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Self Respect

5/31/2016

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​Why does it seem at times that we are our own worst enemy? We can be kind to other people, have positive thoughts about other people, and overlook many faults of other people, but when it comes to our own “shortcomings,” we might not be able to overlook them, or be kind to ourselves, or forgive ourselves for our less than perfect behavior. Happiness eludes those who cannot be kind to themselves.
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Weekly Newsletter: Beginner's Mind

5/31/2016

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​     When we come to a new endeavor, it helps to approach with a beginner’s mind. When we decide to open our minds to other religious beliefs, carrying old beliefs from a previous religion can block our learning experience. I have never played the drums except to bang on them in an undisciplined effort to imitate what I’ve seen others do. The result is disappointing.
     If I want to learn to play the drums, then I must enter the experience as a student who is open to the instruction of another. I must be willing to accept and open my mind to ways of holding the sticks and striking the drum. If I come with a closed mind, little will be accomplished.
     When we are closed-minded about other religions and judge them based solely upon what we believe to be true, we fail to gain the experience and wisdom that can make our lives richer. So, we choose instead to open our minds and to approach with the attitude of knowing nothing. We engage as if our minds were blank slates, and allow the experience to unfold. Later we can decipher what we liked and what we didn’t, not based on past religious beliefs, but based on what brought us closer to Love and unity with one another.
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Judge Less

5/30/2016

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​Judging is a source of great conflict in our world and in our personal lives. We are so accustomed to the habit that toning it down is often the best we can hope to achieve. If we could see behind the curtain to the spark of divinity that lies within each of us, we would be able to release judgment. But, until that time, perhaps we could remember that often when we judge someone else, it is often more about who we are than about who they are.
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Silent Strength

5/29/2016

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If people are expecting us to speak and we remain silent, it often irritates those that are anticipating our words. We might find it difficult to remain silent when people are expecting us to be verbal, especially if they have asked us a question, but we are under no obligation to speak just because it is expected of us. Strong individuals are able to remain silent and refuse to enter into a discussion when they know that their words would not be understood, accepted, or appreciated. Let them argue with someone else. We can keep our thoughts to ourselves, especially if it means keeping the peace.
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One Religious Size Doesn't Fit All

5/28/2016

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​If religion were a one-size-fits-all endeavor, we wouldn’t have some many different religions to choose from or different branches within each of those varying world religions. Perhaps there are no religions that fit any one person perfectly. Maybe The Divine intended it to be that way. I believe that we can find help, comfort, and support from a variety of religions, but I also know that none are perfect for everyone. By understanding this, and opening our hearts to learn what we can from each one we encounter, we can make our way through the maze of beliefs that would entangle and choke us.
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The Beauty of the Soul

5/27/2016

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​Perhaps the reason we don’t treat other people with the respect they deserve is that we might not treat ourselves with the respect we deserve. If we could see ourselves the way the Universe sees us, we would understand the miracle that we are. We would appreciate the sanctity and holiness of our being, and once we see it in ourselves, we would understand that all people, when stripped away from the trappings of the earthly body, are wonderfully and gloriously made in the image of The Divine.
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Moving On

5/26/2016

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​Regrets and grievances are two boulders that keep us bound to the past, steal our peace, and block our dreams from coming true. Regrets can teach us lessons so that we can move forward, but constantly reflecting and wishing that things had been different only bogs us down. Grievances are unforgiven incidents from our past that will also bog down our spiritual path. But, as we let go of regrets and release our grievances, we are freed to find peace and to follow our now unencumbered dreams. 
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Above All Else, Choose Love

5/25/2016

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​Loving instead of hating has always been a revolutionary act. Defenselessness instead of defending ourselves requires an inner strength that is rare in most people. Those who are able to love in the midst of hate, and those who are able to restrain from defending themselves are individuals who have great potential for saving the world. Pushing our agenda on others is seldom the key to peace on Earth or good will toward others.
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Spread Your Wings

5/24/2016

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​Sometimes we don’t know that we can fly. The transformation has taken place, the wings are in place, but since we’ve never flown before, we might not realize that the power is there waiting for us to take advantage of it. As we discard the old caterpillar life, our efforts might be tentative, awkward, and clumsy, but as we trust our wings and the Spirit that lifts us, we will be able to rise above our past and show the world—and ourselves—just how strong, graceful, and beautiful we have become.
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Weekly Newsletter: Knowing When

