kindness

17 Mar 2012 No Comments

Love The Rain

“Over the last few days little pearls of wisdom have been spilling forth from strangers in the most random of places, and each one has inspired a different act of kindness.

1. Thoughts create words create reality. On Saturday at the beginning of a gym class my instructor told us she was having a terrible morning, she was a magnet for things going wrong and all she needed now was for the “stupid microphone” not to work. Having also attended the previous class (sometimes I’m a little crazy that way), I knew the microphone was working perfectly well. But sure enough, she spent ten minutes flipping switches before exclaiming ”It’s not working, as usual.” She then spent the rest of the class in turn shouting instructions and complaining about having to shout. She was so frustrated that she kept messing up the choreography. All day I thought about how easy it is to be your own worst enemy and not even realise it. I decided to make a conscious effort to be kinder to myself over the weekend. I did things that make me feel calm and happy – catching up with friends, exercising, meditating, eating well, reading, cooking… I also bought all my fruit and vegetables from a local organic market – to my great amusement the Englishman who was running the market told me I was “doing a jolly good thing for the environment but more importantly a jolly good thing for your health”.

2. Your life should love you. On Monday while I was in a shop, a fairly successful-looking woman was asked what she did for work. She laughed and gave the most amazing response I’ve ever heard: “I do whatever work loves me.” When asked what she meant, she listed an assortment of different jobs which she claimed all had one common element – they made her feel appreciated, valued, talented and loved. The lady went on to say that this was also true of people she had in her life – “How could anyone ever expect to be happy if they choose to spend time with people or work that doesn’t love them?” Of course we all know it is true, but as friend recently told me quite matter-of-factly, “Sometimes I think if I let go of every person who let me down, there wouldn’t be many people left.” I can empathise with this so strongly. But I realise more and more each day that it’s better to be surrounded by a few people that truly love you than many who don’t. Following on from this lesson I decided to make someone else feel loved and I wrote a gratitude card to my amazing friend R. She is constantly inspiring me, making me consider things from a different perspective and encouraging me to have unwavering faith in myself and the universe.

3. Love the rain. Today while waiting for my daily caffeine fix, I noticed a little girl (around five) sitting at the window of the cafe watching the rain outside. All around her us adults were complaining to each other about the cold, wet weather. This little girl, however, had a different take on things, bouncing excitedly in her seat as the raindrops fell heavier and heavier, and saying quietly: “Hello, rain! I love you. Thankyou for making the flowers grow.” If only we could maintain children’s natural ability to find such joy in things. This little girl inspired my ‘piece de resistance’ for this week (if not month): I went around to every unit on my floor (25 in total) and left a flower and a note on the doorstep reading “A random act of kindness to brighten a gloomy day.” Strange how nervous this made me – I did it so hastily you would think I was robbing the places. Maybe my last flower incident has traumatised me. I didn’t want to get “caught”; didn’t want to be judged; didn’t want to answer suspicious and ungrateful questions. I just wanted to imagine that each person came home after a stressful, rainy day to find a lovely bright flower on their doorstep that made them smile and wonder.”

Singing in the Rain video. Re-posted from Year of Kindness Blog.

by polyachka in Happiness Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

14 Mar 2012 No Comments

Shamatha Yoga

Three years ago I completed three levels of Shambhala training levels 1-3: The Art of Being Human, Birth of a Warrior and Warrior in the World. There was no fighting but extensive meditating. I learned how to quiet my mind. I also enjoyed Shamatha yoga that you can do anywhere and it only takes several minutes.

Shamatha yoga is a simple series of nine yoga postures developed by Sakyong  Mipham Rinpoche during his retreat in India in Januray of 2002. They are designed to develop mindfulness as well as loosen the body during breaks from formal sitting meditation.

