Aumua Lifestyle

Golden Rules for Living

2012-01-09T09:45:00.000-08:00

1. If you open it, close it.
2. If you turn it on,turn it off.
3. If you unlock it, lock it up.
4. If you break it, admit it.
5. If you can't fix it, call in someone who can.
6. If you borrow it, return it.
7. If you value it, take care of it.
8. If you make a mess, clean it up.
9. If you move it, put it back.
10. If it belongs to someone else get permission to use it.
11. If you don't know how to operate it, leave it alone.
12. If it is none of your business, don't ask questions.

- unknown

Both are Right

2011-11-29T10:46:00.000-08:00

There are two types of people in this world;
those who can and those who can't,
and they are both right!

-Unknown

Body & Mind

2011-11-21T12:02:00.000-08:00

'The greatest mistake physicians make is that they attempt to cure the body without attempting to cure the mind, yet the mind and body are one and should not be treated separately.'

-Plato

Be Yourself

2011-11-15T11:22:00.000-08:00

Do not tip toe through life hoping to make it to death.
Be yourself, for it is only inside yourself that you can find true happiness.

- Unknown

Courage

2011-11-09T12:14:00.000-08:00

"Courage is being scared to death- but saddeling up anyway."

-John Wayne

Wisdom

2011-10-31T14:58:00.000-07:00

Wisdom is not a product of schooling,
but of a life - long attempt to aquire it.

- Albert Einstein

I'm just too busy!

2011-10-26T15:15:00.000-07:00

She hadn't time to pen a note.
She hadn't time to cast a vote.
She hadn't time to sing a song.
She hadn't time to right a wrong.

She hadn't time to love or give.
She hadn't time to really live.
But from now on she'll have time no end,
She died today, my 'busy' friend.
- Anon

Practice Practice Practice

2011-07-19T09:43:00.000-07:00

Every time you are not practicing, someone else is.

-Boris Becker

Law of Success

2011-05-23T08:39:00.000-07:00

The 'Law of Success' is advertised as a free download in google but I was excited to find a first edition for $3.00 at a garage sale.
Self help books have been around for years and from my studies I have found they all pretty much say the same thing only a different way. Some say the bible was the first. In the search for self improvement one may be looking for an instruction manual that does not exsist. The knowledge is already in our posession our only failure is due to lack of action and poor decisions.

J.H.Kelly makes a very valid point in his introduction so I will quote.

'A much larger book could upon the suggestions of the author, have been written, and the sayings of noted men could have been given by the page, but such a book is more for interesting reading than for close study. The student is requested to bear this constantly in mind while studying this book.
It will be observed from the very first that the book consists of a statement of facts, and not a statement of what to do.
(now this is the part I like)
A study of facts will enable one of ordinary intelligence to decide upon the course of action.
If a reader decides for himself what he shall do, he is acting upon his own decisions, and will be enabled to intelligently follow out his course of action, but if he is acting upon the suggestions of the author, he is attempting to carry out someone else's plans and not his own. No man ever became truly successful by carrying out another man's ideas.
With the assertion that anyone can succeed in this if he will but try, and that what one has done another can do, the author leaves the student to the work before him.'

Nevada, Mo., Feb 1 1900 J.H.Kelly

In the conclusion he writes:
'Reader, do not delay, but begin at once to demonstrate these teachings.
Do not wait until to-moorrow, but begin to-day. the only time you really have at your disposal is the present moment.'

He talks about the Law of Physics and I agree. Action creates emotion. The foundation for anyones success is when you find that you can rely on yourself. Now go out and sieze this very minute!

