Nor'easter Teaches Lessons

The really earnest and alert aspirant finds lessons in every object around her.  Every moment of her life is a moment of choice between the true and the false.  Every spiritual aspirant must be wide-awake and keep the fire of discrimination always bright in her heart.  No event, no thought, should escape her notice.  To such a person the whole universe is a great book of knowledge.                   

                                                            Swami Yatiswaradananda

So, what are the lessons of this loss?

• Nothing is permanent.
• Don't get attached.
• Don't take it personally.
• Have no expectations.
• Appreciate the moment.

Our beautiful crab apple did her best to be flexible in the high winds of last night's Nor'easter.  She will continue to bloom to her fullest ability...reminding us that no matter what happens...

We are always BEAUTIFUL.

May 24 and Snowing and I'm Not Kidding

Planted marigolds yesterday and put them on the windowsill.

"Look outside.  See the big beautiful spring world you'll enter soon."

Around noon, the snow began to fall and I think the little seeds are debating about whether to come out in this weather....

Our pink flowering crab looks a little snow shocked, too!

Today, Celebrate Giving

May's full moon is the 2013 day Buddhists 'round the world observe the birth, enlightenment and death of Gautama Buddha.  

Giving something we have to someone who needs it is a great way to celebrate Buddha's remarkable life.  Forgiveness, attention, food, kindness, shelter and support are gifts we can give away daily; Jesus and Buddha both encouraged sharing!  

Practicing Buddhist or not, today one can recall the Buddha's precious teachings and how we can incorporate them into daily life.  As the Dalai Lama says, by giving of ourselves we increase our own happiness.

With great love, I lift up my dear friend, Sujata Naidu, who has taught me so much about Buddhism and giving.

http://www.yowangdu.com/tibetan-buddhism/water-offering-bowls.html