The War I s On

I saw the movie with Reese Witherspoon about her dating two CIA agents. She does not know they are best friends. She meets each of them innocently enough. When the two friends are showing each other their girlfriend....oops....it's the same girl. The movie was very entertaining. The CIA missions were exciting and the love parts were good too.

Maybe life is like a movie. Bob is always saying it isn't, but think about it. There's a plot; everything looks like it's going along well and then there is a hitch. It looks like the characters won't be happy again but voila... it all works out in the end. I, like most others, can only guess what the end of this life looks like but I trust it's going to be a WOW experience.

So when it looks like your life has taken a down turn, know that just like your past, your future holds more good times. It isn't always easy to see or believe, but the drama isn't real so it cannot be sustained. Pic.. Sunset at one of the most peaceful and beautiful places I've ever been.. Unity Village Missouri.

What Does It Take To Change?

It's been said that we are who we are. But when who we are, is not working for others, it no longer works for us. How do we make a change? And I'm not saying that it isn't a 50/50 deal. It is. Both parties that are experiencing conflict have some responsibility in the conflict. But when you can see that the conflict arises from your behaviour how do you change?

Change needs to be intentional and it doesn't happen overnight. Maybe you move or speak a bit slower so you can think and be intentional before you speak So if there is a way of being that you wish to change, know that it takes time. It's very easy to slip into the old ways. Let the people around you know that you are working on making the changes that will help your relationship work better for everyone. And ask those people to cheer you on as they see your attempt at doing things differently.

Pic.. Old habits that don't work are hard to break free of.

When Jokes Aren't Funny

I just saw a clip of Ryan Seacrest having pancake mix dumped on him  by that Sasha fellow. Imagine, there he is interviewing people in his, no doubt very expensive tux, and that happens. Ryan kept a smile on his face, though somewhat frozen looking.

When you are the victim of a practical joke, generally the joke is the most fun for the perpetrator. I think too, when people joke about us, there is something mean in that. The joke is centred on some little something they are criticizing and followed by the words, "it's just a joke!" But there is always some truth in it for the jokester or they wouldn't have gone there.

So, I'm just saying, that jokes and pranks can be passive aggressive. Do people really need to go there?

Pic.. This shaved kitty could be the brunt of jokes by his fellow kitties. But he kind of looks like he's saying, "I dare you!"

Shall We Dance?

Last night Unity had it's February Blues Dance. There was a great silent auction.. I'm now having mine and Bob's picture taken; going for dinner at the country home of two excellent cooks in Woodstock; and 3 months at the Athletic Club.

The band was exceptional which prompted the dance floor to be filled. The fellowship of course was the gem that dazzled. It's wonderful for our community and friends to come together in joy and celebrate our time together in a setting away from our church home. It takes a TON of organizing and volunteers to pull something like that off with such success. My heart is filled with gratitude and I'll let everyone know today.

Gratitude is so important. Then the next step is to share it by letting others know what it is you are grateful for about them. As Unity teaches, whatever you focus on expands. The more grateful you are ... the more you have to be grateful for. And so it is!
Pic.. of our Unity Staying Connected Heart in our sanctuary.

Have You Ever Been Given An Award?

We are in the home stretch of the award season... the Tonys, Grammys, SAG and the Oscars this Sunday. Maybe you watch and maybe you don't but I'm wondering how often you've received an award or given one?

I've received a number of awards in my time. I was a member of Toastmasters for about ten years and received many awards at both the club level and beyond. When my mom believed I had learned enough to be a good floral designer, she crafted a ribbon design as my award of completion. I remember a few years ago when I had an Oscar party here. I gave out awards to the attendees honoring who they are.

In my humble opinion we do not honor our friends and family enough. I believe we take them and our  accomplishments for granted. Instead of stopping to celebrate a new job, home, achievement, milestone, we just keep on keeping on.

So my challenge for you today is to appreciate someone. Let them know what they mean to you. Celebrate them; celebrate yourself!

Pic.. A picture of my brother Michael's 60th birthday cake. He is a leather worker and this cake is in the shape of one of his bags.

New Facebook Look

I sort of feel like I've been hacked. My old Facebook page has been replaced and I can't quite understand the lay of the new one. I wasn't asked if I'd like to switch, it just happened. I wasn't given a choice.

I wasn't given a choice about all of the 23year old boulevard trees on my street being cut down either. Not getting a choice makes me feel powerless. There are a lot of things that can make us feel powerless. Some are real and others are not. I think however we have more power than we realize.