The secret of Money

2011-05-07T09:23:00.000-07:00

The Babylonian secret says pay yourself first. Take 10% of your income and save it in your name. The miracle is you will be able to live wonderfully with 90% and this 10% keeps increasing giving you a big leap into the future. I say put away 10% plus one so the 1% can compound. Example: put away $101.00. The $1.00 is the start of the next $100.00.
Now there is a bigger secret. Never take out a loan not even for yourself. You never take out a loan to pay a loan unless you want to go deeper in debt.
Be wise who you give your money to. Whenever someone asks for money find out all the details of why they want the money. If you are not convinced REFUSE money without guilt or ill feeling. If you find their case genuine ask them to come back after a few days or hours. Delay the giving.(Sometimes during the delay they find the money without including you.) Give less than what they asked for and most important ask for a re-payment schedule and follow it up regularly. Remember it is YOUR money and you are not a charity.
If you do decide to give a loan get it in writing, communicate clearly and make sure you both have an understanding about the re-payment of the loan, give it joyfully and your relationship will not suffer.

'Let go of the small stuff'

2011-04-09T19:01:00.000-07:00

A Zen story : Two monks were traveling in the rain, the mud sloshing under their feet. As they passed a river crossing, they saw a beautiful woman, finely dressed, unable to cross because of the mud. Without a word, the older monk simply picked up the woman and carried her to the other side.
The younger monk, seemingly agitated for the rest of their journey, could not contain himself once they reached their destination. He exploded at the older monk. "How could you , a monk, even consider holding a woman in your arms, much less a young and beautiful one. It is against our teachings. It is dangerous."
"I put her down at the roadside," said the older monk.
"Are you still carrying her?"

The older monk just did it. His mind other than to work his muscle's was not part of the experience. He only reacted naturally. The young monk put an emotion to the action.
To question whether any act of Nature is apporiate or 'right' is equally inapporpriate. Nature (it's manifestations eg. earthquakes, floods etc.) just happen. It just does.

-Taken from 'The book of five rings' -Miyamoto Musashi

# 4- 'Your Beliefs become your Biology'

2011-02-01T09:15:00.000-08:00

What is your inward vision about yourself? The people with whom you have chosen to surround yourself with are an indication of how you FEEL about yourself. Think about it. These are the people you feel most comfortable with or the one's you can tolerate.Your perception about yourself is built on these relationships.
Maslow's hierarchy of needs are physiological needs, safety needs, social needs, esteem needs and finally self actualization. Our basic needs will always be met, food, shelter and clothing. Animals don't worry about where they will sleep or find their next meal and we should TRUST that we will always be taken care of.
How we are in our relationships effects our social needs (being loved, accepted and acknowledged) which in turn effects our self esteem. If you say to yourself 'Nobody loves me', 'I'm a failure', 'Why does this always happen to me' or you are constantly ill that is you preventing yourself from gratification and settling for mediocrity. Preventing gratification makes us ill or causes us to act evilly. Your beliefs become your biology and are the cause of misfortune. We start to cover the real person, we sabotage our true potential, we continue to chose relationships that make us miserable, we are in poverty, the world is a horrible place.
Change the action, change the belief. How? First choose to make the decision to do so with values that are aligned with your head, heart and body so that you are able to FEEL like the new person you want to become. Your values are not to be compromised and will be your guide that will change the environment where you live, work and your future relationships. You will be given a new energy that can accelerate you towards self actualization.

Martina Aumua
martinaaumua@gmail.com

'Jack LaLanne - Top Ten List'

2011-01-26T06:58:00.000-08:00

As a baby boomer growing up in the sixties I was fortunate enough to be a student of Jack LaLanne. I would listen to his lessons and try to mimic the exercises. I too wanted to be strong and healthy. Many others have tried to replicate but he was the first. The first in the industry and he walked the talk. It was not a T.V. show for him to endorse every supplement on the market or product it was his lifestyle. He lead by example and taught us how to extend our self and not to settle for mediocrity. He taught us more than exercise he was also our first Lifestyle Coach it was our responsibility to follow through. He taught us about nutrition and that you don't stop after a '12 week challenge' this is a life time commitment.
I came across his website a few years back and found that you can watch his old T.V. shows there.His self improvement top ten list is still valuable today.