  1. Earth. Hands at sides, fingers pointed down. Palms inward, gaze down. Feel slightly separated, toes spread. Knees are not locked. Body scan: moving feet to head, relax each part of the body. Feeling of solidity.
  2. Greater Eastern Sun. Raise arms up outstretched, palms upward. Reach for sky, palms towards each other, shoulder-width apart. Look upwards.
  3. Gathering the Mind. From GES, bring hands together and down toward heart, to Anjali. Bodhicitta. Feel heart center.
  4. Offering. Forward bend from waist. Separate hands, arms circle slightly outward and down. Release. Stretch back and back of legs. Relax head and neck. Legs are straight and strong.
  5. Courage. From Offering, roll up through spine to standing. Hands on hips in warrior posture, as if to bow. Gaze forward.
  6. Warrior. Slide right foot forward, angle left foot out 45 degrees. Arms reach up, palms together. Look upwards. Right leg is bent, knee directly over front heel. Left leg is straight. Bring left hip forward. Step back to standing, hands on hips. Repent on left side.
  7. Four Directions. a. Hands on hips, legs spread and strengthened. Bow over, stretching to the front. b. Round up to standing. Lift up the heart, drop the head back. c. Return to standing. Turn right foot out to right, left foot turns in 45 degrees. Turn hips to right, fold torso over right leg. Keep weight evenly distributed in legs. Let head hang. Round up through spine to standing. Repeat on left side.
  8. Garuda. a. Begin with legs spread apart, toes facing forward. Arms extend to sides shoulder-height, palms down. b. Turn right foot out to right. Reach right hand out as far as possible, then bring down to right ankle or shin. Legs are straight and strengthened, palms face front. Look up to top hand. Come back slowly to standing, arms extended, palms down. Turn feet and repeat on left side. Come back slowly to standing. c. Twisting Garuda: Turn foot to right. Twist torso so left hand reaches for ankle or shin. Look upward to top hand. Strengthen legs and return to standing posture. Repeat on left side. Twists whole spine.
  9. Joining Heaven and Earth. Feet together. In one fluid motion: Raise arms out and up overhead, bring palms together, look up to thumbs, then hands come down, passing through Anjali to the hips, palms open at sides. Gaze is raised. Openness. Expansion.

See a demo of Shamatha yoga on YouTube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHiJLoLlBDw.

Note: As with many forms of discipline that involve bodily exercise, Shamatha yoga includes an inherent element of risk of personal injury. However you can prevent harm to your body by being careful at all times and avoiding or discontinuing any activity that causes you pain or physical distress. Individuals who have preexisting medical conditions must not undertake any exercise that could aggravate such conditions.

by polyachka in Happiness Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

06 Mar 2012 No Comments

Scotia’s Dating Tips for Men

This is another guest post by Scotia Stone, who is an educator and relationship coach:

I read a dating tip for women once that gave me a chuckle. It read “look nice, smell nice, be nice.” Pretty simple. And it said nothing about what we should say or not say on a date, but simply about how we should BE. Well, it’s good advice for everyone. 

1. So men, number one, be clean, smell clean and dress decently.  Take it from the girls- when a woman goes out on a date, she thinks about what she’ll wear in large part because she knows you are judging her appearance. So she makes sure not to dress sluttily, or dress like she’s at work, which can make her look uptight. She tries to balance attractive without overboard. You should also strive for a balanced look. Don’t dress like you’re on the Sopranos or like you are going to play football with the guys after you leave her. Dress in clean, ironed clothes- jeans or chinos for most places, and a long sleeve button down shirt, stripes or solid. Add a belt. It’s a nice, clean, balanced look. And as for smelling nice- take a shower, and make sure not to douse yourself in cologne. We may like you but if we hate your cologne, it’s a goner.

2. If you get talking to a woman at a bar or party, buy or procure her a drink. This shows you are attentive to her needs, and observant.  I don’t like when men send a drink over in a bar- it’s cheesy and antiquated. But if you are already talking, taking up her time, it shows how thoughtful you are.

3. Pay for the first few dates. It’s just how it’s done. Complain all you want about a double standard, but most studies tell you men prefer it this way in the beginning. If you are dating a lot of women, or if you don’t have a lot of money, go somewhere inexpensive, or just meet for coffee or a drink.  When/if a woman offers to pay, say “oh no, this is on me” or “I’ll take care of this.” It makes you look generous and well mannered, highly desirable traits in a man.