I just have to look at the numerous examples where one person has changed something they did not like. Gandhi helped end British Rule in India; Martin Luther King helped change life for black people; and there are many local heroes who spoke up, acted and inspired change.

There is the expression... God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference.


Pic.. My garden angel...what do you see when you look at her?

Lamas Can't Be Rabbits

There is a cute Cadbury's Easter chocolates commercial on right now. In the commercial you see a lion, lama, dog and cat all wearing rabbit ears. Everybody wants to be a rabbit. And of course at the end we see a rabbit. The message is ...only a rabbit can be a rabbit.

This is a refreshing ad when so many other ads send the message we aren't okay just as we are. The Today Show's next segment is about ways to appear younger than we are. The message.... we have to look younger to be okay.

My hairdresser said the other day that he is enjoying growing older. "What can you do about it anyway?", he asked. So he enjoys each stage he enters into. I think that's a good way of looking at it.

Instead of trying to hold on to yesterday's look tomorrow how about we love who we are today?

Pic... We appreciate ancient buildings and statues, we even travel thousands of miles to see them. Why can't we appreciate the beauty of an aged face?

Religion...Adults Should Know Better

I am getting so tired of the discussion of which of the following,  Mitt Romney, Rick Santorum or Obahma, are "more" or which are  "real" Christian. I even saw Billy Graham's son on TV discussing this question.

Here's my thought:

1. The President of the USA needs to be president for all faith communities and those of no faith community.

2. Christians are not better than Muslims, Hindus or Atheists or whatever.

3. The proof is in the pudding. In other words if you are professing to be Christian for example.. it's not your saying so that makes it so. The proof is in how you show up, it's by your actions. None of the candidates are being kind, are standing in integrity, or loving their neighbour. 

4. The Dali Lama's religion is kindness. I like that. It's simple, doesn't require a church or temple and calls people to live the Golden Rule which is shared by all religions. 

How is it that the American people put up with this kind of campaigning? What makes it really intolerable for me is that the process is so very long. It really is an insult to our intelligence and terrible role modelling from those who are supposed to be leaders and represent the people.

Pic.. I truly believe when a person goes into politics they have a deep desire in their heart to make a difference. It's just that somewhere along the way they seem to loose their head.

What the World Needs Now Is LOVE

Why oh why, do we do things that we know won't lift up those we love? Or why do we say things that bother those we love? We sometimes treat strangers more politely, more compassionately than the ones we live with. I know that the ones we live with make us feel comfortable enough that we can be ourselves. But sometimes being ourselves is unleashing our worst.

Feeling loved helps people to feel safe. When we feel safe, we can risk being open and vulnerable enough to share our deepest thoughts. I recently heard someone say they only feel 50% safe to share their thoughts. I know that it's a journey. It sometimes takes years for a couple to really be open with each other, to find that feeling of safeness.

However I think there is a simple solution that can speed that up. It requires a person to see the other person with their spiritual eyes not their human eyes. Human eyes are judgemental and find fault. Spiritual eyes see a person's wonder and inner beauty.

So here it is... it's simple. If you want a wonderful relationship, I suggest:

you tell your partner over and over HOW MUCH YOU LOVE THEM

you tell your partner over and over HOW INCREDIBLE THEY ARE.

You do this with your words, your kind actions, your eyes, you write a note, you give hugs .. you get the idea.

This isn't difficult and the rewards for both you and your partner are tremendous. If you say you love the person...act like it. I'm thinking if you do this it will feel like you've found the fountain of youth.

Pic.. These are my feet. I was standing on a glass floor in Calgary. I was very frightened, even though my mind told me I was safe, my eyes were seeing something else. You can tell someone they are safe but if they don't feel it there's some work to do.

Ellen is fun

I am watching Ellen and she is recapping some funny pranks where she is in someone's ear. A celebrity will be in a situation and she will tell them what to say. It's quite funny.

People like Ellen bring so much laughter to the world. I think if I could be anything I'd be a singer and close behind that I'd be a comedian.

What would you be if you could be anything?

Pic.. from jenn's computer.. Venice

Family Day....tomorrow

Heads up... it's Family Day tomorrow. Charles Fillmore has an interesting quote which I'll paraphrase..
Whatever you think about your family, their finances, health and well being, you are creating for yourself.

Falls under the Universal Law that whatever you give out in thought, word or action, comes back to you. This is a tricky and powerful law. It's one we don't like when we have negative experiences and one we like when we have positive experiences. I don't know about you but I like to take credit for the positive ones and not so much for the others.

