Peace

Marko took this picture on our back porch and I thought it looked pretty cool!!
I hope you enjoy the words below!!!
Namaste,
Michele

On the surface of the world right now
there is war and violence and things seem dark.
But calmly and quietly, at the same time,
something else is happening underground
An inner revolution is taking place
and certain individuals are being called to a higher light.
It is a silent revolution.
From the inside out.
From the ground up.
This is a Global operation.
A Spiritual Conspiracy.
There are sleeper cells in every nation on the planet.
You wont see us on the T.V.
You wont read about us in the newspaper
You wont hear about us on the radio
We don’t seek any glory
We don’t wear any uniform
We come in all shapes and sizes, colors and styles
Most of us work anonymously
We are quietly working behind the scenes in every country
and culture of the world
Cities big and small, mountains and valleys,
in farms and villages, tribes and remote islands
You could pass by one of us on the street and not even notice
We go undercover
We remain behind the scenes
It is of no concern to us who takes the final credit
But simply that the work gets done
Occasionally we spot each other in the street
We give a quiet nod and continue on our way
During the day many of us pretend we have normal jobs
But behind the false storefront at night
is where the real work takes a place
Some call us the Conscious Army
We are slowly creating a new world
with the power of our minds and hearts
We follow, with passion and joy
Our orders come from from the Central Spiritual Intelligence
We are dropping soft, secret love bombs
when no one is looking
Poems ~ Hugs ~
Music ~ Photography ~
Movies ~ Kind words ~ Smiles ~
Meditation and prayer ~ Dance ~
Social activism ~ Websites ~
Blogs ~ Random acts of kindness…
We each express ourselves in our own unique ways
with our own unique gifts and talents
Be the change you choose to see in the world
That is the motto that fills our hearts
We know it is the only way real transformation takes place
We know that quietly
and humbly we have the power of all the oceans combined
Our work is slow and meticulous
Like the formation of mountains
It is not even visible at first glance
And yet with it entire tectonic plates shall be moved
in the centuries to come
Love is the new religion of the 21st century
You don’t have to be a highly educated person
Or have any exceptional knowledge to understand it
It comes from the intelligence of the heart
Embedded in the timeless evolutionary pulse of all human beings
Be the change you choose to see in the world
Nobody else can do it for you
We are now recruiting Perhaps you will join us
Or already have.
All are welcome
The door is open.

Author Unknown

Peace

do you like our peace pole in our backyard?
Have a peaceful day!!
love,
Michele

Take nothing for granted: watch water flow, the corn grow,
the leaves blow, your neighbors mow.

Set your own pace. When someone is pushing you,
it is okay to tell them they're pushing.

Remember a happy, peaceful time in your past. Rest there.
Each moment has a richness that takes a lifetime to savor.

Taste your food. it is to delight as well as to nourish.

Notice the sun and the moon as they rise and set.
They are remarkable for their steady pattern of movement, not their speed.

Talk and play with children. It will bring out the unhurried
little person inside you.

When you walk with someone, don't think about what
you'll say next. Thoughts will spring up naturally if you let them.

Quit planning how you are going to use what you know,
learn or possess. God's gifts just are; be grateful and their purpose will be clear.

Allow yourself time to be lazy and unproductive.
Rest isn't a luxury, it's a necessity.

Listen to the wind blow. It carries a message of yesterday
and tomorrow, and now. Now counts.

Create a place in your home, at your work, in your heart,
where you can go for quiet and recollection. You deserve it.

-unknown author

The 30 second quiz

The 30 Second Quiz

Don't bother getting a pen and paper... just read...
...........if you can't answer them, just keep going.

1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.

2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.

3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America contest.

4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer prize.

5. Name the last five Academy Award winners for Best Actor and Actress.

How did you do?

The point is, none of us remembers the headliners of yesterday.
These are no second-rate achievers. They're the best in their fields.
But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten.
Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.


Now here's another quiz. See how you do on this one:

1. Name three teachers who aided your journey through school.

2. Name three friends who helped you through a difficult time.

3. Name five people who have taught you something worth while.

4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.

5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.

Easier? The lesson?

