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Posts tagged ‘faith’

Perception

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In conversation with a friend, she asked me a question about feelings, and hurts, something that had been bothering her for some time.In PL fashion, I replied “life is  mirror”  Intelligent and thoughtful, she was quiet for some time, then she said, I have heard that before, but I don’t know that I understand“.  Then I had to pause, reflect and meditate on her response.  My reply had been simple to me “life is a mirror” but in fact when I thought about it.  I have had years of living with this perspective, and each time the challenge crossed my path, I learned a different lesson.  fortunately our relationship is such that we converse over a period of days and even weeks sometimes.. so I have  had time to “chew” on this one.

When we are hurt, sad, perplexed by the “perceived” action of others,  we own the reaction, we own the thoughts.  No one else is feeding them to us, they are ours, and ours alone.  It may take some time, but at some point in time, we realize that the choices we made were our own.  What takes longer is choosing to accept and own the situation you are living. The strength and courage to remove ourselves from the cycle of hurt, vulnerability and dependency.  OOOHH OUCH did I actually say that word,  write it, (takes a moment to read back a few lines)… yes I did, I said dependency, not a word I liked to associate with, but over the years I’ve learned to accept that it has been a lesson I’ve had to address more than once.

Mirrors, they can be our friend or our hardest task master.  Melody Beattie in one of her books, said “Go with the flow” let go of fear and your need to control.  Relinquish anxiety, ”  I read those words many many years ago,  I’ve never forgotten them, I remember highlighting them and reading them over and over again for weeks.  She talked of being present, accepting where you are and who you are. Taking ownership of your emotions, actions and thoughts.  Mirrors are a tool, they will only project to you what you are “seeing” in that moment.

When we look into a mirror, the only eyes looking back into ours, belong to “ me,myself and I.”  Express your appreciation for your SELF today, look in the mirror, smile and say “thank you”  ..Then find someone else in your world to say thank you to, saying it out loud is empowering, and a very nice sharing of a moment.  Not only will the person you are thanking feel a smile, you will too  One smile at a time we build a better future!

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makoto

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One challenge that always seems to reoccur in my life, is recognizing and accepting that I am not perfect!  My type AA personality often gets in my way.As I mature/age I’d say that I’m doing better, at one time I would have been a triple A. I’m working at whittling it down. =^_^=.  A devoted and 100% practicing Taoist, I was overcome with a wonderful emotion of community when I first attended a PL service. (Perfect Liberty)  I was very fortunate that the minister at the time I visited the church was one, Rev. Takashi Goto.  I was never a church goer but over the years I had attended Christian services before and was very interested in finding out that this was nothing like I had ever experienced before.

For the first time ever, I heard and felt my beliefs and connection to God/TAO expressed in a way that spoke to me and said…”The philosophy here is mine”.  I was able to have meaningful and thought provoking conversations with Rev. Goto, that expanded  and nourished my connection to the Universe.  The encounter dusted off some of the forgotten lessons I’d learned in the past, and swept out the dust bunnies in corners of the “room” I was residing int.  He had words in Japanese that were totally unfamiliar to me, but explained, I understood.  I began to revisit places in  my mind that had been forgotten or neglected.  My connection with God/TAO grew stronger, and continues to grow stronger each and every day.  He would say ” we must put “makoto” in everything we do and say”…  he reinforced something I’ve tried to do all my life (not always succeeding)…  No matter how small the task, or light hearted the conversation, when we practice makoto in everything we do and say, when a challenges reappears in our lives, we will handle it with a new perspective.

a02e1753ae4d6670f5d173129e1134fbPL is  non denominational.

Rev. Goto is now Senior Minister with the church in NY City    goto@perfectliberty.ca

 

Welcome another day!

Yesterday I found myself at the bottom of the steps in a beautiful environment,  in reflecting on my post, I realized that not all steps are a welcome sight.  That there are days when our thoughts and emotions are in a different place.  Or should I say, in wandering through the hallways of the brain, we come across a scene perhaps like this one.

9a98ec7ae23e621913bcac5743154dc4Pause for a moment.  Look at the picture that the photographer of this shot captured.  I’m not sure I know his/her intent, but to me it speaks volumes.  Much like this one does.  Again it was a toss up on which picture I would use today.  Both spoke volumes to me and had me meditating on my thoughts for some time before I took to the keyboard.

339939f9024c0c5082a0d995848a9bcdBoth of these pictures (for me) capture the essence of life at given moments during certain cycles we live through.  When all around seems dreary,painful,lost, when our hearts are heavy, and our laughter barely a whisper, it is in such times that we have to call on our faith, know that the beauty is still there, that the sunshine is merely behind a cloud.  The moment will pass, and the light of love and happiness with shine through once more.  To love, to care is to allow yourself to feel vulnerable.  Mother Nature is ALWAYS present.  WE cannot know happiness without sadness, they go hand in hand, when you hold out your hand, you only see one side until you turn your hand over to see the palm. They are ONE.

db1dbddd00387b6a1ce711435e689d69A sun filled path of flowers for you today.

