May you be at peace,
May your heart remain open.
May you awaken to the light of your own true nature.
May you be healed,
May you be a source of healing for all beings.
- Tibetan Buddhist Prayer
Sunday, October 21, 2012
Saturday, August 25, 2012
Gratitude - Eckhart Tolle
This was on his Facebook page today.
Dear Friends,
Almost two thousand years ago, the philosopher Plutarch wrote:
"Most people bypass what is good and refreshing in their lives, and habitually focus on the unpleasant, bad elements."
How easily all our attention can get absorbed by our "problems". Thinking and talking about them strengthens a false sense of self. And so we miss the good in our lives. Where's the good? It's wh
Dear Friends,
Almost two thousand years ago, the philosopher Plutarch wrote:
"Most people bypass what is good and refreshing in their lives, and habitually focus on the unpleasant, bad elements."
How easily all our attention can get absorbed by our "problems". Thinking and talking about them strengthens a false sense of self. And so we miss the good in our lives. Where's the good? It's wh
ere Life is: in the present moment. It's in the clouds and vast spaciousness of the sky, the air you breathe, the life-giving light and warmth of the sun, the silence of the night. It's in a small act of kindness given or received. It's in the sound of the rain, the intense aliveness of a flower....the same aliveness that you can also feel inside your body.
Another word for acknowledging the good in your life is - gratitude.
And: what you focus your attention on, grows.
With love,
Eckhart
Another word for acknowledging the good in your life is - gratitude.
And: what you focus your attention on, grows.
With love,
Eckhart
Friday, August 24, 2012
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Everyone has a weakness..
I believe in the Golden Rule. It has been presented in many formats by many religious and philosophical leaders from the beginning of time. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_Rule
Jesus himself, stated that it was one of the 2 greatest commandments and yet some of his "followers" find it difficult, if not impossible to obey. In fact, I find it nearly impossible to obey in regards to one particular group myself. It disturbs me more that I want to take action in the form of violence against them than it does the horrific things they do in the name of Jesus.
These people cling to the Old Testament law, which Jesus said he came to abolish and to the laws of Paul, more than to the love of Jesus.
I pray everyday that the Golden Rule will prevail in the lives of humanity, but some people just never seem to abide by it. It is disheartening.
Jesus himself, stated that it was one of the 2 greatest commandments and yet some of his "followers" find it difficult, if not impossible to obey. In fact, I find it nearly impossible to obey in regards to one particular group myself. It disturbs me more that I want to take action in the form of violence against them than it does the horrific things they do in the name of Jesus.
These people cling to the Old Testament law, which Jesus said he came to abolish and to the laws of Paul, more than to the love of Jesus.
I pray everyday that the Golden Rule will prevail in the lives of humanity, but some people just never seem to abide by it. It is disheartening.
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Happily Ever After
This isn't technically a happy experience, but it is a thought on Happiness based on a meditation yesterday. I was looking for books on happiness at the church library and came across this book by Marsha Sinetar, Living Happily Ever After: Thrive on Change, Triumph over Adversity. I have not yet read it, but she made an interesting point in her introduction.
We tend to think of Happily Ever After is something for children's stories and as a adults that it is not real. However, It is possible to have Happily Ever After, when we view things the right way.
It was always a little troubling that Happily Ever After always stopped at the resolution to a problem and then nothing else happened. But perhaps it was a Happily Ever After because the characters learned to work together to solve problems together.
The Happiness Project has actually been a good way to demonstrate this and move me toward Happily Ever After. By focusing on the good things and looking for them, it certainly makes things seem like they are going well.
We tend to think of Happily Ever After is something for children's stories and as a adults that it is not real. However, It is possible to have Happily Ever After, when we view things the right way.
It was always a little troubling that Happily Ever After always stopped at the resolution to a problem and then nothing else happened. But perhaps it was a Happily Ever After because the characters learned to work together to solve problems together.
The Happiness Project has actually been a good way to demonstrate this and move me toward Happily Ever After. By focusing on the good things and looking for them, it certainly makes things seem like they are going well.
