First off, I want to let you know that from next week through the holiday season I will be offering tips and suggestions to help you get through this season with less stress and more joy. For many it is a stressful, sad and unhappy time for many reasons, so these are to help increase joy and love all around us. Another exciting thing I am going to start on Monday through the first of the year, is to post on my status, some tidbit of holiday trivia, for the first person to correctly answer the question, you will win a free 30 minute reflexology appointment. Only one opportunity to win throughout the season, so everyone has an opportunity to feel the joy of winning. So pay attention, have fun and good luck!
I have enjoyed the past five weeks. As I have enjoyed learning new things and being reminded of things, I hope that you have too. Now for the fifth precept.
5. Aware of the suffering caused by unmindful consumption, I vow to cultivate good health, both physical and mental, for myself, my family, and my society by practicing mindful eating, drinking and consuming. I vow to ingest only items that preserve peace, well-being, and joy in my body, in my consciousness, and in the collective body and consciousness of my family and society. I am determined not to use alcohol or any other intoxicant or to ingest foods or other items that contain toxins, such as certain TV programs, magazines, books, films, and conversations. I am aware that to damage my body or my consciousness with these poisons is to betray my ancestors, my parents, my society, and future generations. I will work to transform violence, fear, anger, and confusion in myself and in society by practicing a diet for myself and for society. I understand that a proper diet is crucial for self-transformation and for the transformation of society.
Well, there is a lot to cover. In short, this can be a lengthy discussion and has so many different branches to look into ourselves with. Take a moment to digest what the fifth precept is saying and a moment to reflect. It does wrap up the five weeks in connecting our mind and our body to the overall health of ourselves and our society.
The base belief is to be mindful of what we put into our body, this includes the things we entertain ourselves with. If we watch a lot of violence, this energy is put back into the world, just by our reactions and by saying it is okay to continue to make movies and television programs with unnecessary violence, not to say any violence is okay. As mentioned in an above precept.
Now I can go into the organic foods and pesticides and the chemicals that are on or in our foods, but I am not. Just know that there are harmful elements within food that is not organic.
The long of the short of the five weeks is to be mindful and think of the impact that we have on our society as a whole. All of our actions impact others, even if we are not in direct contact with them. The best is to love and respect all.
Peace and joy,
-Rhonda
Friday, November 20, 2009
Thursday, November 12, 2009
5 weeks and 5 precepts week 4
Please keep the same respect as we have kept the past three weeks. Enjoy the journey and hope you have learned something new, with one more week left. I know I have learned a lot and have seen how it is linked to other spiritual practices.
“4. Aware of the suffering caused by unmindful speech and the inability to listen to others, I vow to cultivate loving speech and deep listening in order to bring joy and happiness to others and relieve others of their suffering. Knowing that words can create happiness or suffering, I vow to learn to speak truthfully, with words that inspire self-confidence, joy, and hope. I am determined not to spread news that I do not know to be certain and not to criticize or condemn thins of which I am not sure. I will refrain from uttering words that can cause division or discord, or that can cause the family or the community to break. I will make all efforts to reconcile and resolve all conflicts, however small.”
So; were you picked on in school by a bully? Told by someone you love you won’t amount to anything? Called fat, ugly or some other scaring name?
Then; have you been praised? Gotten a pat on the back? Told that you did a good job and inspired someone?
If you are lucky, you have only experienced the latter, but for many of us we have been picked on possibly still are and those words never really leave the back of our minds. For many it stays in the front of their minds and they may never able to achieve their maximum potential. While others are able to push through, because they had one person to believe in them and their potential and they have gone on to do amazing things.
Words of hate are spoken out of fear, for whatever reason. How many bullies have you watched on a school play ground, run to a car with a greeting parent to hear the same “bully words” spoken to them? Sad but true, many bullies are picked on by someone they love. This does not make it okay to say or do these things, it shows that patterns are created and continued. Even just by watching what someone may say or do and they see the reaction that can be received.
Sadly there have been many people to have died at the words of a bully or someone to have taken the words spoken by someone seriously even if it was meant as a joke. Sometimes the actions of words are taken to extremes and become violent. I am reminded of Matthew Shepherd, bullied and beaten to death for being gay, James R. Byrd Jr. bullied and beaten to death for being black. The many unspoken names of people who gave up and committed suicide and this can go on.
