Greetings!
In my post A mistake happens to be part of the divine plan, I shared an incident in which I was used as an instrument. In another post We are all divine instruments from time to time, my friend was the instrument, but she had no idea she was.
When I paid more attention to the things that happened around me, I noticed we were messengers or instruments in the divine plans more often than we realized. I also learned from my experiences that sometimes we were meant to pass on what we learned. Here was one of those occasions.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
One day, my boss told me she had a minor car accident the night before. At the time, her daughter was with her. Both parties involved reported the accident to the police and the insurance companies. There were some small damages to the cars, but nobody was hurt. Afterward, she could not get her mind off the incident. The other driver was at fault. The more she thought about it, the more upset she became. She did not like the mood she was in. She wanted to restore her peace, but could not.
As humans, our state of being was always affected by what happened around us. When things went well, we felt peaceful and joyful. When sudden, unpleasant things happened, we lost our peace. Her reaction to what happened was understandable.
I looked at her for a while. I said: "How's your daughter doing after the accident? We should give thanks to God that both of you are not hurt." She said: "Yes, I am very grateful. My daughter was a little bit shaken up when it happened. This morning she is back to her joyful self." I said: "It may be you can look at what happened this way. During our many lifetimes, all of us have accumulated some karmic debts. In car accidents, something worse could have happened. Thank God both of you are safe and well. It is possible you may have paid off a big karmic debt through this minor accident. You told me your father came into your dream to say goodbye the day he moved on. (Her father moved on years ago.) He must be quite a spiritual being. I believe he is watching over you and your loved ones."
My boss's face lightened up. She said strangely she had been thinking about her father after the car accident (or her father's image had come to her mind). Besides, she said there was an inexplicable incident with the light outside of their garage. The light had not been working. After the accident, they were surprised to see the light was on! The husband had not finished fixing it, and it was impossible for the light to turn on because the wire was still on the floor or detached (?). (I did not record her exact words about the light in my journal.) I said spirits always used light to signal their presence.
The phone rang. My boss went back to do her work. Then she went to take care of a customer.
When she returned, there was a wonderful expression on her face. She said the customer had a car accident the day before too. The customer was also very upset because the other driver was at fault. Seeing how upset she was, my boss related some of the words that I said. My boss said: "It is miraculous! When she walked in, her face was tight and gloomy. As I talk to her, something seems to lift off her. She completely changes right in front of me. When she leaves, she is in a total different mood. She is now very grateful instead of angry."
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
In life, lots of times things happen for a reason. In our human mind, it is hard for us to figure out why this or that happens. We can bury ourselves in a dark mood, or choose to move forward on a positive endeavor. I fully understand sometimes it is not easy, but it helps to remember that "no matter how dark the night may seem, a bright day is waiting to unfold". (Sorry, I know these words are not the exact words of those wise old sayings. It is alright. I am smiling, and I hope you are too!)
If you have a transforming experience, or you hear something inspiring, at the right time, pass it on. May all of us be an inspiration or a blessing to one other every now and then on our life journey. Amen.
Love and blessings,
Q of D
Friday, September 27, 2013
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
She said she was very angry at God
Greetings!
One day, a woman walked in. There was a gloomy look on her face. She told us she had been driving around aimlessly for she was in a gray mood. She lived in a city about 40 minutes away. She happened to drive past the small shopping center, and noticed there was a holistic store. She decided to come in.
She said she was an academic and an atheist. She had recently found out she had cancer. On that same day, her husband, unaware that she just got the test result from her doctor, asked for a divorce. She said: "All my life, I live a healthy life style. I don't drink or smoke. I eat healthy food. I exercise regularly. I have been practicing yoga and meditation for years. Of all the people, how can I be the one who gets cancer?"
"I am very, very angry at God right now!" she said adamantly.
My friends tried to comfort her and help her. They talked to her about looking at life from a different perspective. Overwhelmed by the sudden turbulent turn of her life, she had reacted with anger to mask her pain and fear. Mentally, she was not in a state to take in what others said. I looked at her with lots of compassion. I did not say anything that day.
She left when the gathering was over. I knew she might not come again. However, the purpose of her walking in was served. Her story was truthfully heard as all of us listened with love and compassion. Here, among people outside of her social group, she was able to express and release some of her unwholesome emotions such as anger, fear, and pain. She said she was very angry at God. She might not realize that, as she desperately sought answers about Life, she had in truth set the intention to know God.
