Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Nirvana and Enlightenment #40

If you focus on what ISN'T in your life, then you will find that you are continually lacking something.

Be it position,
love,
money,
or enlightenment.

Let life happen as it happens.

Know and accept the fullness of each moment.

Look around yourself, see everything as if you have never seen it before.

When life is new, your understandings are new.

NIRVANA IS, WHEN NIRVANA IS.



Nirvana and Enlightenment #39

FREE OF DESIRE

The root cause of unhappiness is desire.

Desire for things that you want.
Desire for people that you want.
Desire for things to be more, less, or different than they are.

Desire is desire.

It is so simple--let go of desire and you are free.

FREE!

NIRVANA can be seen.

Dr. Crew's NLP Lessons #12

CARTESIAN COORDINATES

Cartesian Coordinates are, simply put, an NLP reframing technique. The coordinates are: "If I do xxxx, what will happen?", and "If I don't do xxxx what will happen?"

For example, if I am desiring to eat healthier and eat less sugary and fatty foods, I can use these coordinates in this way: "If I eat healthier and eat less junk food, I will feel better, look better, and have a better opportunity to live an independent and happier life." as well as, "If I DON'T eat healthier and eat sugary and fatty foods, I will feel horrible, look bad, and have to live in fear of the consequences of eating this way."

These Cartesian Coordinates are part of many hypnotic suggestions that I use in my Hypnotherapy practice and are especially effective while in a trance and experiencing Theta brainwave patterns. These suggestions exert influence on one's choices and behaviors as they are introduced DIRECTLY into the subconscious mind. These hypnotic suggestions combined with one's INTENTIONS directly influence behavior.

Say So Long To Soda: 20 Reasons To Ditch The Habit

#5: WEIGHT GAIN

Sodas and other soft drinks have been linked to the ever-growing problem of obesity in America. Diet sodas may be no better. In a recent study, it has been revealed that the sweeteners in diet soda may actually cause you to crave fatty and sugary foods!

Jesus and the Buddha #18

The police answered, "Never has anyone spoken like this!"

JOHN 7:46



Neither have I seen, nor has anyone heard of such a sweet-tongued master coming down from heaven to the midst of many.

SUTTA NIPATA 955

Nirvana and Enlightenment #38

Sometimes your cup is full.
Sometimes it is empty.

What do you do differently when it is full as opposed to when it is empty?

What the Food Industry Doesn't Want You to Know # 10

FOOD COMPANIES DON'T WANT YOU TO KNOW...

...what the phrase "good source" actually means. No doubt you've seen the claim on labels in every section of your supermarket that a product is a "good source" of one or more vitamins or minerals. But, here's what you need to know. To be considered a good source of a specific vitamin or mineral, a serving must contain only 10 percent of the recommended daily value for that nutrient!

For perspective, take Nabisco Honey Teddy-Grahams, which, the label states are a "good source of calcium." You'd have to eat 10 servings--the entire box and then some--to hit the amount you need for the day. Now, think about it: Is it really a good source?

Monday, June 29, 2009

Tara and Bella-VIDEO- A Heartwarming Story

http://shar.es/uj6p

Don't miss this amazing video!!!

This is a story of a relationship between a rescued elephant and a rescued stray dog. They live at The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee.

Simple Kindness: #14

TREAT PEOPLE IN MOURNING THE WAY YOU WANT TO BE TREATED

We approach grieving friends knowing that we can't take away their hurt over the death of a loved one. Grief is a fundamental and inevitable sorrow. We can be of some help, though, by contacting or visiting our friends at such a difficult time. We don't have to say anything profound. We can be simple. "This is such a sad loss, I wanted to be with you and tell you how very sorry I am." We can listen to our friends and talk to them about the person who has died. The mourning may last over a long time, and we can continue to communicate over the weeks and months ahead.



REMINDERS

* Call or send a card to your friend when you hear of the death. If you knew the person who died, say something kind and personal about them.

* Offer practical help--cooking, shopping, or driving--or just pitch in if you see a need. However, don't push the family if they decline your offer.

* Listen to whatever your friend wants to say; encourage your friend to talk about his or her loved one. Share your own stories if you knew the loved one.

* If your friend cries, just sit with him or her. Put your arm around your friend, or give a hug if that seems appropriate.

* If you didn't get in touch at the time of the death, you still can, even months later. Apologize and tell your friend that you were uncomfortable and didn't know what to say, but that you've been thinking of him or her. You'll feel better, and your friend will probably be glad you called.

