poem-it brings to mind these quotes: "Rose is a rose is a rose is a rose." Gertrude Stein "A rose by any other name would smell as sweet." William Shakespeare "The world will tell you who you are until you tell the world" unknown "I yam what I yam and tha's all I yam." Popeye Comment edited on: 11/6/2009 6:11:11 AM Report Inappropriate Comment

AMBUDMAN 11/6/2009 12:50AM

Nice blog. Report Inappropriate Comment

LAPORTE2006 11/5/2009 6:29PM

When we tag people, we are judging them. We are all multidimentional. We are not flat LOL. Have a great evening. Report Inappropriate Comment

BBAHONORS 11/5/2009 1:56PM

I like it! Report Inappropriate Comment

CARLI_MAE 11/5/2009 1:50PM

No where near as exquisite or mind stirring as this, but as soon as I saw the title this morning I thought of this: http://www.youtube.com/wat ch?v=YcqauC49Xmc Report Inappropriate Comment

ALICIA214 11/5/2009 1:36PM

Something to take to heart, it is very heart stirring Thank you. Report Inappropriate Comment

MERIMARY 11/5/2009 1:27PM

Every beautiful. Thank you. Report Inappropriate Comment

We live our lives in widening circles....

Wednesday, November 04, 2009

I live my life in widening circles
that reach out across the world.
I may not complete this last one
but I give myself to it.

I circle around the sacred, around the primordial tower.
I've been circling for thousands of years
and I still don't know: am I a falcon,
a storm, or a great song?

~ Ranier Maria Rilke ~

(Rilke’s Book of Hours:Love Poems to God, translated by Anita Barrows and Joanna Macy)
www.panhala.net/Archive/I_live_my_li
fe.html

What a WONDERFUL addition...Azimat's contribution of Matthew Scott's choral piece using Rilke's text:
www.archive.org/details/ILiveMyLifeI
nWideningCircles

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

GOODHEALTH4EVER 11/7/2009 4:58AM

LOVED THE POEM, ESPECIALLY WITH THE VOCAL MUSIC. I AM NOW READY FOR BED. FEELING CALM AND PEACEFUL. NAMASTE, LO RETTA Report Inappropriate Comment

PEACEFULONE 11/5/2009 1:09AM

A beautiful poem and I loved it with the vocal music. Thank you so much. Comment edited on: 11/5/2009 10:58:41 AM Report Inappropriate Comment

COLIBRI930 11/4/2009 10:19PM

I think I am a falcon (though my profile photo looks like a hummingbird)! Great poem. very inspiring. Report Inappropriate Comment

FRANCESCANAZ 11/4/2009 5:03PM

I think you are a little of each... Report Inappropriate Comment

CARLI_MAE 11/4/2009 12:05PM

YOU most certainly do! Report Inappropriate Comment

LIVNFITNHAPPY 11/4/2009 11:27AM

Thank you for sharing! The title of your Blog brought to mind the image of a drop of water falling into and merging with a larger body of water. The rings that spread across the face of the water seem representative of the ever broadening course my life is taking and the connections that are made as other rings cross my own. Report Inappropriate Comment

STRAWBERRY*MOON 11/4/2009 10:23AM

Thanks for posting this poem; I love Rilke! Report Inappropriate Comment

CORPUSANNIE 11/4/2009 9:01AM

I loved this poem and have received much inspiration reading Rilke. Plan to check out the gift giving program;it seems like something I"d like to participate in. Spending today getting rid of a fever and mild cough (nothing serious) and thinking of my good Spark friends and widening circles. peace montie Report Inappropriate Comment

AZIMAT 11/4/2009 8:36AM

Colorado State University Chamber Choir singing the words of this poem, music composed by Matthew Scott: http://www.archive.or g/details/ILiveMyLifeInWidening Circles I pray that we would live in widening circles (except for the hips), as well as deepening and heighten-ing. Report Inappropriate Comment

GIANTPANDA 11/4/2009 8:12AM

A beautiful poem! For some reason, Spider Rock in Canyon de Chelly (AZ) came to mind, a sacred place where the eagles soar. Report Inappropriate Comment

ANNROBERTS54 11/4/2009 7:57AM

I also think I am a great song. Something akin to a whale's song, deep and longing Report Inappropriate Comment

TAZMOMSGOL 11/4/2009 7:53AM

I think I am a great song! Report Inappropriate Comment

GBOOMER 11/4/2009 7:49AM

"am I a falcon, a storm, or a great song?" I like this. GBoomer Report Inappropriate Comment

Giving for our health's sake!

Tuesday, November 03, 2009

At last Friday's weekly gathering in the women's maximum security prison where I volunteer, we introduced this gift-giving program, telling about the founder and explaining how the program works. At the end of the evening, we told the women to sign up as they left if they wanted to participate in the program, that we would enter their information online and track it for them. Their response was enthusiastic and infectious. I was so touched by this idea that I also signed up to particpate in this practice, derived from an African ritual given to Cami Walker by Mbali Creazzo, a South African Medicine Woman, www.ubuntuhumanity.org/ that has profound contemporary ramifications.

