What do we REALLY need in life

After our basic needs are met, then what becomes important?

I was giving this question some thought today after listening to another Gil Fronsdal dharma talk.

In it he discusses the “4 requisites” which is what all humans need to feel safe and healthy.  And those 4 requisites are:  enough food to live, shelter, adequate clothing, and medicine.

These 4 requisites can be met quite simply.  They key though is what becomes important after these basics are met.

Is it important to you to get a bigger house?  A better car?  A more important job?

Personally I believe that once these basic needs are met, there are 2 important factors to build our lives on – caring for others, and caring for ourselves.

By focusing on our own egos and trying to pursue “more” and “greater” we are just leading ourselves to greater disharmony.  Whereas by concentrating on others, and others happiness, we inadvertently find our own happiness.

And it’s a happiness as a result of a life of service and selflessness.

There is so much good we can do in the world, by living a life of kindness and compassion.  

Once our basic needs are met, and we are safe and healthy, I believe it’s time to start giving ourselves to helping others, and making a difference in the world.

Reach out – BE the kindness

I’m inspired to write this today after the support and friendship of 2 very special people: Jonathan Hilton and Russ Towne.

I’m acutely aware of the suffering around me at the moment.  I don’t know why, but many people seem to be having a hard time, and are not themselves.

It’s at these times that sharing love and kindness and compassion is even more important.

Who can you reach out to today?

It doesn’t take much.  A smile.  A hug.  A kind word.

It can mean the world to someone who is suffering.

 

Kindness Connection

It happens every time
I experience 
Love in Action
Whether it’s
Kindness to me
From me
Or to others by others
I feel a connection
To humankind
The spirit within me
And the universe
That makes my heart smile
Fills me with gratitude
To be alive
And part of it all.
–Russ Towne

Love is all around

Well actually in my case it’s kindness, but I have that song in my head now .

Once again I feel very privileged to be attending another one of Andy Smallman’s kindness classes – this time The Practice of Kindness.

Today I had numerous experiences to practice acts of kindness – some small, and some larger – and I am so humbled by the experience.

I have often read that what you think you become, and you draw into your life.  

And I could see that today – because I was focused on kindness, and finding opportunities to practice kindness, they just seemed to keep appearing out of nowhere.

#1 After reading the latest “assignment” from the kindness class, I was trying to think what I could do that would be meaningful. And not a few minutes later my Mum rang to say one of our relatives celebrates her 80th birthday tomorrow (which I had not realised). My Mum said she thought about sending a card, but decided it was too hard.

And I knew instantly what my kind action this week would be

However it was more than about just sending a card.

I wrote my relative a lovely long letter to go in with the card. And filled her in on all that my son and I had been up to since we saw them last (more than 12 months ago). I also included photos, and a drawing done by my son.

It was such a privilege to complete the action this week. I adored how meaningful it was to actually write a letter to her. Not many people seem to write letters any more, and I know older people especially enjoy receiving one.

#2 Removing a tree branch off the road so it wasn’t a traffic hazard.

#3 As I approached my sons school, I went to press the button to cross the road, but stopped. Instead I waited for the line of cars to go through first before pressing it so I wasn’t holding them up while I crossed.

and lastly:

#4 I saved a Rainbow Lorikeet (native Australian bird) that had been hit by a car. I ran onto the road and scooped it up. Then sat on the footpath and gently cradled it in my hands and stroked it’s head. I held it like that until it had recovered enough to fly away.

 

For me, all of those opportunities were such a blessing, and I feel so grateful to have had the opportunity to have done them.

Perhaps the most meaningful though for me was to help this little bird.  It was so incredibly profound to sit there on the footpath cradling it’s warm little body.  And stroking it’s head, and whispering to it that it would be okay.

I truly felt that it knew I meant it no harm.  It didn’t struggle, or try to bite me.  It just lay peacefully in my hands as I poured love into it.

And looking back on these events, nearly all involved a level of fate or “meant to be”.  

