Not everything that is faced can be changed; but nothing can be changed until it is faced.
~James Baldwin
Sunday, November 4, 2012
Friday, November 2, 2012
I'm Hurtin'
As you move through your life understand the majority of the people you encounter are experiencing psychological pain of some sort or another. Whether dealing with the death of a loved one, depression, alcohol or drug abuse, anorexia, obesity, personal rejection, a family member in dire straights, (ad infinitum) people hurt. They also exert tremendous energy masquerading as though nothing at all is wrong. It wouldn't fit the self-image they wish to portray; ie 'I've got it together.' One example of this being true is what people say when the mental pain becomes overwhelming: "I feel like I'm falling apart."
Don't misunderstand, I am not asking you to be your brothers keeper. I'm not asking that you coddle. I just ask that you become aware. That you extend your vision beyond yourself. Perhaps empathy is your response. Or, you may simply shrug your shoulders. Whatever you decide will be best for you. I realize that your hurt may run so deep there isn't room for anyone else's.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9OXA7zL9WOg
Don't misunderstand, I am not asking you to be your brothers keeper. I'm not asking that you coddle. I just ask that you become aware. That you extend your vision beyond yourself. Perhaps empathy is your response. Or, you may simply shrug your shoulders. Whatever you decide will be best for you. I realize that your hurt may run so deep there isn't room for anyone else's.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9OXA7zL9WOg
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Wake up the Echoes
A portrait of what it means to be a Notre Dame man...
http://msn.foxsports.com/collegefootball/story/manti-teo-notre-dame-comforts-parents-of-dying-girl-with-letter-grief-cancer-102512
http://msn.foxsports.com/collegefootball/story/manti-teo-notre-dame-comforts-parents-of-dying-girl-with-letter-grief-cancer-102512
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Top O' the Morning!
This is the day which the Lord has made, rejoice! and be glad.
(Psalm 118.24)
In the morning Father, cause me to hear Your loving kindness
For in You I have placed my trust
Make known to me the path I should walk
For to You, I have lifted up my spirit
I will do Your will this day
Today, the day of completion
When miracle will follow miracle
And wonders will never cease.
(Celtic Prayer)
Most every day when I wake up, these words "jump" into my head. I have been reciting them for the better parts of 35 years. Along the way I have added the 23th and 91st Psalm, the Prayer of St. Francis, and my personal favorite, Desiderata, to the mix. I will usually end my salutation with one of these. I feel more than fortunate that I developed this habit. With the advance(s) in neuroscience providing evidence, little I could have done would have produced such a beneficial outcome. To wit; "Every time you take in the good, you build a little bit of neural structure. Doing this a few times a day-for months or even years-will gradually change your brain, and how you FEEL and ACT, in far-reaching ways." (Buddha's Brain~Rick Hanson PH.D. and Richard Mendius, MD. New Harbinger Publications, Inc. Copyright 2009)
Obviously I have no idea where your initial thoughts take you each morning. Perhaps you arise eager for the day and in bright spirits raring to go! Or, you just might dread the fact it is another work day, the argument with your significant other is still unresolved, your health is lousy and the world, in general, stinks. Most likely you fall somewhere in-between. Whatever the case may be, consider doing yourself a favor and finding some uplifting quote, saying, or truism that resonates with you, and begin your day with it. As I have written elsewhere on this site; "goodness is great, if you're good to yourself." If you, of all people, can't do something nice for yourself, why should anyone else bother? Take a minute or two at the start of each day being good to yourself. Who knows, you just might start a trend.
(Psalm 118.24)
In the morning Father, cause me to hear Your loving kindness
For in You I have placed my trust
Make known to me the path I should walk
For to You, I have lifted up my spirit
I will do Your will this day
Today, the day of completion
When miracle will follow miracle
And wonders will never cease.
(Celtic Prayer)
Most every day when I wake up, these words "jump" into my head. I have been reciting them for the better parts of 35 years. Along the way I have added the 23th and 91st Psalm, the Prayer of St. Francis, and my personal favorite, Desiderata, to the mix. I will usually end my salutation with one of these. I feel more than fortunate that I developed this habit. With the advance(s) in neuroscience providing evidence, little I could have done would have produced such a beneficial outcome. To wit; "Every time you take in the good, you build a little bit of neural structure. Doing this a few times a day-for months or even years-will gradually change your brain, and how you FEEL and ACT, in far-reaching ways." (Buddha's Brain~Rick Hanson PH.D. and Richard Mendius, MD. New Harbinger Publications, Inc. Copyright 2009)
Obviously I have no idea where your initial thoughts take you each morning. Perhaps you arise eager for the day and in bright spirits raring to go! Or, you just might dread the fact it is another work day, the argument with your significant other is still unresolved, your health is lousy and the world, in general, stinks. Most likely you fall somewhere in-between. Whatever the case may be, consider doing yourself a favor and finding some uplifting quote, saying, or truism that resonates with you, and begin your day with it. As I have written elsewhere on this site; "goodness is great, if you're good to yourself." If you, of all people, can't do something nice for yourself, why should anyone else bother? Take a minute or two at the start of each day being good to yourself. Who knows, you just might start a trend.
Sunday, October 21, 2012
20/20 Vision
"Everyone seems to have a clear idea of how other people should lead their lives, but none about his or her own."
The Alchemist~Paulo Coehlo
The Alchemist~Paulo Coehlo
Friday, October 19, 2012
Couples Therapy
Do you honestly believe relationships are random? Make the most of them...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=11JWAWOU6Nw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=11JWAWOU6Nw
ENLIGHTENMENT
A story told in pictures...
http://www.juststuffifound.com/2012/06/19/moon-bridge-in-dahu-park-taipei/
http://www.juststuffifound.com/2012/06/19/moon-bridge-in-dahu-park-taipei/
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