“To listen entails a fundamental letting go of self-centeredness. We have to be willing to put down our own thoughts, views, and feelings temporarily to truly listen.”
A flower doesn’t stop being beautiful just because somebody walks by without noticing it, nor does it cease to be fragrant if its scent is taken for granted. The flower just continues to be its glorious self: elegant, graceful, and magnificent.
Our Mother Nature has provided us with these immeasurably valuable teachers that blossom despite their short lifespan, stars that continue to shine even if we fail to stare at them, and trees that don’t take it personally if we never bow down in gratitude for the oxygen they provide.
We also have an incredible and unlimited capacity to love, but the question is: Can we do it like a flower? Without needing to be admired, adored, or even noticed? Can we open our hearts completely to give, forgive, celebrate, and joyfully live our lives without hesitation or need for reciprocity?
It seems like sometimes we go beyond taking things personally and are noticeably deflated when unappreciated. In fact, devastated, we wilt in sorrow and then attempt to guard ourselves by withholding, using all sorts of protections and defenses. We get hurt (even angry) if our boss fails to recognize an astonishing feat, if a lover pulls their hand away, or when a friend forgets our birthday. Can you imagine a flower copping an attitude for not being praised, or the moon dimming its glow because we’re too self-absorbed to notice it more often?
Make an effort to shine NO MATTER WHAT, to love unconditionally, and to be a kind and gentle soul (even when nobody is watching).
And, if you’re so inclined, hug the next tree you see and say, “Thank you!”
~ Excerpt from Buddhist Boot Camp by Timber Hawkeye
LARGEST TREE IN THE WORLD
Location : Giant Forest of Sequoia National Park in Tulare County, California, USA.
The General Sherman Tree is the world’s largest tree, measured by volume. It stands 275 feet (83 m) tall, and is over 36 feet (11 m) in diameter at the base. Sequoia trunks remain wide high up. Sixty feet above the base, the Sherman Tree is 17.5 feet (5.3 m) in diameter.
Was wondering of the lifetime experiences that this tree must have been through.
Of how many seasons it must have seen
Of how it must have survived through the storms
As well as enjoyed the beauty of springtines
Of the countless lives it must have generously sheltered
Did I offer peace today? Did I bring a smile to someone’s face? Did I say words of healing? Did I let go of my anger and resentment? Did I forgive? Did I love? These are the real questions. I must trust that the little bit of love that I sow now will bear many fruits, here in this world and the life to come. Henri Nouwen
Came across these words which can serve as a great reminder.
Good thoughts makes way for a good day… Think well.
I think if you exercise, your state of mind – my state of mind – is usually more at ease, ready for more mental challenges. Once I get the physical stuff out of the way it always seems like I have more calmness and better self-esteem.Stone Gossard
Well said and true for it only shows how much our mind and body is integrated.
We are bonded in a connection By infinite fibers between us Both visible & invisible At times tangible in the feeling Some times palpable in the sensing But it takes an acknowledgement Of the beauty of us beyond the I.
Creativity thrves in an open minded approach with an ability to trust and try.
To take a chance is to take a step into the unexplored unknown dimensions of potential possibilities.
The creative spirit is replenished in such an atmosphere.The forays into the unknown can be a pure game of chance.
A dare unto beyond that may or may not pay rich dividends. But in those trials and tribulations a creative soul is nurtured. And new paths are created to journey on!
It is not about what we are having or doing. It is about how we are feeling. It is about how we make others feel.
It is not about where or how we are staying It is about with whom we are staying.
It is not about where and what we have studied. It is about what we are speaking. It is about the tone of our talking.
It is not about the form or attire we are wearing. It is about the approach n attitude we are having.
We live not with the luxuries of life But with the state of our mind , our constant companion.
One word, or one stare has the power to change the whole state of mind, irrespective of the surrounding. Being aware n having the right attitude in this ever changing life and making them Positive ones is within one’s reach.
All it needs is the effort to make even the harsh moments to consoling & soothing moments with the right words n approach.
Yes. It needs a lot of training n conditioning to change the mind set, to walk the right path. Yet it is worth trying as it brings peace n happiness to self & others.
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