Friday, July 20, 2012
Happiness Project: Week 2
The week has not gone as well as week one. I did not come up with 3 good things the last few days and I only did my 20 minute meditation once. And now, I am going to turn that 20 minute meditation into my blog post (the first and only for the week).
I spent 20 minutes looking at my walking stick in the corner of my Sanctuary (I have debated on what to call that little room. Meditation space sounded wrong, because I don't just use it for meditation. I read and sit and relax there too. I went back to Sanctuary). The walking stick is nothing special. It's just a crepe myrtle branch that someone trimmed and threw in the woods behind my house. I tied a amethyst to the top of it. I have only used it once on my walk. But every time I see it I think about life as a journey.
Mine has been interesting, but in some ways weird. I suppose it seems weird because I just kinda went with the flow for a long time and never really considered who I am or what I wanted. I am glad I know now, even if some dreams are impossible at this point. It is a much happier existence to be on the journey you are wanting than one you settle on or are led on.
Participating in the Happiness Project has really been for the most part about looking forward for me, rather than back. I am not sure why, but I have always been plagued by mistakes and missed opportunity and spend a lot of time wishing things were different rather than working on moving forward to the right path.
I spent 20 minutes looking at my walking stick in the corner of my Sanctuary (I have debated on what to call that little room. Meditation space sounded wrong, because I don't just use it for meditation. I read and sit and relax there too. I went back to Sanctuary). The walking stick is nothing special. It's just a crepe myrtle branch that someone trimmed and threw in the woods behind my house. I tied a amethyst to the top of it. I have only used it once on my walk. But every time I see it I think about life as a journey.
Mine has been interesting, but in some ways weird. I suppose it seems weird because I just kinda went with the flow for a long time and never really considered who I am or what I wanted. I am glad I know now, even if some dreams are impossible at this point. It is a much happier existence to be on the journey you are wanting than one you settle on or are led on.
Participating in the Happiness Project has really been for the most part about looking forward for me, rather than back. I am not sure why, but I have always been plagued by mistakes and missed opportunity and spend a lot of time wishing things were different rather than working on moving forward to the right path.
Saturday, July 14, 2012
Still Going...Week 2 Day 2
3 Good Things:
Setup the fish tank in my meditation space.
Napping on the couch with the boys.
Picked tomatoes and herbs from my container garden.
Blog about one positive experience, past or present:
Meditate:
Breath in, Breath out,
Exercise:
Do 5 conscious acts of kindness:
I helped a friend look for a car today.
Better than Before
The last few years have been rough and I have been depressed and moody a lot of the time. I did not realize how much better I was doing until yesterday.
A friend called and asked me to do something with her and I went. She has been depressed lately with her job and feeling isolated.
I did not realize I was doing better until I was able to be there for someone else. It was kind of an odd situation for me. Normally I try to just be there for people, but I felt like I should talk about my experience.
I had this odd feeling that I was not carrying my side of the conversation, but I also felt like I was talking too much.
Regardless of how I felt about the exchange, I realized that I am on an upswing. I am looking on the more positive side of things. I am making progress and I am looking forward to the future whatever it may hold.
A friend called and asked me to do something with her and I went. She has been depressed lately with her job and feeling isolated.
I did not realize I was doing better until I was able to be there for someone else. It was kind of an odd situation for me. Normally I try to just be there for people, but I felt like I should talk about my experience.
I had this odd feeling that I was not carrying my side of the conversation, but I also felt like I was talking too much.
Regardless of how I felt about the exchange, I realized that I am on an upswing. I am looking on the more positive side of things. I am making progress and I am looking forward to the future whatever it may hold.
Friday, July 13, 2012
Week 2 of Happiness: Day 1
3 Good Things:
Not sure if it is age or what but my oldest boy (Tigger-cat) has been very affectionate lately and hanging out with the rest of us.
I got to be there for someone who needed me tonight, even if I didn't feel like I was very helpful.
I had some yummy coconut macaroon ice cream.
Blog about one positive experience, past or present:
http://cartierobert.blogspot.com/2012/07/better-before.html
Meditate:
Breath in, Breath out,
Exercise:
I did 10 minutes of walking today.
Do 5 conscious acts of kindness:
Not sure if it is age or what but my oldest boy (Tigger-cat) has been very affectionate lately and hanging out with the rest of us.
