Dear friends,
In sharing our meditation practices,
We encourage one another to be the best we can be,
But without struggling with perfectionism.
Striving after perfectionism will only discourage us.
A better idea is that we be encouraged to do just our reasonable best.
So in this time of reflection,
I'm going to offer you a set of possible resolutions.
Have a listen to them,
Maybe listen a few times,
And when and if you feel ready,
Pick one of these ideas,
Give it a test,
Try to apply it for a little while and see how it goes.
Hopefully you will find a practice that will become a habit and when that habit has been established,
You might like to try another one and then another.
Who knows where the journey might lead.
So have a listen through this random selection of signposts,
Each offering a direction on the path to happiness.
Here is an idea.
Pause before your breakfast and be thankful.
Pause before your day begins and resolve to be kind.
Sprinkle a little love here and there as you go about your business today.
Here is an idea.
Think before you speak and remember always to listen,
Really listen,
Before you jump in with your reply.
Don't jump in the second the other person stops to catch their breath.
They may have more to say.
We all need listeners.
Today be an attentive listener.
Here is an idea.
Try to stay in the now.
Remember you cannot change the past but the present offers you the opportunity to change the future.
Remember too that a struggle with the now is doomed to failure.
A battle against what is,
Is always destined for defeat.
Now is the moment where everything happens.
Now was the moment where everything that has happened,
Has happened.
Here is an idea.
Today you are the recipient of riches beyond measure.
Stop,
Look around,
Notice and give thanks.
When you do,
You will realise how little you lack.
Even as today begins there are already so many reasons for gratitude and happiness.
So many reasons for happiness sitting in front of you.
All you need to do is stop and take notice.
Here is an idea.
The vast majority of people in the world are kind and loving.
Support and encourage them today by being even more kind and more loving.
We are all millionaires of time.
Time fills the bank account of life every minute.
It costs nothing at all to circulate the currency of kindness.
Spend it now.
Here is an idea.
This one is for Christmas Eve or the day before any holiday.
You have done what you can.
Take a deep breath.
Relax.
Let the holiday come.
Enjoy.
No one is judging.
Shoppers please note,
It's ok.
The stores will be open again the day after tomorrow.
Here is an idea.
Take care with your words.
Words can be BAM.
Words can be weapons.
Negative thoughts lie dormant within each one of us.
Letting off steam with negative feelings is never helpful.
It can bring about an unhappy effect.
An effect just as disastrous as the firing of weapons.
Words can inspire.
Words can incite.
Words can encourage or discourage.
Words can excite,
Inflame,
Empower,
Destroy.
Words are dynamite,
Highly flammable.
Remember today to handle words with extreme care.
Here is an idea.
Feelings of gratitude and happiness can diminish the more we have.
Think how natural it is to be grateful for simply falling into a comfortable bed.
How wonderful it is to hold a warm drink in your hands on a cold day.
The happiness of a kiss or a touch on a person we love.
Think how difficult it would be to be grateful and feel unencumbered if you were unfortunate enough to have your own private island.
Let's be satisfied and grateful when we have enough.
Let's appreciate the people who love us and the things that we have.
The many things that we have.
Here is an idea.
This is a thought for the new year or for days such as birthdays or anniversaries.
In the year ahead you may experience periods of doubt or despair.
It happens.
May all the good you have done or tried to do be your support in the darker times.
And in the darker times,
Remember,
This too will pass.
Yes it will.
It always does.
Here is an idea.
Today offer some inspiration wherever and however you can.
Remember all God's preachers have a place in the choir so join in the music.
If you can't sing,
Just clap your hands or use anything you've got.
Today spread happiness however and wherever you can.
Help to make this a more beautiful world.
A blessing for you as we end this reflection.
May you and yours be well today and always.
May you and yours be happy and healthy in mind and body.
Namaste.
