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Month: March 2011
Now You See Me…
A few days ago, a fellow blogger asked her readers to share daily practices that served them well. By my own admission, I struggle with consistency and organization. I'll get into a routine and not before long, I will be on to something else, tossing what originally worked, not because I want to, but because I haven't stuck with it long enough to remember what worked in the first place! Blame it on my three darlings, who have an uncanny ability to make my thoughts vaporize before I can get them out of my head and on to paper. Nonetheless, when asked this question about daily practices, I didn't have to think too long or hard before I could rattle off a list of things. I don't do these things every single day, but I manage to do them on most days, and from week to week. Together, they've become an integral part of my life and are rudimentary to my being, as they ensure that I thrive as a wife and mother, and any other roles in which I am required to be effective. In order, I listed the following:
- I love.
- I eat.
- I find and create the JOY within.
- I post motivational words on Facebook, or quip about an observation that left an indelible mark on me.
- I write.
- I drink coffee.
- I kiss and tell my husband and children that I love them…again…and again…I didn't hear those words much as a child (making up for 'lost' time?).
- I crochet orders for my business, HomeSpun Handmades.
- I workout – 3-5x a week. It's MY Prozac. (This usually includes some form of cardio, and most definitely jumping rope and dancing, spinning, or teaching fitness, all while listening to some bangin' beats!)
- I dance…like no one's watching! Seriously.
Though I'm pleased that I can do these things on a regular enough basis, I'm not so pleased about what I conveniently left out – those practices that I find myself guilty of not doing on a regular enough basis. Undoubtedly, their incorporation would also serve me well. I think that if I am to engage you in conversation about authentic relationships, and owning up to our own truths, I should at least be transparent and allow you to touch and feel me in my wholeness – in my abilities as well as my limitations, in my convictions as well as my fears, and in my shortcomings as well as my successes. I want you to get a glimpse of my fullness as I believe that it is what makes me uniquely designed for this ministry of writing, of inspiring, of relating, of creating.
Therefore, in an effort to present myself whole, balanced, flawed, and human, I've put together a list of those practices in which I know I come up short. (Warning: This list is by no means exhaustive.)
- Pray – I would like to pray more…more actively…more fervently…more meditatively…without ceasing.
- Intently study the Bible and the Quran, as well as other spiritual books and principles of thought on the subject of God, his centrality, his universality.
- Read. Allow me to qualify. I read, but I find that I don't complete enough books. On my nightstand is my nook, as well as a few other books that I go in and out of, all of which require completion. On my windowseat is more of the same, including Wally Lamb's "I Know This Much Is True", Walter Mosley's "This Year You Write Your Novel", my leather-bound journal, and a black hard plastic spiral bound notebook in which I also keep my writing. I am often reading more than one book at a time, for different reasons. For instance, I'm currently reading "The Crafts Business Answer Book" by Barbara Brabec, and "Traveling with Pomegranates: A Mother-Daughter Story", by Sue Monk Kidd, and Ann Kidd Taylor. (I kid you not! :o Aside: One of my personal literary goals is to penetrate, explore, and ultimately demystify the mother-daughter mystique through my own experience, while referring to the vast knowledge already written on the subject.) I imagine that the abundance of books, and simultaneous reading of a few, is typical and necessary for burgeoning authors. Let's hope that I'm right!
- Be a master administrator. I'd like to be more consistent in managing the administrative end of my home-based business. Admittedly, it's so much easier and rewarding for me to create the products than it is for me to track expenses, enter sales, and build an online presence. Though I quietly acknowledge the importance of the behind-the-scenes work that goes into any business, for-profit or non-profit, I despise the minutia that goes along with it. The devil is in the details, I know.
- Give myself enough quiet time. Ummmm…Namaste. In the hurriedness of my day and managing my household and all that comes along with it, the desire to devour my to-do list whole, not burn daylight, and meet deadlines (many of which are self-imposed), leaves me with little unadulterated, unfiltered quiet time to do absolutely nothing. This is a guilty pleasure in which I need more indulgence, as I'm certain that it will afford me clarity in many areas of my life, but I sometimes tend to override it when it's within view because somewhere down the line, I've been trained to "get it done".