1) Exercise
2) Nutrition
3) Positive Thinking
4) Good Habits
5) Grooming
6) Smile
7) Posture
8) Help Others
9) Relaxation
10) Faith

'It's not what you do some of the time that counts, It's what you do MOST of the time that counts.'

Thank-you Jack LaLanne

For more Jack Lalanneism go to www.jacklalanne.com/jacks-adventures/lalanneism.php

Martina Aumua
martinaaumua@gmail.com

# 3- 'The Circle of Powerful Relationships'

2011-01-18T07:59:00.000-08:00

'Birds of a feather flock together.' How often have you heard or used that phrase yourself? You attract who you are and where you are emotionally, physically and financially into your life. Do you have a friend, family member or perhaps even yourself repeatedly having the same relationships over and over that are possibly not the best and wonder 'Why does this keep happening to me?' I hate to break it to you but you created it.
In the beginning your parents were your first contact and throughout childhood, your teachers, family members, friends etc. gave you certain beliefs/feelings about yourself and you developed relationships with others based on your experiences. As an adult your choice for a significant other, work colleges, friends were a reflection of your present beliefs/feelings about yourself that you have brought with you from your past relationships. You can change this because remember everything is by choice.
In this exercise you will list (7) people with whom you come in constant contact with on a daily basis. Who are they? Describe them. What is their occupation? On an emotional scale are they for the most part positive and fun to be around or are they pessimistic and your walking on egg shells? Where are they financially? Are they prosperity conscious or in poverty consciousness? Do they exercise or are they the weekend athlete with the remote? Are they well groomed or look like they slept under the car? How do they contribute in the community? or are they always looking for handouts?
This is the 'circle' of relationships you have attracted into your life up to now and possibly this will be your world ten years from now. Isn't that an eye opener? It is neither good or bad but it will bring an awareness of where you are in the present moment. If you feel comfortable with this picture great but if you are getting knots in your stomach and a headache well that is your 'gut feeling' telling you that some changes need to be addressed and immediately.
To have success towards your self improvement it is important to surround yourself with individuals who will empower you, whose values correlate with yours. It is a mutual contract that you offer other's the same without losing your light. Avoid those who drain you of your time, money and energy. You are not a sacrificial goat. When you go through change you will be able to identify those who will run along side of you and those who will try to tear you down. It is not your fault. You are just reminding them what they are not doing themselves. But it is your fault if you keep them too close. Love them and keep them at a distance. Build a 'circle' of powerful relationships.

'Discipline the Mind, Listen to the Body & the rest will Follow'

Martina Aumua - Lifestyle & Fitness Coach
martinaaumua@gmail.com

# 2- 'This is Your Life'

2011-01-10T07:39:00.000-08:00

I remember a show called 'This is your life' They would have a featured guest and bring out some of their old schools friends, family members, coaches, teachers etc. They would give a recollection of their experiences with that particular individual and I am sure some were wondering if anyone was going to give out too much information. They would laugh and sometimes cry over the memories and moments forgotten. A review of past accomplishments, schools attended, awards, personal achievements and current activities.
History is a lesson. We learn from our past experiences.It reminds us of where we came from, it gives us memories but more importantly it gives us an indication of who we are as a person.
When we came into this world we had to learn to be mobile so we crawled and eventually started to pull our self up to walk. Many times we would fall but with persistence and the encouragement from our parents step by step we were able to move forward confidently. In school we were taught particular lessons or sport activities and rewarded with grades, certificates of achievement or sometimes a gift. If in the work environment a raise, awards, gifts, thank-you cards were given as a sign of appreciation. As a parent or family member a hug or kiss just for being you.
When in doubt about yourself or lacking in confidence have a look at your life up to now. I have what I call my 'Ego Book.' I include all my news paper clippings, certificates, awards, thank-you cards, photos with famous people etc. to remind me of the many things I have done in the past. As I go through the pages of my book emotions of each experience energizes me to over come any doubt that I had about myself. My thank-you cards are probably the most powerful. By the way this is not about boasting it is about personal achievement.
You may think this does not apply to you today but perhaps someday it will. If the show 'This is Your Life' were to call today for you to appear in December, would they be able to fill in the hour slot about your wonderful past up to now or fill the time up with commercials? Do you feel that you have not accomplished anything? If you do not know where to start try asking friends, work colleges and family members what memories they have of you. Still nothing? Then have a good look at your life and how you can participate.The action creates emotion, movement creates the action and talk is just talk. Don't wait for others to make it happen for you you are the author of your own book. 'This is Your Life'

