Tuesday, September 22, 2020

Thoughts along the road

 Source: https://www.carloscardosoaveline.com/thoughts-along-the-road-43/ 


Monday, September 14, 2020

We don’t live in a random universe

By Gloria Excelsias

Source: https://www.iamuniversity.org/we-dont-live-in-a-random-universe/

Everything on Earth as in Heaven happens according to law. The Earth’s rotation around its own axis, the movement of the planets around the sun, the growth of the grain of mustard seed, changes in the positions of electrons in the forming and breaking of chemical bonds between atoms, feelings of attraction and/or repulsion between two people etc. are all the result of laws in operation.

We don’t live in a random universe.

When we study books on biology, physics and chemistry, what we’ll learn is that everything in nature is governed by laws. And one of the most fundamental laws in nature is the law of attraction and repulsion.

Take for example water. The chemical formula of water is H2O: one molecule of water = 1 oxygen atom + 2 hydrogen atoms. They stick together because they are covalently bonded. A so-called chemical bond is a permanent “attraction between atoms”. What we see here, in essence, is a form of love.

What I am trying to say is that the law of attraction and repulsion is all around us and it is in operation in every single cell of our body. Natural scientists have been studying these laws for centuries and we have learned to work with them. We don’t wonder why the apple “falls down“ from the tree and why it does not “fall up” into the sky, because we have learned to understand that there is such a thing as gravitational „attraction”.

Now, the next step for us is to realize that just like the physical world is operating according to laws, so do the emotional and mental worlds in which we live simultaneously, whether we realize it or not.

We can’t see our thoughts and we can’t see our desires and emotions, and yet no one on Earth would say that they don’t think, that they don’t feel, and that they don’t desire. And even though we may not realize it (yet) or find it hard to believe it to be true, our thoughts, emotions, desires, words and actions are also all governed by laws.

We have not yet fully figured out these laws and are only starting to become aware of them, and this is why things sometimes appear to be unjust and not right, however, nothing ever happens by chance because all of life is governed by laws. And one of the laws of the mind is that whatever we think about, whatever we fear or have faith in, we attract into our life (=law of attraction).

The reason why our lives are so chaotic is because we have no control over our thoughts, desires, emotions, words and actions which are all forces which we continually wield. Not realizing that we live in a world of energies and forces, we wield them unconsciously and in a confused and self-contradictory way, and this is why the world does not make any sense to us, why things seem to happen „out of the blue,“ why „bad“ things happen to „good“ people, why the world appears to be unjust, why we feel so stuck, and why we so often stand in our own way.

However, as we learn to go within and begin to compare the world around us with our predominant thoughts, desires, words, and deeds, we will begin to see that we each live in a world of our own making, that nothing but our own can come to us. Why?

Because we don’t live in a random universe. We live in a universe that is governed by laws 🙂

Saturday, August 22, 2020

Aging Gracefully

By MADISYN TAYLOR

As we cultivate our life, our beauty becomes as much about what we are creating and doing as it is about our appearance.

We tend to associate youth with beauty, but the truth is that beauty transcends every age. Just as a deciduous tree is stunning in all its stages--from its full leafy green in the summer to its naked skeleton during winter and everything in between--human beings are beautiful throughout their life spans.

The early years of our lives tend to be about learning and experiencing as much as we possibly can. We move through the world like sponges, absorbing the ideas of other people and the world. Like a tree in spring, we are waking up to the world. In this youthful phase of life, our physical strength, youth, and beauty help open doors and attract attention. Gradually, we begin to use the information we have gathered to form ideas and opinions of our own. As we cultivate our philosophy about life, our beauty becomes as much about what we are saying, doing, and creating as it is about our appearance. Like a tree in summer, we become full, expressive, beautiful, and productive.

When the time comes for us to let go of the creations of our middle lives, we are like a tree in autumn dropping leaves, as we release our past attachments and preparing for a new phase of growth. The children move on, and careers shift or end. The lines on our faces, the stretch marks, and the grey hairs are beautiful testaments to the fullness of our experience. In the winter of our lives, we become stripped down to our essence like a tree. We may become more radiant than ever at this stage, because our inner light shines brighter through our eyes as time passes. Beauty at this age comes from the very core of our being--our essence. This essence is a reminder that there is nothing to fear in growing older and that there is a kind of beauty that comes only after one has spent many years on earth.