Whew! Glad I got that all out there! Don't judge me! LOL! :o Are there some areas in your own life where you feel you come up short? Better said, are there practices that you'd like engage in more regularly, that you know without a doubt, would make you more effective? Please don't tell me that this is a one-woman show. Do tell!
This entry was posted in Life and tagged becoming an author, daily practices, I Know This Much is True, Personal Organization, personal shortcomings, religious education, Secret Life of Bees, Shopping, Sue Monk Kidd, This Year You Write Your Novel, Time management, tools for effective living, Traveling with Pomegranates: A Mother-Daughter Story, Wally Lamb, Walter Mosley.
Just Can't Keep it to Myself! (Pt. 1)
Though I had gotten my fair share of sleep the previous night, the onset of weather-related allergies made me feel unusually tired and groggy. My equilibrium was way off! I felt lopsided, and my head felt heavier than usual, forcing me to sit up long enough to grab the poncho that I had been crocheting and turn on the TV. It is rare that I get to watch TV during the "work" day, but I figured since my workday is pretty much all day, then that rule need not apply. Plus, I could no longer bear to stand without feeling off-balance. I toggled through the On Demand menu and settled at Oprah's OWN Master Class, featuring none but Miss Oprah herself! As if that wasn't enough, I felt like I struck gold when I saw that this was a two-part episode! (I believe it comes on sometime next week, but for those who can't wait, part one is already On Demand.)
I came away with such incredible insight… beautiful nuggets, gems really…that I just couldn't keep them to myself! Listening was like having a one-on-one with Spirit, through a wise old sage or modern-day griot; like having a private consultation with one who has already lived life as a great master teacher, one who was now taking the time with me to impart some life-altering truths, if practiced, and wisdom to get me geared up for the next leg of my journey. I came away from the session knowing that I was – still am – on the right track in this quest to live Life As An Art, masterfully and deliberately! It was the conviction and confirmation that I didn't know I needed. What I gathered spoke so loudly to me. You better believe I had my notebook handy! I'll do my best to capture some of these lessons below. Oprah's words appear in italics. All else is courtesy of yours truly. :o
"You can't survive in this world just believing in yourself…Your very presence comes from something greater." One thing I liked about her sharing this particular truth, was her careful insertion that one, very decidedly, plays a role in creating the outcome, as "co-creators…co-creating life with a Creator".
"The universe speaks to us always…first, in whispers, subtly…at first, it doesn't seem to make sense…then the whispers get louder." Then you have no choice but to act, right? This is how I was led to share this in the first place. So get quiet that you might hear, and then follow!
"Make a decision to do and be the best. Doing your best always puts you at the next level." I believe this is especially true if you want to be effective. People know when you haven't given them your best. Worse yet, is you know, so level up! Don't settle for mediocrity, or with being average when you know that's not good enough. Strive for excellence.
"Know your purpose, otherwise you're wandering. The sooner you know, the sooner you'll get to working…it feels like it's the right space for you, where you feel most yourself." Oprah's is to inspire, to be a teacher, to teach and to learn. By this time, the hairs on my arms were standing upright! Could it be…? Be and act purposefully, ensuring that the things that you do are somehow aligned with this greater purpose. Be in tune, as well as attuned. Should you find yourself dreaming, then dream…on purpose!
"You are worthy." You know I know, without a doubt! This isn't being cocky, not one bit! I know that I'm worthy because I've been entrusted with the gift of life, to be used as an instrument, a conduit, a vessel, for helping others attain their highest selves. That gift is worth more to me than any accolade, publication, admission ticket, or any worldly validation…and oh, by the way, it's not for sale. It's worth? Priceless!
Last but not least, know that "Everything is preparing you for the moment that is to come." Oh, how sweet the sound! Acknowledge and Respect the Now!
Stay tuned for Part 2!
This entry was posted in Life and tagged Abundant living, Becoming a master, Invictus, Life lessons, Living with Excellence, Master Class, OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network, Purposeful Living, Self-actualization, Weather-related allergies, William Ernest Henley.