4. Do not talk about yourself for too long! So many men blather on and on during a date and don’t bother to learn about the woman they’re with. I once got asked for a second date by a guy who had done this. I asked him “How do you know you want to go out with me again? You didn’t bother to learn anything about me!” I couldn’t resist the teachable moment. A good conversation is like ping pong- I lob to you, you lob to me. I ask you about your hobbies, you ask me about the trips I’ve taken, for example. The point of going on a date is to learn about each other.

5. If you have kids and you’re dating, make sure not to keep saying “my kids come first.” Everyone knows this. Of course they come first.  Men so often put this in their online profiles too, and it is very alienating to women. There has to be room in your life for this great new woman to come in, and hopefully your kids will love her too! (Same goes for your dog by the way.  Don’t post 10 pictures of the dog and talk about how much you enjoy hanging out with him.)

6. Last, I like the medical credo. First do No Harm. If you go out on a date with someone, and you’re not interested, don’t ask her out again on the date and then not call. If she calls you, call her back and let her down easy. I like the line “I enjoyed meeting you, but I just don’t see us as a match.”  It’s a nice, neutral statement, and it won’t hurt anyone’s feelings. This can be said in an email, or over the phone if necessary.  So many men say things they don’t mean, or just disappear into thin air, leaving women angry and frustrated.  Always do the kind thing. You have everything to gain.  It’s not only good karma, but because you’ve demonstrated that you are considerate and have manners, she may set you up with one of her friends.  And now you don’t have to worry about running into her somewhere either.

Go get ‘em Tiger -  happy dating!

You can read more on this topic from Scotia Stone’s new book Damned If You Do.

by polyachka in Happiness Tags: , , , , , ,

26 Feb 2012 No Comments

Heal With Me

I’d like to tell you about something very special I discovered recently. It is the Gateway – a portal for growth and wellness that organizes the following event: “Heal w/Me” a Free Healing Clinic for the Homeless c/o UnitedSteps & The GATEWAY”

Dec 31, 2011 at the Yahoo Center, Santa Monica, CA
In Grateful Collaboration with Numerous Gracious Practitioners from The GATEWAY and others of their own accord & United Steps and Affiliates we are connecting with the Homeless & Underprivileged on this Shared HoBo (= Homeward Bound) Journey.

10AM to 3PM, Practitioners are offering services at no charge to those without a home or funds to spare on this journey we are all on. Homeless clients have been invited and their transport is being coordinated by United Steps.  Please invite any you know or see and greet…
~ Light Snacks and Water Served for Clients as supplies last (seeking sponsors to donate more snacks and drinks) ~
~ Live Vocal Entertainment (seeking folks to fill live entertainment slots) ~

The Roster of Practitioners Rendering Specialties Includes (by the way if you or anyone you know would like to be paired up with a homeless person as a one-to-one friend, we are seeking you as well, give us a contact to book yourself as such):
1) Medical Intuition and Healing with Sarah Larsen MD http://drsarahlarsen.com/, 2) Hands on Healing and Spiritual Counseling with Olivia Bareham, 3) Reflexology with Charles Haywood, 4) Theta Healing with Regine Vavasseur  http://www.heartspaceenergyhealing.com/Theta_Healing.html, 5) Acupuncture and Allergy Treatments with Chantaal Lebay L.Ac. http://thegatewayport…, 6) Clear Light Healing with Dianne Rini www.clearlighthealing-drini.com, 7) Massage with Joey Esposito http://www.bioenergist.com/ and LeeAnn Christian, 8) Energy Healing with Nora Delgado http://www.noradelgado.com/, 9) Breathwork with Achaessa James, 10) Mental Health Counseling, Healing and Tarot Cards with Ron Holman, Ph.D., MFT holmangroup.com, 11) Bowen Therapy with Jin Quan, 12) Soul Drawing with Kayla Leung,

