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a sticky situation

This week in a Brooklyn magazine I read a column in which people write in for adivice on how to handle sticky situations. For instance, a couple bought a house with a much needed garage because they live in a busy community where parking is not always readily available. The husband works long hours, they have three children (one has special needs whose school is a distance from their house), another child is on the way, and the car is used throughout the day. This is the sticky situation: one or two neighbors often park in front of the couple’s garage “for a few minutes.” The owner has to go knocking on the door; the offender apologizes when caught. Then the same thing happens again, and again. Once it took 20 minutes for the neighhor to answer a knock because she was taking a shower. Geez!

Many thoughts came to mind when I read about this particular situation: lack of manners, no common sense, using what’s not theirs, inauthentic apologizing, bringing stress into another’s life, etcetera. The advice given by the writer of the column was to have the neighbor’s car towed. She said the complete inconvenience of getting the car back, plus the elbow grease needed to remove the sticker from the car, would stop the illegal parking. I agree; it would do that, however. . . . There’s got to be a better solution for all involved.

The above advice reminds me of a quote by Albert Einstein on the definition of insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. And it reminds me of a wonderful passage I read, and I wish I’d kept because it rings true for just about any situation we encounter. Mankind is evolving, every person will eventually be in the folds of the Divine – no matter how long it takes. Evolvement requires that we move beyond the way things have always been done. A quick look at what’s going on in our world suggests that it’s time to do things differently. We need to begin to understand that there are other ways of handling sticky situations, no matter how small, no matter how big, and it’s up to every individual to find that way. It’s not something that can be handed to us on a silver platter. Going to the next level requires the attention of our whole self because it comes from within. If the above garage situation advice is followed, it’s likely that other stressful situations will follow on its path.

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To know how to live is my trade and my art. – Michel De Montaigne

When we allow ourselves to exist truly and fully, we sting the world with our vision and challenge it with our own ways of being. – Thomas Moore

You are not a beggar at the table of life. You are the honored guest. – Emmanuel

Before you die, dare to walk the wildest unknown way – Bryce Courtney

Always look for creative solutions to every day challenges – Deepak Chopra

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the flow

Someone I know is in the flow. To watch is to be struck by the way it happens, struck by the series of events that line up in perfect order, seemingly with ease, for a most satisfying result. When we look beyond those events we can understand that there was a build-up of mental and physical focus and an aligning of heart and mind. We don’t have to agree with the result of what someone has achieved, but to watch it play out is to witness something extraordinary.

Maybe the reason we don’t all choose to consciously focus is that we get bogged down with our negative thoughts, and don’t realize their power.

When we feel we’re ready to experience being in the flow, we’ll need quiet time – there are a lot of ways to get from where we are to where we could be. When we listen in the quiet and trust, we’ll get there.

Being in the flow is a delightful inside job.

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a black bra

This is a very simple story, and, since it’s Martin Luther King Day, I want to tell it. It was in the 1970’s that two baby girls were born, and at a certain age they became very good friends. One of them was black; the other was white. In high school, among other things, they stayed true to what many teenage girls do, -try to figure out what was what in the fashion world. White shirts were popular, and detailing one’s bra wasn’t, at least not in the every day world. The girls discussed this, and one day one of them said she had the answer, she’d bought a black bra, it’s perfect, and, she said, you have to buy one too. And so it seemed that what went underneath a white shirt was solved. Away they went to purchase a black bra for the one who didn’t have one. In the fitting room, however, it became obvious that what worked for one wasn’t going to work for the other, and, of course, they did what many fourteen year old girls do; they giggled. Imagine a world in which no one notices, or cares about, another’s skin color, and just understands that the Creator created with variety in mind. When we look around it’s apparent that there’s no boredom in the Creator’s work – only boredom in our way of thinking. www.mlkday.gov I said it was a simple story.

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pat robertson


I have read that more and more people are believing in reincarnation. If reincarnation plays a part in our existence, and if Pat Robertson’s opinion about Haiti (generations ago, people in Haiti sold their souls to the Devil and are now paying for it) is written in stone for him, we needn’t upset ourselves – too much. I have read that there is a Law in the Universe, and the Law responds to every unkind word or action, just as it does to kindness in word and action. And so, perhaps in a future lifetime Pat Robertson will experience being born in Haiti, thereby giving him first-hand knowledge, along with a sincere understanding. At that time, any opinion he has about Haiti will at least be based on experience, rather than on a loose tongue. Whether it would be that way or not, I imagine that the Law has interesting ways. . . .

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thich nhat hanh, emmet fox, joel s. goldsmith, yoga unveiled


There are times when life gets hectic, and we think we’re too busy to add anything else to a full schedule. Many people find that that’s not necessarily true, however; they find that taking time to be still, and to be in the silence, has a way of easing a hectic day, thereby allowing it to become full and harmonious instead of busy and hectic. Thich Nhat Hanh, Emmet Fox, Joel S. Goldsmith, and Yoga Unveiled are waiting to be included in a hectic and busy day.


