“He who would do great things should not attempt them all alone.”
Seneca
Showing posts with label unity. Show all posts
Showing posts with label unity. Show all posts
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Monday, May 21, 2007
Quote For The Day
“The fundamental delusion of humanity is to suppose that I am here and you are out there.”
Yasutani Roshi, Zen master (1885-1973)
Yasutani Roshi, Zen master (1885-1973)
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Sisters
This was just sent to me from my dear friend and sister in Light, Monica, from Hawaii:
A young wife sat on a sofa on a hot humid day, drinking iced tea and visiting with her Mother. As they talked about life, about marriage, about the responsibilities of life and the obligations of adulthood, the Mother clinked the ice cubes in her glass thoughtfully and turned a clear,sober glance upon her daughter. "Don't forget your Sisters," she advised, swirling the tea leaves to the bottom of her glass. "They'll be more important as you get older. No matter how much you love your husband, no matter how much you love the children you may have, you are still going to need Sisters. Remember to go places with them now and then; do things with them. Remember that 'Sisters' means ALL the women... your girlfriends, your daughters, and all your other women relatives too. You'll need other women- Women always do."
'What a funny piece of advice!' the young woman thought. 'Haven't I just gotten married? Haven't I just joined the couple-world? I'm now a married woman, for goodness sake! A grown-up! Surely my husband and the family we may start will be all I need to make my life worthwhile!' But she listened to her Mother. She kept contact with her Sisters and made more women friends each year. As the years tumbled by, one after another, she gradually came to understand that her Mom really knew what she was talking about: As time and nature work their changes and their mysteries upon a woman, Sisters are the mainstays of her life.
After more than 70 years of living in this world, here is what I've learned:
Time passes.
Life happens.
Distance separates.
Children grow up.
Love waxes and wanes.
Men may not do what they're supposed to do.
Hearts break.
Parents die.
Colleagues forget favors.
Careers end
BUT.........
Sisters are there, no matter how much time and how many miles are between you.
A girl friend is never farther away than needing her can reach.
When you have to walk that lonesome valley and you have to walk it by yourself, the women in your life will be on the valley's rim, cheering you on, praying for you, pulling for you, intervening on your behalf, and waiting with open arms at the valley's end.
Sometimes, they will even break the rules and walk beside you.
Or come in and carry you out.
Girlfriends, daughters, granddaughters, daughters-in-law, sisters, sisters-in-law, mothers, grandmothers, aunties, nieces, cousins, and extended family, all bless our life!
The world wouldn't be the same without women, and neither would I.
When we began this adventure called womanhood; we had no idea of the incredible joys or sorrows that lay ahead. Nor did we know how much we would need each other.
Every day, we need each other still.
Thanks, Monica, and thanks to the one who wrote this in the first place.
Though I may have read or heard this before, it struck me today that this is a truth worth the reminding. I stopped and thought of all the women in my life who have touched me in profound ways and how whether they are here next to me right now or not, they are still as important to me as the day we met.
I just had the joy of hosting an engagement party for my son, Ron, and his lovely wife to be, Christine, and the families of every side were gathered from all corners of time. Though my own sister, Dorothy, was not able to be present physically, she was well represented by her daughter, my beautiful niece, Stephanie. Present were my current women friends from my writers' circle, from my theatre friends; women from families of past marriages, from new young women circles of my wonderful, loving daughters-in-law and the accompanying sweet blessings of mothers, aunts, nieces, in-laws and sisters who come to grace my life through their families.
To introduce Marilyn, my sister-in-law from my first marriage who I hadn't seen in years, as simply 'my sister-in-law' was as natural as breathing and though time had passed and we'd both raised our respective families apart, the current of connectedness; positive energy flowed as strongly and unitedly as if we'd never been apart. No title of 'former sister in law was needed.' Divorce had not diminished sisterhood. I knew my current friends and long time friends would like her and she them. I saw them all as getting along in a tapestry of fine, silken threads weaving even stronger in the fabric of Sisters.
And so it is with the women, sisters, friends from all parts of my life. No matter how far apart we may be in geographics and time, we are always close in heart.
We meet, call or e-mail and pick up as if there were never a skip in the long playing record of our togetherness. We remember the good, the strong suits, the getting through, and the survival of the essence of us all; love. Appreciation seems to take on a deeper lustre in the knowledge that there is this harmonious unity woven into our very genes. We do cross the boundaries to go into the fire for each other in more ways than we can think of; sometimes with a shout of defiance and sometimes in the whisper of a prayer. It is in the remembrance of the heart where we are etched forever for each other.
I know I am the better for every touch and the circle which has room for all is without end.