So be with your family in person, or call them, or in the least, send them GOOD thoughts. It not only blesses them, it blesses you.

Pic.. Bob and Jenn with Bob's brother Jim and wife Kathy. They are just a part of our healthy, prosperous and kind family.

Those inspirational words

I'm remembering my dad today. He passed away eight years ago this month. He was a jack of all trades, master of none. An exceptional trumpet player who played in the Navy band in WW2 until he left it to see the world. Which really ended up with his being a stoker in the bowels of the ship. And his ship never made it out of the Bay of Fundy.....it kept breaking down.

My dad had lots of dreams but they always seemed just out of his grasp. What I hold dear are the memories of his wisdom when I had a problem. He could listen and hear and always seemed to help me when I needed it the most.

One piece of advice, that has blessed me all my life, he gave me when I'd started a new job and felt like I'd never get the hang of it. And I remembered it every new job I ever started.

He told me, "Lori, if everyone else can do it, SO CAN YOU." 

And you know what, he was right. I always caught on to the job whether it was a summer job cleaning rooms at the Holiday Inn; a teller job for the CIBC; working for a finance company or learning to be a floral designer when we opened our own flower shop.

What words of wisdom have carried you through some challenging times? Please share them with us all.

Pic.. my daddy..I'm not sure how old he was in this picture. He died when he was 77 I think. I miss you dad.

History

I had to write down Unity's history yesterday for our new Unity Basics booklet which is being updated. It was fun to go down memory lane. It made me remember that somewhere, maybe on my old computer's hard drive I have a document where I was recording all of the groups I've belonged to; the volunteer work I've done; places I've worked at or businesses that I've owned. I wish I could easily lay my hands on it to keep adding to the story of my life.

Do you have your life's history written down? My grandfather used to love to tell us of all his tales and now with his passing they are pretty much gone. No one wrote them down. For Christmas one year my mom created an album of my accomplishments to date and that is a treasured item. So today I am inviting you to think about making a history of your life to date. Maybe actually write it in a journal of some kind.

I can only imagine how future generations would value such a treasure, reading about their grandmother, great grandmother and the days of typewriters, pay phones, no cell phones, homes without computers, etc. They would be happy to get an insight into you, your thoughts and dreams. I know I would love to have such a journal from either of my grandparents or even my dad. What about you? Do you have such a journal from a parent or grandparent? Are you willing to make one?

Pic.. my great niece Penelope with her mom and great grandmother. I can only guess that when Penelope is a young adult she would love to know what her great grandmother's life was like.

Walking on Salt

I am trying a new therapy called Salt Therapy. The purpose is to clear my upper respitory system and see if that helps with feeling the need to clear my throat so often.

The business is near Oxford and Adelaide in a beautiful new building. The furniture inside is white and it is both beautiful and calming. The picture below shows what the salt room looks like. There are three recliners and you can adjust the lights and music, read or sleep for an hour, whatever you like. You are inhaling salt. The floor is crushed salt and the walls are stone blocks. It's a bit cool but the temperature is regulated for the salt.

The minimum commitment is 6 sessions and then you evaluate how it is working for you though I've been told I should see results before then. I sound like an ad for the place don't I?

Sometimes we have to try new things in order to make changes. That's the way it works with our health and the way it works in life. Keep doing the same thing, you'll get the same results. That's the definition of insanity they say.

Pic... Salt room...next I'm going to try the Floatation Tank!

What is Real?

There are so many reality TV shows that our TV culture has changed drastically in the past number of years. These shows seem so unlike reality at times that some people are sure they are scripted.

Scripted reality ... now that is something to think about. How many times have you said something and wished you hadn't? How many times have you missed an opportunity to comfort or be compassionate? How many times have you wished you could have a "do over"?

If life were scripted would we have healthier relationships? Would we have a more peaceful world all because we could take a moment to THINK before we spoke? What if we had time to weigh the impact of our words before we spoke them? We could play the scene out, rehearse it and work out the kinks before it actually took place. I think it would save a lot of misunderstandings and heartache.

Perhaps we would benefit from "Lights, Action, Camera" being called out before we interacted with others, to remind ourselves that once it's on film ..."It's a wrap".

Pic... Maybe it's just easier to be a dog... like Jake.

Happy Valentine's Day

This is a day where so many people are focused on LOVE. How cool is that? Don't you think that if every day was Valentine's Day there could be no civil war anywhere? If all of us were vibrating at the high level of LOVE we could smile at one another, accept one another and look for the magnificence in each other.

