#295

'UBUNTU' in the Xhosa culture means "I am because we are."

All the indigenous tribes of every country have/had to learn to live off the land. They have an inherent instinct They understand the need to continue with the traditions that keep them grounded. They have respect for nature and gratitude for her bounty. They live on and with the land, waters and wildlife; and are well aware of the flora and it's healing properties. 

Ceremonies are preformed to offer thanks for the harvest and abundance received throughout the year. They have learned to depend on themselves and each other for survival. They worked together, played together, fought together and worshiped together. They were as one.

My how things have changed, at least here in North America. While some families continue to live off the land and keep their families close, it isn't the norm. Things are no longer that simple. Most families, today, are spread across the globe and many know nothing of their ancestry. Although some families remain in tact, the world has changed so drastically that there is little resemblance to the alliances of yesteryear. That bond is gone. Who do you rely on now? 

Most people, it appears, have formed their own tribes, adopted grandparents or their friends become their families. It's much easier to keep in touch with actual family members now, on various devices. So there are still bonds connecting us as one. Different perhaps, but humans will always find a way to connect.

UBUNTU - "I am because we are"

#294

Believe there is a great power silently working all things for good, behave yourself, and never mind the rest... Beatrix Potter

Simplistic, perhaps.... but really that is all there is. Come to this planet, be kind to every living thing, love yourself and enjoy your life.

We're trying too hard, right from the very beginning. We are enough on our own, just as we are. 

Stop trying so hard when trying so hard is the problem.

You don't have to try to make everyone happy, try to do better, or try harder, you are perfect just the way you are.

"Do or do not, there is no try"  Yoda

The key to everything is to love yourself.... with that love going strong, everything else unfolds. You have love and compassion for everyone and everything. It all comes from you. Never mind what others are doing, just do the best you can and carry on.

#293

Don't worry about what I'm doing, worry about why you're worried about what I'm doing.

Exactly! Worry about WHY you're worried about what I'm doing.

If you have ever wondered why someone is concerned about your day to day activities, why they think it is their business, or why criticism must go along with their worry. Here is the answer...

The answer is twofold  

1. The people that think they know what is best for you are living their own fears. These people seem driven to 'take care' of you, but they are usually doing it because you are doing something that scares them, something they are afraid to do themselves. The only other reason might be that they are control freaks and like to run everybody's life.

2. The fact that you are worried about someone else's opinion, or that you allow someone to dominate you, shows that you have self-esteem issues of your own.

The rule of thumb is... 'if I didn't ask for your opinion/advice, it's because I don't want/need it.'  You don't have to explain yourself, you are fully entitled to run your own life, your way. It is nobody's business what you do or how, or even when. 

Don't complain and don't explain! You need to let anyone trying to run your life know that it's unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Simply state your case and expect to be heard, don't argue, it is your life. Your self-esteem will grow each time you take care of YOU.

If you change nothing, nothing will change

#292

Researchers have proven, scientifically, that humans are all one people. The colour of our ancestor's skin and ultimately my skin and your skin is a consequence of ultra-violet light, of latitude and climate. Despite our recent sad conflicts here in the US there really is no such thing, scientifically, as race. We are one species. Each of us is much more alike than we are different. We all come from Africa. We're all made of the same star dust. We're all going to live and die on the same planet - a pale blue dot in the vastness of space. We have to work together.  Bill Nye, the Science Guy 

We are all one, in more ways than one; only egos, beliefs and fears separate us.

There can be no judgement, no war, no prejudice, when we are one. At the most it would be sibling rivalry? Only teasing, pranks, play fighting, and hanging out; that's more like it. 

The greatest illusion in this world is the illusion of separateness.

"If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other." Mother Teresa

Everybody matters, every living thing is precious and the time has come to see that we are all one family.

#291

See this world as a free world, and see everyone in it as trying--through their individual experiences--to find their way back to that calling, back to that Source Energy. And even though there are billions of them going about it in a way that is different than you would choose, there's no right or wrong way. In other words, bless them all, and get on with the only thing you have any power about, which is opening or closing your vortex to your natural state of Well-Being. Abraham-Hicks

This is the time to return to the Power. We know that the earth is protesting the way humans are living their lives. We have gotten too far away from who we truly are. The instant gratification attitude that so many live by is not working. We need to slow down, and recognize our position in the scheme of things. 

