PHRASE FOR THE DAY: PRACTICE PATIENCE.
I have been unable to post here, or at Lisa Allender Writes for a few days now(sigh), and am still unable to send or receive e-mails. Feeling very un-connected, disconnected. But this, too, shall pass.
Patience.
Peace, kids.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
MULTIPLE IDEAS FOR PEACE
Today I'll outline a few different ways you can personally increase Peace within, and outside of, yourself.
First, Meditate. If you are not comfortable with the idea of "prayer", start with meditation. All you need do is breathe. Which most folks do, believe it or not--incorrectly!
Sloooowwwwly. In, deep breath, (inhale through your nose, exhale through your mouth. Your tummy should expand when you inhale, and collapse when you exhale)hold. Release. Do this three times, and keep your eyes lightly closed, your palms up and open. Breathe. Listen to sounds within the room you are in, then the sounds outside the room. I like to listen to my body, too. If you are really still, you can even hear your own heartbeat, which is pretty amazing...It helps to repeat a word, something simple, like Peace, or Love, or Jesus, or even the name of your beloved. Do this, several times. With each breath, you'll feel your body become more centered, focused. Human beings are actually "hard-wired" to do this. In studies of our brains, it has been discovered that we function at a "higher"(please forgive the somewhat awful pun, here!) level when we meditate, or pray. That's because we calm, and can concentrate more fully. On our blessings. On our goals. On Peace.
Next exercise:
Try Walking. This may sound like it has nothing to do with Peace, but it does. In our cars, segregated from one another, we do not "interact", we "react". I've given this a great deal of thought, and I fully believe that a tremendous amount of rage in society is not merely "road rage", it's rage that builds up, over time, from a variety of sources. "Road Rage" is the symptom, not the cause. (Although I'm sure there are folks out there driving--I'd be one of them--who probably go so slowly, that it could enrage someone!) One way to reduce that rage, is not merely to lessen time driving(where we may likely feel able to take it out on someone), but to increase interaction with others. When walking, we look up, we say hello, smile, meet others' eyes. It's impossible to both look into someone's eyes, see them as a fellow human being, and say Hello, and still be angry, rage-filled. What may follow, is Peace. Or, we may simply become preoccupied with our errands, etc. But Peace is the possibility, and the eventual PROBABILITY, of walking. It's also a "greener" thing to do, which aids in the causes of Peace & Social Justice. So go outside. And WALK!
Finally, Smile. Did you know that the mere act of forming a smile, causes endorphins(the so-called "feel good" chemical) to be released by your brain? It's true. And it's impossible to feel anger, while smiling(unless you're a sociopath/psychopath)...Actors often will commit to an action, in order to create the inner emotional state. For instance, if I pound loudly on a door, screaming, eventually, my face will redden, my hands will hurt, I will become angry--my voice will get louder, blood pressure will rise, etc. I will have CREATED anger and rage. Conversely, if I smile, and greet others with respect, not only will I create an environment likely to respond positively towards me, but I create those same feelings of love, inclusion--and yes, Peace--within me--that I look for in the world.
I'm telling you, kids, this all works. Even if you're a skeptic. Heck, especially if you're a skeptic, try it. You'll be pleasantly surprised!
Peace, kids.
First, Meditate. If you are not comfortable with the idea of "prayer", start with meditation. All you need do is breathe. Which most folks do, believe it or not--incorrectly!
Sloooowwwwly. In, deep breath, (inhale through your nose, exhale through your mouth. Your tummy should expand when you inhale, and collapse when you exhale)hold. Release. Do this three times, and keep your eyes lightly closed, your palms up and open. Breathe. Listen to sounds within the room you are in, then the sounds outside the room. I like to listen to my body, too. If you are really still, you can even hear your own heartbeat, which is pretty amazing...It helps to repeat a word, something simple, like Peace, or Love, or Jesus, or even the name of your beloved. Do this, several times. With each breath, you'll feel your body become more centered, focused. Human beings are actually "hard-wired" to do this. In studies of our brains, it has been discovered that we function at a "higher"(please forgive the somewhat awful pun, here!) level when we meditate, or pray. That's because we calm, and can concentrate more fully. On our blessings. On our goals. On Peace.
Next exercise:
Try Walking. This may sound like it has nothing to do with Peace, but it does. In our cars, segregated from one another, we do not "interact", we "react". I've given this a great deal of thought, and I fully believe that a tremendous amount of rage in society is not merely "road rage", it's rage that builds up, over time, from a variety of sources. "Road Rage" is the symptom, not the cause. (Although I'm sure there are folks out there driving--I'd be one of them--who probably go so slowly, that it could enrage someone!) One way to reduce that rage, is not merely to lessen time driving(where we may likely feel able to take it out on someone), but to increase interaction with others. When walking, we look up, we say hello, smile, meet others' eyes. It's impossible to both look into someone's eyes, see them as a fellow human being, and say Hello, and still be angry, rage-filled. What may follow, is Peace. Or, we may simply become preoccupied with our errands, etc. But Peace is the possibility, and the eventual PROBABILITY, of walking. It's also a "greener" thing to do, which aids in the causes of Peace & Social Justice. So go outside. And WALK!