I watched as she walked out of the door. I knew she was going to be all right. The challenge in our life might seem dreadful at times, but it was in darkness we sought light. As she sought, she would find. Her light within, just as our lights within, would guide her through.
Take care. Fall (autumn) is here. Remember to appreciate the beauty of nature.
Love and peace,
Q of D
One day, a woman walked in. There was a gloomy look on her face. She told us she had been driving around aimlessly for she was in a gray mood. She lived in a city about 40 minutes away. She happened to drive past the small shopping center, and noticed there was a holistic store. She decided to come in.
She said she was an academic and an atheist. She had recently found out she had cancer. On that same day, her husband, unaware that she just got the test result from her doctor, asked for a divorce. She said: "All my life, I live a healthy life style. I don't drink or smoke. I eat healthy food. I exercise regularly. I have been practicing yoga and meditation for years. Of all the people, how can I be the one who gets cancer?"
"I am very, very angry at God right now!" she said adamantly.
My friends tried to comfort her and help her. They talked to her about looking at life from a different perspective. Overwhelmed by the sudden turbulent turn of her life, she had reacted with anger to mask her pain and fear. Mentally, she was not in a state to take in what others said. I looked at her with lots of compassion. I did not say anything that day.
She left when the gathering was over. I knew she might not come again. However, the purpose of her walking in was served. Her story was truthfully heard as all of us listened with love and compassion. Here, among people outside of her social group, she was able to express and release some of her unwholesome emotions such as anger, fear, and pain. She said she was very angry at God. She might not realize that, as she desperately sought answers about Life, she had in truth set the intention to know God.
I watched as she walked out of the door. I knew she was going to be all right. The challenge in our life might seem dreadful at times, but it was in darkness we sought light. As she sought, she would find. Her light within, just as our lights within, would guide her through.
Take care. Fall (autumn) is here. Remember to appreciate the beauty of nature.
Love and peace,
Q of D
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
The Most Wonderful, Adorable Salesman in the World
Greetings!
During a recent visit, our grandson took out his toy cash register, and wanted to play the cash register game with me. He gave me a few hundred dollars. He told me I could buy anything in their family room. He said he would be the cashier as well as the salesman.
I picked up his shoes, and expressed an interest to buy them. Obviously, he did not expect that. He rushed to my side, and put his shoes next to my feet to show that they were far too small for me.
I told him I wanted to buy a small toy bear. He offered to sell his favorite bear which was as big as me. I said it must be very expensive, and probably I did not have enough money to buy it. He let out a big smile, and sold it to me for a dollar!
I saw a blanket on the couch. I asked how much it was. He looked at me and the old blanket for a second. Then he ran into his bedroom, and came out with his good, new blanket. He wanted me to have his blanket. I said: "Ah Ma (=grandmother) is simple. The old blanket is fine. May I know the price?" He thought for a while. With much emphasis in his voice, he said: "It is very, very expensive. It costs trillion thousands of dollars!" I smiled and said: "Wow! It is that expensive! I really cannot afford it then." He picked up his blanket and put it on me. He said: "This is a good blanket. It is warm and comfy. If you like it, you can have it for a $1."
In my eyes, my grandson is the most wonderful, adorable salesman in the world.
Later, he washed the small bag of black grapes that I brought for him. He tried one, and exclaimed that the grapes were very, very good. Whenever he ate one, he put one in my hand. I told him he could have all the grapes to himself for I had some at home, but he really wanted to share them with me. He continued to eat one and give me one until the bowl was empty.
During a recent visit, our grandson took out his toy cash register, and wanted to play the cash register game with me. He gave me a few hundred dollars. He told me I could buy anything in their family room. He said he would be the cashier as well as the salesman.
I picked up his shoes, and expressed an interest to buy them. Obviously, he did not expect that. He rushed to my side, and put his shoes next to my feet to show that they were far too small for me.
I told him I wanted to buy a small toy bear. He offered to sell his favorite bear which was as big as me. I said it must be very expensive, and probably I did not have enough money to buy it. He let out a big smile, and sold it to me for a dollar!
I saw a blanket on the couch. I asked how much it was. He looked at me and the old blanket for a second. Then he ran into his bedroom, and came out with his good, new blanket. He wanted me to have his blanket. I said: "Ah Ma (=grandmother) is simple. The old blanket is fine. May I know the price?" He thought for a while. With much emphasis in his voice, he said: "It is very, very expensive. It costs trillion thousands of dollars!" I smiled and said: "Wow! It is that expensive! I really cannot afford it then." He picked up his blanket and put it on me. He said: "This is a good blanket. It is warm and comfy. If you like it, you can have it for a $1."
