Happy Mother’s Day

 This is a special day to remind us all of how much Mothers mean to each of us.  The following quotes about Mothers show some of the feeling behind our celebration of Mothers.  

"Mother: the most beautiful word on the lips of mankind." —Kahil Gibran

"To the world you are a mother, but to your family you are the world." —Unknown

"Mothers can look through a child’s eyes and see tomorrow." —Reed Markham

"To a child’s ear, 'mother' is magic in any language." —Arlene Benedict

"My mother is a walking miracle." —Leonardo DiCaprio

"Mothers hold their children’s hands for a short while, but their hearts forever." —Unknown

 "A mother understands what a child does not say." —Jewish Proverb

"There is no influence so powerful as that of the mother." —Sara Josepha Hale

"Mother: the most beautiful word on the lips of mankind." —Kahil Gibran

"The art of mothering is to teach the art of living to children." —Elaine Heffner

***************

Blessings,

Judy

Buddha Speaks On Generosity

The practice of generosity is the practice of freedom, and it carries with it all the joy and pleasure that are associated with liberation. Indeed, there may be no greater sense of fulfillment in life than the simultaneous feelings of human interconnection and pure freedom that arise from an authentic act of selfless generosity.

- Dale S. Wright, “The Bodhisattva’s Gift” 

 

It is hard to imagine in our world filled with so much abundance, that we collectively seem to have trouble with generosity.  The other part of generosity that puzzles me is that so many people want to tell you a) that you should be generous, and b) how much you need to give in order to be generous.

The conflict for me is the judgement and control that seems to be in our society around generosity.  If generosity must come from the heart, how can someone set standards of giving, or pass judgement on those that they perceive do not give?  

The passage above caught my attention because it says “generosity is the practice of freedom”.  The words resonated deep within me.

Generosity is taking time to do something kind for someone else, without acknowledgement from anyone other than the receiver, and if it is anonymous, then without acknowledgement at all.  How wonderful is this gift to self!

Blessings,

Judy

No Need For Temples

Picture of the Dali Lama from http://www.joenolan.com/2008/10/no-mas-for-dalai-lama.html

This is my simple religion.  There is no need for temples; no need for complicated philosophy.  Our own brain, our own heart is our temple; the philosophy is kindness.  Dalai Lama, 1935 - -now.

I saw this on a quote page as I was scrolling through web sites.  This is the same philosophy that the indigenous people and their Shaman, Medicine Woman/Man, Wiseones, Mystics, etc. use around the world.  Indeed, there is no need for temples. We are all connected to Creator and vice-versa.  We are connected with everything in creation, if only we can find a way to hear or see or feel or remember.

As we get caught up in the drama around us, we forget to look inside for the answers.  For thousands of years, the teaching has been to look outward. 

If you look around, does it seem to you that the world is getting kinder?  Does it also seem that more and more people are moving away from the old fashioned religion?  Yes, many of the individual church congregations are creating their own philosophy for their church and the people.  It includes new ways of doing things and bringing energy healing into the church.  It is perfect for this time.

May kindness guide your day!

Many blessings.

Judy

Valentine’s Day 2025

Check out the amazing ways to celebrate Valentine's Day, even if you are single, or, by yourself for Valentine's Day.  This wondeful posting was on www.Gogratitude.org. 

#1: Hug a Tree
Appreciate Nature. Go hiking. Surround yourself in
the great outdoors. Soak up the beautiful energies
of Mother Earth. She has a heartbeat. Tune into it.
Express your Love and Gratitude for all the blessings
the Earth bestows you.
Then listen. Who knows? She may have a message for you.

#2: Sit Under the Stars and Appreciate the Cosmos
We live in a vast Universe. Contemplating the Infinite
need not make us feel small.
With love in our hearts, we remember our Connection
to All-That-Is. And recognize we are THAT too, the
realization of which fills our soul with the WONDER of
the Mystery.