"We, as a species are becoming ill emotionally and spiritually. It is time for us to look at our earth, it's elements and creatures as our teachers. They are here to show us how to live more consciously toward each other and to her. To do that we have to take responsibility for our personal healing so we can move slower and create deeper love and connection to each other and our land. And no longer see our earth or ourselves as broken." Sandy Dow (sandydow.com)

As we read above from Abraham-Hicks, it is recognized that a large amount of the human race are trying; each in their way, to find their way back to Source. As it is in nature,  patience and faith will lead us all back to where we belong. Our personal healing will connect us, to each other and our planet. We can each do our part, and by doing so the earth will adjust her core accordingly. 
May the force be with you!

#290

Be kind and gentle with yourself. You're a beautiful cosmic child of light, precious as the stars in the sky. Keep peace in your heart during the chaos of life.

Chantelle Renee

It is so important that you know how important you are. You are a child of the Universe, on a mission. You have things to do, people to meet, you are a significant person in the world. And while you are running to and fro, filling your hours with loving care and attention for everyone on your list.... What about you? When is it your turn?

In today's world you almost need to make an appointment with yourself for some pampering... it is rough out there. You need something just for you. This differs for each person. Some consider gardening to be relaxing, I call it work. It just depends on who you are. For 'ME' time, you require something that you love; perhaps a bubble bath, a good book, a designer coffee,  or just a quiet moment of reflection. 

All of these suggestions may clear your head and give you a chance to think; but the most crucial thing you need to know is that you are essential to everything. You need to be kind and gentle to yourself, you need to love yourself because you most certainly won't be able to care for others if you are not OK. As the instructions given on every airplane state: "Put the oxygen mask on yourself first, and then when you are OK, attend to your children." In the same vein, you are the most important person to you, as well as everyone else. Take care.

"You are a child of the Universe, no less than the trees and the stars you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should." Desiderata - Max Ehrmann

#289

Love is what we were born with. Fear is what we have learned here. The spiritual journey is the relinquishment, or unlearning of fear and the acceptance of love back into our hearts. Love is the essential existential fact. It is our ultimate reality and our purpose on earth. To be consciously aware of it, to experience love in ourselves and others, is the meaning of life.

All you need is love...

Love is all there is. 

So it appears that all we need to do is find our way back to love, that should be easy enough, don't you think? It really is... everything else in life is just details. We get all wrapped up in nonsense. Some little thing happens and throws us completely off, we forget all about love. There is too much stress, too much pressure, we are like a volcano, we could erupt at any time. And this is exactly what will happen, if we don't find some way to relieve the pressure. 

You must have an outlet... get back to nature, do yoga, meditate, sports, or simply play; these are the common stress relievers. They all work and make you feel good until you jump right back into the fray. 

To keep a constant handle on stress relief takes dedication and a desire to make your own life easier/calmer. Physical activity is beneficial to blow off steam, but calming your mind and allowing the love and joy to rise from within, will have a more lasting effect. 

Love is within all of us, and it's only a matter of accessing it. Find a quiet time every day, hug yourself, wrap yourself in love. When you manifest love for yourself, it will spill over on all those around you. Don't worry about what the rest of them are feeling, when you ARE love, it will get around...

#288

Discover yourself; otherwise you have to depend on other people's opinions who don't know themselves. Osho

I have been there, and many have told me the experience is widespread. Someone telling you, usually in a negative, aggressive manner, who you are,  and what is 'wrong' with you is not something you need to tolerate.

The problem is...you do believe it, at least enough to feel it. It affects you and causes doubt. This is a method of control. They don't really KNOW you, and really don't care about knowing you. It is about them and only them. They need to be right, that is the most important thing. AND they don't even know themselves, they are functioning only on anger, resentment, jealousy, revenge or frustration.

People that put you down are fighting to build themselves up. But, nonetheless, someone that is always criticizing your every move will eventually wear you down. This is not a good position to be in. 

It's all about love and respect. It is very unlikely that you will suddenly start receiving any love or respect from these particular people, but that isn't the point anyhow. You need to have love and respect for yourself. Once you have that, you won't tolerate any disrespect from anyone. This is what is meant by discovering yourself. 

This is your show and you choose who you want to vote off the island. Choose carefully, you deserve people that will love and accept you. This refers to not only partners; but parents, relatives, siblings, friends, co-workers, bosses or anyone else that thinks they 'need' to run your life. It is YOUR life, you don't have to 'put up' with anyone. As you discover yourself, you'll find this to be true. The greatest love affair you'll ever have is with yourself.

#287

"Who sees all beings in his own self and his own self in all beings, loses all fear."
Upanishads

The Law of Divine Oneness - everything is connected to everything else. What we think, say, do and believe will have a corresponding effect on others and the universe around us.

