Life, Thoughts & Coffee - Page 13 of 70

March 6, 2012April 16, 2012

emailing and letter writing

I miss letter writing, a lot. I know there’s email, it’s simply not the same though. A month ago I was looking for an exquisite pen; it was a gift and I’d misplaced it. I began looking on one of the shelves (I’ve five very long shelves). After looking for a few seconds, a very familiar looking box got my attention. It was a box with a bunch of old letters, and the bunches were tied with the loveliest of ribbons, and they seemed to be, well, waiting, I thought. And I asked myself, waiting for what? There was no answer. So I reached for the box that for many years was carted from one place to another, now seemed the perfect time to take a look at what the past might reveal.

For the most part, reading the letters was wonderfully entertaining. Some of the people who wrote those letters have passed away, and the people who are alive are all leading very different lives. The letters ran the gamut of emotions, and, of course, they had an entirely different affect on me than when first read many years ago. I’ve changed, along with everybody and everything else. Again, what was revealed that evening was that everything is always changing. It wasn’t sad; it was just, wow, that all happened?

Although we are privy to many historical intimate letters, somehow when the letters of a long time ago are from people personally known, written in their own handwriting, and allowing the recapturing of memories, if only for fleeting moments, a different feeling arises. It’s a very nice feeling; I’d call it calming because somehow I sensed that everyone was fine – right here, right now; dead or alive; they’re all fine.

I’m sure many people would be excited to open their mailbox and see, along with junk mail and bills, a handwritten, personal letter on beautiful stationery. And, as for the one writing the letter, I remember it’s very satisfying, and tends to put things into perspective. Oh, yes.

I haven’t found my pen yet.

Sweet dreams, everyone.

March 4, 2012April 16, 2012

detoxing {:-)

You’re not bored with reading about detoxing, are you? I’m posting about this subject again because it’s important to share this particular treasure box. Have you experienced detoxing yet? There’s a marvelous list of things that happen to mind body emotions spirit when we commit to detoxing and to breaking old habits of dependency on foods that don’t serve us well. The detox journey, written about in the book CLEAN by Alejandro Junger, is a perfect guide for 21-days of cleansing. And the CLEAN website allows for connection to a community of like-minded people, and, additionally, a professional and friendly support team is ready to answer any and all questions needing answers.
wwww.cleanprogram.com

A list of foods need to be eliminated when beginning the Pre-Cleanse, and the reasons why are thoroughly explained in the book. On the Pre-Cleanse, meals are chosen from the menu section of the book, and three full meals a day are eaten for three days. It’s a nice head start before starting the Cleanse which consists of two liquid meals and one full meal a day. I’m enjoying shopping for, buying, and bringing into my kitchen a delightful array of foods not tried before, and embarking on an unfamiliar way of eating. When first looking at the food selections in the book, I didn’t realize how much fun it would be to completely change a way of eating. Change is good!

Before beginning the program, the thought occurred to me to skip the three-days of Pre-Cleanse, but daughter Sumi said, “I think you should do it.” I’m glad I did; Sometimes it’s good to heed advice. Truthfully, as far as the Pre-Cleanse was concerned, I was ready for ghastly headaches occurring from being deprived of coffee and caffeinated teas. The only thing that happened was being in a state that hovered between foggy head and stupor. It was only for three days though. Of course, everyone will have different experiences.

Today is my third day on the Cleanse (Hallelujai!), and I’m thinking that more of an understanding of body mind emotions spirit is coming into play, and I’m beginning to feel that following the Cleanse to the letter, brings an experience unlike any other.

I think it’s vital to read the book with a fine tooth comb, so to speak, because therein lies the powerful motivation for wanting to do the Cleanse. Once the book is read (and reread throughout the Cleanse), and an understanding of how toxins, sickness, healing, health happen, a whole new world opens up. And that is nothing less than empowering.

I hope your day was all you wanted it to be.

Sweet dreams.

February 26, 2012October 17, 2014

joshua bell and an experiment

Rush hour in many major cities is an intense time. This story though is about so much more. Last year I experienced “rush hour” when waiting for someone at Grand Central Station. I was standing in front of a store window when suddenly many people raced by – a stampede is what it was. They began brushing up against me; I started to think I had become invisible. I was occupying a small space and moving a few inches back wasn’t a possibility. I won’t say anymore except that the insanity will stop when we fully understand the power of the present moment.

This remarkable story has been traveling around by way of email.

“A man sat at a metro station in Washington DC and started to play the
violin; it was a cold January morning. He played six Bach pieces for
about 45 minutes. During that time, since it was r…ush hour, it was
calculated that 1,100 people went through the station, most of them on
their way to work.

