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Posts tagged ‘mindfulness’

Unfolding of Time

church,Romania village of Bezidu

In 1988 the village of Bezidu Nou in Romania  was flooded.  Only these two churches remained above the water,  This (above) was a picture of the churches in 1995

church Romania 2008

By   2008 only one remained, the land around, you can see has been dramatically changed.  In 2014 this is what a visitor to the site will find.

Church Romania 2014 -courtesy lacihobo,Utikalauz,causs and zuzsa Mate

pictures courtesty, lachihobo,Utikalauz,Causss and Zsuzsa Mate

There is an expression that comes to mind, “never judge a book by its cover”.  People we meet, friends we already know, even family, how much do we really know about them.  We see only the “face” presented to us.  Even over time, we may see the gradual changes, but do we really go beyond what we see in that given moment of time.

Good relationships begin by the simple act of greeting one another.  I’ve had too many “how are you” spoken to me, without any real intent on the other person’ part to really hear my response.  It is a throw away question or remark.   As is, “I’m fine thank you, and you?”  Usually or often, the person has moved on before you are really finished with the formality of a greeting.

Let us try today to show respect and a genuine caring when we interact with others,  Smile from the heart, when you pass a stranger if your eyes meet, smile, nod it is a feel good feeling.   When driving on rural back roads often the residents will wave as we pass, we wave back, its friendly and a welcome exchange between strangers.  You find yourself smiling, it was a happy exchange …

Walls may crumble and disappear, but the happiness in your heart will always be there. Treasure and nurture it.

Have a super fantastic day my friends,  Know that you are in my prayers and that love is being sent your way today and always.   Blessings be.                                  

May the Universe wrap you in a calm,serene embrace

May the faith and spirit within you

cast out the darkness, bathing you  in a light

that will fill you with eternal grace.

Namaste  – Oyashikiri 

words by Q

 

Creative start to a new day

sunrise   -going up by Adrian Moysey on Fivehundredpx

Dispelling the darkness of night

a new day begins with the shining,warming sunlight

Take a step forward today, reach for that special prize

Throughout the ages, with every new sunrise

prayers are said, meditations are practiced

the body exercised, a new page turned

The spirit grows stronger with each passing day

live with full makato*, take in all that there is to learn

Today is a brand new day!

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Namaste – Oyashikiri

sun 203ca6ec4d25d1e583be16062d4b9381

* makato – sincerity

**picture – going up by Adrian Moysey on Fivehundredpx

*** pinterest

Buongiorno, Good morning =^_^=

sharing garden

A garden for sharing – please, sit with me, let’s visit –

simpliciity

Let’s speak from the heart, listen with full attention 

for a new day has begun

A whole new day yawns before us,

give unconditional  love, allow your SELF to  feel

make your choices, then let go, and let your heart rejoice

As yourself each day, what remains unexpressed within me ?

In the teachings of the TAO we say…” that all that is good and unique in your should be brought out. Never hold back.  The good in you is like water in a well… the more you draw from it, the more fresh water will seep into the well.  If you don’t draw from the well, that water that is there will go stagnant.” (365 Tao)

PL Precept #2 – To live is to express one’s self

IMG_6370

 

*Northwest garden (portlandmonthlymag.com) http://www.organicgarden..

** pinnest.net

The Green Door

door,green by Jim Gove on Flickr

Does a green door mean anything to you?  Do you know how many green doors you have passed through in your day?  Probably not. We go through a lot of doors, some more colorful than others.  Some we close behind us and others are left open.  A friend recently closed a door on me, the friend decided they no longer wanted to be friends.  Actually if I think back, I’ve probably had a few doors closed on me -smiles – what is the saying, you can please some people some time but not all people, all the time.  Something like that.

What happens when a door closes.  Nothing really, of course I guess it depends on what side of the door you are on, what view you will have, but the reality is, the door is closed.  You didn’t close it, but it is closed non-the-less.  In my earlier years I guess I would have tried to reopen the door, I no longer feel the need to do that. I’ve come to respect that if someone decides to close a door, it is their decision, and I respect that.  It doesn’t change my feelings, or my caring, because when I give or love, I do so willingly and from my heart.  There are no regrets when love is pure and true.

In PL(Perfect Liberty) we learn practical guidelines for living our daily lives.  These principles assist us in practicing the PL 21 Precepts.   The 1st Precept is …..Life is Art….       The 1st Principle …. I will live paying careful attention,putting Makoto (sincerity) into all I say and do.

Living harmoniously with the Universe is really about being in the moment and being mindful in all we say and do.  Doors whether open or closed are a beautiful reminder of movement from then to now.  I  like green because it is the color of growth and new beginnings.

Principle #4I will live with the spirit of Misasage (Devotion) working for the happiness of others.

I wish you all a very good day, whatever it is your decide to do, keep at it, don’t give up until you have accomplished what you started.