Tuesday, May 26, 2020

Be beautiful internally

Source: https://www.ajourneytoyourself.com/beautiful-internally/

How to be beautiful internally?

Nowadays, we all care about the look. We all want to be beautiful. We all want to be eternally young. Nobody likes to think of themselves as “aging”. We artificially move the border of aging from year to year. It is particularly hard for women who find it difficult to maintain a balance in a culture that adores youth and beauty and does not seem to accept the concept of beauty without youth. But does anyone think how to be beautiful internally?

In this article, you will learn what makes you beautiful internally.

Unfortunately, however, your body will slow down over time and then it will creak more and more. Your intellect will lose its shape. And you will be forced to face the most difficult human reality: you will understand, not only intellectually, but also existentially that you will die. You will find that we have an absolute lack of power over existence. It will invite you to explore the world of spirit.
You will find out that what really counts is the soul that is hidden under all kinds of disguises. It is invisible. A real beauty that will not disappear, which can be taken away and which is visible only with the eye of the soul – with the heart. Only your behavior shows who you really are.

“You can see only with your heart. The most important is invisible for eyes.”

True beauty lies in doing. Realizing this is extremely important for your self-esteem.

So how would you act so that your soul will bloom? How to make it beautiful?

You can do this by developing an appropriate attitude towards others based on kindness, love, and respect and understanding the unity of all beings.
How to do it?

Be kind.

Straight from your heart, truly. Try to think well about others and find good in each of them. Stop judging, blaming, condemning and criticizing others. Do not gossip. Act as if everything you see in someone was just good. Pay attention to the goodness of others and tell them how much you appreciate it.

Try to help others spontaneously.

Support others. Give your seat to the old woman in public transport, let the pedestrians on the pedestrian crossing, instead of pretending that you do not see them approaching, help someone buy a ticket in the machine when you see that they cannot handle it, etc. Give without expecting anything in return.

Work on your manners and start using them.

Be polite and caring. Do not just care about your own comfort, think about the comfort of others. You are not the navel of the world. Respect others try not to focus all attention only on yourself. Do not swear. Watch out for what you say to not hurt someone. Do not raise your voice.

Compliment the others.

Do it honestly and truly. Do not overdo it. Look for real deeds, talents, and strengths to praise them. Try to ignore the weakness of others.

Be tolerant and understanding.

Learn to see people as indispensable and natural diversity, not as “we” and “them”. Just because you do not agree with someone, or you do not like their lifestyle, it does not mean that they are worse than you or bad. Do not be afraid of others. Be open and interested. You are not alone in the world. Accept people as they are instead of trying to change them in your way. Always try to see the bigger picture not just your own point of view.

Sympathize, be empathic.

Notice somebody’s pain or problem. Show them understanding. Reach out your hand. Show that you are there for them, that you are not indifferent to their fate and suffering.

Be grateful.

Know what’s good in your life and appreciate it. Even in difficult moments try to find something positive, what you can focus on what you can be grateful for. Even something small.

Forgive others.

Without hearing the word “sorry” instead.

Be responsible.

Admit to your mistakes. Take responsibility for yourself, your actions and choices. No matter if you are ashamed of them, would you rather forget about them and pretend they never happened. Do not try to pass the blame on others or on circumstances. You have the right to make mistakes. Everyone commits them. Be responsible for your life. For what is good in it and for what is bad and grow up in wisdom. 

Keep your emotions under control.

Know that it is okay to have emotions, but do not let them control your behavior. Learn to release your negative emotions constructively. Do not let them affect how you treat another human being. Do not let them shape your character.

How to be beautiful internally? Be positive.

Infect others with optimism.
Stop treating everything with deadly seriousness. Work on your sense of humor. Smile to strangers, laugh at yourself. From time to time, let yourself be silly, free your inner child. 
Take care of other creatures. Life is a miracle in every form. Treat animals with respect. They live their lives on the same planet as us. Make wise and informed choices. Do not underestimate their lives. Start recognizing yourself in all being. We are all one. Fill your heart with love and compassion.

How to be beautiful internally? Note the beauty.

Especially the beauty in the simple things around you.

Be modest and have humility in yourself.

Life is not revolving just around you. Do not compete with others, do not compare yourself. Do not ask for praise. Be proud of yourself, but do not demand recognition of your successes from others. Do not be exalted. You are unique and one of a kind, but you are also part of a community where each person has unique talents and abilities. And each of these people is just as important as you are, there is no hierarchy except the one created in our minds. 