There are many people who have succumbed to hate speech in some form or another. Many just give up on themselves, while others have a different fate. Our words have energy and they pack a mighty punch and may impact more than a fist. Remember this next time you find yourself angry, afraid or otherwise about to speak something negative.
Peace and joy,
-Rhonda
“4. Aware of the suffering caused by unmindful speech and the inability to listen to others, I vow to cultivate loving speech and deep listening in order to bring joy and happiness to others and relieve others of their suffering. Knowing that words can create happiness or suffering, I vow to learn to speak truthfully, with words that inspire self-confidence, joy, and hope. I am determined not to spread news that I do not know to be certain and not to criticize or condemn thins of which I am not sure. I will refrain from uttering words that can cause division or discord, or that can cause the family or the community to break. I will make all efforts to reconcile and resolve all conflicts, however small.”
So; were you picked on in school by a bully? Told by someone you love you won’t amount to anything? Called fat, ugly or some other scaring name?
Then; have you been praised? Gotten a pat on the back? Told that you did a good job and inspired someone?
If you are lucky, you have only experienced the latter, but for many of us we have been picked on possibly still are and those words never really leave the back of our minds. For many it stays in the front of their minds and they may never able to achieve their maximum potential. While others are able to push through, because they had one person to believe in them and their potential and they have gone on to do amazing things.
Words of hate are spoken out of fear, for whatever reason. How many bullies have you watched on a school play ground, run to a car with a greeting parent to hear the same “bully words” spoken to them? Sad but true, many bullies are picked on by someone they love. This does not make it okay to say or do these things, it shows that patterns are created and continued. Even just by watching what someone may say or do and they see the reaction that can be received.
Sadly there have been many people to have died at the words of a bully or someone to have taken the words spoken by someone seriously even if it was meant as a joke. Sometimes the actions of words are taken to extremes and become violent. I am reminded of Matthew Shepherd, bullied and beaten to death for being gay, James R. Byrd Jr. bullied and beaten to death for being black. The many unspoken names of people who gave up and committed suicide and this can go on.
There are many people who have succumbed to hate speech in some form or another. Many just give up on themselves, while others have a different fate. Our words have energy and they pack a mighty punch and may impact more than a fist. Remember this next time you find yourself angry, afraid or otherwise about to speak something negative.
Peace and joy,
-Rhonda
Monday, November 9, 2009
5 weeks and 5 precepts week 3
This has been quite an interesting couple of weeks, we are entering week three and I hope this opens your mind and heart as much as the previous two weeks has mine.
Same levels of respect as the two previous weeks are appreciated.
“3. Aware of the suffering caused by sexual misconduct, I vow to cultivate responsibility and learn ways to protect the safety and integrity of individuals, couples, families and society. I am determined not to engage in sexual relations without love and a long-term commitment. To preserve the happiness of myself and others, I am determined to respect my commitments and the commitments of others. I will do everything in my power to protect from sexual abuse and to prevent couples and families form being broken by sexual misconduct.”
Oh wow! How many times have we sent hat happen to someone we know or to us? Life happens and we are human. We have human feelings, thoughts and reactions. So many various situations, experiences and occurrences can put us into situations that can be difficult.
This goes back sort of to the first precept in that it is important to respect ourselves and others. To recognize that our actions do not only for some brief moment in time satisfy whatever it is that we may be craving, but it can and does affect the lives of may other people around us.
This kind of goes with the exercise we are given as a child growing up to deal with or temper. Stop, count to ten and think about what can happen, who is affected, and how it can affect your life and the life of others.
It goes without saying that we are all connected, we are all one and we all take care of each other. We have to remember that our actions and reactions do not just affect us.
Peace and joy,
-Rhonda
Same levels of respect as the two previous weeks are appreciated.
“3. Aware of the suffering caused by sexual misconduct, I vow to cultivate responsibility and learn ways to protect the safety and integrity of individuals, couples, families and society. I am determined not to engage in sexual relations without love and a long-term commitment. To preserve the happiness of myself and others, I am determined to respect my commitments and the commitments of others. I will do everything in my power to protect from sexual abuse and to prevent couples and families form being broken by sexual misconduct.”
