Tuesday, September 01, 2009

Wisdom from the Masters...

Oh my dears. How neglectful I have been. I've been gobsmacked by life, lately (haven't we all) and just haven't been able to put pen to paper (so to speak). Back-to-school for husb and son #1, heart surgery for Dad, four juggled projects and renovations to the home. Not particularly settling or calming.

My BFF during all of this is Thich Nhat Hahn, a Vietnamese monk and author of the book Peace in Every Step. He should be required bedside reading for everyone. The book consists of many one-to two-page chapters reminding us to see beauty in all things, be mindful of the wonder of life, and to smile when confronted with adversity. He comes across as very sweet rather than naive and his writings serve as a good reminder to live in the moment, instead of fretting about things outside of our control. A perfect something to ingest before going to sleep and help quiet the thoughts.

He reminds me (or vice versa) of the wise and gentle turtle, Master Oogway, from Kung Fu Panda, who delivers many aphorisms during the film: "Yesterday is history; tomorrow is a mystery; but today is a gift. That is why it is called the present." (I'm not the only fan, check this out!) He, too, can teach us something about calming the "fluctuations."

So chill with some sages this month. Go for something more thoughtful from TNH, or lighter--yet just as insightful--with KFP. Anything to keep the mind clear and the thoughts positive.

6 comments:

Robyn said...

Thank you for the recommendation. I was just looking for some good reading, and this sounds perfect!

Eco Yogini said...

lol, I LOVED Kung Fu Panda and Master Oogway... he was fantastic :)

Nadine Fawell said...

Hi Brenda!
Welcome back from Life! Since we all know the netherweb ain't life. Not really.

I love this post: I have noticed the alchemy of gratitude myself since I started keeping my weekly happy lists. And since a whole bunch of people now email me THEIR lists every week, I can never slack off, even when I want to. SO I am always brought back to how very very blessed I am.

Navneet Panchariya said...

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http://www.indiavision.com/health_yoga.html

Tina said...

Oh thank you for this...just in time for me~~a good book recommendation! I love short and sweet chapters, ESPECIALLY before bed and welcome something that will quiet my mind, instead of stir it. Also, you've given me a great recommendation for movie night with the family as well~~I love the ones that we ALL get something from.

Blessings,
Tina

Haxor said...

I love that saying by the turtle as well. I think of it just about every day.

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