A fine WordPress.com site

Posts tagged ‘PL’

Image

Sleep

Sleep

When we enter the sleeping quarters, off come the shoes. I found that very symbolic, leave the outside at the door, enter the area where you will lay down and sleep for exactly that, sleep.  All the time I was away, I did not encounter a problem with falling asleep. Didn’t even think about whether or not I would fall asleep, I simply lay down and slept. That is not what usually happens when I’m at home.
I will admit that since I stopped reading in bed, my sleep has improved. No TV, no computers, in the bedroom. Not even a radio. The mind is so easily distracted. The mind is a chatterbox.  if you are wanting to eliminate the need for “sleep aids”, then preparing for a sound sleep is like preparing for a special event, You have to find out what works for you and then work at acquiring the ambiance and atmosphere.
Sleep is so important to our well being.
In order to be able to apply the PL teachings to your day to day life, you first need to know how. That is why in the Church of PL, we offer individual guidance.

I actually received a consultation the other day and came away with insight I had not expected. It is good to be reminded of something you’ve let slip by or forgotten. sometimes just talking  out loud about personal thoughts, and concerns helps, and again sometimes, all we need is someone to “listen”  In PL we are always here for you.

Leave your “shoes” at the door. May your sleep be blessed with a deep and serene bliss.

Image

Happy Saturday to you !

Happy Saturday to you !

I thought I’d sneak this picture in of this delightful car. I saw these cars zipping around everywhere in Japan. No I don’t know what it is, do you? One of my quirks I like “cute” cars.

Our weather today is sunny and balmy, I plan to enjoy the day, what about you. If your day is almost over, I hope you had a good one. If like me it is just starting, have a blast. Create a heart to heart connection with someone, call a friend you haven’t spoken to in awhile, whatever you decide,I”m sure it will be the right one for you.

I believe in YOU.
Blessings …

Image

Quiet beauty

Quiet beauty

Floral beauty against the wall of an apartment building in Japan.

Begin your day with appreciation..
Welcome each new day with a renewed appreciation and step forward with a feeling of World Peace in your heart.

Make love a staple in your life.  

Image

Priceless !

Priceless !

Express Yourself Freely, Without Hesitation

Two great guys, traveling companions to Japan, My journey would not have been the same without them. I was traveling with their parents who I have come to know and love dearly.
This was really my first exposure for any length of time to these two gems. They took a ton of pictures which I can’t wait to see, it was so interesting to see Japan through their eyes. What interested them and how spontaneously they reacted and lived each moment in true PL fashion.

Both Seita and Waku were traveling to Japan to do “misasage”, (volunteer work at the training) and work they did once we arrived. They could fall asleep at the drop of a hat, and be awake and present in an instant.
Their sense of humour was their own, it was fun to watch and be part of their antics.
They were caring, responsible and simply a joy to spend time with.

 A P P R E C I A T I O N

There were many lessons & great moments during my pilgrimage to the Holy Land, these two young men were part of what made the journey so special.

When we appreciate the people in our lives, and everything that comes our way. We experience a deeper joy in life.

Image

Misasage

Misasage

The word Misasage is frequently used in PL. It literally means to dedicate your body, or to dedicate yourself for the sake of others and society.
I knew very early in life that I would live a life a “service”, not that I understood the “calling” just that I needed to do or be the person I was. The path I walked was not necessarily the one pointed out to me, I knew the “WAY” and that was where I wanted to be. When I strayed, I learned from the “adventure”, and got back on the path.  Challenges in life, help us to grow.
What is so unique about PL is that to embody the teachings, one must engage 100%. not just understand intellectually. Live in the moment, be mindful every step of the “way”.
Oshieoya-sama gives us simple and practical ways to learn to live the PL WAY.  It is important to put your heart into even the smallest of matters, each moment accumulate into the whole of your artistic life.

Night is the time for regeneration -retire from the cares of the day, bathe and immerse yourself in the gestating power of the dark.  Till tomorrow.

Blessings be.

photo patch of black eyed susans -Q

Image

Sliced fresh garlic on dry toast

Sliced fresh garlic on dry toast

Phew whatever for? one may ask. Well, you all know by now that I got hit really hard with a virus. It really was not pleasant. One of the most annoying symptoms -coughing,  deep dry ugly hacking coughs.  An old friend called to speak to my husband,  an Armenian with a strong belief in ancient and natural healing The suggestion was made that I try sliced fresh garlic on toast. I didn’t rush out to try it. but after days and sleepless nights of uncomfortable and horrible uncontrollable coughing spells, I was no longer willing to be subjected to the misery without doing what I could to fight back.
I had tried other known remedies, ginger tea,  soup,  honey, and of course by now I was on medication from the doctor. What cook doesn’t have fresh garlic in the pantry, the pungent aroma was fresh, the toast dry, the taste was hard core…., I actually slept better the first night, I felt the difference. Three nights later, a vampire might shun a taste of my blood.. but I can now lie down without major coughing.

So there you have it. Let’s appreciate the wisdom of another time and place. Do try something new, don’t close the door to new opportunities/possibilities.

