Wisdom and Growth through Pursuit of Beauty and Truth

In a relationship, I value REQUESTS over demands, ACCEPTANCE over expectations, EQUALITY over control, SELF-REFLECTION over blame and HONESTY over approval

Meditation is a gentle dance with God’s love. Physical movement is a tribute to the One who gave us life. Pure consciousness brings more lasting and meaningful joy than any chemical high. Focusing on the breath is a form of prayer. Loving self and others opens the door to communion with the divine. When combined with deep, meaningful emotional connection and commitment, sex is an act of worship. The natural world is a place of beauty and peace, bringing laughter and renewal to all who embrace it. The blessings of moderation in sensual pleasures lead one to health and better life. A life filled with music and art is adorned with heavenly treasure. Wealth used wisely can magnify one’s influence and generosity, enriching the whole world.

I value LOVE over marriage, PEOPLE over accomplishment, SPIRITUALITY over religion, TRUTH over tradition, MINDFULNESS over worry, GRACE over perfection, AUTHENTICITY over image, SIMPLICITY over materialism, INDIVIDUALITY over conformity, and PEACE over power

Things come and go, and a wise person lets them The sage governs himself, not other people "Forget how smart you think you are. Stop wanting everything, as though there is something out there that will cure or fix you. Just make things happen by allowing them to happen. Then everything will turn out alright." -Lao Tzu Even the most intense storm ends eventually; in fact, the strongest storms are brief. He who knows that he already has what he wants knows peace. Create and let go of what you create. Give and expect nothing. Work hard and do not claim ownership. Measure yourself the way you measure others. Love. But stop trying to possess. Flexibility is life; rigidity is death. "Would you like to save the world from the degradation and destruction it seems destined for?  Then step away from shallow mass movements and quietly go to work on your own self-awareness.  If you want to awaken all of humanity, then awaken all of yourself.  If you want to elim...

Buddhism goes beyond religion and is more of a philosophy or "way of life". It is a philosophy because philosophy means "love of wisdom" and the Buddhist path can be summed up as: (1) to lead a moral life, (2) to be mindful and aware of thoughts and actions, and (3) to develop wisdom and understanding. Buddhism is also a belief system which is tolerant of all other beliefs or religions. There have never been any wars fought in the name of Buddhism. Buddhists do not preach and try to convert, sharing their beliefs only if requested. The Buddha himself asked his followers to test the teaching rather than accept his word as true. True wisdom is not simply believing what we are told but instead experiencing and understanding truth and reality. Wisdom requires an open, objective, unprejudiced mind. We can really understand others only when we really understand ourselves, through wisdom. Buddhism is not a fixed package of beliefs to be...

1. Everything is perfect just as it is 2. Heaven and hell are here and now 3. There are no good and bad emotions or experiences 4. I can't hurt someone else without hurting myself 5. Reality is kind 6. Cause and effect are more complex than the mind can grasp 7. The way I know something was meant to happen is that it happened 8. Everything happens for me, not to me 9. Self-realization is the highest possible state of being 10. Life is energy. It cannot be destroyed; it only changes state 11. Body and spirit are always present; only the mind wanders 12. At the core of every soul there is an infinite reservoir of laughter and love 13. All beings have intrinsic unchangeable worth; no one is better or worse than another 14. Separateness is an illusion 15. Love isn't something we feel; it's something we are 16. Everything and everyone is beautiful

I speak up I get involved I empower myself I give myself permission to care I give myself permission to find a good work/life balance I proceed with courage even if it means getting hurt sometimes I see mistakes as a sign that I am trying I am safe and supported I am wanted, I belong, and I have what it takes to succeed I choose to be happy and free I love and am loved

I joyfully embrace uncertainty I live my truth without apology Everything happens for me, not to me All human beings, including me, deserve kindness. Everyone has inherent worth It is up to each individual to discover his or her own path in life. No one else can or should do this work for another person, though many will try There are no good and bad emotions or experiences. They are just experience I am always perfectly supported by an infinite loving cosmos What others think of me is their business, not mine There are no mistakes, only learning opportunities Acknowledging and honoring my own need fills my reservoir, which in turn allows me to see and meet the needs of those around me When the price of peace is silencing my authentic voice, it ceases to be worth the sacrifice I am my own best friend Rejection is simply a reflection of someone's preferences. It isn't personal A broken promise is better than certain misery Reality is ...

In breath: May I live in harmony with the way things are Out breath: May all beings live in harmony with the way things are In breath: May I observe my experiences with acceptance Out breath: May all beings observe their experiences with acceptance In breath: May my heart be filled with love Out breath: May the hearts of all beings be filled with love In breath: May I bathe in the endless ocean of my inner equanimity Out breath: May all beings bathe in the endless ocean of their inner equanimity In breath: May I trust the kindness of the cosmos Out breath: May all beings trust the kindness of the cosmos