Utopia

I had a dream last night about society.

There were different "lands" and each had their own way.

One was like Utopia.. everyone's needs were taken care of.

How? By everyone sharing and utilizing their talents..

and.. everyone was happy doing so.. it just worked.

Other lands had monsters and fear.

There was a great mist coming and it was dangerous.

The only way to stop it was for everyone to share their "gifts"

whatever they were.. no matter how insignificant they seemed

(hint: no gift is insignificant.. all are important!)

The Utopian land needed to reach out to the others who lived in fear

and help them to understand that they could join all the people in

Utopia.

To join Utopia, you just need to accept yourself; accept your greatness

(not in a prideful way but as a thing of beauty) and share your love

whenever and wherever you can.

Eternal Happiness, or a Ham Sandwich?

Which is Better:  Eternal Happiness, or a Ham Sandwich?*

(answer below)

V

V

V

*A ham sandwich.  This is easily proven with logic.  Of course nothing is better than eternal happiness; but then, it must be said, a ham sandwich is certainly better than nothing.  Hence a ham sandwich is better than eternal happiness.  (Credit/blame goes toRaymond Smullyan for that proof.)

Where did I find this?

Here: http://druidjournal.net/2008/07/03/selling-salvation-how-much-is-it-worth/

btw: the post from that link is good, too! : )

Awareness and Choices

This is deep. Read it over several times slowly.
Allow the words to speak to you in your world.
- afg

AUTOBIOGRAPHY IN FIVE SHORT CHAPTERS

by Portia Nelson

I

I walk down the street. 
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk 
I fall in. 
I am lost ... I am helpless. 
It isn't my fault. 
It takes me forever to find a way out.

II

I walk down the same street. 
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk. 
I pretend I don't see it. 
I fall in again. 
I can't believe I am in the same place 
but, it isn't my fault. 
It still takes a long time to get out.

III

I walk down the same street. 
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk. 
I see it is there. 
I still fall in ... it's a habit. 
my eyes are open 
I know where I am. 
It is my fault. 
I get out immediately.

IV

I walk down the same street. 
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk. 
I walk around it.

V

I walk down another street.

Blessing people blesses you... yes, really!

I discovered a simple little thing that made a big difference in my life.

It sounds a little corny but it's easy to do and won't hurt at all!

When you are driving (to/from work, errands, trips,)

bless the other drivers...

- the ones in front of you, behind you, beside you

- the ones going too slow, too fast or who cut you off

You can do this in your head or say it out loud.

When I say "bless", I am speaking of wishing them well.

Use whatever positive greeting you'd like...

"God bless you" "Have a great day" "Wishing you well"

You get the point.. POSITIVE is the key word here.

When I started doing this, life in general became less

aggravating to me. I could let those little annoying things

slide. Negative people lost their effect on me.

Suddenly it dawned on me...

Happiness really can be a CHOICE.

Thoughts and Consequences

Can Mere Thoughts Be Morally Wrong?

http://maverickphilosopher.typepad.com/maverick_philosopher/2009/04/can-mere-thoughts-be-morally-wrong.html

======

Once upon a time, I would have said "No, thoughts are just that.. thoughts."

Now, though, I know that thoughts are not just thoughts.

Thoughts are very powerful. The universe runs on them.

In that link, please note that the author is not speaking of thoughts that cross

your mind and you let them pass.. no, it's the thoughts that you give credence 

to, give life to. 

The ones that you let in the door and say "Welcome, stay for dinner!"

Sometimes those thoughts enjoy the meal so much that they don't want to

leave and they take up residence.

You are better off to check them at the door and say "No room at the inn, 

tonight, sorry."

Here is an exercise for you: 

keep a journal of your daily thoughts..

- when you're driving

- doing chores

- dealing with the kids

- shopping

etc.

Along with the thoughts, keep track of your mood.

Also, track your actions or reactions that follow.

Do you see a pattern or correlation?

In truth, no man can really be your enemy, all are your teachers

http://www.meilach.com/spiritual/whiteeagle/whiteeagle.html

Thought Power in Service

There are struggling human souls, many, like yourselves, earnestly endeavoring to overcome inner weaknesses which in their own souls they acknowledge. You cannot see or know the inner struggles of another, nor the difficulties and weaknesses which bind him and sometimes make him act in a way you do not understand; but you who are learning, not only from our words but from the promptings of your own teacher, can do so much to help others by the kindly positive thoughts, by seeing the Christ in them. Think of your neighbour as being a child of God, as you yourself, with the same problems that you suffer, the same weaknesses, the same aspirations. Where this or that man stands, only God can know. Nevertheless, all are of the same spirit, and all experience the same struggles and problems and needs as yourself.

So go about life condemning none, but looking kindly and with love upon all; hold no harsh thought even about a so-called enemy. In truth, no man can really be your enemy, all are your teachers; and when you are tempted to feel injured or resentful because of some apparent injustice, look first within yourself and ask, "What has this to show me, what have I to learn from this?" In time truth will reveal itself, so that instead of thinking antagonistically you will be able to say, "Thank you, brother, for you have taught me much, and helped me". The other person's motive is not your business. Behind is the guiding hand of wisdom. The great lords of karma rule your ways, and any apparent injustice can be transformed into a jewel of great beauty in your temple, even as deep suffering can bring divine revelation. So put away any sense of injury and look out upon the world with a calm love.