'Discipline the Mind, Listen to the Body & the rest will Follow'

Martina Aumua- Lifestyle & Fitness Coach
martinaaumua@gmail.com

# 1 - Only 5 days left to start your New Years Resolution!

2010-12-27T08:01:00.000-08:00

The end of 2010 is fast approaching. You reflect on past accomplishments and notice that one or two did not come to completion or barely got started. The would of, could of, should of that were meant to happen but sabotaged by your own hands. How could this happen? Lack of planning? contradicting values? poor attitude? not enough time, money or energy?
How do the successful people do it? They found a way that was achievable and manageable for them. There is no one way that will be 'the secret' for everyone. You must research and find what works for you. There are many self help books and endless on line information but first look at the person giving you the information, who are they? How has it worked for them? Everyone is selling you something, even you. The exchange may not necessarily be in money but time and energy are valuable too.
Let us look at the facts first. Who are you? Identify who you are now. Name, age , height, weight, body measurements, photo (front,side,back,full face) Make a profile of your physical facts. Why do you need to do this? You will be surprised how much you will change in one year. You are your walking billboard so facial features, posture, body composition will give you an indication of how dedicated you were to your nutrition, exercise and emotional well being. Photos do not lie and trust me you will want to know later. Have a starting reference. If you do not have a trusted friend or family member to help you with this then consider using a personal trainer to get you started. Someone you have to be accountable to especially if you find that your motivation starts to wane after the first 3 weeks.
Today starts now so find a journal where you can log your journey. Find a motto to help motivate you. If you are a baby boomer you will remember this 'Today is the first day for the rest of your life' It's corny but it says alot.

'Discipline the Mind, Listen to the Body & the rest will Follow'

Martina Aumua-Lifestyle & Fitness Coach
martinaaumua@gmail.com

'A Christmas Card for You'

2010-12-21T08:35:00.000-08:00

The Spirit of Christmas

I have a list of people I know
All written in a book
And every year at Christmastime
I go and take a look

And that is when I realise
That those names are a part
Not of the book they're written in
But of my very heart

For each name stands for someone
Who has crossed my path some time
And in that meeting they've become
A treasured friend of mine
And once you've met some people
The years can not erase
The memory of a pleasant word
Or a friendly face

So when I send a Christmas card
That is addressed to you
It's because you're on that list
Of folk I'm indebted to
And you are one of many folk who
In times past I've met
And happen to be one of those
I don't want to forget

And whether I have known you for
Many years or few
In some way you have a part in
Shaping things I do
This, the spirit of Christmas, that
Forever and ever endures
May it leave it richest blessing
In the hearts of you and yours.

Author Unknown

Poor Man's Money

2010-12-18T07:15:00.000-08:00

'I would like to live as a poor man with lot's of money.'

- Pablo Picasso

Simple is the best life

Universal Principals

2010-12-10T11:22:00.000-08:00

Universal Priciplals

1) Everything in the Universe is energy.

2) Everything is perfect.

3) I start from completion.

4) Abundance is my natural state.

5) I am responsible for everything that happens.

6) There is no right or wrong.

7) In forgiving I remove my energy blocks.

2010-12-02T10:25:00.000-08:00

All that man needs for health and healing has been provided by God in nature...the challenge of science is to find it.

- Poracelsus
(father of Pharmacology)

Time

2010-11-27T06:55:00.000-08:00

The clock of life is wound but once
And no man has the power to tell just when the hands will stop
On what day - or what hour
Now is the only time you have so live it with a will
Don't wait until tomorrow
The hands may then be still.