So let's pretend. Let's pretend that Valentine's Day does not end at midnight tonight but just keeps on going like the energizer bunny. Why not?? It feels good to appreciate others. It feels good to focus on giving some love to ourselves which is just another way of loving everyone.

One question.... What was the most treasured Valentine gift or gesture you have ever received or given?

Pic.. I love my family. Julia Child's husband said to her something like..."You are the butter to my bread, the breathe of my life".. I love so many people but these two are the breathe of my life. Happy Valentine's Day Jenn and Bob.

Highs and Lows

What get's more of our attention... the highs or lows of our day? Have you ever had something you did evaluated and 99% of the feedback was great and the 1% that wasn't got the most of your attention? We human creatures are funny I guess. We want everyone to love us, appreciate us and value us. And the truth is that probably won't be the case all of the time.

Someone said something like... I don't have to have you love me in order for me to love you. That is real spiritual love, loving another person even when you don't like what they've done or said. It's not easy right? But it's worth it.

I pray that as you move through your day today you keep your heart open to everyone.
Pic... A beautiful European church with soft round arches.

The Sabbath

Sundays used to be, for most everyone, a day of rest. In our busy lives we need time to rest and play and have a sabbath from our day to day concerns. And if you're a minister... you have to choose another day of course.

So which day of the week isn't so important especially now that so many people work Sundays. What's important is that you rest and play, relax and enjoy and reap the benefits of what you are working for. We often forget to do that. As children we knew how to play and we played with passion. We became the characters.. the mom or dad or the bride or the cook. We didn't worry about looking silly or dressing just right. We played with careless abandon. Do you remember that time?

Today I'm inviting you to give yourself the gift of play. Be silly, be adventurous, do something today that will make you smile and bring you joy.

Let me know what that might be for you. Your idea may inspire someone else.

Pic .. of myself and my friend Sandi in Florida...girlfriends know how to play!

8 to 6

Yesterday Bob was gifted two tickets to the Knights game. I met him down town and we went to DJ's across from the JLC for dinner and off to the game. About 1/2 way through the second period I began suggesting maybe we could go home now.. they've probably scored all the goals they are going to (and I was cold). Was I ever wrong!

The final score for the Knights was 8 to 6. It was an amazing game..goal after goal. I like that kind of game because there's lots of action. What I noticed too, and this was the first Knights game I've been to this season, that as soon as two players began roughing, the ref was right there breaking it up. I don't know if this is new but I love it! I love the idea they may be trying to get away from the fighting and hence the potential concussions for the players.

This is after all the Season for Non Violence and even though it's just a game I do not like violence. I mentioned last Sunday that I've broken up three fights in the past. I didn't intend to.... it just happened. In other words something inside of me reacted as if I could not tolerate what I was seeing and HAD to stop it.

One was at a wedding.... two uncles were involved and one pushed a woman and she went flying over a table. I was on the dance floor and ran right over and got in between the two. I would not advise that, but that is a logical thought, I was in response mode. I stopped it for a few minutes but they went at it again and the police were called. Imagine...the couple were devastated that these two could not hold it together for one night and for the sake of their nephew.

Have you been in a similar situation? Tell me about it.

Pic.. A peaceful scene at Chautauqua New York.

You Lose What You Don't Use

You have no doubt heard this expression before that what you don't use you lose. If you are an athlete and do muscle building for years and then stop, those muscles disappear. If we stop relying on our brain to do math for us and instead use a calculator then we lose that easy ability to count in our head. Now take this outside of ourselves.

If your city has an IMAX theatre and people are excited about it but only show up once in awhile, it closes. We might wonder about our public libraries. I would hate to see any more of them close and yet I barely visit one more than a couple times a year. If I want to see it continue I need to support it.

And yes you might have guessed that I'd get around to churches. Churches are having their challenges these days. In London a number of churches have closed and this is happening everywhere. Their people aren't attending and supporting as they used to. I remember, before attending Unity, I attended another church maybe once or twice a month, contributing only when I was there and yet I always wanted their door to be open for me.

I've read it's the churches with messages like Unity that will grow. People are looking for an uplifting, affirming message of a loving everywhere present God or Universal energy that is the essence of each of us. Unity teaches we are empowered and worthy and meant to experience abundance of every sort. This is a message I want to support and see live on and on. I hope you do too.

