One of my favorite passages

When I was a young girl, my parents introduced me to Desiderata, a piece of prose offering certain bits of wisdom about how to live and how to view yourself and the world. It has always given me clarity and comfort, so I wanted to share it with you. 

Desiderata 

Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexatious to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time. Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love, for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment, it is as perennial as the grass. Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be. And whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy. 
  
(Written by Max Ehrmann in 1927.)

A significant gesture

What's in my heart and coming out of my speakers right now is "World on Fire" by Sarah McLachlan. Instead of making a music video with all the typical production bells and whistles for this beautiful song, Sarah decided to use a simple video camera, shoot the video herself, and donate the money she would have spent - nearly $150,000 - to charities around the world.

The video explains exactly where the money went and how it helped people. What a moving and significant gesture; I get emotional just thinking about it (and the video brings tears to my eyes). Maybe we all don't have a whole lot of money to give to those in need, but the choice to extend a hand to another, no matter how small the hand, has the same type of positive effect on the world. Thank you for the inspiration, Sarah.

More earthquakes

With the occurrence of another significant earthquake yesterday, it's hard to really understand what the people of Japan must be going through. According to the U.S. Government Earthquake Hazards Program, yesterday's earthquake, along with 58 other earthquakes in that region (from March 11-April 7), are all considered to be part of the aftershock sequence occurring as a result of the March 11th earthquake. Also, the March 11th earthquake was the fourth largest earthquake that has ever occurred since 1900. Wow. I keep reminding myself to pray and send positive, healing energy to Japan (and the whole world). They still need our help.

My artwork

Paradise (Circa 2003)

Today's quote

"Where you begin doesn't matter. Your willingness to start is what counts." - Rhonda Britten

Whatever you want to do that you have been putting off, just do it. Stop the debating. Stop the planning. Stop wondering if you have what it takes. Stop telling yourself you can't for whatever reason, and just go do it. Trust me, it will all work out.

Whether it's engaging in some sort of creative pursuit, looking for a new job, asking someone out on a date, or cleaning out your closet, don't think, just do. Life is too short. We only have the present moment. Live your life now.

Say no to animal testing

Over the years, I have slowly become more animal "friendly." I am not perfect, but I became a pescetarian a few years ago (haven't quite been able to give up seafood yet, though I have reduced my intake considerably), and after an encounter with someone who works in a field that tests on animals, I decided to try and be more conscious about the products I use. If you are also interested in reducing or eliminating the products you use that have been tested on animals, here are some tips:

1. PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) has a database that allows you to search for cruelty-free companies and products.

2. Request PETA's free Cruelty-Free Shopping Guide to help you make more informed decisions.

3. Watch out. Companies may say that their "finished product" has not been tested on animals. This does not mean that their ingredients were not! Here is another list of companies that do not test the finished product or any of its ingredients on animals. The Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics (CCIC) published it to help consumers make smart, cruelty-free choices.

4. Look for the bunny! Products who have committed to being cruelty-free will have CCIC's bunny logo on them.

Let's all try to live a more peaceful, cruelty-free life by not testing on animals who have no say in the matter.

Just in case you are going through a hard time

What's in my mind and coming out of my speakers right now is "Rain" by Patty Griffin.

Prayers for Japan

In the article, Crack leaks radioactive water into sea off Japan, how can they say that radioactive water leaking into the sea will probably not cause any health hazard? What about marine life? Japan still desperately needs our prayers and love.

How to be alone, or maybe just how to be

Thank you to my friend who sent me this beautiful video entitled "How To Be Alone." Sure, it's about how to be alone, but it also seems to be about how to just "be." I have heard of the idea that some people are human doings as opposed to human beings. There have been times in my life where I feel like I am just going, going, going, doing, doing, doing, and I can't seem to stop. My mother has called it "burning the candle at both ends."

There have even been moments where I try to rest or relax, but I don't know how, and my nervous energy is engaged with thinking, worrying, planning, or somehow avoiding sitting with myself while I am supposedly "relaxing." Learning how to just be and enjoy just being has been a process for me and has actually taken some work and practice, but it is something that is super beneficial to learn.

Being able and content to just be alone with ourselves at times is so important because it allows us to tap in to our inner being and reconnect with the fact that just being is enough.

My artwork

Sparkle (2009)