13) Sound Healing with Natalie Koltz http://www.nataliekoltz.com/, 14) Reconnection Healing with Danielle Duval, 15) Energy Healing with Ellany http://www.touchingbodynsoul.com/, 16) EFT and NLP with Elaine McBroom, 17) Reiki with Jennifer, 18) Trigger Point Pain Relief with Art San http://www.thepaineraser.net/Meet-Art-San.html, 19) Readings with Psychic Jude http://www.psychicjude.com/, 20) Angel Card Readings with Ellany http://www.touchingbodynsoul.com/, 21) Hand and Angel Readings and Energy Healings with Lisa Martin, 22) Energy Work with Joseph Eng http://lightworkerjoseph.com/sample-page/,  23) Many there to Befriend, All Welcome, 24) Volunteer Help: Heidi, Jack Bowman…

Questions? Call The GATEWAY / a Portal for Growth & Wellness at 310 * 479* 0430 | heart-to-heart@thegatewayportal.com Explain the role you wish to take, while also contact us by phone to finalize. Our official website is http://thegatewayportal.com/
Please enjoy viewing the love and healing on this day and monthly Heal with Me Events on

YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K5nzmy0pGgM&feature=pl…

Feedback: I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of organization, practitioners, and volunteers that helped put this event together. I wanted to get a massage myself, but felt that it was more of a day of giving that receiving. I ended up realizing that I do more than just give relaxing Swedish massages. I found out that I can help heal people both mentally, psychologically , and physically by listening to their needs and giving extra attention and care to the parts of them that need healing.

I’m planning to create a resilience workshop and offer it at the next clinic and also at http://www.dwcweb.org/.

by polyachka in Happiness Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,

03 Feb 2012 No Comments

Inner Peace (Part Two)

Soothsayer: The most important time is now. But if you really want to see the future.
Shen: Oh, what do you see?
Soothsayer: A peacock is defeated by a warrior of black and white. Nothing has changed.
Shen: That’s impossible, and you know it.
Soothsayer: It is not impossible, and he knows it.
Shen: Who?

Wolf Boss: Lord Shen, I saw a panda!
Shen: A panda! There are no more panda’s.
Soothsayer: Even with his poor eye sight, he can see the truth. Why is it that you cannot?

[after failing at his attempts to go stealth mode to get closer to the palace]
Monkey: So that was stealth mode, huh?
Po: Uh…to be honest, not one of my stronger modes.

Master Ox: It’s time to surrender, panda. Kung Fu is dead. [in despair]
Po: I…ooh…you…you…! Kung Fu is de…ad! Fine! You stay in your prison of fear, with bars made of hopelessness. And all you get are three square meals a day of shame!
Master Croc: With despair for dessert.
Po: We’ll take on Shen. And prove to all those who are hungry for justice and honor, that Kung Fu still lives! [a boar in one of the prison cells shouts bleakly]
Boar: Yeah!

Po: Nothing’s unstoppable except for me when I’m stopping you from telling me something’s unstoppable!

Master Shifu: Remember dragon warrior, when you follow the noble path, anything is possible.

[as the guerrilla guards are chaining Po and the others]
Crane: You can chain my body. But you will never chain my …warrior spirit!

Soothsayer: The cup you choose to fill has no bottom. It is time to stop this madness.
Shen: Why on earth would I do that?
Soothsayer: So your parents can rest in peace.
Shen: My parents hated me. Do you understand? They wronged me. And I will make it right.
Soothsayer: They loved you. They loved you so much that having to send you away killed them.
Shen: The dead exist in the past. And I must attend to the future.

Po: No more running, Shen!
Shen: So it seems.
Po: Now, answers.
Shen: Oh, you want to know so badly. You think knowing will heal you, huh? Fill some crater in your soul? Well here’s your answer. Your parents didn’t love you.
[Po looks grief stricken]
Shen: But here, let me heal you.
[he releases a cannon from his weapon shooting straight into Po]

[after Po has defeated all the cannon balls thrown at him and destroyed Shen's ships

Shen: How did you...how did you do it?
Po: You know, you just keep your elbows up and keep the shoulders loose.
Shen: Not that! How did you find peace? I took away your parents. Everything! I...I scarred you for life.
Po: See, that's the thing, Shen. Scars heal.
Shen: No, they don't. Wounds heal.
Po: Oh, yeah. What do scars do? They fade I guess.
Shen: I don't care what scars do.
Po: You should, Shen. You've gotta let go of that stuff from the past, cause it just doesn't matter. The only thing that matters is what you choose to be now.
Shen: You're right. Then I choose...this!
[he suddenly draws his sword and swings it at Po]