I got to be there for someone who needed me tonight, even if I didn't feel like I was very helpful.
I had some yummy coconut macaroon ice cream.
Blog about one positive experience, past or present:
http://cartierobert.blogspot.com/2012/07/better-before.html
Meditate:
Breath in, Breath out,
Exercise:
I did 10 minutes of walking today.
Do 5 conscious acts of kindness:
Thursday, July 12, 2012
The Happiness Project: Week 1 Day 7
I have been keeping up with my 3 Good Things on the Facebook event page.
3 Good Things:
I moved the cats into the office and took over the small "bedroom" as my meditation space.
I got a cool new shopping bag from Harrys.
We've gotten lots of rain.
Blog about one positive experience, past or present:
Meditate:
Exercise:
I did 10 minutes of walking today.
Do 5 conscious acts of kindness:
This one is really hard when you work all day and then come straight home. I have made an intentional effort to be nice to my coworkers and make them feel like they are doing a good job this week...even if they aren't.
3 Good Things:
I moved the cats into the office and took over the small "bedroom" as my meditation space.
I got a cool new shopping bag from Harrys.
We've gotten lots of rain.
Blog about one positive experience, past or present:
Meditate:
Exercise:
I did 10 minutes of walking today.
Do 5 conscious acts of kindness:
This one is really hard when you work all day and then come straight home. I have made an intentional effort to be nice to my coworkers and make them feel like they are doing a good job this week...even if they aren't.
Monday, July 9, 2012
The Happiness Project: Week 1 Day 4
3 Good Things:
My friend has agreed to coffee tomorrow.
Playing fetch with Pogi...makes him happy.
Eating vegetables I grew myself.
Blog about one positive experience, past or present:
https://www.facebook.com/notes/carlton-robert-harrington/the-past-through-rose-colored-glasses/10151924744100022
Meditate:
Last night I meditated on my time in the Philippines....the happy times at least. I am going to blog about it today.
Exercise:
I did my 20 minutes of walking today.
Do 5 conscious acts of kindness:
Once I realized my coworkers were all in a bad mood, I stopped trying to help them, so they wouldn't get more irritated....does that count?
Guess I need to work on this some.
Sunday, July 8, 2012
Happiness Project: Week 1 Day 3
3 Good Things:
I had one of my favorites for lunch! Sauteed String Beans.
I got my monthly free piece of chocolate from Godiva. It was a red velvet truffle!!!!
I got to nap on the couch with my boys.
Blog about one positive experience, past or present: n/a
Meditate: n/a
Exercise: n/a
Do 5 conscious acts of kindness:
I let everyone off the elevator before I got off.
I asked a lady with a child if she wanted to go in front of me in line.
I invited a friend who sounded like she needs to talk to coffee.
I called my parents.
I had one of my favorites for lunch! Sauteed String Beans.
I got my monthly free piece of chocolate from Godiva. It was a red velvet truffle!!!!
I got to nap on the couch with my boys.
Blog about one positive experience, past or present: n/a
Meditate: n/a
Exercise: n/a
Do 5 conscious acts of kindness:
I let everyone off the elevator before I got off.
I asked a lady with a child if she wanted to go in front of me in line.
I invited a friend who sounded like she needs to talk to coffee.
I called my parents.
Saturday, July 7, 2012
The Happiness Project: Day 2
3 Good Things:
I finished one sewing project.
I am watching a movie I haven't seen tonight. Usually Saturdays are reruns.
I'm cuddlin' with the pug.
Blog about one positive experience, past or present:
I posted my first one in Facebook Notes today. https://www.facebook.com/notes/carlton-robert-harrington/the-happiness-project-week-1-day-2-a-positive-experience/10151916299835022
Meditate:
Last night I gave it a try as I laid down for bed. I thought it would be a good time because normally when I lay down to bed I start wishing for all the things I want to change to magically be different. I have to get past the idea that I can WISH for things to change. So, I started meditating on the Gulf of Mexico. The clear water of Panama City Beach is one of my favorite bodies of water. (I haven't been since the BP oil spill). Of course, when you are out of practice as I am, things began to leak in that were vaguely related to my time down there. I kept trying to goi back to sitting on the white sands and staring at the clear green waters. They remind me of light colored jade.
