I would consider my biggest blessing empathy. The ability to make someone else suffer less (which in turn means utilising other blessings I have such as money, access to food etc).
How can I use my blessings to improve someone else’s life?
Firstly, it is Absolutely important to be fully aware of what a blessing it to BE as a “Human BE-ing” because that “being aware” of ones own ‘Original Blessing’ is what powers the emanating blessing(s) going out to “improve” other(s). This principle applies equally to the emanating of Gratefulness.
The degree of awareness of “Original Blessing” is really the determining factor of the degree that Holy Spirit w...
How can I use my blessings to improve someone else’s life?
Firstly, it is Absolutely important to be fully aware of what a blessing it to BE as a “Human BE-ing” because that “being aware” of ones own ‘Original Blessing’ is what powers the emanating blessing(s) going out to “improve” other(s). This principle applies equally to the emanating of Gratefulness.
The degree of awareness of “Original Blessing” is really the determining factor of the degree that Holy Spirit will flow through ALL conscious intentions ……this “flow” also goes by the name, “Grace”.
So my reply to to-days question is simply “ be consciously aware of BE-ing as I possibly can be.” then the Holy Spirit can detect it and flow though it to where ever “improvement” is required. It is not necessary for me to choose where the Holy Spirit’s power is required to take “form” ( see Br David quote below) . This in Sufi terminology is called “Baraka”…loosely translated into English …”being a lightening rod for Holy Spirit to flow though”.
Brother David expresses the nature of Holy Spirit very well in his
“Deeper then Words, Living the Apostle’s Creed” page 156 to 157
“Forms arise and dissolve like soap bubbles, but the Spirit brings them forth, the Breath of God shapes and fills them, and therefore every single one of them is infinitely precious and sacred. “Just to be is a blessing; just to live is holy,” said the great rabbi Abraham Heschel. Once in a while our eyes pop open and we look through the form to its holy identity. Think, for example, of young parents enthralled by every tiny toenail, every smallest hair of their first baby. In such moments we are awestruck by the vision and overwhelmed by the blessing of sheer being.
On that deepest level, Life simply IS, Being simply IS-beneath the comings and goings of forms.
In the Gospel of John, Jesus refers to this deepest level when he says, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (10:10). In his own life he breathed the imperishable Life-breath of God, and this life cannot perish, not even in death. Saint Paul assures us that this is true of us, too: “If the Spirit of the one who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, the one who raised Christ from the dead will give life to your mortal bodies form a wider circle of shared faith. Moreover, AMEN is related to Aum or Om, the sacred syllable of a still wider community. Among Hindus, Jains, and Buddhists, Om also expresses assent and blessing and links the one who pronounces it in faith with the ultimate horizon of human existence, just as AMEN does.
the blessing of my being able to be there for someone else when needed. sometimes a hug, an ear, a heart or personal advice is how is use my blessing with someone else’s life.
This question is super challenging for me right now due to the circumstances I’m facing.
When do we decide to put away what we are fighting for?
The difference between right and wrong can sometimes be blurred due being careless of how our deeds will affect those around us.
I’m really struggling with this divorce and I feel all I want to do is give in. It’s feels like constantly beat up and all three kids have to watch.
What good does money do when it destroys what’s left of the f...
This question is super challenging for me right now due to the circumstances I’m facing.
When do we decide to put away what we are fighting for?
The difference between right and wrong can sometimes be blurred due being careless of how our deeds will affect those around us.
I’m really struggling with this divorce and I feel all I want to do is give in. It’s feels like constantly beat up and all three kids have to watch.
What good does money do when it destroys what’s left of the fabric of a family? When is it best to allow someone to just run over you and take everything? Is it ever right? In the end when all assists and stuff is split up, is the suffering over?
I can’t seem to get well and when we don’t have our health what do we have?
To answer today’s question requires me to look let go of all of this in order to move forward..
I can improve the lives of my kids and family by delivering, once again, a proposal to my ex and pray that it’s good enough.
If anyone has any advice regarding this I would greatly appreciate what knowledge you can share.
I pray for redemption and Loving kindness to shine through this process. I pray for compassion and cooperation.
Maybe I need to be the one to step up out of my fear and have courage to solidify this proposal by negotiating with my ex face to face.