[after he's finally defeated Shen]
Shifu: It seems you have found inner peace. At such a young age!
Po: Well, I had a pretty good teacher.
Mr. Ping: So, how did it go? Did you save China?
Po: Yep.
Mr. Ping: Well, I knew you would. That’s why I had new signs made.
[holds up the sign with Po's picture on it]
Mr. Ping: My son saved China. You too can save. Buy one dumpling, get one free!

by polyachka in Happiness Tags: , , , , , ,

02 Feb 2012 No Comments

Inner Peace (Part One)

To my great surprise I found so much wisdom in the animated “Kung Fu Panda 2” comedy film that I saw the other day. The theme of it is Inner Peace. I want to say big Thank you to its female Director Jennifer Yuh Nelson for creating such a masterpiece. I am sure the film will win Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. See the film to learn full story, but for now enjoy my favorite passages and savor them:

[meditating]
Shifu: Inner peace. Inner peace
[suddenly we hear Po approaching loudly in the background]
Shifu: Ahh! Inner peace.
Po: Master Shifu? Master Shifu? What have we got? Pirates? Vandals of volcano mountain? Whatever it is, I will take them down. Cause I am in a mood. I need to get somethin’ done. You know what I mean?
[Shifu ignore Po and continues meditating with his eyes closed]
Po: Uh..what are you doing?
Shifu: One of master Oogway’s final teachings.

[Master Shifu carefully handles a water droplet and lets it go onto to a leaf intact]
Po: How did you do that?
Shifu: Inner peace.
Po: Inner peace. That’s cool! Inner peace of what?
Shifu: It is the next phase of your training. Every master must find his path to inner peace. Some choose to meditate for fifty years in a cave just like this, without the slightest taste of food or water.
[Po's stomach makes a loud growling noise]
Po: Or?
Shifu: Some find it through pain and suffering, as I did. Po, the day you were chosen as Dragon Warrior, was the worst day of my life. By far, nothing else came close. It was the worst, most painful, mind destroying, horrible moment…
Po: Okay.
Shifu: …I have ever experienced.
[he shudders at the thought of it]

Shifu: But once I realized the problem was not you, but within me, I found inner peace. And was able to harness the flow of the universe.
Po: So that’s it? I just need inner peace? My innards are already super, super peaceful. So all I need to do is just get this thing going. Inner peace? You’re goin’ down! Now show me what you were doing there with your feet? I saw you do sorta fancy foot thing?

Po: How can kung fu stop something that stops kung fu?

Master Shifu: Remember, Dragon Warrior, anything is possible when you have inner peace.

Soothsayer: Your story may not have such a happy beginning but that doesn’t make you who you are, it is the rest of your story, who you choose to be.

Tigress: The mast is not a worthy opponent.

Tigress: Po, why are you really out here?
Po: I just found out that my dad isn’t really my dad.
Tigress: Your dad, the goose? Must have been quite a shock.
Po: Yeah.
Tigress: And this bothers you?
Po: Are you kiddin’ me? We’re warriors, right? Nerves of steel! Souls of platinum! Like you! So hard core you don’t feel anything.

Tigress: The hardcore do understand, but I can’t watch my friend be killed.

Po: I’m not freaking out, I’m freakin in!

Soothsayer: Stop fighting. Just let it flow.

Soothsayer: If you continue on your current path, you will find yourself…at the bottom of the stairs. I see…I see…I see….pain!
Shen: Ow!
Soothsayer: And anger.
Shen: How dare you! That is the finest silk in the province!
Soothsayer: Followed by denial.

by polyachka in Happiness Tags: , , , , ,

21 Jan 2012 1 Comment

Kabbalah Love (Class One)

Several weeks ago when I was in LA, I went to the introduction lecture on Kabbalah. When I returned to Boston, they emailed me about an upcoming 4-week course that takes place in Cambridge. I decided to enroll to get more familiar with this school of thought. What I liked the most about it  is that it is open to all no matter what race, religion or gender. I also like the concept of giving before you are able to receive, which totally resonates with me. So I signed up for the course in Cambridge called “To Love – an in-depth look at the Nature of Love Itself”. 

