A group of men and women in their 50s and 60s frequently gather near my office building. The group size generally ranges from four to seven people. Each is an alcoholic and frequently a couple of them are quite drunk, especially during the first half of the month.
I treat those in the group like other folks in our small town when I meet them. I wave, say hello, shake their hands, and get to know their names and what’s going in their lives.
I am not certain why so many people turn their head when they approach the group or walk by the group without acknowledging them. Just a few steps beyond the group, those same people will show an unrestrained expression of kindness toward someone stepping out of the bank.
Clearly, we have the ability to be kind to those we choose. We came forth from the same source, and each of us is pursuing our purpose wherever that may lead us. Some were given better life situations and starts in life than others, but we are on this journey together.
We should all challenge ourselves to be a little kinder to all folks, even those from whom we can never expect anything in return.
While traveling in Brazil several years ago to visit John of God, I took photos which show orbs, streaks of colored light, and other forms. Those traveling with me claimed that such photos showed spirit forms.
Much can be found on the web and elsewhere discussing photos showing orbs and other forms. Many folks posting such photos claim the photos show spiritual beings. I generally approach such photos, including those taken by me or taken with me in the photo, with skepticism.
Last month, while traveling in Kentucky, the photo below was taken of me. I was standing where a large pine tree had been struck by lighting and thereafter cut down. I grew up on the farm where the photo was taken, but have not lived in the area for many years.
Using the same camera, a photo taken prior to the one to the left and a photo taken after were clear. The clear photos were taken in the same general area. All photos were taken within a five minute period. Perhaps the photo to the left is simply bad photography or perhaps the photo is some spiritual energy.
Recently, I spoke with Soul Intuitive Eddie Conner. Among Eddie’s many great ideas and thoughts, Eddie recommended listening to Abraham‐Hicks recordings. The Abraham‐Hicks messages have been eye opening.
Abraham‐Hicks instructs to improve life simply and find purpose, “Put your canoe in the water and go with the flow.” According to Abraham‐Hicks in order to get our canoe in the right direction, we need to feel the “flow” and go with it. Abraham‐Hicks teaches in order to feel the flow, simply listen to your thoughts and take note of your feelings.
Should you feel relief and feel good about your decisions, your actions are right for you. Your canoe is headed downstream in the right direction.
Should you feel unpleasant and uneasy about your actions, you are going against the flow. You are paddling upstream or your canoe is sideways in the current. You need to reverse direction and head downstream again.
After trying the method for only a week, I can report following the canoe in the current method brings attention to how you feel at each moment, and allows you to explore ways to keep the canoe pointed downstream. By focusing on staying in a downstream direction, I have noticed a lowering of stress.
Perhaps life’s purpose can be found along the path of least resistance — simply go with the flow and enjoy.
An interesting article appeared on the New York Times website last week entitled The Meaning of Life. In the article the author, Roger Cohen, address the age old question, “What’s life for?”
The article discusses a caloric restriction experiment conducted on monkeys. In an effort to control aging, one monkey group was permitted to consume an endless amount of food daily. The other group’s food consumption was restricted.
Though the calorie restricted monkeys appear slimmer and at least visibly healthier, Cohen is not swayed by the experiment. Cohen makes a strong argument for the joys of life gained by good food and laugher, concluding that laughter extends life.
I agree with Cohen that laughter extends life. Perhaps the best recipe for an extended life is delicious meals with great friends.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009÷07/16/opinion/16iht-edcohen.html?_r=2&ref=opinion