Power of Kindness class students: Assignment 8- Giving something of value that you own or possess to another!
This One is for the Mother’s……Mother’s Day that is May 7, 2012
Mother’s Day is this Sunday and as a mother myself it is a great honor to remember how thankful I am to be a mom. There are some mom’s out there who work hard, not just at a job, but at home-cooking, cleaning, taking care of the children. Some may have that dream their husbands would just help once in a while.
I was reading Working Mother magazine and on the very last page I saw a little blurb titled: “the last word- What I want (to give up) for Mother’s Day…” The five suggestions listed below were interesting and could work. I hope you enjoy reading as much as I.
1. I want our husbands/significant others to celebrate Mother’s Day 2012 by permanently taking equal responsibility for the house being acceptably clean and organized. It’s not just our house; it’s also their house. We working moms are ready to give up 50 percent of the housework and 50 percent of the “messy house guilt” to our partners. Please take this gift!
2. I want our companies to celebrate Mother’s Day by offering us the tough assignments that come with the big money. We working moms work like crazy at our jobs, and we now want to give up doing the work without the money and promotion because someone believes we don’t/won’t/can’t want them. Give us the chance to say yes or no.
3. I want our bosses and peers to stop doubting us because we leave at 5:15 to pick up our kids from day care three days a week. Working mothers go online at 9 p.m. to complete tasks, we sacrifice school plays when that’s the right choice; and we are the most focused, efficient employees you’ll ever meet. Please give up “face time” as a measure of our commitment.
4. I want our schools to celebrate Mother’s Day by acknowledging that most of their “customers” are working parents who desperately want to be involved in their children’s schools. We’ll gladly give up our evening time if you’ll schedule meetings and activities when we can be there!
5. I want my children to celebrate Mother’s Day by making macaroni necklaces for me. I won’t give up on that! Actually, since my children are 25 and 22, I’ll settle for two nice Hallmark cards.
This “last word” provided by Carol Evans, President of Working Mother Media.
Excuse Me-Can you please help…. April 13, 2012
As I was driving home from work, I decided to visit Redbox for my evening entertainment. For the movie buffs out there, I am sure you are well aware that Redbox is the cheapest way to rent a movie. I mean you can’t even walk into the movie theater for $1.00. Let’s think about the comparison: one movie for $20 or more versus twenty movies for twenty dollars! Which one would you pick?
Anyway, the Redbox location that I happened to be drawn to was at Walgreen’s (and the site is outside). This particular Walgreen’s occasionally has people hanging out around the building (mostly men) that are either waiting for their wives, some may need a helping hand, and then those that are looking for more. So, being a single lady you have to be cautious and aware of your environment.
It seemed like forever until I could find a movie that stoked my interest. I surfed for a little while and finally just picked one “New Dawn.”
I did not notice (or was not paying attention) to see if there was anyone behind or beside me. Sometimes I do that forgetting that I am alone. I still have that little trust bug inside that all people are good and nothing bad will happen. I believe in hearts because that is where the truth lies. After I swiped the card, I took the movie and walked to my car.
I barely closed the door when this man suddenly appeared in front of my vehicle saying: “Excuse me, can you please help me?”
Even though I was alone, this man did not give me an anxiety feeling or that he was looking to harm me in any way.
He had a piece of paper in his hand, which he explained to me was a prescription for medication to relieve pain from surgery he had on his mouth. The man seemed to be in distress and was trying to get the money to fill the prescription and he just needed a few more dollars. I listened to his plea, told him to wait a few minutes as I closed the door. He waited on the sidewalk in front of my vehicle.
As I opened the door to give the man the little he was asking, he said “God Bless You” and was on his way.
Now, I don’t know why the man decided to come to me, because there were others walking into Walgreens. Although at that moment, it seemed like it was only us two. The particular connection is not for me to explain or to figure out why it was supposed to be, only that it happened.
The opportunity to give comes to us in many forms and does not discriminate. Opening your heart can present us with the chance to love everyone. regardless of the situation.
Peace and love to you all!