Exercise: n/a
Do 5 conscious acts of kindness: n/a
I finished one sewing project.
I am watching a movie I haven't seen tonight. Usually Saturdays are reruns.
I'm cuddlin' with the pug.
Blog about one positive experience, past or present:
I posted my first one in Facebook Notes today. https://www.facebook.com/notes/carlton-robert-harrington/the-happiness-project-week-1-day-2-a-positive-experience/10151916299835022
Meditate:
Last night I gave it a try as I laid down for bed. I thought it would be a good time because normally when I lay down to bed I start wishing for all the things I want to change to magically be different. I have to get past the idea that I can WISH for things to change. So, I started meditating on the Gulf of Mexico. The clear water of Panama City Beach is one of my favorite bodies of water. (I haven't been since the BP oil spill). Of course, when you are out of practice as I am, things began to leak in that were vaguely related to my time down there. I kept trying to goi back to sitting on the white sands and staring at the clear green waters. They remind me of light colored jade.
Exercise: n/a
Do 5 conscious acts of kindness: n/a
Friday, July 6, 2012
The Happiness Project: Late Start
It's really the end of the week, but it is my first day on this journey. I am going to try a blog all my efforts to hold myself accountable and if anyone cares they can ask me why I haven't posted along the way,
Friday's 3 Good Things:
1. Surprise! One of my coworkers brought in grits and biscuits.
2. Work is done for another week.
3. I started The Happiness Project.
Tomorrow I will be starting work on the other weekly objectives:
Blog about one positive experience, past or present. Write for 20 minutes, three times a week.
Meditate for 5 minutes, every day; just concentrate on breathing in and out. Meditate on something positive for 20 minutes, 3 times a week.
Exercise I walk everyday at work for about a mile. I am going to try and start walking on the Big Creek Greenway on Saturdays.
Do 5 conscious acts of kindness.
I have this practice where I write things on my bathroom mirror to inspire me. I will have to write these 5 things on it so I consciously try to do them everyday.
"God dwells in you as you." Eat, Pray, Love
Friday's 3 Good Things:
1. Surprise! One of my coworkers brought in grits and biscuits.
2. Work is done for another week.
3. I started The Happiness Project.
Tomorrow I will be starting work on the other weekly objectives:
Blog about one positive experience, past or present. Write for 20 minutes, three times a week.
Meditate for 5 minutes, every day; just concentrate on breathing in and out. Meditate on something positive for 20 minutes, 3 times a week.
Exercise I walk everyday at work for about a mile. I am going to try and start walking on the Big Creek Greenway on Saturdays.
Do 5 conscious acts of kindness.
I have this practice where I write things on my bathroom mirror to inspire me. I will have to write these 5 things on it so I consciously try to do them everyday.
"God dwells in you as you." Eat, Pray, Love
The Happiness Project
Make This Look Awesome...: The Happiness Project
I am going to try this and blog here about my success and failures. It's a good idea and timely to boot.
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Damaged
It is interesting how the Universe works. I missed the first of our new Vesper Services at UUMAN because I was out of town and I have forgotten since. Tonight I went and it was exactly what I was needing to hear.
This was on the cover of the order of service. Damaged - and Perfect.
I have felt very damaged this week and it was just the centering I needed. Despite all of our individual issues, we have a purpose in this Universe.
The Chalice Lighting was:
We light this chalice flame as a sign of our inner light and the gifts that shine through our imperfect being into our community and the world. - Kim Palmer.
Good Journeys, EVERYONE! I love you.
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Spring
"When our hearts are wintry, grieving, or in pain, Love's touch can call us back to life again, fields of our hearts that dead and bare have been: Love is come again like wheat that springeth green"
Hymn words by John MacLeod Campbell Crum
I always look forward to Spring when the earth is renewed and flowers, birds and insects return. In recent years, it has also brought renewal to my life as I focus on gardening and home improvements and take my mind off my troubles.
This year I am just not getting there. I am growing vegetables and I am cleaning house, but my heart and mind continue to ache. Even on the best of days, I don't feel the love.
