Dear friends,
This is a follow up to an earlier meditation called Here is an idea,
In which I offered 10 suggestions,
10 steps,
Some of which you might take in order to bring you along the road to happiness.
Here are another 10 possibilities for your consideration.
I hope that among them you'll find one or two that you can bring into your everyday practice which will be helpful to you.
And as in the case of the first 10 suggestions,
Who knows where the journey might lead.
Here is another idea.
Today is a new day of opportunity.
Notice how we all stand in line as the stream of opportunity passes in front of us.
Let's all play our part in this wonderful production which we call life.
Here is another idea.
What will I give to today?
What will today give to me?
Will anyone be better off because I have lived today?
Will anyone be worse off because I have lived?
Today let me take time to check the balance sheet of my life.
Here is another idea.
Yes it can help to see each day as your last one.
But it's more exciting to see today as your very first day,
As if through the eyes of a child.
For today try to look upon everyone and everything with curiosity.
Imagine yourself as a first time visitor to planet earth.
Don't put a name on what you see.
Naming something drops the object into a routine box labelled familiar.
Instead look and ask with wonder what is this all about?
You will be astonished.
Here is another idea.
There is no limit to the number of people who will contribute to my happiness today.
And no limit to all the good actions of other people that will contribute to my well being.
This inundation of benefit is so ever present as to be taken for granted.
A great pity.
Today let me be more observant and more grateful.
Here is another idea.
Why not start a gratitude journal?
Any book will do.
But over time you will come to realise that you will need many books and a good supply of pens.
This record of thanks will prove to be your greatest treasure.
There are so many reasons for gratitude flying into our path every hour of every day.
Take note and remember to look back in gratitude every so often.
Here is another idea.
Really look into the eyes of the people you meet.
Every person has a story to tell.
Every one of us needs someone to listen to us.
When eyes really meet eyes,
Real exchanges begin.
Today ask how are you?
Ask it with meaning and real concern.
How are you?
How are things with you?
How is life going for you?
And listen with real interest for the reply.
Here is another idea.
You may notice some time that there are no boards in your garden.
If so just ask yourself when did I last put out food for them?
Boards are wise enough not to waste time in gardens where there is no food.
The same applies to people.
To have a friend you need to be a friend.
So be a friend.
A true friend who cares.
Here is another idea.
All our actions are made in the shape of a well designed boomerang.
They return to us every time.
Better that they be soft in both directions of travel.
Who wants to be hit by a hard object?
Here is another idea.
It's time to look back over the events of the last month or the last year.
Ask how much has the world given to me?
And also how much have I given to the world?
You will always find an imbalance.
We receive so much and we give so little by comparison.
So how can I claim the world owes me anything?
Here is another idea.
Happiness is this.
Realising that everyone and everything changes and will change.
A thing of beauty is a joy but not forever.
Accepting this is the only lasting happiness.
Appreciate the people in your life every day.
Appreciate the good things in your life every day.
Show love.
Show your best side.
If just for today we can show our best side.
Really love.
Really think kindly.
Really act kindly.
We will become addicted to loving action.
That will shed happiness and light wherever we go.
And we too will benefit from that light.
A blessing for you to end this meditation.
May you be well.
May you be happy.
May you find very many reasons for happiness when you look back over your life.
May God,
Whatever you conceive God to be,
Be your constant companion.
A light showing you the way.
Namaste.
