January 17

365 Tao (by Deng Ming-Dao) # 17

Cooperation

                    Cooperation with others.
                    Perception, experience, tenacity.
                    Know when to lead and when to follow.

When we become involved with a fellowship, we must gradually become an integral, organic part of that organization.  The relationship will be one of mutual influence:  We must carefully influence the collective, and in turn, we will be shaped by the company we keep.

Influencing others requires perception.  We need to know when to act, when to be passive, when others are receptive to us, and when they will not listen.  This takes experience, of course, and it is necessary to take part in a great many relationships - from our families to community associations - to cultivate the proper sensitivity.  In time, there will be moments of both frustration and success, but in either case, a certain tenacity is crucial.  If we are thwarted in our initiatives, then we must persevere by either maintaining our position or changing it if a better one prevails.  If we are successful, we must not rely on charisma alone, but we must also work to fully realize what the group has resolved to do.

True leadership is a combination of initiative and humility.  The best leader remains obscure, leading but drawing no personal attention.  As long as the collective has direction, the leader is satisfied.  Credit is not to be taken, it will be awarded when the people realize that it was the subtle influence of the leader that brought them success.

Re: January 17

Science of Mind Magazine Daily Guide for 1/17/08
By Rev. Diane Harmony

ABOVE

Only by living above this momentary chatter can you catch My Direction.
Eva Bell Werber, Quiet Talks with the Master
                                                  
I am led, guided and inspired by the Living Spirit of Love of of right action.
The Science of Mind, page 263

WE are advised today to rise above the din of babble, gossip and mindless talk that we encounter during our daily routines.  We are counseled to cut ourselves off from all negative things, whether they are thoughts or actions, and elevate our consciousnesses to operates in the rarefied atmosphere of Spirit.

Adherence to this advice–while lofty in scope–is achieved by moment-to-moment practice in our three-dimensional world.  Confronted with the sometimes mundane conversations and conditions of our friends, neighbors, families and coworkers, our challenge is to rise above the material and human realm of personalities and circumstances.

We are asked to disengage from those events that would clutter the pipeline to our source.  How?  By elevating our consciousness above it all, and intentionally seeing God in all of Its completeness in all of Its creation.  When we bring our minds into the realm of the universal, it is easy to realize the holiness in all we encounter.  From this upstairs-awareness, we are more suited to perfectly serve the Divine.

affirmation

This day I vow to detach myself from those things that might cloud my consciousness.

Re: January 17

SOM Magazine Daily Guide for 1/17/09
By Rev. Ron Fox

SEEING IS CREATING
                                               
A musician must make music, an artist must paint, a poet must write, if they are to be ultimately at peace with themselves.  What a man can be, he must be.
Abraham Maslow

Let us learn to see as God must, with a perfect vision.  Let us seek the good and the true and believe in them with our whole heart.
The Science of Mind, page 185

WE are responsible for our lives.  Nothing happens by chance.  We are given the gift of writing our own stories.  If we don't focus our thinking, we bring confusion into our lives.  When we focus, we send a clear message into the universe, and all the power of the universe comes forth to assist us.  In the tale Alice in Wonderland, Alice asks the cat which road to take.  The cat replies, “It depends where you want to get.”  Alice responds, “I don't care where.”  The cat replies, “Then it doesn't much matter which way you go.”  Life works the same way.

It is written in Proverbs, “Where there is no vision, the people perish.”  A vision gives the big picture of life, like a road map to the future.  Without a vision, we live in the short term, or by the wishes and demands of others.  A vision gives us energy and passion.  It gives life meaning and direction.  When times are difficult, a vision gives the inspiration to keep going.  The difference between a dreamer and a visionary is that the visionary takes steps to make the dream happen.

You and I can consciously partner with a higher power to create the lives we desire, make our dreams our reality.  We need to be clear on the what, and leave the how to God.  It can be scary, but a wise man once wrote, “He who trembles is never bored.”                            

affirmation

I am responsible for my life.  In this moment, I move within and vision the life I wish to live.  I embrace my vision and know that Spirit moves with me as my partner and co-creator.

This affirmation was excerpted from Science of Mind magazine Daily Guide. The Daily Guide is a wonderful way to start the day! Click here to subscribe.

Re: January 17

Joy
Rabindranath Tagore    
And Joy is Everywhere;
It is in the Earth's green covering of grass;
In the blue serenity of the Sky;
In the reckless exuberance of Spring;
In the severe abstinence of grey Winter;
In the Living flesh that animates our bodily frame;
In the perfect poise of the Human figure, noble and upright;
In Living;
In the exercise of all our powers;
In the acquisition of Knowledge;
in fighting evils; in dying for gains we can never share.
Joy is there Everywhere…..
Joy is the realisation of the truth of oneness, the oneness of our soul with the world and of the world-soul with the supreme lover.
Source: Sādhanā: the realisation of life‎ - Page 116Rabindranath Tagore

Re: January 17

Daily Word - Sunday, January 17, 2010
Renewal
My body is relaxed, my heart is at peace and my spirit is renewed.

Taking time to rest and relax is important to me physically, emotionally and spiritually. By giving my body the rest and attention it needs, I find peace and strength within.

As I relax my body, I also relax my mind, releasing negative thoughts or concerns. I feel a wave of peace rush over me. My spirit is renewed. I become more aware of the presence of God working in and through me, guiding me to new blessings and fulfillment.

I give thanks for my peaceful moments with God–moments when my body is relaxed and my mind is at peace. I know these moments are sacred. They renew me in mind, body and spirit.

Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.–Matthew 11:29

Re: January 17

A Year With Rumi by Coleman Barks

Re: January 17

Kabbalah 365 - Daily Fruit from the Tree of Life
by Gershon Winkler

Re: January 17

Today, I delight in my healthy curiosity about all of life.  I came here to explore and express Spirit in my own unique way.  The world is my playground.”


This affirmation was excerpted from Science of Mind magazine Daily Guide. The Daily Guide is a wonderful way to start the day! Click here to subscribe.

Re: January 17

Wow…I just reread the January 17th thread that started two years ago.  There's so much wisdom and joy here.