The people who make a difference in your life
aren't the ones with the most credentials, the most money,
or the most awards.
They're the ones who care.

Author Unknown

Peace

Therefore be at peace with your god, whatever you conceive him to be, and whatever your labors and aspirations in the noisy confusion of life. Keep peace with your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy. - Max Ehr

Mattie Stepanek's Advice

"Poetry is a great way to express your feelings and life experiences so that others can understand and get through the same situation. We all have life storms. We need to celebrate that we get through them, instead of mourning and waiting for the next one to come along and wipe us out again."

"Remember to play after every storm. Celebrate life no matter how bad it seems. Life is a gift, and there's always something beautiful that you can find. We have to make the best of life and do what we're meant to do. Everyone has a special song inside their hearts. If you believe you can be happy, then you, too, will hear your song. "

Sorrowful Goodbye To Stepanek

June 29, 2004

---

(CBS/AP) Former President Jimmy Carter joined more than a thousand mourners Monday at a funeral for a beloved child poet, remembering little Mattie Stepanek as "the most extraordinary person I have ever known."

Stepanek, whose inspirational verse made him a best-selling writer and a prominent voice for muscular dystrophy, died last week of a rare form of muscular dystrophy that had plagued him throughout his 13 years. He was buried next to his three siblings - Jamie, Katie and Stevie - who died of the same disease, all at young ages.

Carter, who corresponded with Stepanek for three years, gave the eulogy.

"I have known kings and queens, presidents and prime ministers," Carter said. "But the most extraordinary person I have ever known in my life was Mattie Stepanek."

Four firefighters gingerly lifted a small wooden coffin covered with the United Nations flag from the back of a fire truck outside St. Catherine Laboure Catholic Church.

On the casket was a bumper sticker: "Be a peacemaker."

Stepanek tried to convey that message in the words and drawings in his best-selling books and through his work as an advocate for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. His five volumes of poetry sold more than a million copies.

Like many authors, Stepanek also communicated with his many readers and well-wishers through his web site, which his family has continued for the time being, adding only the announcement of his death.

Carter and Stepanek met in 2001 when it appeared Stepanek was near death. Carter made a surprise visit to his hospital room as a last wish for the boy.

Stepanek rallied and later sent Carter a series of letters in which he discussed becoming a peacemaker and proposed that he and Carter write a book together called "Just Peace."

Carter said he was impressed with Stepanek's knowledge of international affairs, recalling how the boy was moved to tears by the war in Iraq because he thought world leaders had not tried hard enough for peace.

Also speaking briefly at the funeral was Oprah Winfrey, who featured Stepanek many times on her talk show and at one point asked all viewers who believed in the power of prayer to pray for the boy she considered a special friend.

Many of the 1,300 people who filled the church had met Stepanek through his charity work.

In the church, men with ponytails and beards filled several pews, wearing leather vests with Harley Davidson logos. The motorcycle company and Harley owners groups work with the MDA. Firefighters who had also contributed to the charity filled the funeral procession, marching in dress uniforms.

Some mourners never knew Stepanek but came anyway.

Roseanne Mangarella, a preschool teacher in Philadelphia, was given a copy of one of Stepanek's books and later used it in class.

"My heart was telling me I had to help come celebrate this," she said as she stood in line to enter the church. "This is my way of meeting him."

©MMIV, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

peace

Hi guys,

my cousin Krissy is working hard on this. (see letter she sent me below)

I would like to let you know about this.

Please support this if feel it is right for you.

thanks a bunch!!

Michele

Hi there -

Hey guys, It seems to me that there are a lot of people who support the troops but are also disgusted by this tragic war. Unfortunately, I don't think that our feelings about the situation are being voiced loud enough. It's time that we take this beyond our living rooms and kitchens. Let's use that freedom that we hear so much about and let Congress know that we want them to end this war and allow our troops to come home! Tell your friends and family about the March 19 nationwide vigil. Remember, our political opinions don't mean much if we don't express them beyond the dinner table!

I just signed up for an Iraq War Anniversary Vigil.

Americans across the country are more concerned than ever about our direction in Iraq. Now is the time for Congress to force a change.