Essential Writings by Thich Nhat Hanh, a Vietnamese monk, was “Drawn from more than twenty of his books. . .” I think when we live in the way explained in Essential Writings, we discover that mindfulness is the key to staying in and appreciating what’s before us to do; Essential Writings could be a wise choice for 2010. Thich Nhat Hanh uses different words that say the same thing – always reminding us in a gentle way that “. . . life can be found only in the present moment.” And “Our appointment with life is in the present moment.” On the back cover is written, “. . . Through his writings and retreats he has helped innumerable people of all religious backgrounds to live mindfully in the present moment, to uproot sources of anger and distrust, and to achieve relationships of love and understanding.” www.plumvillage.org


I think there’s a wonderful energy emanating from the words in The Sermon On The Mount by Emmet Fox (1886-1951). He was born in Ireland, educated in England, lived and lectured in the United States, and died in France. His writings are not preachy, and his words open a reader’s mind and heart. He studied, researched, practiced, lectured, and, in The Sermon On The Mount wrote in a concise, easy and eloquent manner about Jesus’ teachings, and their relevance in our every day life. It could be a wise choice for 2010.


Thinking about meditating this year? -The Art of Meditation by Joel S. Goldsmith (1892-1964) could be a wise choice for 2010. Here are a few words from the back cover of the book: “Joel Goldsmith, one of the great American Christian mystics of the twentieth century, spent his life educating others on ‘The Infinite Way, . . .'” Also on the back cover is written: “. . . The art of listening for the inner voice is the advanced form of prayer practiced by mystics down through the ages, regardless of their religious tradition. Practicing the simple procedures outlined in The Art of Meditation will connect readers seeking spiritual wisdom with God and open their consciousness to the knowledge of who they really are.” And Marianne Williamson has this to say about the book: “. . .Joel Goldsmith has opened a door in my soul. He has helped me immeasurably in my search for peace.”


Yoga Unveiled goes back to a place and time when yoga came into being, and the different forms of yoga that have evolved through the centuries. All those interviewed bring yoga to life, so that the “gift of yoga” – the reasons for yoga – are clearly understood. And understanding yoga results in an Aha! moment. It’s about yoga, yes, but it goes far deeper than realized upon first watching. I love this DVD, and appreciate having it in my life. www.yogaunveiled.com

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2010


HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!

May we all be followed pursued sandwiched in surrounded by:

love
joy
harmony
laughter
truth
wholeness
abundance
strength
adventure
forgiveness
success
inspiration
creativity
beauty
compassion
love

May 2010 be our beautiful work of art.

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jesus


It’s the month of December and I’d like to write about Jesus because, since watching Paul Davids documentary film, JESUS IN INDIA, my thoughts about the life of Jesus have expanded. Once in a while, a movie, a book, a person, an experience comes along, and, after that encounter, things are not quite the same again. That’s the way it was for me and the film. I watch the film every so often now, and am always inspired by the spectacular scenery, the music, the people, the words, and I let it all sink into my heart and mind.

Pete Hammond, Hollywood.com, wrote: “JESUS IN INDIA” IS A FASCINATING AND PROFOUND FILM, A DEEPLY SPIRITUAL JOURNEY CERTAIN TO MAKE YOU THINK AND QUESTION IN WAYS YOU NEVER HAVE BEFORE. And that it does. www.jesus-in-india-the-movie.com


Edward T. Martin was involved in the making of the film, and so I looked for his book, KING OF TRAVELERS, and wasn’t able to find it in Philadelphia. However, I checked at the information counter at Strand Book Store in Manhattan, and was told “One book with that title came in this afternoon.” I looked for it, and there it was. The price was $2.00; I bought it. It’s fascinating that sometimes it’s just that easy.www.strandbooks.com

The film also mentions Elizabeth Clare Prophet’s book, THE LOST YEARS OF JESUS. And in the CRITICAL ACCLAIM FOR THE LOST YEARS OF JESUS section, there are a host of seemingly knowledgeable people who’ve written highly about it. I’ll give it a thumbs up too.


It seems to be that when we zero in on something, after a while information about it begins to fall in our lap, so to speak, and the book JESUS LIVED IN INDIA by Holger Kersten was mentioned. I couldn’t find the book until one day I walked by Garland of Letters on South Street in Philadelphia. I backtracked and went inside, and there on a long table displaying an interesting selection of books was one by Holger Kersten, the one I’d been looking for. Where were you a few months ago when I was here? I inquired of the book. At the register the cashier looked at the book, and looked at me, and said, “This book is great. My friends are reading it.” And so it goes. www.yogaunveiled.com

It was at Garland of Letters on South Street in Philadelphia that I picked up Volume 8 – Number 2 of EVOLVE magazine where it’s placed to the left of the entrance door, and read about Paul Davids, and how the seeds of the film, JESUS IN INDIA, were planted in a course he took in Mahayana Buddhism when he was a student at Princeton University.

