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Posts tagged ‘happiness’

C’est bien dimanche, Alo!

buddha, laughingThe happy Buddha, it is said, you rub his tummy for good luck, prosperity and good fortune.

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Words to start the day with.  Thoughts to bring with us through our day.  Some days like yesterday, I just needed to get away.  Not be in a familiar, take to the road, walk in the downtown congested core of the city.  Feel the life all around me, the buskers, vendors, tourists, Saturday shoppers, homeless.  The market was humming. A lone saxophone player stood outside one of the big department stores, his notes, long and soulful as he tried to catch a listener in the bustling and jostling of the hurrying  passers-by.

On the opposite side of the street a young man and woman were playing a duet in front of the Beaver Tail* food truck.  People sat at tables talking and eating,  There is a building full of food booths from all different parts of the world. The sounds of the city on a Saturday afternoon when the sun is out, rain was forecast but hadn’t arrived yet, is a cacophony,  not always one that harmonizes. So why when I wanted a place to meditate and be “away” from my home comfort zone, did I chose to go downtown.

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Where I am is not what will produce the ambiance for a good meditation.   The human mind is much like the environment I was in, it is busy, it is always chatting, charting and planning.  Quiet begins from within.  It is MY actions, MY personal desire to want the quiet, that will give me the connection to the “Universe”… I need only sit, close my eyes, and pray/meditate.    The  world goes on around me, but my mind stills, and I am ONE with God/Divine power.  

Alan Watts said -” This is the real secret of life – to be completely engaged with what you are doing in the here and now,  And instead of calling it work, realize it is play”  This is how I like to live.   In my earlier years, I read all of Alan’s books, there is one now that I can’t even tell you its name, but I carried it with me and read it over and over till it was worn thin.  Words are only that words, used properly they are an art form. Granted they help in conversations, in the end, it comes down to one word can have different meanings and intent.  The only connection that is real is the one you have with your Self and God/Tao.

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Happiness is not ready made – It comes from your own actions – 

Dalai Lama

pictures-Pinterest/flickr

Beaver Tails are a  sweet dessert ( fast food), like a flat pancake(donut) layered with sweets,fruit etc.

 

the joy of transformation

 
harley davidson -flickrGood morning everyone… how is your day so far?  Good I hope.  When I drove into the gym parking lot today I found myself parked beside a gleaning black and chrome Harley.  I would have taken a picture but hot not been prepared to run into such a beauty.  She was polished to perfection.  Obviously the rider had ridden her to the gym, but even with the light dust she acquired during her morning ride she shone. I took the time to tour the bike, walk around her and really check her out.  Wow, the love her owner  showers on her was obvious. When I got home I tried to find a picture of a dirty bike in my files, even went on Pinterest.

motorcycle, dirt riding

Except for action shots like this one, most of the bikes are in immaculate condition.  I bet that as soon as that little treasure got back home, it was cleaned down and not a spec of dirt would remain on it anywhere.  The motorcycles that I  found in my travels, (research) even the vintage old classis, were in top form.  Like the motor I used the other day, they radiate love.  Their chrome and bodies are pristine.  Ok what am I getting at, ladies, not only men  love the motorcycle, the motorcycle is an art piece just as an inanimate object.  OK not everyone agrees, but there are a lot who do.  Myself included.

harley davidson knucklehead   by bigblockagency on flickr

Most riders I know develop respect for the bike they are riding.  They trust the vehicle to transport them to another space in time.  And really, until you’ve ridden on one, felt the power beneath you, you don’t realize just how personal being on a bike is.

motorcycle riding

The first time I took a corner on a motorcycle other than a touring bike, I was transformed from a passenger or driver of a car, to a motorcycle enthusiast.  I was ready to grab a rag and start shining the chrome when we got back  from our ride.  If I thought I loved riding a bike when I rode as a passenger on a Honda gold Wing, ( my legs were too short and I too “little” to attempt to hold a Gold Wing up on my own, I tried!)  I became a tad fanatic about a road and off road bike (Triumph Tiger)  In a split second, I had been transformed and it was a transformation.   I wanted the leathers and I always wanted to be out riding. Good or bad weather didn’t really matter, I wanted the wind on my face,  and the freedom of being in Nature unconfined by a metal or fiberglass box around me.

via Hristina Ivanoava

I don’t ride at all now, but the love of the ride has never left me, nor the joy of transformation, the thrill of a new discovery.  The true happiness of finding another dimension of yourself in life, how wonderful a shift of gears can be…  To do those curves, you have to lean into them, balance, be in harmony with the bike and the motion of being there.  You are in the moment.  Living it, there is no other way!

pictures – Pinterest

 

 

 

Good Gozaimasu everyone!

rain, rainbow Teresa NYC discount diva Pinterest

Everybody wants happiness, no one wants pain, but you can’t have a rainbow without a little rain *