On March 19th, thousands of us from organizations across the movement will gather together to observe the fourth anniversary of the war through candlelight vigils. We’ll solemnly honor the sacrifice made by more than 3,000 soldiers and contemplate the path ahead of us. We cannot send tens of thousands under-equipped and unprepared soldiers into the middle of an un-winnable civil war.

Join us at a candlelight vigil on Monday, March 19th. Honor the sacrifice. Stop the escalation. Bring the troops home.

The event details are:

Iraq War Anniversary Vigil Medina City Square 93 Public Square Medina, OH 44256 Monday, 19 Mar 2007, 8:30 PM

To sign up for this event, click here: http://political.moveon.org/event/iraq4/35238

Ghandhi

My life is my message.
-Mohandas Gandhi

Peace

"Until he extends the circle of his compassion to all living things, man will not himself find peace."
- Albert Schweitzer

One Peace

In 1994 when Twyman started his ministry he gathered all the peace prayers from the twelve major religions and arranged them into music. His goal was simple, he wanted to show the world how all spiritual paths lead to one single expression – Peace.

Below are the twelve prayers.

"They show us one of the ways we're the same, helping us look past all the ways we seem different and alone."-James Twyman


Hindu Prayer for Peace


Oh God, lead us from the unreal to the Real.
Oh God, lead us from darkness to light.
Oh God, lead us from death to immortality.
Shanti, Shanti, Shanti unto all.

O Lord God Almighty may there be peace in Celestial regions.
May there be peace on earth.
May the waters be appeasing.
May herbs be wholesome, and may trees and plants bring peace to all.
May all beneficent beings bring peace to us.
May thy Vedic Law propagate peace all through the world.

May all things be a source of peace to us.
And may thy peace itself bestow peace on all.
And may that peace come to me also.


Buddhist Prayer for Peace


May all beings everywhere plagued with sufferings of body and mind quickly be freed from their illnesses.
May those frightened cease to be afraid
and may those bound be free.
May the powerless find power,
and may people think of befriending one another.
May those who find themselves in trackless,
fearful wildernesses - the children, the aged, the unprotected - be guarded by beneficent celestials,
and may they quickly attain Buddhahood.


Zoroastrian Prayer for Peace


We pray to God to eradicate all the misery in the world:
that understanding triumph over ignorance,
that generosity triumph over indifference,
that trust triumph over contempt, and
that truth triumph over falsehood.


Jainist Prayer for Peace


Peace and Universal Love is the essence of the Gospel preached by all the Enlightened Ones.
The Lord has preached that equanimity is the Dharma.
Forgive do I, creatures all,
and let all creatures forgive me.
Unto all have I amity, and unto none enmity.
Know that violence is the root cause of all miseries in the world.
Violence in fact, is the knot of bondage.
"Do not injure any living being."
This is the eternal, perennial, and unalterable
way of spiritual life.

A weapon, howsoever powerful it may be,
can always be superseded by a superior one;
but no weapon can, however,
be superior to non-violence and love.

Jewish Prayer for Peace


Come let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, that we may walk the paths of the most high.
And we shall beat our swords into ploughshares, and our spears into pruning hooks.
Nations shall not lift up sword against nation - neither shall they learn war any more.
And none shall be afraid, for the mouth of the Lord of Hosts has spoken.


Shinto Prayer for Peace


Although the people living across the ocean surrounding us, I believe, are all our brothers and sisters, why are there constant troubles in this world?
Why do winds and waves rise in the ocean surrounding us?
I only earnestly wish that the wind will soon puff away all the clouds which are hanging over the tops of the mountains.


Native African Prayer for Peace


Almighty God, the Great Thumb
we cannot evade to tie any knot:
The Roaring Thunder that splits mighty trees;
the all-seeing Lord up on high who sees
even the footprints of an antelope on a rock mass here on earth.
You are the one who does not hesitate to respond to our call.
You are the cornerstone of peace.


Native American Prayer for Peace


O Great spirit of our Ancestors, I raise my pipe to you;
To your messengers in the four winds, and
to Mother Earth who provides for your children.
Give us the wisdom to teach our children to love, to respect, and to be kind to each other, so that they may grow with peace in mind.

