The opportunities for frustration, anger and fear are plentiful. We can lose ourselves and drown in them. We MUST take care to nourish our thoughts, our Spirits, with the opposite of those challenging thoughts and feelings. Find the Love. Hold tight.
It takes a TRULY WEAK man to put others in danger in order to satisfy his own personal needs.
Think.
About.
That.
Then vote.
And don't DARE have the nerve or enough stupidity to tell me that you are voting for him because of your "morals." There comes a time when you have to grow up. This is not a TV show. Hundreds of thousands of people have died. Here. In the United States.
STRENGTH is when someone charged with the health and well being of the citizenship of an entire country actually takes responsibility for them and places their needs above their own. STRENGTH is Love, and Love is not selfish. STRENGTH is NOT what we witnessed today (Monday, October 5th, 2020) during the entire broadcast of what is normally the national news. That was a clear effort to fool people and dominate the media. What we have seen, and continue to see from the man we call President, is NOTHING but weakness.
To people who know the True Strength and Power of Love - stay strong. Love is going to win. Love always wins. Amen.
This week started with friends, went into the challenge of
dealing with a bully, and then came back around to good times and friendship.
Before the gig
I’m beyond grateful for good people who act as my heroes in
times of need. They’re not superheroes because they swoop in and handle
anything FOR me, but because they are there for me to talk to - and in doing so
they help shift my perspective to a place of empowerment and Love.
After the gig - with John, Chelsea, and Brian
When you are able to “zoom out” or step back, or away from a
bully, things take on a new light. You realize that people who act the way they
do must feel very disempowered at their core. Why else would they try so hard
to take power away from others? They are THAT desperate. In the end – I feel a
little sorry for them. It’s too bad they can’t find a healthy way to feel
empowered for themselves.
"Any person capable of angering you becomes your master;
he can anger you only when you permit yourself to be disturbed by him."
- Epictetus
After my run-in with a bully, I “coincidentally” heard about
a young girl who had an issue herself. It hadn’t taken me long to understand
the dynamic I was dealing with and turn it around, but I have experience. I
don’t envy what a lot of young people have to go through today – and I
certainly wouldn’t want to have live my teenage years again. To all of us
trying to hold on to our sense of self-confidence, here’s what I think we should
remember:
Others do not define us. We define ourselves. NO ONE writes our own narrative for us. It helps to seek out information and support. We
can’t always change our life circumstance, school, or neighborhood to free
ourselves from those who like to intimidate. What we CAN do is change our
perspective. We can learn from others' experience, we can connect with people
who encourage us, and we can step away mentally and come back with a fresh
outlook. This may seem simple, but it’s not always easy. There IS a way though.
There is ALWAYS a way. In those moments before we figure it out, faith has to
carry us. Trust that you WILL come to a place of greater understanding. YOU
WILL.
Here are a couple of articles I’ve found insightful:
Let's spend that time in prayer or quiet meditation to send Love, Strength and Hope to all those affected by the severe weather from hurricanes Irma and Harvey. #Faith #Love
On Sunday, a most lovely speaker told the congregation that when we encounter someone who seems different from ourselves, we should talk to them. We should try to find the "sameness" that exists between us because the world now requires us to join together.
The minister at church on Sunday was not talking about the worst mass shooting in U.S. history. She was talking about a woman she knew who had managed to change her mindset. This particular minister is also certified as an Advanced Clinical Hypnotist, and she was referencing a client who went from constantly expecting challenging situations to "presuming good will." Instead of focusing on what she feared, she learned to anticipate more positive outcomes. Concentrating her thought patterns there, she experienced more desirable, and even exciting and inspirational life conditions.
The topic could have been labeled many different ways. A change in attitude, and the effects that such a change has on our lives, can be credited to faith, God, Law of Attraction, the power of positive thinking, Angels... We can believe in this principle regardless of our culture, background, or religion, calling it whatever name works for each of us. The bottom line is that when we train ourselves to expect good things, we often find more good things happening. One sentence in the sermon seemed so profound to me, I grabbed a pen and wrote it down:
"You're not letting your guard down. You're letting God guard you."