* It is usually not helpful just to say, "Call me if you need anything." Most people won't do that. It's more helpful to ask, "Is it alright if I call?" Then, make sure you do!


SIMPLE KINDNESS=HOW TO BE KIND IN AN OFTEN RUDE WORLD

Dr. Crew's NLP Lessons #11

POLARITIES

In NLP training, we are taught that it is usually not beneficial to think in "black or white" or "wrong and right" terms. When we see things in terms of these polarities we are closing ourselves off to the possibility that others may see things differently.

The world is full of gray areas that differ from one person to another. To better relate to others, we need to appreciate their way of seeing the world which may differ tremendously from the way we see it. These different views are subjective to each of us. True objectivity exists when something can be proven as a fact. There are many differing views we all have with each other. Very few of these can ever be objectively verified as fact.


When we see things as polarities, we disconnect ourselves from others.

Jesus and the Buddha #17

"Jesus knew all people and needed no one to testify about anyone; for He Himself knew what was in everyone."

John 2: 24-25



"He was expert in knowing the thoughts and actions of living things."

Vimalakirtinirdesha Sutra 2

Say So Long To Soda: 20 Reasons To Ditch The Habit

#4: NUTRIENT DEFICIENT

In addition to the potential health damage that soft drinks cause, they are also deficient in important nutrients. Most soft drinks are extremely high in sugar content which does more damage to the body than good.

Nirvana and Enlightenment #37

NO RULES

Many of life's ongoing experiences become accepted discomfort.

When you were a child and you did not like something, most likely you expressed your discontent by crying.

As you grew up, you learned to temper your feelings and accept situations that you do not particularly feel comfortable in: jobs, living conditions, dysfunctional relationships, and the like.

If you relate this understanding to the average person, they simply tell you, "that's life", or "You've grown up".

But, is this what life is about--acceptance of discomfort?

Many people personally direct their bodies into discomfort by working out in a gym or untold hours in meditation.

Is this truly a pathway to a healthier body and a more enlightened mind?

If you step outside of what is expected of you, if you move beyond what society has guided you to do, you will find a completely different world--defined by a completely new set of rules--a place where there are no rules.

NO RULES=NIRVANA

What the Food Industry Doesn't Want You to Know # 9

THE MEAT INDUSTRY DOESN'T WANT YOU TO KNOW...

...that the leanest cuts may have the highest sodium levels. The reason: When you remove fat, you lose juiciness. To counteract this dried-out effect, some manufacturers "enhance" poultry, pork, and beef products by pumping them full of a solution that contains water, salt, and other nutrients that help give flavor. This practice can dramatically boost the meat's sodium level.

For example, a 4-ounce serving of Shady Brook Farms Boneless Turkey Tenderloin that hasn't been enhanced contains just 55 milligrams of salt. But, the same size serving of Jenny-O Turkey Breast Tenderloin Roast Turkey, which is enhanced by up to 30 percent, packs 840 milligrams!

Saturday, June 27, 2009

Jesus and the Buddha #16

"Stealing, deceiving, adultery; this is defilement. Not the eating of meat."

BUDDHA
Sutta Nipata 242


"There is nothing outside a person that by going in can defile; but the things that come out are what defile."

JESUS
Mark 7:15

What the Food Industry Doesn't Want You to Know # 8

LAND O'LAKES DOESN'T WANT YOU TO KNOW...

...that there is no such thing as fat -free half-and-half. That's because, by definition, half-and-half contains between 10.5 percent and 18 percent butterfat. So, what exactly is the product that Land O'Lakes calls "fat- free-half-and-half? SKIM MILK-- to which a thickening agent with an artificial cream flavor has been added.

You may be disappointed in the payoff. One tablespoon of traditional half-and-half contains 20 calories, the fat-free version has ten. After all, how much are you REALLY going to consume?

Nirvana and Enlightenment #36

Why have seekers of enlightenment, throughout the centuries performed seemingly unnatural acts in order to gain insight, wisdom, and enlightenment?

Because to understand NIRVANA, you need to step outside of the normality of everyday existence and rational thought.

By stepping outside of everyday existence, you enter a world of abstraction.

When you come to embrace the abstract--NIRVANA is instantly realized.

Say So Long To Soda: 20 Reasons To Ditch The Habit

#3: KIDNEY DAMAGE

A recent study of men with a history of kidney stones shows that there was a significant reduction of kidney cancer in men who did not consume soft drinks. The rationale behind this correlation is due to the high concentration of phosphoric acid in soft drinks which causes significant damage to the kidneys when consumed regularly.