Let us learn to share all good things that you provide for us on this Earth.


Muslim Prayer for Peace


In the name of Allah the beneficent, the merciful. Praise be to the Lord of the Universe, who has created us and made us into tribes and nations that we may know each other, not that we may despise each other.
If the enemy incline towards peace, do thou also incline towards peace, and trust God, for the Lord is the one that heareth and knoweth all things.
And the servants of God, most Gracious are those who walk on the earth in Humility, and when we address them, we say "PEACE."


The Baha'i Prayer for Peace


Be generous in prosperity and thankful in adversity.
Be fair in thy judgment, and guarded in thy speech.
Be a lamp unto those who walk in darkness, and a home
to the stranger.
Be eyes to the blind, and a guiding light unto the feet of the erring.
Be a breath of life to the body of humankind, a dew upon the soil of the human heart,
and a fruit upon the tree of humility.


Sikh prayer for Peace


God adjudges us according to our deeds, not the clothes that we wear;
That truth is above everything, but higher still is truthful living.
Know that we attain God when we love, and only that victory endures in consequences of which no one is defeated.


Christian Prayer for Peace


Blessed are the Peacemakers
for they shall be known as the Children of God.
But I say to you that hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.
To those who strike you on the cheek offer the other also, and from those who take away your cloak, do not withhold your coat as well.
Give to everyone who begs from you, and of those who take away your goods, do not ask them again.
And as you wish that others would to do you,
do so to them.





James Twyman often says that the foundation of his work is found in the peace prayers from the twelve major religions of the world. On October 28, 1986, the leaders of these religions came to Assisi, Italy, the home of St. Francis, to offer the prayers of peace from their traditions. In 1994 James took those prayers and in less than two hours arranged them to music. He has performed the prayers around the world to tens of thousands of people.

"It was as if the music was already there," James said, "floating in space waiting for someone to catch them. I began reading the Hindu Prayer of Peace and heard the music, at first thinking it was coming from the next room. I picked up my guitar and began playing along. None of the prayers took more than ten minutes to arrange, and I realized I had been given an amazing gift that I would share with the world."

James has performed the “Peace Concert” around the world in countries like Iraq, Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Croatia, South Africa, Mexico and Serbia. Though his ministry has led to a wide variety of other adventures and peace projects, he still feels that the peace prayers offer a unique opportunity.

One other amazing song by Jim. See the lyrics below. I have this on cd...it is beautiful.-michele
http://www.emissaryoflight.com




Servant Prayer -lyrics by JAMES TWYMAN

When I am hungry, give me someone that I can feed.
When I am thirsty, show me someone who needs a drink.
When I’m cold, give me someone to keep warm.
When I grieve, give me someone to console.

When my cross grows too heavy and this weight I cannot bare.
And when I need someone to hold to me, and it seems no one is there,
To lighten up my heavy load, give me someone who deserves
to be loved just as I do, give me someone, someone I can serve.

When I need some time, let sit me with one for awhile.
And when my heart’s heavy, let me find someone to make smile.
And when I’m humble give me someone that I can praise.
And when I need to be looked after, show me someone that I can raise.
And when I need some understanding, show me someone who needs mine.
And when I think of myself only, draw my thoughts to those who are kind.
And when I’m  so c----, show me someone who’s in need.
And when my eyes are blind to what is holy,
Let me see the Christ in each one who I feed.
Let me see the Christ, Christ in each one who I feed.



We are one global family, all colors, all races, one world united.

We dance for peace and the healing of our planet earth.

Peace for all nations.

Peace for our communities.

Peace within ourselves.

Let us connect heart to heart.

Through our diversity we recognize our unity.

Through our compassion we recognize peace.

Our love is the power to transform the world.

Let us send it out...

NOW!!

Somewhere Over the Rainbow/Wonderful World

painting by Macy
Watch this video!!!! What beautiful people.
click on the link below:
Somewhere over the Rainbow

give peace a chance!!!!!

artwork courtesy of Marko

Peace
click on peace above....beautiful.