5/24/2016

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     As an author, I often struggle with the decision of knowing when to let go. When I work on a project, I try to make it as perfect as possible. What I’ve come to realize is that it will never be perfect and that I will always find ways to say something a little better or a little clearer. Authors struggle with clarity, because if the writing confuses the reader, then we have not communicated our message. Eventually we must decide to release our writing.
     Releasing a book or an article and allowing it to be read by the public is a daunting prospect. Even though we want to be published, and we want others to read our words, we still struggle with acceptance. What if people don’t like my book? What if they disagree with what I said? These kinds of questions can keep an author from publishing their work. They can keep us withdrawn and afraid. But, if we want to make a difference, at some point we have to let go. Knowing when that moment is right can be tricky.
     We don’t want to send out work that is loaded with mistakes. So, we go over the manuscript or article until we are sick of our own words and worry that no one will want to read our drivel. If we stay in this rut, our work will never touch another’s life. At some point, after we feel we’ve done the best we can, we simply abandon the project and send it out. The Divine will take it from there.
     This newsletter may sound as if it’s intended for authors, but “knowing when” is important in many areas of life. When do I make a commitment to someone I like? When do I release my child into the care of the Universe and stop trying to micro-manage? When do I share my secrets and perhaps even my shame with someone so that I can further the healing process? We might miss the perfect opportunity if we are too cautious, and we might regret moving forward if we are not cautious enough. Balance is crucial, listening to our instincts is important, but at some point we must decide to take a chance if we ever hope to improve our lives and also the lives of those around us. ​
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Wonderfully Made

5/23/2016

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​If we don’t believe in ourselves, who will? Or perhaps a better question to ask would be, If we don’t believe in ourselves, why should anyone else believe in us. We begin by believing in our self-worth. We are spiritual creatures unlike anything in the animal kingdom, and that fact alone is enough—or should be enough—to let us know that we are worthy. Beyond the simple fact of how wonderfully-made we are, let us also consider the concept that we are made in the image of our Creator. A balanced self-image is not pride. On the contrary, to consider ourselves worthless would be an insult to who and what we truly are.
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Be Curious

5/22/2016

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​Is fear of the unknown something that we are born with, or is it developed over time? Either way, our fear of the unknown can be lessened and perhaps even removed by changing our thoughts about the future. Because of our programming, our initial reaction to future events might be negative, but with practice we can determine to stay opened-minded and curious. Children often show excitement and even enthusiasm about the future, what it holds, and how they are going to be instrumental in making things happen. If we can replace fear with curiosity, we just might discover the optimism of our youth once more.
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The Comparison Game

5/21/2016

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​The comparison game is a losing endeavor. We can be better at some things than others, but there will be others who are better than we are at the things we think we are good at. Comparisons involve our egos, and when the ego gets involved everyone loses. We are who and what we are, and when we are able to accept that we are perfectly imperfectly and stop comparing ourselves to others, we will find peace. Another idea to consider is that we might have been wrong about ourselves. When we compare ourselves, we might think we aren’t good at something because someone can do it so much better, and we quit before giving it a real effort. We don’t have to be an expert at something to enjoy it. Let’s be ourselves and stop the comparison game. 
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Think Loving Thoughts

5/20/2016

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​Our thoughts will make an impact on our future, but the good news is that we can change our thoughts to create the future we want. Some would claim that this is true in the physical world and that we can “think” our way to wealth, fame, or power. The problem with this idea is that the concepts of wealth, fame, and power don’t line up with our highest and best. If we align ourselves with love and think loving thoughts, we will create a loving world. 
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Persist

5/19/2016

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​Winston Churchill is credited with saying: “Success consists of going from failure to failure with no loss of enthusiasm.” Personally, I might have said that success was going from failure to failure in spite of a loss of enthusiasm. Discouragement is a feeling that often comes after our failures. Success can come “with no loss of enthusiasms” as Churchill said, but success can also come even though we may be less enthusiastic but still determined to succeed.
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Respect for All

5/18/2016

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​There is a measuring tape that lets us know how we are progressing on our spiritual journey, and it is called “respect.” When we see ourselves as no better or no worse than anyone else, and when we see all others as not lesser than or greater than anyone else, then we are making great strides on our spiritual path. Jesus washed feet, fed the hungry crowds, healed lepers, and associated with women of “ill repute.” Mother Teresa cared for the poorest of the poor and the lowest of the low. We might not follow exactly in the examples of Jesus and Mother Teresa, but if we would be more spiritual, one place to begin is to show respect to everyone.
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Fearless

5/17/2016

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​We have a host of angels and other spiritual entities that walk beside us, behind us, ahead of us, above us, and below us. We are surrounded by loving, supportive energy that wants us to find love, peace, and happiness. Some protect us, some guide us, but all love and honor us. We are divinely created and wonderfully made. If we could comprehend that the power of the Universe surrounds us every minute of every day, all fear would dissolve. 
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Weekly Newsletter: Spiritual Showers

