Art and Soul (Pam Grout)

I LOVE this book. I love it. Did I mention I love it? I randomly happened across this at the library and am tickled by the synchronicity of doing so. The book is chock full of joy, reality, whimsy, inspiration...

Based on the premise of delving into life via tidbits given over 53 weeks (i.e. 53 chapters), the author has an amazing way of weaving bursts of wisdom into "real-life" scenarios. From endings at each chapter, ("You're in Good Company!" describing well-known peoples' struggles & quirks, such as "Richard Bach's 10,000-word story about a soaring seagull was rejected eighteen times before macmillan finally published it in 1970. By 1975, it had sold more than seven million copies in the United States alone.), fun quotes at the beginning of each chapter, ("The role of the artist is not to find solutions, but to compel us to love life in all its countless, inexhaustible manifestations"-Leo Tolstoy), and "More Fun Stuff" to do throughout ("Have a fifteen-minute conversation with your body", "Clip coupons for things you don't want and leave them on shelves near the products", "Rent your favority Disney cartoon and eat gummy worms")....it is a constant source of fun and suggestions to adding oomph to life.

It is copyrighted in 2000 so a bit of an older book, but still available. (Several copies on Amazon for right around $2 !!) Visit the library, spend the equivalent of a Starbucks visit on Amazon,...just take a minute to check it out. Or contact me - I'll be buying at least one copy and am happy to get you another. :)

Now. Go. Live. Have Fun.

The Small, Powerful Ways of Kindness

I just blogged on my other site (lifeunity.blogspot.com) how other people's small and seemingly insignificant acts of niceness have made a big difference in my life recently. I love this and, consequently, am trying to be inspired to infuse this niceness throughout my life.

There are many others out there who share this spirit and provide a delicious spark of inspiration and good-feelings in my heart. Take just a minute to check out some of these sites:

www.operationnice.com (I've been following her blog for a bit - Melissa is an amazing woman who seemingly intuitively knows how to go the extra step.)

www.secretagentlinpgh.blogspot.com (Just discovered this one and am so inspired by the anonymous acts. I'm already thinking how to use my own creative crafting to get started on my own!)

There are so many more, but the kids call. I need to heed my own advice and be nice to them.

Under the Sun cafe offers a different way to worship | IndyStar.com | The Indianapolis Star

Under the Sun cafe offers a different way to worship IndyStar.com The Indianapolis Star

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I love this idea and have often thought of trying to get something like this together. This seems like a great way to integrate worship and friendship (both having the same goals of growing closer, no?!). I don't call myself a Christian / Methodist but am anxious to attend one of these services. It seems as though the environment would be inviting, and Christianity (with its many denominations) holds many valuable messages from which any of us could benefit.

Thoughts?

Start At Your Own Feet

Once again, Karen Maezen Miller hits home with me.

Check out her recent blog at Shambhala Sun:
http://www.shambhalasun.com/sunspace/?p=11372

There is nothing like encouragement to bring the esoterical practices that are far too often kept between church hours or only during meditation practice to everyday, mundane life.

No excuses, no escapes. Life is right now; every moment is another chance to experience love, kindness, and breath-full being.

Be Strong To Be Useful

I ran across the title quote today while reading my husband's Men's Health. (It's interesting to read a variety of health and fitness magazines to learn different tips!)

This is a beautiful reminder of why I challenge myself to consistently lift weights, do the elliptical, and put myself through mental obstacles ... in order to make my body and mind stronger. I incorporate breath and sift through deep philosophical and religious literature to bring in the spirit.

Sometimes it is a breeze but most of the time it is easier just to find an excuse and flip on the t.v. But as my muscles grow stronger, I find the reward of my children's laughter as I'm strong enough to throw them in the air. As my core grows stronger, I reap the benefits of a strong back and the resulting increase in bending/lifting I can do without pain (therefore able to clean up more toys without losing it with the kids for having to do so). As my mind and spirit grow stronger, I'm able to realize my creative potential, to remember the countless sources of wisdom I've come across, and to feel the strength and beauty of life. All of this makes it that much more natural to jump on the elliptical next time and to keep the cycle going.

