Using Right Speech With Yourself

The Buddha saw that we are always engaged in relationships, starting with that most significant relationship: the one with ourselves. On the cushion we notice how we speak to ourselves—sometimes with compassion, sometimes with judgement or impatience. Our words are a powerful medium with which we can bring happiness or cause suffering.   - Allan Lokos, "Skillful Speech"

I was sitting at my laptop this morning, trying to send out emails to friends and family.  My email was acting strange, and stopping, not refreshing, or simply not sending out my outbound mail.  I started to get frustrated.  I started to watch myself talk to myself.  I saw that I was not upset with the email or with the computer.  I was upset with myself for not being able to FIX IT.  I realized that the words I was saying were unkind and not helpful.  I realized how unrealistic my actions were.  

Where did this come from?  Where did it send me?  I think that the words came from the shadow side of me that remembers the unkind things that people have said in the past – things about how I was unworthy, or stupid, or…..   Well, you get the picture.  I think that most of the time that words like that can send us down a dark current that moves us away from the light.  

I am now back on track.  This is a good day for you to get on track as well. 

Blessings, 

Judy

Generosity

Poster reads - We make a living by what we get, but we make  a life by what we give.

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

Merry Christmas 2024

Many blessings on your house upon this Christmas Day!

This is a time of peace and of fellowship and cheer.

The best that we can do, or so the Angels say

Is to love one another more compassionately this year.

We look around at all the things we have and feel

That we’ve been wronged because it doesn’t measure up

To the things that we see and have great appeal 

To the need to consume and “fill ‘er on up”,

That the media created to get us to buy.

 

We humans are more than a consumable good.

We are marvellous and beautiful and kind.

We are laughing and joking and makers of food

That we share with our friends or anyone we find

Has need of some time to refresh and to heal.

We are the ones that see others and care

Whether they are cold or need a good meal.

That kind of need isn’t so rare

Now that the world is turning upside down.

 

Merry Christmas to one and all!

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

On Being Mean

Quote is from OliviaLucieBlake.com

“The moment we begin tolerating meanness, in ourselves and others, we are using our authorial power in the service of wrongdoing. We have both the capacity and the obligation to do better.” – Martha Beck

I saw this quote today, and it rang through me.  I believe that we have all been treated meanly at times, and through that process, we have learned to be mean.  Some of us may have had parents who treated us meanly either as a means of “toughening us up”, or, because they resented us and what being a parent means.  Look at this word and how many meanings it has in this paragraph.  No wonder we are confused about how to act!

The Old English definition of “mean” is common, as in the mean or center between very poor and very rich, or very uneducated and very educated.  This explanation, for me, is fitting.  When we act “meanly”, we are acting in a selfish, unkind, malicious, cruel, spiteful way.

Well, I am sure that you have heard it all before.  I don’t MEAN anything by this post.

Blessings,

Judy

Camel is a Spirit Animal

 

                                                 Picture of Camel from Snap-shot.com 

 

When we talk about going into the desert, the first animal that springs to mind is the Camel. The desert means that the climate is hot and dry, and perhaps with out food or water for several days. How is it that Camel survived her fifty million years without going the way of extinction? Why do the Bedouins call her “Allah’s Gift”?

Camel has some physical properties that human kind would love to have. She is able to eat anything – even thorns. Excess food is stored in the humps as fat, and, as she requires water, she metabolizes the fat into water. The longest Camel has been known to go without water is two months. Her dry dung gives the Bedouins their fuel for fires. Her milk and meat and hair provide food and clothing. She carries great burdens for the nomadic tribes, and even provides entertainment in the form of camel racing. She is truly a gift!

Many spiritual leaders – prophets and shaman – pilgrimage in the desert because it is believed to be a magical place that can shift out of time to different worlds and dimensions. Camel then, is one who can walk between worlds, or walk out of time. Some believe that she can go so long without water because she slips between dimensions and never changes.

Camel’s great, large, two toed feet keep her firmly grounded on the top of the sand and in contact with Mother Earth. She “hears” from the Earth where water is available. Her colour is great camouflage for blending into the shifting dunes, or even into the dry mountain tops where she may make her home. The white shading, sometimes on the muzzle and above the feet indicate that Camel is enlightened.

When Camel looks at you directly in dream time or in the physical, know that she is telling you that a journey is in store. The journey may be physical travel as well as a quest or pilgrimage of the spiritual kind. Know too that Camel, who travels out of the ordinary, is preparing you for a time where you leave behind all that you know. The constant is the great Unknown. Camel says – do not fear. Great Spirit always provides, and if called upon, Camel will show you how bountiful Great Spirit is in the unknown times.

May you carry all that you need with you, and may you travel lightly!