Life is here for us to enjoy and to be lived.  All things come to fruition once the heart (content) and the object (form) are in accord with one another, you will be blessed with wonderful results.

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The past stands proud –   the present brings new life.

Namaste     – Oyashikiri

* Green Door by Jim Gove on Flickr

**abandoned building under blue skies – found on Pinterest

Happy 4th of July!

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Good Morning Everyone!  and to all our American Friends, Happy Independence Day!

We have a Japanese term we use in the PL Church,  Musubi: Oneness, togetherness with others.   one of my goals, my ambitions, something I strive for every day.  Not just sometimes, I really believe and pray that I can attain this with every breath I take. I can’t live in tomorrow or next week, even next month. I live today, now, in this very moment.  and I do my best to live each moment with Makoto,(utmost sincerity)   I pray Shikiri: PL’s unique way of prayer, asking God’s blessing with a sincere promise to accomplish what I need/have to do    Once a moment is lived it cannot be taken back and relived.

As a child I recall my Mother telling me that one should never say something hurtful or negative about someone else because  once that word(s)  was/were  spoken  they could not be taken back. I’ve never gotten that.

Good relationships begin by greetings and acts of respect and courtesy.  Our action not only words, show how much we value others. Often actions speak louder than words.  We have much to be thankful in our lives, lets share a smile today, say hello to someone you haven’t seen or  heard from in awhile.  Pass the feel good feeling around.  It is free and it is yours to give.

love light - jef palamer Pinterest

This is an amazing picture in so many ways.. I don’t know the photographer, but the person who pinned it was Jef Palmer, this photograph was on Pinterest.  Totally awesome.

Namaste   – Oyashikiri

Shoes

SHOESOk you know  this is going to be a heavy when I bring shoes into the equation at this  hour of the morning. =^_^=  And NO, this is not just for my women friends, since knowing my friend Derek, I have been educated on the fact that some men love their shoes too. What is it about shoes that turn our c rank so much.  LOL how often have I heard that men love to see women in heels.  How the shoe can be the perfect foil for bad hair days, and days where you just don’t know what to wear. I only a few women friends who really don’t care about shoes.. most of us drool, and lust even after a new pair of shoes.  I have a Pinterest board with just shoes, its called 4 the love of shoes.  I amaze even myself on the choice of shoes that I am drawn to.  I have shoes tucked away that I will never wear, but I love knowing they are there.

shoe vintage 1930

 

This ad dates back to the 1930’s for as long as I can remember, I have loved shoes.  When I was younger of course, i spent a lot more time finding and wearing shoes, they were important to “my look/style”.  It wasn’t so much comfort but how they looked.  Although thanks to a very determined Mother, I did grow up with a strong sense of needing to wear and have a proper fit.  Mother I do still remember the brown lace up shoes you had me wearing when all my friends were in pretty feminine sandals.  Were they called Oxfords.. whatever, such shoes were not worn again once I was buying my own shoes.  OK everyone, here is the flash news.. now in my more “adult” years, guess what… I don’t wear Oxfords but I do wear what most call a sensible shoe.  Hand crafted, made in Germany Finn Comfort shoe. leather, good arch support, this is my go to shoe for at home,I could live in them 24 hours of the day.

shoes - finn comfort

 

I still love the heels, the glamour of the shoe, but I no longer spend oodles and oodles of dollars to have them in my closet.  Now I find then and put them on my Pinterest board .. I am not alone for I find them by the bushel full on the Fashionista pages.   Have you gone shopping for a good running shoe (sport training shoe) lately.  It is very hard to find a conservative pair that don’t shout out at you.

runner, Under Armour Shoe  Micro G. .Mantis

 

Where once I walked a cat walk, or strode down corporate corridors, now I hike the trails. Our feet take us everywhere, and travel the distance with us.  We don’t think with our feet, but we think on our feet.  Yet often I’ll notice inappropriate footwear and see it at the root of some of the physical ailments in today’s society.  Like seeing someone with asthma still smoking.  Now  especially now, when those around me are nearing their more senior years, or  in their famous  “mid years”, where the bodies that once took them everywhere and r covered quickly from various falls, knocks and bruises are being slow to mend.  Shoes are a really important component to staying in good health,  Keeping you mobile.  I still hear the little girl’s voice saying.. “I can’t wear those shoes to school, they’re ugly”  But today , this little girl, is a mucho  happy person with feel that still get her to where she wants to go.  Unlike many around me, I don’t suffer with back pain, sore legs, and fussy sensitive feet.

hiking trail, North Carolina

Now when I’m faced with a hiking trail that is rocky and uneven, I can move forward knowing that my feet (footwork) and balance will allow me to tread with confidence that I will make it up the hill and into the vista beyond.  That’s life, we need to prepare, we need to live today, so that our tomorrows whatever they will be, will be something we can handle easily.  Enjoy each moment of your day, build your “self” with the knowledge that good planning will benefit you in the long run. You can still enjoy a passion, you just may have to redirect and be creative on how you enjoy it  Life is ART.

shoes, runners

 

 

Bom dia, happy Saturday everyone!