Friday, June 26, 2009

Nirvana and Enlightenment #35

A spiritual seeker looks into the mirror and says, "No, I am unworthy."
A monk looks into the mirror and says, "No, I am unworthy."
An ego-filled, young, attractive, successful, business person looks into the mirror and says, "I am very worthy."

What is the difference?

From a worldly perspective, people believe they can have it all.

From a spiritual perspective, people are indoctrinated into believing that spiritual experience is such a far off plateau that there is always more to know, more to learn, more good deeds to perform before they can even hope to have a glimpse of the absolute.

NIRVANA is. Right now, where are you?
Thinking about how unworthy you are?

Jesus and the Buddha #15

"No good tree bears bad fruit, nor again, does a bad tree bear bad fruit; for each tree is known by its own fruit. Figs are not gathered from thorns, nor are grapes picked from a bramble bush. The good person out of the good treasure of the heart produces good, and the evil person out of evil treasure produces evil; for it is out of the abundance of the heart that the mouth speaks."

JESUS
Luke 6: 43-45



"Whatsoever a person commits, whether it be virtuous or sinful deeds, none of these is of little import; all bear some kind of fruit."

BUDDHA
Udanavarda 9:8

What the Food Industry Doesn't Want You to Know # 7

THE FOOD INDUSTRY DOESN'T WANT YOU TO KNOW...

...that food additives may make your kids misbehave. U.K. researchers found that some artificial food colorings and preservatives are linked to hyperactivity in children.

The additives included Yellow #5, No.6, Red #40, and sodium benzoate, all of which are commonly found in packaged foods in the United States. While the researchers don't know whether a combination of the chemicals is to blame or if there's a a single primary culprit, you can find Red #40, Yellow #5, and Yellow #6 in Skittles, and sodium benzoate in many soft drinks.

Thursday, June 25, 2009

Nirvana and Enlightenment #34

Do you like what you see?


If you do not--look somewhere else.

Nirvana and Enlightenment #33

Bodhidharma, the Indian monk who is credited with laying the foundation for modern Zen, traveled to China to become Abbott of the Shongshan (Shaolin) Monastery at the request of his teacher Prajnatara in the sixth century A.D. He is said to have sat in meditation, staring at a wall, for nine years. (Now, he would have been placed into a hospital!)

What does sitting in front of a wall for nine years provide--
Enlightenment?


NIRVANA is.

If you want to, need to, or feel led to sit in front of a wall for nine years to realize this, please do so.


* (FOR ADAM)

Say So Long To Soda: 20 Reasons To Ditch The Habit

#2: SODA CAN POTENTIALLY CAUSE CANCER

Many leading medical scientists now believe that cancer cannot thrive in an oxygen-rich environment. When you drink soft drinks on a regular basis, you are working towards reducing the oxygen state of your body, thereby creating a more conducive environment for cancer cells to flourish.

If you reduce or eliminate soft drinks from your diet, you are proactively working to prevent the formation of cancer cells in your body.

Say So Long To Soda: 20 Reasons To Ditch The Habit

#1: DISEASES FLOURISH IN AN ACIDIC ENVIRONMENT

Soft drinks are highly acidic in nature. Colas are the most acidic of all soft drinks and are the most highly consumed. It is known that many diseases flourish in an acidic environment.

So, by reducing your soft drink consumption, you are proactively working to reduce the possible presence of disease within your body.

Dr. Crew's NLP Lessons #10

PRESUPPOSITIONS

Presuppositions are what we believe is true. NLP holds that when we see things in a certain way, we are allowing ourselves to remain fixated in our growth.

We often hear these beliefs expressed by others in statements such as "well, this is the way I am". What do you think the likelihood is that this person will ever see things differently or believe that they can BE another way? You get the picture here.

When we see ourselves in a static fashion, we are essentially ensuring that we remain this way.

We grow when we are open to seeing other ways of looking at our perceptions and presuppositions of who we are and how the world and others are.

There is a well-known expression from NLP which is "The map is not the territory." If we are looking at a map and believe that this is the way the territory HAS to be we may be in for quite a shock once we attempt to navigate this territory. Any of you that have attempted to follow a map or use GPS to find a location may have had this experience! While the map itself may have been correct at one time, it has no adaptability for the actual territory itself. Similarly, while our way of seeing ourselves or the world may have been quite functional for a period of our lives, it limits our ability to change, grow, and adapt.

Continuing with my analogy of the GPS system, (yes, I realize I am really working this angle here) we know that now it is becoming evident that these systems in our vehicles MUST be updated periodically as roadways are altered, new areas are developed, and even names of streets and towns can change!

