Rain is cleansing, calming … yet … can be relentless and create anxiety
because it is said – does this make it a truth
Make today a memorable day. Let’s try to put our whole heart into whatever we say or do, as our unique signature.
Perfect Liberty 2022.26
Always live with a kind and generous heart. Show love and embrace others’ good points, and be willing to overlook their faults. One who has a generous heart can live a fulfilled life.
Do you talk to people you don’t know. Are you someone who strikes up a conversation with someone you don’t know who happens to be where you are, when you are? I hadn’t heard the term before, but I saw recently in an old Oprah magazine, an article about an author Malcolm Gladwell, who writes books about “cultural conversations”.. he writes about how close encounters between strangers can teach us ,how we can get better at reading each other’s signals. (Tipping Point)
Thinking back over my many years of my existence, I can’t count the number of people I’ve met, either in the workforce, out for the evening, waiting in line when running errands… everywhere, there is always, someone, somewhere who is close enough for me to greet or acknowledge. Do I always? .. no.. but on average compared to my friends and close associates, I would be considered “outgoing” and more likely to start up a conversation, or even, just say Hi, nod, say good day… I’ve met some of the most interesting people that way, and actually have found that I like most people I meet.
Being Chinese in the North America of many years ago, meant that you were “the oddity” your cultural background was different, and of course you “looked” different… I was taught that everyone has feelings, and meeting someone was an opportunity to “grow” as a person, to “learn” … my perspective on human behaviours was honed from a very early age to listen carefully, to watch and be aware of life as it came my way. PL Precept # 7 Everything exists in relativity.
It is in the meeting of people with different ideas, and backgrounds, that I found so many “treasures” (moments of wonder. PL Precept # 6 Efface your self-conceptions.
We are all so unique, I really enjoy brief encounters that elicit a smile, a wave, a brief exchange. =^_^=
When you get stuck, take a step back. When you are able to see things objectively, your viewpoint will change and you will receive new wisdom.
Perfect Liberty 2022.23
PL Precept # 18 Each moment is a turning point – we often make judgements based on our own unconscious biases. I try to be aware of my reactions and to be more receptive to “learning” and being more “open” to “differences” – an exercise that is ongoing… not that I’m a slow learner, .. there is just so much to see and discover.
Doorways by Dave RenzDoorways by Dave RenzDoorways by Dave RenzDoorways by Dave RenzDoorways by Dave RenzDoorways by Dave Renz
The charm of doorways found in Quebec City.
I don’t get to travel around as much as I used to … or would like to… I’m so grateful to have friends who know of my love of doors and send me smiles when they are away. Blessings come in all shapes and sizes, I am blessed with friends who are thoughtful and caring.
Today on Thanksgiving (PL day of Appreciation) I give thanks as I do every month on the 21st. for my valued friends. It is impossible to tell them everyday, but I pray every day and keep them in my heart always. Friendships are gifts that are treasures that enhance our lives.
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you. Let’s live with gratitude towards everyone and everything all day today.
Perfect Liberty 2022.21
PL Service of Appreciation (Thanksgiving) is this evening at 7 pm
Yesterday i had to stand in line for almost an hour … due to covid, we are limited in how many people can enter the government office (to renew drivers licenses and health cards etc.) the seating that once was in the office area, is gone, now people have to line up outside the office and enter only when a “teller” is free. The line was already snaking past the bank and almost at the entrance to the mall when I arrived. I arrived before the 9 a.m. opening time. The government office was half way down the mall .. between the two entrances of said mall. It wasn’t nine yet and already the temperature outside was climbing. Inside with people standing in line for the office I was wanting and then further down there was another lineup for I don’t know what.. but there we were, all lined up.. waiting to complete whatever transaction was being required of us. I did what I had to do, and was out of there in just over an hour. It was a “to do” checked off my list. soooooooooooo that is a tick mark under accomplished today. It is a positive, my health card has been renewed, I couldn’t do it online because they wanted an updated picture.
The other positive, was I was able to renew my driver’s license online. and.. wait.. another positive, the car shop called, my car was repaired and ready to be picked up (remember taxi backed into me almost two months ago now). Wow so many positives in one day. No, you’re right it didn’t end there, I had more positives before the day ended.. life was a bouquet of positives yesterday. Now sprinkled in amongst all those positives, were the moments of waiting, standing, the heat, etc. but at the end of the day.. it might have been “busy” but I felt good, In PL, we look for the positives and show appreciation for those moments. When we do so, it seems that we are able to “see’ life in a more positive light, I am guilty of moaning at times of “having to” do this/that/ or something else.. but in the end when its done, it is a “feel good” moment.
Put your heart into your words. do you tend to speak in just a matter of fact tone? It s important to put your heart into your words.