The course description said: “Kabbalah does not just contain the secrets to love. Kabbalah IS love. Take a 360 degree turn in your understanding of Light, life and love – and uncover the true purpose of love. This is more than “how to find your soul-mate” class. It is a journey into the essence of what it means to have a soul, why relationships exist, and how to open your heart to greater love and a deeper connection to people and the Creator”.

10 days ago I attended the first session with about 30 people. I was told there are about 300 people who are on the Kabbalah mailing list in Boston area. The session began.

Love One Care. These words represent number 13. Which is a special number meaning going beyond your traditional “package” of qualities, like the ones associated with 12 horoscope star signs, to love is to go beyond your normal description. Then the instructor asked us to write down qualities of people whom we love. It became apparent that these people show some affection toward us and support us in a certain way. We normally love because we receive love from those people. I wrote down the following: similar caring spirit, humor, intelligent. We were told that we often confuse love and need, but first thing to do in love is to give (yes, unconditionally).

Love is an outcome, never a cause of something. We see reflection of ourselves in other people or we look for and see something we are missing in ourselves and want to have. There is nobody else there, because we are in a relationship with ourselves. Is this love unconditional or does it depends on something? How do you recognize true love? If you plant a seed of love and it was a need , lack or co-dependency, it vanishes… it was not true.

There is no love at first sight, because we don’t know the person yet. We all have lacks, issues, judgements, who doesn’t? Love is not about fear of losing. We need to work on ourselves first: to separate our needs from love for other person.

Relationship definition: Expression of the yearning of the soul to join forces in the battle to promote our spiritual understanding and help each other to pay the cosmic debt (tikkun).

Relationships are about growing and transforming, the feeling of yearning and connection with this person. It can help me grow but I don’t know why. It has to help me grow and transform. Am I better with them or without them? Love is made of 2 different forces : give and take. Opposites attract, but in differences there must be something that unites us both. We got our life for free with no effort. But later in life you have to work for things to pay your cosmic debt/baggage to transform it (from past life or childhood).

Relationship: They should challenge us, help us grow. We like the idea of love but do we want to work for it. Whatever you want to get you need to give first. How does it make me feel? Do we give love anytime? (to whoever is in front of us?) No, we are busy. Usually we only love when we have time and in good mood or to those whom we like or those who like us. It is rare that people just give us, without wanting to get anything from us. We need to give love as a tool, example, to like all babies, not just cute babies. We need to be there for the person in front of us, we need to exercise love every day. And see what happens. That is our homework.

by polyachka in Happiness Tags: , , , , , , ,

16 Jan 2012 No Comments

Hello, I’m Happiness

If you read this letter – it means I have come to you. And now I’ll start to grumble, because there is something to grumble about! It hurts, you see:

I am ancient – I do not even remember how old I am. I guess I always was. Therefore, I have accumulated a lot of observations of mankind. Have you ever tried to put yourself in my shoes? No? Too bad! It would be very useful and informative:

That’s all they say: “happiness, happiness is”. Rushing about, looking for, dreaming about me. While I, by the way, didn’t leave or hide! And I do not run! I am always near and waiting to get noticed. But how do I get noticed, if the majority does not know what I look like? That’s funny: they look, not knowing what for!

Most often, I do not get noticed because everyone has his own idea of me. For someone I am a chocolate cake, for other – spending time in nature, for another - world fame, and to someone happiness is another person’s disaster. Believe it or not!

Incidentally, I’m homeless and I wander around the world, seeking shelter. I would be glad to stay with someone, I knock on all doors, but people don’t always let me in. Unhappiness is all at once recognized, but I’m not – for some reason!
I know that many are also looking for me, sometimes just to bump up my nose, but most usually pass me by without noticing. Or not recognizing? Or maybe just looking for me in wrong places. For example, many are looking for happiness in marriage. Or at work. Or in children. Of course, I am also side by side with you there! But then it turns out that if  marriage or work, or children are taken away from you, I disappear with them. And you will be miserable: And this is wrong! Happiness is the natural human state, so that you know.