May Peace Prevail on Earth

May Peace Prevail on Earth
click on "may peace prevail on earth"

Urgently needed

Mira took the above picture. I love this picture!!!

I don't think the below article should be taken lightly. Please read when you have a chance. Peace and love, Michele

but watch this first....click on peace train first!!!!

Peace Train

Urgently Needed: A Peace Surge

By Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat

The signs are ominous. Saber rattling from the Bush Administration about a "firm response" if Iran does not stop its nuclear program. A mention in President George Bush's State of the Union address that terrorist groups in Iraq are taking direction from "the regime in Iran." A New York Times article that U.S. intelligence services say the most deadly bomb being used against American troops in Iraq is made in Iran. Bush talking on TV about the need to "seek out and destroy" support networks for the radical Shia groups in Iraq. Administration sources building a case that other alternatives for Iran (diplomacy, sanctions) are not working. Talk that "all options" must remain on the table. Reports that Bush has asked the U.S. Strategic Command to draw up plans to bomb Iran. U.S. aircraft carriers, loaded with Patriot missiles, in place in the Persian Gulf. Supplies, equipment, and personnel being moved to new U.S. bases along the Black Sea, within striking distance of Iran. An order to double the strategic oil reserves.

The projections on what could happen with an attack on Iran are, to put it mildly, absolutely terrifying: the use of nuclear weapons by several nations; the death of thousands, if not millions, from radiation poisoning in Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, and elsewhere; massive retaliation against American troops in Iraq and civilians in Israel; outrage against America in the global community; the collapse of the world economy; and an increase in terrorism.

Administration claims that they are not going to attack Iran are reminiscent of all the talk during the buildup to the Iraq invasion that the U.S. would simply "shock and awe" the Iraqis into surrender. And all of that begs the question: Why do nations continue to insist that military action is the way to secure peace? A surge of troops into Baghdad will not secure the country and bring peace to the land. An air attack on Iran will not deter violent forces in that country or elsewhere. What we need is a peace surge, all the people of the world working together to create the attitudes and actions that will bring lasting peace.

This is the first new "Spiritual Literacy in Wartime" feature we've done in a long time. But in our view, we are living in the scariest moment since the Cuban missile crisis when the world was carried to the brink of nuclear war in a confrontation between the United States and Russia. The difference is that there is still time for citizens and their representatives to stop this descent into violence and destructiveness. So this week we are asking you to read, practice, and act to create a peace surge. We'll explore the other part of this process, creating inner peace to enable you to keep up your activism, in the weeks ahead.

Readings

CommonDreams.org on What's Happening
If you, like many people we've discussed this with, were not aware of the plans for Iran, check out the articles on this progressive website that collects articles from a wide variety of sources — news services, newspapers, magazines, columnists — on what's happening in our world. CommonDreams.org describes itself as "a national non-profit citizens' organization working to bring progressive Americans together to promote progressive visions for America's future. Founded in 1997, we are committed to being on the cutting-edge of using the internet as a political organizing tool — and creating new models for internet activism." Here are just a few of the articles published there recently:

• Moves Toward War with Iran: We Must Stop This by Patrick McElwee
• The Edge of the Abyss by Eric Herter
• Stop the Iran War Before It Starts by Scott Ritter
• Target Iran: US Able to Strike in the Spring by Ewen MacAskill

Deepak Chopra on Seven Practices for Peace
Bestselling author Deepak Chopra lays out a seven-day program for peacemakers: being for peace, thinking for peace, feeling for peace, speaking for peace, acting for peace, creating for peace, and sharing for peace.

Peace Is the Way: A Collection of Inspirational Quotations for Peacemakers
A. J. Muste, the Christian pacifist who died on this day (February 11) in 1967, declared "There is no way to peace. Peace is the way." He and many others are quoted in this collection, originally assembled on the day before the U.S. began bombing Afghanistan.

Practices

Visit Iran Today
Use this slideshow to practice your connection with the people and places of Iran. Here are shoppers on the street, children at a playground, a symphony orchestra, happy skiers, soccer fans, and much more, set to the song "Peace Train" by Yusuf Islam (aka Cat Stevens). This is what could be destroyed by a bombing campaign.