Tammy
Two People…One Line…Two Dollars March 16, 2012
The routine drive to work has for the last two days included stopping at Hess to buy lottery tickets, specifically Cash 3 in hopes that maybe a windfall will come my way. Well, as any of you out there who do any kind of gambling, you know that the chance in your favor can be like a see saw, one week up, the next down. That is the chance you take when you take part in any kind of ways to expand your flow of the green.
As I made my way into the store, I noticed a gentleman at the register with his two bags of goodies, finalizing his purchase. I silently moved my view to one side and noticed that he was paying with coins. The cashier was patiently counting out the amount. The large collection of change did not meet his grand total. She proceeded to tell him that he still owed two dollars.
While I was standing there, my eyes had the opportunity to really see this man. He was not a young man in the physical aspect, but as he reached in his back pocket to get his wallet, his eyes circled around and met mine. The connection was only a few seconds, but it was long enough to see that his mind was somewhere other than the present moment in the store. For the few moments that the gentleman and I were in that line, I took the time to put myself where he was for that instant. Curious to know who he was and when I reached that stage of maturity, how would I be, would my mind be somewhere else?
I suddenly snapped back into the current moment, as the gentleman still had his hand on his wallet and seemed like he did not have the strength to remove it from his pocket. There were no words from his lips, so he did not ask for any help.
My gaze went from this gentleman to the inside of my purse, noticing that I had two dollars. I grabbed it and gave it to the cashier. She said: “thank you.” She then told the gentleman that he was all done. He looked at her, picked up his bags and walked out.
Once the man was gone, I felt a sadness, but on the same note remembered his eyes and how they were so child like.
The stop at Hess was not an ordinary one today. Instead, a chance to connect to a person who has matured in his life but still with innocence in his eyes.
Bringing again the thought that we are all one in this life, you just never know when it will be your turn to connect to another.
The 29th Day: Yes it’s the Finale of the Giveaway, but not an End to Giving February 9, 2012
Beauty
For this final post of the 29 days, I would like to give loving kindness to the world by sharing a Lotus Mudra Meditation. My deepest gratitude goes to all of you who have visited this blog and have so graciously been following. It is amazing how blogging can open up a whole new adventure and help you to connect with the world!
These last 29 days have been a real eye opener as far as the way I live and how I look at everything around me. Everyday there are multiple opportunities to enjoy all the beauty this world has to offer, as well as all the beautiful, creative and talented people.
I have met many people, made new friends and experienced a different side of the world that I let slip right before my eyes due to focusing my attention in one direction. Life has many paths. Keeping your eyes open to all aspects is truly beneficial and the universe allows you to breathe, be free and just be!
Before you get too bored with me….. I will just jump in to the loving kindness meditation.
To begin, sit in a cross-legged position. Bring your hands into prayer in front of your heart center. Keeping your pinkies and thumbs touching, let your other three fingers spread out like a flower. The mudra is as follows:
May I be free from inner and outer harm.
May I be happy and peaceful.
May I be healthy and strong. Lotus Mudra
May I look after myself joyfully.
That is the first round. The second time, bring to mind someone you love or truly adore. Your parents, spouse, children or pet. Send them loving kindess.
May you be free from inner and outer harm.
May you be happy and peaceful.
May you be healthy and strong.
May you look after yourself joyfully.
The third round, bring to mind someone who you have indifferent feelings for, someone you don’t really know. A crossing guard, cashier or maybe post man. Send them loving kindness.
May you be free from inner and outer harm.
May you be happy and peaceful.
May you be healthy and strong.
May you look after yourself joyfully.
The fourth time, bring to mind someone who gets under your skin, makes you feel uneasy or you don’t really connect to. Send them loving kindness.
May you be free from inner and outer harm.
May you be happy and peaceful.
May you be healthy and strong.
May you look after yourself joyfully.
After you bring that person who gets under your skin to mind, you may feel a little on edge, or tightness around your heart, so bring loving kindness back around to yourself.
May I be free from inner and outer harm.
May I be happy and peaceful.
May I be healthy and strong.
May I look after myself joyfully.