5/17/2016

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​     Sometimes our routines weigh us down to the point that we feel physically tired, mentally drained, emotionally wasted, and spiritually unclean. We’d like to get away from it all, but our next vacation may be nowhere in sight. How do we recover? When we’ve done some exhausting physical work, it always feels nice to rest awhile and then take a warm bath or shower. The physical work allows us to release tensions, concentrate on something else, and focus on the task at hand. The shower allows us to freshen and feel clean once more.
     When we find ourselves in need of a spiritual lift from the everyday drudgery, a spiritual shower can work wonders. This sometimes occurs at a place of worship on a Sunday morning, but it can also be created in our homes. The feeling we want to create is that of being bathed in the flow of Light and Love. We may have a favorite mediation CD that can facilitate this feeling. If not, then simply taking a few minutes to relax and imagine drops of love splashing all over our bodies can give us the feeling of Love being showered all over us.
     We can also find renewed energy by listening to the sounds of nature. For those who live in the city, many CDs are now available which have recorded nature sounds. But, other sounds work for us as well. Some enjoy a symphony. Others enjoy religious or spiritual praise music. Some enjoy chants. There is a large variety of musical sounds that can help us feel as if we are being bathed in love.
     Music isn’t the only means of taking a spiritual shower. For some, reading and meditating works wonders. For others, taking a walk or watching an uplifting program helps bring our spiritual focus back to The Divine with renewed energy. And, don’t overlook the value of laughter. Stone Eleven reminds us to choose laughter as the notes of our song. Personally, a good, hearty, belly laugh does wonders for my emotional well-being. Sometimes it helps to be around children because they know how to laugh and have fun. Whenever we are prone to take ourselves too seriously, whenever we are burdened by the everyday cares of life, we can take a few minutes out of our day and enjoy a spiritual shower.
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When You're Smiling...

5/16/2016

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​Lately I’ve been wearing a shirt that was designed using the patterns of four other shirts. I see people noticing my shirt, and often I find them smiling at me. I like it when people smile at me, and I love to smile back. As Mother Teresa said, smiling “… is an act of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing.” A simple smile, even if it’s forced, has the potential to change a negative situation into a positive situation, a gloomy outlook into a bright outlook, and it can win friends and influence people by spreading positive, loving energy.
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Peaceful Sleep

5/15/2016

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​Truth lies within each of us, and when we violate the truth in our lives we pay a price. The more truthful we are, the easier our lives become. When we tell lies we have to remember what lies we told and to whom so that we can keep track of them … just in case. But, if we have love is in our hearts, then the truth is that we love everyone. That is a peaceful place, a place where we can rest our heads and hearts and sleep contently.
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More to the Story

5/14/2016

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​Many people can be quick to judge and condemn, but if we could understand the motivation behind someone’s offensive behavior we might be more willing to overlook, forgive, and restore. Perhaps someone lied to us, but if we could stop to consider what possible circumstances could make them behave deceitfully, we might find that person might have a history of being lied to until the practice has become second-nature to them. There is always more to the story if we will take the time to look below the surface.
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Joy and Contentment

5/13/2016

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​Joy doesn’t come from circumstances but from our connection with the Divine Other. It comes from acknowledging that our worth is not based on merit, money, station, or fame. Rather, our worth is based on accepting we are a divine creation that is having an earthly experience. Contentment understands that life is transient, and all that happens to us and around us is fleeting, but the soul lives on and is indestructible.
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Be True to You

5/12/2016

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​People sometimes change who they are in order to “fit in.” The world doesn’t need us to “fit in.” It needs us to be uniquely who we were created to be. A puzzle has many different parts that are not interchangeable. By trying to fit into a place that isn’t your place, you are denying your true position of beauty in the puzzle of your life, and in the puzzle of the world.
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Right or Kind?

5/11/2016

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​Does being kind trump being right? An argument could be made that kindness is sometimes too soft and people need to know when they are wrong or when they have hurt us. We might say, “This is the right thing to do.” Perhaps that’s true, but I don’t think being kind and being right are mutually exclusive. There are cruel ways of being right, and there are kind ways of being right. 
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Aligning to our Purpose

5/10/2016

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​Often we are not satisfied with the work we do because it isn’t in line with our spiritual being. We have at least two choices, and possibly more, when we find we are out of alignment. We can choose to change the work we do and find something that is in alignment with our spirit, or we can choose to love the work we are currently doing until we find a way to align that work with our spiritual purpose. These choices are personal to each individual, and there may be other ways of aligning who we are with what we do, but until we make those changes, happiness and fulfillment might elude us.
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