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Today they will tear down the house next door.  It has been here since we moved here, and actually since this area was developed. Slowly we have watched as the neighbour around has undergone changes.  This was on older neighbourhood, single family homes, mature trees. not small, not too big, decent city lots, lane ways, Stand alone garages in the backyards.  Lawns and gardens, pets, families a place where neighbours sat out on the front porch, or enjoyed evening walks to the parks or community center and exchanged greetings with friends they’d known for years.  First the children grow up and move away, and then the parents either move away to “different” homes to better meet their needs,  or pass away.  Then little by little the community start to change, the small single family homes, are being replaced by double and some times triple dwellings on lots that once held only 1 house.  Its call infill.  It is not that the new buildings are ugly, it is simply they don’t fit in.  They are like boxes, build with small floor plans and lots of stairs, there is barely any land for a yard, and in the front basically all that is seen is cement  parking spot(s)  and or maybe a car port so that this little living space can accommodate 2 small cars.

So far we have been lucky, most of these modern box buildings have been going on around but not to close to use.  Yesterday we survived a day of loud noise pollution while old insulation was pumped out of the attic.  Yes an attic.. The old house even had a real basement, a huge big  and mature trees.  Guess what, the trees were the first to go..   Happened in the back of us too.  Behind us when we moved here was a very unique home constructed from two old train cars, yes that’s right, train cars, the original owner had worked for the now defunct train line that traveled between Canada and the United States.  It had beautiful old oaks on the property, when the new owners came along, the first thing to go there was the old oak.  In the city their are laws about the removal of such old trees, but the builder found a way around it. So it was taken down, and all the wild life that lived there was left with out a home.

There is nothing I can do about these changes, progress is going to happen, and I might not always be happy with the changes, but I will learn to adapt. For today I will mourn the passing of an old friend, and hope that thee young Japanese Maple that was planted a few years ago, will be saved.  My neighbour who sold her family home, has asked that it be saved and given back to her if it will not be left to grow and flourish.  I saw that the tree has a big red line drawn around it in the snow.  I will pray that it will be  saved ….. all in life is precious.

Japanese gardens Portland Oregon -maple

Japanese Gardens, Portland Oregon (Japanese Maple) photographer unknown

I am getting in the car today, to drive away from the destruction. I will mourn what was, and come back to celebrate a new beginning.   Blessings everyone.. Have a good day.       Peace…. Oyashikiri

sunset,  God paints the skiesLife is Art.

There is only one you, an individual, unique and special, You are the artist in your life,  the environment and the things that happen around you , are the materials used for your self expression. Express yourself honestly, and with integrity in all you do.  Have courage for the great sorrows in your life, and patience for the smaller ones.  Happiness is not the absence of conflict, but the ability to deal with it. If your troubles are deep-seated or long-standing, try praying.  It works.  When you are happy, share your joy.

sun 5ba5f50f7b0b1c81fd144b5aae721129Focus on your true feelings, do your best to express your self honestly, practice Makoto (utmost sincerity) in everything you do.  Kamuwaza (God’s will) is part of our everyday life, like the weather, it has a purpose, When you live believing in your Oneness with the Universe, not loosing sight of your God given individuality, you will experience the true joy of living.  The joy of self expression.  We are truly leading our lives when we live expressing ourselves to the fullest…. and this… is what makes us truly happy.

Blessings dear friends are heaped on you today, that your day will be filled with the joy and happiness of  a happy heart.        Today, Tomorrow and Always ……. Oyashikiri

 

Oregon Coast,keyhole - Garry LIddell

This picture is powerful, dynamic, it is was taken along the Oregon Coastline at a place called Keyhole, it has been photographed  by many visitors who have been enraptured by its vibrant energy. ( This picture was taken by Garry Liddell.)  I’ve always had a interest in doors, gates and the like.  A door is not just something that closes you in, but it an opportunity to go through or enter into a new discovery. I recall many years ago, while still at the hospital, we had expanded, adding  another large component to our corporate structure a new Public Relations Director came on board. He was from “away” meaning he wasn’t local,  When I had occasion to meet with him, I found him pleasant enough, but what struck me most was the huge poster he had in his office. It was all doors, all shapes, sizes and colours.  Till that moment I hadn’t realized that others shared my “passion” for doors.  Like duh!