#3: Express Appreciation to Your Beloveds
Expand the traditional sense of Valentine's Day Love
to include all your Beloveds. Your kindred. Your soul-
mates. Your friends. Your family. Your children. Your
parents. Your animal companions.
Make it a point to consider what you most appreciate
from those closest to you. Then make sure to express it.
Face to face. Or call them up. Or email them. Or text them.
Or write them a note.

#4: Hug Your Self
Love your Self. Appreciate your Self. Feel deep compassion
for your Self. This is probably the most important thing any
of us could do on Valentine's day and every other day.
For it is only as we Love, accept and honor ourselves -
ego shadows and all - that we can truly love and uplift others. 

I love this.  I love that we need to do self care, and that we can show our appreciation to ourselves.  It is time!

Blessings,

Judy

Living With Your Heart

The poster reads:  

Surround yourself with people who make you laugh, forget the bad, and focus on the good.  Love the people who treat you right.  Pray for the ones that don’t.  Life is too short to be anything but happy.  Falling down is part of life, getting back up is living.

***************************** 

Sometimes life just seems like chapters. Some good, some bad, but all come together to create the story of our lives. – Unknown

Today, find something to laugh at.  

Today, find time to share a laugh.

Then, find someone to enjoy a laugh with.

Find a way to flow with life.

It is good for your heart.

 

Blessings,

Judy

On Being Positive

One of my friends sent me information on positive change.  She thought that I might share it with people who look at my blog.   I went further and found that the information comes from Selacia.  Her advice is great.  The links to her site are at the bottom of the article.  Enjoy!

Accelerate Your Transformation

- Tips to Jump Start Positive Change - 
by Selacia

Tips to Jump Start Positive Change

1. Challenging Circumstances- When faced with a challenge, keep your focus in present time. Even if what you are experiencing began long ago, you want to respond with today's energy. As part of your lifelong process of transformation, your energy shifts from day to day. Insights and processing from last night's dreaming can provide you with fresh perspectives and more lightness of being. When looking at your challenge, invite your higher wisdom to guide you in applying a higher awareness and fully utilizing your current knowing. You may be pleasantly surprised with the positive results.  

2. A Time for Everything- Life is often so fast paced that it's common to feel behind schedule. Relax your body and mind for moments here and there as you intuitively check in about timings. Indeed, there's a time for everything. Remember this before jumping into your next activity. Oftentimes what you planned, no matter how important it seems, is best left until after you have done something else - which can be an activity or simply being still. Your heart and intuitively guided reason can show you the way. Check in with yourself to determine if what you planned for the day needs to shift, and then make adjustments. You will be happy you did.  

3. Manifesting Your Vision- As you pick the less traveled road for the next portion of your unique journey, inquire within to be sure that it's wide enough and extends far enough to accommodate your goals and expansive vision. As a divine changemaker, you are learning to express your highest potentials. Do not limit yourself to what your doubts tell you to settle for, or for what others have told you is possible. Embrace the expanded view spirit has for your life.  

4. Roadblocks- Consider that the roadblock you face is a symbol that you may need to update your view. Sometimes a detour or alternative approach is required. This may involve a different timing, implementing something you haven't yet thought of, or even abandoning your idea altogether. A divine changemaker learns to see roadblocks as opportunities for spiritual practice - they aren't the enemy; they may be a blessing in disguise.  

5. Positive Potentials - Each day carries within it a positive potential and energies you can apply for your own enlightenment. Connect with more of the positive potentials available by regularly acknowledging that they exist. This is easier on some days than others, of course. Even so, get into the habit of remembering this lighter side of being. A new opportunity waits each time you open your eyes in a new way - without expectations and without focusing on what you created before.  When you are open to the next wonderful surprise arriving on your doorstep - letting go of how and when it shows up - you become like a magnet for your own good. 

Copyright 2013 by Selacia - 

http://Selacia.com,  http://EarthsPivotalYears.com

  

Blessings, 

Judy

Buddha Says Keep The Heart Pure

 

Not to commit evil, but to practice all good, and to keep the heart pure: This is the teaching of the Buddha.