Perfect Liberty 2022.19
“to do” or “not to do” There is only one way. Although we may have many choices in f ront of us, in the end we must all make a single decision. Once you have made up your mind, move forward without hesitation.
Perfect Liberty 2012.20
Bonus… they gave me my car back all washed, cleaned inside and out!!! yippeeee kiYAY!
A beautiful sunny day, the entrance to the site is still closed to visitors. The trees lie where they have fallen, the exposed roots lay bare for all to see. There is no access to the paths or the outdoor facility. Destruction is everywhere. The birds and wildlife are back to singing and going about their business, but to the human visitor, the paths are littered with fallen trees and branches. Very dangerous.
As I wandered on the outskirts of the debris.. I heard a chain saw. Curious I made my way back to the entrance, where a young woman had backed up her truck and was cutting away the limbs that were within her reach. She explained she was gathering up wood for the winter… some of it was obviously too green, but she said, it will be dry for next winter.
I am not an official of the conservation area, I could only caution her as to the risk she would be taking if she ventured into the woods.. I could understand her wanting to gather up the dead wood, her logic was that as people cleared up and put the fallen branches and tree parts to the curb.. there was so much of it, often it could not all be gathered up in one go. So she was in her own way, helping declutter. (her logic)
Since I myself collect fallen bits and pieces for my wood carving and whittling.. I could do nothing but smile and encourage her to be cautious. Life… is what it is…
Start by thinking “let’s do it” Once you decide to do something and put your whole heart into it, things will start moving forward.
Perfect Liberty 2022.8
Yes there is potential danger we had such a severe storm, and damage in areas is brutal. However, life is what it is and nature will continue to grow and recycle. I am drawn like a moth to a flame. I find comfort in being near and part of what IS. What will be, will be.. No more, no less.
Make today a memorable day. Let’s try to put out whole heart into whatever we say or do, as our unique signature.
Perfect Liberty 2022.26
When I see the picture …I remember the many times we drove there to let the dogs enjoy the water We had Canaille (Portuguese Water Dog).. she absolutely loved water.. On hot days like the heat/humid and sultry weather we’ve been having, we felt it was an obligation to find her water to swim in. At that time our other dog was a Labrador mix, the two could wade and swim while the human parents sat on the big rocks along the water’s edge and enjoyed their antics.
Fast forward to 2022.. could I find it today, I don’t think so… I seldom drive out to that part of the Province anymore, in fact, I think if I get over to the Quebec side a couple of times a year, that is a lot. I have become a creature of habit, and I stay pretty much “local”. My eldest dog now is Velcro who just turned 15 (whippet) he, nor Keeper (10) (whippet) have no interest in swimming and I of course am now a widow…. “THE ONLY CONSTANT IN LIFE IS CHANGE”
Someone asked me the title of a book the other day, it was Atlas of the Heart (Brene Brown) the book takes us on a journey through 87 of the emotions and experiences that define what it means to be human. “We cultivated love when we allow our most vulnerable and powerful selves to be deeply seen and known”
“Love is not something we give or get; it is something we nurture and grow, a connection that can be cultivated between two people only when it exists within each one of them – we can love others only as much as we love ourselves”
Good morning.. I went back through my files.. to find this picture that Num took some time ago, this rabbit, (ok one like it) gave me a very pleasant visit yesterday. I had come back from my “mindful” walk earlier that I expected to. The mosquitos/biting insects* were just to hungry. Cloudy overcast, off and on drizzle kept the film crew away, so I was totally alone in that stretch of woodlands. I was feeling a tad grumpy I had been viciously attacked during my walk, through my clothes and despite the “keep away” bug sprays and lotions.
Once I took off my rain gear, put away my carving knife and the piece of wood I was working on, I felt watched. Closing the trunk I turned to walk around the car to get in .. and found that I was being watched. At a safe distance sat this young rabbit just watching me. I had seen him/her earlier as I came closer to the parking area.. running in and out of the tall vegetation that lined the path I was on. I was surprised that it didn’t turn tail and run.. it just sat there as if it was wondering what this odd two legged creature was doing..
The birds that had been feeding and going about their morning routine had also taken an interest.. was it because I was alone, there were no other beings around, certainly the film crew was not around, nor were any of the regular “bird watchers” or dog owners .. it was just too damp and muggy. I got in the car, started the car, and watched as the rabbit hopped away when the engine started. For some reason, I turned off the motor and just sat there… he/she reappeared peaking out from the brush. With the motor off, I simply sat there, turned the radio off and just watched to see what would happen.