Sometimes in life we are so engrossed in what we are doing, have to do, need to do, want to do, we forget that there is a whole world going on around us that we are not “seeing” or partaking in, because we are existing and not LIVING.  Maybe a month or so later, Michael came to my office with a big round package, he had remembered my delight in seeing the doors so next time he had returned to him hometown, he got me a copy of the poster.  I have it to this day, as a reminder of his kindness, and the memory of the Ah Ha! moment I had that day.  I had become so focused and caught up in my “job” and “hospital politics” I had lost touch with  my “inner voice”.

What sunshine is to flowers, smiles/kindness is to humanity.   They are but trifles, to be sure, but, scattered along life’s pathways, the good they do is inconceivable. (Addison)

Scotland, Finnich Glen near Loch Lomond

Finnich Glen, near loch Lomond, Scotland

It is easy to get caught up in our day to day, however if it is important to you, you can always find some time in your day to pray/meditate.  Give yourself permission to get in touch with your “inner voice” . with strong conviction and Makoto (sincere effort)  you will find the door or pathway that will lead you towards your goal, and give you the “key” or drive to see your “challenge” through.                                   May your day be blessed with positive, loving energy.     Oyashikiri

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pictures >Pinterest

Israel,Jerusalem, Olive tree

My day began at the foot of this ancient olive tree in Jerusalem.  I began my meditations there because I had been reading about symbols surrounding eating, and how they often reflect the sanctity associated with the basic human experience of eating.  One thing led to another and I found myself gazing on this amazing photograph of a tree so old it must have been around since the days when  early prophets walked the earth.  The mother trunk reminded me of my visit to Japan and the PL Peace Tower.

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Inside the Peace Tower there is an elevator that takes us up to one of the higher floors where we can look down and view the land around, PL headquarters, the town,valley, farm lands. and far beyond.  It is  a spectacular sight, one orchestrated by man.  There are no modern features to the Olive Tree it stands there in all its natural glory and is a living monument to time and Mother Nature’s constant presence. The Olive Tree carries the same symbolic significance in many oriental and European countries. It is the symbol of Peace.

The 1st day of each month, in Perfect Liberty we celebrate  – Day of Peace –  Through a ceremony, we pray for World Peace and dediiate ourselves to live as peaceful human beings in our own worlds which includes our home, school, work and community.  Join with us today in spreading love beyond  our borders and out into the entire world.  Pray for happiness and peace – everywhere, for everyone.

floral, Tibetan blue popppy

Tibetan Blue Poppy

The Answer > by Lowell Fillmore ..

When for a purpose I had prayed and prayed and prayed………Until my words seemed worn and bare with arduous use,

And I knocked and asked and knocked and asked again,   And all my fervor and persistence brought no hope,

I paused to give my weary brain a rest……….. And ceased my anxious human cry.

In that still moment,  After self had tried and failed ……. There came a glorious vision of God’s power.

And, lo, my prayer was answered in that hour.                                                                         Oyashikiri

photographs – 1,3 Pinterest      2 PL member from Spain



 

Last day of March!

mirror,quiet lake viewThis is where I want to be………………………..I want to hear the quiet…………………….not the garbage truck doing its pick up outside my office window …………………….ahhhhh………………..I slept in, just got out of bed! …………………….here let me readjust my  head !