Blessings,

Judy

50 Golden Rules For Life

Picture of mountains in Elbow Falls Wilderness Area - by J. Hirst

Often, I find that I need a pick-me-up mental or spiritual boost on some morning.  I read a lot and sometimes find nuggets of good information in places I do not expect to find anything useful.

Last month, I was scanning LinkedIn and found this wonderful posting by Alvin Foo on LinkedIn on February 24 2024.  His thoughts and his rules for life are worth sharing.

50 GOLDEN RULES FOR LIFE.

1. Never shake hands at anyone without standing up.

2. In a negotiation, never make the first offer.

3. If they trust you a secret, keep it.

4. If they lend you a car, return it with a full tank.

5. Do things with passion or don't do it at all.

6. When you shake your hand make it firm and look that person in the eye.

7. Live the experience of traveling alone.

8. Never turn down a peppermint pill, the reasons are obvious.

9. Take advice if you want to grow old.

10. Come eat with the new person at school/office.

11. When you text someone and you're angry: finish, read it, delete it, and rewrite the message.

12. At the table you don't talk about work, politics, or religion.

13. Write your goals, and work on them.

14. Defend your point of view but be tolerant and respectful to others.

15. Call and visit your relatives.

16. Never regret anything, learn from everything

17. Honor and loyalty must be present in your personality.

18. Don't lend money to someone you know won't pay you back.

19. Believe in something.

20. Tend your bed when you wake up in the mornings.

21. Sing in the shower.

22. Care for a plant or a garden.

23. Keep an eye on the sky every chance you get.

24. Discover your skills and exploit them.

25. Love your job or leave it.

26. Ask for help when you need it.

27. Teach someone a value, preferably a small one.

28. Appreciate and thank the one who extends your hand.

29. Be kind to your neighbors.

30. Make someone's day happier, it will make you happier too.

31. Compete with yourself.

32 Treat yourself at least once a year

33. Take care of your health.

34. Always greet with a smile.

35. Think fast but speak slow.

36. Don't talk with a mouth full.

37. Polish your shoes, cut your nails, and always keep a good look.

38. Don't put your opinion on issues you don't know.

39. Never mistreat anyone.

40. Live your life as if it were the last day of it.

41. Never miss a wonderful opportunity to remain quiet.

42. Recognize someone for their effort.

43. Be humble, even though not all the time.

44. Never forget your roots.

45. Travel when you can.

46. Give up the step.

47 Dance in the rain.

48. Seek your success without giving up.

49. Be fair, stand up for those who need you.

50. Learn to enjoy moments of loneliness.

Many blessings,

Judy

Lessons From The Dragon

Picture of dragon from an email so origin is not known,

The legends of Dragons are about how fearsome they are, how they hunt humans and other animals, and how they must be destroyed.  Over and over, Dragon has been showing up for me in the last several days and nights.  She comes in as a protector, as a guide, and as a teacher.  Dragons, in some cases, are immortal.  In their disgust with the human’s predatorial and aggressive behaviour to dragons and especially to other humans, Dragons shifted to other dimensions or to very hidden caravans below the Earth’s surface.

Now, Dragon and her kind are returning to this plane.  It is time, she indicates, for dragons to re-join humans as humans become more loving and kind.  She says that we have lessons to learn.

• Treasure does not feed your soul.
• What you eat may not appeal or even be acceptable to others.  This is their lesson, not yours.
• We each look the way we look on the surface.  One needs to get to know the being before making judgements about who they are inside.
• All beings have the physics within them to deconstruct and to reconstruct themselves (teleportation).  Most will need help with the mechanics of doing this.
• Telepathy has always been on the planet Earth.  However, due to the toxins in processed foods and in drugs, it has been bred out of most humans.  Only those aboriginals living in isolation are able to comfortably use that part of their brain.
• Dragons are known for their healing skills.  They wish to share this with all of you.

I was surprised at the Dragon’s list of lessons.  And, I am curious to see how Dragon will work with me and with the rest of humanity. 

Many blessings,

Judy

Elephant Power

Several years ago, I was at a conference where a very fascinating lady, called an Animal Whisperer, gave a talk on how we in the audience should be treating all animals as sentient beings.  She said that each animal had a role to play on Earth, and that humans interfered with this natural talent all the time.  She then told us the story of the Elephant.  She was headed to Africa to do some workshops.  As soon as she made the arrangements, she started to dream about a large tusked elephant, in the wild, that wanted her to come and see him (in the wild).  When she got to Africa, she made arrangements with a guide to take her to the place to meet the wild elephant.  She sat on the hood of the jeep and waited.  The elephant arrived at late afternoon.  The following information comes from the wild elephant as he told the story to the Animal Whisperer.