Oh wow! How many times have we sent hat happen to someone we know or to us? Life happens and we are human. We have human feelings, thoughts and reactions. So many various situations, experiences and occurrences can put us into situations that can be difficult.
This goes back sort of to the first precept in that it is important to respect ourselves and others. To recognize that our actions do not only for some brief moment in time satisfy whatever it is that we may be craving, but it can and does affect the lives of may other people around us.
This kind of goes with the exercise we are given as a child growing up to deal with or temper. Stop, count to ten and think about what can happen, who is affected, and how it can affect your life and the life of others.
It goes without saying that we are all connected, we are all one and we all take care of each other. We have to remember that our actions and reactions do not just affect us.
Peace and joy,
-Rhonda
Thursday, October 29, 2009
5 weeks and 5 precepts week 2
Welcome to week 2 of discussing the 5 precepts. Thank you Deb for your thoughtful input and contribution to the discussion.
As with week one the same levels of respect still apply with this week and the following weeks. Please and thank you.
The 2nd Precept:
Aware of the suffering caused by exploitation, social injustice, stealing, and oppression, I vow to cultivate loving kindness and learn ways to work for the well-being of people, animals and plants. I vow to practice generosity by sharing my time, energy, and material resources with those who are in real need. I am determined not to steal and not to possess anything that should belong to others. I will respect the property of others, but I will prevent others from profiting from suffering or the suffering of other species on Earth.
2. Adinnadana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami: I observe the precept of abstaining from taking that which is not given.
This precept has several levels to it, just as the first and can have many focal points of interpretation. My brief interpretation is to do you work well, do it honestly and respect others along your path. One view is being honest in the work you do and to honor the people you work for and the people who come to you for assistance (wherever you work).
In addition to the practice of respecting one another in our interactions of our employment it also includes the work done to assist the community in which you live. That it can be seemed as selfish to not share of your time, resources or knowledge to create a better world around us. This interpretation can also help in the Buddhist practice of non-attachment. By not being afraid of losing things, money and so on, it helps to not create unhappiness at the possible moment of loss. This is more complicated and a whole discussion of it's own, but none the less here is something to look at.
Take this to the extreme way of looking and thinking of this precept. Imagine if it was okay for us to steal. Let us say that we were like Robin Hood and we were taking from the rich to give to the poor. This does not give any right to privacy and at what point does it become okay to cross to others to steal from. This could then create a state of turmoil and injustice, causing many levels of unrest.
Remember that any look at ourselves and the lives around us in a different way can seem absurd, scary and may seem insulting. I invite you to continue on this journey of looking at yourself and seeing how you can apply the precepts to your life or your current spiritual practice. The key word there being practice, because we are continually in a state of change and self improvement. Our will, is constantly challenged.
Peace and joy,
-Rhonda
As with week one the same levels of respect still apply with this week and the following weeks. Please and thank you.
The 2nd Precept:
Aware of the suffering caused by exploitation, social injustice, stealing, and oppression, I vow to cultivate loving kindness and learn ways to work for the well-being of people, animals and plants. I vow to practice generosity by sharing my time, energy, and material resources with those who are in real need. I am determined not to steal and not to possess anything that should belong to others. I will respect the property of others, but I will prevent others from profiting from suffering or the suffering of other species on Earth.
2. Adinnadana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami: I observe the precept of abstaining from taking that which is not given.
This precept has several levels to it, just as the first and can have many focal points of interpretation. My brief interpretation is to do you work well, do it honestly and respect others along your path. One view is being honest in the work you do and to honor the people you work for and the people who come to you for assistance (wherever you work).
In addition to the practice of respecting one another in our interactions of our employment it also includes the work done to assist the community in which you live. That it can be seemed as selfish to not share of your time, resources or knowledge to create a better world around us. This interpretation can also help in the Buddhist practice of non-attachment. By not being afraid of losing things, money and so on, it helps to not create unhappiness at the possible moment of loss. This is more complicated and a whole discussion of it's own, but none the less here is something to look at.
Take this to the extreme way of looking and thinking of this precept. Imagine if it was okay for us to steal. Let us say that we were like Robin Hood and we were taking from the rich to give to the poor. This does not give any right to privacy and at what point does it become okay to cross to others to steal from. This could then create a state of turmoil and injustice, causing many levels of unrest.