LOL I got a taste of what the animals must feel like when humans come around pointing cameras /binoculars etc. at them. The rabbit boldly came up closer to look up and into the car at me.. then ran around so it could see from all sides of the car.. I won’t swear to it, but I think it was being playful, it began to run across the road down into the little gully and around the outer rim of the parking lot, showing its stump and long legs as it ran, pranced and explored the grounds all around the car. Always checking and looking back to see if I was watching. (fyi this is a dead end road that is only used by people who know this area exists)
I am not a person who just sits in my car. but here I was.. just sitting and watching the antics of my little friend who was obviously keeping me company. This took place for a good 15 minutes, till my phone came alive.. and broke the “spell”. I was given a reminder.. that one need not always be “doing something” or “on the move”.. maybe an old dog can be taught “new tricks” or reminded of past lessons that have been put aside or not practiced.
During my walk, even tho’ I was being bitten and bothered by flying dive bombers*… I did notice that my mindful walking has been improving.. I walk slower, quieter and even though I’m whittling, I’m finding a way to be present in a way that blends in with my surroundings. The birds along the way, were not flying away when I approached, they were accepting of my presence. I’m a long way from having the “stillness” and mindfulness that I am wanting.. but progress is being made.
Be cheerful and friendly with those around you. Other people* can sense how you are feeling. So be cheerful
Perfect Liberty 2022. 24
You never know who is watching or paying attention to YOU
just because we don’t see .. doesn’t mean there are no “eyes” on you.
* I had huge big bites/welts on upper arms and neck that itched like crazy (through my layers of clothing!!!
Have you ever found that for some reason you are just not able to keep up with the others on the trail or path.?? Do you need to keep up?? What is the purpose of your outing? Is it to go a great distance or to enjoy the moment? Is it, time out in nature, or exploring new parts of the city/town you live in or near. For whatever reason you find yourself “out of step”.. when you notice it.. it is at that moment you need to explore the thought…
PL Precept # 18 Each moment is a turning point.
PL Precept # 19. Begin once you perceive.
When you get stuck.. take a step back.. When you are able to see things objectively, your viewpoint will change and you will receive new wisdom
You can be with God by having a prayerful mind. Let’s pray for World Peace. We are all one big family. Let’s start by praying for the happiness of those around us.
Perfect Liberty 2022.11
Find compassion with others by thinking of things you have in common: ” Just like me, this person wishes to be well and happy” Then take a moment to send them some kind wishes.
a quide to mindfulness 3..22.
the night is dark, my thoughts simple
In the quiet as I sit in the evening shadow
I know the light in the room is You
I need only close my eyes to feel your presence
with gratitude and appreciation I allow the night to draw me in
There is a calm that wrapes like a balmaround my restless heart
When I allow my mind to clear of all that is shallow/unnecessary
It’s easier to adapt to something when we find it interesting. No matter how enjoyable a situation is, a slight change in our attitude can make it boring. Let’s face any situation with curiosity and enthusiasm.
Perfect Liberty 2022.10
Welcome to new readers, I would be remiss in not biding you a good day! It is such a warm rush of pleasure when I see that we have new members in our “community”.. When I read today’s calendar I asked myself the question.. “how am I adapting with the many changes that have happened in my life over the month of May.”
May was painful in many ways.. the anniversaries of my Mother’s passing, my husbands passing the major storm that left me without power for a week plus. I felt at times like a rubber ball being bounced over large sharp edged boulders.
if I was one of my warriors – this would be a selfie
Nature will continue to flourish and grow around the warrior … soon he won’t be seen the vegetation will become so dense. Time will work on the fresh wounds and soften the jagged edges. Reality – there is o going back.
Many of you have experienced simliar aches, even if the causes are comletely different – you know what it is to feel sadness that overwhelms. It is important to not overlook or try to diminsh that “fact”… The rebuilding is slow, and I now know can take not days and weeks, but months and maybe even years … to move comfortably into “now”.
Research has shown that there is a reason we love a sad movie. (sad film paradox) They talked and asked questions of hundreds and thousands plus people…. we like to be moved, to feel connected to what it is to be human, to be reminded of our inextricable connection to one another. Their study revealed a highly significant positibve correlation between sadness and enjoyment. This association is sequential. Sadness leads to feeling moved, which in turn leads to enjoyment.
Grief does not obey your plans, or our wishes. Grief will do whatever it wants to you, whenever it wants to. In that regard, Grief.. had a lot in common with love.
Elizabeth Gilbert
Tomorrow the 11th. is Ancestors Day, service will be at 10: a.m. if you are able to attend we will see you there, if you cannot attend, please take time to share a silent moment with us from wherever you are.
TAOIST Life is Art (Perfect Liberty precept #1)
contact info.- via blogs
--- there are two energies, Yin and Yang = ONE
---to have balance we must live each moment
of our lives.. with Makoto (sincerity)
The only constant in life is change. I am grounded in the reality of Living.
This is true, in all worlds. RL or virtual. I am me and only me.