I see this as affecting my body-mind-spirit health in a very significant way and I look forward to the ways it will impact my life!


~~~~~~~~~CAMI WALKER~~~~~~~~~

www.29gifts.org/ is a global giving movement with several thousand members in 38 countries. The collective mission at 29 Gifts is to revive the giving spirit in the world. Change lives—and change the world—one gift at a time.

The founder, Cami Walker, saw her life change as she embraced and reflected on the naturally reciprocal process of giving and receiving. By Day 29, not only had Cami’s health and happiness improved, but she had created a worldwide giving movement. Here's a video by Cami that explains the project (just click on the video, "Welcome to the 29-Day Giving Challenge"):
givingchallenge.ning.com/page/page/s
how?id=2039308%3APage%3A72218

Sign up and then give away 29 gifts in 29 days. Your 29 Gifts can be anything given to anyone... money, food, old sweaters, smiles, your time, kind words or thoughts. You can start your own personal 29-Day Giving Challenge at any time—there’s no official begin or end date. To complete the challenge, submit a story, post a piece of your original artwork, create a short film or write a song. Tell us about your favorite gives and the impact it made on your life to focus on giving.

To sign up for the Challenge:
givingchallenge.ning.com/main/author
ization/signUp?target=http%3A%2F%2Fgiv
ingchallenge.ning.com%2F

A FEW HELPFUL TIPS:

1. Be mindful. The Challenge is intended to be a sacred ritual—it is your opportunity to cultivate a mindful practice of stepping outside your own story for a few seconds each day by serving others.

2. Don’t quit. If you have a day that you feel unmotivated to give, it’s ok. Just go for the simple give. Call a friend and give some kind words. Write someone a nice note. Or exchange smiles with a stranger. Every give doesn't need to be monumental. You might even notice that the “simple gives” feel more powerful than the grand gestures.

3. Don't worry if you don't do it perfectly. If you forget your give one day, be gentle with yourself. This ritual is about progress, not perfection. Sit down and quietly reflect on your day. Review the entire day mindfully and find the times you unconsciously gave so you can bring it into your consciousness. Don’t forget that there is never a day that you don't give. There are only days that you don't acknowledge and remember you did.

4. Be receptive and have fun. Enjoy your 29 days. And remember to stay open to receiving. Giving can't happen without the receptors of our gifts.


Blessed be!

Maha

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

GINABUG 11/5/2009 9:46AM

I have not read the article yet but just the idea of this makes me smile! Perhaps a private "giving journal" that also includes the gifts you have received (gratitudes) on a daily or semi-daily basis! You are such an inspiration -- such a gift! My gratitude today is for YOU! Comment edited on: 11/5/2009 9:49:37 AM Report Inappropriate Comment

GINABUG 11/5/2009 9:45AM

Thanks, Maha! I will! Report Inappropriate Comment

JNEUBS 11/5/2009 7:04AM

Thanks Maha! You are a gift! ChiTown Jeff Peace, Love, Compassion, Laughter & Hope! Report Inappropriate Comment

LINDA25427 11/3/2009 5:24PM

Sounds good !!! Giving is apart of living !!! God Bless !!! Report Inappropriate Comment

LAPORTE2006 11/3/2009 5:04PM

The thing about giving is you have to give it without expecting anything back. I have heard others complain about giving and never getting anything back. I have done the same thing until thinking about it....I expected a thank you from someone who was very proud. I never got it. I learned later that it was very hard for him to accept help. so when you give, do it from the heart. Report Inappropriate Comment

FRANCESCANAZ 11/3/2009 5:00PM

What a blessing you are to those women in the prison and also to us Spark People! Thank you Maha. Report Inappropriate Comment

CARLI_MAE 11/3/2009 12:14PM

"Something we were withholding made us weak, until we found it was ourselves." - Robert Frost Amazing, timeless, universal principle ... yet society so often finds ways of twisting it somehow. From the popularity of yoga in the late 60's/early 70's with the message of going within and quieting the senses ... I remember hearing people saying "I need my space!" in the most self-centered, contradictory sense. On the other end of the spectrum, how often we fall into the inability to ask for help, accept and receive in a graceful manner. The key is giving unconditionally, as is illustrated in your blog, then being mindful of how it comes back to us, and rather than trying to hold it to ourselves, surrendering it to its etherial source, eh? Blessings, Peace, Carli Report Inappropriate Comment

PEACEFULONE 11/3/2009 10:22AM

This is Wonderful! Maha, you are one of the most giving in your support and sharing! Thank you, thank you, thank you! Report Inappropriate Comment

LOLAGEEK 11/3/2009 9:40AM

I love this Maha. Report Inappropriate Comment