Upanishads

Here's a quote you may have seen from the Upanishads (ancient text):

Watch your thoughts; they become words.
Watch your words; they become actions.
Watch your actions; they become habits.
Watch your habits; they become character.
Watch your character; for it becomes your destiny.

Give thanks

If you've watched much TV lately, you could start to get confused about what holiday is happening this week....is it the week of Thanksgiving, or is it the week of Black Friday (which is now starting on Thursday??!!)??? First, a disclosure....I LOVE shopping! I love to poke through racks of items looking for really good deals. Yet, I feel a bit bad that the Thanksgiving holiday seems to be almost overshadowed in the media with the messages of SHOP and SPEND! There is no doubt that increased consumer confidence and spending is a good indicator that our economy is slowly strengthening, but the focus on spending and stuff can lead us in a direction of feeling depleted and weighed down by our own materialism.

So, shop and have fun this weekend if you want, but please make sure to take time to recognize all that you already have. We live in abundance with no real need for most of the purchases we pursue. Be grateful. Take a moment to just sit in wonder and awe over all that you already have and have been given. Be thankful for what is truly important in life....family, friends, good health, acts of kindness, and the beauty of creation. Take a walk, say a prayer, or simple breathe and pay attention to the here and now. The present moment is full of richness and worthy of thanks. Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Nearly Thanksgiving

Wow, where does the time go? I can hardly believe that it will be Thanksgiving next week! I love the Thanksgiving holiday because it is all about gratitude and abundance. We all need reminders to be thankful for all of the blessings in our lives. Count your blessings today!

Make a contribution

Make this a day that you make a contribution to the world or to your immediate family or community. Often we discount and dismiss our own importance. Don't sell yourself short! Just by trying to be your best self each day, you make a positive impact. Years ago I worked at a school with a monastery attached. The sisters who lived there felt that everything they did could be an act of faith or a way of helping to create a peaceful presence in the world. Even little things matter.
Whether you do laundry, cook for others, run a business, or are a full-time student, you have something to offer today. Pay attention, be mindful, and deliberate about sharing yourself in a positive way.