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

Elephants were charged with keeping the rhythm steady for the beating of Mother Earth’s heart.  When the world was new, and there were lots of elephants (and whales), this was an easy task.  Now, however, the Elephant has fewer and fewer members of the tribe that can do the work that is passed down through elephant memory.  

Elephant is now looking for other ways to fulfill its commitment to Mother Earth.  Nightly, Elephant walks in Dream TIme, looking for humans that will walk with him and the others in the herd, and learn the ways of the Elephant.  Elephant is not just about being strong; it knocks down trees, and has pushed railroad cars off the railway tracks – it is about being smart and remembering.  Elephant looks for people that are compassionate and kind.  They look for people that have a strong sense of duty.  There is power in having a cause and sticking to it.  Elephant may come to you tonight, or the next night.  

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

Welcome him or her, and ask how you can help.  You will become part of Elephant Power.

Many blessings,

Judy

Reflections

 

Picture from the Votier Park along Fish Creek in August

Today, I was reflecting about an old friend who died from cancer twenty-one years ago. Marion and I had many adventures in the fifteen years that we were friends.  She was the kindest person and always ready to help out, to invite you over for a meal, and ready to go shopping or to a hockey game at a moment’s notice.  She loved to walk and talk and we spent many mornings walking before we had to head off to work.  

Marion had a kindness about her that I have not seen in many people.  I feel that she was the best example of an earth angel that I have met.  I am so glad that I had a chance to be friends with her.

Many blessings,

Judy

Why You Need To Be Kind

 We are all seeing a lot more stories being written about the kindness that people show to other people and to animals, especially ocean based animals.  Stories are being written about how being kind is the best way to get into heaven.  This means that kindness is the same as being good.

The best reason for being kind is that it is good for your soul!  Anytime that we do an act of kindness, and that we are selfless, our soul sings!  We feel better.  An act of kindness can pull us out of despondency or even depression.  Perhaps being kind should be a medical prescription that is handed out.   When we act kindly, it means that we are moving our energy to a new frequency.  The more that we do that, the better that we feel and the healthier that we are.  Being kind helps us find balance and return to a natural way of being.  Being kind is easier too, if you spend lots of time outdoors in Nature.

Kindness is learned by seeing examples.  I believe that it is also instinctual in us because you see very young children being kind to other children.  Meanness, bullying, and fighting behaviour can be learned. Many folks do learn how to get past this behaviour.  

Being kind does take time.  Perhaps you need to take some kindness time.

See the short listing of other posts on kindness.

Blessings,

Judy

https://www.lightstationwisdom.com/2022/11/feeling-kindness.html

https://www.lightstationwisdom.com/2022/12/trouble-sleeping-use-these-chants.html

https://www.lightstationwisdom.com/2022/10/loving-kindness-for-people.html

https://www.lightstationwisdom.com/2023/03/another-loving-kindness-version.html

https://www.lightstationwisdom.com/2023/04/lean-on-me.html

https://www.lightstationwisdom.com/2023/06/the-kindness-of-mallard-ducks.html

Summer Solstice June 21 2023

 

Our Ancestors celebrated Summer Solstice because it is the longest day.  It is a celebration of the SUN, of planting and the beginning of harvesting strawberries, haying, and bringing in the first offerings of the gardens. 

Summer Solstice is the perfect time to work on self healing and to be kind to others.  The blessings of light are perfect for this time. 

Try this prayer:

Many Blessings,

Judy

Happy Valentine’s Day for 2023

 

  Poster from a collection of images from timesnownews.com

Valentine’s Day!  The day that we are encouraged, especially commercially, to express our feelings of love to our family, friends, and special someone.

My wish for you this Valentine’s Day is to find time to live life and find love where ever you can.  I wish that you find time to be kind, to be filled with loving kindness, and express love/compassion for someone who needs a show of kindness.  May your spirit be loving every day!

Many Blessings.

Judy

A To-Do List for 2023

 

Here is another list to stick on your computer monitor or on your fridge or even on your mirror.  It is a simple reminder that we can let go of our ego and listen with our heart.

When we listen with our heart, it is easy to be kind, happy, and in harmony with the world.

This is an easy list to practice on a daily basis and it does not take much effort.  This list is really about being in love with life and with every thing around us.  Enjoy your next year.  

Many blessings,

Judy

Self Care at Christmas

 

Just being more conscious of one's self will make this Christmas a much easier time for you.  The list above is to stick on your fridge, or in your wallet so that you don't forget.  Too often, we forget that if we don't care for self first, no one else will do it for us.  No one can sleep more for us, or drink more water for us.  Others cannot exercise for us or relax us.  Those things must come from inside us.  

Make a pledge to yourself that this Christmas season, you will be kind to yourself first, and then kind to others.  

Many blessings.