In my eyes, my grandson is the most wonderful, adorable salesman in the world.
Later, he washed the small bag of black grapes that I brought for him. He tried one, and exclaimed that the grapes were very, very good. Whenever he ate one, he put one in my hand. I told him he could have all the grapes to himself for I had some at home, but he really wanted to share them with me. He continued to eat one and give me one until the bowl was empty.
Oh, I love my grandchildren! I am very blessed to be their grandmother.
Have a great day!
Love and peace,
Q of D
Have a great day!
Love and peace,
Q of D
Friday, September 13, 2013
You feel pain because you let pain be
Greetings!
One day, I went to hear a talk on healing. Many in attendance were either healers or those who wanted to learn a healing art. The speaker had been a professional healer for some years. She gave a good presentation of the healing art which she practiced.
When her talk was over, people were welcomed to ask questions. A woman raised her hand. In a choking voice, she said she had been going to a known healer for over a year, but her pain remained. She wondered if she would ever feel better. The speaker was confident that she could help her, and asked the woman to make an appointment with her. Others joined in to talk to the woman. She did not talk about her illness or the cause of her pain.
I looked at the woman. Pain and frustration were written all over her face. My heart was filled with lots of compassion. She was hesitant to see another healer for she had gone to a known one. She had lost hope, and did not think she could be helped.
Suddenly, I opened my mouth. I said: "She (the known healer) cannot heal you because she has as yet healed from her own experience. You find comfort in seeing her because both of you had gone through similar experiences. She understands or is familiar with your pain, and that is why you keep going back for healing sessions." Immediately, tears flowed down her face. For a short while, I talked about forgiveness and letting go. When the gathering was over, she came to thank me. She wanted to see me for healing sessions. I gave her a hug. I told her to go to the speaker for healing sessions.
When we are in our human forms, sometimes we hold onto unwholesome feelings such as pain, sadness, and anger as if they are part of us. But, they are not! When we hold onto them, we end up getting sick physically.
I fully understand sometimes we feel powerless in releasing those unwholesome feelings, and we need help. (Oh, yes, I had been there many times.) In my own experiences, praying to the Divine really helps for the answers lie within. Of course, the willingness to be healed, and accept help however help may come are important in the process of healing.
Take responsibility of how we feel. Don't dwell on who gives me pain, who makes me angry, or who hurts me. One time, I felt pain over a dear one's angry and hurtful behavior. I thought I had tried my best to be loving and supportive. I said to myself 'I won't try anymore, I give up on this relationship'. For days, I dwelt on what happened. I was in a lot of pain. I finally asked my guides and angels for help. I heard
'you feel pain because you let pain be'.
It was quite an aha moment. I had forgotten that I was in control of how I felt, or how to react. I forgot that I was responsible for my own well being!
When similar situations happened again, I knew that it was his dis-ease. I took it with discernment. I looked at him with compassion for I knew it didn't feel good at all having those unwholesome feelings inside. It was his life, and he learned at his own pace.
With regard to healers, in my own opinion, every one who takes up the healing profession has his or her place in the journey of helping others. Doctors and nurses are healers too. For instance, healer X may be a conduit of healing for A, and healer Y for B. The known healer in the above case is probably a good healer who has helped many people. However, she is not the one for the woman above. As healers, we set our pure intention to serve, and leave the outcome in the hands of God. In "Ancient Memories" by Ronald Way, Jesus, seeing the sufferings of the world, said he would have healed everybody if it was up to him, but, it was up to God. Have faith that God knows what is best for us, and All Is Well.
Love yourself, and take responsibility of your own well being. Let God or the Love within shine through, and heal whatever needs to be healed.
Love and blessings,
Q of D
P.S. If you want to read more stories of healing, please click to view Is it time to let go of your pain now? and To forgive is most of all for the good of ourselves .
One day, I went to hear a talk on healing. Many in attendance were either healers or those who wanted to learn a healing art. The speaker had been a professional healer for some years. She gave a good presentation of the healing art which she practiced.