“To keep the heart pure” means to try to keep the mind uncluttered. It does not mean that we are saintly. It means that we are reasonably aware, reasonably caring, open to ourselves and to others, and not influenced by hatred, greed, or delusion. – Martine Batchelor, "The Precepts: A Special Practice Section"

I read this passage the other day, and I was struck by the simplicity of living that this bit of wisdom crafts for us.  I wonder how this teaching, now nearly 5000 years old, could be replaced by a belief in Christianity and Muslim, which seem to cause great violence to other humans. 

I wondered how these faiths only in existence for about 2000 years, could arise.   As I was sitting in meditation, the simple answer came to me – they arose because the true teachings which supported the teachings of Buddha for different geographical regions, were pushed aside because of the individual’s need for power and to support their hatred and greed.  This thought was so powerful that I nearly fell off my meditation cushion.  And, it made me sad – very sad.

May we all find that place in ourselves to be kind and carrying, and beyond the passions of hatred, and greed.  May delusion be released as we shed our ego.

Blessings,

Judy

Spirit Talks About Rhythm

 

Now is the time to celebrate.  Feel your heartbeat and the rhythm of life.  In movement and flow, everything has cycles and rhythms.  Feel and know your part of this rhythm through to the core of your being.  Get in touch with your inner self.

Do no let disharmony interrupt your rhythm and flow, bud dance your dance and sing your song with joy, and others will be infected with the delight of it.

– Treasures from Tikashi

As we move through the changes of time and space, find a place in your heart that is filled with joy.  Let this be one of your sanctuaries.  When you feel down or out, go to this place, to your reserve of joy, and let all things flow.

Blessings,

Judy

The Angels Say That We Are Temporary In This World

 

We are all products of what has come before – whether it is directly from our families, or from our tribes and villages, or even from our race.  This is evident as we look around the world at the events of war and terrorism.  The battles are not new ones; they are the same ones that have been fought for thousands of years.

I was in meditation and asked my guides why that was; why there was such animosity.  The Ancestors came in response to my question.  They showed me the pictures of injustices between two families, and the lining up of the friends and family on either side, and how anger sowed the seeds of jealousy, judgment, greed, animosity, and all the emotions that divide people.   They showed me how the parents fanned the seeds in the children, forcing the children to carry the legacy of the generations before them.  Children and their chance to explore something new, to become something different, were disregarded.  Children became the tool of the generations before them.  

The Ancestors went on to say that it did not matter because the body is temporary, and that many of the Beings could not come to stay in such dense energies and therefore, many lives were quite short.  Beings come in and get out.  The situation is perfect, and let it happen.  

These words made me feel like there was a greater plan around me.  Then a friend sent me this Invocation.  I share it with you so that you may use it and find peace. 

Invocation of Forgiveness

Today, I call on the powers of forgiveness,
the hope that heals & wipes away resentment,
I am ready to forgive & heal old wounds.
I forgive you for the past, making way for friendship &
to forgive all who have hurt me in the past, deliberately
or by accident. I am ready to forgive myself for errors
made & things I have done in the past that I regret.
Healing replaces resentment, peace replaces anger
as forgiveness grows inside me, my heart lightens.
filling me with a sense of wellbeing & acceptance,
I embrace forgiveness, the great healer of hearts.

Blessings,

Judy

Welcome October 2024

This picture looks like the parks around our area.  October comes in, and the leaves change colour.  The changes are reflected in life around us.  I have so many friends that are changing –  locations, houses, spouses, jobs, and even careers.  This year is the year of shedding the things that do not work in our lives.

I see the changes that are happening too, in the world.  I see people working to unlock the secrets that are supposed to protect us, the people, because we will panic.  When information is kept from us, it means that someone else’s ego is working overtime, saying that they as a person or as a group of people are better than the rest of us.  I am grateful to the folks who think it is time to end secrets and end corruption.  Change is good. It is hard and takes effort, but it is good.

Here is a lovely poem by Robert Frost that talks about the changes in Nature.  Enjoy.