A young wife sat on a sofa on a hot humid day, drinking iced tea and visiting with her Mother. As they talked about life, about marriage, about the responsibilities of life and the obligations of adulthood, the Mother clinked the ice cubes in her glass thoughtfully and turned a clear,sober glance upon her daughter. "Don't forget your Sisters," she advised, swirling the tea leaves to the bottom of her glass. "They'll be more important as you get older. No matter how much you love your husband, no matter how much you love the children you may have, you are still going to need Sisters. Remember to go places with them now and then; do things with them. Remember that 'Sisters' means ALL the women... your girlfriends, your daughters, and all your other women relatives too. You'll need other women- Women always do."
'What a funny piece of advice!' the young woman thought. 'Haven't I just gotten married? Haven't I just joined the couple-world? I'm now a married woman, for goodness sake! A grown-up! Surely my husband and the family we may start will be all I need to make my life worthwhile!' But she listened to her Mother. She kept contact with her Sisters and made more women friends each year. As the years tumbled by, one after another, she gradually came to understand that her Mom really knew what she was talking about: As time and nature work their changes and their mysteries upon a woman, Sisters are the mainstays of her life.
After more than 70 years of living in this world, here is what I've learned:
Time passes.
Life happens.
Distance separates.
Children grow up.
Love waxes and wanes.
Men may not do what they're supposed to do.
Hearts break.
Parents die.
Colleagues forget favors.
Careers end
BUT.........
Sisters are there, no matter how much time and how many miles are between you.
A girl friend is never farther away than needing her can reach.
When you have to walk that lonesome valley and you have to walk it by yourself, the women in your life will be on the valley's rim, cheering you on, praying for you, pulling for you, intervening on your behalf, and waiting with open arms at the valley's end.
Sometimes, they will even break the rules and walk beside you.
Or come in and carry you out.
Girlfriends, daughters, granddaughters, daughters-in-law, sisters, sisters-in-law, mothers, grandmothers, aunties, nieces, cousins, and extended family, all bless our life!
The world wouldn't be the same without women, and neither would I.
When we began this adventure called womanhood; we had no idea of the incredible joys or sorrows that lay ahead. Nor did we know how much we would need each other.
Every day, we need each other still.
Thanks, Monica, and thanks to the one who wrote this in the first place.
Though I may have read or heard this before, it struck me today that this is a truth worth the reminding. I stopped and thought of all the women in my life who have touched me in profound ways and how whether they are here next to me right now or not, they are still as important to me as the day we met.
I just had the joy of hosting an engagement party for my son, Ron, and his lovely wife to be, Christine, and the families of every side were gathered from all corners of time. Though my own sister, Dorothy, was not able to be present physically, she was well represented by her daughter, my beautiful niece, Stephanie. Present were my current women friends from my writers' circle, from my theatre friends; women from families of past marriages, from new young women circles of my wonderful, loving daughters-in-law and the accompanying sweet blessings of mothers, aunts, nieces, in-laws and sisters who come to grace my life through their families.
To introduce Marilyn, my sister-in-law from my first marriage who I hadn't seen in years, as simply 'my sister-in-law' was as natural as breathing and though time had passed and we'd both raised our respective families apart, the current of connectedness; positive energy flowed as strongly and unitedly as if we'd never been apart. No title of 'former sister in law was needed.' Divorce had not diminished sisterhood. I knew my current friends and long time friends would like her and she them. I saw them all as getting along in a tapestry of fine, silken threads weaving even stronger in the fabric of Sisters.
And so it is with the women, sisters, friends from all parts of my life. No matter how far apart we may be in geographics and time, we are always close in heart.
We meet, call or e-mail and pick up as if there were never a skip in the long playing record of our togetherness. We remember the good, the strong suits, the getting through, and the survival of the essence of us all; love. Appreciation seems to take on a deeper lustre in the knowledge that there is this harmonious unity woven into our very genes. We do cross the boundaries to go into the fire for each other in more ways than we can think of; sometimes with a shout of defiance and sometimes in the whisper of a prayer. It is in the remembrance of the heart where we are etched forever for each other.
I know I am the better for every touch and the circle which has room for all is without end.
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Quote For The Day
"I will not play at tug o' war. / I'd rather play at hug o' war, / Where everyone hugs instead of tugs."
Shel Silverstein, writer (1930-1999)
Shel Silverstein, writer (1930-1999)
Thursday, November 09, 2006
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Monday, October 30, 2006
The Gratitude Pool: HugSpread
In any language, hugs are a symbol of caring, humanity's good, an opportunity to touch and be touched in a world where these are suspect and sometimes dangerous.
