My Blog Space

Lately, with all the whining and negativity in the world, one tends to seek a place of comfort, a serenity, a safe place... Sometimes even the social networking sites are full of well crap. So I come to my safe place... my blog. I can share here, without feeling judged. I can cultivate my positivity, courage, and passion. I don't have to hear the whining, problems, cursing of others. I actually pledged to myself to not post negative/ complaint-y / whiny stuff anymore.

Curbing one's attitude, emotions, approach, perspective, to something positive over negative, can turn your day around. Just believing in yourself, helps create positive opportunities that will present themselves to you. It takes that small act of changing. Sometimes its tough, but once you make it a habit, it will be your approach in every situation.

Although this is not a real place, its my safe space. It beings out the goodness, the light in me, and helps me shine it everywhere (sure, call me a hippie, I don't mind). Do try it though, when you are feeling down, low, blue, sad, negative, frustrated... take a few deeps breaths close your eyes, and go to YOUR safe/happy place. See how it helps you. It's almost like a gratitude list (which helps us focus on the things we are grateful for during bad days), except this is your place, your space.

:-)

This is my safe, positive space to learn, grow and share... what's yours?

Breathe

It's Time to Break the Chain

Have you noticed how this craze of violence, destruction, and terror, in the world,  occurs in waves, but in is also a constant?
What I mean is that although death, violence, destruction and devastation... what we call terror and war, is continuous globally,  there is something major that affects you, your country, something near you every 2-3 months, or makes it big in the news in terms of violence. In Nov, Dec, and Jan we were plagues with the headlines: girl is gang raped in Delhi, Colorado shooting, Connecticut School shooting... Now we have this focus on US drones killing many in Afghanistan and Pakistan; This week: 5 yr old raped in Delhi, Boston marathon bombing.
There is violence, death and destruction, everywhere that always doesn't make it to my attention, or big in the news that is shown in the US, but exists. We must be aware of this fact.
“World peace must develop from inner peace. Peace is not just mere absence of violence. Peace is, I think, the manifestation of human compassion.”
― Dalai Lama

That quote leads me to the next one:
 “There is a saying in Tibetan, 'Tragedy should be utilized as a source of strength.'
No matter what sort of difficulties, how painful experience is, if we lose our hope, that's our real disaster.”
― Dalai Lama XIV

Knowing there is violence, death, destruction and terror in the world, we must not lose hope, love, passion and give into fear or anger. Those two emotions lead to more of the violence, and destruction. Also always keep the ego in check!

So this pattern of violence, that turns good people into scared, and angry people, which thus turns them violent, hateful and destructive (you have been through it, even in a small way), people. We are unable to get over our egos, and calm ourselves down and see the bigger picture (simple psychology, philosophy and Buddhism, please read up on it, and try to keep your heart and mind open). I dunno much, but I do know this guy, the Dalai Lama has some keen insights into life, living, the world and peace, and although so hard to follow at times, the simple messages he communicates speak such truth.

Is it time to break the pattern or what? There is a chain of violence that needs to be broken. It can not be broken by death, war, punishment, revenge, hate, anger, fear, destruction, devastation, or more killing. Although sometimes the ego says "oh yeah you think you can hurt me? I'm gonna stamp you out!" "I will kill you to protect myself my family" Instead of trying to approach a situation of threat in a different way.
I've been using different approaches to situations that hurt me, make me angry, frustrated and scare me.

Sometimes we feel that the world is a huge place and nothing we do can make a difference?
“If you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito.”
― Dalai Lama
We are all mosquitoes and we CAN make a difference. And the difference we will make is through love, kindness and compassion.
“Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive.” ― Dalai Lama, The Art of Happiness

“Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you can't help them, at least don't hurt them.” ― Dalai Lama

“The whole purpose of religion is to facilitate love and compassion, patience, tolerance, humility, and forgiveness.” ― Dalai Lama

 “If you can cultivate the right attitude, your enemies are your best spiritual teachers because their presence provides you with the opportunity to enhance and develop tolerance, patience and understanding.” ― Dalai Lama


Instead of wondering how to end it, think of why they are doing this so we can prevent it in the future. Instead of thinking of punishing, or revenge, why not think about forgiveness, and killing them with kindness. When I say kill them with kindness, I don't mean death, but show them so much compassion that it melts away their evilness. I swear it works! It is so hard to do, because we are hurt, in pain, angry, and scared, and it takes so much to become a bigger better person. So much energy, love and mindfulness to forgive, and love in exchange for hate.