Three minutes went by, and a middle aged man noticed there was
musician playing. He slowed his pace, and stopped for a few seconds,
and then hurried up to meet his schedule.

A minute later, the violinist received his first dollar tip: a woman
threw the money in the till and without stopping, and continued to
walk.

A few minutes later, someone leaned against the wall to listen to him,
but the man looked at his watch and started to walk again. Clearly he
was late for work.

The one who paid the most attention was a 3 year old boy. His mother
tagged him along, hurried, but the kid stopped to look at the
violinist. Finally, the mother pushed hard, and the child continued to
walk, turning his head all the time. This action was repeated by
several other children. All the parents, without exception, forced
them to move on.

In the 45 minutes the musician played, only 6 people stopped and
stayed for a while. About 20 gave him money, but continued to walk
their normal pace. He collected $32. When he finished playing and
silence took over, no one noticed it. No one applauded, nor was there
any recognition.

No one knew this, but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the most
talented musicians in the world. He had just played one of the most
intricate pieces ever written, on a violin worth $3.5 million dollars.

Two days before his playing in the subway, Joshua Bell sold out at a
theater in Boston where the seats averaged $100.

This is a real story. Joshua Bell playing incognito in the metro
station was organized by the Washington Post as part of a social
experiment about perception, taste, and priorities of people. The
outlines were: in a commonplace environment at an inappropriate hour:
Do we perceive beauty? Do we stop to appreciate it? Do we recognize
the talent in an unexpected context?

One of the possible conclusions from this experience could be:

“If we do not have a moment to stop and listen to one of the best
musicians in the world playing the best music ever written, how many
other things are we missing?”

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“It’s foolish how we rush through life and cry that time is on the wing. We’re living in eternity, and time is just a clockmade thing.” – R. McCann

February 21, 2012October 17, 2014

essene market&cafe, and the house of tea, ltd

This past weekend I meandered over to Essene Market&Cafe in Philadelphia to buy chick pea miso and wheat-free Tamari at WWW.ESSENEMARKET.COM”>WWW.ESSENEMARKET.COM On the way to, and directly across the street from Essene was a shop called THE HOUSE of TEA.Ltd. The shop’s window beckoned tea lovers by enticingly displaying some teapots and accessories from around the world. Yerba mate was on my list so I went in and took a place on line. It was a small shop and it felt as though it had history. I didn’t mind standing in that particular line listening to customers ordering. There were many wooden bins filled with teas I’d not heard of, and customers easily paid much more than I was used to paying for a few ounces of tea. Quality tea, I thought, as I continued to wait. I bought yerba mate and left knowing it wouldn’t be my last time in that little shop.

Now this is what I want to tell you. A few days later I checked the website of this small shop with history: WWW.HOUSEOFTEA.COM and was treated to a wonderful biography of the founder of the tea shop. And all I want to say is that if there’s any one reading this who can’t decide what to do in life, as odd as this sounds, you just might find inspiration when reading about the life of the founder of the small tea shop. Click “Our Heritage” and read about “Nathaniel Litt, architect, circus clown, magician, chef, jam-maker and tea shop owner – changing careers seemed as easy as changing his socks. If he got interested in something, he simply did it.” And I want to add that he didn’t do anything half way; he trained at some of the best places.

Ah, life, how very interesting it all is.

It’s another beautiful, warm and sunny day where I am, and I hope it’s the same for you.

Let’s enjoy.

February 19, 2012October 23, 2014

a thought for the day

“Looking at the stars always makes me dream, as simply as I dream over the black dots representing towns and villages on a map. Why? I ask myself, shouldn’t the shining dots of the sky be as accessible as the black dots on the map of France. Just as we take a train to get to Tarascon or Rouen, we take death to reach a star. We cannot get to a star while we are alive anymore than we can take the train when we are dead. So to me it seems possible that cholera, tuberculosis, and cancer are the celestial means of locomotion. Just as steamboats, buses and railways are the terrestrial means. To die quietly of old age, would be to go there on foot.” – Vincent Van Gogh (as researched by Australian director Paul Cox)

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February 18, 2012April 15, 2013

clean by alejandro junger

I’m preparing for the clean program. You, too? I’m so excited! I’m thinking that compared to the starkness* of the lemonade diet, this will be quite doable. After reading the book and understanding more about the body and sickness, nothing can keep me from experiencing the benefits of getting rid of all the toxins in my body, some caused by me, and some caused by our environment. Dr. Junger has written in detail and what he says is easily understood – integrating body mind emotions spirit – he’s left no stone unturned – and the workings of it has become extremely clear. Dr Alejandro Junger is at 470 Broome Street, New York, NY 10013, and he has a retreat center in Costa Rica.