- Anon

There is no better time then now.

Exercise is a Way of Life

2010-11-19T09:13:00.000-08:00

Practice your exercises diligently with the fixed and unaltered determination that will permit nothing else to sway you from keeping faith with yourself.

- J.H. Pilates

Your body is your voice it can speak louder than your words.

Peace & Love

2010-11-11T14:22:00.000-08:00

If we fill our hearts with love and if we walk in peace with our brothers and sisters, than how could it be possible to hate? Why would there be a need for war?

-Martina Aumua

Nothing happens if...

2010-10-15T09:36:00.000-07:00

There's no difference between a pessimist who says, 'Oh, it's hopeless, so don't bother doing anything,' and a optimist who says, 'Don't bother doing anything, it's going to turn out fine anyway.' Either way, nothing happens.

- Yvon Chouinard, founder of Patagonia

Movement creates the energy to make it happen.

Sleep

2010-10-07T18:16:00.000-07:00

All animals are clearly observed to partake in sleep....
Nutrition and growth are especially promoted.

- Aristotle 350 BC

Rest and repair is an essential ingredient for healthy living

Gratitude

2010-09-30T12:38:00.000-07:00

'To be upset over what you don't have is to waste what you do have.'

- Unknown

If you have gratitude for the things you have now you make room for abundance.

Determination

2010-09-24T12:27:00.000-07:00

When you focus on the destination, determination will get you there.

- Martina Aumua

Longevity

2010-09-17T09:58:00.000-07:00

To know others is to be intelligent.
To be aware of one's self is to be awakened.
To overcome others is to have superior strength.
To overcome one's self is to be vigorous.
To be satisfied is to be wealthy.
To act with power is to be aspiring.
To retain one's source is to be long-lasting.
To die yet not to be deceased is to have longevity.

Chapter 33 Tao: A New Way of Thinking - Tao Te Ching

Less is More

2010-09-11T08:44:00.000-07:00

Fear less,hope more
Eat less, chew more
Whine less, breathe more
Talk less, say more
Love more and all good things will be yours

- Swedish Proverb

Challenges

2010-09-04T07:58:00.000-07:00

Challenges are what makes life interesting; overcoming them is what makes life meaningful.

- Joshua J. Marine

Spread the Love

2010-08-27T11:51:00.001-07:00

Spread the love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.

- Mother Teresa
Happy 100th Birthday !

Thoughts

2010-08-11T04:22:00.000-07:00

'To shine on the outside and live a life of glowing health begins with a cleaning up your house on the inside from anxiety and stress which originate from negative toughts.'

-Eugne Pizcinotti, director:Toughtfield therepy

Exercise

2010-07-28T12:43:00.000-07:00

Exercise is a required nutrient.

-Dr. James Chestnut

Five reasons to celebrate

2010-04-23T07:17:00.000-07:00

Five reasons why you should celebrate whenever you can.

1) Life is too short not to celebrate.

2) Anticipation of a celebration will motivate you when things look difficult.

3) Celebrations help you to lock your successes into memory.

4) A celebration marks the end of an era, so it helps prepare for the next era.

5) It is a nice way to share your success.

If you do not celebrate your successes, what can you celebrate?

Not You

2010-04-16T15:17:00.000-07:00

'Let others lead small lives, but not you. Let others argue over small things, but not you. Let others cry over small hurts, but not you. Let others leave their future in someone else's hands, but not you.'
-Jim Rohn
Become the master of your destiny

The Master Secret of the Ages

2010-04-09T07:44:00.000-07:00

"Suppose someone asked you to name the master secret of the ages. What would you answer? Atomic energy? Interplanetary travel? Black holes? No, it is not any of these.Then what is this master secret? Where can I find it? How can it be understood and put into action?
The answer is extraordinarily simple. This secret is the marvelous, miracle-working power found in your own subconscious mind. This is the last place most people would look for it, which is the reason so few ever find it.
Once you learn to contact and release the hidden power of your subconscious mind, you can bring into your life more power, more wealth, more health, more happiness, and more joy.
You do not need to acquire this power. You already possess it. But you will have to learn how to use it. You must understand it so you can apply it in all departments of your life."

written by: Joesph Murphy 1898-1981
exerpt from the book 'The Power of your Subconscious Mind'

There is no 'Secret' we already know the secret, we just need to unlease the power within us.