If we are using out-of-date maps or GPS systems that have not been updated, we could possibly be lost forever and never get to our intended destination. Now, how is that for a powerful metaphor?

Nirvana and Enlightenment #32

In meditation, the mind is trained to become one-pointed. With a one pointed focus it can not be distracted. This one-pointedness is said to allow an individual to remove the veils of Maya and know NIRVANA.

One-pointedness is a positive thing. It gives you the ability to focus your attention precisely to accomplish worldly objectives.

NIRVANA is NOT a worldly objective.

NIRVANA is free from everything defined by the world.

What the Food Industry Doesn't Want You to Know # 6

SUPERMARKETS DON'T WANT YOU TO KNOW...

...that long lines at the checkout counter make you buy more. If you're stuck in a line, you will be 25 percent more likely to buy the candy and sodas around you, according to research from the University of Arizona. The authors found that the more exposure people had to temptation, the more likely they are to succumb to it.

This may also help explain why supermarkets place common staples such as milk, bread and eggs at the rear of the store, forcing you to run the gauntlet of culinary temptation!

Jesus and the Buddha #14

"Your Father in heaven makes His sun rise on the evil as well as on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous."

JESUS
Matthew 5: 45


"That great cloud rains down on all whether their nature is superior or inferior. The light of the sun and the moon illuminates the whole world, both him who does well and him that does ill, both him who stands high and him who stands low."

BUDDHA
Sadharmapundarika Sutra 5

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Nirvana and Enlightenment #31

Each person's reality is different.

Though you may be living in the same world, same country, same city, even the same house or same room as another person--their life experience is very different than yours. They have known different life defining events.

They are who they are.

You are whom you are.

With this understanding, is NIRVANA the same for each individual?
Honestly, can it be?

Or, is it experienced by each person in their own way?
YES.

Nirvana and Enlightenment #30

PERCEPTION

All of your perceptions are defined by an untold number of parameters:

your culture,
your economic status,
your previous experiences,
your emotional state in any given moment,
and the condition of world politics,
just to name a few.

Perceptions are NOT truth. They are only perceptions.

Truth lies beyond the temporary.
Truth exists in the realm beyond the thinking mind.

Let go and know the truth.

I DON"T Eat Meat, but I'm NOT a Vegetarian!

When I tell people that I don't eat meat, they automatically assume I am a vegetarian.

Meat is defined as beef, pork, lamb, buffalo, and other higher forms of animals. (Basically, Mammals)

I DO eat poultry! Chicken, turkey, etc. I DO eat fish! (Well, only the ones I enjoy). I certainly eat dessert!

Maybe one day I will be a vegetarian, but it's not today. Perhaps this is the first step towards that end. I am not sure.


So, for now. I remain a non-meat eater. But, not quite a vegetarian...yet.

Dr. Crew's NLP Lessons #9

WELL-FORMED OUTCOMES

In NLP, we define what it is we wish to achieve. We need to clearly identify it. Once we do, we focus on a positive outcome and not the negative possibilities.

We use sensory-based language to envision and describe these goals and envision these goals with all 5 senses. Concentrate only on what you CAN impact. This must never be something outside of ourselves such as trying to control another person's behavior or feelings. We need to be aware of what is clearly beyond our control and never waste time and energy trying to achieve that.

Important questions are: How do I control the outcome? How can I truly impact this goal? And lastly, How will I be accountable to myself for following a plan to achieve the goal?

Simple Kindness: #13

TREAT THOSE WHO ARE ILL AS YOU HOPE TO BE TREATED

We sometimes become impatient with those who have a long-term illness. We want them to get better and return to their normal relationship with us. When they remain ill, we can feel overwhelmed. If the ill person is not a relative or very close friend, we may let the relationship go. Many people do this, but we'd feel better about ourselves if we could accept our sense of frustration and loss and continue to be loyal and caring. We don't have to get involved in medical issues or arrangements unless we, the ill person, and their family wish it. We can maintain our friendship simply by staying in touch.


REMINDERS

* When a friend or acquaintance is seriously ill, call or write to say that you are thinking about them. If you're unsure of the person's condition, check with a member of his or her family first.

* Call ahead to arrange a visit. Bring a small gift such as a book or music.

* When you're together, try to focus on the person you've known rather than on the person's symptoms, changed appearance, or surroundings.

* Let your friend say what is on their mind. It is never right or wrong. It may be light or angry or fearful. You can provide comfort by listening in a careful and accepting way.

* If your friend doesn't feel like leading the conversation, ask about his or her family, interests, feelings about the news, or background. If your friend prefers not to talk, ask if you can sit quietly together while he or she rests or reads.