- Priscilla Keresey
During group prayer / healing intentions, we remembered all the people affected by the Orlando shooting. After some moments of silence, I noticed my phone light up. It was a notification that one of my friends in Orlando, FL had checked in as being safe.
In the hours to follow, much of the story unfolded about what had happened in Orlando. People have been expressing concerns about giving in to fear and terror. Some people close to the scene, understandably, have been so terrified that they do not want to leave their homes for any reason. Many, though, have expressed an absolute resolve NOT to be afraid, and are compassionately encouraging others to stand strong. Vigils across the country, and even the world, are uniting people in good intention and in support of all those affected.
"The place where they were attacked is more than a nightclub
- it is a place of solidarity and empowerment
where people have come together to raise awareness,
to speak their minds and to advocate for their civil rights."
- President Barack Obama
"There is never, ever any justification for such unacceptable crimes against
humanity, crimes against God, crimes against our country."
- Hassan Shibly,
executive director of the Florida branch of the
council on American-Islamic Relations
"Let me be clear: Equality Florida stands in solidarity
with the Muslim and Islamic community
and in opposition to the intolerance,
discrimination and hate crimes that both of our communities experience."
- Carlos Guillermo Smith,
a representative of Equality Florida, an LGBT advocacy group
As the minister's words keep echoing in my mind, I'd like to believe that I decide for myself not to give in to fear of any kind. I realize this sounds easy for me as one who is removed from these particular prejudices, but my power begins with the man in the mirror.
I will not view it as letting my guard down, I will let God guard me. I remember that church hymn, "Be Not Afraid."
I like this version... nice job Emily!
Love and prayers for the victims, the injured, the family and friends of all those impacted, the community of Orlando, and all those facing the effects of acts of terror, hatred and intolerance.
Namaste,
T
* Quotes cited from http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/pulse-orlando-nightclub-shooting/os-orlando-shooting-pulse-nightclub-20160612-story.html
I went to church twice last week. Once for a funeral, and once for Sunday mass.
Richard Joyner, or "Tricky" as we called him, was a good, kind man. He was a talented musician, singer, sound engineer, and friend. He was always helping others - he just lived his life that way. He helped me get my demo ready when I first moved to the NYC area, and he encouraged me greatly. He will always be remembered for his talent and kind heart.
The minister spoke about Tricky's character. She spoke about faith. The songs were beautiful, the memories shared by his family touching, the message inspirational. I can't possibly do the sermon justice here... but we were all reminded how truly special it is to be someone who likes to help others - as Tricky was. She talked about how we all leave this world eventually, when our sacred assignments here are complete, and how in times of sadness we need to keep praying. I thought that Tricky would probably want to comfort anyone who was sad, and that he wouldn't want us to stay that way. Of course there is a grieving process - especially for those experiencing the unexpected loss of someone close. Tricky would understand that. Of course he would do whatever he could to let his loved ones know that he is ok, and that he loves them dearly. Of course it's hard to believe that in your heart when you are hurting from the loss of his presence.
On Sunday, I went to mass. The message there was all about faith too. It was interesting how the two sermons echoed each other - even though they were different churches, different religions, with different stories and hundreds of miles away from each other. The priest told a story of a dog named Luna who was lost at sea and presumed dead after an extensive search. After five weeks, she turned up unharmed at a Naval base two miles from where she was last seen. Her owner was overjoyed, having not known all that time that she was alright. The fact that Luna was okay, even when she couldn't be seen, reminded me of how I felt at Tricky's service... that he was alright even though we could not see him.
The priest also spoke of helping others. The church has a program to help feed needy families. We were reminded that some families are in desperate need. One family had told the priest that despite having recently lost their home, that they would be okay and did not need groceries delivered. The priest had them delivered them anyway and they called him in tears, overwhelmed with gratitude that the children had nutritious cereal to eat that week.