I'm not saying wrong doers must not be punished, they should be, but it is time to break the chains, to create real change. And warn evil doers, and help change them before they act. These depend on us though, our behavior, we are mosquitoes, we are the world, the people and we are all connected. As my friend Celeste said today on a facebook status, "Hate begets hate. Anger begets anger. How many horrendous things will have to happen before we choose love and connection? Clearly, hate and separation really isn't working." This is my message and question too!

In the end of your life though you choose what you want to be...

“Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions.”
― Dalai Lam

“If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.”
― Dalai Lama

“Only the development of compassion and understanding for others can bring us the tranquility and happiness we all seek.”
― Dalai Lama

“All suffering is caused by ignorance. People inflict pain on others in the selfish pursuit of their own happiness or satisfaction”
― Dalai Lama

 Breathe!

Reflections on Grudges and Letting Go

Anger, hate, and other negative emotions we experience in life, hold us back from growth: spiritual, mental, emotional and even physical growth or well being. Letting these emotions go, gives us room to breathe and grow! Though hard to do, notice how buoyant, and loving you feel after you let it go. Even the most successful or brilliant person if holding onto these grudges, angers, hates, frustrations, will be stunted in their growth, life's work. Find the serenity in you to let go. Embrace love instead!

Mini Buddha...  By Piyali Banerjie

Amends

First we start with forgiveness.

Forgive ourselves so we can love ourselves more
In turn, through loving ourselves, we love others more and can forgive them easily.

It sounds silly even whimsical, it sounds simple...
Be warned it is difficult. To say I love you, to yourself, using your name.
(Unless perhaps you were a narcissist to begin with)
This is not a narcissistic kind of love, but a bigger love.
What is tough at first, becomes more fluid, when practiced often.


Try it.

When you have mastered this, write it. When you can write it, feel it, and be it, try it on the person you are upset with.

Small steps. First imagine it.

Think clearly of where you have wronged them and what you could have done better.
Think of where they have hurt you, and how they could show up for you better.
Learn to let it go. Don't take it personal. Always, keep your side of the road clean.

Write it all out.
Remember to never blame, and remember that you have always had part in the making the relationship/friendship murky.
When you are good with this, and feel a peace when you think of them, you will feel ready to make amends.

Now try telling the person you are mad at that you love and forgive them.

To love you, Oh it hurts...like a cut on my heart, bleeding it dry.

I forgive you my friend, and love you so deeply.
I understand if you don't feel the same. Maybe one day, maybe never... I do hope you find peace however.

Find peace within yourself.

Breathe.

I picked this picture because it made me remember after all we do to the earth and our fellow creatures we must always remember to be grateful for them, their lives and support. We must ask them for forgiveness. They will grant it to us time and time again, no matter how much we hurt them.

I Pray

I ask to be filled with unconditional eternal love
I wish to share this love with the world.

I ask for an open mind, a receiving soul, and a warm heart
I wish to share these gifts with the world.

I ask to be able to let go of my grudges, to forget the past, and share my sorrows
I ask to be able to teach this ability to those who suffer.

I ask for the armory of tolerance and barrels of peace
I wish to share these with the world.

I ask to be forgiven for mistakes I committed in my blind rage, my blissful ignorance, and my immaturity
I pray for others who have done the same and realized it after.

I pray for those who can not feel love, who can not let go of their anger and hate, those who do not see the light.
I ask that they see this, in time.

OM!

Breathe.

Raise Your Vibrations!

Walking Alone

Although I am blessed with many wonderful people in my life, who love, care and support me there are times I have to walk the valley of darkness alone.

The day when the true test is thrust upon me; and due to circumstances, situations and life's eb and flow, those are moments I face alone. I have to get my own back.

From I seek out friends, family, and help I can get. Sometimes the help comes from the most unlikely source. Sometimes the support I need does not come at all.

These are moments when I see everyone's true colors.

These are the times I realize my own potential, which I hide from myself.

I am ready for the next easy hike, and the tougher climb after it.

Usually I try to use my own images, but lately I have googled some, and this is what I got for "Valley of Darkness" Images. Battlestar Galactica! Made me smile!

Breathe!