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Created:: March 6, 2008
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Inspiration - For When You Need It

Posted: Oct 16, 08 8:13am

We all need inspiration at times. I personally think we should take a few minutes each morning to read or do something inspiring before we ever start our day. Sometimes, it's hard to find that which will be inspiring in a given moment. I'll scan the shelves...and nothing jumps out.

So, I thought we could put our Inspirational quotes and short stories here. Keep our own library for those times when we are looking, but can't yet find the inspiration we need.

When you add something, I will add your title to the first comment - which can be used as our index card ;)

It's an experiment. We'll see if it works!

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inspiration, quotes, personal growth, spirtuality, body & mind

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44 Comments // 8 Members

PaulaMae

Posted: Oct 16, 08 8:23am

Page 1:

Transformation - by Martin Zoller

Dance... - by William Purkey

This Land... - by Woody Guthrie

Lessons - by G.O.D.S.

Page 2:

Real Life - by Eric Butterworth

The Eight Points of Progressive Christianity -

I Have A Dream - by Martin Luther King Jr.

Page 3:

Freedom From Fear - by Owen Waters

Friends - Unknown

Miracle - Henry David Thoreau

Don’t Quit - Unknown

Page 4:

The Angel of Kindness – from I Ching

I’m Thankful for You – Joanna Fuchs

Thanksgiving – DLTK’s Holiday Activities

A Return to Love – Marianne Williamson

On Evil - KWL

Page 5:

Imagine – John Lennon

Alternative Ideas for Living – Rob Brezsney

Friendship Meeting – Anais Nin

Additional Inspiration Threads

When You’re Grieving - Unknown

Page 6:

How Great Thou Art – Alan Jackson

Personal God Beliefs – Jack313 & Kathie

If You’re Out There – John Legend

Stand By Me – International Version

I Like Life – Scrooge

Page 7:

Invictus - William Ernest Henley

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PaulaMae

Posted: Oct 16, 08 8:27am

Newsletter 13, October 12, 2008

Dear Friends,

I write this month’s newsletter on a night train from Basel, Switzerland to Hanover, Germany. The train travels quickly through the early morning darkness and I know that the sun is to come up soon. As the saying goes, it’s darkest before the dawn and I am seeing that now — and I know from a practical and time perspective, that it’s only a matter of minutes before dawn’s light will break and a new morning will start.

There is mystery in each new day — there are new experiences to be had, new sights, sounds and knowledge to be gained. In my case, there are old friends waiting to see me and the possibility of meeting new ones. Each 24-hours is a gift, wrapped in daylight and darkness, but each with something unique and exciting about to unfold.

As we embark on a new adventure, and as the rays of sun create morning from night, we are, in some ways, forced to let go of what has come before. Whether it is a fascinating conversation that has lasted through the night, lovers untangling themselves, laugher and celebration, or mourning and tears, we must move ahead into the new day. For me, this night that is ending contained little sleep, but instead profound meditations, productive thoughts and loving conversations. The night is at the mercy of the clock and is about to disappear; there is nothing that mere mortals can do to stop this.

Our lives, by default, are a constant process of change — of letting go of comfortable or well known situations, and to be open for new and unknown experiences or inputs. Many people get comfortable in their situation and fear and fight the change; and of course, there is the natural cycle of birth and death. Oftentimes, we would rather be with the wrong lover, in an unhappy job, or a difficult situation, because we have become accustomed to our own discomfort. We already know the pitfalls that will disappoint us, have rationalised why we remain, and give ourselves a reason why we must not change, despite the potential of happiness that change might bring. But, because there are no guarantees — no way to instantly trade in one bad experience for something that we will definitely love — we cling to what we know. Important transformations may have been dangled in front of us, and still, we remain in our unhappiness.

Economically and politically we are living in a very turbulent time. People may be forced to move to another home or area, jobs might be lost, financial security is shaky and war is waging. Political pundits and financial wizards can suggest a future, but no one is sure what will happen. Our only choice, on an individual and societal level, is to move ahead and hope — and be courageous and be willing to allow ourselves to accept the change. Our job is to wake up every day, dig deep and hope for the best, and bring a positive attitude to each day.

Burying your head in the sand and trying to ignore the realities of the world - personal issues and economic and political issues - will not make things go away, or right the wrongs. We must learn to be like the willow tree - able to sway with the wind and not break. We must learn to change and transform ourselves, and alter the situations that we can control that make us unhealthy and unhappy. We must create a plan to change our lives to make them better and work towards that goal, instead of standing firm and miserable in our current fate. And, through this seeking of a new fate, believe that change can bear something beautiful, wonderful and fulfilling, that our former unhappy self might not have found.

If you see a wonderful landscape passing by in front of you, don’t try to keep it alive in your fantasy, but instead open yourself for the new one about to appear in front of you. Transformation, changes or death can be challenging, but they should not be feared. They represent a metamorphosis, a new dawn for upcoming moments.

............