When her talk was over, people were welcomed to ask questions. A woman raised her hand. In a choking voice, she said she had been going to a known healer for over a year, but her pain remained. She wondered if she would ever feel better. The speaker was confident that she could help her, and asked the woman to make an appointment with her. Others joined in to talk to the woman. She did not talk about her illness or the cause of her pain.
I looked at the woman. Pain and frustration were written all over her face. My heart was filled with lots of compassion. She was hesitant to see another healer for she had gone to a known one. She had lost hope, and did not think she could be helped.
Suddenly, I opened my mouth. I said: "She (the known healer) cannot heal you because she has as yet healed from her own experience. You find comfort in seeing her because both of you had gone through similar experiences. She understands or is familiar with your pain, and that is why you keep going back for healing sessions." Immediately, tears flowed down her face. For a short while, I talked about forgiveness and letting go. When the gathering was over, she came to thank me. She wanted to see me for healing sessions. I gave her a hug. I told her to go to the speaker for healing sessions.
When we are in our human forms, sometimes we hold onto unwholesome feelings such as pain, sadness, and anger as if they are part of us. But, they are not! When we hold onto them, we end up getting sick physically.
I fully understand sometimes we feel powerless in releasing those unwholesome feelings, and we need help. (Oh, yes, I had been there many times.) In my own experiences, praying to the Divine really helps for the answers lie within. Of course, the willingness to be healed, and accept help however help may come are important in the process of healing.
Take responsibility of how we feel. Don't dwell on who gives me pain, who makes me angry, or who hurts me. One time, I felt pain over a dear one's angry and hurtful behavior. I thought I had tried my best to be loving and supportive. I said to myself 'I won't try anymore, I give up on this relationship'. For days, I dwelt on what happened. I was in a lot of pain. I finally asked my guides and angels for help. I heard
'you feel pain because you let pain be'.
It was quite an aha moment. I had forgotten that I was in control of how I felt, or how to react. I forgot that I was responsible for my own well being!
When similar situations happened again, I knew that it was his dis-ease. I took it with discernment. I looked at him with compassion for I knew it didn't feel good at all having those unwholesome feelings inside. It was his life, and he learned at his own pace.
With regard to healers, in my own opinion, every one who takes up the healing profession has his or her place in the journey of helping others. Doctors and nurses are healers too. For instance, healer X may be a conduit of healing for A, and healer Y for B. The known healer in the above case is probably a good healer who has helped many people. However, she is not the one for the woman above. As healers, we set our pure intention to serve, and leave the outcome in the hands of God. In "Ancient Memories" by Ronald Way, Jesus, seeing the sufferings of the world, said he would have healed everybody if it was up to him, but, it was up to God. Have faith that God knows what is best for us, and All Is Well.
Love yourself, and take responsibility of your own well being. Let God or the Love within shine through, and heal whatever needs to be healed.
Love and blessings,
Q of D
P.S. If you want to read more stories of healing, please click to view Is it time to let go of your pain now? and To forgive is most of all for the good of ourselves .
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
You have logged out from another location
Greetings!
Last night I went to bed laughing at the human chaos I was going through (or we were going through since I learned online others were having the same problem).
After publishing Together We Can Change The World, my son sent me a link where I could find tips about how to promote my blog. The tips seemed helpful, but I had many questions because I did not know much about the Internet and blogging. I agreed with one of the tips that I should write more often and publish post regularly.
So I sat down to work on a new post. I was surprised I kept getting the message that I had already logged out from another location. I could sign in, but I could not write or edit a post. I sent feedback to Blogger. I let it go thinking the problem would go away in a day or so. I thought Google would fix it.
On Tuesday, I happened to check the setting of my blog. I was horrified to find that the setting had completely changed without my knowledge such as marked 'yes' on adult content, invisible to search engine instead of visible, blog author and address were removed. I could do nothing to the setting or change it back. I went online, and found that indeed my blog had disappeared from Google! I also read on the forum that many were frustrated of the 'logged out from another location' problem.
As I shut down the computer last night, I was able to laugh at this chaotic human experience.
This morning I am thankful that my blog is back and the setting has been restored. To all of you at Google, thank you. However, I still cannot log in as I used to. Later I found out from a fellow blogger that I can log in through this link
https://www.blogger.com
Then I check my bookmarks, and edit the link to my blog by adding a s to http. It works!
While writing this post, I link my experience to the development of modern technology, and I have these thought.
Peace and blessings,
Q of D
Last night I went to bed laughing at the human chaos I was going through (or we were going through since I learned online others were having the same problem).