May everyone have a peaceful and loving day! Remember to take time to love yourself and take care of your mind, body and spirit.
Namaste,
Tammy
Day 28: A Saturday of Coffee, Dancing and Sharing Life Experiences with Mary February 6, 2012
There is only one more day of the 29 Days of the Giveaway, and I have to say it has been a blessed journey that will always stay close to my heart. Want to thank everyone who has followed all the posts, and an extra gratitude to those fellow bloggers who have commented, subscribed and followed. I am truly grateful! Everyone is special in this world and we all have something that we can give to others. It could be that one smile that brightens someone’s day. Taking a friend to the doctor if they cannot drive themselves. Maybe giving that person you don’t really know a thank you card to say you love them just the way they are.
Let’s step into the day! I have to say that I am so thankful and grateful for my co-worker Eric who has so graciously accepted to work on Saturdays! I now have time to enjoy them. You might say it was a universal connection to my thought pattern answered from within.
Luckily I was able to attend the Farmer’s Market once again! I had decided to make thank you cards for the creative ones I met the last week to show them my appreciation for what they had given me. Starting with Michael, the gentleman who had the colored water bead booth who is also an artist. He had given me the great information about displaying my photographs on Fine Art America. ( For those who did not see the last post, if you are an artist and would like to show the world your talent, the link is: www.fineartamerica.com/.) Next, we have Terri, the loving spirit who creates beautiful pieces out of aluminum and beads. (I would love to give you her site to see her work, at this present time she does not own one). Lastly, there was an artist with experience in caricature portraits (www.portraitoons.com). I had my very first portrait done and it was amazing. (If you would like to see it, you can go to my photography blog: www.photomontagery.wordpress.com). The post title is “Artists, Farmers and Food Marketers.”
After I delivered the cards, I walked over to one of the delicious coffee booths. I ordered a nice, hot hazelnut flavor and was on my way.
As I was browsing the array of pastries, vegetables, hand-made soaps, doggie treats, etc., my ears picked up the sound of latin music in the distance. Before I knew it, my feet were standing in front of the latin band.
This area was surrounded with people and there was even a couple dancing!
I stayed here for a while to listen to the music and enjoyed seeing everyone having a good time! (And of course I was shooting photos too!)
It’s around 11:00 a.m. and I had walked around since 8:30, so I tried to find somewhere to sit down and rest for a while. There were so many people, and so little places to sit. I finally found a bench that was occupied by a single woman. I walked over and sat down, and said to myself, “that was kind of rude to just sit down and not ask if anyone was sitting there with her.” (You all know that little voice inside your head telling you to do the right thing.) So, I asked her if anyone was sitting with her, and she said “no, go ahead and sit down.”
We started talking as if we had known each other for years. She had said that her knee was troubled with a torn meniscus and she could walk but she had to take breaks. Then she had told me that she works at a nursing home and one of the women she works with had shared that she was in the mood for a tomato and mayo sandwich. The woman had told me that she bought some big tomatoes and was going to get her co-worker some mayo and bread and bring it to her so she could satisfy her craving. We chatted for a few more minutes about life, the generation change and other things. We were sitting in the main area of the market, the FOOD corner! About five feet from us was a booth called K. Malou where their sign said: “We will make your stomach smile!” They were serving hot dogs and my new friend was in the mood for one!
Seeing that she was so comfortable where she was, I asked her if she wanted me to get her a hot dog. She smiled and said, “that would be nice.” She wanted everything on it, ketchup, mustard, relish and onions. She handed me $10 and off I went. Ten minutes later I brought her a juicy hotdog that came with home fries, it looked so good it made my mouth water. (Too bad they don’t make vegetarian dogs there.) By this time I had found out that her name was Mary Williams. I shook her hand and said: “it’s nice to have met you, enjoy your day!”
In a way I am glad that I no longer needed to be stuck inside at work. Experiencing life outside is much more enjoyable.
Live and love every moment, you never know where your journey will lead.
The 27th Day: Artists Exchange Information to Share Their Creativity February 3, 2012
Service
These past few days have been a busy journey, trying to juggle work, school, taking photographs, and teaching Yoga. In no way am I complaining, especially since I am not sitting around looking for something to keep me occupied.