There is a connectivity in all of us. From the wildlife to the trees, to the stars, everything IS us. We are all one.

What you do to others, you do to yourself. You affect the world just by being yourself. Any encounter you have makes a difference, and you are here to make that difference. It is not necessarily something you have planned, like helping at a food kitchen , but everyday encounters, as well. It's how you treat everyone and everything. It all begins, of course, with how you treat yourself. If you love yourself, love for everything is the result.

If you truly love yourself, you could never hurt another - Buddah

"Remember, we are all affecting the world every moment, whether we mean to or not. Our actions and states of mind matter, because we're so deeply inner connected with one another. Working on our own consciousness is the most important thing that we are doing at any moment, and being love is the supreme creative act." ♥ -Ram Dass

#286

You think of yourselves as humans searching for a spiritual awakening, when in fact you are spiritual beings attempting to cope with a human awakening. Seeing yourselves from the perspective of the spirit within will help you to remember why you came here and what you came here to do.

You do have a purpose... there is a reason why you are here. Even if you don't understand it, or even feel it, the fact remains, you have a purpose. You are here for a reason, at this place in time. You are important in the overall plan, with a niche to fill that fits only you. Your spirit worked on this plan before you arrived and everything that takes place in your lifetime is pointing you in that direction.

That being said, not many people have any idea why they are here, where they are going, and/or what it's all about. Whether you are aware or not, you will still fulfill your destiny. 

You may be here as a dire warning to the people around you, or perhaps to love someone and change the direction of their life. 

You come into this world perfect and within a very short time, life started 'beating you up' and filling your head with 'buttons'... endless rules, requirements, laws, protocol and other such nonsense. These 'buttons' form your reactions to different situations. This IS the 'school of hard knocks', and you are here because you can handle it. 

Any problems you encounter in your life are self-inflicted. You are simply reacting to the 'buttons' that have been installed. And the only one that can change your destiny is you. You are in charge, running the show. You are a spirit in human form,  and very powerful. So..... take some time, get quiet and try connecting to your inner spirit, so you can remember who you are.

#285

The biggest lesson I've learned is:

IT'S OKAY

Everything is OKAY. You are OKAY.

You are perfect, just as you are. You have a mission in life and you have been sculpted to be the person to fulfill this mission. 

No matter how often you fall, or falter, you will complete what you have come to do. You may wander off your path or loose yourself in a relationship and feel as though you missed or delayed your next step. There are no mistakes.. you are right where you need to be. 

This is not some whimsical little idea you conjured up, this is the Universal plan for YOU. With that in mind, you need to know, there is nothing you could possibly do that will cause you to 'fall from grace'. You are loved, we all are. You are doing the best you can in your circumstances. You job is merely to love yourself and others... that is what it is all about. 

It's OKAY to be exactly who you are, who else is more qualified? 

You change lives, just being YOU. 

"To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment."

Ralph Waldo Emerson

"Be yourself, everyone else is already taken." Oscar Wilde.

IT'S OKAY TO BE HAPPY... IT'S OKAY TO MOVE ON

#284

"We often forget that we ARE nature. Nature is not something separate from us. So when we say that we have lost our connection to nature, we have lost our connection to ourselves."

Andy Goldsworthy

"When we show respect for other living things, they show respect for us." 
Arapaho Saying

It is time for us to look to the earth, it's elements and it's creatures as our teachers. They show us how to live more consciously, toward each other and the earth. We need to be responsible for our personal healing so we can slow down, create deeper love connections to each other and our land. We need to get to the point where we stop seeing the earth and ourselves as broken. And to KNOW the earth and all of the humans inhabiting her are perfect. When we realize that we hold the answer within us, we start to heal ourselves, the people around us and as a result, the earth. Nature will respond to the healing, as her reactions are often a reflection of us as a species.

"Humankind has not woven the web of life. We are but one thread within it. Whatever we do, we do it to ourselves. All things are bound together. All things connect." 
Chief Seattle

#283

It costs nothing, yet there is nothing more valuable than looking into people's eyes as you talk to them. Really listening to people as they share their story. Thoughtfulness and presence. They cost nothing and yet no money in all the world can replace their value. To make someone feel like they are heard and felt, well, I think that stuff saves lives....truly.

How often have you been ignored when you were telling someone about a significant moment, at least significant to you? You notice the other person's eyes glaze over, after a few seconds. How does this make you feel? You may feel as though what you are saying, or perhaps YOU, are less important than you would have thought. It is not a nice feeling to be minimized in such a manner. 