After publishing Together We Can Change The World, my son sent me a link where I could find tips about how to promote my blog. The tips seemed helpful, but I had many questions because I did not know much about the Internet and blogging. I agreed with one of the tips that I should write more often and publish post regularly.
So I sat down to work on a new post. I was surprised I kept getting the message that I had already logged out from another location. I could sign in, but I could not write or edit a post. I sent feedback to Blogger. I let it go thinking the problem would go away in a day or so. I thought Google would fix it.
On Tuesday, I happened to check the setting of my blog. I was horrified to find that the setting had completely changed without my knowledge such as marked 'yes' on adult content, invisible to search engine instead of visible, blog author and address were removed. I could do nothing to the setting or change it back. I went online, and found that indeed my blog had disappeared from Google! I also read on the forum that many were frustrated of the 'logged out from another location' problem.
As I shut down the computer last night, I was able to laugh at this chaotic human experience.
This morning I am thankful that my blog is back and the setting has been restored. To all of you at Google, thank you. However, I still cannot log in as I used to. Later I found out from a fellow blogger that I can log in through this link
https://www.blogger.com
Then I check my bookmarks, and edit the link to my blog by adding a s to http. It works!
While writing this post, I link my experience to the development of modern technology, and I have these thought.
Can ebooks replace all books printed on paper? Well, there is nothing like it when you hold a book in your hands, and you read something that resonates with your heart. The words on the paper vibrate not only in your hands but in your heart too. Send someone a email with the words 'I love you'. It is nothing (nothing at all !!!) like standing in front of the one you love, looking into his or her eyes, and say 'I love you' from your heart and soul. Of course, except if we are all in the state of being who we truly are, then, no matter what medium we use, it will be infused with our energy of Love.Today we remember the 9/11 terrorist attacks. May peace fill our hearts, may our pain be transformed into strength, may we grow from this experience, and learn to live each day fuller with love and more love. May we hold a vision of unity, peace, and love for in truth We Are One. Amen.
Peace and blessings,
Q of D
Friday, September 6, 2013
Together We Can Change The World
Greetings!
One night, a woman's scream for help broke the silence of the night. People rushed to the windows to see what happened. (They lived in tall buildings.) Looking down at the street, they saw a robber beating up a woman who struggled to hold onto her handbag. Nobody dared to intervene for they had learned or accustomed to mind their own business. A girl about 8 yr. old looked out from a third floor window. She saw a man kicking and beating a woman. Spontaneously, she yelled at the robber to stop beating the woman and let her go. Her voice pierced through the cool night air. She saw the robber ran away, but did not get to see if the woman still had her handbag. Her parents, in shock and fear, had immediately pulled her away from the window. They warned her never to do that again.
The girl grew up. Everyday she went to work by bus. Gradually, she recognized the faces of many pickpockets. There were different groups of pickpockets. Each group had about 4 to 6 people. When there were not many people on the bus, sometimes they openly bragged about the money they stole from other people. The bus conductors recognized all of them too, but did not dare to say anything.
One day, a young man got off the bus to run after the pickpockets that had stolen his wallet. Instead of running away, the pickpockets ganged up on the young man, and began to beat him brutally. Nobody dared to help him. The young woman was in the bus. She too only watched in dismay even though she wished she or others could help the young man. When she was home, she told her family how much she wished she could do something to stop the pickpockets. Her brother showed her an article on the newspaper. A woman went to court as a witness in a pickpocket case. As she was walking out of the court, a man slashed her face and ran away. It was a case of retaliation by the pickpockets. The young woman stopped talking about the pickpockets for she understood her family did not want her to get hurt. But her sense of righteousness never wavered.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
A woman worked in a restaurant with her husband. When rush hours were over, sometimes she sat by a table next to the windows. She often saw a small school bus parked by the wall that separated the strip mall and the subdivision. In the beginning, she did not think much of it. One day, she happened to see the bus driver came out of the bus. The man looked around before getting into the bus through a door on the side. The door of a regular school bus was normally near the front so that the driver could see the students getting in. The woman realized the small school bus was for special needs students.
On another day, she saw a student that seemed to be in a wheelchair was on the bus. She wondered why the driver parked there with a student inside. She observed the bus driver always looked around as if to make sure nobody was watching him before he got into the bus through the side door. He often stayed inside the bus for quite a while. She told her husband something very wrong might be going on inside the bus, but he said it was none of her business.