Peace Prompts from John Dear
In Living Peace: A Spirituality of Contemplation and Action, peace and nonviolence activist John Dear calls us to become peacemakers "within our own broken hearts and broken families, in our bloody city streets and corrupt government offices, in the war zones and refugee camps." We've picked out twelve passages from this book that can be used as "peace prompts."

Bang Your Pots and Pans
In her last column before her death from breast cancer, progressive Molly Ivins urged Americans to take to the streets to protest the war in Iraq: "We are the people who run this country. We are the deciders. And every single day, every single one of us needs to step outside and take some action to help stop this war. Raise hell. Think of something to make the ridiculous look ridiculous. Make our troops know we're for them and trying to get them out of there. Hit the streets to protest Bush's proposed surge. . . . We need people in the streets, banging pots and pans and demanding, 'Stop it, now!' " Eric Herter in another article published on CommonDreams.org wants us to take the protest further and use our pots and pans to raise awareness of the planned attack on Iran. Here are some other things to do:

• Sign Peace Action's No War with Iran Petition.
• Sign the After Downing Street Coalition's Don't Attack Iran Petition.
• Read about the Iran War Powers Resolutions at Just Foreign Policy and send a message to your Congressional representatives
• Tell your Senators and Representatives to oppose any attack on Iran and not to fund it.

Prayers and Meditations for Wartime
"To clasp the hands in prayer is the beginning of an uprising against the disorder of the world," wrote theologian Karl Barth. Start here for six groups of prayers, gathered from all traditions, that acknowledge our brokenness, ask for mercy and forgiveness, evoke our compassion and hope, and more. Use a different one every day to raise a mighty chorus of prayer.

This was obtained from Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat's website which I love: http://www.spiritualityandpractice.com

Earth anthem

Click on the word earth below!!!

Earth

Embracing all creatures

A human being is a part of the whole called by us "the universe," a part limited in time and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts and feelings, as something separate from the rest- a kind of optical delusion of consciousness. This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires and affection of a few persons nearest to us. Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening our circle of understanding and compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty.

quote by Albert Einstein

World on Fire

This is really powerful....click below!!!
What a beautiful person!

World on Fire

check out this next video below....it is another powerful one too.
although, Jerry Garcia sings this song better....Avril is a close runner up and the video is very eye opening. click on Avril below.

Avril


Thank you Avril and thank you Sarah for making the world a better place. The world needs your love and light!!!!-Michele


Below is something that my dear friend Paul Sherlock wrote.
He is an awesome writer and a very active thinker......and very REAL!!!!

To all my Divine friends

http://www.peace.ca/avril.mpg

Please listen, read and absorb the message in this song. It is a message that in its heart speaks to responsibility. The responsibility that we all to share in allowing the seeds of war to blossom. We cannot sit idly by any longer. We owe it to each other: our brothers, neighbors, countrymen, and global co-habitants, the obligation to make this a better place

We need to stop this cycle of behavior; of acting upon our fears and frustrations and attacking those who might disagree with us.

We need to do more than act upon our fears and frustrations.

We have a responsibility to become a catalyst for changing the approach we take towards people that we call our enemies.

Why do we:

Fight one another.

Hate one another.

Allow issues to fester to such a point that there is no room for dialogue, only action?

In this world we are too proximate to one another. We are no longer able to act out and then go and retreat to safe havens.

We need to begin learning how to co-exist.

This life is challenging enough, we do not need to inflame disputes with others by drawing hard lines in the sand.

At some point we must begin to awaken to the fact that we need each other.

And gain the awareness that we are part of the same whole.

When it comes down to it there is no real difference with people in other countries

We all cry when we are sad. We all feel pain. And we all know what joy feels like.

We need to work harder to break through the disagreements between us and find common ground.

It starts with communication. With understanding of one another. With compromise.

And it starts with us.

We, as individuals, are the ones who will begin to make the difference.

We have the ability to affect change.

We need to begin making steps to lessen the worlds conflicts, as well as the conflicts we face here at home.

We can’t wait for governments to direct change.