Another bright sunny day, can’t wait to get outside into the fresh air and sunshine.  Having errands to run yesterday, I was out for half the day driving from one place to another, car window down, the air still a bit of chill to it, but I wanted the wind in my hair and that feeling of being on the move.  Not convertible time yet, but the motorcycle enthusiast are  out.  Just the day before everyone was moaning about the rain.  Certainly for those having to deal with the challenges that come with a lot of rain and melting from the heavy snows we’ve had over the winter, it wasn’t all hearts and flowers.  But to many of us, the rain meant a day without sunshine, it was wet and sometimes inconvenient.  Ever noticed that when it rains, the greetings aren’t so friendly, and some are even grumpy.

rain, micalea smeltzer

Have you ever danced in the rain?  Have you ever been caught in a summer shower? When I was younger, walking to work with my hair all done, my clothes all fresh and ready for a work day, caught without an umbrella didn’t make me cheerful. LOL.. I don’t think, I know I grumbled and mumbled words that would have earned me a proper scolding by my parents.  Older and wiser now, I am more accepting of the rain, I know it is going to rain, and there is nothing I can do about it, I can either stay inside, or go out and enjoy the world and what the day has to offer.  I no longer concern myself about my  hair, and if I know it is raining I dress accordingly, if I didn’t expect the rain, so what, I’ll dry.  Rain has been a part of this world long before I arrived, and it will continue to fall long after I’ve moved on.

rain, 911 by Rob Shanghai on flickr

I know that I have many of you who share these moments with me ,write,  doesn’t this picture evoke some kind of response from you.  Wow!   The photographer (*** below)  really captured a moment here.  That dear reader is what life is, we live our lives in segments, it may not seem so at the time, but I can assure you, that each and everyone of you, will come up with a different story line, or thought on what the picture says to them, or the emotion it evokes.  Let us all try to live life a day at a time and make the best of each moment whatever the task or challenge, don’t give up, look for the positives in the situation,  Life is art ….. and  someone, somewhere is living their day in a similar way …..   remember with the rain comes new growth and if you are lucky you will see your own rainbow.

smile,girl with goat Yunna by Elly Prestegaard -flickr

A smile and a huge hug to start your day!  Smile.

Oyashikiri

* posted on Pinterest by Teresa NYC Discount Diva

** picture by Micalea Smeltzer >Pintrest

*** photo 911 by Rob Shanghai.flickr.jpg

last photo >Pinterest

Feliz dezesseis – Happy 16th. mid week,mid month!

cherry blossom train, via Bethanane - flickr

Good Morning everyone!

For those of you old enough to remember there used to be a commercial on the radio, it was a catchy little tune, “double your pleasure, double your fun,… blah blah blah gum, ”  That is you coming down the track, and soon, you’ll have a choice to make, which track will you be on today. Surprise! no matter which one you take, you will have other choices to make.   Whether you go right or left, the vista will be different, and the journey a bit shorter or longer, but guess what… you.. the engine or caboose, will be the same.  Passengers (thoughts) may get off and on, on and off, but the train is there for the purpose of riding the rails.  So ride the tracks you will, and with each journey your passengers will change in number, size and shape. (relate them to your thoughts, experiences,challenges)

abandoned, found on fb

You can choose to see the journey you are on as something  that continuously  brings you through repeated miseries, or you enjoy the ride for what it is.  An opportunity to enjoy the different stages of life that surround you.  The challenges you are given in life, help yo grow stronger/wiser.  When you come across an area that seems bleak and sad, take a closer look, step back, look at the character of the build, see the vines that in summer will grow lush and green and possibly bloom with flowers. Elevate your optimism, become a better friend to your self.  The train will keep moving, in a few minutes, miles, your whole world will take on a different look, feel and ambiance.  There is always a light at the end of the tunnel.  Know!  Believe! Have faith!

train,tunnelBoost “happy” brain waves –  S M I L E .… over and over I encourage you to  S M I L E   why?  because it works.  A Swiss research study*  showed that when you spend 5 minutes a day, thinking of something that pleases you, and smiling so your eyes crinkle, your brain is tricked into being more upbeat..   There are times when we just don’t want to smile, we need to feel the sadness, or pain we are feeling, just know that by the next train station, that need will have passed.   Double your pleasure, double your fun, keep a smile on your  face, and stick to your guns.  Happiness is hard won, but win you will when you reach for the sun! =^_^=

snile,found on buzzfeed

Gatcha!  You gotta smile!

Blessings be… Oyashikiri

*Woman’s World,4.14.

pictures>Pinterest

 

Goedendag =^_^= good day everyone!

3012c01dcc3059b4172570c9577826a8In church yesterday, Rev. Tiago spoke of a story he’d heard when he was back in Brazil, studying to be a minister for the Church of PL  (Perfect Liberty) It was about Oshieoya-sama .  (This is the honorific title of the spiritual leader of PL, Rev. Takahito Miki).  He was telling  us that when Oshieoya-sama was younger, (still in high school) he felt that it was important to know about computers, and that the new technology would one day play an important role in the church and society. He focused and studied hard,what he learned he taught to others in his church group. The subject matter was advanced for his age group and academic level, but he applied himself, and eventually  he wanted to take the required exams for certification on this IT technology.   The exams were attended and taken  by students in senior levels he was the only one who was still at the high school level.  When the results were finally posted, of all the students who had taken the tests, only 5  made the grade. 1 of which was Oshieoya-sama.  On being told of his accomplishment, his first reaction was one of concern, on how the others had done.