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I do see bright sunlight out there….won’t be long now, all the snow will melt……. the water will flow freely again…… the grass will turn green………….flowers will bloom ……………..yes, yes.. I’m hearing a happy tune ……………………YA Y the hesitant moment is gone………I’m happy again…………………  I  closed my eyes and sincerely prayed…. Shikiri……. Shikiri.Mioyaookami (God, the source, power,TAO)         Oyashikiri……………… Oyashikiri …………… (special prayer to receive Oshieoya-sama’s (senior reverend minister ) blessing),   remember it is not the length of the “hook up” ……. it is the quality of the connection.

lotus blossom, by samlim

morning lotus flower by samlin

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Pictures from Pinterest

Good Morning Everyone!

abandoned thatre in the desert of Sinai

An abandoned theatre in the Sinai desert.  I’ve been here, not physically, but I sure do know this feeling. Standing on stage, looking out at a sea of empty seats, or in some cases an auditorium full of faces looking back at me, with a feeling of ” OK, now what”  I remember once I was talking to a huge gathering about the subject on the importance of managing stress in the workplace.  Part of the “talk” was going to be a demonstration on proper ergonomics  in a work setting, this was in the early days of computers, when hospitals and government offices were changing over to the use of a computer. Today we of course take this technology in stride. Some of you will not remember when a cell phone was unheard of, and when the first ones did come along for more general use, they were the size of a man’s shoe.  LOL remember Get Smart… if you don’t, its OK, if you do, you’ll have a chuckle.  Anyway I digress, back to auditoriums, lecture halls and the like.

Addressing a large gathering and actually reaching all your audience is next to impossible, but if you can reach a good portion of them,  you’ve had a successful meeting.  When there is a crowd, it is not always easy to listen to what is being said, we are often distracted by our own busy minds or the chatter of others.  In a room full of other people, it is easy to be distracted, but on a one and one, are you a good listener?  Back in the day when this theatre pictured here was being used, what was it that drew such a large audience, was it a big screen that is out of sight, or is this where people gathered to hear or listen to special events.  Guess, for now we won’t know, BUT, when you are in a situation where you are the listener, in the now and today world, it is really important to clear your mind so you are hearing what is being said, so you can know a person’s true intentions

One of my realities,  that I learned early on in my career was, people came to my talks, often I faced a room full of people, not because I was such a hot speaker, or the topic I was talking about, was important to their work habits and helpful in managing stress in their lives, but because it offered them a break in their routine.  It gave them an opportunity to get away from the office, and be in a place that was full of people in a more laid back setting, and …… often there was free coffee/tea and sandwiches and treats. =^_^= The ones who came to listen, and did take in what was being presented to them, were the ones that walked away with new information and helpful guidelines to make their time at work or at home, a more productive and healthy place to be.  The others, well they came away happy too, they had just had a nice morning or afternoon break from their everyday, ho-hum workdays”jobs”.

Teachers, Librarians, Health Care Professionals, are all learning to adapt to a world that is full of technology. Technology has many benefits, but human interactions, can not be allowed to become a thing of the past. Communication, social and otherwise, needs to be maintained. Today – I hear about internet learning, schools and programs where students no longer need to go physically to the University or where the employee can work from home, nice, and certainly there are positives,  but care has to be taken that we don’t allow our world to become empty and void of “real contact” with others.

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Trem da Esperanca (Jorge da Paixao and Tereza Onaga) – Viajje comigo, No trem da esperanca, Sente-se ao meu lado Na Poitrona do amor.  Let’s travel together on the t rain of high hope.  Sit here beside me on the seat of love.  Deslize comigo nos trilhos da vida levando mesagens de paz e amor.  Please join with me on the journey of life, we’ll carry messages  of peace and of love.  Na paz mundial nos vamos chegar O seu maquinista.  We’ll finally arrive at the place of world peace.     (excerpts from PL song, Brazilian Portuguese  to English)

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Power lies in prayer –          may the happiness of life fill your world today!       Oyashikiri…

Italy,Amalfi Coast

Italy’s Amalfi coastal area, would I have loved to have been with the photographer who took this picture at that given moment. Italy for me is a far off country that I know very little of.  A client went there on a biking tour came back with wonderful stories of the charm and many delights she encountered while touring there. At the time her pictures and recounting of the many little adventures they had enjoyed caught my fancy and I thought of ways my husband and I could get over there to hike or walk the hills and valleys.  Hmmm nice dream.  With time that thought and desire faded, and in its place some other “idea” took my fancy.