Show Me The Money!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Can you hear Tom Cruise yelling this? In Jerry McGuire when he was fired as a sports agent for a large company he was only able to hold on to one client as he walked out the door. He lost all of his other clients because of money. They were afraid if they left the agency representing them they would lose endorsements and not make the big money. Loyalty meant nothing.

I heard a story this morning recounting that to buy a gun in the states in a gun store a criminal check is required. But you can buy them on-line without any check. Hidden cameras showed guns being delivered to their buyers. When the buyer insinuated he might use the gun to commit a crime the seller still sold him the gun. Money is the bottom line. Justice meant nothing.

It is a sad commentary on our society when the bottom line is SHOW ME THE MONEY. You might think that this is about THEM and not you. But think for a moment.....

If a clerk gives you too much change, do you give it back?
If a clerk rings up all of your items and forgets one, do you tell the clerk?
Do you report all of your earnings on your income tax return?

If your answer is -NO- then you are selling your integrity for money. We are all guilty at one time or another of making money more important than loyalty, justice and integrity. So it's the same old story. Before we point the finger at others being all about money we must look at ourselves first. The change for the world always begins with you and I first.

Pic.. Gateway to an exclusive community in the Hollywood Hills.

Where is Your Cave?

A friend and I were discussing where we go when we are feeling blue. Do you hide under the covers for a few hours? Do you have a closet you make into a "safe place"? We probably all have that special place where we come apart from the world.  There we can unload a boat full of conflicting emotions and become regenerated to come back into life feeling more whole.

When I got to think about it I saw that going to the movies can sometimes be my cave. It's dark, I feel a variety of emotions as the story on the screen unfolds, eat comfort food.... popcorn and escape for a few hours undisturbed. And often the movie gives me food for thought about my own life, inspires me and lifts me up.

Hopefully too, you have someone to talk your feelings out with.We all need to realize that in those desperate moments it might feel like we are alone but we are not.. It requires being willing to be vulnerable with another person. To let them see into us... that's another way to be intimate with another...."in to me see".

So if you are feeling the blues today, know that this too shall pass. Come apart as you need to AND talk it out with someone as well. You are not alone.

Pic.. When life feels overwhelming you just want to hide for awhile.

Amnesia

I am reading a book whose character has amnesia. In trying to discover who she is she asks her dad about what kind of person she is... giving or selfish or ? Her father tells her she'll have to find out for herself.

Think about it. If you had amnesia and didn't know who you were..... you could create the you you always wanted to be. You would have a clean canvas and be free of any beliefs that would limit that creation.

It's an interesting thought. I think for me, I'd create a Lori who has mastered one of the Four Agreements.. don't take things personally. What would a more magnificent you look like?

Pic.. something to think about.

Why Do Some People Like to Be Scared?

Last night I "took one for the team". That means that while Bob hosted a Super Bowl party I went to the movies with a friend. I agreed to see one she really wanted to see and other friends wouldn't. We saw The Woman in Black. I had decided I would try not to hide in the hood of my coat at the scary parts and I did pretty good.

There were a few times I blocked my own view with my hand but for the most part I watched. There were a lot of sudden shocking moments that caused me to jump.  It had an interesting and unexpected ending that we think we figured out.

Why do some people want to be scared whether its in a movie theatre or amusement park? Are they looking for a more intense experience of life? Is there something inside of them they are trying to wake up? Are they trying to access their adrenalin? Whatever it is, I know I left the theatre feeling exhausted. My body had tensed up many times as I'd ridden the emotional roller coaster.

What about you? Do you intentionally look to be scared or is day to day life scary enough?

Pic.. Finding this little mouse in my home is about as scary as I want it to get!

Zoo Fun

Yesterday Jenn and I travelled to Mississauga to David's Bridal for her dress alterations AND to choose bridesmaids dresses. The store was packed from the moment we arrived... 10:30am until we left...3pm. Yes folks we were there for 4 1/2 hours!

The alterations took longer than we thought. Apparently she chose a "complicated" dress and the alteration bill verified that. Her girls were such sports and tried on numerous dresses. In the end the dress they liked the most we couldn't get in on time. We didn't realize we needed at least 12 weeks for delivery. However when we got home we ordered the dresses from the Fort Myers store and were assured delivery late Feb. early March. I'll have to appeal to the goodwill of friends close to there to pick them up for us.

What was neat about the day, among other things, was the excitement in the air at the store. Each bride who decided this was her dress would ring the bell and most people in the store would clap and cheer. So many brides and so many dresses, each looking beautiful.The challenge with so many bridesmaids around was we would see them try on dresses we liked but they didn't look the same on our girls.