* Call, write, or visit again. If you would like to offer practical help, ask your friend or your friend's family what you can do.



SIMPLE KINDNESS=HOW TO BE KIND IN AN OFTEN RUDE WORLD

Nirvana and Enlightenment #29

UNDERSTANDING

What is understanding?

Something which is accepted by more than one person.

A lot of people have accepted a lot of things--believed them to be truths, only to find out through time and experience that what they believed was true was, in fact, false.

Just because people have claimed an ideal to be true, does not make it true. No matter how ancient the understanding is proclaimed to be.

Truth is what you experience to be true.

What the Food Industry Doesn't Want You to Know # 5

QUAKER CORPORATION DOESN'T WANT YOU TO KNOW...

...that some of its "heart healthy" hot cereals have more sugar than a bowl of Froot Loops! One example, Quaker Instant Oatmeal Maple and Brown Sugar. Sure, the company proudly displays the American Heart Association logo on the product's box. However, the fine print below the logo reads that the product simply meets the AHA's "food criteria for saturated fat and cholesterol". So, it could actually contain a pound of sugar and still qualify! But, guess what? Froot Loops meets the AHA's criteria, too, only no logo is displayed!

The reason? Companies must pay for a product to be an American Heart Association-certified food! That's why the AHA check mark might appear on one product, but not on another, even when BOTH meet the requirements!

Jesus and the Buddha #13

"Those who have no accumulation, who eat with perfect knowledge, whose sphere is emptiness, signlessness, and liberation, are hard to track, like birds in the sky.

Those who compulsions are gone, who are not attached to food, whose sphere is emptiness, signlessness, and liberation, are hard to track, like birds in the sky."

BUDDHA
Dhammapada 7: 3-4



"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat and what you will drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap not gather into barns; and your Heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?

JESUS
Matthew 6: 25-26

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Nirvana and Enlightenment #28

MAYA

The Sanskrit word MAYA is used to describe illusion.
This understanding details that all of life,
all of this world,
is simply a projection of our deluded minds.

But, then what is life?
Why do we believe that we exist?

Some say this gives us the chance to regain the understanding
that we are, in fact, enlightened.

But, why bother if we already are?

MAYA additionally details that you not realizing that you are already
enlightened is also illusion.

MAYA is a concept.
Life is life.

The ultimate illusion is that there is no illusion.

Be NIRVANA, and MAYA becomes your friend.

Dr. Crew's NLP Lessons #8

ECOLOGY

Ecology is an NLP term that is used when one is perfectly and congruently in motion towards an identified goal.

I find it a rather interesting term, as for me, it implies that the "climate" and the "environment" is perfect for CHANGE.

Ecology is achieved when ALL parts of the personality and subpersonality are in sync and perfectly aligned for one purpose. When this occurs, all goals are reachable.

Never To Be Repeated

Part She
Half He

A Divine manifestation
of GOD and Grace

Singular combinations
of magic stars and moonbeams

Sure to change the world.

Never to be repeated.



Kristin Jungen www.SoulSoup.com

Nirvana and Enlightenment #27

People commonly assume that if they could only become enlightened
everything in their lives would change.

If you obtained NIRVANA, what would be different?

Would you no longer need to drink, eat, or sleep?
Would you no longer need a place to live?
Would you no longer need money or a means to provide things for
your physical body?

NIRVANA equals change--YES,
But, life is life--a human body is a human body.

Remember the old Zen saying,
"Before enlightenment--chop wood, carry water.
After enlightenment, chop wood, carry water."

What the Food Industry Doesn't Want You to Know # 4

KELLOGG'S DOESN'T WANT YOU TO KNOW...

...that its Corn Flakes cereal isn't "Diabetes friendly" as the logo on the box's side panel suggests. Australian researchers have shown that carbohydrate-loaded cornflakes raise blood glucose levels faster and to a greater extent than straight table sugar does! (High blood glucose is the primary indicator of Diabetes.)

Beneath its logo, the cereal maker does provide a link to its website where general nutrition recommendations are provided for people with Diabetes. But, those recommendations are authored by Kellogg's nutritionists--and, are simply "based on" the guidelines of the American Dietetic Association and the American Diabetes Association, NOT endorsed by those organizations.

Jesus and the Buddha #12

"As a man with eyes who carries a lamp sees all objects, so too with one who has heard the Moral Law. He will become perfectly wise."

