“Just go into the center of the room, and put one chair in the center. Take the one seat in the center of the room, open the doors and windows, and see who comes to visit. You will witness all kinds of scenes and actors, all kinds of temptations and stories, everything imaginable. Your only job is to stay in your seat. You will see it all arise and pass, and out of this, wisdom and understanding will come.”
~Achaan Chah
Author: DhammaSeeker
the first sky of the year
“The smoke
is now making
the first sky of the year.”
~Issa
something about nothing
Yesterday I had a tenuous existence. I felt less than good and just wanted to not be all day long. To be asleep. To sleep being. And then I did. This morning is starting out better. The fog that infiltrated my brain yesterday has lifted (for the moment) and I feel like I can think once again. I remain competently incompetent, though. Good at doing nothing. Thinking of everything. Accomplishing little. But then it started snowing this morning; heavily – right as I approached the basement level door to the capitol. So much so that I quickened my step to shorten my exposure to the elements. The snow is welcome. It will slow the world down a little, which cannot be a bad thing in times like these.
you’re a fool
“The first thing you learn in life is you’re a fool. The last thing you learn is you’re the same fool. Sometimes I think I understand everything. Then I regain consciousness.”
~Ray Bradbury
To Do: 2005
- Lose 20 pounds
- Learn to play at least one song on the acoustic guitar
- Transfer all family photos from negatives to web gallery
- Write something – anything
- Be a better human
pile of bones
“Which do you think is larger, the highest mountain on earth or the pile of bones that represents the lives that you have lived over and over in every realm governed by the patterns of your own karma? Greater, my friends, is the pile of bones than the highest mountain on earth.”
~The Buddha
Only those concerned
“Only those concerned with the matter of life and death need enter here.”
~Inscription on a plaque at the entrance to Eihei-ji Monastery
All I Want For Christmas Is Four More iPod-curious Friends
I know you have you heard about this site that is giving away totally FREE iPods. If you're inclined to melp me out, here's my referral link:
http://www.freeiPods.com/?r=13224808
To get your own iPod, all you have to do is join, complete an online offer, and refer friends to do the same. That's it!
I thank you for your time and hope you get an iPod too if this interests you. If it doesn't, no harm – no foul.
Happy Holidays!
10 Ways To Be A Better Person – Becoming Who You Want To Be
1. Exercise patience in everything you do and understand that change will take time, devotion, and hard work. Accomplishing one simple goal right now will make it easier to accomplish larger more difficult ones later on.
2. Judging others is easy while judging oneself can be extremely difficult. Look at yourself honestly and ask: What would I like to change about myself? What are my strengths and weaknesses? What do I have to give?
3. There is no growth in resentment. Emotions are often directly related to your perception of the world around you. Viewing things in a positive light can make your world into a better place, and foster confidence and self-respect.
4. As you meet the needs of your body, nourish your soul as well. Each of us requires relaxation, love, and acceptance. Spend at least five unrushed minutes each day in meditation or another relaxing activity.
5. Listen to your heart's counsel. The logical, profitable, or fastest course may be in opposition with what you truly believe would be most rewarding. Following your heart can lead to great wisdom.
6. Accept that you have no control over the actions of others and discover the freedom of forgiveness. Letting go of old emotional wounds carries benefits to both body and soul.
7. Understand that failure, while painful, can be beneficial. Learn from your mistakes. Give the people in your life the chance to experience and learn from their own.
8. Never stop learning. True wisdom comes from knowledge and knowledge will only increase if you keep your mind open to new ideas and suggestions.
9. That which is in your power to do is also within your power not to do. Self-discipline is the foundation for all virtues. Avoiding toxic substances and keeping your body and mind healthy will help you break bad habits and adopt positive ones in their place.
10. The means to growth and change are within you and cannot be delegated to another. Live your own life as you wish it to be, cultivate self reliance, take responsibility, and love yourself.
stolen from dailyom.com
Bah Humbug
I just posted this as a comment in a friend's journal, but it was so good, I want to paste it here as well.
You know what gets me more than those Helzberg commercials? The Lexus “December to Remember Sales Event” spots the make me go apoplectic. Those commercials are geared to the obnoxiously wealthy and are condescending to any individual bringing home less than it takes to actually purchase a Lexus. “Oh honey, where did you find … such a BIG bow?!” She doesn't even MENTION the brand fucking new car because she was EXPECTING a gift on the order of magnitude in the first place. Fuck that.
/rant
On a happier note: HAPPY HOLIDAYS EVERYONE!