Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Troy Davis - A Time to Kill?

Http://colorlines.com/archives/2011/09/a_circle_of_prayer_for_troy_davis--and_the_country_that_would_kill_him.html

No human being has the right to pass judgment on or take the life of another human being. "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone." Only GOD may judge. In this country we will fight ardently to protect the rights of unborn life yet we tolerate and even support the denial of the right to life of a living human being who has memories, feelings, interpersonal connections and life experience, one who may even be innocent of the crime he is being punished for. We create more victims by perpetuating this cyclical "eye for an eye" mentality, callously writing off as collateral damage the grief & suffering of the forsaken's innocent family members. Yet we (as a country) claim to be a "Civilized Society" & "leader of the free world"...REALLY???

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Sleeping Beauty

I love waking up to his purring...very calming & comforting...

Photo

Sent from my iPhone

Sunday, September 18, 2011

From Detox to Dharma

It has been said that “Religion is the Opiate for (of?) the Masses.” Appropriate analogy? Opiates initially soothe the soul, but eventually become all-consuming…progressing to Addiction, depravity, destruction and death. It is a fact that more wars have been fought and more blood has been shed in the name of RELIGION, than for any other reason in the history of our planet. Religion tends to label and divide people by their belief in a certain dogma…it divides families, communities, countries & nations. It is EXclusive rather than INclusive.
I believe Spirituality, in contrast, is “the Unity of the Masses.” Essentially INclusive, it UNITES the entire Universe as ONE. It reflects our personal connection, or relationship, with our Higher Power…with our Higher Self, each other, nature, the Universe and all that is divine.

In conclusion, I am unimpressed by Religion and the hypocricy it spreads through the masses like a contagious disease. I am currently engaged in spiritual pursuits, working on deepening my connection with my higher power and my higher self. I am exploring spiritual practices based on Ancient Eastern philosophies such as Buddhism (as a philosophy rather than a religion), meditation, metaphysics, Law of Attraction, and various mantras and teachings of the many spiritual leaders and gurus of India.

Suffering Optional: The Power of Thoughts

Life is all about choices. In every moment that I live and breathe consciously, I have options. So why do I needlessly suffer? My empathy and sensitivity allow me (compel me?) to feel the pain and suffering of the world; friends, family, strangers, animals…I develop attachments; I take on and internalize their suffering as my own. I suffer for and with them; my heart aches as if it is connected to their hearts. Sometimes I feel overwhelmed, as if I have the weight of the world on my shoulders. So is my “gift” a blessing or a curse? The Law of Attraction says It is neither. I have learned that my suffering is a choice. My choice. Suffering is a state of mind, an option, a chosen emotional response to reality, based on attachment to preferred or desired outcomes. I want what I want, which may not be compatible with WHAT IS. I am my own worst enemy, creating and focusing my attention on thoughts that become “barriers” to my productivity and success. Obsessive thoughts threaten my sanity, health and happiness. If I am lost in my thoughts, I lack Awareness of the present moment. I am essentially in a state of Mindlessness, existing, going thru the motions of living. Most thoughts focus on the past (reminiscing, memories, regrets) or the future (planning, worrying, what ifs), which don’t exist in the NOW. Thoughts create actions, or inaction. Thoughts are powerful…I better be aware and choose my thoughts carefully…be mindful…hmmmm

Hey! Guess what? I get it! NOW is all we really have, isn’t it? This moment is happening right NOW so may as well be in it, right? Here’s my plan…first and foremost I’M DOING ME! I am practicing Mindfulness through meditation and positive affirmations. I am learning to focus my attention on what is happening NOW, choosing positive thoughts, maintaining present moment Awareness. I am making progress, taking baby steps to gain control of my life. I am working on acceptance of WHAT IS, rather than aiming for perfection. I am practicing patience (that elusive virtue trying to live life one moment at a time, slowing down to experience life as it unfolds. Living life on life’s terms. I AM…forever a work in Progress…as we all are…as life is. Perfection is illusory…a lie…but Progress is REAL!
Keep it Real y’all! Thanks for listening to/reading my ramblings on "Blog This!"