Seize the Minute

2010-04-02T10:16:00.000-07:00

"Are you in earnest? Seize this very minute-What you can do, or dream you can, begin it, Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it. Only engage, and then the mind grows heated- Begin it, and the work will be completed."

The Way

2010-03-20T11:05:00.000-07:00

With an open mind, you will be
openhearted.
Being open hearted, you will act
royally.
Being royal, you will attain
divine.
Being devine, you will be at one with
the Way.
Being at one with the way is eternal.
And though the body dies, the Way will
never pass.

- Tao Te Ching

No matter your faith, it will always be there for you. Open your heart and recieve.

Clean Your House

2010-03-05T09:51:00.000-08:00

"To shine on the outside and live a life of glowing health begins with cleaning up your house on the inside from anxiety and stress which originate from negative thoughts"

-Eugene Pizcinotti

If you can think it in, you can think it out.

Strive Valiantly

2010-02-25T11:31:00.000-08:00

The credit belongs to the one
who strives valiantly;
who comes up short again and again;
who knows great enthusiasm and great devotion;
who spends himself in a worthy cause;
and who, at the best, knows in the end
the triumph of high achievement;
and who, at worst, if he fails,
at least fails while daring greatly,
so that his place shall never be
with those timid souls
who know neither victory nor defeat.

Theodore Roosevelt

Dare to be great

Listen to Others

2010-02-18T13:13:00.000-08:00

'Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there is in silence.
As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and ignorant; they too have their story.'

taken from- 'Lifestyle Opportunities Through the Magic of Network Marketing'
by Hank Venrooy

Everyone has a story, they just want someone who will listen.

Spread the Love

2010-02-12T06:57:00.000-08:00

Spread love where ever you go, first of all in your house. Give love to your children, your wife, or husband, to the next door neighbour...Let no one ever come to you without leaving better or happier. Be the living expression of God's kindness; kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile, kindness in your warm greeting.
- Mother Teresa

Give love freely and unconditionally, everyday is Valentine's Day

Yes! I Can

2010-02-04T08:57:00.000-08:00

If you Think you are beaten, you are
if you Think you dare not you don't.
If you'd like to win, but Think you can't,
it is almost certain you won't.
If you Think you'll lose, you're lost.
For out of this world we find
success begins with a person's will;
It all in the state of mind.

If you Think you're out classed, you are;
You have to Think high to rise.
You've got to be sure of Youself before
you can ever win a prize.
Life's battles don't always go
to the stronger or faster than,
For sooner or later the people who win
are the people who Think they can.

- Unknown

Who you Think you are, you become that person. Set your standards high.

How did they know?

2010-01-29T08:48:00.000-08:00

I remember the old men of the village. These old, old, men used to prophesy about the coming of the white man. They would go around tapping their canes on the adobe floor of the house, and call to us children.
"Listen! Listen!The grey-eyed people are coming nearer and nearer. They are building an iron road. They are coming nearer every day. There will be a time when you will mix with these people. That is when the Grey Eyes are going to get you to drink hot, black water, which you will drink whenever you eat. Then your teeth will become soft."
"They will get you to smoke at a young age, so that your eyes will run tears on windy days, and your eyesight will be poor. Your joints will crack when you want to move slowly and softly"
"You will sleep on soft beds and will not want to rise early. When you begin to wear heavy clothes and sleep under covers, then you will grow lazy. Then there will be no more singing heard in the valleys as you walk."
"When you begin to eat with iron sticks, your tones will grow louder. You will speak louder and talk over your parents. You will grow disobedient. You will mix with those grey-eyed people, and you will learn their ways; you will break up your homes, and murder and steal."
Such things have come true, and I have to compare my generation with the old generation. We are not as good as they were; we are not as healthy as they were.
How did these old men know what was coming? That is what I would like to know.