Remember that any look at ourselves and the lives around us in a different way can seem absurd, scary and may seem insulting. I invite you to continue on this journey of looking at yourself and seeing how you can apply the precepts to your life or your current spiritual practice. The key word there being practice, because we are continually in a state of change and self improvement. Our will, is constantly challenged.
Peace and joy,
-Rhonda
Thursday, October 22, 2009
5 weeks and 5 precepts week 1
Those of you who know me, also know that I react to signs. If something crosses my path more than three times or I also use feathers for signs, but either way I got a sign. Something crossed my path now three times and I finally stopped to listen and decided to share it with you. It is not something new, but I recognize it was something I had forgotten.
I also recognize that there is a possibility that it may offend you or not be in your spiritual belief system. I invite you to read on any how and see how similar it is to whatever believe system you have. I have had "The Five Wonderful Precepts" cross my path and over the next five weeks will be sharing each of the five with you and invite discussion with you on these. Please remember as you share your thoughts, that you do not pass judgment on someones belief or try to force your belief on someone. It is a non-biased conversation about a spiritual belief. Maybe offer a similar belief in your spiritual practice.
Buddha gave us the five precepts as kind of a way to live, but they are not considered to be the Buddhist version of the ten Commandments, but ways of which to live our lives and in using a Buddhist term reach Nirvana. This is the simple way of describing without getting into a whole discussion of several other Buddhist concepts that it has been considered connected to.
The version of the precepts I will use are taken from Thich Nhat Hanh after a retreat in 1991, replacing the do not's from the original version to a more positive affirming phrase. Though I will include the original form.
" 1. Aware of the suffering caused by the destruction of life, I vow to cultivate compassion and learn ways to protect the lives of people, animals, and plants. i am determined not to kill, not to let others kill, and not to condone any act of killing in the world, in my thinking and in my way of life.
Original Sanskrit and direct translation version:
"1. Panatipata veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami: I observe the precept of abstaining from the destruction of life. "
This is kind of obvious on some point in that for us all to live in harmony we recognize all sentient beings as having feelings and deserving of respect. A sentient being is someone who is able to feel, basically any creature living or breathing. In Buddhism plants and trees are considered sentient.
In short, we watch after each other and help each other and all of God's creatures out wherever we are able. Remembering that as humans and thinking beings, often times those around us have to go through their own path in life, even though it may be difficult to watch. It is their karmic path for this life, we just offer what we can
.
We pass this love and compassion and respect onto our pets and family and even friends. One sentient being we often forget is ourselves. Interestingly enough, it took me almost 10 years to realize this myself. Even though I had been practicing non-violence toward others (The practice used by Martin Luther King and by Ghandi)it was not until I was reading a book, until I realized that the compassion I gave others, I was not giving myself. I put myself down, did not give myself the same level of respect I gave others, although I was and am just as deserving. So remember that as a sentient being you have all the right to treat yourself with compassion, love and understanding that you give others.
This is the first of five precepts. All as kind of a "lesson plan" for living a more fulfilled life. I hope you enjoy this glance at the five precepts and it helps you to look at places in your life where you might be able to enrich you and brighten the light within you.
Peace and joy,
-Rhonda
I also recognize that there is a possibility that it may offend you or not be in your spiritual belief system. I invite you to read on any how and see how similar it is to whatever believe system you have. I have had "The Five Wonderful Precepts" cross my path and over the next five weeks will be sharing each of the five with you and invite discussion with you on these. Please remember as you share your thoughts, that you do not pass judgment on someones belief or try to force your belief on someone. It is a non-biased conversation about a spiritual belief. Maybe offer a similar belief in your spiritual practice.
Buddha gave us the five precepts as kind of a way to live, but they are not considered to be the Buddhist version of the ten Commandments, but ways of which to live our lives and in using a Buddhist term reach Nirvana. This is the simple way of describing without getting into a whole discussion of several other Buddhist concepts that it has been considered connected to.
The version of the precepts I will use are taken from Thich Nhat Hanh after a retreat in 1991, replacing the do not's from the original version to a more positive affirming phrase. Though I will include the original form.