We can’t wait for change to come from any leader. It must come from us, we must make the difference.

And we can make that difference

We begin doing this by our everyday actions.

Consider making the commitment to be kinder towards people on your everyday walk in life.

Consider seeing people through the lens of Namaste: that is seeing and acknowledging the Divine within everyone you meet. We should be honored to make the acquaintance of a fellow Divine Spirit!

Spread the Love you possess onto those people you meet everyday. You’ll get more.

And if you struggle to be kind to those around you then be kind to yourself. Learn to Love yourself more, you are the generator of all the Love you possess. And your Love is limitless!

Love the you that is entirely perfect, the you that is already connected to God.

The steps are small but significant. We need to be the salve to heal the pain felt in the world.

We need to begin in the here and now.

Namaste

Paul

Peace Pilgrim

Peace Pilgrim is a personal hero of mine. please read her powerful thoughts below.
There is a website link devoted to her teachings below.
I hope you enjoy her thoughts as much as I do.
They really help me connect to spirit when I need words of inspiration. I have read them 100 times plus!!!...I must need lots of inspirtation....huh?
What an amazing lady!!!!

Peace Pilgrim:

THOUGHTS

* We can all spend our lives going about doing good. Every time you meet a person, think of some encouraging thing to say - a kind word, a helpful suggestion, an expression of admiration. Every time you come into a situation, think of some good thing to bring - a thoughtful gift, a considerate attitude, a helping hand.

* There is a criterion by which you can judge whether the thoughts you are thinking and the things you are doing are right for you. That criterion is, Have they brought you inner peace? If they have not, there is something wrong with them - so keep trying.

*If you love people enough, they will respond lovingly. If I offend people, I blame myself, for I know that if my conduct had been correct, they would not have been offended, even though they did not agree with me. "Before the tongue can speak, it must have lost the power to wound."

*To those who feel depressed, I would say: Try keeping your surroundings full of beautiful music and lovely flowers. Try reading and memorizing thoughts that inspire. Try making a list of all the things you have to be thankful for. If there is some good thing that you have always wanted to do, start doing it. Make a meaningful schedule for yourself and keep to that schedule.

*Although others may feel sorry for you, never feel sorry for yourself - it has a deadly effect on spiritual well-being. Recognize all problems, no matter how difficult, as opportunities for spiritual growth, and make the most of these opportunities.

*From all the things you read and from all the people you meet, take what is good - what you own 'Inner Teacher' tells you is for you - and leave the rest. For guidance and for truth, it is much better to look to the Source through your own 'Inner Teacher' than to look to people or books. Books and people can merely inspire you. Unless they awaken something within you, nothing worthwhile has been accomplished.

*No one is truly free who is still attached to material things, or to places, or to people. We must be able to use things when we need them and then relinquish them without regret when they have outlived their usefulness. We must be able to appreciate and enjoy the places where we tarry, and yet pass on without anguish when we are called elsewhere. We must be able to live in loving association with people without feeling that we possess them and must run their lives. Anything that you strive to hold captive will hold you captive, and if you desire freedom you must give freedom.

*The spiritual life is the real life - all else is illusion and deception. Only those who are attached to God alone are truly free. Only those who live up to the highest light they have find their lives in harmony. Those who act on their highest motivations become a power for good. It is not important that others be noticeably affected. Results should never be sought or desired. Know that every right thing you do - every good thing you say - every positive thought you think- has good effect.

*All people can be peace workers. Whenever you bring harmony into any unpeaceful situation, you contribute to the total peace picture. Insofar as you have peace in your own life, you reflect it into your surroundings and into the world.

*That which is received from without can be compared with knowledge. It leads to a believing, which is seldom strong enough to motivate to action. That which is confirmed from within after it is contacted from without, or that which is directly perceived from within (which is my way), can be compared with wisdom. It leads to a knowing, and action goes right along with it.

*In our spiritual development we are often required to pull up roots many times and to close many chapters in our lives until we are no longer attached to any material thing and can love all people without any attachment to them.

*You cannot leave a situation without spiritual injury unless you leave it lovingly.