Love and Blessings……thanks for sharing this moment with me.   Oyashikiri

one step at a time … we go forward

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Where will your path take you?  Wherever your footsteps lead, be someone who can share Joy with others.  Strive to truly understand the feelings of others.  Let go of your ego and express yourself fully.

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This hug is just for Y O U  …….. may your day be full of inner joy and contentment……    Walk with Godbear hugs

 

Love is for sharing……     Oyashikiri

Happy Monday everyone!

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Living in the moment, being mindful means that you are living each moment with awareness, being present, addressing the moment with a clear state of mind. In “biblical” times it is told that Jesus walked on water and that in/with faith, so could his followers.  The moment they let fear/doubt take over, they sank.  It is not easy to always be clear of negative feelings, but we can learn, we can practice the ART of trusting and truly believing that the “Universe” no matter what the challenge, has a reason for where you are and what you are living at any given time.

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Begin by starting your day with a positive attitude.  PL Principle # 2  I will not have complaints about others, matters, nor the weather. Rather I will always be creative and will for shortcomings in my own thinking and actions.

If you wish to learn more about the PL 21 Principles, please ask for a consultation from your local PL minister. (Perfect Liberty)

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Welcome another Friday

Good Morning Everyone!

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Daily Devotion..   With a prayerful mind, once you  begin, you cannot stop, there is no room for laziness.    Put your heart into everything you do.    It doesn’t matter if you are “getting anything out of it”.   Whether there is a response is secondary.     It is sincere heartfelt devotion that is rewarding.     It brings transformation.    True worship is a daily act.  Meditate and Pray with a “humble” mind.    Blessings – Oyashikiri

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Has the ship sailed

Feb 7_007Are there moments when you feel the ship has sailed and you are not on it.   ….  Do you feel you are standing on the dock watching it sail away thinking you should have gotten there sooner   …..   If you are on the dock, it is because that is where you were meant to be ……  That ship wasn’t the one that had a berth on it for you.   At the time, you might not realize that, but Believe …. because if and when the time is right for you to be on the boat, you will be.

Jan 12 alo_005There is no denying that life can be a struggle.  Often we can feel pulled in far too many directions.  World news is negative and television and movies can be so violent.  How do we stay tuned to the “word of ‘God/TaoUniverse”, we Trust in our divine connection with the Higher Power. we Believe with all our hearts that our prayers are heard, and Know that we are blessed. Whatever we are living it is because we are in a learning curve, give thanks that you are alive, the moment will pass, and life will move on.

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Say good riddance  to the past and move on.  Today is a brand new day.  My prayers are with you today, and always.  Blessings, Oyashikiri…

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Good Monday Morning Everyone

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There is a great sense of joy when we are able to express our true selves.   Our environment and the things that happen all around us, are all materials for self expression.  In PL we are taught that with God’s blessing, we will be able to freely express ourselves using these materials.  When  I found this little church tucked away between   a wooded area and the sea, the artist’s build brought a genuine smile and joy to me.  If you are virtual traveler this is the link to ! The Sanctuary ” Our Lady Lourdes of Lourdes”,   the url is  http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Excellens/189/209/67

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Always  focus on your true feelings and express yourself honestly.  It was in following where my footsteps led that I found this little sanctuary

By leading  a cheerful, joyful and beautiful life, you will learn to work for the happiness of orders as well as yourself.    PL Precept #21   LIFE IS ART

World Peace

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World peace starts with peace at home… Our world is overflowing with problems.  When we pray, let’s pray for not only family and friends, but for the happiness and peace of the entire world.  the joy of expressing kindness to others is much greater than when someone does something kind for you. When we can be genuinely happy for someone else, our lives will be blessed and we will experience a deeper sense of happiness.  Love is beautiful, it is pure, and when we share our love beyond our own borders, it flows out to the entire world.  Amen!    Oyashikiri

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Surrender opens doors

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Part of healing is being vulnerable.  It is through life’s lessons that we learn, our imperfections are exposed.  In sharing it is not so other’s can fix us or rescue us, but so we can love and accept ourselves.  Sharing is a catalyst in healing and change.  Our value and worth is not determined by how hard we struggle.  Learn to let things happen easily and naturally.  Allow the “Universe” to ease us into where we need to be.  Be open to the circumstances in your life. The love and light of God/Tao surrounds us.

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Put sincerity into everything you do.

My thank you to each and everyone of you for sharing this part of my life with me. 

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HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE- the Chinese new year begins.. It is the year of the Horse (4712). much happiness, prosperity and good health,  today, now and always.  Oyashikiri

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