You found your answer, let go. Smile when you don’t feel like it and know as John Lennon sang: “Life is what happens when you are busy making other plans.” Sounds simple but often times the best answers are simple. And sometimes a smile drives the would-be controllers crazy and that’s fun too.
Antoinette, I, too, had to negotiate a divorce settlement many years ago and it is so painful to face the father of your children and accept that he does not feel any obligation to you or his off spring. Your last sentence may hold the key to finding some semblance of .peace in this process. You speak of stepping out of your fear. When fear is my motivator, I find it impossible to live in the moment, to be present to the Presence which always has my back. When I dwell in the past or find mysel...
Antoinette, I, too, had to negotiate a divorce settlement many years ago and it is so painful to face the father of your children and accept that he does not feel any obligation to you or his off spring. Your last sentence may hold the key to finding some semblance of .peace in this process. You speak of stepping out of your fear. When fear is my motivator, I find it impossible to live in the moment, to be present to the Presence which always has my back. When I dwell in the past or find myself worrying about the future, I find myself alone because the strength I need, the grace I crave, is only available in the NOW. Don’t be afraid of making a mistake. Don’t be afraid of your proposal being rejected and claim wisdom moment by moment. I decided long ago that it is God’s will that I deal in reality. What is Is. A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. What avenue is best for your health? Without your health, where will you and your children be? Can you withstand a court battle? Can you live with the judge’s decisions? Above all else, have compassion for yourself. Tell your children you love them often. Hug them. Kiss them goodnight. Take time to breath deeply when ever your thoughts own you. Believe that life is trustworthy and do your best. That is always good enough. Sending life-giving energy your way.
I hear you and hope that instead of giving up you can give in. There is no way to do this perfectly. Each day claim the strength of the moment and ask yourself, What do I need to do today to take care my self and still move this divorce process onward. Take tiny steps. Think of faith as a verb and know that small actions are fine. Watch out for compulsive doubting. This I know from experience. There is a part of us that has never been afraid and we can call it forth. I remember when I was told t...
I hear you and hope that instead of giving up you can give in. There is no way to do this perfectly. Each day claim the strength of the moment and ask yourself, What do I need to do today to take care my self and still move this divorce process onward. Take tiny steps. Think of faith as a verb and know that small actions are fine. Watch out for compulsive doubting. This I know from experience. There is a part of us that has never been afraid and we can call it forth. I remember when I was told that by my mentor. I chose to believe and to call that part of myself forth and let her pick me up and comfort me. She helped me understand that there was self-talk going on in my head that was not healthy. We all seem to have a saboteur. I would picture her telling him (in my case the sabateur was male…are we suprised!!!) to sit down and be quiet. Then I would picture her picking me up like you would a child and telling me that together we could make it. We are told that we were created in the image and likeness of God. We have God’s DNA and we can call it forth to comfort us. May you Breathe this strength and wisdom with every breath. Remember the mind can be a dangerous place. Invite the part of you that has never been afraid to accompany you when going there.
Dear Antoinette, I walked this path about 20 years ago. In the U.S., or at least in my state, your attorney/s should be able to ask for a middle person to make these decisions about money and property. The attorneys then are the ones to speak to that person, present the facts and life situations. That person's decisions are final. I did that, and while I didn't agree with everything, what took place was more than fair as I finished raising my children and my own education. This took all argument...
Dear Antoinette, I walked this path about 20 years ago. In the U.S., or at least in my state, your attorney/s should be able to ask for a middle person to make these decisions about money and property. The attorneys then are the ones to speak to that person, present the facts and life situations. That person’s decisions are final. I did that, and while I didn’t agree with everything, what took place was more than fair as I finished raising my children and my own education. This took all argument out of the finance/property situation. And it took my daughters out of the middle of these decisions. Once these decisions were made, I never discussed them with my daughters until they were adults, and even then, not in detail or in anger. By that time, they understood that I was saving their lives and their psychological health, though they may have realized that at some level even when younger. I hold you and your family in prayer.
Thank you Pilgrim. This is one of the hardest experiences I’ve ever had to go through. I do my best to keep kids out of the awfulness of it all but it’s far from perfect. The fees for attorneys are so high that I’m trying to do it all alone. I’m not sure how it will all end or even if ever at this point.