BUDDHA
Udanavarga 22:4



"Your eye is the lamp of your body. If your eye is healthy, your whole body is full of light; but, if it is not healthy, your body is full of darkness. Therefore, consider whether the light in you is not darkness. If then your whole body is full of light, with no part of it in darkness, it will be as full of light as when a lamp gives you light with its rays."

JESUS
Luke 11: 34-36

Monday, June 22, 2009

Cat Dropped In Mailbox is Adopted!

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jQ-5KmiLw3EGssyhzLN85C0tqv9gD98VQI000

A very heartwarming ending to a very cruel act.

How ill and mean some people can allow themselves to become.
How wonderful and loving others can be.

Nirvana and Enlightenment #26

PERFECTION

Stop.
Go outside.
Take a walk down the busiest street you know.
Forgive.
Accept.
See love everywhere.
View the perfection of the non-stop interwoven components of this very
unique and interesting world.

This world is perfect--if you see it as perfect.

All of your actions, all of your emotions are perfect.
All of the actions and emotions of others are also perfect-even if you
choose not to like them.
Everything is perfect and in divine harmony with the universe.

See perfection as you encounter the world.
Accept perfection and NIRVANA is on every corner.

Nirvana and Enlightenment #25

People become distracted from experiencing NIRVANA by the intensity of everyday life.

Jobs to go to because of bills to pay.
Concessions to make because of relationships.

If only you could be somewhere else, doing something else...
in a place where you could just be free, doing what you like...

Does doing what you like equal enlightenment?

NO. NIRVANA is where you are,
doing what you are doing.

Dr. Crew's NLP Lessons #7

CONGRUENCE

NLP theory is that we often do not achieve our goals because there are parts of our subconscious mind that are ambivalent or even self -destructive in its attempts to sabotage us from reaching these goals.

CONGRUENCE occurs when ALL parts of our mind are in alignment with achieving our goal. When this is happening, there is nothing that can keep us from reaching our objectives.

Hypnosis/Hypnotherapy is especially helpful in programming, (or in some cases, REprogramming), our subconscious mind to be in alignment with the goals we seek to achieve. Other ways of creating this congruence are meditation, NLP reframing, and psychotherapy where a trained professional can objectively assist us to keep from self- destructing by clearly seeing areas in our lives that are incongruent to achieving the goals we desire.

Many of our subconscious incongruities are fear-based. These can often include schema patterns such as not feeling worthy, fear of failure, and believing that we don't deserve success. These schemas are often so deeply rooted into our behavior patterns that we do not see them clearly.




Nirvana and Enlightenment #24

Zen is an abstract pathway towards NIRVANA.

Yes, countless Zen Doctrines have been written about how the individual must practice this, and perform that to obtain NIRVANA.

Though many of the tenets are similar--many are also very different.

Shouldn't the pathway to NIRVANA be the same?
Shouldn't what one person says about NIRVANA
be no different from the next?

Why are there differences?
Because the people who wrote the doctrines don't know.

They are only expanding the illusion about NIRVANA-making
something impossible to obtain.

NIRVANA is easy.

It is following all of the paths to NIRVANA which is difficult.

Simple Kindness: #12

BE THE KIND OF IN-LAW YOU WANT TO HAVE

We become in-laws at vulnerable times in our lives. If we have just married, we may be young, unsure of our goals, dealing with unresolved issues in our own family, and adjusting to our new partner. If it's our child who's married, we're facing the end of active parenting, our own aging, and uncertainties about our place in the new couple's life.

Some worry or tension is inevitable. But, we don't have to let that get in the way of our new relationship. We can extend ourselves, be positive, and remember that we are connected to our in-laws by mutual love for a person--partner or spouse or child--we hold dear.


REMINDERS

* When your child marries or is involved with someone, recognize that it can take years for your son or daughter in-law to feel truly comfortable and learn your family's ways. Be flexible, non-judgmental, and patient.

* Don't intrude on your child's marriage or relationship by criticizing, imposing your wishes, or forcing the couple to make difficult choices. In all ways, be supportive, understanding, and encouraging.

* As a son or daughter in-law, treat your in-laws with courtesy. Take an interest in them, and show that you love and are good to their child.

* Don't hamper your partner's relationship with your mother or father in-law. Also, don't automatically adopt your partner's attitude toward them, especially if it's negative, create your own relationship.

* Include your own mother and Father in-law in your family and holiday activities, if possible, encourage ties with your children.


SIMPLE KINDNESS=HOW TO BE KIND IN AN OFTEN RUDE WORLD

What the Food Industry Doesn't Want You to Know # 3

FOOD COMPANIES DON'T WANT YOU TO KNOW...