*If you want to teach people, young or old, you must start where they are - at their level of understanding. If you see that they are already beyond your level of understanding, let them teach you. Since steps toward spiritual advancement are taken in such varied order, most of us can teach one another.

*Physical violence can end even before we have learned the way of love, but psychological violence will continue until we do. Only outer peace can be had through law. The way to inner peace is through love.

*Concentrate on giving so that you may open yourself to receiving. Concentrate on living according to the light you have, so that you may open yourself to more light.

*Sometimes difficulties of the body come to show that the body is just a transient garment - that the reality is the indestructible essence which activates the body.

*After you have found inner peace, spiritual growth takes place harmoniously because you - now governed by the higher self - will to do God's will and do not need to be pushed into it.

*Nothing threatens those who do God's will, and God's will is love and faith. Those who feel hate and fear are out of harmony with God's will and are likely to have difficulties.

*All difficulties in your life have a purpose. They are pushing you toward harmony with God's will.

*There is always a way to do right!

*What we suffer from is immaturity. If we were mature people, war would be no problem - it would be impossible.

*Of course I trust the Law of Love! Since the universe operates in accordance with the Law of Love, how could I trust anything else?

*For Light I go directly to the Source of Light, not to any of the reflections. Also I make it possible for more Light to come to me by living up to the highest Light I have. You cannot mistake Light coming from the Source, for it comes with complete understanding so that you can explain and discuss it.

*Judging others will avail you nothing and injure you spiritually. Only if you can inspire others to judge themselves will anything worthwhile have been accomplished.

*Never think of any right effort as being fruitless - all right effort bears good fruit, whether we see results or not. Just concentrate on thinking and living and acting for peace, and inspiring others to do likewise, leaving results in God's hands.

*You cannot change anyone except yourself. After you have become an example, you can inspire others to change themselves.

*In a conflict situation you must be thinking of a solution which is fair to all concerned, instead of a solution which is of advantage to you. Only a solution which is fair to all concerned can be workable in the long run.

*Your motives must be good if your work is to have a good effect.

Anyone working for peace, spiritual development, and the growth of human awareness throughout the world has our willing permission to reprint it in whole or part.

If you have been inspired by this
little spiritual classic you may want to read:

PEACE PILGRIM
HER LIFE AND WORK IN HER OWN WORDS
Peace Pilgrim

Can human beings and the fish coexist peacefully???

Did George really vacation at Omega Institute???
My cousin Krissy sent this picture.
Click below on mr. president if you would like to see more pictures.
Dear Mr. President
or the live version is right here. Live version

The bigger news is, according to a new AP poll, George Bush is a bigger villain to Americans than Osama bin Laden -- or Satan! Check out this report on MSNBC's Scarsborough Country (and the host a former Republican't congressman!!!!!)

Check this out!!!

LINKS: Watch the Video in Quicktime | Watch the video in Windows Media

click above to see one of my very favorite videos....recorded in Kent, Ohio.
Pretty powerful video...and below is a more graphic video to the same song!!
video

notes from the road

Iraq War Death Has Part in Ohio Video

While working on a political short film about the war in Iraq, cast member Sarah Rolan, playing the part of a widowed war bride, received news that her long-time friend, U.S. Marine reservist Lance Corporal Daniel "Nate" Deyarmin of Tallmadge, Ohio, had been killed during active duty in Iraq on Monday, August 4, 2005, along with 13 other Ohio servicemen. The eight-minute film, "There's Something In the Air / But It's Not on the Airwaves," a composition by political spoken word artist Chris Chandler, has since been dedicated to Nate Deyarmin. The video was produced by Chris Chandler and Karen Kilroy. [link]

Peace

The song is "Peace" and it's one of the most
intelligent and soulful anti-war songs I've
heard in a very long time.

It deserves a wide listening - and you can count
on it never being played on Clear Channel (the
monopoly that controls what popular music is
played on US radio.)

If you're a YouTube member, please give it a high
rating. That helps too.

And feel free to watch the video more than. Once.
I bet you'll want to...

Peace

- Brasscheck

Brasscheck TV
2380 California St.
San Francisco, CA 94115