Do you have an Angel

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There are times when I’ve thought I must have an Angel, one who watches and protects me. I am not sure if it is true, or if Angels exist, but it feels right.

The other day while walking past this store. Just as we were about to pass it, I said, “let’s go in inside.”

We were greeted by a warm cheerful voice, "Hi, would you like an Angel reading?" Wow! Never would have imagined hearing someone ask me that question in a million years. I was not sure what it entailed. But, I thought, why not.

A wonderful insightful woman, Karen Forrest, was sitting on a couch at the back of the store. I liked her immediately, she had a nice warm smile and caring eyes. As it turned out she is the author of Canadian Angels by your side It is a wonderful book with many interesting short stories illustrating how Angels have intervened to help people. She gave me a short "Angel reading" which involved a general question, What is my life purpose? In less than five minutes she affirmed that I am on the right spiritual path. Who am I to argue with that?

Do you believe in Angels?

This is Nothing

Ajahn Brahm Inter-Viewed

I love Ajahn Brahm because his main lesson is not to take one's self seriously, and he leaves me with a genuine smile from deep within. Do you understand?

Lakota Voices - Arlette Loud Hawk: Part 1

The simplicity of her message is so profound. We all have to live together and co-exist in harmony. Remember your dreams, you have choices, make the choice that will allow you to live a meaningful life.
She is speaking about the massacre at Wounded Knee in 1973.
( AIM is American Indian Movement )

I also encourage you to watch part 2.

High Noon Crisis

Acedia. Acedia. Acedia.

You are feeling bummed? I mean really, really, depressed to the point where you feel that life is pointless and there is nothing you can do that will make a difference. Do you care? If, you don't care. Or if you don't even know that you don’t care? This is acedia, apathy, indifference, isolation, depression.

You don’t have to be a monk, hermit, or someone who lives a solitary life to experience acedia.

Ever since I heard the interview on CBC’s Tapestry with Kathleen Norris speaking about her book on the subject I’ve been thinking about the meaning of acedia. It is an uncommon word but it likely describes accurately how some people at some point in their life have felt. I’ve had conversations where this was definitely a state of mind for some people. A feeling of absolute apathy, and irrelevance. What do you do when this happens and how do you support people who are experiencing acedia?

Kathleen Norris says that action, like going out, visiting friends or some activity you enjoy will take you out of acedia. It is imperative that even if we feel this action is meaningless, we should force ourselves to do it in spite of those feelings. By our acttions, we find a conduit, which leads us out of the this dangerous fog. She further says an extreme case of acedia will only lead to suicide. If this is how you are felling please get some help.

Another interesting article on the subject worth reading, you may also enjoy this blog.

And yet another interesting read Noonday Demon.

What is your Story

In the wonderful city of twittervile I came across this blog. It is an inspirational blog and speaks to humanity's spirit. Moreover, you will meet many people interviewed in this blog who will inspire you with their courage and strength. Awesome!

I recommend you grab your favorite beverage and enjoy the dialogue between Phil and his subjects.

Zen Master Sosan's Hsin Hsin Ming

Watch this video with an open mind. No judgment. The practice of non-duality.

The path is clear and it is not. Taking a deep breath and listening to this poem again. "Cease attachment from talking and thinking is to be awaken." "To have a narrow mind and to be attached to getting enlightened is to lose ones center..."

I listen to this first with a thinking mind and was further from the center. I listen to this again with a non thinking, non judgmental mind and just was.

Practicing non-duality - takes practice - and no practice

#1 use for my ipod

"Oh, I see you have been listening to your ipod. What are you listening to? " asks my husband.

"Nothing" I reply.

huh?

"Yes. I am literally listening to silence." I added.

He looked surprised, so I continued "I am listening to a podcast from Treeleaf which has a 20 minute, 30 minutes, and one hour silent meditation segments."

"You're the only person I know who has over a thousand songs and uses their ipod to listen to silence." He says shaking his head.