Italy,VeniceVenice, Italy, how weathered and worn these steps are how many people have taken these steps to go about their daily lives, if you live in this area, do you still hear the water lapping  up on the steps, are has it just become white noise.  For me, my imagination has me wondering what it must be like to walk down the stairs, sunshine and clear skies beckoning, to  get on a water vehicle of sorts then  glide off around the corner of the wall to explore and take in a world that will be brand new to me.  LOL that is  of course on a larger scale, the reality is I do this everyday, when I wake the world around me has kept on evolving, so each and every day, without fail, is a brand new day.  Each and every day without fail, I can walk outside, get in my car, or walk, bike, to discover brand new delights, make new friends, the possibilities are endless.

I live minutes from Canada’s historical parliament buildings, where tourists come for world wide to enjoy every year.  Here we have the changing of the guards daily during the summer where the sound of the pipes and the marching soldiers never fail to draw a crowd.  Then there is the famous Byward market where people from all walks of life gather to be part of “the scene”.. I can walk/skate the Rideau Canal, the  bike trail along  the Rideau River is within minutes of leaving my home, this is where you’ll find the Queens swans in the summer months.   If I go in another direction I’m on the banks of the Ottawa River and a parkway that leads to more parks and to the stables of the RCMP horses (Royal Canadian Mounted Police).  I happen to live in a major city, but I know that everyone has their own wonderlands to discover right close to home.  In the city our idea of a “Sunday drive” is to drive out to the country, to capture the tranquility of a lake or parts of the rivers that are not surrounded by built up urban living.

Italy,Senigallia

Today my thoughts drifted to Italy, it was nice to journey through the various moments that were provided by the artists that use a camera for their expressions and art.  This last picture is of Senigallie, Italy.  Each photographer saw a part of Italy and captured it in frame, so that to the viewer, it gave a glimpse of where they were at that moment in time.  Too bad we can’t do that with the different hardships we live through.  Unfortunately they are usually scars in our emotional scrapbooks.  However like these pictures, our heartfelt scars that we so painfully earned from whatever experience or challenge we dealt with, are beautiful in their own way, like the mist in the above pictures.  Each one makes us unique.  When we walk with God/TAO, each lesson we learn along the way, gives us genuine inner strength to begin each day knowing we are the masters of our own destiny. Living and Life, are part of the  journey, getting there, being present for every moment of your waking hours, that is a gift.  Share your gifts, the bounty returned will be a hundredfold.

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Always be with God/Tao – Ayashikiri

pictures – Pinterest

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Optical illusion ,movement when there is none, solid materials given a feeling of  activity….the photographer’s composition was such that my first thought was not that they were stairs at all, but of the spiraling movement towards a destination.  A spine, a vertebra, a vortex.  What do you see?  each and everyone of us, will react to this presentation in a different way, that is what is so unique about being a human being. In our maturing process we have different experiences, the input from family, friends, co-workers all shape how we “see” the world how we react, and what we do about the challenges presented to us.

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After my initial..wow.. and I’d enjoyed the picture for the “art” that it is… my mind began to wonder what it must be like to walk up or down those stairs.  Let me tell you, my first thought… for me… would be instant vertigo.  It is one thing for me to admire the beauty of the captured moment, it is another for me to imagine being on those stairs.  That said, if I was looking at those steps from a different angle .. seeing them from my own perspective, it is very likely that I would race you up the stairs and laugh with joy when I reached the top claiming the prize of achievement!  Who can resist a bright cheerful red staircase that leads to a new adventure or sight that will boggle the mind.

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Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder …………………………Life is what we make it……………….Oyashikiri

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photographs >Pinterest,  Saying, author is identified in picture

Good Morning Everyone!

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In my meditations this morning, I came across a Blessing Chant, I’d kike to share it with you. It is a chant adapted from the Pattanumodana  (Teachings of Buddha >edited by Jack Kornnfield)

Just as water flowing in the streams and rivers fills the ocean, thus may all your moments of goodness touch and benefit all beings, those here now and those gone before.