Always there seems to be controversy with the mention of Jesus. We all have beliefs, some are written in stone, others not, — good to keep an open mind. In the end, our own diligent research and tapping into what the heart tells us, might serve us well.

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a garbage bin

The day is beckoning, the sun is shining, the rain has stopped, and many people are prepared for December shopping.

And the large garbage can in the mailroom of the building where I live is filled with Christmas catalogs and advertisements -bags of these unsolicited mailings go from mailbox to garbage can. Subscribing to or buying anything generates a flood of unsolicited newsletters and catalogs – companies seem to be begging for business, and, from looking at the garbage can, it’s apparent that this way is not working for either side. The question is how long will the waste continue? I bet the mail carriers would like to know.

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. . .to use, to consume, has found its ultimate expression in our own times, when the ideal is to take the natural resources from the earth and transform them by industrial processes for consumption by a society that lives on ever-heightened rates of consumption. That consumption has something sacred about it is obvious from the central position it now occupies. This is all quite clear from the relentless advertising campaigns designed to convince society that there is neither peace nor joy, neither salvation nor paradise, except through heightened consumption. -Thomas Berry

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consider philadelphia

Historical places, good restaurants, easy walking city, theatre, museums, fine hotels and B&Bs, the best Philly cheesesteak sandwich, and sports are what visitors expect when in Philadelphia. It’s easy to collect a long list of things to see because the city gets better every year. And people tend to know this because more people are coming as tourists, and as residents. Philadelphia is about history, and about museums (many are along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway), there’s Chinatown, small new shops, interesting walking tours, dueling piano bars, comedy clubs, jazz, Reading Terminal Market, Fairmount Park, a terrific zoo, and a Philadelphia Convention Center being expanded for bigger and better meetings. At the Independence Visitor Center at the NE corner of 5th and Market Streets well-informed people stand behind a long counter ready to answer questions and distribute the appropriate pamphlets for neighborhoods of choice. And a cafe awaits nearby for regrouping and sorting of plans. Maybe you can find Albert Lee. www.independencevisitorcenter.com

Though Philly is a fairly small city as cities go; it has all that’s expected of a city without the maddening crowds. The Christmas lights are up, at Macy’s the Wanamaker organ is ready for glorious Christmas music, and Rittenhouse Square Park feels good when walking pass the simply displayed, with a touch of elegance, Christmas lights.

Tour buses, walking tours, horse drawn carriage tours, a Duck tour, or a pointed finger will guide you to the buildings surrounding the Independence Visitor Center where history is waiting. Hungry and feet tired yet? Want a relaxing meal? You won’t have to go far.

With feet rested and energy replenished it’s time to see more of what’s uniquely Philadelphia. If you’re still in the general area of Market Street, a walk on 3nd toward Arch Street offers splendid shopping, and Betsy Ross’s house and Benjamin Franklin’s final resting place are on Arch Street. If Elfreth’s Alley was by-passed earlier, now is a good time to take a look.

And should there be an interest, a nice walk north on 3rd Street toward the 600s, and a turn east toward 2nd Street, will find a retail shop belonging to Penn Herb Co. Ltd. at 603 North 2nd Street, and also where an up-and-coming neighborhood is enjoying a new look. www.PennHerb.com A stroll on 3rd rather than 2nd will find a fine array of shops. However, if someone wants to take a glance on 2nd Street, or other streets leading toward the 600s, why not.

But then, there you are all the way north; perhaps now you have time to go south checking out what’s on Walnut Street, or continue walking south to the antique shops, and the Italian Market, and much more. Or you can wend your way west to the University City area to see what’s going on there, or perhaps you want to go to the theatre. A little reading of maps and pamphlets, a decision, and away you go. Keep it uncomplicated, Philadelphia has been here a while, and you can always come back, right?

Whatever or do, wherever you go, enjoy.

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a new yorker

If you live in Manhattan long enough you easily become a food snob. And often you’ll hear a New Yorker say that the pizza, the bagels, the coffee shops, the fine dining are better in Manhattan than anywhere else . . . in the world. Of course, many people would like to argue this point, but the truth is that it’s useless to argue this point with a Manhattanite. Somehow in the course of living in Manhattan, a person slowly becomes brainwashed. I’ve seen it happen time and time again. In fact, if you argue the point long enough, you’ll be treated to another list of what’s “better in New York than anywhere else.” I’m not saying it’s a bad thing, but that it’s rather peculiar, and, at the same time, funny. Funny because a New Yorker takes it all so seriously. How do I know? I know because I was there once upon a time, and I understand how it all happens

When a New Yorker travels almost invariably someone can say without hesitation that that person is from New York because there’s an edge one develops after living there a while. It’s not good; it’s not bad. It just is. I’ve heard that it takes a good two weeks for a New Yorker to calm down when away on vacation.

Than again, as I think more on this subject, it’s certainly true that things have changed, and the category of food snob has widened to include many other cities — large and small. Indeed, New Yorkers, move over and make room for the others.

And enjoy the day.