"Ahimsa or non-injury, of course, implies non-killing. But, non-injury is not merely non-killing. In its comprehensive meaning, Ahimsa or non-injury means entire abstinence from causing any pain or harm whatsoever to any living creature, either by thought, word, or deed. Non-injury requires a harmless mind, mouth, and hand. Ahimsa is not mere negative non-injury. It is positive, cosmic love. It is the development of a mental attitude in which hatred is replaced by love. Ahimsa is true sacrifice. Ahimsa is forgiveness. Ahimsa is Sakti (power). Ahimsa is true strength."

 ~ Swami Sivananda


Thoughts for today:

Ahimsa has become a central theme in my life.  I find that it is very important to understand and maintain an attitude of Ahimsa each day, in thoughts, words, and deeds. In raising a daughter as a single parent for many years, I have especially noticed how important it is to try to impart to our children the need for compassion and empathy in our world where it seems there is ever decreasing evidence of it.   Our culture has become so fast-paced and driven by technological advances and personal gains. It is vital that we look at ourselves and the power of our individual roles in creating such a society. We must find a way each day in even the most simple ways to foster compassion and love towards our fellow living beings. I believe that what we put into the world comes back to us, and I, for one, would prefer to have love and compassion coming my way! This is mainly why I am writing this blog and I hope that my posts will provide my readers with ideas and information that can help create a life that is more centered and grounded, and more loving, compassionate, fulfilling, and joyful. Maybe we can each vow to find ways daily to truly absorb and foster the idea of Ahimsa in the world, to love others more truthfully, to forgive others more deeply, to foster peace in ourselves and the world, and to help those in need. Feel free to share anything you did today that was inspired by Ahimsa.

Peace to each of you,

Patricia

Follow link to learn more about Ahimsa:
http://www.dlshq.org/teachings/ahimsa.htm

What is an Empath?

I found this article from the Mind Unleashed very interesting, and was surprised by how much this describes me.

                                     http://themindunleashed.org/2013/10/30-traits-of-empath.html

"Being an empath is when you are affected by other people’s energies, and have an innate ability to intuitively feel and perceive others.  Your life is unconsciously influenced by others’ desires, wishes, thoughts, and moods.  Being an empath is  much more than being highly sensitive and it’s not just limited to emotions.  Empaths can perceive physical sensitivities and spiritual urges, as well as just knowing the motivations and intentions of other people.  You either are an empath or you aren’t.  It’s not a trait that is learned."  

I found this article to be so accurate in describing a variety of complex traits that I have (I discovered that I pretty much have all 30 of the traits described!), and found some consolation in knowing that this is often the cause of unexplained fatigue or physical symptoms.  I plan to learn more about what being an empathic person is about so that I can better take care of myself and ultimately use this gift to help others when possible.

My Study of Buddhism

I have begun my study of Buddhism recently.  I'm reading several books and attending a meditation class weekly that is lead by a local Buddhist center that discusses various issues that we all face living in this world. The classes begin with a guided meditation, followed by readings and a talk centered on a particular subject, followed by a second guided meditation. The group recently finished a series of eight classes centered on the discussion of anger, understanding the causes of it and how to reduce it's damaging effects in your life, whether you are someone who unleashes anger towards others or someone who is on the receiving end of anger, or both. I found this series of classes to be very thought provoking and helpful.  

The new series of classes that just started last week is focused on living more mindfully in a fast-paced world. I find that I feel more centered and grounded by starting my week attending these classes, with meditation and mindful breathing followed by discussion of topics that help you to identify potential problem areas with ideas for approaching them in a mindful way.  I really enjoy the people I've met in this group, which is ever expanding to include new attendees, and I feel fortunate to have this resource available to me as it gives me a sense of community in my spiritual search.