I think about this every day. Some days I am satisfied that I am using the blessings of my own life to help others, and some days I wish I could be doing more. Most of the time, however, when I wish I could be doing more for others it’s because my own body is saying, “not so fast, buster,” or “not today, Kevin.” Fortunately, I am finding ways to use my words and my photography as sources of comfort or joy for other people. And for that I am grateful.
Gosh…as an afterthought, it occu...
I think about this every day. Some days I am satisfied that I am using the blessings of my own life to help others, and some days I wish I could be doing more. Most of the time, however, when I wish I could be doing more for others it’s because my own body is saying, “not so fast, buster,” or “not today, Kevin.” Fortunately, I am finding ways to use my words and my photography as sources of comfort or joy for other people. And for that I am grateful.
Gosh…as an afterthought, it occurs to me I forgot to mention that because of my training and experience over the years, that I continue to serve on a pastoral care response team that covers a six state area within my faith community. For me, I think of this as ministry, and not specifically using my blessings, but of course it is, and sometimes the situations we are called into also helps and may improve someone’s life.
I am blessed with being a good listener, even though I don’t always appreciate it. I should realize that in practicing being a good listener, I should seek to reward those I am listening to. A thoughtful ear and an open heart is the best thing I can do to improve the lives of those around me.
I like to make a friend and my mother laugh, and I’m generally pretty successful. I enjoy this. I may be a little too sarcastic in my humor but they enjoy it. I like to make them laugh and hope I add a bit of joy to their day. (Feeling a little peaked today: adverse reaction to the flu and pneumonia shots I got last week.
I would consider my biggest blessing empathy. The ability to make someone else suffer less (which in turn means utilising other blessings I have such as money, access to food etc).
By not using them for my own selfish purposes. By sharing. Without any ulterior motives or desires of recognition.
How can I use my blessings to improve someone else’s life?
Firstly, it is Absolutely important to be fully aware of what a blessing it to BE as a “Human BE-ing” because that “being aware” of ones own ‘Original Blessing’ is what powers the emanating blessing(s) going out to “improve” other(s). This principle applies equally to the emanating of Gratefulness.
The degree of awareness of “Original Blessing” is really the determining factor of the degree that Holy Spirit w...
How can I use my blessings to improve someone else’s life?
Firstly, it is Absolutely important to be fully aware of what a blessing it to BE as a “Human BE-ing” because that “being aware” of ones own ‘Original Blessing’ is what powers the emanating blessing(s) going out to “improve” other(s). This principle applies equally to the emanating of Gratefulness.
The degree of awareness of “Original Blessing” is really the determining factor of the degree that Holy Spirit will flow through ALL conscious intentions ……this “flow” also goes by the name, “Grace”.
So my reply to to-days question is simply “ be consciously aware of BE-ing as I possibly can be.” then the Holy Spirit can detect it and flow though it to where ever “improvement” is required. It is not necessary for me to choose where the Holy Spirit’s power is required to take “form” ( see Br David quote below) . This in Sufi terminology is called “Baraka”…loosely translated into English …”being a lightening rod for Holy Spirit to flow though”.
Brother David expresses the nature of Holy Spirit very well in his
“Deeper then Words, Living the Apostle’s Creed” page 156 to 157
“Forms arise and dissolve like soap bubbles, but the Spirit brings them forth, the Breath of God shapes and fills them, and therefore every single one of them is infinitely precious and sacred. “Just to be is a blessing; just to live is holy,” said the great rabbi Abraham Heschel. Once in a while our eyes pop open and we look through the form to its holy identity. Think, for example, of young parents enthralled by every tiny toenail, every smallest hair of their first baby. In such moments we are awestruck by the vision and overwhelmed by the blessing of sheer being.
On that deepest level, Life simply IS, Being simply IS-beneath the comings and goings of forms.