From A Distance
In response to a previously written post, titled "Stuck on Stupid", one subscriber commented that the lack of empathy could be to blame for what, until now, I've perceived as open displays of stupidity. To quote, she said: "Funny business aside, I think there is also a severe lack of empathy going around. Some people aren't that stupid, they just don't care! It is just your problem after all. Why should they care?" While I maintain their separation, I agree that the increasing lack of empathy in our society is even more troubling than sub par intelligence. The responses following the unprecedented earthquake and tsunami in Japan present a remarkable opportunity for making this case.
Despite increased globalization, we remain worlds away in terms of our connectedness to people around the world. Events that occur in places as far away as Japan and Libya are told as effortlessly and casually as if they were happening right down the street. Before too long, we are bombarded with live, exclusive, and "raw" footage. Moreover, the delivery turns into a rapid-fire succession of image after image. It's no wonder some folks are tuning out, and becoming desensitized in the process. Furthermore, reporters relate the news with such detachment, and seem to lack the emotional intelligence required to connect with the people most affected by the events in any meaningful way. You wonder if they are on autopilot as they segue into the next "breaking news" event, which may not even be news at all – could be a viewer-submitted video of a grandmother spraying a would-be robber in the eyes with her bottle of Charlie! :o It makes no difference, because it is all communicated with the same indifference, stoicism, and urgency.
I've got to believe that the viewer becomes overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude and scope of the events themselves, and the visual display that accompanies such devastation. Despite our desire to do something, at some level, even the most empathetic among us feel that these problems are too big for our individual input to be impactful. History has informed us that there is power in numbers, so instead of going it alone, some of us align ourselves with any of several social, action-based, volunteer-driven organizations to make a greater impact. Some of us will act individually; we may write a check, give of our own resources, organize fundraisers, or partner informally with like-minded friends or family to raise awareness and do our small part.
Then there are those that will do absolutely nothing…no matter what…period. Let's not be too quick to write them off as ne'er do wells , or as folk who weren't raised as loving, compassionate children. Still, I don't believe that these are necessarily bad people. I'm sure that their apathy isn't as calculated as it seems. I think that their response or lack thereof, is complicated. They reserve the right to be as uninformed and disconnected as they want to be, and I don't expect them to budge for anything. Their supremacist beliefs and ethnocentric POV is a current that is almost impossible to stem. Since I'm a believer that there's more good in this Earth than there isn't, I won't occupy too much of my precious intellect on them. Certainly, there may be an economic component. Asking someone who is financially strapped, or can't see their way to Monday, to give money may be asking a bit much. But what about those who have resources, yet remain apathetic? Could it be that they've become so as a result of repeated news cycles? Perhaps they've tuned out like the reporter? Or sadder yet, perhaps they don't think it's their problem. Could folks be that disconnected? Is it an issue of judgment, even? Does it have anything to do with what they feel is a "natural" order of things? By that, I mean do they believe that if this is God's will, then they shouldn't run interference? Undoubtedly, these catastrophic events are of "biblical proportions", but there's nothing "natural" about them. We don't naturally conjure these occurrences. They are outside the realm of most of our thinking…I hope. Not even Stephen King could have whipped up this monster! Okay, the jury is still out on that one. :o But let's say, for argument's sake, that the manifestation of these events is the fulfillment of prophecy. Is it okay to then sit back and watch your fellow-man pick up the pieces from the devastation, for which he isn't directly responsible?
Sadly enough, I have heard several "faithful" people link world events to God's displeasure about the practice of chosen faiths other than Christianity. At the end of the day, aren't we all God's children, belonging to one race, and when affected by disaster, don't we have the same basic needs and wants for our families – food, clothing, shelter, safety, love, and compassion? These are clearly commonalities that define us all. So while I agree that the magnitude of events is startling, I also believe that we have the power to act in transformative ways that can ultimately bring relief to those that need it most. Whether it's the neighbor facing foreclosure, a crisis called Katrina, harrowing hurricanes in Haiti, or a tumultuous tsunami in Japan, we have the ability to show empathy in ways great and small. The choice is ours.
We cannot respond to everything; however, we cannot become so disheartened that we become paralyzed or powerless, and do nothing. Purposeful or not, these events will challenge us on many levels, and bring our human limitations in fuller view, but we are more than our limitations, and as such, we cannot afford to take a backseat. Should disaster strike even closer to home, we may very well find ourselves wanting and waiting, hoping and praying, and certainly yearning for the empathy of our own neighbors…from a distance, far or near.
