We have stopped for a moment to encounter each other, to meet, to love, to share. This is a precious moment but it is transient. It is a little parenthesis in eternity. If we share caring, lightheartedness, and love, we will create abundance and joy for each other. And then this moment will be worthwhile. --Deepak Chopra

I started to explore the Law of Attraction a few months ago.  I still don't understand how to use it fully, but the destination is the journey, right?  Anyways, I stated to myself and the universe that I needed to meet people that would help support me to be myself and to inspire me to have a better sense of purpose in this life.  These past few months have been more amazing than I could have imagined!  Every time I went out of my comfort zone a little, I would meet someone incredibly cool that was exactly what I needed!  A huge hug and thank you to everyone in my life, I love you!  I hope you soon find the joy and peace you are seeking.

xoxo,

Mel

Lasting change happens when people see for themselves that a different way of life
is more fulfilling than their present one.

-Eknath Easwaran

Photo by Simon Dale (http://simondale.net)

"This building is one part of a low-impact or permaculture approach to life. This sort of life is about living in harmony with both the natural world and ourselves, doing things simply and using appropriate levels of technology. These sort of low cost, natural buildings have a place not only in their own sustainability, but also in their potential to provide affordable housing which allows people access to land and the opportunity to lead more simple, sustainable lives."  - Simon Dale


Simon designed this amazing house and built it for $4700.  You can see the full article and more pictures here.  My parents are going to live in a similar home one day ^_^


I like the first quote because it is so versatile: sustainable housing, diet and fitness, a more positive outlook on life, showing others more kindness and less judgment, realizing what is truly important, motivation to achieve your goals...

‎"The bad news is time flies. The good news is you’re the pilot." ~Michael Altshuler

"There are two ways to live: you can live as if nothing is a miracle, 

or you can live as if everything is a miracle." –Albert Einstein

I recently signed up for daily emails from DailyGood (just click the Subscribe tab at the top.)  They are full of uplifting and inspiring stories and quotes, I am so happy I subscribed!  Both DailyGood and iJourney are run by ServiceSpace, they have a few other sites as well, I will check them out this weekend.


Have a fabulous day filled with lots of miracles!


xoxo,
Mel

Happy Lunar New Year!

                                                            Gung Hei Fat Choy!

Happy Lunar New Year!  May you and your loved ones have a wonderful year of peace, discovery and health! 


xoxo,
Mel 

A Blessing for One Who is Exhausted

--by John O'Donohue (Jul 26, 2011)

When the rhythm of the heart becomes hectic,
Time takes on the strain until it breaks;
Then all the unattended stress falls in
On the mind like an endless, increasing weight,

The light in the mind becomes dim.
Things you could take in your stride before
Now become laborsome events of will.

Weariness invades your spirit.
Gravity begins falling inside you,
Dragging down every bone.

The tide you never valued has gone out.
And you are marooned on unsure ground.
Something within you has closed down;
And you cannot push yourself back to life.

You have been forced to enter empty time.
The desire that drove you has relinquished.
There is nothing else to do now but rest
And patiently learn to receive the self
You have forsaken for the race of days.

At first your thinking will darken
And sadness take over like listless weather.
The flow of unwept tears will frighten you.

You have traveled too fast over false ground;
Now your soul has come to take you back.

Take refuge in your senses, open up
To all the small miracles you rushed through.

Become inclined to watch the way of rain
When it falls slow and free.

Imitate the habit of twilight,
Taking time to open the well of color
That fostered the brightness of day.

Draw alongside the silence of stone
Until its calmness can claim you.
Be excessively gentle with yourself.

Stay clear of those vexed in spirit.
Learn to linger around someone of ease
Who feels they have all the time in the world.

Gradually, you will return to yourself,
Having learned a new respect for your heart
And the joy that dwells far within slow time.

--John O'Donohue, from "Blessings"

I found this uplifting prayer at iJourney, one of my favorite new sites.  There so much insight and comfort in their articles, the site is well organized, and Pancho Ramos is a frequent contributor!