...that your food can legally contain maggots. Sure, the FDA limits the amount of these and other appetite killers in your food, but that limit isn't ZERO!

The following allowances aren't harmful to your health--but, I can't promise that the very thought of them WON'T make you sick!

Canned pineapple: 20 percent positive mold tests
Canned tomatoes: 5 fly eggs and 1 maggot per 500 grams
Frozen broccoli: 80 mites per 100 grams
Ground cinnamon: 400 insect fragments and 11 rodent hairs per 50 grams
Peanut butter: 30 insect fragments or 1 rodent hair per 100 grams
Popcorn: 20 gnawed grains or 2 rodent hairs per pound
Potato chips: 6 percent rotten chips

Still hungry???

Jesus and the Buddha #11

They said to him, "Teacher, this woman was caught in the very act of committing adultery. Now, in the law, Moses commanded us to stone such women. "Let anyone among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her."

JESUS
John 8: 4-5, 7




"Do not look at the faults of others, or what others have done or not done; observe what you yourself have done and not done."

BUDDHA
Dhammapada 4:7

Nirvana and Enlightenment #23

KOAN

A Koan is a Zen-based statement that speaks the ultimate reality.

Why? Because it says nothing.

"The moment in this vision is nothing to be stared at."

Friday, June 19, 2009

FATHER"S DAY 2009 (Sure Miss Mine)

This certainly is a sad Father's Day for me.

This is the first Father's Day I will experience without my Dad who died just 5 months ago.

I miss him. I love him.

Spend time with your Dad this weekend. You can't spend time with him once he's gone.

Happy Father's Day to all Dads out there and to those who love and appreciate them!

Dr. Crew's NLP Lessons #6

REFRAMING

We tend to set in motion what we expect will occur. This is called how we FRAME an outcome. For example, saying, "I don't think I will be able to do __________(Whatever it is), will almost ensure the same outcome you just set into motion. We believe, as psychotherapists and psychologists, that the subconscious mind seeks to be congruent with the conscious mind often resulting in both seeking balance and homeostasis while ensuring the outcome already set into motion. This has often been referred to as " a self-fulfilling prophecy."

When we REFRAME an outcome, we are allowing ourselves the opportunity to go beyond our limitations in beliefs and experience an outcome better than we can even imagine.

REFRAMING is solution-based, rather than problem-focused.

An example... I was training a woman the other day at the studio. We were attempting to get her to the point where she could hold herself in a "plank" position, (a core exercise) for 2 minutes. Each time she trained with me, we attempted to increase her time in this position by 2 seconds. She had gotten herself to the point where she could hold herself in plank position for 1 min/50 seconds from 20 seconds when we started. I suggested to her that she is very close to the 2 minute goal we had set for her. She said to me that this was not a good day and she even doubted whether she could even do one minute today as she felt so tired and sleep deprived. I explained reframing to her. She got it. She said to me, "Hmm.. maybe today is the day I CAN do 2 minutes." Then added, "Let's see how I do!"

She not only was able to hold plank for 2 minutes, she was able to hold this position for 2 mins./13 seconds shattering her own goal and amazing herself in the process!

In what ways in your life are you limiting yourself by convincing yourself that you CAN'T do something?? Perception IS reality.

Simple Kindness: #11

TREAT YOUR SIBLINGS AS YOU WOULD LIKE THEM TO TREAT YOU

Although we're connected to our siblings from birth to death, the nature of our relationship is usually set in childhood. If we like our siblings, we have peer companions for life, with the ups and downs of any close relationships. If we don't like one of our siblings, we have a constant, irritating reminder of our parents'-and life's-real or perceived unfairness. Avoiding contact won't keep us from thinking about our sibling. But time, maturity, perspective, and deliberate effort can allow us to form a polite connection and even find value in continuing family history and traditions together.


REMINDERS

* If you and your siblings get along, do what you can to strengthen your ties. Call and visit, get together for special occasions, plan trips together.

* If your relationship has been strained, try to create at least cordial bonds on recent experiences, family activities, and polite conversations.

* Encourage contact between your immediate family--partner and children--and your sibling's. The cousins may form warm relationships even if you and your sibling aren't close.

* If you disapprove of your sibling's choices in partner, job, or lifestyle, avoid interfering. Be civil, stay connected, and only offer advice if it's asked for.

* If your sibling has been successful in ways that matter to you, don't let jealousy or resentment keep you from staying in touch; try to focus on other dimensions of your relationship. If you have achieved more, be sensitive to your sibling's feelings, don't show off or try to arouse envy.