" 1. Aware of the suffering caused by the destruction of life, I vow to cultivate compassion and learn ways to protect the lives of people, animals, and plants. i am determined not to kill, not to let others kill, and not to condone any act of killing in the world, in my thinking and in my way of life.
Original Sanskrit and direct translation version:
"1. Panatipata veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami: I observe the precept of abstaining from the destruction of life. "
This is kind of obvious on some point in that for us all to live in harmony we recognize all sentient beings as having feelings and deserving of respect. A sentient being is someone who is able to feel, basically any creature living or breathing. In Buddhism plants and trees are considered sentient.
In short, we watch after each other and help each other and all of God's creatures out wherever we are able. Remembering that as humans and thinking beings, often times those around us have to go through their own path in life, even though it may be difficult to watch. It is their karmic path for this life, we just offer what we can
.
We pass this love and compassion and respect onto our pets and family and even friends. One sentient being we often forget is ourselves. Interestingly enough, it took me almost 10 years to realize this myself. Even though I had been practicing non-violence toward others (The practice used by Martin Luther King and by Ghandi)it was not until I was reading a book, until I realized that the compassion I gave others, I was not giving myself. I put myself down, did not give myself the same level of respect I gave others, although I was and am just as deserving. So remember that as a sentient being you have all the right to treat yourself with compassion, love and understanding that you give others.
This is the first of five precepts. All as kind of a "lesson plan" for living a more fulfilled life. I hope you enjoy this glance at the five precepts and it helps you to look at places in your life where you might be able to enrich you and brighten the light within you.
Peace and joy,
-Rhonda
Monday, October 19, 2009
October tip too
I hope this finds everyone doing well and enjoying the lovely colors of fall, whereever you are. So far it is proving to be a pretty fall here in Roanoke, VA.
We just returned from the Outer Banks in North Carolina. We had some crazy weather from a random weather pattern going through, twice. So we only one good play on the beach day, but it was still a great trip.
On the return trip I caught myself thinking and even saying, "Are we there yet?". This took me back to the trips with the parental units and my sister, as we traveled all over the place. I purposefully do not talk about the trip to Boston, MA for a reason, though it had fun memories. The moving from point A to point B were not fun. Though I was enjoying our trip back from North Carolina as we planned and chatted about the trip we are planning in March for a 10K race and talking about other random thoughts. I was ready to be home to my furkids that did not go with us, but then stepped back to enjoy the furkids with us in the car and enjoy the moments we were sharing driving back.
Now you wonder, why am I tell you all of this. You see I have a friend, Tammy finally stopped saying it, that says constantly "I see a light at the end of the tunnel". I am always saying that you have to find the light now and that there is no light at the end of the tunnel. Now here is what I mean.
Let us think of it this way and no I am not telling you that goals are not good, but chasing the "light" is not. Here is why. If you are saying there is a light at the end of the tunnel and you are working toward that, you are saying that you are unhappy with where you are at this moment. Therefore working toward your perception of a happier place, time or whatever that may be. See it as the "grass is green on the other side" kind of thing.
Now back to the light. If you are always waiting to get to that "light" at the end of your tunnel, at what point are you happy or pleased with what you are doing right now? There is the key word, NOW. If you are in the present moment and in the "now", then you are not chasing after something you should be experiencing already. So always working toward that "light at the end of the tunnel" is only exhausting yourself, when all you have to do is look at where you are and find your happiness and find where you have contentment. If it is not there, then be happy that you recognize there are things you wish to change, but stop chasing the light. There is no light, it is in your heart already. All you have to do is sit, look and listen.
Let your light shine bright, right now!
Peace and joy,
-Rhonda
We just returned from the Outer Banks in North Carolina. We had some crazy weather from a random weather pattern going through, twice. So we only one good play on the beach day, but it was still a great trip.
On the return trip I caught myself thinking and even saying, "Are we there yet?". This took me back to the trips with the parental units and my sister, as we traveled all over the place. I purposefully do not talk about the trip to Boston, MA for a reason, though it had fun memories. The moving from point A to point B were not fun. Though I was enjoying our trip back from North Carolina as we planned and chatted about the trip we are planning in March for a 10K race and talking about other random thoughts. I was ready to be home to my furkids that did not go with us, but then stepped back to enjoy the furkids with us in the car and enjoy the moments we were sharing driving back.
