Practice Turning People Into Trees

When you go out into the woods and you look at the trees,

you see all these different trees. 

And some of them are bent, and some of them are straight,

and some of them are evergreens, and some of them are whatever. 

And you look at the tree and you allow it. 

You see why it is the way it is. 

You sort of understand that it didn’t get enough light, and so it turned that way. 

And you don’t get all emotional about it.  You just allow it.  You appreciate the tree.

  The minute you get near humans, you lose all that. 

And you are constantly saying, “You’re too this, or I’m too this.” 

That judging mind comes in. 

And so I practice turning people into trees. 

Which means appreciating them just the way they are. 

– Ram Dass

I love this quote that I found today and so I had to share it with you.  I think it’s such an easy way for us to all get along, isn’t it?  In this world, connection and harmony are most important, as is appreciation of all people.  It’s inherent in us to enjoy the beauty of Mother Nature, so why not enjoy the beauty of each other?  Instead of condemnation or criticism, let’s employ Ram Dass’ practice of looking at people as trees and appreciating them.  Isn’t it time we spread more light and love in this world?  I can see your heartlights sparkling dear friends!

Shine On!

xo

Nothing Can Be Done 2 Days Out of the Year

 

“There are only two days in the year

that nothing can be done.

One is called Yesterday and the other is called Tomorrow.

Today is the right day to Love, Believe, Do and mostly Live.”

~His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama

 

Just a little reminder for us all.  May you enjoy every precious moment, especially this one!

Shine On!

xo

Inspirational credit:   https://www.ramdass.org/his-holiness-the-14th-dalai-lama/

Photo Credit:  Here

Don’t Waste Your Pain

I heard Joel Osteen say the phrase above the other day and I can’t get it out of my mind.  For me, it made perfect sense ~ when you are going through difficult times, reach out and connect with others.  Don’t allow yourself to be isolated as we are never alone.  Reach out, there’s a hand to hold, a heart to listen and arms to hug you.

I share on my blog because I feel as though someone out there may be going through what I’m enduring at the time.  For me, it always feels better to hear ~ “Oh yes, you too?  I thought it was only me” ~ because it’s never only you who experiences things.  Each and every one of us has a story to tell, difficulties we are enduring and good times that come out of the lessons we learn as we grow with each and every experience.

So the next time you feel that nobody understands or that you are alone as I have felt in the past, reach out of your story, feel the warm embrace of others who are walking on their own journey, who hold compassion in their hearts, and are ready to share with you whenever you are ready.  My heartfelt thanks to all of you who read, like and comment on my blog.  Your sweet presence has been a balm to my soul so many times.  I hope that you will feel my gratitude as I embrace you in my prayers.  You are special.  You are kind and caring.  You are loved.

I’ve got my hand out, so take hold, receive my loving embrace and know that my heart is listening ~ we are all connected and as Ram Dass once said, “we’re all just walking each other home.”

Shine On!

xo

All About You!

“You’re not the same person you were a year ago,
a month ago, or a week ago. You’re always growing.
Experiences don’t stop. That’s life.” – Unknown

A new normal which is always evolving ~ that’s what life is all about I think ~ change is inevitable and with change comes growth spiritually, mentally and emotionally.  It’s not always easy to accept change in our lives or to know that there simply are some parts of our daily lives that we have no control over.  Health issues, relationships, financial dips and simple day to day hardships can be overwhelming at times.  I understand.  But when you can look back as the observer in your own life and see how you’ve developed, it’s amazing to see where you’ve come from and how much you’ve progressed as a soul in a human body.

Looking back to your past, looking at your present and planning your future can be difficult.  We’ve not always made the choices we wished we had.  We can beat ourselves up over things that have occurred and how we reacted or we can be kind and forgiving to ourselves and others.  We can take the lessons learned albeit not easily and hold them dear to our hearts or we can punish ourselves and others for choices made.  It’s up to you.

Life throws curve balls sometimes.  That’s a fact.  But as Ram Dass reminded us, “we’re all just walking each other home.”  We can choose to take baby steps down our life path, we can move backwards or we can stop and spin until we’re dizzy and fall down.  But we still have to get up and begin moving on again, taking the lessons learned into our repertoire and incorporate them into our lives.  It’s your choice dear friends.

You are not the same person you were a year ago.  For some of us, that’s a good thing.  We’ve gotten stronger, more understanding and loving as time heals all wounds.  Look back with a gentle, loving hug, embrace your present situation as it is and hold lovingly your plans for the future.

And take my hand…I’m here.

We’re all just walking each other home.

Shine On!

xo

What are we doing here?

We’re all just walking each other home. ~ Ram Dass

I saw this on FB yesterday and I just loved it.  What an intriguing answer to the question of ‘what are we doing here?’ and such a lovely photo of an autumn path.  It called to me so I thought I’d share it with you as well.

Doesn’t Ram Dass’ quote make it all simple?  And it really is when we strip away all the nonsense that keeps us up at night.  Imagine if you could take all the people in your life and just see them as folks who are just walking home with you.  Wouldn’t you be able to let go of all that annoys you and just allow love for all?  So why not take this moment and do just that?!

We are all just walking as well as we can on this path of life.  We sometimes lose our footing, stumble and even fall, but with help from our inner spirit, God and the outstretched helping hands of others, we can pick ourselves up and continue walking.  Sometimes we can only manage baby steps, while at other times, we can skip, run and even dance!

Letting go of shoulda woulda coulda’s and allowing yourself and others to just be themselves may not be easy for you, but to release judgement and to allow forgiveness is beneficial to you and to everyone else on the path with you.

So today, let’s experiment and just try to view everyone this way!

Shine On!

xo