Are We A Nation, Sweet Honey In The Rock f/ Yonas
Related Articles
- How to Talk to Your Kids About the Disasters in Japan (GeekDad Weekly Rewind) (wired.com)
- Charities/ Fundraisers for Japan Relief
This entry was posted in Children, Life, On Love and tagged acts of faith, All God's Children, Book of Revelations, Empathy, God is watching, interfaith cooperation, Natural Disasters and Hazards, prophecies of the Bible, religious tolerance, social action, Stephen King, Talking to Kids about Japan, Tsunami, world disasters, World Religions.
Stuck on Stupid
The term "zero tolerance" is thrown about quite a bit these days. You hear it in school anti-bullying platforms, corporate quality control procedures, and more intimately, with regards to gender, sexual orientation, and race-based discrimination. But what about discrimination against folks that are just plumb dumb? Is that allowed? Let me clarify that by "dumb", I'm referring to a segment of society that acts as if somehow the possession of even an iota of common sense makes no sense at all. These are folks with access and information at their fingertips. The last time I checked, you didn't have to be Harvard-educated to have some damn sense about you. Great day!
Through a series of events over the last few days, I've come to discover that there are even lower levels of tolerance than zero. It seems that I have a below-sub-zero tolerance for stupidity. That's not redundant, if you're wondering. I want to make sure that you get "it" – my level of intolerance – that is. (I'm holding up the peace sign, as made famous by Martin Lawrence, moving it from the front of my eyes to yours, to signify the connection that I'm trying to establish with you as we move this conversation forward. You feel me?) When crossed, my threshold for air between the ears creates an unnerving sensation in my body, and brings out the absolute worse in me. The display just makes me want to reach across the counter and snatch somebody stupid! So much for anti-bullying! :o
Yesterday I was thankful for good healthcare, and today, I am just p.o'd at the folks that stand in the way of my actually getting this care, and the host of enabling systems and accompanying cast of characters – from the "I can't think for myself/that's not in my job description/can I do anything else for you today?" chick at the pharmacy counter, to the parent committee chair who simply regurgitates a presented problem, adding absolutely no value of her own, while refusing to even consider the recommendations that are given. After all, considering a recommendation might actually require one to think, as well as act, and who has time for all that work? So then I'm left to wonder if this is stupidity or sheer laziness. I don't know…I'm just saying.
It's as if these characters are on auto-pilot, paid not to think. Perhaps they think they would be rendered incapacitated by a creative or independent thought. I can't imagine what would happen were they required to manually calculate change at a cash register. Heaven forbid! I'm not asking for them to fly me to the moon, but could you just go a little deeper…please…try me. How am I supposed to maintain my composure and sense of decorum when I'm confronted with this foolishness? I'm clueless. So in the meantime, after numerous attempts at civility with pharmacists, receptionists, apprentices, and "customer service" representatives, I find myself boomeranging up and down two major streets, in between pharmacies, and then going home to wait on these dumb "professionals" to call me when they're good and ready with something as vital as medicine for a sick child. Daggone shame! This just doesn't seem right, especially when so many folks are unemployed.
Thanks for listening! You've been great! :o Now it's your turn to quip about the subject. Come on, indulge me with your personal encounter of "Stupid in Motion", and together we can probably come up with something for counteracting. Better yet, share with me why you think this phenomenon is sweeping the nation at such an alarming rate.
Related Articles: The Ten Commandments of Customer Service
This entry was posted in Life and tagged anti-bullying, customer service, Martin Lawrence, Postaday2011, postaweek2011, stupid in motion, stupid is the new smart, worker incompetence, zero tolerance.