Nirvana and Enlightenment #22

ECSTASY


Ecstasy is not NIRVANA.

Ecstasy is emotion pushed to its maximum level.

Ecstasy creates desire for a reoccurence of the experience.

That desire for ecstasy creates the LACK of NIRVANA.

Walking In the Dark

"If a man wishes to be sure of the road he treads on, he must close his eyes and walk in the dark."

St. John Of The Cross

What the Food Industry Doesn't Want You to Know # 2

BEVERAGE COMPANIES DON'T WANT YOU TO KNOW...

that the bottled green tea you've been drinking may not be as healthy as you think. Last year, ChromaDex Laboratories analyzed 14 different bottled green teas for their levels of catechins, the healthful antioxidants in green tea that are known to fight disease. The finding: Catechin content varied widely among the brands. While Honest Tea Organic Honey Green Tea topped the charts with an impressive 215 milligrams of total catechins, some products hardly even registered on the antioxidant scale. For instance, Republic of Tea Pomegranate Green Tea had just 9 milligrams of catechins and Ito En Tea's Tea Lemongrass had just 28 milligrams!

Nirvana and Enlightenment #21

RENUNCIATION

For thousands of years people have renounced their worldly possessions, attempting to free themselves from the constraints of the material world in order that they may truly enter the Spiritual Path.

What are possessions?
Temporary physical objects--which, like human life, only
last as long as they last.

You can give them up if you want to.
But, does giving them up make you more holy?
NO.
Giving them up only makes you someone who has given them up.

NIRVANA does not come from releasing your hold on physical objects,
which simply go back into the energy circulation of the material world.

NIRVANA comes from not caring one way or the other about material possessions.


Jesus and the Buddha #10

"Why do you see the speck in your neighbor's eye, but do not notice the log in your own eye? Or how can you say to your neighbor, "Friend, let me take the speck out of your eye," when you yourself do not see the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly enough to take the speck out of your neighbor's eye."

JESUS

Luke 6: 41-42



"The faults of others are easier to see than one's own; the faults of others are easily seen, for they are sifted like chaff, but one's own faults are hard to see. This is like the cheat who hides his dice and shows the dice of his opponent, calling attention to the other's shortcomings, continually thinking of accusing him."

BUDDHA
Udanavarga 27:1

Thursday, June 18, 2009

What the Food Industry Doesn't Want You to Know # 1

KEEBLER DOESN'T WANT YOU TO KNOW....

that numbers can be deceiving. On the front of a box of Reduced-Fat Club Crackers-in large yellow letters-you'll find the claim, "33% less fat than Original Club Crackers." The math is accurate. The original product contains 3 grams of fat per serving, while the reduced-fat version has 2 grams. So, statistically, it's a 33% difference.

But, is it meaningful? And why doesn't Keebler tout that its reduced-fat cracker has 33% more carbs than the original? Maybe the company simply doesn't want you to know that when it removes 1 gram of fat, it replaces it with 3 grams of refined flour and sugar-hardly a healthy trade off!

Simple Kindness: #10

BE THE KIND OF PARENT YOU WOULD HAVE LIKED TO HAVE

During our busiest child rearing years, we can easily get caught up in the practical details of meeting our family's needs and dealing with immediate situations.

Our attention is so much on the here-and-now that we often don't notice how time and our own words are shaping our child's character. We want our children to become confident, happy, disciplined, loving, and able to defend and take care of themselves. But, we can't help them toward these goals without consciously focusing on the long-term effects of what we do. It takes deliberate effort, time, love, and much patience to guide our children and set them on a good path through life.


REMINDERS

* Continually show your children with words and actions that you love, value, and truly accept them. Make their welfare your highest priority.

* Give them steady guidance. In ways appropriate to their ages, remind them often of how to act, stop them from behaving badly, and teach them your values. Don't belittle them, hit them, or compare them to others.

* Give your children hope that their futures will be great and that they can overcome problems. Set the stage for an interesting life by involving them in sports, arts, science, reading and various hobbies.

* Show each of your children equal love. Step in to stop sibling rivalry; pay more attention to each of your children so they'll feel fairly treated.

* As your children go off and attend college or make their own homes, respect their independence but continue to offer love, encouragement, help, and guidance. Make it easy for them to stay connected to family.

* Foster their ability to be self-sufficient rather than to rely upon others for every thing. Have them comprehend, by your own example, how to relate to a partner and compromise within a relationship that is mutually honest and respectful.


SIMPLE KINDNESS= HOW TO BE KIND IN AN OFTEN RUDE WORLD