Author: Anne

This author has written 790 articles

NO STUPID MISTAKES

Budding fern in Fiordland National Park

There are mistakes.  There are moments when reality teaches us something. 

And there’s stupid.  That is what happens when we refuse to learn from our mistakes.  “Don’t be stupid” is a fine mantra.  It’s particularly apt when talking about cultural forces, political agendas and our thoughtless impulses. 

It’s also useful to remember to “make productive and generous mistakes.” And to learn from them.

Source:  Seth Godin’s daily blog

REFLECTION:

  • What mistakes have you made?
  • Have you made “productive and generous mistakes?”
  • What have you learned from them?
  • How can you apply that learning to a situation you are facing today?

SECRET BEAUTY OF THE HEART

Fiordland National Park New Zealand

Then it was as if I suddenly saw the secret beauty of their hearts, the depths of their hearts where neither sin nor desire nor self-knowledge can reach, the core of their reality, the person that each one is in God’s eyes.   If only they could see themselves as they really are.  If only we could see each other that way all the time, there would be no more war, no more hatred, no more cruelty, no more greed… I suppose the big problem would be that we would fall down and worship each other.

Quote by Thomas Merton

To learn more about Thomas Merton: http://merton.org/chrono.aspx#links

REFLECTION:

  • Do you see the secret beauty in others?
  • Is there someone you are struggling with?  Can you look with new eyes?
  • If you can see them in a new way, who are they?
  • Try this with someone you are in conflict with!
  • Let me know… how did it turn out?

FINDING PERSONAL PEACE

View of Abel Tasman National Forest New Zealand

The lack of personal peace begins with judgment.

  • You are not happy with what your friend did.
  • You are unhappy with what a family member said about you.
  • You do not like the reaction that an individual had to you.
  • You didn’t win.
  • You don’t like what you are wearing.
  • This is pretty.
  • That is ugly.
  • You don’t believe it.
  • Your car broke down.
  • This is not your political or religious belief, so it must be wrong.

Imagine how peaceful you would be if you simply allowed all the people and situation around you to be what they are.

Like and dislike are based in desire – choose not to be controlled by them, and your peace will not be dependent on the actions of other people or uncontrollable situations.

FROM:  ABOUT PEACE 108 Ways To Be At Peace When Things Are Out Of Control by Scott Shaw

REFLECTION:

  • Do you allow people to be who they are?
  • Do you accept situations … “it is what it is” or do you try to control it?
  • What does personal peace look like for you?
  • How can you let go and be more at peace today?