|
Dali Lama's teachings "True happiness comes from a sense of peace and contentment, which in turn must be achieved through the cultivation of altruism, of love and compassion, and elimination of ignorance, selfishness, and greed."
"While engaging in material progress and taking care of physical well-being we need to pay equal attention to developing peace of mind and thus taking care of the internal aspect of our being."
My thoughts on life and what I have taken from it Well first off I am young, this is true. But wisdom is not reserved only for the ancient. Wisdom can be granted to any and all who are willing to take it in. So with that said, if you would like, I will share with you the many lessons I have been blessed with through the tiwsted road that has been my life thus far.
*Be a part of the big picture No you were not put here on this earth on accident. Believe that you do serve a purpose and be greatful for that. Not everyone will be a hero, and not everyone's purpose will be monumentally noticeable. You may not even notice the many little things that you do that make your purpose noted. Just know that you do all of those tiny little things that make you a part of life. You live your own life, this is true. Yet understand that you are a part of something bigger, that we are all a part of the same picture. So don't feel alone, and don't feel so distant from life because you are a part of it. We all are. *Open your eyes Honestly, when was the last time that you took the time to really look around you and say "geez isn't life beautiful"? Have you ever even had the thought cross your mind? If not you really need to slow down. Stop and enjoy the beauty that is all around you. What if the day that has begun is your last. What would you want to remember the most about that day? The fact that you got to work 5 minutes earlier because you really made a rush for it. Or instead the way the morning air smelled sweet, or maybe the way the sun hit that spot in you yard that made your roses glow. It could be whatever you feel beauty is to you. Take the time to notice all of those things that we all blow off and make little note of. What would you most like to remember? *We are the teachers of the youth I'm sure that this you already know, but it is a very important fact of life....something that should not be taken lightly. I remember during my stay at Children's Hospital in Seattle, one of the nurses there told me this story, it went something like this.
A frail old man went to live with his son, daughter-in-law, and four-year old grandson. The old man's hands trembled, his eyesight was blurred, and his step faltered. The family ate together at the table but the elderly grandfather's shaky hands and failing sight made eating difficult. Peas rolled off his spoon onto the floor. When he grasped the glass, milk spilled on the tablecloth. The son and daughter-in-law became irritated with the mess. "We must do something about Grandfather," said the son. "I've had enough of his spilled milk, noisy eating, and food on the floor." So the husband and wife set a small table in the corner. There, Grandfather ate alone while the rest of the family enjoyed dinner. Since Grandfather had broken a dish or two, his food was served in a wooden bowl. When the family glanced in Grandfather's direction sometimes he had a tear in his eye as he sat alone. Still, the only words the couple had for him were sharp admonitions when he dropped a fork or spilled food. The four-year-old watched it all in silence. One evening before supper, the father noticed his son playing with wood scraps on the floor. He asked the child sweetly, "What are you making?" Just as sweetly, the boy responded, "Oh, I am making a little bowl for you and Mama to eat your food when I grow up." The four-year-old smiled and went back to work. The words so struck the parents that they were speechless. Then tears started to stream down their cheeks. Though no word was spoken, both knew what must be done. That evening the husband took Grandfather's hand and gently led him back to the family table. For the remainder of his days, he ate every meal with the family. And for some reason, neither husband nor wife seemed to care any longer when a fork was dropped, milk spilled, or the tablecloth soiled. Children are remarkably perceptive. Their eyes ever observe, their ears ever listen, and their minds ever process the messages they absorb. If they see us patiently provide a happy home atmosphere, they will imitate that attitude for the rest of their lives. The wise parent realizes that every day the building blocks are being laid for the child's future.
Let's be wise builders and role models.
*Words can change a person's life
How many of us have walked down the street and as we pass the homeless just bow our heads and walk on? Why is it that we feel we need to feel ashamed or even embarassed as we pass by? They too are human beings. They have a mother, a father and perhaps brothers and sisters. Who are we to judge their presence out on those lonely streets? Maybe living on the street is better than living at their home. So next time you pass by, gift them with a smile and perhaps a dollar or two with this said, "have a special day because you are someone special". These words could change the way that person looks at life because for one moment, they had someone care. I have another story that follows this up, this time from my own experience.
In second grade I became very good friends with a girl named Carma. We were good friends throughout our elementary school years and a little into our middle school. Then she just disappeared all together. I never knew what had happened to this girl. I guess I just figured that she had moved and perhaps was in college persuing her dream of becoming a elementary school teacher. It wasn't until last summer shopping downtown that I ran into Carma. She had been living on the streets for a year, two years I couldn't really be sure. At first I wasn't sure if I should go talk to her or just pass by like everyone else. Finally I decided to walk by and just say hi. So I walked up. Realizing that she might feel embarassed I just passed by and handed her a five dollar bill. But I still didn't feel right about just passing by. I felt as though should say something to her because I still did care. So I turned back and said "You know, I new a girl once who's only dream was to be a teacher. Perhaps all she needs is to know that she is someone special. The dream did not give up on this girl, the girl gave up on the dream." Then I smiled and walked away. But you know I do think that I did catch a glimer of a smile from her as I walked off. I don't know if she actually went back to school or not, but I haven't seen her on the streets since. I'm not saying that is was me that turned her life around, but at least she knew that I cared, that someone cared for even a moment. She was still thought of, and for even one minute could again smile.
You never know how one act of kindness can change a person'e life.
*Never stop learning Knowledge is the most important thing a person can posess. Never stop learning because there is no limit to how much you can know. I'm not saying read thousands of books on one subject like Algebra or something like that. Just always keep your mind open to learn. Each day make it a point to learn something, may it be the names to all of your neighbors or Italian. Make it anything that captures your interest. Little by little you will see that when you spend even just 5 minutes a day on something new you want to lean more about, you days will seem more and more meaningful filled with a higher degree of contentment. So go out there and enjoy that brain of yours. Also make sure to share it if you feel so compelled.
Make your day worth something and keep on learning.
*keep a healthy mind as well as a healthy body It is very important to keep both your mind and your body healthy. Take care of yourself now so that you may enjoy all the days of your life as fully as possible. If you smoke it is crucial that you stop. I know that it is hard, but in order to keep your mind and your body healthy this is a must. Nicotine clogs both your ateries and your mind. Any addiction for that matter clouds the mind and prevents you from really being in complete controll. Your addiction will take over every aspect of your thoughts and thus making it hard to concentrate on what is really important in life. Keeping both your body and your mind healthy really is the path to true happiness in life.
A clogged mind keeps a clogged heart. *Letting go is not forgetting Why is it that people think that letting go of something equals forgetting that something? Don't be afraid to let go of who or what you have lost. It is not heartless to acknowledge that if a loved one has passed away that letting go of them is okay. Letting go is not forgetting. Death in all is a hard thing for all of us. I have found that it is harder for those who never learn to let their loved one sleep in peace. Everyone mourns in their own matter this is true. But please do not mourn forever. Death is just a part of life, a journey we all must venture eventually. I ask you to read this poem and take it to heart.
When I come to the end of the day,
And the sun has set me free.
I want no rites in a gloom filled room.
Why cry for a soul set free?
Miss me a little, but not too long,
And not with your head bowed low.
Remember the love that we once shared...
Miss me, but let me go.
For this is a journey that we all must take,
And each must go alone.
It is all a part of the Maker's plan,
A step on the road to home.
When you are lonely and sick at heart,
Go to the friends we know,
And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds...
Miss me, but let me go. Well these are just a few things that I felt I wanted to share with you. I am positive that life will grant me with more lessons, but I leave you with these passages in hopes that you have been able to get something out of it.
Thank you for your time. |