I was walking to the post box when I came across the bird, just after it had been hit by the car.  Had I left a few minutes later (as I had been intending to), it would have been hit by the next car going past (which was coming towards me as I ran onto the road to pick it up).

I’m really so moved by the events of today, and thankful to have had the opportunity to be involved.

Blessings,

Meg

Begin again

Many of us are taking the turning of the year to reflect and resolve on how to be in the coming days.   Every one of us has taken an occasion at some point in our lives to set a new intention.

The dawning of a new year gives us the chance to begin again – to start over, and to decide how we want to be in this world, and the impact we want to have.

They don’t have to be seen as resolutions – as resolutions are often quickly forgotten.  A common mistake people make when setting resolutions is setting big, nebulous goals that have no tangible, achievable outcome.

Instead the New Year can be a time to make intentions – how you want to be not just this year, but every year going forward.

Here are 7 powerful ideas to help you on your path.

 

Begin

The feeling you get from taking the first step is far better than the feeling you get from sitting around thinking about it.  Get up and take that first step, then keep on moving in the direction of your dreams.

Follow your own path

Pursue your own path – instead of walking in the footsteps of others.  Chase your own dreams, and do what’s right for you.  Live a life that you are proud of.  Live according to your intentions and what makes you happy and fulfilled.  And if you realise the path your following is no longer making you happy, find the strength to start over again on a new path.

Focus

Make a list of what you need to do, and stick to it.  Don’t fill in your day being busy, instead be productive.   And most importantly – be prepared to see your project through. What makes it challenging makes it worthwhile and fulfilling.  There are no shortcuts to going any place worth going.

Find balance

We need to find a way of balancing our ‘inner’ work and our ‘outer’ work. In order to be truly generous, truly of service to others, we actually need to be ‘self-centred’. We need to spend time focusing on ourselves, and nurturing ourselves.

Be kind

That’s it in a nutshell.  Be kind.  With no exceptions, no conditions, no expectations.

 Kindness in words creates confidence.  Kindness in thinking creates positivity.  Kindness in giving creates love.

By acting with an intention of kindness, you make a profound difference to every life around you – including your own.  Kindness generates kindness – it’s self-fulfilling.  The more you give the more you will get back in return.

Acknowledge, accept, release

Leave the past in the past. 

To truly move into the future, you need to let go of the past.  To move past the sorrows and mistakes of yesterday, and face tomorrow with hope and optimism.

Choose to see the positives in your situation, and to make the most of it, anyway you can.

Have faith in yourself

Believe that you are strong, and that you are capable of doing anything you set your mind to.  Because in the end, the only person you can truly count on is yourself.  Have strength and faith and confidence in yourself, and your ability to achieve your dreams.

 

Do not wait until the conditions are perfect to begin. Beginning makes the conditions perfect.

- Alan Cohen -

Restoring our faith in humanity (continued)

We are all born receptive to love, kindness and hope.

As we grow up however, we encounter the less hopeful, more challenging aspects of human nature – including discovering that the things humans do at times can be hateful, calculating and unkind.

There are very few of us who would not have been touched by the recent events in America.

When events like these happen, it’s easy to develop a very negative and pessimistic view of the world, and its inhabitants.  Though this can turn us cynical or leave us feeling helpless, human beings are just as capable of the most incredible, amazing and wonderful kindness and love.

In these times it’s beneficial to focus on the positive – on the goodness that also surrounds us.

If you’re feeling a little jaded about where humanity is headed, here are some active ways to restore your faith

Focus on happiness

Unfortunately it’s human nature for us to talk about the things that we are finding hard or difficult – or people or events that are making us feel miserable.

So to change the dynamics around you – ask people about the happiest moments in their lives instead.  Ask them what they care about, what makes them happy and what motivates them.

As has often been quoted – “with our thoughts we create our world”.

So talk happy + think happy = be happy.

Look for the good news

The media usually only bring us the stories that will get the most attention – violent acts, wars, natural disasters etc.  This can distort our perception of what the world is really like.