She was deeply troubled. If what she suspected was true, the child was not capable of defending herself or himself. She could not imagine the pain the child must be going through for the parents probably never suspected this could happen. After praying, she called the school district office. A young man answered the phone. He listened patiently. The next day, a police car parked by the wall. The school bus came. Seeing the police car, the bus driver immediately made a U-turn to go back on the road.
A few days later, the driver parked the school bus by the wall again. As usual, he looked around before he got inside the bus. Suddenly, a police car came from the other end of the parking lot. The bus driver hurriedly got back onto the driver seat to drive away. The police car followed closely behind. The woman never saw the school bus again.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Years ago, I visited my relatives who lived in a big city in another state. The streets were crowded with people. Scenes of prosperity were seen everywhere. Suddenly, a woman screamed, "He stole my handbag!" She ran after the thief. Most of the people continued to shop as if nothing had happened. My relative said, "It (purse snatching) happens all the time, but it is pretty safe here. We have never been robbed."
Most of us have become numb to crimes and violence. We accept them as the way of life. We live in fear and separation, yet we do not realize that we are. We look away when others need help. When we witness injustice such as bullying and abuse, we are afraid to stand up / speak up. Some people fail to report financial frauds, misuse of funds and corruption because they do not want to jeopardize their jobs. They think they are safe as long as they mind their own business. They assume everything is fine for they are not the victims (yet!).
On the surface, it may seem there is nothing wrong with minding our own business, and ignoring the wrongs / misfortunes that happen to other people. However, we better think again. Life is unpredictable. You never know what may happen. What would you wish to happen if your loved one is being beaten up by robbers or bullies? Would you want people to stand by doing nothing, or people step in to save your loved one?
Do you remember the young woman's brother? One day, the pickpockets forcefully took his wallet right in front of the bus conductor and other passengers. He was not hurt, but was quite shaken up. Therefore, you never knew when you would be a victim until you were one! With the slow economy, my relative who lived in the big city said over the phone that she did not feel safe anymore. There had been more crimes and home invasions. They had to take extra precautions before they left their house to go anywhere.
It is understandable we think of our own safety in time of danger. We are afraid of retaliation or reprisal. (The young woman was afraid too after learning the attack on the woman who took the witness stand in the pickpocket case.) However, in this modern age of technology, sometimes we can get help for others simply by making a call to the police. In some cases, we can remain anonymous if we choose to. It may not be an easy decision to make if we have to physically intervene or stand up for others. It is a choice one makes. We should not let fear stop us from doing the right thing. We have to have faith in the goodness of people. In the news, we have heard again and again that people joined in when one person stepped forward to do the right thing.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Some corporations receive billions of dollars from the government to save them from bankruptcy. Afterward, the executives of these corporations gave themselves huge bonuses! Some financial fraud cases / white-collar crimes draw lots of attention for people are fascinated by the millions / billions of dollars involved. However, most are indifferent to financial frauds or the misuse of governmental aids. They think this is a materialistic world; people are naturally greedy, and those who commit financial frauds are just greedier. Besides, they are not concerned with the crimes because they are not the victims or it is not their money.
It may be we should think again. Many people are laid off in recent years. Some people may still have a job if the millions and billions of dollars are not fraudulently taken by those few. The government would have more money if not for the medical and financial frauds. It is your money for you are the tax payers! We should applaud those that come forward to report corruption, misuse of funds and financial fraud.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Some people feel pessimistic about life. They resign to their view that life in this world is getting worse, and they can do nothing about it.
What is your view about life, my friends?
Years ago, I watched on the TV a black woman selflessly and fearlessly threw herself over a stranger (a white man) to protect him from further beatings by a few black men who were mad over a minor conflict during a celebration on the street. In recent years, more and more people especially the younger generation began to speak up and stand up against discrimination, racism, and bullying. Not long ago, there was also this conscientious group of wealthy men and women who stood behind President Obama, and took a stand saying that there was something very wrong with the tax system for they were paying less taxes (based on the %) than the regular tax payers. They were willing to pay more taxes! What a contrast it was to those millionaires and billionaires who tried to pay as little taxes as possible!
I heard some city employees voted to accept a temporary pay cut (the managers took a deeper pay cut) so that nobody would be laid off. I was also certain that there were conscientious business owners and executives who cared about their employees, and took big pay cuts themselves so that more people could stay on their jobs.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
If we continue to live as 'I' and not 'we', we will continue to live in a world of fear and separation.
