Embrace Your Inner Calvin November 21, 2010
Posted by nrhatch in Happiness, Mindfulness, Spirit & Ego.trackback
Calvin is the hero of his life, calmly using an internal barometer and compass to mindfully decide what to be, say, think, and do.
Rather than trying to please all of the people all of the time, he listens to his own inner wisdom. Instead of aiming to please all of the people some of the time, or some of the people all of the time, he follows his own path.
Instead of looking to others for guidance, he looks within as he strives to be the BEST Calvin he can be.
* * * * *
One day, Allen interrupts Calvin while he’s painting and says, “Who do you think you are? No one can paint happiness. It’s stupid to even try.”
Calvin stops what he’s doing, looks up at Allen with compassion, and says, “Have you ever tried to paint happiness?”
Allen snorts, “Why should I try to paint happiness? It’s just a stupid feeling.”
Calvin considers his response before saying, “I cannot speak for you, I can only tell you why I paint happiness.”
Allen looks at Calvin with disgust, “Well, then, why do YOU paint happiness?”
Calvin smiles, “I paint happiness because it makes me happy.”
Allen considers that response, and arrogantly demands, “TEACH ME!”
Calvin says, “I cannot teach you, but you can teach yourself.”
Allen laughs in derision, “See, you’re not so smart! If you knew what you were talking about, you could TEACH others.”
Calvin smiled, “It’s not hard. Silence the mind. Just be. Focus on your breath. With each inspiration, focus on your connection to the peace, love, and joy that reside within us all.”
Allen waved his hand in dismissal, “That’s just a bunch of mumbo jumbo. I don’t need to do that. Just TEACH ME how to paint happiness.”
Calvin sighed, “It’s easy. Feel happy. Then paint what you feel.”
Quote: No one saves us but ourselves. No one can and no one may. We ourselves must walk the path. ~ The Buddha
Related posts: Paint Your World As YOU Want It * A Study Of Contrasts
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Spirit Lights The Way 
Lovely! Thanks for sharing this.
-BrownEyed
Thanks, BrownEyed!
“No one saves us but ourselves. No one can and no one may. We ourselves must walk the path.” ~ The Buddha
Yes I have always enjoyed Calvin. Thanks Nancy:)
The best part about this . . . I wrote the original post, Paint Your World As You Want It, using A, B, and C, instead of names.
I went back and added names. And “Calvin” popped into my head for C. That’s Tammy’s son’s name. He was thrilled to be the hero of the story. 😀
No one saves us, but ourselves-I loved this post-it speaks multitudes for showing happiness. A simple smile can make a difference in so many lives. Great Post !! 🙂
Thanks, Penny. Glad you enjoyed.
I love that quote, and many others by The Buddha.
One of these days Allen will learn to enjoy his life and seeks his answers within… Thanks for adding it to the hop.
By the way, I’ve added a new blog hop. Do stop by to add your links.
Thanks,
Elizabeth
Thanks, Eliz. Will do.
Very nicely written. Like Penny, the quote speaks to me as well.
I found my way over from Eliz’s blog hop.
Thanks, dogsmom. I love that quote:
No one saves us but ourselves. No one can and no one may. We ourselves must walk the path. ~ The Buddha
Rather than trying to please all of the people all of the time, he listens to his own inner wisdom. Instead of aiming to please all of the people some of the time, or some of the people all of the time, he follows his own path. I like those words for thought. As I am difinitly my own person, seeking my own direction.
It’s a great way to be, Penny.
Instead of trying to be “better” than someone else . . . we can focus on being “better” than our previous selves.