Now you wonder, why am I tell you all of this. You see I have a friend, Tammy finally stopped saying it, that says constantly "I see a light at the end of the tunnel". I am always saying that you have to find the light now and that there is no light at the end of the tunnel. Now here is what I mean.
Let us think of it this way and no I am not telling you that goals are not good, but chasing the "light" is not. Here is why. If you are saying there is a light at the end of the tunnel and you are working toward that, you are saying that you are unhappy with where you are at this moment. Therefore working toward your perception of a happier place, time or whatever that may be. See it as the "grass is green on the other side" kind of thing.
Now back to the light. If you are always waiting to get to that "light" at the end of your tunnel, at what point are you happy or pleased with what you are doing right now? There is the key word, NOW. If you are in the present moment and in the "now", then you are not chasing after something you should be experiencing already. So always working toward that "light at the end of the tunnel" is only exhausting yourself, when all you have to do is look at where you are and find your happiness and find where you have contentment. If it is not there, then be happy that you recognize there are things you wish to change, but stop chasing the light. There is no light, it is in your heart already. All you have to do is sit, look and listen.
Let your light shine bright, right now!
Peace and joy,
-Rhonda
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
October tip'n more
Hey! Happy October! October is a big month for awareness issues.
First off, it is National Pretzel month. Who knew?!
Second it is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month! This is a very serious issue! If you know someone or if you yourself are in a domestic violence situation, please call 1800-799-7233. Thank you Saffire and the Uppity Blues Women,I'll always remember that number and grateful to not be in a situation any more to need it. Domestic Violence takes all forms, shape and sizes and can reach any type of family very unexpectedly. During financially tight times statistics show that domestic violence to adults, children and pets has been known to rise. Do not hesitate to dial 9-1-1, it could save more than one life.
Third it is Breast Cancer Awareness Month! Also an issue that is on the rise and increasing. Especially with cancer expected to take the lead in 2010 for cause of death. So sad considering many cancers can be prevented and treated if caught early enough, such as breast cancer. Be sure to get to know the facts about Breast Cancer at www.livestrong.org or www.komen.org. Both sites have excellent information and about treatment options.
In case you didn't know, the Susan G. Komen Foundaiton was started by a sister who made a promise to her sister when she was dieing of cancer. It is now the largest foundation with a single cancer focus. There are all sorts of Breast Cancer Awareness events in Roanoke, VA and beyond, be sure to find an event near you and help build awareness. Guys, do not you are at risk too!
According to the CDC (Centers of Disease Control):
# 186,467 women and 1,764 men were diagnosed with breast cancer.
# 41,116 women and 375 men died from breast cancer.
Get to know the facts and do a self exam once a month!
Be aware!
-Rhonda
First off, it is National Pretzel month. Who knew?!
Second it is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month! This is a very serious issue! If you know someone or if you yourself are in a domestic violence situation, please call 1800-799-7233. Thank you Saffire and the Uppity Blues Women,I'll always remember that number and grateful to not be in a situation any more to need it. Domestic Violence takes all forms, shape and sizes and can reach any type of family very unexpectedly. During financially tight times statistics show that domestic violence to adults, children and pets has been known to rise. Do not hesitate to dial 9-1-1, it could save more than one life.
Third it is Breast Cancer Awareness Month! Also an issue that is on the rise and increasing. Especially with cancer expected to take the lead in 2010 for cause of death. So sad considering many cancers can be prevented and treated if caught early enough, such as breast cancer. Be sure to get to know the facts about Breast Cancer at www.livestrong.org or www.komen.org. Both sites have excellent information and about treatment options.
In case you didn't know, the Susan G. Komen Foundaiton was started by a sister who made a promise to her sister when she was dieing of cancer. It is now the largest foundation with a single cancer focus. There are all sorts of Breast Cancer Awareness events in Roanoke, VA and beyond, be sure to find an event near you and help build awareness. Guys, do not you are at risk too!
According to the CDC (Centers of Disease Control):
# 186,467 women and 1,764 men were diagnosed with breast cancer.
# 41,116 women and 375 men died from breast cancer.
Get to know the facts and do a self exam once a month!
Be aware!
-Rhonda
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