Do everything as best you can.

Be an example. Shine. And when people appreciate it, do not let their recognition go to your head.
And when nobody appreciates your effort, accept this fact because you do not need the validation of others to do everything you can the best way. Let your deeds speak for themselves. Do not boast about your achievements in social media and do not measure the value of your life by the number of likes on facebook.

Be honest, authentic and delicate.

Be who you are and do not depend it on with who you are. 

How to be beautiful internally? Be fair.

Build relationships based on trust. Do not lie. Do not cheat yourself or others.

Accept and love yourself as you are at the moment.

Be the best friend of yourself. When you love yourself, you also have love to offer to others.

Do you know already how to be beautiful internally?



Tuesday, May 19, 2020

Mountains

By Madysin Taylor

From the top of a mountain, we are able to witness life from a different perspective bringing us a new awareness.

Mountains have always captured our imaginations, calling us to scale their heights, to circle and worship at their feet, and to pay homage to their greatness. Mountains can be seen from thousands of miles away, and if we are lucky enough to be on top of one, we can see great stretches of the surrounding earth. As a result, mountains symbolize vision, the ability to rise above the adjacent lowlands and see beyond our immediate vicinity. From the top of the mountain, we are able to witness life from a new perspective--cities and towns that seem so large when we are in them look tiny. We can take the whole thing in with a single glance, regaining our composure and our sense of proportion as we realize how much bigger this world is than we sometimes remember it to be.

Mountains are almost always considered holy and spiritual places, and the energy at the top of a mountain is undeniably unique. When we are on top of a mountain, it is as if we have ascended to an alternate realm, one in which the air is purer and the energy lighter. Many a human being has climbed to the top of a mountain in order to connect with a higher source of understanding, and many have come back down feeling stronger and wiser. Whenever we are feeling trapped or limited in our vision, a trip to our nearest mountain may be just the cure we need.

There's a reason that mountain views are so highly prized in this world, and it is because, even from a distance, mountains remind us of how small we are, which often comes as a wonderful relief. In addition, they illustrate our ability to connect with higher energy. As they rise up from the earth, sometimes disappearing in the clouds that gather around them, they are a visual symbol of earth reaching up into the heavens. Whether we have a mountain view out of our window or just a photograph of a mountain where we see it every day, we can rely on these earthly giants to provide inspiration, vision, and a daily reminder of our humble place in the grand scheme of life.

Monday, May 18, 2020

10 Days of Happiness

Source: https://livebetter.io/

Day 1: Giving: Do things for others


Hello, it’s Lia your Digital Coach here again. Welcome to Day 1 of our journey together.

Helping others is closely linked to happiness, so today we’re exploring ways to include more acts of kindness in our day. This is particularly important when those around us are facing difficult times. When you do something kind for someone else, you make a difference for them and this also enhances your own well-being too.

Here are three ideas for small acts that you can do today. Try one of these or come up with your own:
Treat people with a little extra kindness today, including yourself.
Ask a loved one how they're feeling and really listen to them.
Offer to help someone who might be lonely or in need of support.
Today’s action:

What act of kindness will you try today?

Day 2: Relating: Connect with people

Hello, Lia here - it’s great to be with you again.

Good relationships are important for our health and well-being, especially in challenging times. A study at Harvard showed that people with supportive relationships had better overall health and happier mood, even when they were in physical pain.

All relationships have challenges and we can’t change other people! But we can choose how we respond. So, today focus on a relationship you’d like to strengthen. Here are some ideas:

Contact someone you care about to say "Hi" and let them know you're thinking of them.
Call a family member or a friend and take a real interest in what’s happening in their life by really listening and asking questions.
Think about a quality you admire in someone and let them know how much you appreciate it.
Today’s action:

Which relationship will you strengthen today and how?

Day 3: Exercising: Take care of your body

Hello again, hope you’re enjoying the program so far.

Physical activity has great benefits for our mental health. A short walk can do wonders to boost happiness and even help us manage symptoms of depression.

There are lots of simple ways to incorporate movement into your daily routine. Here are some ideas:

Get outside and do something active.
Put on a song you love and have a daytime dance party.
Set a timer to remind you to move every hour.
You don’t even have to go outside -- so if you’re stuck indoors you can still take time to breathe and stretch.

