Apr 11
7
My Life Mantra
First of all, what is a “mantra.” The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language (boy that’s a mouthful) defines it this way:
man·tra (m
n
tr
, m
n
-)
n.
While the word “mantra” does have a specific meaning from its roots in religion, I am using the word in a a more general sense, as “a commonly repeated word or phrase.” I was meditating a few weeks ago and it came to me that if repeating a mantra in prayer and meditation could deepen one’s spiritual life, then repeating a life mantra could deepen one’s experience of life. Prior to and since this thought, I noticed some main themes emerging in my day to day activities in terms of things to keep in mind when dealing with everyday life. This is how my personal Life Mantra began to emerge. It slowly revealed itself into its current form.
So this is my Life Mantra (so far):
Be open.
Work hard.
Be grateful.
Give fully.
Be open . . .
- to what life has to offer to possibilities that I have not even imagined yet
- to recognizing that I do not have all of the answers
- to accepting help from others
Work hard . . .
- Spend more time doing, rather than thinking about or talking about.
- Stop complaining or whining – that is not contributing to accomplishing tasks.
- Bottom line – JUST DO IT!
Be grateful . . .
- for my health, skills, talents, material possessions
- for the challenges in my life which enable me to growth
- for the people in my life – not just the ones who I love and who love me back, but also those that make me fell uncomfortable and “drive me crazy.” Resolving my issues with “difficult people” is a catalyst for personal growth.
- for the opportunity to confront my fears and the resulting grace that ensues.
- (more to come)
Give fully . . .
- of myself to others by being emotionally available.
- by sharing my experiences, talents and knowledge.
So how do I actually use my Life Mantra? Good question, glad you asked! (Coming soon . . . )
This is my Life Mantra so far. Obviously, it is a work in progress.
What is your Life Mantra? I would love to hear your comments.
Photo credit: By Liz Highleyman [CC-BY-2.0]
Posted in Food for Thought Inspiration by .
Apr 11
5
Inspiring Music Video – “Anyway”
One of the things that inspires me the most is music. It has played an important part in my life, often helping me get through some great challenges in my journey. There were times when it saved my sanity and perhaps even helped save my life. Martina McBride’s song “Anyway” was one of those songs. It was initially released in 2006 and was popular in 2007, reaching #5 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.
So why did and does this song still mean so much to me? It’s a song about hope amidst uncertainty, being committed without being attached, about living life to its fullest without any guarantees how things will turn out. The fact of the matter is that we really have no idea how things will turn out, live anyway.
If you have not heard this song yet, I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. If you have heard it, I hope you continue to enjoy it, live it in your own life and share it with others. Nike’s slogan is “Just Do It,” perhaps Martina McBride’s slogan is “Just Do It Anyway.”
Enjoy!!!
Lyrics to Martina McBride’s country music song “Anyway”:
You can spend your whole life building something from nothing
One storm can come and blow it all away
Build it anyway
You can chase a dream that seems so out of reach and you know it might not ever come your way
Dream it anyway
Chorus:
God is great, but sometimes life ain’t good
And when I pray it doesn’t always turn out like I think it should
But I do it anyway, I do it anyway
This world’s gone crazy and it’s hard to believe that tomorrow will be better than today
Believe it anyway
You can love someone with all your heart, for all the right reasons, and in a moment they can choose to walk away
Love ‘em anyway
Repeat Chorus
You can pour your soul out singing a song you believe in that tomorrow they’ll forget you ever sang
Sing it anyway, sing it anyway
I sing, I dream, I love, anyway
For more info:
Visit the official website for more information on Martina McBride.
Listen to more Martina McBride country music songs on www.last.fm.
Posted in Inspiration Music for the Soul by .
Apr 11
4
Talking Twin Babies
One of the things that I really enjoy is a good laugh. When you think about it life is actually quite funny. While it might not be appropriate to laugh at all situations, I have made it a habit to laugh as much as I can.
Here is something that made me laugh. You may have seen this video that has spread all over the internet. It is a conversation between twin babies or the “youtube twins“. While watching it, I could not help to think that I have had similar conversations with adults. Here is the original:
It seems that various people have different interpretations about exactly what the babies are saying.
Here is the translation Ellen Degeneres‘ presented on her show. Apparently they are planning an April Fools surprise!
Someone else apparently apparently thinks that this is actually a political conversation, very much like the ones they have in Washington, D.C.
(Sorry. This video was removed because the owner of the original video claimed copyright infringement. I wonder if he is Republican or a Democrat. Ellen Degeneres’ video was not taken down. Hmmm . . . something fishy here. 
)
Posted in Funny YouTube Video Make Me Laugh by .
Apr 11
3
Are Problems Really a Problem?
Do you have “problems?” Yeah, who doesn’t. But are problems really a problem? I recently came to understand that they are neither good nor bad, they just are. They are a part of life; a part of the growing process.
Take math problems, for example. They are designed as exercises to increase our math skills and proficiency in solving those types of problems. In life, solving problems gives us an opportunity to grow and helps us to become proficient in living.
So the next time that you are confronted with a “problem,” remember that it is neither good nor bad, but is there to enable you to grow in your humanity and divinity.
Photo credit: By Filipa Machado (Matildi’s Turned Four..) [CC-BY-2.0], via Wikimedia Commons
Posted in Food for Thought by .