My posts are usually more upbeat and insight filled. I saw this hymn verse today at church and it really spoke to where I'd like to be.
I would appreciate your thoughts and prayers.
Monday, February 27, 2012
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
LENT: Another Opportunity for Growth.
My joke about giving up Profile pics on Facebook aside, I will be observing Lent this year. I am by no means Catholic, nor do I know that I can call my Christian in the traditional sense, but as someone said at New Years, "Any day is a good day to make a change." So I will (at least through Maundy Thursday be attempting to make a few in my life.
I'll try to keep you posted on how things are going, though I don't intend to share what I am giving up.
Here is a brief description of Lent from Wikipedia if you are not familiar:
Lent (Latin: Quadragesima, "fortieth"[1]) is the Christian observance of the liturgical year from Ash Wednesday to Easter Sunday.
The traditional purpose of Lent is the penitential preparation of the believer—through prayer, penance, repentance, almsgiving, and self-deni.al. Its institutional purpose is heightened in the annual commemoration of Holy Week, marking the Death and Resurrection of Jesus, which recalls the events of the Passion of Christ on Good Friday, which then culminates in the celebration on Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
During Lent, many of the faithful commit to fasting or giving up certain types of luxury as a form of penitence. The Stations of the Cross, a devotional commemoration of Christ's carrying the Cross and of His execution, are often observed. Many Roman Catholic and some Protestant churches bare their altars of candles, flowers, and other devotional offerings, while Crucifixes, religious statues, and other elaborate religious paraphernalia are often veiled in violet fabrics in observance of this event. In certain pious Catholic countries, grand processions and cultural customs are observed, and the faithful attempt to visit seven churches during Holy Week in honor of Jesus Christ heading to Mount Calvary.
According to the Synoptic gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke, Jesus spent forty days fasting in the desert before the beginning of His public ministry, where He endured temptation by Satan.[2][3] Thus, Lent is described as being forty days long, though different denominations calculate the forty days differently. In many of the Christian churches, Lent is regarded as being forty days long, but the Sundays between Shrove Tuesday and Easter Sunday are not typically regarded as being part of Lent; thus, the date of Shrove Tuesday will typically be slightly more than forty days before Easter Sunday.
This event, along with its pious customs are observed by Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, Roman Catholics, Lutherans, Methodists, Presbyterians, Anglicans and some Baptists.[4][4][5][5] Lent is increasingly being
I'll try to keep you posted on how things are going, though I don't intend to share what I am giving up.
Here is a brief description of Lent from Wikipedia if you are not familiar:
Lent (Latin: Quadragesima, "fortieth"[1]) is the Christian observance of the liturgical year from Ash Wednesday to Easter Sunday.
The traditional purpose of Lent is the penitential preparation of the believer—through prayer, penance, repentance, almsgiving, and self-deni.al. Its institutional purpose is heightened in the annual commemoration of Holy Week, marking the Death and Resurrection of Jesus, which recalls the events of the Passion of Christ on Good Friday, which then culminates in the celebration on Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
During Lent, many of the faithful commit to fasting or giving up certain types of luxury as a form of penitence. The Stations of the Cross, a devotional commemoration of Christ's carrying the Cross and of His execution, are often observed. Many Roman Catholic and some Protestant churches bare their altars of candles, flowers, and other devotional offerings, while Crucifixes, religious statues, and other elaborate religious paraphernalia are often veiled in violet fabrics in observance of this event. In certain pious Catholic countries, grand processions and cultural customs are observed, and the faithful attempt to visit seven churches during Holy Week in honor of Jesus Christ heading to Mount Calvary.
According to the Synoptic gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke, Jesus spent forty days fasting in the desert before the beginning of His public ministry, where He endured temptation by Satan.[2][3] Thus, Lent is described as being forty days long, though different denominations calculate the forty days differently. In many of the Christian churches, Lent is regarded as being forty days long, but the Sundays between Shrove Tuesday and Easter Sunday are not typically regarded as being part of Lent; thus, the date of Shrove Tuesday will typically be slightly more than forty days before Easter Sunday.