There are also a lot of people doing good out there, and positive new stories to rejoice in.

For example:

26 Moments That Restored Our Faith In Humanity This Year

You can also subscribe to news feeds that only focus on positive stories.  Eg:

The Daily Good

Huffpost Good News

Happy music

This one is my personal favourite – listening to upbeat and happy music.

The more positivity and happiness we expose ourselves to – even music – the better we feel.

My favourite songs this week (which are on almost continuous repeat in my house):

Jump in the Line – Harry Belafonte

Little Bitty Pretty One – Thurston Harris

Say Hey – Michael Franti

 I challenge you to listen to these songs without dancing along.

Help people less fortunate than you

It can help us to have a reality check sometimes – in the form of associating with people who are experiencing hardships worse than ours – especially those people who are facing great difficulties with resilience and positivity.

Get actively involved by volunteering your time and services to help these people.

Volunteer at a hospital, animal shelter, or local charity – and help improve lives.

It also gives us a great sense of perspective – that no matter how difficult things might seem for us, there are people facing much greater hardships with pluck and determination.

Human beings are amazing and resilient.

Build a positive network

Associate with people who are positive – their energy and happiness is contagious.

Spend time each day listening to inspiring audio talks.

Bookmark pages on the internet of people who inspire you through their actions and endeavours.

Share the love

Tell stories of human goodness to other people you meet, in order to inspire them to see the good in humanity too.

When you’ve found positive stories about humanity, share your experience with others. If you have your own blog or you update a social network stream with stories, share more stories that are positive and uplifting.

Lead by example

Encourage faith and trust in the people around you through your actions.

When you model the kind of change you wish to see, you spark ripples that continue on.  One act of kindness can have huge follow on effects – continuously improving the community of which you belong.

Make life a little better, a little happier, a little easier for everyone you meet.

Ultimately you can choose to be kind as a form of taking a stand against the injustices, violence and unkindness in this world.

There is power in kindness.  By being kind, you affirm and create the kind of world you want to be a part of.  You can choose to have faith in humanity.

Change the world – one heart at a time.

Developing courage and confidence

If we choose to approach all of life mindfully, we can learn to trust and relax into anything that comes our way — even times of suffering, or anxiety, or stress.

Any experience that arises is an opportunity to learn non-attachment, to practice gentleness and mindful awareness, and to cultivate a spirit of trust and loving kindness toward ourselves.

Staying with whatever is happening, no matter how unpleasant, is how we build confidence.

 

Everyday Wisdom #103

Whatever can be done, can be done more effectively when you add kindness.

Whatever words are spoken, will always be more compelling when expressed with kindness.

The kind deeds you exert in just one moment can have a positive impact that lasts a lifetime.

Your days will be brighter and your years fuller when you add kindness to your purpose.

Choose to be kind every day, and you’re truly choosing to live in a better world.

via www.marcandangel.com

Know that you are loved

A dear friend and I were talking today.  We’ve both been through some very hard times – her more so than me.

We’ve both hit rock bottom, and we are both still here – filled with love and kindness and hope.

Having been through this has changed me.  And the one thing I would like to say – to everyone that is in pain or suffering – is that you are loved.

Even by people that you don’t know.

People like me who sit on our meditation cushions, and send love and warmth to you.  Who want to ease your suffering, and want you to find comfort.

There are so many others who send love, and light and kindness into the world.

You are never alone.

When the road seems too long
When darkness sets in
When everything turns out wrong
And you can’t find a friend
Remember ~ you are loved

When smiles are hard to come by
And you’re feeling down
When you spread your wings to fly
And can’t get off the ground
Remember ~ you are loved.

When time runs out before you’re through
And it’s over before you begin
When little things get to you
And you just can’t win
Remember ~ you are loved.

When your loved ones are far away
And you are on your own
When you don’t know what to say
When you’re afraid of being alone
Remember ~ you are loved.

When your sadness comes to an end
And everything is going right
May you think of your family and friends
And keep their love in sight
A thank-you for being loved.

