Part of the Whole ... Albert Einstein

A human being is a part of the whole called by us

"universe," a part limited in time and space.  He

experiences himself, his thoughts and feelings as

something separated from the rest ---

a kind of optical delusion of his consciousness.

This delusion is a kind of prison for us,

restricting us to our personal desires and to

affection for a few persons nearest to us.

Our task must be to free ourselves from

this prison by widening our circle of

compassion to embrace all living creatures

and the whole of nature in its beauty.

Albert Einstein

It has been said when we are feeling depressed, we need to turn our attention to service of others.  By reaching outside of our own comfort zone, we release some of our own stress and bring compassion to another.

Could life really be that simple?  Rather than building our personal walls of fear to keep people out, we can open our hearts while embracing others with compassion.  Understand that personal boundaries are important, but have we carried this too far?  As a culture have we grown too isolated within our surrounding community?

By connecting with others, we begin to see and feel the spirit of each other learning diversity.  We are not all the same, but we are all worthy of love.  We all want to be heard, loved, and respected.

If we present our self by reflecting our true spirit, others have the opportunity to respond in kind.  Engagement then is readily available.  As we open our self with respect to hear a new message our compassion grows as everyone has a story. 

Granted, there are those who are difficult, who challenge us and who will not engage in loving kindness.  It would not be in our own best interest to subject our self to repeated hurtful situations;  but it is helpful to remember that there have been times in our own lives that we have been difficult as well.  Just as we do not want to be judged, others do not want to be judged either.  Silently offering forgiveness, healing and peace to those who are difficult, we then can return our attention to others wanting to experience healthier encounters.

The emphasis here is to appreciate all peoples.  We are a part of a whole that experiences pain and suffering,  joy and hope, and birth and death.  Let us look into the eyes of each other to discover the spirit residing within hidden by fear of exclusion.



Simplicity, Patience and Compassion

I have just three things to teach:

simplicity, patience, compassion.

These are your greatest treasures.

Compassionate toward yourself,

you reconcile all beings in the world.

Lao-Tzu

Life gets pretty complicated sometimes.  Unresolved issues and uncontrolled emotions spike up the drama in any situation.  If we try to keep things simple, life unfolds not only more naturally, but more meaningful.

Emotions and issues get in the way of our basic love, honor, and respect for each other.  While someone is being rude to us, instead of directing anger towards them, we can extend compassion for we do not know the burdens they are carrying.  We don't need to accept or condone their actions, but if we can mentally extend loving kindness to them, it just might be a turning point in their day. 

Simplicity and compassion requires patience.  We decide to embrace the world as our brothers and sisters, but we will find ourselves immediately tested by the harshness in the world.  At times we can feel like the only spiritual warrior on the playing field.  Maintaining patience, keeping things simple, and extending compassion we will begin to notice a more peaceful nature to our own lives.

"Be the change you want to see," is a beautiful quote and very much to the point.  We must start with ourselves, our own community, and surrounding environment.  When we begin with ourselves, simple, patient, and compassionate, we are role modeling to others.  We can begin a small ripple that just might turn into a wave that could bring cleansing or healing to faces you will never see. 

We are all in this together.  We each play an independent part, but we are all connected.  We can begin together to make this world a peaceful place to be. 

Be A Light

Too often we underestimate the power

of a touch, a smile, a kind word,

a listening ear, and honest compliment,

or the smallest act of caring,

all of which have the potential

to turn a life around.

Leo F. Buscaglia

The world keeps getting smaller and smaller.  Our children are taking mission trips to countries we never studied in grade school geography.  Our society is so mobile that by life's end, we may have traveled to many states or countries whereas our parents may have never left their county.   As the world grows smaller, people become more aware of diversity, but also catch glimpses of the human kindness residing in us all.  As we begin to extend a small act of caring to each other, all of our lives are impacted.

If life is full, having creative expression and spiritual connection, harmony and bliss radiates.  If life is not full, lacking in meaning and purpose, unhealthy behaviors prevail.  An individual filled with rage can impact the lives of many.  We each need to be aware of the well being of each other.  Our small act of kindness does make a difference in our communities.

Each one of us needs to be mindful of others.  Perhaps by staying connected to Divine Spirit, we will feel strong enough to keep vigil for those who have lost their way...for those who are in such darkness they cannot see the light.  If we can be a light for ourselves as well as for one other, we lift our community. 

Allowing our selves to feel Spirit throughout our day, we grow less stressful and more open to our true nature.  When we have peace within us, when our self-esteem is uplifted, we can experience our selves just as we were created.  Self-acceptance leads us to acceptance of others.  In turn, others are drawn to our gentle energy and feel safe to be authentic as well.

Let's be an individual flame, and when grouped together with others, we will become a collective glow that can light up the world!