This event, along with its pious customs are observed by Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, Roman Catholics, Lutherans, Methodists, Presbyterians, Anglicans and some Baptists.[4][4][5][5] Lent is increasingly being
Friday, February 17, 2012
You never know...
Tonight I received an IM from a friend from college. He was not only a member of the Young Republicans, but a Methodist Ministerial candidate who was the pastor of a my Southern Baptist Church I attended. I expected a "Come to Jesus" dialogue but he seemed genuinely interested in my current situation (as a single UU furry parent) and not in converting me.
I can't say that I have had a negative encounter yet, but I always anticipate it. I told my friend tonight that we did not at all have the conversation I expected. He asked why...
I guess I came to believe at some point that I was the minority, but the truth is that I have always leaned toward the left even if myself or my friends didn't acknowledge it.
Turns out my friend just wanted to reconnect. It wasn't about Theology or Politics. That's something I respect and I can do even if everyone can't.
I can't say that I have had a negative encounter yet, but I always anticipate it. I told my friend tonight that we did not at all have the conversation I expected. He asked why...
I guess I came to believe at some point that I was the minority, but the truth is that I have always leaned toward the left even if myself or my friends didn't acknowledge it.
Turns out my friend just wanted to reconnect. It wasn't about Theology or Politics. That's something I respect and I can do even if everyone can't.
Monday, January 9, 2012
Homosexuality and/or Religion/Spirituality/Faith
Tonight my Interweave group at UUMAN (more affectionately called UUMANWeave) had a discussion about how "coming out" had affected our beliefs. The short answer for the majority of the group was not much. The majority seemed to have similar experiences growing up dissatisfied with the Christian faiths they had limited experience with, while others have always remained agnostic or atheist.
I had hoped to get more perspective on this topic. My experience has been that people adopt the fight, flight or compromise attitude in regards to their faith.
FIGHT: There are those who who chose to try and change their religious sect/denomination to accept homosexuality. The Association of Welcoming and Affirming Baptist springs to mind.
FLIGHT: People leave the church never to return or consider spirituality again.
COMPROMISE: This takes 2 forms. Either the person stays where they are and trys to hide who they are, or the person finds that sect/denomination which is identical to theirs but accepts homosexuality. Metropolitan Community Church for example.
In my journey, I tried at least 2 of these options. I began by trying to compromise and hide who I was since I was single. Eventually, I fled my Southern Baptist life and for several years did not really think about my Spiritual Life. I tried for a while to compromise on a denomination that share my previous beliefs and accepted homosexuality. I as briefly a member of both a MMC church and later a AWAB church.
In the end, I realized that what it all boiled down to was definitions. For years, I had been indoctrinated into a faith and I was still a part of it because of how I defined the terms they used: God, Prayer etc.
I finally got tired of having to define every term I sang and/or read in terms that I believed and began to try to articulate what I really believed about the Divine, the Universe and Life. That is how I ended up in a Unitarian Universalist congregation. They support this search and encourage it.
I had hoped to get more perspective on this topic. My experience has been that people adopt the fight, flight or compromise attitude in regards to their faith.
FIGHT: There are those who who chose to try and change their religious sect/denomination to accept homosexuality. The Association of Welcoming and Affirming Baptist springs to mind.
FLIGHT: People leave the church never to return or consider spirituality again.
COMPROMISE: This takes 2 forms. Either the person stays where they are and trys to hide who they are, or the person finds that sect/denomination which is identical to theirs but accepts homosexuality. Metropolitan Community Church for example.
In my journey, I tried at least 2 of these options. I began by trying to compromise and hide who I was since I was single. Eventually, I fled my Southern Baptist life and for several years did not really think about my Spiritual Life. I tried for a while to compromise on a denomination that share my previous beliefs and accepted homosexuality. I as briefly a member of both a MMC church and later a AWAB church.
In the end, I realized that what it all boiled down to was definitions. For years, I had been indoctrinated into a faith and I was still a part of it because of how I defined the terms they used: God, Prayer etc.
I finally got tired of having to define every term I sang and/or read in terms that I believed and began to try to articulate what I really believed about the Divine, the Universe and Life. That is how I ended up in a Unitarian Universalist congregation. They support this search and encourage it.
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