- James Paytiamo (Acoma Pueblo)
Taken from the book 'The Wisdom of the American Indians'

Children, listen to the wise elders, they have sight.

"Grow Older Gracefully"

2010-01-21T07:46:00.000-08:00

"Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself."

- Anon

Love every stage of your life. Trying to re-live the time when you were most happiest, well it happened. Leave it to a good memory but wearing the mini skirt, crop top and scrunchies when your 50 won't make it happen again.

How do you exercise?

2010-01-14T10:34:00.000-08:00

'The only exercise some people get is
Jumping to conclusions,
Running down their friends,
Sidestepping responsibility,
and Pushing their luck.

- Anon

Waisting energy on negetive actions creates decay.

Goals are action not written.

2010-01-04T10:22:00.000-08:00

People fall into one of four groups:

1)No mission, no goals - People who are lively as slugs in a puddle;

2) A mission but no goals - People who are dreamers;

3) Goals but no mission - people who are sporadic, ineffective and disappointed;

4) Mission and goals - People with the seeds of greatness.

It is all well and good to plant the seeds but ACTION bears the fruit.

Common Sense

2009-12-26T09:31:00.000-08:00

Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend. Common Sense, who has been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was, since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape. He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as:
* Knowing when to come out of the rain;
*Why the early bird gets the worm;
*Life isn't always fair;
* and maybe it was my fault.
Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don't spend more than you can earn) and reliable strategies ( adults, not children, are in charge).
His health began to deteriorate rapidly when all well-intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place. Reports of a 6-year old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his condition.
Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked school teachers for doing the job that they themselves had failed to do in disciplining their unruly children. It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer sun lotion or an aspirin to a student; but could not inform parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion.
Common Sense lost the will to live as the churches became businesses; and criminals received better treatment than their victims. Common Sense took a beating when you couldn't defend yourself from a burglar in your own home and the burglar could sue you for assault.
Common Sense finally gave up the will to live, after a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot. She spilled a little on her lap, and was promptly awarded a huge settlement. Common Sense was preceded in death, by his parents, Truth and Trust, by his wife, Discretion, by his daughter, Responsibility, and by his son, Reason.
He is survived by his 4 stepbrothers; I Know My Rights, I Want It Now, Someone Else Is To Blame,and I'm A Victim.
Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone. If you still remember him, pass this on. If not, join the majority and do nothing.

An Obituary printed in the London Times.

I'd rather have sense than to act and think otherwise and become senseless

Love is...

2009-12-17T09:58:00.000-08:00

Love is patient and kind,
it is not jealous or conceited or proud,
Love is not ill-mannered or selfish or irritable,
Love does not keep a record of wrongs,
Love is not happy with evil;
but is happy with the truth.
Love never gives up;...
Love is eternal.

- 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

Tis the season of Love so spread the word of love, more love less war.

Nothing to lose

2009-12-10T09:07:00.000-08:00

If you do nothing, nothing will happen.
If you do something, something will happen.
The worst that can happen is that you might finish with nothing, which is what you started with.
Therefore, there is nothing to lose.
There is however, a wonderful opportunity to have a rich and fullfilling life.

- Stuart Moore

Your Attitude

2009-12-03T11:13:00.000-08:00

" Your own attitudes are reflected back to you from the other person almost as if you stood before a mirror. Act or feel hostile and the other fellow reflects this hostility back to you. Shout at him, and he is almost compelled to shout back. Act calmly and unemotionally, and you turn away his anger before it gets started. Act enthusiastic and you Arouse the enthusiasm of the other person."