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A lazy start to another wonderful day, closes my eyes, smiles and remembers yesterday. Would you look at this tree, how old must it be, how extraordinary its experiences in life must have been.  It is hard to tell from a picture just how  high that opening is, right away, I want to climb up to explore inside.  In some ways it reminds me of a big bird with its mouth open, and other times when I look at it, I imagine its the entrance to a hobbit condo.  Imagination is wonderful isn’t, so is intuition.  Both are gifts we were born with, some of us use these gifts more than others.

 

 

 

cherry blossoms -peaceful by Glenn Waters

It is still too cool in this part of the world, to lay in the shade basking  under the warm healing sunshine, but in other parts of the country this could be one of your options today.  Yes I am a bit of a day dreamer, but what is wrong with taking a bit of “laid back” time for yourself.  Value your intuition, often we “know” a little voice tells us, we “need” to slow down, engage in some “me time”. Instead we look at our lists, or to the voices of friends who want to go here, there and everywhere, and you become “busy, busy busy”.  We are not machines, and we all know that machines break down, require ongoing maintenance.  Unlike the tree in the first picture, we might not show our scars and our age in the same way, but instinctively we do know when its time to rest, when we have pushed ourselves to a limit. The “Universe” looks out for us, Believe and have Faith, listen to your “intuition”, stop planning every minute of your day.  Allow time in your day to  P L A Y.  Don’t wait for a better time, that time will never just materialize.  Be good to your SELF today.  PRAY=recharge,  rain or shine, make this a day you’ll remember.            PL Precept #18.   Each moment is a Turning Point.

LIFE IS ART……    LIVE IN PERFECT LIBERTY (PL #1 and 21)

                       May your day be full of blessings you will enjoy and cherish forever …….    Oyashikiri

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

 

Makoto on Ancestors’ day

timeGood Morning everyone, how are you today?  For those who are new to my blog, welcome.  Today is the 11th, of the month, in Perfect Liberty, the 11th is a day for remembering and expressing gratitude for the love and virtue of our ancestors.  In China and other countries, it was a natural and everyday part of life to honour our elders.  It is thanks to our ancestor’s virtue and Makoto (sincere effort) that we are here today.

The above picture, evoked a moment of tranquility from my memory banks.  A summer day, visiting in the country, playing in the tall grass, and escaping from the heat by playing by a creek that ran behind the old country store a relative had in the Algonquin Park area of Ontario.  For a city brat, this was so different and a totally new experience.  When you are young, you simply live the moments, you aren’t analyzing  or looking at your new friends with a ton of baggage in your head, you are taking life in, and responding to it with an innocence yet to be tested. You are living the moment, building your experiences in life, finding new emotions, discovering more of the world around you.

In my research this morning, I came across a picture of Betty White (actress) and a loaf of bread, interested in the connection I delved further into the post.  “Did you know that Betty White is older than sliced bread?” was the the sentence that went with the picture.  Of course, I know of Betty White, I’ve seen her in many sitcoms, but to be honest, I never really thought of her as a person of age, probably because in my journey through life, I have been entertained by her talents over the years, and have simply accepted her as “Betty”.  We all do it in some way form or other..  we take someone or some thing for granted….

Today, lets take a moment to give thanks with Makoto to our past, and our present!……. Let us ask for guidance and protection so we can continue to live the PL Way.. (a life of Perfect Liberty) (life with God/Tao)

Iireland x

 

photos – Pinterest, bottom photo id. Ireland,castle  

Really another Friday!

stillnessGood Morning everyone!  Bonjour!  How can it be Friday again so soon…..  isn’t this a fantastic photo, the photographer captured not only the moment, but his/her framing, depth and vision produced an image that evokes stillness and tranquility.  I can actually feel the quiescence of the moment, it  imparts a state of quietude that I not only see, but feel.  The picture holds my attention, I am captured by and  lost in the moment.  The photographer is an artist, who balanced the visual  of the scenery before his/her eyes, with what he/she wanted to present. This required focus, (mindfulness).  Once captured, the image had to be studied and conceptualized, so that the cropping would  reflect the artists rendition of that moment in time.

So much went on behind the scenes of this photograph, and the moment you and I are now sharing. Because of this, we are able to share in a moment of silence together,  and delight in moment of appreciation.  Let us try to put a prayerful mind, and our hearts into everything we say and do today.  When you look at someone today – look deep into their eyes and silently say, The light of the Universe in me, salutes the light of God in you.    Blessings all,   Oyashikiri

Red Rock Lake and Falls by Haigh Trails on Flickr

Love is universal – I love YOU

pictures >Pinterest

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