 

October

by Robert Frost 

O hushed October morning mild,
Thy leaves have ripened to the fall;
Tomorrow's wind, if it be wild,
Should waste them all.
The crows above the forest call;
Tomorrow they may form and go.
O hushed October morning mild,
Begin the hours of this day slow.
Make the day seem to us less brief.
Hearts not averse to being beguiled,
Beguile us in the way you know.
Release one leaf at break of day;
At noon release another leaf;
One from our trees, one far away.
Retard the sun with gentle mist;
Enchant the land with amethyst.
Slow, slow!
For the grapes' sake, if the were all,
Whose leaves already are burnt with frost,
Whose clustered fruit must else be lost--
For the grapes' sake along the all.

****************

Blessings,

Judy

Buddha and What Are We Training For

From 2007 until 2013, I taught classes on spirituality called “StarTalker Classes”.  The classes were popular and each class usually was a chapter in the class book that I put together.  In my classes, I sometimes had guest speakers that were specialists in certain parts of spirituality.  This blog comes from my notes on one of the classes.

Our entire life has been training. The question is: training in what? This question means: training in which direction?... Are we training in numbing ourselves in the face of fear, or training in waking up? Training in opening the heart, or training in shutting down? - from "Fruitless Labor," by Gaylon Ferguson

Last night, in my StarTalker class (I teach several ladies a program called StarTalker), our guest speaker talked about all the things that we do in our life, and how they all prepare us for working towards understanding ourselves.  It was interesting to me that it is not about understanding others which is what we learn in school, in psychology or sociology, it is about understanding ourselves.

We are on a journey of self discovery.  We are learning how unique and how exciting our journey is – even if sometimes it feels quite painful.  I am still working through all the ideas that were presented last night.  However, I am once again amazed that the Universe sent the above quote which ties in 6 the session from last night.  

We/I have lots to think about.

Blessings,

Judy

Crab Motion

 

Sometimes, in my meditation, I have the most unusual interactions with animals.  This post is about Crab and comes from a meditation journal from several years ago.

******************************

Crabs typically walk sideways (a behaviour which gives us the word crabwise). This is because of the articulation of the legs which makes a sidelong gait more efficient. – Wikipedia

Crab also moves forward and backward.  Crab says that motion, regardless of the direction, is still motion.  Motion carries you as you work through your purpose.  Purpose is simply taking action, doing what you know you need to do without the prompting or without following other’s expectations.  

When you are in motion, you are searching.  Although you may believe that you know the destination, along the way, the destination may change.  Thus, you are ever watching for the signs that move you along.  

Crab is always looking for food and for safety.  She tells you that along the journey that you are taking, life will be better if you remember to care for yourself, as part of safety, and that eating the foods that suit your body will also ensure your safety and health.  Specialists and doctors all have different ideas of what the best foods are.  You can tell what foods best serve you by simply holding them to your heart and hearing/feeling/knowing or seeing that the food suits you, or not.

******************************************

Blessings,

Judy

Feeling Pain Together

Direct Seeing -  With direct seeing, we know that we are not alone in our suffering and that no one need feel alone when in pain. Seeing our oneness is the beginning of our compassion, and it allows us to reach beyond aversion and separation.

-Sharon Salzberg, “A Quiver of the Heart” 

When I read this passage, I am reminded that not all of us see the same way.  I realize that many people judge others’ pain to be lesser than their own.  I wonder why we seem to feel aversion, or even jealousy, about other people’s pain.  A scene from the movie, “Grumpy Old Men” sticks in my mind.  Jack Lemmon’s and Walter Matthau’s character each competed to see who had the biggest hurt!  It was funny, and sad, at the same time.

I confess, when I see other people in pain, I most often seem to hurt for them.  It quickly goes away.  The pain lets me see/feel how they are feeling, and, I empathise with their pain.  I typically respond the same way to tears of grief or sadness.

I think most people are like that!