In the Gospel of John, Jesus refers to this deepest level when he says, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (10:10). In his own life he breathed the imperishable Life-breath of God, and this life cannot perish, not even in death. Saint Paul assures us that this is true of us, too: “If the Spirit of the one who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, the one who raised Christ from the dead will give life to your mortal bodies form a wider circle of shared faith. Moreover, AMEN is related to Aum or Om, the sacred syllable of a still wider community. Among Hindus, Jains, and Buddhists, Om also expresses assent and blessing and links the one who pronounces it in faith with the ultimate horizon of human existence, just as AMEN does.
“AMEN” Brother David “AMEN”
the blessing of my being able to be there for someone else when needed. sometimes a hug, an ear, a heart or personal advice is how is use my blessing with someone else’s life.
????????
This question is super challenging for me right now due to the circumstances I’m facing.
When do we decide to put away what we are fighting for?
The difference between right and wrong can sometimes be blurred due being careless of how our deeds will affect those around us.
I’m really struggling with this divorce and I feel all I want to do is give in. It’s feels like constantly beat up and all three kids have to watch.
What good does money do when it destroys what’s left of the f...
This question is super challenging for me right now due to the circumstances I’m facing.
When do we decide to put away what we are fighting for?
The difference between right and wrong can sometimes be blurred due being careless of how our deeds will affect those around us.
I’m really struggling with this divorce and I feel all I want to do is give in. It’s feels like constantly beat up and all three kids have to watch.
What good does money do when it destroys what’s left of the fabric of a family? When is it best to allow someone to just run over you and take everything? Is it ever right? In the end when all assists and stuff is split up, is the suffering over?
I can’t seem to get well and when we don’t have our health what do we have?
To answer today’s question requires me to look let go of all of this in order to move forward..
I can improve the lives of my kids and family by delivering, once again, a proposal to my ex and pray that it’s good enough.
If anyone has any advice regarding this I would greatly appreciate what knowledge you can share.
I pray for redemption and Loving kindness to shine through this process. I pray for compassion and cooperation.
Maybe I need to be the one to step up out of my fear and have courage to solidify this proposal by negotiating with my ex face to face.
You found your answer, let go. Smile when you don’t feel like it and know as John Lennon sang: “Life is what happens when you are busy making other plans.” Sounds simple but often times the best answers are simple. And sometimes a smile drives the would-be controllers crazy and that’s fun too.
That’s true Michael, and you’re correct when you say it sounds simple! For some reason lately I feel like everything is so overwhelming!
Antoinette, I, too, had to negotiate a divorce settlement many years ago and it is so painful to face the father of your children and accept that he does not feel any obligation to you or his off spring. Your last sentence may hold the key to finding some semblance of .peace in this process. You speak of stepping out of your fear. When fear is my motivator, I find it impossible to live in the moment, to be present to the Presence which always has my back. When I dwell in the past or find mysel...
Antoinette, I, too, had to negotiate a divorce settlement many years ago and it is so painful to face the father of your children and accept that he does not feel any obligation to you or his off spring. Your last sentence may hold the key to finding some semblance of .peace in this process. You speak of stepping out of your fear. When fear is my motivator, I find it impossible to live in the moment, to be present to the Presence which always has my back. When I dwell in the past or find myself worrying about the future, I find myself alone because the strength I need, the grace I crave, is only available in the NOW. Don’t be afraid of making a mistake. Don’t be afraid of your proposal being rejected and claim wisdom moment by moment. I decided long ago that it is God’s will that I deal in reality. What is Is. A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. What avenue is best for your health? Without your health, where will you and your children be? Can you withstand a court battle? Can you live with the judge’s decisions? Above all else, have compassion for yourself. Tell your children you love them often. Hug them. Kiss them goodnight. Take time to breath deeply when ever your thoughts own you. Believe that life is trustworthy and do your best. That is always good enough. Sending life-giving energy your way.
I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your kindness and words or wisdom.
I’m so overwhelmed right now it’s like I just want to give up!
I hear you and hope that instead of giving up you can give in. There is no way to do this perfectly. Each day claim the strength of the moment and ask yourself, What do I need to do today to take care my self and still move this divorce process onward. Take tiny steps. Think of faith as a verb and know that small actions are fine. Watch out for compulsive doubting. This I know from experience. There is a part of us that has never been afraid and we can call it forth. I remember when I was told t...