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Even Dewdrops FallTaitetsu Unno was born in Japan in the 1935 and moved to the United States at the age of six. During World War II he spent three and a half years behind barbed wire fences at a Japanese internment camp in Arkansas. He was later educated at the University of California, Berkeley, and reeicieved advanced degrees in Buddhist studies at Tokyo University. Currently, he is the Jill Ker Conway Professor of Religion at Smith College and an ordained priest of Shin Buddhism. More »
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The Path / NirvanaTHE BUDDHA OFFERED no support to the view that we, as individuals or as a species, are naturally evolving toward liberation from lifetime to lifetime whether we try or not. The path of Dharma requires conscious, skillful effort. Without Dharma, each individual's continuum of awareness continues without end, moving from one dissatisfaction to the next. The Buddha was not content to reach states of awareness that bring mere temporary bliss or peace. He was seeking ultimate liberation from the cycle of existence. And this was his great discovery. More »
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NirvanaTHIS [FOURTH NOBLE] Truth announces that when craving is removed suffering ceases and nirvana is attained. As will be recalled from the story of the Buddha's life, nirvana takes two forms: the first occurs during life and the second at death. The Buddha attained what is known as "nirvana-in-this-life" while sitting under a tree at the age of 35. At the age of 80 he passed away into "final nirvana" from which he would not be reborn. More »

subset: commoncrawl


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Chinese law requires adults to visit their aging parents
A woman surnamed Chu (L), 77, attends the hearing of a case against her daughter and husband in Wuxi, east China's Jiangsu province. The daughter of a Chinese grandmother has been ordered to visit her at least once every two months, in the first case under a new law to protect the elderly.
A new Chinese law mandates that adults go home "often" to visit their parents so that their spiritual needs can be filled. The requirement essentially legislates a Chinese tradition that's become more difficult to practice as hundreds of millions of Chinese leave home for the city.
Social critic and Tongji University professor Zhu Dake calls the law absurd.
"What type of penalty will you get if you don't visit your parents?" Zhu asks. "Will you go to prison for a couple of years? Then you'll visit your parents even less! This law is ridiculous."
Zhu says China's leaders need to make up their minds. On one hand, they're pushing rural Chinese to migrate hundreds of miles away to the cities. On the other, they're requiring the same people to return home and take care of their parents.
Other critics of the law say it's a ploy by the government to pass on the responsibility of providing financial assistance to the elderly at a time when China's government-funded social pension system is running low on money.


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Scully/The World Show
Royal Photographer Lord Lichfield (#208)
With the recent marriage of Prince Edward to Sophie Rhys-Jones, who better to give an insider's view of Royal weddings and England's pre-eminent family than Lord Lichfield, the official photographer of the Royal family and cousin to the Queen. Drawing from his many years of experience, Lichfield shares several rare and personal stories he has amassed as a Royal photographer, from the candid shots he took of the Queen on board the Britannia in 1972, to the crazy antics he has pulled to capture the perfect photograph. Lichfield's portfolio is full of intriguing pictures, including Brando and Chaplin together at the Savoy in 1966, Sarah Ferguson as a young girl and the models Brit Ekland and Ann Turkel. Behind each of these pictures is a great story, and Lichfield proves that he is both a captivating storyteller as well as photographer. (Note: this interview was originally broadcast during the first season, but it has been repackaged with a new introduction and conclusion.) [26 minutes]
This episode has not aired in the past few months on Iowa Public Television.
Series Description: SCULLY/THE WORLD SHOW is devoted to one-on-one interviews with some of the world's most significant and famous personalities. Host Robert Scully has been described by Canadian daily La Presse as "the best interviewer on television." Since its debut in Canada in 1983, the series has featured Nobel laureates, heads of state, royalty, authors, financiers, athletes, designers, diplomats and philanthropists.
All Upcoming Episodes
Episode #1831
- Thu, December 3, 5:00 AM on IPTV World
Episode #1832
- Thu, December 10, 5:00 AM on IPTV World
Episode #1833
- Thu, December 17, 5:00 AM on IPTV World
Episode #1834
- Thu, December 24, 5:00 AM on IPTV World
Episode #1835
- Thu, December 31, 5:00 AM on IPTV World
Past Episodes
These episodes of Scully/The World Show aired in the last few months on Iowa Public Television.
- Episode #1830
- Episode #1829
- Episode #1828
- Episode #1827
- Episode #1826
- Episode #1825
- Episode #1824
- Episode #1823
- Episode #1822
- Episode #1821
- Episode #1820
- Episode #1819
- Episode #1818
- Episode #1817
- Episode #1816
- Episode #1815
- Episode #1814
- Episode #1813
- Episode #1812
- Episode #1811
- Episode #1810
- Episode #1809