May all your wishes be soon fulfilled as completely  as the moon on a full moon night, as successfully as from the Wish-Fulfilling Gem.  May all dangers be averted; may all disease leave you.

May no obstacles come across your way and may you enjoy happiness and long life.

May those who are always respectful,honoring the way of the elders, prosper in the four blessings of old age, beauty, happiness, and strength.

nederlands,amsterdamPL’s lesson of the day is about being pro-active, in an ever changing society.  a reminder to keep  our minds and eyes in tune with the changes and to learn to deal with them in a proactive manner.  This busy picture taken in Amsterdam, Nederlands (found on Pinterest) while peaceful in it’s own way, is not the tranquility captured by the photographer of the top picture.

Where would you like to be today?  Which destination captures your imagination, if you could close your eyes and with a snap of the fingers be right there, in what direction would you go?  Choices, ahhhh isn’t life grand!  Have a blissful day everyone!

Live in Joy > Live in Peace             Oyashikiri

Heartbreak

There is nothing like a good ole country song to set the tone of the moment.

I grew up on the sounds of  Detroit, and MoTown, I would find an American radio station at night and listen to the sounds of a music that spoke to me and had me moving and grooving.  I loved to dance and feel the songs, the words, the rhythms vibrated and spoke to me of a life I had yet to really live and experience .  Oh sure, as  teenager I was sure I knew love, my heart would skip a beat when the groceries were being delivered by the “older” boy who came to the house to bring my Mother’s meat order.  If I actually was close enough to see his blue eyes, I’d swoon, to this day I remember him coming in with the box of groceries, his blonde hair, blue eyes and smile, would I really recognize him if he walked in now and stood in front of me, no.  Back then I thought Id ‘d recognize him forever, I was so sure his memory would be carved in my heart forever, every love song was about this powerful draw/feeling.

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In PL, Precept #15 – All is a Mirror  is a one of the Precepts that pays a visit into my days, often.  Not long ago I was with a friend who has currently lived through a “heartbreak” or “Heart ache”   as she talked I felt her pain, the feelings reached across and joined us, with one single tear, her memory of love lost spoke to me.  I heard and felt all the country love songs I’d ever cried to, flash across my eyes in just that moment, from her one single tear.  Heart ache no matter how we sugar coat it, hurts, it can render us shattered and vulnerable.   Intellectually we know the moment will pass, but gall darn it, while we are living it, its a crusher.

Yes I said country music.. somewhere along the way in my “growing up” especially when I played in the bars of  Nothern Ontario,  it wan’t R&B they wanted to hear, it was country.  That is what life on the road is like when you are a “bar band”. Doesn’t matter you are a Blues band, your agent says you are playing Wawa, Sudbury, Timmins, and Hearst, that is where you head. A gig is a gig, and a string of bookings, hey that is $ in the bank.  Besides when you are young, you adapt. I don’t even know if traveling bar bands still exist in this day and age, likely not. Live entertainment is not what it used to be, “back in the good ole’ days”  Now it seems everything is streamed.

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Even a cracked and broken mirror can be beautiful.  Mirrors are seldom perfect, and never do they really reflect all there is to see. One has to look past what is automatically seen, and if you dare, look right into the eyes that will look back at you. My friend’s “heart ache” shows the tremendous love she has in her to share, and her courage to have shared and lived a love that was so strong it shook her world. So many people hide in a comfort zone that no longer reflects passion and strong emotion.  Preference is to sail calm waters.  Nothing wrong with that, but we all know that calm waters are prone to wave, storms and bad weather.

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And then.. like a switch goes on, the sun comes out, the winds die down and its paradise again.  When we hit a rocky patch in life, know that it is just one step along the way. Tomorrow is another day.  To love and be loved is a gift, a beautiful present wrapped in  bow, once the wrapping comes undone, and the bow is tucked away ….  what’s inside will either fill your life forever, or fade away.  Some memories never go away.

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Have a good day everyone…                                      Life is Love!!!            blessings……  Oyashikiri

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