The Art of Knowing is Knowing What to Ignore
"The art of knowing is knowing what to ignore" Rumi
I saw this posted recently by a friend on Facebook, yes Facebook. Again, from Rumi, "The art of knowing is knowing what to ignore." I appreciate the simplicity of this illustration and how it depicts the lens we each view life, and what we see or do not see....Waka Poetry – Part I
Spiritual Change: Tie Your Shoes Differently
“Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don't resist them; that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like.” Laozi
It was 1989 and I was just feeling ready for life to move forward for me, after a series of very challenging years. I asked an old friend named Bill while sharing thoughts on life and spiritual growth, “What do I need to do to begin the process of change in my life in a profound way?” Bill was one of the most trusted and supportive men in my life when I was beginning this process of spiritual development. He was a wise, gentle and loving person who made a great life for himself after a messy beginning. You could always count on “Old Bill” to offer a warm hug and caring advice. At this point in my life, I did not trust many people and took even less advice. Asking for help was not one of my strengths....
Spiritual Teachings on Smiling – The Janitor: Part II
“Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened.” Dr. Seuss
I began working with the Urban League of Greater Madison in October of 2003 as a Social Worker serving adolescents' mental, emotional, social, cultural, and academic needs of the student population in Madison, Wisconsin. I loved the work and the kids.Spiritual Teachings on Smiling and Humility
After being at the school for a little while, I began to build a relationship with one of the janitors. His name is Oscar, and he is a beautiful man born and raised in Costa Rica. He has a dark complexion seen on the Caribbean Coast of Costa Rican with a graying beard, sideburns, and short, wavy, balding hair. He typically wears T-shirts with bright colors. Oscar’s brown eyes are full and deep. He moved to the States several years ago as an adult. He is friendly in such a warm and genuine way that it is hard not to want to be around him. His smile beams greater than almost anyone I’ve ever seen, radiating the hallway during casual conversation. Oscar always finds a minute to engage in brief interactions, each filled with his presence and sweetness. ...Spiritual Training in Humility: The Janitor Part I
“Pride is concerned with who is right. Humility is concerned with what is right.” Ezra Taft Benson