The Roads Are Many February 28, 2010
Posted by nrhatch in Happiness, Life Balance, Mindfulness.comments closed
In general, our happiness increases when we find our unique place in life, and find people who accept us as we are to share that space.
To do that, we must try on different roles and personas to see how we feel in different settings and with different people. We must evaluate our own interests, and free up time and space for our priorities.
When we take time to consider who we are, and what we want out of life, we become more fully who we were always meant to be.
Some steps on the journey:
* Evaluate who you are and what you have to offer to the world.
* Find people who love and value you, as you are, so you are appreciated just for being yourself.
* Make room in your life for interests and pursuits that feel rewarding.
* Make everyday tasks fun by remaining true to yourself, instead of struggling to meet the expectations of others.
* Realize that others view the world differently.
* Take time to pause and reflect whenever it feels like something is missing in your life.
Each of us has our own life path to follow.
Let your spirit be your guide.
The roads are many, the goal is one ~ becoming who we were always intended to be.
No rules. Just write!
Zen Parable February 27, 2010
Posted by nrhatch in Life Balance.comments closed
An arrogant man, who felt that no one could teach him anything, visited a Zen master for tea.
The Zen master poured the tea until it overflowed the cup, and still he continued to pour.
The arrogant man cried, “Master, stop! Why do you keep pouring? The cup is full.”
The master replied, “You too are full of your opinions and judgments about the world. You must empty yourself of the past, to receive the present.”
Quote: When we hang on to our opinions and judgments, there is no room for anything else. Lama Surya Das
Amadeus February 27, 2010
Posted by nrhatch in Books & Movies, Music & Dance, People, Spirit & Ego.comments closed
Last night, we watched Amadeus (1984) ~ a fascinating film about my favorite classical composer (Mozart) and his jealous rival (Salieri).
As I contemplated the beautiful set, elaborate costumes, amazing music, and intriguing storyline, what struck me most:
How differently I viewed the actors’ actions now vs. when I saw Amadeus the first time in 1984.
Obviously, the music hadn’t changed, the characters hadn’t changed, the dialogue hadn’t changed, the setting hadn’t changed ~ only one thing had changed since its release in 1984 . . . my interpretation of the scenes unfolding before me.
My interpretation of the film changed over time because I changed over time ~ the experiences I’ve had over the past 26 years have shaped both me and how I perceive the world around me.
Instead of viewing Salieri as inherently evil, I saw him as wholly human ~ albeit flawed. He reminded me of many people I’ve known over the years who view life competitively, not cooperatively:
*Individuals who rush to the front of the line, not worrying about who they trample in the process.
* Individuals who grab another (or bigger) piece of the pie, without concern for whether everyone else has eaten.
* Individuals who are more focused on feeding their egos than nurturing their spirits.
As Mozart died last night, I wondered . . . how would the story have ended if Salieri had been guided by the spirit of coöperation?
Quote to ponder: We see the world behind our eyes.
No rules. Just write!
Use Questions to Connect February 26, 2010
Posted by nrhatch in Happiness, Mindfulness, People.comments closed
When was the last time you had a truly memorable conversation?
One when you connected with someone else as a result of the thoughts, hopes, and dreams you were sharing?
If it’s been awhile since your conversations stepped outside the boundaries of current events, sports, or the weather, consider asking a few “leading” questions the next time you get together ~ questions designed to deepen your understanding of each other’s journey through life.
Here are a few conversation starters to consider:
* What have you always wanted to do that you have never done?
* What do you wish you could do over ~ either to experience the same sensations again . . . or to get it right?
* What is the most wonderful experience that you have ever had?
* Which of your accomplishments gives you the most satisfaction?
* For which of your senses are you the most grateful? And why?
* What are the three most significant events of your life?
But don’t just ask the questions . . . listen, really listen, to the answers.
When you listen, truly listen, the horizons of your world expand.
No rules. Just write!
Bending the Rules . . . and the Truth February 25, 2010
Posted by nrhatch in People, Poetry, Word Play.comments closed
When I set out on a journey to journal with Haiku, I came across some advice about writing Haiku which I shall pass along to you, free of charge:
Learn the rules . . . and then forget them.
Great advice! Don’t all artists want to live by their own rules?
Over the course of a year, in The Haiku Diaries on WEbook, I penned a few Haiku which resonated with me and others who read them.
One such Haiku (which breaks more rules than it follows) is:
Conditioned to please
we bend the truth to suit our
listener’s deaf ears
We measure our words, so as not to offend, and no one hears us anyway.
Image via Wikipedia
Simon Cowell’s brutal honesty on American Idol astonishes us because we are trained (from the time we are toddlers) to bend the truth, and tell little white lies, to avoid confrontation and placate others.
We say, “No, of course, I’m not mad,” when friends let us down, while thinking, I can’t believe you kept me waiting again!
Of course, while we are saying, “No, really, I don’t mind that you kept me waiting for 45 minutes. It gave me a chance to unearth the secrets of the Universe,” they are off on another tangent thinking, I should sign up for Salsa lessons with Bob. That would be fun.
Maybe if we were all a bit more honest, people would actually tune in and hear what we are saying.
Quotes to Ponder:
* Actions speak louder than words.
* The first duty of love is to listen.
No rules. Just write!
Spirit Lights The Way February 22, 2010
Posted by nrhatch in Magick & Mystery, Mindfulness.comments closed
I love the name of my infant blog:
Spirit Lights The Way.
The title serves as a daily reminder that we don’t need to visualize our ultimate destination in order to relax and enjoy the journey.
Just start and allow the path to unfold.
Before selecting Spirit Lights The Way, I considered five potential titles (which had already been adopted by bloggers on WP).
Curious?
You’re not of the feline persuassion are you? I don’t want to be accused of killing the cat . . . or of claiming one of its nine lives.
OK, here they are:
The Spirit Within
Be Here Now
Just Be
The Way
The Secrets Within
Inspiring titles, every one.
Of course, like any new parent, I’m partial to the sound of my offspring’s name:
Spirit Lights The Way
Look deep, the answers lie within.
Spirit Lights The Way 