For every moment you are angry, you lose 60 seconds of happiness. - Anon.
The Parable of the Empty Boat.
A monk decides to meditate alone, away from his monastery. He takes his boat out to the middle of the lake, moors it there, closes his eyes, and begins his meditation. After a few hours of undisturbed silence, he suddenly feels the bump of another boat colliding with his own. With his eyes still closed, he senses anger bubbling up. By the time he opens his eyes, he is ready to scream at the boatman who dared disturb his meditation. But when looks, he sees that the boat is empty! It had probably got untethered and floated to the middle of the lake. At that moment, the monk achieves Self-Realization, and understands that the anger he so righteously feels, is within him. It merely needs the bump of an external object to provoke it out of him. From then on, whenever he comes across someone who irritates him or provokes him to anger, he reminds himself, “This person is merely an empty boat. It's not what's making me angry - the anger is already within me. If I didn't have anger, it wouldn't come out". And then chooses how to respond instead. Not reacting angrily doesn't mean you don't care about something, sometimes it means you care enough about yourself to walk away. This isn't to say you should never get angry - anger is a part of the human experience and tells you what's important to you. What I'm saying is, use your anger in positive ways. Channel it in ways that you can both, express it safely and let it fuel your power and determination to create a life and experiences that move you forward. And remember what a wise person once said - anger is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die. I think most of us have to work on this...
Honoring the sacred interconnectedness of land, life, and spirit in Native American traditions. Photo by: ChatGPT
For countless Native American nations, the land is not just a resource—it is alive and sacred. Plants, animals, rivers, and mountains are regarded as spiritual relatives and caretakers. Despite colonization, this eco-centric worldview has endured, influencing environmental stewardship and conservation efforts today. As many tribes continue to honor the interconnectedness of all life, ensuring respect for the land remains at the heart of their spiritual practice.
The Great Spirit
Many Native American tribes believe in a Supreme Being or Great Spirit, often referred to as Wakan Tanka by the Lakota or Gitche Manitou by Algonquin tribes. This entity embodies all aspects of the universe, including nature itself. Nature is viewed as a reflection of the Great Spirit’s will, serving as both a guide and teacher for individuals striving to understand their place in the cosmos.
The Four Directions and Elements
The spiritual framework in Native American traditions often revolves around the Four Directions (East, South, West, North) and their associated elements (fire, water, earth, air). Each direction holds unique significance and teachings that help inform an individual’s spiritual journey:
East (Air): Represents new beginnings, enlightenment, and inspiration.
South (Fire): Symbolizes trust, passion, and love.
West (Water): Associated with introspection and healing.
North (Earth): Embodies wisdom, strength, and enduran
According to scientists, the bumblebee's body is too heavy and its wing span too small. Aerodynamically, the bumblebee cannot fly. But the bumblebee doesn't know that and it keeps flying.
When you don't know your limitations, you go out and surprise yourself. In hindsight, you wonder if you had any limitations. The only limitations a person has are those that are self-imposed. Don't let education put limitations on you.....Always remember the only thing that is limiting you is yourself... So go out there and Soar!!!!
Blessings and Love... Carol Anne..
Accept yourself, embrace the present, and keep moving forward. If you want to fly in life, you have to let go of things that weigh you down.
“We are each of us angels with only one wing and we can only fly by embracing each other.” –
Luciano de Crescenzo
Every day, in the real world around us , real ~ life angels are doing the things they do...and bringing more smiles to the world around them...Real ~ life angels build bridges instead of walls.
They don't play hide ~ and ~ seek with the truth , they do whatever they can to help you. Real ~ life angels understand the difficulties and always give the benefit of the doubt...They don't hold other up to the standards they can't live by themselves.
Real ~ life angels are what "inner beauty" is all about...Real ~ life angels don't hold things against you; the only things they hold is you. They take their hand in yours when you could use a little reassurance. They walk beside you when you could do with a little guidance and direction in your life. And they support you in your attempts to do what is right...Real ~ ~ life angels multiply your smiles and add to your integrity. They make you feel like, "Hey, I really am somebody who matters."
Then they quietly prove to you how beautiful and true that feeling really is. If you come across an angel like this, you are one of the luckiest people of all. If someone in your life is wonderfully like a angel to you, it's important to let them know. It's the nicest compliment you could ever give. In all the days of your life and in all the years you live. Sending Angels Blessings and Love
Good Friends Are The Rare Jewels Of Life--Difficult To Find & Impossible To Replace...
When all the trees have been cut down, when all the animals have been hunted, when all the waters are polluted, when all the air is unsafe to breathe, only then will you discover you cannot eat money.
― Cree Prophecy
The Courageous Seedling In a dense forest, a tiny seedling sprouted amidst towering trees. It looked up at them, feeling small and insignificant. However, the seedling was determined to grow tall and strong like its surroundings. It faced storms, lack of sunlight, and even ridicule from other plants. But it persisted, its roots digging deep into the earth. Years passed, and one day, a massive tree fell during a storm, creating an opening in the canopy. The determined seedling finally received its chance to reach for the sky. With unwavering resolve, it grew rapidly, utilizing the newfound sunlight and space. The seedling transformed into a magnificent tree, inspiring all who witnessed its journey – a symbol of perseverance and the incredible potential hidden within even the smallest beginnings.
“Love all, trust a few, do wrong to none.” – William Shakespeare
Funny Joke
Once a wise man held a seminar to teach people how to get rid of sorrows in their life. Many people gathered to hear the wise man’s words. The man entered the room and told a hilarious joke to the crowd. The crowd roared in laughter.
After a couple of minutes, he told them the same joke, and only a few of them smiled.
When he told the same joke for the third time, no one laughed anymore.
The wise man smiled and said,” You can’t laugh at the same joke over and over. So why do you cry over the same problem over and over?”
I Hope You Dance... An uplifting and inspiring message of hope and encouragement, urging the listener to pursue their dreams and live life to the fullest. Happy Trails Friend.. Blessings
Honoring the sacred interconnectedness of land, life, and spirit in Native American traditions. Photo by: ChatGPT