Finally, Smile. Did you know that the mere act of forming a smile, causes endorphins(the so-called "feel good" chemical) to be released by your brain? It's true. And it's impossible to feel anger, while smiling(unless you're a sociopath/psychopath)...Actors often will commit to an action, in order to create the inner emotional state. For instance, if I pound loudly on a door, screaming, eventually, my face will redden, my hands will hurt, I will become angry--my voice will get louder, blood pressure will rise, etc. I will have CREATED anger and rage. Conversely, if I smile, and greet others with respect, not only will I create an environment likely to respond positively towards me, but I create those same feelings of love, inclusion--and yes, Peace--within me--that I look for in the world.
I'm telling you, kids, this all works. Even if you're a skeptic. Heck, especially if you're a skeptic, try it. You'll be pleasantly surprised!
Peace, kids.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
BIG NEWS!!!
Now, for some exciting news:I had posted in April at my Lisa Allender Writes Blog about the wonderful encounter at St. Jude The Apostle Church where Rami Elhanan and Mazen Faraj spoke on Peace & Reconciliation...My entry is entitled:"Reconciliation", he said.
I discovered that The Parents Circle-Families Forum has ADDED MY BLOG POST FROM THAT DAY, TO THEIR "What's new?" Page!!! I am so honored, and deeply humbled by this. I am included alongside great authors, and many beautiful, inspiring stories of courage, and peacemaking! Here's the link, below, which you may click on here, or copy-n-paste to your browser, and/or send to all your Peace-loving pals!http://www.theparentscircle.com/News.asp
Go out and make it a great Tuesday!
Peace, kids.
I discovered that The Parents Circle-Families Forum has ADDED MY BLOG POST FROM THAT DAY, TO THEIR "What's new?" Page!!! I am so honored, and deeply humbled by this. I am included alongside great authors, and many beautiful, inspiring stories of courage, and peacemaking! Here's the link, below, which you may click on here, or copy-n-paste to your browser, and/or send to all your Peace-loving pals!http://www.theparentscircle.com/News.asp
Go out and make it a great Tuesday!
Peace, kids.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Peace Poets
PHRASE FOR THE DAY: Poets For Peace...
Remember their website, and visit it often:
http://apjpoetsforpeace.blogspot.com/
Hope your Sunday was a sacred one.
Peace, kids.
Remember their website, and visit it often:
http://apjpoetsforpeace.blogspot.com/
Hope your Sunday was a sacred one.
Peace, kids.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
SLOOOOOOW DOOOOOOWN.
Odd coming from me, Ms.-I-can't-fathom-moving-or-speaking-slowly-woman.
But slowing down is important. The next time every fiber and cell in you wants to rush, don't.Take a breath, and feel what's there. That nervousness? It's anxiety, and it's part of life.
What does this have to do with Peace?
In slowing down, your heart rate returns to optimal, your breathing is less labored, and more on-target, and you will calm. Now, that's Peace!
Odd coming from me, Ms.-I-can't-fathom-moving-or-speaking-slowly-woman.
But slowing down is important. The next time every fiber and cell in you wants to rush, don't.Take a breath, and feel what's there. That nervousness? It's anxiety, and it's part of life.
What does this have to do with Peace?
In slowing down, your heart rate returns to optimal, your breathing is less labored, and more on-target, and you will calm. Now, that's Peace!
Friday, June 20, 2008
Be Blind
Phrase For The Day: Be Blind.
This day is nearly over, and I'm just getting around to posting.
I want you to pretend for a moment that you cannot see. At all.
Why? Because the sudden darkness, new dependency on others, and intuitive senses that would sharpen as a result of blindness, would also cause you to be blind to many negative things. Like judging someone, based on gender, sexual orientation, faith background, race, looks, etc., etc.
So pretend you are blind. Do this for one day. Everytime you "see" someone, instead I want you to only LISTEN to them. You might be surprised what you'll hear.
Peace, kids.
This day is nearly over, and I'm just getting around to posting.
I want you to pretend for a moment that you cannot see. At all.
Why? Because the sudden darkness, new dependency on others, and intuitive senses that would sharpen as a result of blindness, would also cause you to be blind to many negative things. Like judging someone, based on gender, sexual orientation, faith background, race, looks, etc., etc.
So pretend you are blind. Do this for one day. Everytime you "see" someone, instead I want you to only LISTEN to them. You might be surprised what you'll hear.