Many blessings,

Judy

Never Give Up

Healing words from the Dali Lama:

Never Give up 
No matter what is going on 
Never Give up 
Develop the heart 
Too much energy is spent developing the mind 
instead of the heart 
Be compassionate 
Work for peace 
and I say again 
Never Give up 
No matter what is happening 
No matter what is going on around you 
Never Give up

One of the commonalities between many of the very old traditions, that is, before Christianity, is the spirit of perseverance.  What I am seeing as I meet people over the last six months is that sense of despair and of having given up.  

As I expand my sight to see what is really going on, I see that the despair is borne from the disparaging words from others – others who tell them that everything is awful, or that they’ll never get it right, or….

The picture that I see is that others around them cause the person’s sense of desperation and defeat.  Living to the words of others rather than what is in yourself is truly the way to losing your way.  

I love the words from the Dali Lama – Never Give Up, No matter what is going on around you!

Many Blessings,

Judy

Mind at Ease - A Lesson in Buddhism

As I study Buddhism in its several faces, I am constantly in wonder at how simple the concepts are and how difficult it is to embrace the concept and put it to full practice in one’s life.

This simple story will explain what I mean.  It is called “Mind At Ease”, and talks about how we can put our heart at ease.  Does this seem contrary to the title?  Well, Buddhism is a series of koans.  A koan is a paradoxical anecdote or a riddle that has no solution; used in Zen Buddhism to show the inadequacy of logical reasoning.  This definition comes from wordnetweb.princeton.edu. So, here is the story!

                                                   

Sometimes, trying to understand a koan is like trying to catch the Sun! Picture from Microsoft Clip Art

 

 

 

Mind At Ease

It was a dark, snowy and windy night. Hui Ko, the Second Patriarch of Zen Sect in China, went to see Master Bodhidharma. 

Hui Ko asked, "Could you please teach me the supreme Buddhist Dharma?" 

The Master said, "You can't learn the Dharma from others." 

Hui Ko said, "I have trying to search for Dharma myself, but in vain. My heart is unsettled. My mind is ill-at-ease. Master, please pacify my heart for me." 

The Master replied, "Give me your heart and I'll try to calm it down for you." 

After pondering for a long time, Hui Ko said, "I have been searching for my heart, but I cannot find it." 

Bodhidharma said instantly, "Now, I have comforted your heart already." 

Hui Ko was enlightened all of a sudden. It is impossible to show the heart as its existence is only an illusion. The whole process of the creation and cessation of the heart, or the mind, is also an illusion. 

When we are void of the illusion, the 'heart' is not there at all. Without any attachment, the pure Buddha's nature is revealed. The mind is finally at ease. 

                            *************

What do you learn from this story?  Is is something that you can share with all of us?

Many blessings,

Judy

The Knots Prayer

One of my friends sent this to me and I realized that this is so perfect, that I had to share it.  So, although these words were written by someone else, the message comes from me in a heart-felt way.

Blessings to each of you.

Judy

 

About Dying Slowly

I was listening to a friend of a friend talk about how awful and sad their life was.  She did not have one good thing to say about her life or life in general.  It seemed to me that she was dying very slowly.  Then, this poem popped up for me.  I think the poem says it all.

********************

YOU START DYING SLOWLY!

You start dying slowly ;
if you do not travel,
if you do not read,
If you do not listen to the sounds of life,
If you do not appreciate yourself.
You start dying slowly :
When you kill your self-esteem,
When you do not let others help you.

You start dying slowly ;
If you become a slave of your habits,
Walking everyday on the same paths…
If you do not change your routine,
If you do not wear different colours
Or you do not speak to those you don’t know.

You start dying slowly :
If you avoid to feel passion
And their turbulent emotions;
Those which make your eyes glisten
And your heart beat fast.

You start dying slowly :
If you do not risk what is safe for the uncertain
If you do not go after a dream
If you do not allow yourself
At least once in your lifetime
To run away from sensible advice
Don't let yourself die slowly
Do not forget to be happy!
~ Pablo Neruda♡
Chilean poet who was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1971

Many blessings,

Judy