Monthly Archives: May 2014
Have You Laughed at Yourself Lately?
Every single day, I find lots of reasons to laugh at myself. Sometimes I am so serious that the thought of laughter is its own joke. Yes, there are times to be serious. But laughter makes a wonderful companion, especially when I am making myself wrong about something or depressed over some ache or pain. I heartily endorse the use of laughter as a tool for healing as well, just like Norman Cousins’ book, “Anatomy of an Illness: As Perceived By the Patient:”
“Anatomy of an Illness was the first book by a patient that spoke to our current interest in taking charge of our own health. It started the revolution in patients working with their doctors and using humor to boost their bodies’ capacity for healing. When Norman Cousins was diagnosed with a crippling and irreversible disease, he forged an unusual collaboration with his physician, and together they were able to beat the odds. The doctor’s genius was in helping his patient to use his own powers: laughter, courage, and tenacity. The patient’s talent was in mobilizing his body’s own natural resources, proving what an effective healing tool the mind can be. This remarkable story of the triumph of the human spirit is truly inspirational reading.”
Another of interest is “The Healing Power of Humor” by Allen Klein: “The ability to laugh at annoyances, crises, and even outright disasters can literally save your life. The author presents a series of proven techniques for overcoming the negative effects of loss, setbacks, upsets, disappointments, trials, and tribulations.”
If one Googles, “Laughter is the best medicine,” lots of entries come up. One such entry is, “Laughter is the Best Medicine” at http://www.helpguide.org/life/humor_laughter_health.htm What a delight it was to see this, repeating how many areas of your life, spirit, and health can improve through the use of humor and laughter. Please go there and read this refreshing article.
Norman Vincent Peale states: “It is of practical value to learn to like yourself. Since you must spend so much time with yourself, you might as well get some satisfaction out of the relationship.” Please check out some of his books, especially, “The Power of Positive Thinking.” It helps to change your perspective.
Proverbs 17:22 states: “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.”
That is an accurate description of how I feel about laughter and its absence. That is why I look for the lighter side of things in spite of pain, enduring illness, sadness (which is appropriate for a time, but then you have to let it go), depression (feeling down for long periods of time), growing older (and seeing how very much I am no longer capable of doing or must do much less), etc. For every reason under the sun, there are many reactions possible. I have to admit that I cannot always respond well, lightening up and getting on with life, but it is my ultimate goal and ideal. I strive very hard to make it workable in my life. I put some music on and dance around, just experiencing the joy of movement. I do yoga. I do my physical therapy exercises religiously and go to the physical therapist as needed. I exercise daily in some way. I love the endorphins that gives me.
My message is a simple one: No matter what you have got that is eating at you, laughter and humor can improve your heart and mind so you can deal with life more effectively. All you have to do is seek to experience it in your life, in whatever way that suits you. Are you willing to turn loose of the problem that is choking the life out of you and look for another answer? It is your choice — use it wisely.
God’s blessings on your journey!
My Mom at 96, Still Laughing!
What a joy that was to experience!
Harmony Traces In a Relationship
Harmony Traces is an example of a couple who is pulling together, focusing their energies, money, and goals so that synergy occurs, creating the desired end result. It is the quintessence of cooperation. This happens in less time than it would take two individuals working alone.
Have you ever tried to pull a heavy wagon all by yourself? It doesn’t work too well, does it? If you have two horses trying to pull a load, they are yoked together so the effort expended achieves the goal. That is what Harmony Traces is…pulling together.
For those who are familiar with Charlton Heston in the movie, “Ben Hur,” he is talking to the sheik’s four horses, telling each one of them their strengths. He told the sheik that they were harnessed incorrectly so that they would not hold a turn as they should. He then told him how each one should be placed so that their combined effort would be successful.
Life is a lot like that. However, I have found over the years that there are not many couples out there who are concerned with this. Life itself helps us to pick at our partners, dividing us, creating enmity and hurt feelings. The end result gets lost in the details.
Communication fails so badly that some couples just stop talking to their partners, trying to avoid another confrontation. It is just too painful to endure.
If you are feeling a separation with your important other, you need to ask yourself if you want it to continue. Or…do you want to do something about it?
If you decide to change the situation, there are many counselors, books, communication classes, etc. out there. If you truly want it, you just need to seek it.
Harmony Traces is not something that happens by magic. It is an idea you have to work towards. If there is something you need to discuss with your partner that is unpleasant, you have to start somewhere. Deciding when and where may be a delicate issue. But you begin the conversation, peacefully, calmly, and with a recognition of just how much you care for this person, communicating that first. Respecting others opinions, active listening, and responding appropriately are key here for both of you.
I saw in this one movie with Steve Martin where they had 12 kids between them. During a family meeting, they passed around the talking stick. Only the person with the stick could say something, and the rest had to listen. I have often thought about how valuable this idea is: Simple, easy, and doable. But when emotions get involved, people stop listening, respecting, and communicating. Guess what happens next? You got it: A full-fledged battle is underway. You can rest assured that feelings, memories, and words occur that you cannot take back or change.