Today’s action:

What will you do today to be active?

Day 4: Awareness: Live life mindfully

We've all had moments of being present, whether it's listening to a song we love, appreciating the beauty of nature or being immersed in a hobby. These experiences involve fully focusing on the present moment, rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.

Research shows that pausing and taking time to notice your surroundings can help you feel calmer and happier. And the good news is that we can actively create more of these mindful moments in our daily lives.

Here are a few simple tips to try now:
Take five deep breaths. Notice how your body moves as you breathe in and out.
Close your eyes. Name five sounds that you hear.
Notice how you're feeling right now, with awareness but without judgement.
Today’s action:

How will you be more present today?

Day 5: Trying out: Keep learning new things

Trying new things can boost our confidence and bring a sense of achievement. But if lots of things are changing around us, it can feel overwhelming too.

So if you haven't tried anything new recently, make a plan to do something different today. Or if your daily routines have recently changed, try to make the most of your new situation.

Here are some ideas to help you do something different or appreciate what's new:

Listen to different music or a new podcast.
Try out a new game, exercise or food.
Look for the positive aspects in recent changes to your routine.
Make time to do something you love but haven't done recently.
Today’s action:

What will you enjoy doing differently today?

Day 6 Direction: Have goals to look forward to

Having a goal that you’re excited about can help you feel more motivated and purposeful. And guess what? It doesn’t have to be complicated. It could just be a simple plan for something you're looking forward to, like catching up with an old friend.

Whether your goal is big, like completing a project, or small, like taking 5 minutes to relax, it can bring a sense of purpose and help you feel more satisfied.

Today's action:

What goal are you excited about and what’s your next step towards it?

Day 7 Resilience: Find ways to bounce back

It’s OK not to be OK. Everyone faces adversity in their lives and it's completely normal.

When faced with a difficult situation, you have a choice about how you respond. You can let it bring you down, or you can do something to help you overcome it. This is called resilience.

Think of something that’s causing you stress at the moment. Here are some ideas to help you bounce back. Plan to do one of these today or come up with your own:

A problem shared is a problem halved. Call a friend or family member and talk about what’s going on.

Reframe the situation. Look for a way to see this as an opportunity and respond constructively to it.

Shift your perspective by doing something that brings you joy, like exercising, reading or listening to music.

Today’s action:

What will you do to be more resilient today?

Day 8 Emotions: Look for what's good

With so much uncertainty in the world right now, it’s only natural to focus on what’s wrong. But research shows it’s vital you also pay attention to the things in your life that you’re grateful for.

Every day may not be good, but there is something good in every day. Noticing and appreciating the little good things helps you feel happier and deal better with the challenges.

Let’s give this a try right now:
Bring to mind something that made you smile recently, however small.
Look at your surroundings and notice one thing you’re thankful to have around you.
Think of a person that you’re happy to have in your life. (Bonus points, call or send them a text.)

Today’s action:

What (or who) are you grateful for and why?

Day 9 Acceptance: Be comfortable with who you are

Has anyone ever told you to give yourself a break? We tend to hold ourselves to an unrealistic standard and then beat ourselves up when we don't achieve it. But, the good news is that we can learn to speak more kindly to ourselves and it really makes a difference.

Here’s a great way to do this:
Bring to mind something you’re hard on yourself about. Perhaps it’s something you feel “should” have done (or not done) or that you’re not “good enough” at?

Now imagine someone you love is being hard on themselves in that same way.

What would you say to reassure your loved one?
What sort of words would you say to support them?
How would you want them to feel?
Here’s the clever part... now turn those same warm feelings inwards towards yourself. Say the same kind things to yourself in the same caring way.

Today’s action:

What would you say to a friend being hard on themselves? (and now say it to yourself)

Day 10 Meaning: Be part of something bigger

Feeling like you're part of something bigger than yourself brings a sense of meaning to life. We can all make a difference to something or someone else. It can also help us get our daily worries and problems into perspective.

Here are a few simple ways to help you feel more connected and purposeful. Try one of these or come up with your own...

Collect together photos of people and things that are meaningful to you.
Do something to contribute to a cause you care about.
Volunteer your time (there are ways to do this virtually too).
Spend time in nature or a place that inspires you.
Create something, like a piece of art or music.
Help someone. Anyone.

Today’s action:

What will you do to feel part of something bigger?