Because of his achievement at such an early age, he was signaled out to be interviewed.  Always he included his fellow students, always when asked a question, on how he had managed to get such grades and pass the exams, he referred the question to one of the other graduates, by saying ,” thank you, yes WE worked hard,” and then he would turn and ask the other student to explain the complexities of the subject.  He did not accept the attention on himself and his hard work, but on the hard work of the others who had also achieved their goals.  Yes he was the youngest, but he knew that in allowing the others to have their time being interviewed it would help them along their career paths.

I so appreciated hearing Rev. Tiago talk about Oshieoya-sama.  His little story was a reminder for me  to put into practice more, the  21 Principles in PL,  in particular   #4 to live with the spirit of Misasage (Devotion) working for the happiness of others.

It is so easy to get caught up in our own little worlds. In PL we are encouraged to pray for the happiness of others and society.   to strive to do things for the sake of other, and pray for their happiness as well.  Many of us will often review the PL 21 Precepts.  How often do we review the 21 Principles?    the PL 21 Principles, are the practical guidelines  for our daily lives as PL members.  They assist us in practicing the PL 21 Precepts, they are specific  guidelines how how to live the PL WAY. (an artistic life) and teach us how to reach a positive state of mind.  Anyone wanting to know more about what Rev. Tiago had to say yesterday, or to consult with him, Rev Tiago de Medeiros Chagas  –   tiago@perfectliberty.ca  or by phone 613-225-1850

flower,pink Chilean bell flower

 Pink Chilean bell flower

Even when we think we have put our best effort into what we are doing, we may have overlooked something. with a humble mind, take a second look, check for that there isn’t something you’ve missed.  Mistakes and oversights happen.  They are just part of life… little hiccups along the way.

Smile…  have a great day….. do your best to spread sunshine and happiness to others.    Blessings be……………..    Oyashikiri

photographs ->Pinterest

 

Life is Art! Buen dia…

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

 

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…

Good Morning Everyone!

canoe

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

Good Morning everyone! qu’est -ce qu-on va faire aujourd’hui?

black and white  found on flickr  IrargerichBy the light of the silvery moon……………..

Over the years I’ve had a strong attachment to the night, its inky black skies, with dancing twinkling stars.  Those of you who remember one phase of my life where bling on my fingers was de rigour. ( a must, never met a diamond I didn’t like ) =^_^=.  Like the moon, for me all that is bright gives my spirit a life.  Where my friends would drool over the sun and gold, I had this love affair with silver, white gold,  and platinum.  The night skies could turn my romantic young heart to butter. While the heat of the scorching sun sent me running for cover. Differences…. that is what life is all about…  The trick is balance and moderation.

China mountains,Tibet The high mountains of China – Tibet

Thank you for sharing these moments with me… Enjoy whatever you are doing today, my thoughts and prayers are with you. and remember   -SMILE –  allow your beauty within to shine through, not just with your lips but through your eyes..  Blessings  – Oyashikiri

Share your Happiness

5ef43740409003232aadbc047466075cGood morning everyone! Hope your day is going well for you.     Did you all enjoy wearing the “green” ..I personally had a wonderful day driving along the St. Lawrence (the great waterway that separates the United States and Canada)  The day started out with -20 something weather, but turned to a balmy minus  single digit by the time the noon hour was upon us..  Definitely during a Canadian winter we did not see a bicycle rider such as the one I’m showing you today. LOL and even on a good sunny day in summer, we are not likely to see such  a sight here in Canada.  Here we are about cars, motorcycles, and more cars.  Riding a pedal bicycle is usually  a recreational or sport activity.  What caught me about this picture is the balance and way the artist packed his merchandise on the bicycle. We are all artists in life, we all use our gift in different ways. This man had to pile the pineapples in just such a way for  him to carry the load and maintain balance so he can get his wares to market.  Everything has its place. This was one moment in this man’s life captured in time.   PL Principle # 3  I will live with a mind of appreciation towards others and things.

Yesterday while my friend and I drove along enjoying the sunshine and our friendship, we got to talk about life and share just being able to catch up.  Both with busy lives, we can keep in touch, but while her activities tend to take her daily in multiple directions, she still works “9-5” mine is more laid back and my time more flexible.  Sharing feelings, joys, sadness and disappointments is important, not because you want someone to resolve an issue or make something go away, but just to hear a thought out loud gives US a different perspective. PLUS,  when we have a better understanding of a friend’s feelings and thoughts, we are better able to share in their happiness. joys and sorrows.   PL Principle # 4   I will live with the spirit of Misasage (Devotion) working for the happiness of others. 

Mongolia

somewhere in Mongolia on a clear day….

Calmness and adaptability will see you through…

pictures-Pinterest

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