Recently I have become obsessed with photography and my camera, which used to just be with me once in a while, is close to replacing my purse. (which would not be a bad thing because I really hate purses because you can never find anything).
Sorry, let’s get back to the post!
You may have seen the post I did previously titled: “Artists, Farmers and Food Marketers.”, along with the one “Connecting with a Creative Spirit.” That particular day of the Farmer’s Market, I had the pleasure of meeting Michael, an artist, creator, etc. He noticed that I was carrying my camera and shooting photos. We started talking, and he was telling me that he was an artist and of course I told him I loved photography. He continued to tell me about a site where you can not only display your creativity, but sell your prints, painting, drawings, etc. (www.fineartamerica.com/) We talked for a few more minutes, and I thanked him for the information.
Now to the present part of this post. This happened on Wednesday, and yes I am late getting this in, so I apologize.
It is about 5:00 p.m. and it is time to be the hostess with the mostess at Pappa Louie’s. Upon arrival, I notice some regular customers. One in particular was Larry Mayo, a photographer for more than thirty years whose work is exceptional. He was just finishing dinner and was heading for the counter to cash out. He is president of the Treasure Coast Photography Club and this is the night that they get together.
We greeted each other and talked a little about photography (of course) and I started to tell him about Fine Art America. He never heard of it and he was grateful for the extra exposure for his artwork. He then told me about displaying my photographs at the St. Lucie County Fair, it is free and you can submit two photos. I was so excited to hear that juicy piece of information, not to mention grateful.
Every day there is an open opportunity to help others express their individual creativity. We are all unique, but we all possess loving kindess to unite the world.
The 26th Day: Sharing the Benefits of Yoga has Grown Into a Universal Friendship February 1, 2012
I started teaching Yoga in September of 2011 and I am so blessed and thankful that I can help others with maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The style that I offer is Hatha, which is gentle and designed for all who are either a beginner or have been practicing for some time.
As the months have passed, I have had the pleasure of meeting and developing a friendship with all who have entered the doors leading into our sacred space where we gather for an hour to calm our mind, release stress and rejuvinate our body.
There is only one class that I instruct which is on Mondays, and this day is difficult for some, but there are ones who it is just what they need to start their week. There is a class at 11:00 a.m. and then one in the evening at 7:00. Depending on everyone’s schedule, most of the time the evening class is more convenient.
A couple of Mondays ago, there were three new Yogis that just came to class. This was so exciting and brought warmth to my heart that they had come to join the Yoga family. There were two ladies and one gentleman. Now I was glad to see a man interested because there has only been one class that was co-ed.
There was Loranda, Vicki and Bob. Loranda had told me that she was looking for a Yoga class for three weeks because she was trying to start a healthy way of living. There has been a sign for Yoga classes at the Community Center, but she said everytime she went, there was no teacher. So, I told her that I am here every week and if I wasn’t I would let her know. Then we have Vicki, a free spirit and such a loving individual who is living life as a happy soul.
Now there is Bob, a young man from New York who was only visiting for a few weeks and then had to return to the cold weather. ( I was born in New York, so I was not envious). He had explained a few of his limitations and I informed him that this class would not involve anything that would bring pain or restriction. Also let him see that there were props available to him any time that he needed assistance. His face lit up with a smile, which I saw as a relief that he could relax, without feeling any pressure.
As we had finished the second class that Bob had attended, ( which was Loranda, Bob and myself), we sat and shared some thoughts. Loranda was telling us how she moved here to be with her brother and had found her biological parents. Bob’s thoughts were of how he has studied Hinduism for ten years and has grown spiritually.
I was really enjoying this time of discussion and glad that I had the opportunity to get a little preview of what Hinduism can offer. As well as the joy I felt when Loranda shared her story about family, which is a gift to always be treasured.
Around 9:00 p.m. we started to clean up and get ready to head home. Bob went to his car for a moment and came back with CD’s for me and Loranda. These were not just regular music CD’s, they were a CD of Bob’s musical talent. I felt so special at that moment, ( almost too happy, like a little groupie!)