Martin Zoller

www.martinzoller.eu

Newsletter 13, October 12, 2008 Dear Friends, I write this month’s newsletter on a night train from Basel, Switzerland to Hanover, Germany. The train travels quickly through the early morning darkness and I know that the sun is to come up soon. As the saying goes, it’s darkest before the dawn and I am seeing that now — and I know from a practical and time perspective, that it’s only a matter of minutes before dawn’s light will break and a new morning will start. There is mystery in each new day — there are new experiences to be had, new sights, sounds and knowledge to be gained. In my case, there are old friends waiting to see me and the possibility of meeting new ones. Each 24-hours is a gift, wrapped in daylight and darkness, but each with something unique and exciting about to unfold. As we embark on a new adventure, and as the rays of sun create morning from night, we are, in some ways, forced to let go of what has come before. Whether it is a fascinating conversation that has lasted through the night, lovers untangling themselves, laugher and celebration, or mourning and tears, we must move ahead into the new day. For me, this night that is ending contained little sleep, but instead profound meditations, productive thoughts and loving conversations. The night is at the mercy of the clock and is about to disappear; there is nothing that mere mortals can do to stop this. Our lives, by default, are a constant process of change — of letting go of comfortable or well known situations, and to be open for new and unknown experiences or inputs. Many people get comfortable in their situation and fear and fight the change; and of course, there is the natural cycle of birth and death. Oftentimes, we would rather be with the wrong lover, in an unhappy job, or a difficult situation, because we have become accustomed to our own discomfort. We already know the pitfalls that will disappoint us, have rationalised why we remain, and give ourselves a reason why we must not change, despite the potential of happiness that change might bring. But, because there are no guarantees — no way to instantly trade in one bad experience for something that we will definitely love — we cling to what we know. Important transformations may have been dangled in front of us, and still, we remain in our unhappiness. Economically and politically we are living in a very turbulent time. People may be forced to move to another home or area, jobs might be lost, financial security is shaky and war is waging. Political pundits and financial wizards can suggest a future, but no one is sure what will happen. Our only choice, on an individual and societal level, is to move ahead and hope — and be courageous and be willing to allow ourselves to accept the change. Our job is to wake up every day, dig deep and hope for the best, and bring a positive attitude to each day. Burying your head in the sand and trying to ignore the realities of the world - personal issues and economic and political issues - will not make things go away, or right the wrongs. We must learn to be like the willow tree - able to sway with the wind and not break. We must learn to change and transform ourselves, and alter the situations that we can control that make us unhealthy and unhappy. We must create a plan to change our lives to make them better and work towards that goal, instead of standing firm and miserable in our current fate. And, through this seeking of a new fate, believe that change can bear something beautiful, wonderful and fulfilling, that our former unhappy self might not have found. If you see a wonderful landscape passing by in front of you, don’t try to keep it alive in your fantasy, but instead open yourself for the new one about to appear in front of you. Transformation, changes or death can be challenging, but they should not be feared. They represent a metamorphosis, a new dawn for upcoming moments. ............ Martin Zoller www.martinzoller.eu

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Posted: Oct 16, 08 8:27am

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Newsletter 13, October 12, 2008

Dear Friends,

I write this month’s newsletter on a night train from Basel, Switzerland to Hanover, Germany. The train travels quickly through the early morning darkness and I know that the sun is to come up soon. As the saying goes, it’s darkest before the dawn and I am seeing that now — and I know from a practical and time perspective, that it’s only a matter of minutes before dawn’s light will break and a new morning will start.

There is mystery in each new day — there are new experiences to be had, new sights, sounds and knowledge to be gained. In my case, there are old friends waiting to see me and the possibility of meeting new ones. Each 24-hours is a gift, wrapped in daylight and darkness, but each with something unique and exciting about to unfold.

As we embark on a new adventure, and as the rays of sun create morning from night, we are, in some ways, forced to let go of what has come before. Whether it is a fascinating conversation that has lasted through the night, lovers untangling themselves, laugher and celebration, or mourning and tears, we must move ahead into the new day. For me, this night that is ending contained little sleep, but instead profound meditations, productive thoughts and loving conversations. The night is at the mercy of the clock and is about to disappear; there is nothing that mere mortals can do to stop this.

Our lives, by default, are a constant process of change — of letting go of comfortable or well known situations, and to be open for new and unknown experiences or inputs. Many people get comfortable in their situation and fear and fight the change; and of course, there is the natural cycle of birth and death. Oftentimes, we would rather be with the wrong lover, in an unhappy job, or a difficult situation, because we have become accustomed to our own discomfort. We already know the pitfalls that will disappoint us, have rationalised why we remain, and give ourselves a reason why we must not change, despite the potential of happiness that change might bring. But, because there are no guarantees — no way to instantly trade in one bad experience for something that we will definitely love — we cling to what we know. Important transformations may have been dangled in front of us, and still, we remain in our unhappiness.