May you see the love around you
In everything you do
And when troubles seem to surround you
May all the love shine through
You are blessed ~ you are loved.

By Roger Pinches

People that inspire me ~ Martin Smith

The people I find inspiring are those who embody the traits that I value – kindness, generosity, compassion and positivity.  And I feel incredibly grateful to have very inspirational people around me – both in real life, and on the world wide web.

In this blog post I would like to pay recognition to Martin Smith.

Martin Smith is an Ambulance Officer, single dad, and the creator and illustrator of the “Wuff and Ready” Adventure stories.

 

Wuff and Ready are a range of colour children’s books designed to represent the real heroes in our community.

Martin is dedicated to spreading the message of kindness and compassion to the next generation of young children.

And as such, Martin started on a mission to change the world.  To give kids real heroes, no violence, happy endings, and to show compassion is a strength that all real heroes have.

The books feature a host of inspiring characters.  Ed and Elle are fire fighters on big truck 2, Bruce the turtle and Courtney the mouse are the paramedics from the Wagapaw ambulance service.

Martin’s aim is to provide kids with heroes with a heart that they can look up to.

And as Martin says: “Real hero’s open their hand to help another, not use a clenched a fist….. that’s ‘Wuff and Ready’ ”

For more information on Martin, please visit:

www.tmasbooks.com.au

Wuff and Ready Adventure Stories

 

Everyday Wisdom #89

The following was my horoscope forecast for today.

Although it’s a horoscope, I felt it was really true of life in general.

 

All you really need is to be gentle, mindful, compassionate, caring and kind.
You can be patient, too. That will help.
Don’t underestimate the amount of power that you can manifest, just by being yourself

 

Everyday Wisdom #88

Kindness is more important than wisdom, and the recognition of this is the beginning of wisdom.

Theodore Isaac Rubin

Be kind to yourself today ♥

“You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.”
- Buddha

Today, take some time out to be kind to yourself.

So often in life we spend time looking after our families, our friends, our neighbours, our pets…. and yet we struggle to extend the same love and kindness to ourselves.

I am aware of a lot of people around me going through a hard time at the moment.  And I must admit I have been through a very tough time myself this month.

To all of you I send my warmest and deepest blessings and love.

Remember to great yourself gently, and with kindness.

Today spend time nurturing yourself.

Do the things that make you happy.  Have a long hot bath, chat with a dear friend, watch a movie that makes you laugh.

But most importantly – just be kind to yourself.

All the goodness you put out into the world starts with how you treat yourself.

“Plant your own garden and decorate your own soul, instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers.”
- Veronica A. Shoffstall

The world’s kindest traveller

It warmed my heart to open my news page and see this wonderful story – The World’s Kindest Traveller

Prior to finding this story, I saw an editorial piece which was proud to criticize the performance of our Aussie Olympic Athletes.  And it made me sad that that was considered newsworthy (or indeed acceptable).

So it was such a joy to find that article in there as well

22-year-old Daniel had a string of free flights under his belt so took to Reddit, offering to travel all over the world to do favours for those in need.

During his 11 weeks, he visited four countries and took in several US cities, helping people with tasks such as washing a car for a family whose son had Down’s Syndrome in to moving couches in and packing boxes.

Read the full story here

Love & blessings to you all dear friends 

 

 

 

A blessing of compassion

Each morning I re-establish my intention for my spiritual path, and indeed my whole life.

I have dedicated my life to helping others, and saying this blessing helps me to re-affirm my goal.

 

May everything I do today be kind

May I adhere to my spiritual practice throughout the day, and through this practice may I gain more confidence in the wisdom and compassion of my true nature.

May every contact I have with others bring us both benefit – relieving suffering, bringing healing and happiness, and furthering us both along the path to freedom.

May kindness, compassion and wisdom increase in the world, and through my efforts today may I contribute to the betterment of life for all.

 

 

Much metta to you all ♥

Everyday Wisdom #76

For everyone there is challenge and loss.