I hear you and hope that instead of giving up you can give in. There is no way to do this perfectly. Each day claim the strength of the moment and ask yourself, What do I need to do today to take care my self and still move this divorce process onward. Take tiny steps. Think of faith as a verb and know that small actions are fine. Watch out for compulsive doubting. This I know from experience. There is a part of us that has never been afraid and we can call it forth. I remember when I was told that by my mentor. I chose to believe and to call that part of myself forth and let her pick me up and comfort me. She helped me understand that there was self-talk going on in my head that was not healthy. We all seem to have a saboteur. I would picture her telling him (in my case the sabateur was male…are we suprised!!!) to sit down and be quiet. Then I would picture her picking me up like you would a child and telling me that together we could make it. We are told that we were created in the image and likeness of God. We have God’s DNA and we can call it forth to comfort us. May you Breathe this strength and wisdom with every breath. Remember the mind can be a dangerous place. Invite the part of you that has never been afraid to accompany you when going there.
Dear Antoinette, I walked this path about 20 years ago. In the U.S., or at least in my state, your attorney/s should be able to ask for a middle person to make these decisions about money and property. The attorneys then are the ones to speak to that person, present the facts and life situations. That person's decisions are final. I did that, and while I didn't agree with everything, what took place was more than fair as I finished raising my children and my own education. This took all argument...
Dear Antoinette, I walked this path about 20 years ago. In the U.S., or at least in my state, your attorney/s should be able to ask for a middle person to make these decisions about money and property. The attorneys then are the ones to speak to that person, present the facts and life situations. That person’s decisions are final. I did that, and while I didn’t agree with everything, what took place was more than fair as I finished raising my children and my own education. This took all argument out of the finance/property situation. And it took my daughters out of the middle of these decisions. Once these decisions were made, I never discussed them with my daughters until they were adults, and even then, not in detail or in anger. By that time, they understood that I was saving their lives and their psychological health, though they may have realized that at some level even when younger. I hold you and your family in prayer.
Thank you Pilgrim. This is one of the hardest experiences I’ve ever had to go through. I do my best to keep kids out of the awfulness of it all but it’s far from perfect. The fees for attorneys are so high that I’m trying to do it all alone. I’m not sure how it will all end or even if ever at this point.
I think about this every day. Some days I am satisfied that I am using the blessings of my own life to help others, and some days I wish I could be doing more. Most of the time, however, when I wish I could be doing more for others it’s because my own body is saying, “not so fast, buster,” or “not today, Kevin.” Fortunately, I am finding ways to use my words and my photography as sources of comfort or joy for other people. And for that I am grateful.
Gosh…as an afterthought, it occu...
I think about this every day. Some days I am satisfied that I am using the blessings of my own life to help others, and some days I wish I could be doing more. Most of the time, however, when I wish I could be doing more for others it’s because my own body is saying, “not so fast, buster,” or “not today, Kevin.” Fortunately, I am finding ways to use my words and my photography as sources of comfort or joy for other people. And for that I am grateful.
Gosh…as an afterthought, it occurs to me I forgot to mention that because of my training and experience over the years, that I continue to serve on a pastoral care response team that covers a six state area within my faith community. For me, I think of this as ministry, and not specifically using my blessings, but of course it is, and sometimes the situations we are called into also helps and may improve someone’s life.
I am blessed with being a good listener, even though I don’t always appreciate it. I should realize that in practicing being a good listener, I should seek to reward those I am listening to. A thoughtful ear and an open heart is the best thing I can do to improve the lives of those around me.
I like to make a friend and my mother laugh, and I’m generally pretty successful. I enjoy this. I may be a little too sarcastic in my humor but they enjoy it. I like to make them laugh and hope I add a bit of joy to their day. (Feeling a little peaked today: adverse reaction to the flu and pneumonia shots I got last week.
I feel the same way, Christina. Bringing laughter often takes away the sadness or blues of the moment. It fills empty spaces with joy. THAT is a gift!
Thanks, Always!
Sarcasm is great fun. As long it is not bringing anyone down or annoying, a sharp wit arouses great delight and energy!
Nice, Trevor!
I’m smiling just reading your post, Christina. Humor with a sprinkling of sarcasm at just the right moment is an art form!
Thanks for a new definition of art, Kev!
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