The girl grew up. Everyday she went to work by bus. Gradually, she recognized the faces of many pickpockets. There were different groups of pickpockets. Each group had about 4 to 6 people. When there were not many people on the bus, sometimes they openly bragged about the money they stole from other people. The bus conductors recognized all of them too, but did not dare to say anything.
One day, a young man got off the bus to run after the pickpockets that had stolen his wallet. Instead of running away, the pickpockets ganged up on the young man, and began to beat him brutally. Nobody dared to help him. The young woman was in the bus. She too only watched in dismay even though she wished she or others could help the young man. When she was home, she told her family how much she wished she could do something to stop the pickpockets. Her brother showed her an article on the newspaper. A woman went to court as a witness in a pickpocket case. As she was walking out of the court, a man slashed her face and ran away. It was a case of retaliation by the pickpockets. The young woman stopped talking about the pickpockets for she understood her family did not want her to get hurt. But her sense of righteousness never wavered.
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A woman worked in a restaurant with her husband. When rush hours were over, sometimes she sat by a table next to the windows. She often saw a small school bus parked by the wall that separated the strip mall and the subdivision. In the beginning, she did not think much of it. One day, she happened to see the bus driver came out of the bus. The man looked around before getting into the bus through a door on the side. The door of a regular school bus was normally near the front so that the driver could see the students getting in. The woman realized the small school bus was for special needs students.
On another day, she saw a student that seemed to be in a wheelchair was on the bus. She wondered why the driver parked there with a student inside. She observed the bus driver always looked around as if to make sure nobody was watching him before he got into the bus through the side door. He often stayed inside the bus for quite a while. She told her husband something very wrong might be going on inside the bus, but he said it was none of her business.
She was deeply troubled. If what she suspected was true, the child was not capable of defending herself or himself. She could not imagine the pain the child must be going through for the parents probably never suspected this could happen. After praying, she called the school district office. A young man answered the phone. He listened patiently. The next day, a police car parked by the wall. The school bus came. Seeing the police car, the bus driver immediately made a U-turn to go back on the road.
A few days later, the driver parked the school bus by the wall again. As usual, he looked around before he got inside the bus. Suddenly, a police car came from the other end of the parking lot. The bus driver hurriedly got back onto the driver seat to drive away. The police car followed closely behind. The woman never saw the school bus again.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Years ago, I visited my relatives who lived in a big city in another state. The streets were crowded with people. Scenes of prosperity were seen everywhere. Suddenly, a woman screamed, "He stole my handbag!" She ran after the thief. Most of the people continued to shop as if nothing had happened. My relative said, "It (purse snatching) happens all the time, but it is pretty safe here. We have never been robbed."
Most of us have become numb to crimes and violence. We accept them as the way of life. We live in fear and separation, yet we do not realize that we are. We look away when others need help. When we witness injustice such as bullying and abuse, we are afraid to stand up / speak up. Some people fail to report financial frauds, misuse of funds and corruption because they do not want to jeopardize their jobs. They think they are safe as long as they mind their own business. They assume everything is fine for they are not the victims (yet!).
On the surface, it may seem there is nothing wrong with minding our own business, and ignoring the wrongs / misfortunes that happen to other people. However, we better think again. Life is unpredictable. You never know what may happen. What would you wish to happen if your loved one is being beaten up by robbers or bullies? Would you want people to stand by doing nothing, or people step in to save your loved one?
Do you remember the young woman's brother? One day, the pickpockets forcefully took his wallet right in front of the bus conductor and other passengers. He was not hurt, but was quite shaken up. Therefore, you never knew when you would be a victim until you were one! With the slow economy, my relative who lived in the big city said over the phone that she did not feel safe anymore. There had been more crimes and home invasions. They had to take extra precautions before they left their house to go anywhere.
