“Now” is always the start of something new. Leave the past in the past. What is important is “what you are going to do now” Using the present as a starting point, move forward on a path towards improvement and progress. (PL2014.24)
All that we are is a result of what we have thought. – Buddha
Value your intuition – Change your mind thinking “it will be alright” Do the best you can without being overly attached. (PL2021/20)
Temperatures have dipped here the last few days, a touch of days to come. The animals react to the change, their chatter is more insistent, the chipmunks have renewed their determination to gather all the goodies they can find. They don’t come out in the dead of winter, but the squirrels who stay active most of the time, are just as active. The floor of the area where I feed is alive with their movements .. I have to be careful, they are focused.
Even the Blue Jays are being demanding, not waiting, but dive bombing the minute the peanuts hit the ground.
What are your plans for today? Whatever you do… do so with the intent of enjoying every moment of your day!
Beautiful friendships, so appreciated that Thursday Doors has opened up the joy of sharing. Marie Claude is sharing some of her pictures with us taken from her travels in the Province of Quebec…. Look at the bear! What has he discovered? I loved the flowers flowing out from this barn…. and look at the beautiful presentation of the flowers along the barn walls. You can feel the love and the artistry the creators of these views had… they laboured to create a view for everyone to enjoy!
This world is full of beauty and people who share their passion for nature- Let’s appreciate the positives!
Respect the existence of each other.
The world consists of people with different circumstances sand different lifestyles. Respect and understand each other. (PL2023.14)
Don’t ask, I have no idea. It was in one of my folders. I have a rusted tin man in my backyard, I’ve had him for years, I picked him up somewhere in my travels… I don’t know where this one came from, but he is a beauty. Someone, somewhere had a lot of fun putting him together.. Creativity what joy it is to behold!
“Use any results, good or bad, as a stepping stone. All outcomes, whether positive or negative, are important experiences. Let’s use them wisely for our future progress.” (PL2012.10)
Life is what we make it. Always has been, always will be. (Grandma Moses)
This morning I was awakened by “noise” Quincy was being active, then I heard his food being scattered all over the kitchen floor…I tried to tune it all out, but wasn’t successful. When I got up to see what all the fuss was about, he was sitting innocently enough but was intent on one of his toys.. On closer inspection, it didn’t look like something I’d gotten him.. then it hit.. it was a teeny tiny little mouse. Aggghhhhh, no time for eeks and such… I froze in place myself. I’m 5ft.3 maybe, wear size 7.5 narrow shoe… this wee thing was maybe the size of cotton ball.
Quincy was toying with it. I had to act… I raced out to the back veranda and the recycle bin, grabbed an empty cottage cheese container and its lid and came back, Quincy was now batting at the poor thing. I used the empty container to capture the mouse, and took it outside .. it will have to fend for itself in the wet world outside. What a way to start the day.. it wasn’t even 5:30 a.m. yet.
How cool is this! I saw this sign on a wall where there was gym equipment being sold. I knew when I saw it, it was a message to me, you all know I have gone back to Movati (health club/gym) … I’m “trying” to work it into my schedule so that it fits in with my “routine”. There are only so many hours in the day. My focus is and has always been.. being happy.. (I can be so self centered)
The other day I found myself watching other members using the various equipment that I see around. The cardio area has been set up differently from when I left in 2017 at that time, they were bringing in new equipment.. now I’m seeing it, and how it is used. I have been offered a free refresher hour, a tour of the new equipment and how it is used etc. Problem with that is I have to stay an hour with a trainer who will also try to be selling me private coaching lessons.
Not up to that at the moment… I just want to wander and use my time there to stretch, walk, do the stairs, and some weights.. etc. the stretching is important and the stairs. It has only been a short time since I’ve signed up again, and already, I can feel the difference in my legs. Doing the steps .. going up to the second level using the winding staircase… is a must.. even if at first I did it at a crawl. I see even the younger members holding on and “huffing”…. I am sure the stairs were not only designed for appearance, they are functional in more ways than one.
When you reach the 2nd level there is a spacious area with very comfortable looking chairs…(I’m happy to say, I do not sit or use the chairs… I keep moving. If I want to sit I do so on a bike.. and pedal.
Put your heart into what4ever you do, and you will find the joy in it.
If you are going to do something, you may as well do it with enthusiasm. You will gradually begin to see what makes it interesting and learn to enjoy it (PL2012.19)
Make it a happy day everyone.. Enjoy!
Oyashikiri
cottage cheese (lactose free) and fresh blueberries!
Live each day filled with hope. Even those situations when you feel trapped with no way out, face every challenge with purpose and enthusiasm and you will always find a way. (PL2019.2)
Don’t count the days, make the days count. (Muhammad Ali)
This is a time when you may meet with dualism in your own nature.
This sense of wholeness in a world of contradiction can bring you great depth of character and peace of mind
PL Precept #16 All things progress and develop
PL Precept # 18 Each moment is a turning point
Pl Precept #20 Live maintaining equilibrium between mind and matter.
People who like to make an effort can enjoy anything. Those who spare no effort for anything and anyone know the joy of making art. Make an effort with willingness. (PL2023.6)
It is amazing what we find .. when we take the time to stand still and look.
Yesterday I was reminded of how even tho’ I know how to sit, be still, meditate .. I seldom actually sit to really be still.. I may sit , yet I am active my mind keeps chattering, I have the telly on, or I’m on my computer.
When I eat .. I am mechanical about what I am doing, I prepare a meal (something to eat) because I know that I’m supposed to be eating at least 3x a day. Then, I will eat as I prepare, maybe sit to eat a bowl or plate of something.. and then I move along with whatever other activity I’m engaged in. This is being busy /active .. but … I ask myself how mindful am I being.
I’m not alone, I bet everyone of you can tell me something similar is going on in your life right now. When I ask you to be mindful, to BE in the moment .. are you able to do so… or are you like me.. Do you need to make time to focus, to be still… to allow your body/mind to simple STOP. Let Go of the mind chatter, and BE.
We all have different ways of feeling and thinking. Let’s always accept others’ differences and respect one another. Remember that “different strokes for different folks” is the key to having harmonious relationships with the people around us. (PL2014.13)
Enjoy be happy, make time for YOU today.. even if it is only 10 .. 15 minutes. I use this music to help people unwind, I have them close their eyes and just listen to the music, it is a short piece, …joyful, and catchy. Let your body respond to the notes, and the fun of the tune. No words, just music that will weave itself through your conscious state, and activate the “energize” button in YOU. (Meditation in movement/dance)
Oyashikiri
I do have a short video of the movements that work beautifully with the music, but have yet to figure out how to show it to you. Nudge me if you want more info.
Music is created/produced and played by Dave Renz.
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.