I thank those who dared to stand out in the crowd of what we've become in our own lives: passersby.
These generous, risk taking souls remind us that, regardless of where we live in the world, what language we speak, what our beliefs, age, gender, race; we are connected. Our energy responds with delight each time we heed the human need for wholesome, good touch.
It's what we give our kids and then tell them not to accept from strangers. For safety's sake, we teach our kids discretion, discernment and self caring, which is a good thing. And it sticks with us for the rest of our lives; sometimes past the expiration date of childhood's years. Just watch as adult people walk by as if they didn't see this unusual person with the Free Hugs sign. Watch as they reconsider, go back, give a tentative half hug and journey on lighter and happier with kid smiles on former focused, serious faces. Watch how surprised they can be at how good they feel.
The joy is contagious. Feeling better for the human touch; given safely, freely with no restraints from the heart, sparks that connective, happy energy inside of each receiver till they become givers too. Watch some folks, big and small, really get into it with the abandon of the joy of the child alive and well and living inside each of us who breathe on this planet.
Watch the fun of it all turn to peace and a unity of spirit. It's a circle of light.
Not a bad exchange for a couple of moments spent taking a chance on hugs!
Think I'm going to go out and hug a tree today too. An exchange of living, breathing appreciative energy that feeds the soul of both giver and receiver. That's good energy too.
For free yet, already!
I thank those who dared to stand out in the crowd of what we've become in our own lives: passersby.
These generous, risk taking souls remind us that, regardless of where we live in the world, what language we speak, what our beliefs, age, gender, race; we are connected. Our energy responds with delight each time we heed the human need for wholesome, good touch.
It's what we give our kids and then tell them not to accept from strangers. For safety's sake, we teach our kids discretion, discernment and self caring, which is a good thing. And it sticks with us for the rest of our lives; sometimes past the expiration date of childhood's years. Just watch as adult people walk by as if they didn't see this unusual person with the Free Hugs sign. Watch as they reconsider, go back, give a tentative half hug and journey on lighter and happier with kid smiles on former focused, serious faces. Watch how surprised they can be at how good they feel.
The joy is contagious. Feeling better for the human touch; given safely, freely with no restraints from the heart, sparks that connective, happy energy inside of each receiver till they become givers too. Watch some folks, big and small, really get into it with the abandon of the joy of the child alive and well and living inside each of us who breathe on this planet.
Watch the fun of it all turn to peace and a unity of spirit. It's a circle of light.
Not a bad exchange for a couple of moments spent taking a chance on hugs!
Think I'm going to go out and hug a tree today too. An exchange of living, breathing appreciative energy that feeds the soul of both giver and receiver. That's good energy too.
For free yet, already!
Friday, October 27, 2006
Quote For The Day
"The world is round and the place which may seem like the end may also be only the beginning."
George Baker (1877-1965)
George Baker (1877-1965)
Sunday, October 22, 2006
Thursday, October 19, 2006
The Gratitude Pool: Creativity and Human Spirit
by
Florence Ondré
I'm so grateful for the creativity and warm spirit of people around our planet.
In a world which looks so out of control and violent, it's a challenge to see things otherwise.
The nightly news, broadcasting it's steady stream of 90 per cent tragedy and 10 per cent (I'm being generous here) positive, uplifting and good, can obscure a greater, less visible or widely reported, reality.
I believe that Anne Frank was accurate. On my most challenging days, in my heart (and there are those days where I have to dig deep), I too believe that all people are good in theirs.
The Free Hugs Campaign, which started with one man- Juan Mann to be specific- in Sydney, Australia. Standing solo in a public place, holding a cardboard sign which announced hugs were available for no fee; no limit, for anyone who wanted one, this lone person started a rash of good energy that spread faster than calamitous contagion around the world.
Now this kind of epidemic we can live with.
Who among us couldn't use a hug? Just a minute of a Mom-patting, ah-babying, yes-you-are-good, atta-boy, good job, keep on keeping on, good-to-see-you experience of human connection can make you smile, take the world less seriously and send you on your way a bit lighter and happier. Certainly makes my work day go more smoothly.
It's a gesture of loving energy that anyone can give or receive. Remember the last time you had a disagreement with someone. Didn't it feel good to make up and have a hug? Just look at dogs. They wag their whole bodies in happiness from receiving a hug.
Hugs for free? Given by a person you don't know? Wow. A little scary. Might take a moment to let go of distrust and avail yourself of a happy second where two strangers can share a moment like friends. Radical stuff. Chancey. Dicey.
Authorities in Australia had initial doubt about the legality of such a concept.