It is understandable we think of our own safety in time of danger. We are afraid of retaliation or reprisal. (The young woman was afraid too after learning the attack on the woman who took the witness stand in the pickpocket case.) However, in this modern age of technology, sometimes we can get help for others simply by making a call to the police. In some cases, we can remain anonymous if we choose to. It may not be an easy decision to make if we have to physically intervene or stand up for others. It is a choice one makes. We should not let fear stop us from doing the right thing. We have to have faith in the goodness of people. In the news, we have heard again and again that people joined in when one person stepped forward to do the right thing.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Some corporations receive billions of dollars from the government to save them from bankruptcy. Afterward, the executives of these corporations gave themselves huge bonuses! Some financial fraud cases / white-collar crimes draw lots of attention for people are fascinated by the millions / billions of dollars involved. However, most are indifferent to financial frauds or the misuse of governmental aids. They think this is a materialistic world; people are naturally greedy, and those who commit financial frauds are just greedier. Besides, they are not concerned with the crimes because they are not the victims or it is not their money.
It may be we should think again. Many people are laid off in recent years. Some people may still have a job if the millions and billions of dollars are not fraudulently taken by those few. The government would have more money if not for the medical and financial frauds. It is your money for you are the tax payers! We should applaud those that come forward to report corruption, misuse of funds and financial fraud.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Some people feel pessimistic about life. They resign to their view that life in this world is getting worse, and they can do nothing about it.
What is your view about life, my friends?
Years ago, I watched on the TV a black woman selflessly and fearlessly threw herself over a stranger (a white man) to protect him from further beatings by a few black men who were mad over a minor conflict during a celebration on the street. In recent years, more and more people especially the younger generation began to speak up and stand up against discrimination, racism, and bullying. Not long ago, there was also this conscientious group of wealthy men and women who stood behind President Obama, and took a stand saying that there was something very wrong with the tax system for they were paying less taxes (based on the %) than the regular tax payers. They were willing to pay more taxes! What a contrast it was to those millionaires and billionaires who tried to pay as little taxes as possible!
I heard some city employees voted to accept a temporary pay cut (the managers took a deeper pay cut) so that nobody would be laid off. I was also certain that there were conscientious business owners and executives who cared about their employees, and took big pay cuts themselves so that more people could stay on their jobs.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
If we continue to live as 'I' and not 'we', we will continue to live in a world of fear and separation.
What kind of a world do you or more accurately do we want to live in?
We are not powerless towards shaping the world we live in. It may help if we begin by examining our own fears and views of separation, e.g. our prejudiced views of separation base on race, religion, culture, and our wrong view of superiority or inferiority bases on human measures. Let the change begin with us. Don't turn a blind eye to injustice, discrimination, corruption, financial frauds, and other people's misfortunes. Together we can make this beautiful earth a safe and wonderful world to live in.
Love and Peace,
Q of D
This post was originally published on June 28, 2012. I felt compelled to revise and publish it again. I can only write with the basic English that I know, but I do hope the simple words from my heart can connect with you.
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
What is my life purpose?
Greetings!
Recently I participated in a small gathering. Quite a few people expressed their desire to know what their life purposes were. It reminded me of a short conversation between an abbot and a monk in a Chinese movie which I watched online a while back.
The abbot said to the monk that he should go and explore the world. The monk did not want to go. He knew nothing about life outside of the temple, and he regarded himself small or very insignificant.
"I am only a simply monk. All I know is how to cook," the monk said.
"Life requires many different experiences. Can you tell me which is more useful, a piece of gold or mud?" the abbot asked.
"The piece of gold is," the monk replied.
"What if I then give you a seed. Which is more useful, gold or mud?" the abbot asked. "Every one has a purpose. Don't undervalue yourself," the abbot said.
Let's think about what the abbot said.
While we wonder what our life purposes are, it may help if we live each day knowing that we are radiant spiritual beings of love. We are not small, and we can make a difference now by living in the essence of who we are.
Many blessings,
Q of D
Recently I participated in a small gathering. Quite a few people expressed their desire to know what their life purposes were. It reminded me of a short conversation between an abbot and a monk in a Chinese movie which I watched online a while back.
The abbot said to the monk that he should go and explore the world. The monk did not want to go. He knew nothing about life outside of the temple, and he regarded himself small or very insignificant.
"I am only a simply monk. All I know is how to cook," the monk said.
"Life requires many different experiences. Can you tell me which is more useful, a piece of gold or mud?" the abbot asked.
"The piece of gold is," the monk replied.
"What if I then give you a seed. Which is more useful, gold or mud?" the abbot asked. "Every one has a purpose. Don't undervalue yourself," the abbot said.
Let's think about what the abbot said.
While we wonder what our life purposes are, it may help if we live each day knowing that we are radiant spiritual beings of love. We are not small, and we can make a difference now by living in the essence of who we are.
Many blessings,
Q of D
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