Gotta wonder if the dogs will want cuddle? Unconditional love. Lucky me =^_^=

Have a great evening/sleep/morning, wherever you are, may the Universe treat you kindly. God Bless!

Image

Even if you don’t have what you need, you will find a way.

Even if you don't have what you need, you will find a way.

If you are fixated on what you don’t have.(ie. language, or understanding of what the characters say) you will not be blessed with wisdom, or an opportunity to solve your problem(s). In PL we say, Think creatively to get past any obstacles in your way.

Every moment that you are with your problem(s) you are not with Tao. The best you can do is remember that your stress is not absolute reality. (Tao,Deng Ming-Dao)

part #2 Bathing in Japan -pictures

Bathing in Japan, is interesting, when it is so unlike what we do here at home (USA and Canada).  Keep in mind that I was also in a teaching/conference facility.  I would also like to add that the place was clean, VERY clean, outside the building and around the grounds, the roads gave the appearance of being swept they were so clean.  I am a cleanliness freak when it comes to public washrooms etc. believe me when I say to you that where I was in Japan, it was clean without  giving the appearance of being sterile and antiseptic.

Bathing and the art of doing our daily “getting ready” might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it is a part of life that can be very enjoyable.  a bonus gift for me was the re- learning to do what can be a mundane daily task, into something leaning towards spiritual.    Enjoying a bath ready filled with just the right temperature of water, silence (when I had the place to myself, or almost to myself) being nude in the bath and not caring or worrying if someone came in. Now that for me was a “zen” moment.  Being totally one with myself in a bathroom ,several thousand miles from home, was really a double WOW, if not a triple.

WP_20130802_075

This is the bath itself  At time of the picture, it had been emptied to be cleaned prior to refilling.

WP_20130802_072

Opposite this little area is another where there are sinks for doing our daily this and thats  Hairdryers are provided.  I will see if I can find a picture in my many snaps.

WP_20130802_079

This picture is where you pull back a sliding glass door and walk into this little area where one leaves shoes/sippers.  When busy, all those little shelves you see are full. Totally.  The next is the area where we put our clothes, see the little wicker baskets in each block.  Can be accessed from either side.

WP_20130802_078

I did not go into a man’s bathing area, but I would assume they are all the same.  In the area where there are the toilets, there is a rack to dry the face cloths you are given.   I was told that in Japan, the choice for drying clothes is sun shine (outdoors)

WP_20130802_080

Before I got to Japan, I never would have thought that one of my most favourite and remembered times  would be the “bathing”  In PL there is a teaching – Take a Good Look at Your Preconceived Notions.  It is good to reexamine those things that you think are “normal” or “valuable” in your life.  You are sure to find something new.  I certainly did.  I would go back to Japan in a heartbeat …

Thank you dear readers for your concern, saw the doctor today, confirmed virus infection in the bronchial tubes, an unwanted souvenir from the trip.  I was getting lots of sleep, I’m on the mend.  My seat mate in the lecture hall was from Brazil, my symptoms are mirroring hers I suspect I’m experiencing a touch of Brazil. Oh the joys of life never end…. Blessings my friends… E N J O Y !

Image

part 1 Bathing process in Japan

part 1 Bathing process in Japan

Prior to entering the bathing room, one must remove one’s shoes, there is a room outside of this one, where you leave you clothes..(wicker baskets are provided) It is all very orderly.
There are maybe 5 stand up stalls for the ladies who prefer to stand, but they too are open. Only after you have showered and removed all the soap do you enter the hot bath. Unfortunately for yours truly, I only worked it out mid stay, that getting into that warm water, drops the body temperature, so the heat of the day/night is easier to deal with. Being totally private in my “habits”when the time came to bathe and cool down, these little cleaning stations looked pretty darn inviting to me. It is actually not only practical but a comfortable way to shower.  Wonderful body wash and shampoo was provided.

PL teaching – No matter how challenging the situation if you take it on with enthusiasm you will be blessed with new knowledge.

Have a resounding day everyone!      Bom dia!         Buenos dias!
ohayo gozaimasu

Image

Jet lag and Cicada

Jet lag and Cicada

http://youtu.be/oqys8lKsu4s for those of you who don’t know the sound the Cicada, there are many different varieties and I don’t know which group was in the dense vegetation, but the sound was constant. males have a loud shrill droning sound supposedly only at night, but someone forgot to tell this group, they were party going day and night.

Now home with jet lag in full residence, I find myself in and out of a sleep that is filled with the sounds of Japan. After awhile (in Japan) the constant chatter became background noise, I wish I had someone nearby to ask if the insects are ever quiet.  One barely heard the birds.

Jet lag reminds me of various states of meditation. I think I’m totally over it, when suddenly the need to lie down and “turn off” is just as quick as a flick of a switch. I’ve tried staying up, refusing to listen to the “inner voice”, Believe me when I tell you,my “inner voice” will not be denied.

Then I remember the PL teaching… the only thing you have control over is how you accept things and deal with them. I go lie down, it is a wonderful experience, I drift off into a place somewhere between Japan and Home, I let go ..letting the moment transport me to where i need to be.

Good night dear reader, till we meet again tomorrow.
Blessings

Tag Cloud