Economically and politically we are living in a very turbulent time. People may be forced to move to another home or area, jobs might be lost, financial security is shaky and war is waging. Political pundits and financial wizards can suggest a future, but no one is sure what will happen. Our only choice, on an individual and societal level, is to move ahead and hope — and be courageous and be willing to allow ourselves to accept the change. Our job is to wake up every day, dig deep and hope for the best, and bring a positive attitude to each day.

Burying your head in the sand and trying to ignore the realities of the world - personal issues and economic and political issues - will not make things go away, or right the wrongs. We must learn to be like the willow tree - able to sway with the wind and not break. We must learn to change and transform ourselves, and alter the situations that we can control that make us unhealthy and unhappy. We must create a plan to change our lives to make them better and work towards that goal, instead of standing firm and miserable in our current fate. And, through this seeking of a new fate, believe that change can bear something beautiful, wonderful and fulfilling, that our former unhappy self might not have found.

If you see a wonderful landscape passing by in front of you, don’t try to keep it alive in your fantasy, but instead open yourself for the new one about to appear in front of you. Transformation, changes or death can be challenging, but they should not be feared. They represent a metamorphosis, a new dawn for upcoming moments. 
............ 
Martin Zoller 
www.martinzoller.eu

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PaulaMae

Posted: Oct 16, 08 8:29am

"Dance like no one is watching, love like you'll never be hurt, sing like no one is listening, and live like it's heaven on earth."

- William Purkey

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Joella Davis

Posted: Oct 16, 08 9:21am

This isn't the usual bill of fare for inspirational topics. But this has been playing in my head. And I am re-reading "Bound For Glory" by Woody again for the hundredth or so time. I get all kinds of inspired by the poetry, music, prose, and life of Woody Guthrie.

This Land Is Your Land, This Land Is My Land, By Woody Guthrie

This land is your land This land is my land

From California to the New York island;

From the red wood forest to the Gulf Stream waters

This land was made for you and Me.

As I was walking that ribbon of highway,

I saw above me that endless skyway:

I saw below me that golden valley:

This land was made for you and me.

I've roamed and rambled and I followed my footsteps

To the sparkling sands of her diamond deserts;

And all around me a voice was sounding:

This land was made for you and me.

When the sun came shining, and I was strolling,

And the wheat fields waving and the dust clouds rolling,

A voice was chanting and the fog was lifting:

This land was made for you and me.

This land is your land This land is my land

From California to the New York island;

From the red wood forest to the Gulf Stream waters

This land was made for you and Me.

When the sun came shining, and I was strolling,

And the wheat fields waving and the dust clouds rolling,

A voice was chanting and the fog was lifting:

This land was made for you and me.

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Joella Davis

Posted: Oct 16, 08 9:50am

PaulaMae wrote:

Our lives, by default, are a constant process of change — of letting go of comfortable or well known situations, and to be open for new and unknown experiences or inputs. Many people get comfortable in their situation and fear and fight the change; and of course, there is the natural cycle of birth and death. Oftentimes, we would rather be with the wrong lover, in an unhappy job, or a difficult situation, because we have become accustomed to our own discomfort. We already know the pitfalls that will disappoint us, have rationalised why we remain, and give ourselves a reason why we must not change, despite the potential of happiness that change might bring. But, because there are no guarantees — no way to instantly trade in one bad experience for something that we will definitely love — we cling to what we know. ............

Martin Zoller

www.martinzoller.eu

Oh Paula! I've been reading and re-reading this. Words like balm.

Inspiration is food to a person's growth. And if we don't grow, we wither away.

I can testify to the horrors of staying in an unhealthy situation.

I hope this thread grows and continues. Thanks for putting up a "store" where we can come for this kind of food Paula.

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jacquin

Posted: Oct 16, 08 4:21pm

PaulaMae wrote:

We all need inspiration at times. I personally think we should take a few minutes each morning to read or do something inspiring before we ever start our day. Sometimes, it's hard to find that which will be inspiring in a given moment. I'll scan the shelves...and nothing jumps out.

So, I thought we could put our Inspirational quotes and short stories here. Keep our own library for those times when we are looking, but can't yet find the inspiration we need.

When you add something, I will add your title to the first comment - which can be used as our index card ;)

It's an experiment. We'll see if it works!

This is such a nice idea PaulaMae! thank you so much! This would be a really nice way to start the day. I don't have any quotes that I can think of right now but when I do I will dash over to this thread!

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PaulaMae

Posted: Oct 17, 08 7:40am

Lessons...

Each reaction or discomfort carries with it the lesson, if it is traced back to its genesis. Herein lies the trick of learning about the self. To proceed, I state that you will need to understand yourself and those around you more completely and decisively. This, of course, means identifying and overcoming your reactions. No reactions are positive reactions.

Reactions are not based on logic, but on assumption. This means that they are based on illusion. Please be aware that this lesson will be presented to you with increasing frequency. This will allow you to better learn and overcome your own impediments in this area. -G.O.D.S.

-from Friendly Advice from the Universe

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