Many like to look back: “Then, they say, were the happy days!”. But if you recall how they behaved back then, it is a lie! They even in those happy times were dissatisfied with something, something was missing. Only over the years have they realized that I was there! But only it is too late: now they sit and indulge in memories.

But others are dreaming of what they do not have to be happy. One – apartment, another – car, someone else – a million dollars or the ideal love. Well, I can tell you that there is always something missing to a man. Give him all at once what he was asking and he will be glad for a week or two, and then get used again and starts to wish for something else for full happiness.
Oh, it’s hard for me with you, folks! How much nonsense you piled up around me! “Happiness is to be useful to others”. Beautifully said, but it is not totally correct. To be useful to people: and yourself? Give yourself away grain by grain, but will not know happiness: It is good to care about others but do not forget about yourself! When you are happy, then happiness light spreads around you! How much of me will you share??

Or here: “My happiness is in children”. Grown children have their own families, their nests, but mother still climbs to them, intervenes, and is offended that she is sidelined. Why? Because with her children and I left, as she originally lodged me in them. And what about her now, without happiness? So I say – you should have your own happiness, independent.

And then they say about misfortune: “Would not it be a blessing in disguise” (There will not be happiness unless misfortune helps). What are you people, crazy? Why do you definitely need to get hit with a brick on your head to understand that happiness was always here but you just didn’t notice it?
Do not be offended by my grumbling, I warned you that it hurts me: You better listen to me, your happiness, see what is useful and take notice.
If you only knew how often I stood at the bedside when a person really goes away, tears welling, and It is only then he realizes that it was happiness, but was so overlooked, could not see it, did not notice!

Here is a man climbs a mountain to the summit, climbing, panting, throws his fingers into the blood. And all for what? To get on top and feel the happiness! Well, me, that is. Happy moment! Flight of the soul! But then, he would still have to go further. Descend to climb again. The eternal pursuit of happiness: And you do not realize, people, that as long as you getting somewhere, I’m behind you, sit in a backpack. Or pocket. Or just fly near, whispering: “Stop, my friend! Look around! I am here, it is your happiness!”. But very few people can hear:
I’ll reveal my main secret: I am linked to time. I am not in the past – this is just the happy picture. I am not in the future – it’s just sweet dreams. I’m always in the present! Heard the song – “There is only a moment for you to keep”. Here, it’s just me! Each of your moment – is happiness. Of course, if you are at this moment not fallen in the past or future. You usually regret about the past, and worry about the future. And where regret or anxiety, I do not live – we are not compatible, what can you do?

I’ll tell you what! If you’re reading this letter – it means that you have eyes and they see it. Is this not happiness? If you are blind and someone reads the letter aloud – but you have a friend! What a joy! Breathe, walk, love, look, touch and smell – it’s all happiness! Yellow leaves flew – the beauty and happiness! Snow fell to the ground – light, clean and happy!
Streams began to flow, grass breaks – is not happiness? And when the season for berries and mushrooms comes and you can swim in the river – pure excitement!

I ask you one thing, people: do not hold me! Don’t catch my wings! Because I am mobile, I like to fly! If I lose my flight, then I’ll turn into a memory. Like the dried leaf, that your grandmother brought from Evpatoria in 1968. It, of course, pleases the soul, but it was when X?! You better remember: “Happy people don’t count time”. And why not? Because their every moment is happiness, why look at the clock? They have neither past nor future, but only a present moment!
In general, I appeal to you, people! Let me in: I am tired of wandering through the world without shelter. Let us live by the law: “man is the master of his happiness!” Well I just dream about it – to come to somebody and make him happy for life. Just stop for a moment, stop your eternal race, look around – and you will see me.
If you read this Happiness letter, send it to your friends! Those who are especially dear to you. Let them hear my desperate cry! You will do good work, and they will be happy. And who knows, maybe they will look closely and listen, and I finally get noticed. And all of us will be happy.