For now, I need my strength to change my daughter's diaper.

The Velveteen Rabbit

I admit I all-too-often shorten the bedtime "routine". Tonight was one of those nights when I just wanted to get the kids to bed and get back to my own projects.

My son had chosen one of those books - one of the books that is far more text than photos and takes a good 15-20 minutes to read. I prefaced by saying we weren't going to read the whole thing. Luckily for us, I changed my mind 2 or so pages into the book. Yet another life lesson - if I'll just get my expectations out of the way, I'll see how beautiful each moment can be.

That being said, I'd like to share one of the parts of the book that inspired me to keep reading...and to keep thinking about the story long after my son's eyes closed. I'm sure many of you are familiar with the story of the Velveteen Rabbit. But, like me, you may only remember it as "a good story", or the general story line. It, like so many other classic stories, holds wisdom that is quite appropriate for an awakened life.

During a conversation between the Rabbit and the Skin Horse (the oldest and wisest toy in the playroom), the Rabbit inquires about what it means to become REAL. The Skin Horse explains that "Real isn't how you are made, It's a thing that happens to you. When a child loves you for a long, long time, not just to play with, but REALLY loves you, then you become Real."

After a bit more explanation, the Skin Horse shares, "It doesn't happen all at once. You become. It takes a long time. That's why it doesn't often happen to people who break easily, or have sharp edges, or who have to be carefully kept. Generally, by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out and you get loose in the joints and very shabby. But these things don't matter at all, because once you are Real you can't be ugly, except to people who don't understand."

My hope is that we each realize that we are all truly REAL.

Don't fear breaking, sand down your sharp edges, and love the loose, droopy, and shabby parts of yourself. Don't worry about what others think of you. Play HARD, know that the wear-and-tear off life - those things that are inevitable - don't have to cause suffering. The rough and tumble moments are part of the benefit of being REAL, of being alive. Take a li'l moment to smile and remember that childhood love that is a reflection of the magic all around us.

Michael J. Fox: Adventures of an Incurable Optimist

I'd viewed commercials for this program on TLC and immediately set the DVR to record it. We just got around to watching it this evening. Amazing program.

I'm sure it can be found somewhere online (Hulu, anyone?), but the program was a documentary about self-described eternal optimist, Michael J Fox, and his journeys around the world to explore optimism. While it was only an hour show, he was able to speak to everyone from a local man who passed out free newspapers with a smile and a kind, energetic word for everyone to those who live in Butan (between India & China), where the government focuses on GNH: Gross National Happiness.

During the segment on Butan, Michael mentioned that his symptoms (of Parkinsons) seem to be noticeably diminished. Though he acknowledged not knowing the cause, I find it amazing the connection between such a positive place and an increase in wellness.

I'm looking forward to researching more about the culture of Butan and the GNH. Watching Michael J Fox and his physical challenges alongside his "incurable optimism" is an inspiring spark in the gut.

Of note, they did mention in the program that optimism and pessimism are both needed (the optimist may charge into unknown territory but not notice the bear's footprints alongside the river...)

I'm curious - do you describe yourself as an optimist or a pessimist? Would you like to be more of the other?

Living Awake

There are many traditions, religions, authors, seminars, websites and other forms of collected information that advocate "awakening". Just what is this awakening, and why is it important?

I dunno.

Easiest answer I can give. All I know is that in my life, I've had moments that seem to be growing longer and closer together during which life seems richer, more vibrant. I could be physically doing exactly the same thing I've done countless times before, but something is different.

Alongside this, I've had times when things just seem to flow. I get inspired by an idea, run with it, and find that random supporting people and materials just seem to show up.

There is so much more to life than most of us limit ourselves to. Life is more than a job, more than a family, more than goals, dreams, fears, beliefs, wars, kisses, diseases, hate, and love. Living Awake is being mindful of even the possibility of the juiciness of life, even if sometimes we aren't tasting it.

This blog is my little part to share my inspirations - those things that help remind me to Live Awake.

May you find your own inspirations, your own passions, and make every moment of your life yours. May you join me in living awake.