And there is the possibility of meeting those challenges with kindness and compassion.

Kindness and compassion both for oneself, and for everyone else.

This transforms our minds and hearts and allows us to feel empathy for others.

 

Acts of service

In the last week of our Power of Kindness course, we are looking at Service.

This weeks theme has really resonated with me, because it’s something I discovered for myself recently.

About the value of acts of kindness that are given in a true spirit of generosity – without expecting recognition, praise, thanks, or some other form of compensation in return.

A couple of months ago I made dinner for a neighbour of mine who had been unwell.  It was something that I did for her frequently.  In a conversation that followed, she was full of praise for another neighbour of ours who had also helped her, but did not recognise my contribution.  Nor thank me.  At the time I was quite hurt, and I remember coming home and swearing that was the last thing that I was going to do for her.

Then it occurred to me – that if that was how I was reacting, then I was not giving in the right spirit.  It should not have mattered how – or if – she reacted. 

The next day I took her down dinner again.  And this time I did it with a pure heart, and and without expecting anything in return.

And it was a beautiful and freeing experience.

There are infinite ways that we can bring into the life of another person some benefit, relief, kindness, hope and love.  

This is true service.

It can also be in the smallest of actions – a genuine smile, giving warm appreciation, truly listening to someone.

If we expect recognition from the person that we provide this service to, we are doing them a dis-service.

The act does not make the recipient feel uplifted or enriched. Instead it takes away it’s beauty.

There is such capacity for beauty in acts of service that do not come with strings attached.

And the ability to selflessly provide kindness and love in this world that so badly needs them.

 

The Happy Bus

I couldn’t resist sharing this wonderful video.

His facebook page fan says:

This is an appreciation page for THE ‘Happy Bus’ Driver.

I’ve had him as a driver a number of times now, on Brisbane 385/380 services and he is a God among men. I actually can’t think of someone who more effectively brightens bus loads of people’s days.

If you’ve had him as a driver you’ll know what I’m tlaking about, if you haven’t be assured he is a truly fantastic man and in no manner can I over exaggerate how cool he is.

So yeah tell your stories about the ‘Happy Bus’ driver and share the love around. So for all intents and purposes let’s just have a big love in on the basis of The ‘Happy Bus’ Driver …

AND KEEP SMILING!!

 

I am so inspired by this – a one man happy movement ♥

Everyday Wisdom #63

As I go through all kinds of feelings and experiences in my journey through life — delight, surprise, chagrin, dismay — I hold this question as a guiding light: “What do I really need right now to be happy?” 
What I come to over and over again is that only qualities as vast and deep as love, connection, and kindness will really make me happy in any sort of enduring way.

Sharon Salzberg

The more love we give….

I was inspired to write this after a lovely comment I received on my blog:

Your sweet kindness reminds me of this favorite statement: “The more love we give, the more we have to give, for the supply is endless.” ~Louise Hay

 

I truly believe this so much – kindness and love are self replenishing.

They never run out, and the more you give, the more it grows and the greater capacity you have to give more.

And giving them out only provides you with more energy, instead of taking energy.

The supply truly is endless. 

 

The gentle art of blessing

I am so incredibly grateful to my lovely friend Rosemary for buying a copy of this book for me:

 

” A down-to-earth and deeply inspiring work of applied spirituality, this book explores the history and practice of the act of blessing. To bless means to wish, unconditionally, for total, unrestricted good for others, from the deepest wellspring in the innermost chamber of one’s heart. This book provides tools and information that enable people to ground their spiritual practice in everyday life, in the street, the workplace, the kitchen, the supermarket, everywhere. Discussed are the law of positive expectations, the law of unconditional love, and blessing as a spiritual bath. Practised daily, the blessings provided will foster a deep and lasting inner calm.”

 

I can’t wait to start reading it, and will share it with you all.  I just know this book is going to change my life ♥

Love and blessings to you all dear friends

….and don’t forget to check out Rosemary’s beautiful Facebook page “A Sprinkle of Kindness“

 

Namaste