Happiness Challenge Round 2 May 7th

[Whitneys story]

At Whitney's suggestion:

Sheila actually had the idea and thank you for doing it for her!

 

[Changing4Best]

Thanks for posting it, it truly is my all time favorite song. That version of it is priceless too, never seen it before. It shows all of God's creation is the most awesome light!!!

 

[Changing4Best]

Re: Meditation

Meditation is said to be the most difficult for some of us, so I wanted to share some of my thoughts on it, since I have been meditating for a long time and it is what I try to do as early in the day as possible, so I always do it first on our list of 5 things.

Meditation is a taking in, a breathing in, and an accepting of one's world around one. It is a time to listen for God's (or your Higher Power's) voice or song. To me, just sitting quietly and listening to the birds sing first thing each morning can be my meditation. I'm not using my mental voice then, but just listening and appreciating. If you live in the city, it may be just taking in the sounds of the city as it slowly comes to life, or even appreciating their complexity and also the quiet moments between them. It might even go so far as to listen to some CDs of nature, if you long for that and cannot get to it from where you live. The point is, to let your inner thoughts be quiet and to enjoy what comes in to you, from God, from the world around you, or even just the quiet as well as your coffee pot brewing up your favorite morning brew. And if you like tea better, well, enjoy the steam rising from it as it brews, while you empty your mind of the coming day's troubles for a bit.

However you do it, it is a most rewarding thing. Just relax into it and do it the best you can do it. If your mind wanders a bit and you catch yourself doing that, don't get upset; just do the best you can to get back to it. And whatever you do, don't set a timer! Let your inner sense of time tell you when it is a good moment to let it be for the day, or better yet, let God tell you!

 

[Whitneys story]

A bit of humor for all the animal lovers!

[DLMURL]http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=NauzKqmJ6y8&feature=g-logo-xit[/DLMURL]

 

[Changing4Best]

Re: Random Acts of Kindness

My Therapist has a printed poster in her office on the wall with something like 25 of them listed on it. I bet this poster is available online, maybe through Amazon or something. I'm going to see if I can take a photo of it, since my camera does take photos, even though I cannot share them through my computer. For some reason, that function no longer works on my camera. None the less, maybe I can share some of them here, like one a day or something (in the private email).

Also, sometimes I find, if I look back over my day, I realize that I have done several random acts of kindness without even trying. I pick the best one for that day and journal on it.

 

[Whitneys story]

Sheila, Your comment is so true! Imagine the Universe performing random acts of kindness.

Believe it is possible......Hugs Whitney

 

[DharmaGirl]

Do I have to say I'm in here too? I've been trying to live my life more and not be on the computer all day. I am so fortunate to have a big yard to landscape and garden, and 2 giant dogs to walk, and I love to be in the sun on warm days. I will check in every day though.

 

[Changing4Best]

Imagine the Universe performing random acts of kindness.

Yes, all kinds of kind acts have blessed me, some anonymously too. When I was homeless, folks, strangers! Would give me enough, when I begged, to keep me in a cheap motel for the night with some food too.

 

[Froggie]

Day 3 (May 26th):

1. Three new things you are grateful for today : Able to take a express bus to get to the day center, a friend took me home so no bus ride, discussion group at the day center.
2. Journal about a positive experience in the last 24 hours : women who stand up for their rights and refuse to be manipulated.
3. Exercise : small walk
4. Meditation : fell asleep
5. A random act of kindness : listen to the sadness of a friend dealing with 2 deaths close to her.

 

[Froggie]

Day 4 (May 27th)

1. Three new things you are grateful for today : Having friends, healthy food, fresh fruit.
2. Journal about a positive experience in the last 24 hours : Had a good laugh and great talk with a friend.
3. Exercise : small walk
4. Meditation : no
5. A random act of kindness : Listen to a friend who is going through marital violence and is considering to separate.

 

[Whitneys story]

((((((Froggie))))))). Surrounding you with strength. These a very good random acts, however please make sure you put your self first. Review your boundaries. :hug: Whitney

 

[Whitneys story]

I love to be in the sun on warm days. I will check in every day though.

Ha ha, you said the magic word. Sun, you are automatically here. One must share the sun even when it is cloudy! ;)