"Stop that folderol right now, you uniquers!"
The ministry of silly stuff should have been called. "Yup. It's giggle producing. Here's your permit."
It did take the populace banding together, inking 10,000 plus pro hugging signatures to get an official stamp of approval.
Good non violent speaking up and out people. Patience and persistance. Even hugs are a process.
Might have to take down those walls we've built up to insulate us from each other. Might have to experience life from a kid point of view.
I'm not saying go hug people in dark alleys. It's good to be self caring and discerning. We're talking mall, streets, public areas, daylight.
Take a look at the videos from the many countries where people emulated Juan Mann. Become aware of how you feel looking at all those joy filled people giving and receiving hugs.
I couldn't stop smiling as I got to share the good contagious energy of hugs in Moscow, Barcelona, Venezuela, Victoria B.C., Kiev, Portugal, Tel Aviv, Mexico, and America. I laughed watching the experiences of tentativeness turn into joy and unity.
It was contagious and I hadn't even left my chair.
I wanted to get up and go out with my own hand made Free Hugs sign.
Maybe that would be a good way to celebrate holidays, everydays. Talk about your joy to the world. For free yet, already!
With a little creativity and spirit, look what can travel around the globe; making people feel united, peacefilled, elated with natural happiness.
The simplicity of a human act...a hug.
Thanks Juan. Thanks all you good hearted people of all ages, sizes, nationalities, beliefs who dared to be the best human you can be; who dared to smile, to experience peace and a moment of gladness...those who dared to hug.
You inspire us.
Florence Ondré
I'm so grateful for the creativity and warm spirit of people around our planet.
In a world which looks so out of control and violent, it's a challenge to see things otherwise.
The nightly news, broadcasting it's steady stream of 90 per cent tragedy and 10 per cent (I'm being generous here) positive, uplifting and good, can obscure a greater, less visible or widely reported, reality.
I believe that Anne Frank was accurate. On my most challenging days, in my heart (and there are those days where I have to dig deep), I too believe that all people are good in theirs.
The Free Hugs Campaign, which started with one man- Juan Mann to be specific- in Sydney, Australia. Standing solo in a public place, holding a cardboard sign which announced hugs were available for no fee; no limit, for anyone who wanted one, this lone person started a rash of good energy that spread faster than calamitous contagion around the world.
Now this kind of epidemic we can live with.
Who among us couldn't use a hug? Just a minute of a Mom-patting, ah-babying, yes-you-are-good, atta-boy, good job, keep on keeping on, good-to-see-you experience of human connection can make you smile, take the world less seriously and send you on your way a bit lighter and happier. Certainly makes my work day go more smoothly.
It's a gesture of loving energy that anyone can give or receive. Remember the last time you had a disagreement with someone. Didn't it feel good to make up and have a hug? Just look at dogs. They wag their whole bodies in happiness from receiving a hug.
Hugs for free? Given by a person you don't know? Wow. A little scary. Might take a moment to let go of distrust and avail yourself of a happy second where two strangers can share a moment like friends. Radical stuff. Chancey. Dicey.
Authorities in Australia had initial doubt about the legality of such a concept.
"Stop that folderol right now, you uniquers!"
The ministry of silly stuff should have been called. "Yup. It's giggle producing. Here's your permit."
It did take the populace banding together, inking 10,000 plus pro hugging signatures to get an official stamp of approval.
Good non violent speaking up and out people. Patience and persistance. Even hugs are a process.
Might have to take down those walls we've built up to insulate us from each other. Might have to experience life from a kid point of view.
I'm not saying go hug people in dark alleys. It's good to be self caring and discerning. We're talking mall, streets, public areas, daylight.
Take a look at the videos from the many countries where people emulated Juan Mann. Become aware of how you feel looking at all those joy filled people giving and receiving hugs.
I couldn't stop smiling as I got to share the good contagious energy of hugs in Moscow, Barcelona, Venezuela, Victoria B.C., Kiev, Portugal, Tel Aviv, Mexico, and America. I laughed watching the experiences of tentativeness turn into joy and unity.
It was contagious and I hadn't even left my chair.
I wanted to get up and go out with my own hand made Free Hugs sign.
Maybe that would be a good way to celebrate holidays, everydays. Talk about your joy to the world. For free yet, already!
With a little creativity and spirit, look what can travel around the globe; making people feel united, peacefilled, elated with natural happiness.
The simplicity of a human act...a hug.
Thanks Juan. Thanks all you good hearted people of all ages, sizes, nationalities, beliefs who dared to be the best human you can be; who dared to smile, to experience peace and a moment of gladness...those who dared to hug.
You inspire us.
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