Of course, coffee has to go. And I have to ask myself why I purchased Trader Joe’s Costa Rican Tarrazu last week when I was considering the Clean Program. What a contradiction; ah, well, some habits are deeply embedded. BUT, that’s okay, my chant for the day is yerba mate.
www.traderjoes.com

It’s another beautiful day where I am, and I hope it’s the same for you.

Let’s all have an outstanding Saturday.

*starkness” because . . . I stayed on for 21-days, and that was not good judgment on my part – there were signs that said stop. Silly me!

February 18, 2012April 15, 2012

common sense, is it true?

I received the following email from my friend, Lilian, in Malta. I’m thinking that what’s written about the “death” of common sense seems true, but, then again, those people who take no responsibility for what happens to them, well, that kind of negativity never fails to make the headlines. However, we can see common sense alive in numerous instances every day, and in different ways, and know that indeed it’s still alive though it tends to go unnoticed and doesn’t make the headlines.

The following makes for interesting and fun reading though:
*. *. *. *. *. *. *

An Obituary printed in the London Times – Interesting and sadly rather true

Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who has been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was, since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape. He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as:
– Knowing when to come in out of the rain;
– Why the early bird gets the worm;
– Life isn’t always fair;
– and Maybe it was my fault.

Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don’t spend more than you can earn) and reliable strategies (adults, not children, are in charge).

His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well-intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place. Reports of a 6-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his condition.

Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the job that they themselves had failed to do in disciplining their unruly children.

It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer sun lotion or an aspirin to a student; but could not inform parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion.

Common Sense lost the will to live as the churches became businesses; and criminals received better treatment than their victims.

Common Sense took a beating when you couldn’t defend yourself from a burglar in your own home and the burglar could sue you for assault.

Common Sense finally gave up the will to live, after a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot. She spilled a little in her lap, and was promptly awarded a huge settlement.

Common Sense was preceded in death, by his parents, Truth and Trust, by his wife, Discretion, by his daughter, Responsibility, and by his son, Reason.

He is survived by his 4 stepbrothers;
I Know My Rights
I Want It Now
Someone Else Is To Blame
I’m A Victim

Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone. If you still remember him, pass this on. If not, join the majority and do nothing.

February 4, 2012October 17, 2014

phineas parkhurst quimby

Every so often I read the “spam” that finds its way to this site. Some are funny (thanks for the laughs), nicely written, and, once in a while, there’s that one person who gets carried away with thinking, usually about politics. And I’m a little concerned about this one person who seems to spend too much time with politics-as-usual: the shenanigans – putting it mildly – of the stock market, banks, corporations, big pharma, all that campaign money, lack of honest presidential candidates (except one), etc. I have to ask, Have you any solutions? Are you holding family and friends hostage, and forcing them to listen to your take on these subjects? You know what they say, focus on solutions, not on problems. Perhaps you have to start looking outside the box. Start with a copy of Ode magazine. It tends to inspire; the editor and writers look outside the box. Or, if you just want to complain, maybe you could buy a journal and write, write, write. At the end of a month, read it. You might discover something about yourself.
www.odemagazine.com

Strangely, the above somehow reminds me of Phineas Parkhurst Quimby. Long ago I bought a 56-page book written in 1951 by Ann Ballew Hawkins. Have you heard about Dr. Quimby? Well, he was born in New Hampshire in 1802, and lived in Maine most of his life. He was a clockmaker. What he really wanted to do though was to focus on the mind of man and how to get man to use the Mind of God. He spend much of his time exploring this topic, and, through trial and error, arrived at a conclusion. He had to do his own homework as in those days information wasn’t at his fingertips. What he had was a bible which he studied unrelentingly, and with, “elementary pioneer work he discovered Spiritual Truth through experiment, patient research, and revelation.” Finally, he was able to heal.

He said the same things in many different ways “hammering” the Truth into those who needed healing. He often said, “Christ is God.” and, “The inner man is Christ.” He sought to prove this scientifically so that he could explain Spiritual Truth to his patients. That’s exactly what he did; healing thousands of people. Ann Ballew Hawkins wrote that” Dr. Quimby “worked upon scientific principles, the philosophy of which was perfectly explained by him and understood by the patient.
www.ppquimby.com/resources/sources.htm

And so, Mr. politics-as-usual spammer, let’s focus on this from Dr. Quimby: “What we do not want in experience must not be entertained in thought.”

It’s Saturday, many are out walking and enjoying. Let’s enjoy, too.