Not only did I give a gift of Yoga that night, I received more than words could ever express.
Day Number 25: Connecting with a Creative Spirit January 30, 2012
Ocean Energy and Earthbound Art Copyright T.Mora Photography
The 29 Days of Giveaways is almost coming to an end. Honestly I can’t imagine being able to truly explain to you how this has transformed my life journey. Even the most peaceful and calm person can go through difficult or overwhelming times. Life today tends to sometimes heighten anxiety, create undo stress or bring tension and frustration to the mind and body. If we find ourselves running in fifty million directions, there is no time to just take a moment to close our eyes, breathe and find peace to move on.
Some of you fellow bloggers may know that I have another blog “Photomontage: Life in Progress” and may have viewed the post “A Saturday of Artists, Farmers and Food Marketers”, and if not then you might want to take a preview of that before you continue reading this post. Starting with the earlier post will bring this into perspective. There is no pressure, just a little guidance.
This past Saturday I was fortunate to have a day with my mother to enjoy the Farmer’s Market downtown, which is a combination of local Artists, Farmers and Food Vendors. Of course, I had my other eyes with me (the camera), which lately has been permanently attached to me like a piece of clothing.
As we were browsing around, I was taking photographs (only if I had permission, especially by the artists). Since I usually work every Saturday, this was like Disney Land for me! There was a Reggae band playing in the distance, people were taking walks with their dogs, others were biking and children were playing. So, as you can see there were many aspects of life to capture.
We stopped at many of the booths to see if there was anything that popped our interest. My mom looked at the jewelry, fruits and vegetables and other items of her particular personality. There were a couple of artists that leaned toward my personality, which included photography, paintings, recycled pieces, and earth toned art.
I happened to notice a booth which contained some unusual and creative pieces and my body moved in that direction. The sign above this area said “Ocean Energy and Earthbound Art.” I was digging it! We walked in and met the beautiful woman who owned these creations. She told us that all her pieces were hand made out of recycled aluminum, glass beads, etc., no glue, only wired and put together by her own hands. I thought that was truly amazing and required an immense amount of patience. Her energy was inviting, so I proceeded to ask if I could take some photos of her work. At first she was hesitant, and I could totally understand.
So I said, “okay, I respect your request.” I stood there for a moment and we continued to talk and I told her I was a photographer and that I had taken photos all day with the artist’s permission. We talked for a few more minutes and she told me that she has not sold anything today. I wanted to help her, so I let her know that I was not trying to steal her creativity (because honestly that was not my intention). My only interest is to help you get exposure and let others know about your art, so they can possibly make a purchase.
To my surprise, she turned her no into a yes to take photos. I was so grateful, not for myself, but for the fact that she opened her heart and mind to let me help. The next step I took was to give her my photography website, email and phone number, to let her breathe a little easier.
Well, I emailed the picture I took of her booth and Monday she replied with excitement. She does not have a website or any other place that people can see her work, only the Saturdays she is at the Farmer’s Market. Since I have been so blessed and impressed with WordPress, I told her I would take photographs and help her set up her business site.
You never can tell what journey you will take from day-to-day, only that each person you connect to is one with a purpose to love and help others. We all have unique links that are in someway bonded to another to form an eternal union.
May you all have much peace, love and happiness today and every day of life’s journey!
24th Day: It’s All About Love January 28, 2012
Let your heart overflow
I want to share this post with you from Aine Belton. She is with the Global Love Project and has a loving heart and soul for all. May her story inspire you and radiate peace and love in your heart. We are all valuable and are worthy of love.
The Voice of Love
April 19, 2011
By Aine Belton
The voice of love is the voice of your heart, and speaks the wisdom of your soul and spirit; the you beyond your personality and ego, untainted by the conditioned mind and limited thinking.
It is always kind and speaks compassionately about yourself and others. It seeks to understand the why behind the what, the luminous intent behind any deed, the innocence at the heart of all.
Love seeks, and hence finds, love, and views negativity for what it is – a call for help, greater love and understanding, an opportunity for forgiveness, or a vehicle for growth and building inner strength.