Honesty and trust are developed over time. It does not grow like a mushroom, which can blossom overnight. It is more like the oak tree, slow to develop, but the growth is worth any effort in the long run.
All you have to do is to think about the idea of Harmony Traces as a worthwhile goal to strive for. This journey of a thousand miles will begin with this step. Are you willing to take it?
God’s blessings on your journey!
Mushrooms Blossom Quickly
Oak Tree in Autumn – Beautiful to Behold!
Are You A Human DOING Or Human BEING?
One good question: Do you consider yourself to be a HUMAN DOING or a HUMAN BEING?
A second question: Do you think you are a HUMAN BEING HAVING A SPIRITUAL EXPERIENCE?
Or are you a SPIRITUAL BEING HAVING A HUMAN EXPERIENCE?
What is the difference you might ask?
It is a matter of FOCUS, PRIORITIES, and how you actually spend your time each day.
We can have the most grand idea as we begin our day of who we are and what we plan to do, say our Prayers, Meditate maybe, and then get underway. Then the daily wear and tear (known as vicissitudes) begin. You make your to-do-lists and begin your day. The rest of the day passes as though it had wings. You look back on your day and wonder where it disappeared to. Things on your to-do-list are probably still sitting there, or it is partially done. You have to wonder: What happened?
Answer: LIFE
One element here is the lack of FOCUS. There are so many distractions in our everyday world that it is a wonder we can get anything done. Noise levels can be astronomical. Quiet and stillness are rare. There are pressing priorities at every turn — everything from changing the baby’s diaper, to answering the phone, to dropping the kids off at school (and they are still half-dressed and dawdling), to getting ready for work, to a boss that changed his mind and added more work with tight deadlines on top of an already full load, etc.
How can one stay centered and calm in the face of the flurry of it all? Some say to get up at least five minutes earlier so you can have some quiet time where you can pray, meditate, do yoga or Thai Chi, read your Bible or Religious Instruction, or whatever you like, including a quiet cup of coffee on the back deck contemplating nature, birds, etc. God is there. But you must seek Him first in order to achieve that moment of rest that you will need to carry you through your daily activities.
In the Bible, Matthew 6:5-13, it states in v.6: “But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou has shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.” It then goes into the Lord’s Prayer, which we are instructed to pray daily. I have wondered about that for years, but I have come to know that the whole story is to quiet the outer so that we can emphasize the innermost parts of us, finding solace for our weary hearts and minds.
Another element that leads to Peacefulness of Spirit is Meekness. In the Bible in Psalms 37:11, it states: “But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.” Again, in Matthew 5:5, it states: “Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.” George Lamsa’s explanation is as follows: “It refers to the type of man who does not retaliate and who is free from that grasping temper which leads to disputes and quarrels…Such men believe in nonresistance…” The true meaning of meekness is the ability to bend with the wind or being teachable. This is far from the traditional meaning of becoming a rug so others can wipe their feet on you. Say “Nay!” to that! It is more like a river flowing around the rocks and obstructions in its way. This is the attitude essential to remaining quiet, calm, and peaceful in the face of adversity.
It all comes down to what you think in your head versus how you react to what is going on around you. Are the kids fighting again? Is the husband or wife unhappy about some inconsequential detail (which is not important to you at all)? How are your stress levels — probably through the roof? Is a loved one ill? Is there too much month left and not enough money? Did someone cut you off in traffic and almost cause you to have an accident? Are your allergies causing you discomfort?
The world has a way of impinging on our presence of mind in a million different ways, both large and small. The only way to make a change in it is to alter yourself and how you are thinking and responding. The outside circumstances do not care a lick about how miserable you are.
So I ask you again:
Do you consider yourself to be a HUMAN DOING or a HUMAN BEING?
Do you think you are a HUMAN BEING HAVING A SPIRITUAL EXPERIENCE?
Or are you a SPIRITUAL BEING HAVING A HUMAN EXPERIENCE?
The difference lies at the center of you. Are you willing to be driven by external circumstances forever, or are you willing to do whatever it takes to put your hands on the wheel and take command of your ship? It is all up to you as to where and how it sails.
Saying a few words in prayer in the morning is not enough to keep your hands on the helm and in control of your destiny. You have to do something differently in order to achieve some level of calmness in the heart of you, no matter how hard the external winds are blowing — and they can get pretty strong. Where is your attention focused? It is your priority system that got you where you are today. Are you happy with that? If not, are you willing to look for another answer? Take the personal time for yourself, whatever amount that is, so you can quiet the storm, seek guidance, and proceed with a knowing that all is OK, regardless of the circumstances. Take the step you see, and proceed as best you can.
Are you willing to give it a try? It is, after all, your journey.
God’s blessings upon you!
Tree Showing Weathering by Wind & Elements
Snowy Egret in Flight
upliftingthoughts4u 