Peace, kids.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
PHRASE FOR THE DAY:
Include others. I really cannot tolerate the use of the word, "tolerance". It sounds like something one can barely do, without heaving in illness(as in, "I can't tolerate this medicine." etc, etc...)
So the next time you want to learn to "tolerate" someone different from you, say to yourself instead that you will INCLUDE this other person(s), not merelty tolerate them. Actions are a result of thoughts--and spoken thoughts are our words. Let's choose them carefully, in service to PEACE.
Peace, kids.
Include others. I really cannot tolerate the use of the word, "tolerance". It sounds like something one can barely do, without heaving in illness(as in, "I can't tolerate this medicine." etc, etc...)
So the next time you want to learn to "tolerate" someone different from you, say to yourself instead that you will INCLUDE this other person(s), not merelty tolerate them. Actions are a result of thoughts--and spoken thoughts are our words. Let's choose them carefully, in service to PEACE.
Peace, kids.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
PHRASE FOR THE DAY:
Lavendar Oil can bring you Peace....This essential oil calms and soothes. Try a bit on your pillow, for a relaxing bedtime. Drop some in your tub, for a sweet-smelling bath.And try deep-breathing the oil at bedtime, for ten minutes, and five minutes each morning, to relieve anxiety, and/or depression. Add peppermint oil in the morning, for a "lift". If you pray--or meditate--do it at these times. Even saying Thank You for a beautiful day, is enough. Every day, I'll post a simple way to bring Peace into YOUR life, and someone else's... Coming soon: Links to various Peace sites...
Peace, kids.
Posted by Lisa Allender at 7:25 AM 0 comments
Labels: Anxiety, Deep-Breathing, Defeating Depression, Essential Oils, Meditation, Peace, Relaxation
PHRASE FOR THE DAY:
Lavendar Oil can bring you Peace....This essential oil calms and soothes. Try a bit on your pillow, for a relaxing bedtime. Drop some in your tub, for a sweet-smelling bath.And try deep-breathing the oil at bedtime, for ten minutes, and five minutes each morning, to relieve anxiety, and/or depression. Add peppermint oil in the morning, for a "lift". If you pray--or meditate--do it at these times. Even saying Thank You for a beautiful day, is enough. Every day, I'll post a simple way to bring Peace into YOUR life, and someone else's... Coming soon: Links to various Peace sites...
Peace, kids.
Posted by Lisa Allender at 7:25 AM 0 comments
Labels: Anxiety, Deep-Breathing, Defeating Depression, Essential Oils, Meditation, Peace, Relaxation
Monday, June 16, 2008
Peace As A Verb!
So I am trying to get a few words and phrases into the accepted vernacular....For example, we may use "war" as both a noun("This war is called the Iraq War.") and a verb("Do not war with your neighbor."), but we never do this with the word Peace. My theory is that unless we make Peace a viable "action-word", or verb--we won't be moved to act on it!
Hence, I must practice what I Peace.
Another word I want put into our everyday vocabulary is a word to substitute for self-less: I suggest it be "self-free". Self-less sounds as though one is made "less than" by being unselfish, when the opposite is true. It is only when one is generous, and giving, that one is able to be set free, and be truly "self-free"--free of ego and superficial measures; free to be open to others, and to be in touch with one's own spirit.
Come to think of it, "child-less" needs to go, too. "Child-less" implies that without children one is "less" because of it. I think "child-free", while possibly controversial(currently, we only say we're "free" of something which is considered bad, as in "fat-free", "cancer-free", etc.) makes the point that some of us choose to focus on other concerns and issues, and are not defined by our ability or propensity to create offspring.
How about you? Can you thinkof a way to use PEACE, AS A VERB? Let me know!
Read more about Lisa Allender, and "Practice What You Peace", and "Lisa Allender Writes".
Check out:
www.lisananetteallender.blogspot.com/
and
www.lisaallender.com
Peace, kids.
Hence, I must practice what I Peace.
Another word I want put into our everyday vocabulary is a word to substitute for self-less: I suggest it be "self-free". Self-less sounds as though one is made "less than" by being unselfish, when the opposite is true. It is only when one is generous, and giving, that one is able to be set free, and be truly "self-free"--free of ego and superficial measures; free to be open to others, and to be in touch with one's own spirit.
Come to think of it, "child-less" needs to go, too. "Child-less" implies that without children one is "less" because of it. I think "child-free", while possibly controversial(currently, we only say we're "free" of something which is considered bad, as in "fat-free", "cancer-free", etc.) makes the point that some of us choose to focus on other concerns and issues, and are not defined by our ability or propensity to create offspring.
How about you? Can you thinkof a way to use PEACE, AS A VERB? Let me know!
Read more about Lisa Allender, and "Practice What You Peace", and "Lisa Allender Writes".
Check out:
www.lisananetteallender.blogspot.com/
and
www.lisaallender.com
Peace, kids.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