Written by Anonymous, Translated from Russian by Google Translate with my help

by polyachka in Happiness Tags: , , , , , , , ,

05 Jan 2012 1 Comment

2012 Global Happiness Conference Call

Edwin Edebiri, Chief Happiness Officer at I Am Happy Project, organized 2012 global conference call today. There were 5 presenters:

Marci Shimoff – Author, Teacher, Speaker

She is a celebrated transformational leader and a #1 New York Times bestselling author. In addition to authoring the worldwide bestsellers, Love for No Reason and Happy for No Reason, she is the coauthor of six of the top-selling titles in the Chicken Soup for the Soul series and a featured teacher in the international movie and book sensation The Secret.

Dr. Bob Nozik, M.D. – Physician, Professor, Author

The author of Happy 4 Life: Here’s How to Do, he is a physician who has studied happiness ever since discovering his own deep, inner happiness almost two decades ago. He was featured in “Best Doctors in America” every year until he retired. He is currently Professor Emeritus at the University of California Medical Center in San Francisco.

Dr. Brenda Wade – Psychologist, Author, Speaker

She is also an expert commentator for CNN and NBC’s Today Show and a frequent guest on The Oprah Winfrey Show. She is the Founder of the International Love and Money Summit.

Dr. James W. Jackson – Author, Cultural Economist

He devoted the past 25 years of his life traveling in over 150 countries “delivering health and hope” to the world’s most needy people. Literally thousands of people are alive today as a direct result of the tireless efforts of Project C.U.R.E.‘s staff, volunteers and Dr. Jackson. Now, he is sharing his field-tested and transferable cultural economic best practices for the positive transformation of individuals, organizations, and cultures.

 

Edwin Edebiri, MBA – Author, Speaker, Consultant

He has interviewed more than 1,000 people in the past year. Based upon their answers, he has come up with a list of 10 concrete things people can do to become happier. He is the inspiration behind the Global Happiness Summit and the founder of the I Am Happy Project, whose mission it is to spread happiness globally, one person at a time.

All presenters shared useful tips and stories on the topic of happiness. I really liked Marci’s story about a woman who cured herself from a serious disease by practicing loving kindness meditation for one year. She wished the best to other people: “May you be safe, May you be healthy, May you be happy, May you live with ease”. The power of our positive thoughts and kindness changes our physical bodies. There were other good exercises recommended like “I’m light and energy”, ”open heart”, Pollyanna and “don’t give in to you inner critic”. I also learned about books that participants wrote. My favorite story was Dr. Jackson’s life story, who said that he is the happiest when he gives himself away: his love, time and effort. “Life is where we direct our pupils”.

“Life is full of alternatives, and based on them we make choices, which lead to consequences, which determine our major happiness”.

“To be happy find someone around you and make them better of”.

“Find your passion and how your focus on that and helping other people will define your life”.

From I Am Happy Project website:

Happiness is a state of mind or feeling characterized by contentment, satisfaction, pleasure, or joy. Happiness comes from deep within, and not from people, situations, or circumstances.

According to Researchers from Harvard Medical School and the University of California, San Diego: “When an individual becomes happy, the network effect can be measured up to three degrees. One person’s happiness triggers a chain reaction that benefits not only his friends, but his friends’ friends, and his friends’ friends’ friends. The effect lasts for up to one year.”
Since whatever we focus on grows, the aim of this group is to help members focus on happiness and to spread it at every opportunity.

Ten Ways to Be Happy by Edwin Edebiri:

 

1. Decide to be happy and make it your top priority.
2. Smile more and learn to laugh at yourself.
3. Volunteer your time one on one or to a group.
4. Donate your money according to your pocket, even if it is a dime.
5. Make time for the 3 F’s: Faith, Family & Friends
6. Create a list of all the things you are thankful for or that make you happy
7. Create a list of all the things that make you unhappy and find a solution or  ways to eliminate them.

8. Learn to manage your time and your money
9. Be active and make healthy choices

10. Create a goal or dream list and work diligently towards them

by polyachka in Happiness Tags: , , , , , , ,

31 Dec 2011 No Comments

Happy New Year 2012

Last year I bought Russell chocolate and saved covers because they were too cute. This year I used them to create The Ultimate Answer collage as a Holiday Card. It has the happiness formula in it. In 2012 be kind to yourself and those around you! Be happy :)

by polyachka in Happiness Tags: , , ,

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