How do you know the voice of love is speaking?
Well, let’s first look at how you know when it’s not speaking, or perhaps better put, when you are least likely to hear it.
When you are judging, blaming, ignorant about a person, blinded by bad attitude, fear, or anger, the voice of love may be hard to hear.
One way to know you are listening to the voice of love is that it invariably makes you feels GOOD. And not in any egotistic way, such as feeling ‘better than’ or righteous, but good because of the sweet realization of other people’s and your own inherent nature, however far they or you may appear from that at the time.
Love connects you to your value and worth, and is abundant and nourishing in its appreciation of self and others, seeking only the best in people.
Even if it speaks a wisdom that challenges your current perspectives, it will do so lovingly and with the grace of compassion that allows truths to be assimilated by your heart and mind.
Love lets you know you are safe, deserving, and belonging. It brings these awarenesses and other divine truths to your heart in beautiful and healing ways, like a honey-gold light that fills you from the inside out, restoring peace, well-being, faith and joy.
The voice of love rekindles hope, and shines light on the way through of any situation. It reminds you that you are loved, loving and loveable, and this is ultimately all you need to know. When you embrace and accept this truth, you rest in a sanctuary of peace, and external negativity either resolves, or no longer bothers you.
Love shines light on the gift in any problem, and encourages you to keep going. It reminds you that change is always right here, right now, for indeed, the miracle of love is that anything can be healed in an instant by awakening to love.
The voice of love may be direct like a laser beam, a burst of sunshine, giggles bubbling from your heart, or a soft gentle wave that envelopes you in liquid light.
Its messages may be profound, life-changing, or simply light-hearted and playful.
The voice of love may have varying tones, but one thing is sure, it will always leave you feeling better about yourself and others. It nurtures your heart like a healing balm, and reminds you of the essential truth that only love is real, and that love lies at the heart of all.
The voice of love can be missed, or dimmed and blocked by ego agendas, everyday distractions, stress, negative beliefs, worry, hurt, ignorance, and constricting emotions.
Your personality self, it’s programs and conditioned and reactionary thinking, and the impact of others, can drown out the sweet melodies of love.
For this reason, taking time to be still, meditate, pause, ponder, rest, and reflect, can all help you reconnect to the voice of love within.
Listen for the voice of love in the crowded house of mind, soft it speaks yet endless are the echoes of this treasured find.
Nature, so imbued with love, can also be a wonderful way to open to greater love. Its beauty stirs the heart and soul, and elevates you to higher states of consciousness.
The voice of love is the voice of your Higher Self, the spiritual being that you are, and the Creator. Your Higher Self is the highest aspect of your consciousness closest to Source. It knows you inside-out, more than you know yourself, and loves you totally and unconditionally.
Meditations and exercises to develop your intuition and connect with your Higher Self can help you access and listen more closely to love’s call, and the insights and guidance that are there for you in every moment.
Your feelings can also be a great guide to reflect on your connection to love. If you’re feeling in a bad way, you may be less open to hearing love’s voice, but that’s OK; you came here to experience the spectrums of human emotion. To live authentically is to be in touch with all your emotions. Love may not be constantly felt, but it is consistently available.
Whatever your feelings, start by honouring and accepting them. Don’t deny, judge, avoid or repress them. Acknowledge them and allow them to be felt and experienced so they can move through you and be released.
When you allow yourself to feel, you move through layers of emotion. Even if they get darker initially, you will eventually come to a clearing, freeing yourself of denser emotions.
In the brightness and space that follows love can more readily shine its light, like sunshine piercing through dissipating clouds.
The voice of love knows your highest path, and the answers to your questions. It knows the true nature of others and yourself. It brings joy, wisdom, healing, and new beginnings, and enables you to let go of painful past experiences, holding wide open the door of forgiveness that grants you freedom and new birth.
Love is the most potent healing force. There is ultimately nothing that enough love will not heal, transform and transcend.
With love,
Aine Belton
You can receive a FREE love packet if you go to www.globalloveproject.com