We don't always see the whole picture. We don't have to. We just need to try to hold on to our faith. When we feel it slipping, we can ask for help. We can lean on others. Eventually, we'll get to a place of gratitude. We will get there. Eventually, we can turn our minds toward the Blessings that we have - and help others as best we can.
Prayers for all those in need... be it need of comfort, of a friend, of a kind ear to just listen, and for those in need of basic necessities. Prayers of gratitude for all that we do have, and for the strength and will to help others however we can.
Sometimes I get to meet the most amazing and incredibly
inspiring people.
This past week, I met a family who has learned to appreciate and
value every achievement in life, regardless of how small. This has been part of
their life's journey in caring for a child with a developmental disorder. The
simple act of learning to eat or making a friend is an occasion to rejoice
in their household.
When challenges arise and families learn to navigate the
effects of life-altering health issues, people can rise up to meet obstacles
with astounding strength, love and grace. There is a beauty in this, that
takes my breath away.
I am reminded of a story I heard last week about an Amish
community that suffered great loss in a mass shooting in their schoolhouse.
Despite the tragic loss of the lives of five young girls, that community’s response was one
of forgiveness and love toward the perpetrator and his family. I heard that
donations were accepted by the Amish community only on the condition that an
equal amount be given to the perpetrator’s family. (Online sources verify that “some” donations were designated for the perpetrator's family.)
Looking up the incident, I am brought to a stunned
silence by the horror of it. I am greatly humbled by the human capacity
for forgiveness and compassion as demonstrated by the community's response.
This week, I will remember the capacity for Love that exists
inside us all. I will remember that when we are called upon to make a choice,
we can choose to meet any challenge, no matter how big or small, with great
Love.
Last week began with a tree climbing adventure with Russ. It ended with a story about Buddha. Somehow, it all ties together in a way that makes perfect sense.
On Monday, we ventured into the trees on aerial obstacle courses. Our successful journey involved balance, strength, and conquering fear.
At the end of the week, I was asked to embark on another adventure of sorts. I was specifically asked to enter a potentially challenging situation and to meet any negativity with grace and love. It felt as if I was being tested, both mentally and spiritually, to see if I was able to take the "high road."
That journey also required balance, inner strength, and the complete abolition of fear. I became determined to simply stay on a course of positive energy, remaining focused and impervious to any outside influence. Mission accomplished.
The next day a friend of mine shared a story he knew about Buddha. I've since found several variations online. It goes something like this:
Buddha, having gained many followers at the time, encountered one specific traveler who seemed to be determined to make him angry. The man shouted offensive remarks, insulting Buddha and dishonoring him in front of his followers. Buddha remained calm and unruffled. He returned only kindness and love to the traveler. This continued for several days until finally the rude man asked Buddha why, after days of ridicule and verbal abuse was he still nothing but kind to him.
Buddha replied with a question: If someone gives you a gift and you do not accept it, to whom does it belong?
The point is that if someone is mean to you, or gives you the "gift" of rudeness, you do not have to accept it. Then the gift still belongs to the giver. We do not have to upset ourselves or stress out when others give us unwelcome gifts. We can simply choose not to accept them. No one has the power to anger or upset us unless we allow them to. That choice remains ours and we are empowered by it.
What gifts are we accepting from others? What gifts are we giving others?
I am reminded that there are all kinds of adventures and challenges in this life. Just as there are those of a physical nature, there are those of a mental and spiritual nature as well. We can embark on each of them with a sense of balance, strength and Love. If we choose to strive for balance, strength and Love in the face of all challenges, we'll be doing pretty good.
Namaste,
T
xoxo
P.S.
It occurs to me that sometimes the most loving thing to do, is love ourselves enough to remove ourselves from harmful situations. Blessed journey...