My favorite lines are
Become inclined to watch the way of rain

When it falls slow and free.

Or like a snowflake ^_^  Just falling... or not falling... it is actually headed towards it's goal, enjoying the journey.  But just drifting peacefully along the breeze just being present, just perfectly and beautifully existent. 

This isn't a blog specifically about Buddhism, although a few of my readers and I are Buddhists.    I respect and embrace all light and truth, I hope never to offend anyone.  I simply want to share my positive energy and love and inspire people to share their joy.

xoxo,
Mel

Limitless

It's almost scary thinking about how many limitations exist.  The limits imposed by society, peers, and ourselves.  I'm trying to clear my mind of the buzzing voices that are drowning out my own inner truth.  Stretching beyond these horizons will be the key to our spiritual evolution.

xoxo,

Mel

***OFFLINE 01/18/12 TO PROTEST SOPA & PIPA***

http://americancensorship.org/

Learning To Surf

"You can't stop the waves, but you can learn to surf." ~ Jon Kabat-Zinn


This dynamic photo of Carissa Moore (thanks, National Geographic) brightened my day ^_^  Outside my window, it's a gloomy 15*F with snow forecasted all week.  I already have cabin fever!  Yay, I guess that just means more blogging lol!


Carissa is one of National Geographic's Adventurers of the Year.  A champion at age 19, she will be the first woman in the modern era to compete in the men’s Triple Crown of Surfing in November.


I hope you all have a warm day full of love and joy!


xoxo,
Mel

"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that."


“Peace is not merely a distant goal that we seek, but a means by which we arrive at that goal.” 


"Life's most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?"
- Martin Luther King Jr.


Too many awesome quotes to choose from today, so here are a few of my favorites ^_^
Here is an excellent video to inspire you!  What would MLK do if he were you?

I just love this!  You can view it larger and buy the poster here.

I have a 3-day weekend coming up, so I am going to make my own manifesto on a sheet of poster board. It's something I've needed and wanted to do for a while. And now I have all of you to hold me accountable to actually finish it lol. If you would like to make one of your own, here are some more ideas and inspiration.
Go live your life!

 xoxo,
Mel

HUGS!

Just a quick message today ^_^

 I had to take my 3 year old son to the ER tonight, I was scared he had appendicitis, but the tests came back negative, just a bad tummy ache. It made me appreciate how strong and brave my little guy was, how supportive my husband and other son are, and how precious life is! So your homework is to hug somebody you love! Or at least call or write them a note! Have a beautiful evening <3

xoxo,
 Mel

My Hero: Pancho Ramos

"If you want to be a rebel, be kind." - Pancho Ramos

I'd like to introduce you to one of my heroes, Pancho Ramos‎. If you have more time, you can read a detailed biography of his recent years here. In November 2011, Pancho was arrested for meditating at the Occupy Oakland protests. He said, "If police are stepping up their violence, we need to go and step up our nonviolence.” Throughout the protests and even after he and his friends were in handcuffs, he showed compassion and loving kindness to everyone there, especially the police officers. He has had a long history of non-violence, generously giving all he has and encouraging others to share their love. After being arrested in Oakland, he was held under deportation orders. Years before, he had entered the US from Mexico on a student visa at the University of California at Berkeley to pursue a Ph.D. in astrophysics. When he learned that the department's research would assist in nuclear weapons development, he refused to continue with their program. His visa was nullified and he became undocumented. 20,000 people signed a petition on change.org to have him freed, while many others meditated in front of his court arraignment. Because of the amazing love and compassion Pancho had inspired in people, he was freed without bail after 4 days, unprecedented in immigration issues.

 Let's start a rebellion! Let's fervently spread loving kindness to everyone we meet! Pancho taught, “The most effective weapon against a system based on greed and violence is kindness.” Let's stop fighting back and resisting and start really changing the world one smile at a time!

 xoxo,
 Mel

LOVE by Jimi Hendrix