- Unknown

The Dojo

2009-11-27T07:56:00.000-08:00

A Dojo is a minature cosmos where we make contact with ourselves-our fears, anxieties, reactions, and habits. It is an arena of confined conflict where we confront our opponent who is not an opponent but rather a partner engaged in helping us understand ourselves more fully. It is a place where we are and how we react in the world. The conflicts that take place inside the Dojo help us handle conflicts that take place outside.The total concentration and discipline required to study Martial Arts carries over to daily life. The activity in the Dojo calls on us to constantly attempt new things,so it is also a source of learning - in Zen terminology, a source of self-enlightenment.

Zen in the Martial Arts, Joe Hymans

Then there is the 'Earth Dojo' where you are student and teacher.

Give a gift

2009-11-19T10:58:00.000-08:00

You are successful when you remember that somewhere, sometime, someone gave you a gift. That gift is what started you in the right direction. Remember that you are blessed when you pass that gift on to help someone else.
- Anon

By Day by Night

2009-11-12T08:40:00.000-08:00

If you have a goal in life that takes a lot of energy, that creates a great deal of interest and that is challenging to you...You will always look forward to waking up to see what a new day brings.
If you have a person in your life that understands you completely, who shares your ideas and believes in you... you will always look forward to the night because you will never be lonely.

Salutation to the Dawn

2009-11-05T09:46:00.000-08:00

Look to this day!
For it is life, the very life of life.
In it's brief course
Lie all the verities and realities of your existence:
The bliss of growth
The glory of action
The splendor of beauty,
For yesterday is but a dream
And tomorrow is only a vision,
But today well lived makes every yesterday a dream of happiness.
And every tomorrow a vision of hope,
Look well, therefore to this day!
Such is the salutation to the dawn.

- Kalidasa

Today is the tomorrow you worried about yesterday.

The Peaceful Warrior

2009-10-30T10:22:00.000-07:00

Peaceful Warriors have the patience to wait until the mud settles and the waters clear. They remain unmoving until the right time, so the right action arises by itself.They do not seek fulfillment, but wait with open arms to welcome all things. Ready to use all situations, waisting nothing, they embody the light.
Peaceful warriors have three great treasures:simplicity, patience and compassion. Simple in actions and in thoughts, Patience with both friends and enemies, they live in harmony with the way things are. Compassionate towards themselves, they make peace with the world.
Some may call this teaching nonsense; others may call it lofty and impracticle. But to those who have looked inside themselves, this nonesense makes perfect sense.And for those who put it into practice, this loftiness has deep roots.

Adapted from a poem by Lao-tzu

Walk softly and carry no stick

A Smile

2009-10-22T08:01:00.000-07:00

Smiling is infectious; you catch it like the flu. When someone smiled at me today, I started smiling too.
I passed around the corner and someone saw my grin
And when he smiled I realized I'd passed it on to him.
I thought about that smile and then I realized it's worth,
A single smile, one just like mine, could travel round the earth.
So if you feel a smile begin, don't leave it undetected;
Let's start an epidemic quick, and get the world infected.

-Anon

A smile is a free gift you can give to anyone

The Eagle & the Chicken

2009-10-16T13:02:00.000-07:00

A man found an eagle's egg and put it in the nest of a barnyard hen. The eaglet hatched with the brood of chicks and grew up with them. All his life the eagle did what the barnyard chicks did, thinking he was a barnyard chicken. He scratched the earth for worms and insects. He clucked and cackled. And he would thrash his wings and fly a few feet into the air.
Years passed and the eagle grew very old. One day he saw a magnificent bird above him in the cloudless sky. It glided in graceful majesty among the powerful wind currents, with scarcely a beat of it's strong golden wings.
The old eagle looked up in awe "Who's that?" he asked.
"That's the eagle, king of birds" said his neighbor. "He belongs to the sky. We belong to the earth- were chickens." So the eagle lived and died a chicken for that is what he thought he was.

-Anthony DeMello
Author of Awareness

A belief is what you perceive to be true.

The Most Powerful Thing You Can do

2009-10-08T15:31:00.000-07:00

The most powerful thing you can do to change the world is to change your own beliefs about the nature of life, people, reality, to something more positive... and begin to act accordingly.