Whatever someone's story, whatever they have to say, if they are choosing to say it to you; give them your full attention. You don't know exactly how someone is feeling, how deep the pain. By simply focusing on them alone, could be the turning point in their lives.

This consideration needs to start with young children. How many times does a child have to call out Mommeeeeeee before anyone pays attention to them? I know that being a parent of small children is trying at times, but the child deserves more than this. Children do not feel important when disregarded. This is where the issue starts, and they will only get more obnoxious (to garner your attention) as time goes on. They are being ignored, no one likes that feeling, and it's hard to know how far reaching that rejection may be. They could be clamoring for attention for here on in.

Everyone deserves a voice, everyone's story is important, so be thoughtful toward anyone that chooses to share their life with you.

#282

You feel good, you feel bad, and these feelings are bubbling from your own unconsciousness, from your own past. 

Nobody is responsible except you. 

Nobody can make you angry, and nobody can make you happy.

Osho

When someone says something hurtful to you, it feels as though they are making you angry/sad/hurt; and that definitely seems to be their intention. The fact is you are choosing to feel that way. No one can MAKE you angry or happy, that is up to you. 

I went to a seminar on this subject many years ago, and I certainly didn't get it... If someone is yelling directly at me, they are making me respond as I do, don't you think? I sure did. It's hard not to take it personally when it is directed at you.

I now know that no one can make you feel or do anything. All your reactions are your choice. 

You can't take other person's actions personally. It is their stuff, not yours. But when you react to it, you take it on as yours. You don't have to explain or defend yourself to anyone either. You are responsible for your choice, not someone else's interpretation of it.

You may have had buttons installed when you were younger that cause you to react the way you do. Take a look at what gets a 'rise' out of you, and work on letting that go, it's no longer valid. It is simply not worth it for your emotional well being to jump on board with someone else's dysfunction. 

#281

Following your heart is like driving on a dark, unknown road... You only need to see the next few feet! Not the whole map! 

Do you have your life all mapped out? Are all your goals set, your five year plan, your ten year plan? Do you know exactly where you're going, when and how? Are you running, striving and achieving to the best of your ability?

Then you are just like a large section of the populace. In business it is often stressed that you create a blueprint for your future and have all your affairs in order. This gives you something to strive for and keeps you 'hungry.' This also creates a mammoth amount of stress.

You can't control everything, especially the future, it hasn't arrived yet. 

You can take care of yourself, but trying to control things will never work. All you have is today, tomorrow may never come. You can't see into the future, therefore, put your best foot forward today, do what you can with what you have, and enjoy your life.

Consider this: you are today what you believed about yourself yesterday, and you will be tomorrow what you believe about yourself right now!

#280

You know, it's really okay to not have it all together. To feel lost. To feel stuck. To feel empty. To feel broken. 

You need to give yourself a break. When something life changing happens, it requires kindness and compassion, and allowing yourself to feel and heal.  

Life gives you hurdles to jump and it is necessary to recognize that it takes time to process everything that has happened, and to regain your self control. 
Give yourself the gift of time, it's important. Take care of yourself, you are an essential part of the universal plan.

You are still needed here. Right now, as you are.

Remember who you are. No matter what you have been through, you are still significant, you still have purpose and value. That can never been taken away from you. You are caught up in one of the ebbs of life right now, but it will eventually pass. You may come out of it feeling battered and bruised, but that will never change your inner worth.

"Every choice before you represents the Universe inviting you to remember who you are and what you want." Alan Cohen

#279

You are your life partner.

Isn't it amazing that we can live our entire lives and never realize how important we are? 

We are important to the people around us, to the world, the Universe, but principally to ourselves. We constantly rush to and fro trying to get approval from all and sundry, trying to please everybody, and never put ourselves in the equation. We never even have a passing thought of our significance in the scheme of things.

We are nothing without our own approval. 

We are merely robots following the crowd, doing what we think we have to do, following the rules and knocking ourselves out. We are getting nowhere. 

The time has come, this is the day, STOP, look in the mirror... this is the person you will spend your entire life with... can you trust this person? Does she/he have your best interest at heart, is she/he loyal, honest and true and taking care of you?      If you don't who will? 

You don't need approval from outside forces. Your approval, acceptance, admiration and respect is what you need to strive for. 

Seek not outside yourself.

Everything is within you, you are important. That person that you have spent your life looking for... that soul mate or life partner, is YOU.

"It's not your job to like me, it's mine" Byron Katie