Patience was the virtue of the day for everyone. But I stayed in that place of amazement and joy and allowed  myself to get caught up in the fun and excitement despite the moments of having to calm and reassure the girls.

Life really is about attitude. Your attitude will make or break an experience. Don't you agree?

Pic.. of Jenn on the left and one of her bridesmaids, Lindsay.

The Art of Being Quiet

Well it isn't an official art but it feels like careful, detailed work, to not speak.

There are times when I want to say something, direct someone, "help" them, but I'm learning to stay quiet. This isn't easy but it seems essential for the other person's success or failure, both being learning tools. I have many talents, I'm not boosting, we all have. I can do many things well but I have not done as well as I could when it comes to the art of being quiet. And yes people will fail different times and I feel as a leader it is my role to help them be successful.. but staying quiet at the right time is an art.

Another tactic I need to learn better is not to say what is in my mind when it goes to a place of concern. Example that just happened moments ago, maybe you can relate. Jenn comes in wearing a beautiful bracelet, one she's giving to her bridesmaids. We'll be with the girls today picking dresses for them. I say, "Oh you're wearing your bracelet. I didn't wear mine because I didn't think you'd want the girls to see it."

In trying to dissect this I think it's just about not going "there". Not going to a place that plants a negative. I think that explains it. And when that thought comes up maybe saying to myself, yourself.. "cancel". I share such things knowing I am not alone in this and hoping you can learn along with me.

Pic.. This is how I feel every time I master the Art of Being Quiet!

The Measure of a Man or Woman

I was at a clergy meeting and Maureen shared the 10 top things God would say. I will be paraphrasing but the essence of a few of them are below...

It doesn't matter how big your house was but rather how many people you housed that needed help.
It doesn't matter how much money you made but that you used your money for good.

In a physical and material world it is easy to get caught up in the idea that this is all there is, all that matters .. just the day to day stuff. But life and living is so much more. It's about how you bless others each day and how much love you share. And it isn't that you aren't doing these things for yourself as well because every time you smile at someone else.. you are blessed. Every time you go out of your way for someone else... you are blessed. So go forth on this day five of the Season for Non Violence and stay focused on blessing others. Visit Unity of London's Facebook page each day for the day's focus.

Pic.. In Europe we saw this creative parking. Some might say a small car is too small but this owner probably felt blessed he had such a small car.

Appreciation..

Appreciation was the focus for day 3 of the Season for Non-Violence. I found myself walking around appreciating people, the sky, my car, the church.... whatever my eyes saw I felt appreciation for.  I like having a daily focus.

Yesterday I visited at the funeral home to honour a man who obviously touched many many lives and I wondered what I would like my funeral to look like. I liked the simplicity of the casket he was laid in. It was draped with meaningful mementos of his life and wondered what would the mementos of my life be?

So here is what I am thinking they would be, as I see it today anyways. ...

..my Unity sterling silver cross... my first one was gold but I lost it and it was too expensive to replace
..a picture of me and my daughter and one of Bob, Jenn and I together
..a copy of The Four Agreements because I want to remind people not to take things personally..a hard one
..a picture of me and my girlfriends from the PJ Oscar party I held
..a meditating Buddha
..a Hello magazine and a Nora Roberts novel... I enjoy entertainment
..a picture of me with my mom, brother and dad, a picture from my ordination

..around the room I'd like the frames of our family trips that Jenn has put together because I love to travel
and lastly I want Josh Groban singing about being gone but still present.. I'll find out the name of that song and hopefully we won't be needing it for many many years!

What would your mementos be? For today's word focus visit the Unity of London Facebook page.

Smiling Through Whatever

So yesterday I had a mammogram and a filling replaced. While waiting for the mammogram a lady seated across from me looked particularly anxious. I commented on that and she shared she was there for the same procedure I was. I talked to her about lowering the veil of anxiety and breathing to reduce her anxiousness. After my procedure I let her know the technician was gentle and she'd be fine.

The day's focus was on smiling... the focus of day 2 of the Season for Non Violence. It really makes a difference to keep a smile on your face as you move through your day. Even the dentist visit was easier! Interacting with clerks and looking at other drivers with a smile makes the interaction more heart felt. Maybe you tried it too?

Each day I'm posting on the Unity Facebook page that day's focus to help us promote a Season for Non Violence which runs for 64 days from Jan. 30 to April 4th.

Pic.. Jenn and I at a JLC concert...smiling.