February 2, 2012October 17, 2014

sadhguru jaggi vasudev

You don’t go to bed with the nightly news on your mind, do you? Uh-oh, that would be like preparing for a night of insomnia, or a restless sleep. Why would you want that? Tell me you’d never think of going to sleep with the nightly news in your consciousness, or anything else of that ilk. I heard you, you said, no way. Wonderful!

A few nights ago, I looked at my bookshelf and there at eye-level was MIDNIGHTS WITH THE MYSTIC by Cheryl Simone and Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev. I looked at the book and it was saying, it’s me you want. That was true. Even though I’d read it twice, it’s a book that needs to be read more than once.

Have you read MIDNIGHTS WITH THE MYSTIC A Little Guide To Freedom And Bliss? In the book, Cheryl Simone shares so much of her life with us – the parts she thought worked and the parts she knew were in need of an overhaul, for instance, deteriorating health, over-achiever, perfectionist, etc. Though it turns out that the parts she thought worked, also needed an overhaul. She begins the book by telling of her early life, then her professional life. It’s very personal which is vital to the story. However, a spiritual life is what she’s always wanted, and, well, at this point in time, we can say, desperately wants. However, no matter where she searches, no matter the teacher, progression is painfully slow for her. She notices the advancement of those around her, but, time and time again, she’s disappointed. Then she meets Sadhguru. Finally. . . .

He’s to stay at her place, and Cheryl arrives at the Atlanta airport to meet him. He’s come from India and they’re heading, with his assistant, toward the North Carolina mountains where Cheryl has a house on Glenview Lake in the midst of the rainforest. Cheryl’s mind is on the questions needing answers. She’s sitting next to the person she now calls her teacher, and she knows that he’s well-able to answer all of her questions. He’s behind the wheel; he likes speed. It’s an invigorating ride. She wastes no time, the conversation begins. . . .

The conversations in the late evening can have us wishing we were right there with them in the stillness of the night, by the lake with a fire at our feet, beauty all around, eating tortilla chips and salsa and learning about boundaries and boundlessness, and so much more. Their routine for one week is that Sadhguru stays in his room all day working, and in the evening after meals, and close to midnight, they walk to the lake, get in Cheryl’s boat, and head toward an area chosen by Sadhguru to talk and talk.

Ah, I can’t see how you’d ever regret reading MIDNIGHTS WITH THE MYSTIC, and learning about Inner Engineering, Sadhguru’s story, and the answers to all of Cheryl’s questions.
www.ishafoundation.org
“Some people call it God, some people call it Allah, Einstein called it E, and we are calling it Ishwara or Isha.” – Sadhguru

Is it time to read?

Sweet dreams.

*. *. *. *. *. *. *

“self-realization is not given to you by the guru. He simply
removes the obstacles that are beyond your perception.”
-Sadhguru

There is a
Force within
that gives you life
Seek that
– Rumi

January 29, 2012April 15, 2012

watkins books

On Friday I had a fractured tooth extracted (Dr. H. Fraiman’s skill in that matter is greatly appreciated), and while waiting for the swelling to disappear, and for the stitched space where the tooth once was to adjust, I read Watkins Issue 28 of Body Mind Spirit. In the pages of the magazine, writers who have books recently published give a synopsis of their thoughts and of the way they approached the writing of their book, or a bit more is given on their chosen subject. What I enjoy most about Watkins is the variety of writings on the very broad topic of mind body spirit. What better way to feel better, whether from a tooth extraction or a more serious situation, than to focus body mind spirit on wholeness.

Had I known years ago that a place called Watkins Books existed, I would have, lickety-split, found a way to get to London. Alas, it wasn’t meant to be. Since then, I’ve heard extraordinary stories of the atmosphere of the place, of the feeling customer’s got from just being there, and of the books and the customers themselves. In a feature titled, Mysteries and Secrets The Power of Modern Spirituality, the title of his book, William Bloom expertly describes the Watkins Books of decades ago. But that was then, and this is now, and now is wonderful, too, just in a very different way.
www.williambloom.com

In the magazine, it’s written that: “John Watkins was a friend and disciple of H.P. Blavatsky and was himself personally involved in seeing the first edition of ‘The Secret Doctrine,’ her great metaphysical classic, through his printing press.” and that, “The idea of founding the bookshop is said to have occurred to Mr. Watkins in a conversation with Madame Blavatsky in which she lamented the fact that there was nowhere in London one could buy books on mysticism, occultism,and metaphysics.” And so, Watkins was founded in 1893.
www.watkinsbooks.com

The last page has been turned, and the day is lovely; let’s enjoy.