Have you ever wondered what wisdom the renowned actor Will Smith needed in order to reach the level of success that he has? What are his beliefs? What motivates him? What fears has he got? These and many more questions are answered in this excellent video.
If you have children (I have 4) and you'd like them to be inspired by someone...
Want to be deeply inspired right now and I mean deeply inspired? Then watch this short video prayer created by Shafin de Zane and inspired by Francesco Bernadone of Assisi (St Francis of Assisi). Simply sit back and connect with that place of peace which is within you. Be Peaceful! It’s a beautiful video. Thanks to Shafin for creating it. Be Inspired!
How not to hurry, what a great title. Gandhi once said the sole purpose of life is not just to go faster yet our world seems to put more and more importance on “speed”. We can pay a heavy price in our lives if thats what we continue to do, sometimes ending up burnt out. So this article offers some great wisdom and tips on how to experience life at a more humane and enjoyable pace. The article is written by Leo Babauta from www.ZenHabits.net To read all the article click the link at the bottom of this article.
“Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.” ~ Lao Tzu
Consider the above quote from Lao Tzu, (perhaps mythical) father of Taoism: how can it be true?
Is it possible to never hurry, but to get everything done?
It seems contradictory to our modern world, where everything is a rush, where we try to cram as much into every minute of the day as possible, where if we are not busy, we feel unproductive and lazy.
In fact, often we compete by trying to show how busy we are. I have a thousand projects to do! Oh yeah? I have 10,000! The winner is the person who has the most insane schedule, who rushes from one thing to the next with the energy of a hummingbird, because obviously that means he’s the most successful and important.
Right?
Maybe not. Maybe we’re playing the wrong game — we’ve been conditioned to believe that busier is better, but actually the speed of doing is not as important as what we focus on doing.
Maybe we’re going at the wrong speed. Maybe if we are constantly rushing, we will miss out on life itself. Let’s let go of the obsession with speed, and instead slow down, stop rushing, and enjoy life.
And still get everything done.
Let’s look at how.
A Change of Mindset
The most important step is a realization that life is better when you move at a slower, more relaxed pace, instead of hurrying and rushing and trying to cram too much into every day. Instead, get the most out of every moment.
Is a book better if you speed read it, or if you take your time and get lost in it?
Is a song better if you skim through it, or if you take the time to really listen?
Is food better if you cram it down your throat, or if you savor every bite and really appreciate the flavor?
Is your work better if you’re trying to do 10 things at once, or if you really pour yourself into one important task?
Is your time spent with a friend or loved one better if you have a rushed meeting interrupted by your emails and text messages, or if you can relax and really focus on the person?
Life as a whole is better if you go slowly, and take the time to savor it, appreciate every moment. That’s the simplest reason to slow down.
And so, you’ll need to change your mindset (if you’ve been stuck in a rushed mindset until now). To do this, make the simple admission that life is better when savored, that work is better with focus. Then make the commitment to give that a try, to take some of the steps below.
But I Can’t Change!
There will be some among you who will admit that it would be nice to slow down, but you just can’t do it … your job won’t allow it, or you’ll lose income if you don’t do as many projects, or living in the city makes it too difficult to go slowly. It’s a nice ideal if you’re living on a tropical island, or out in the country, or if you have a job that allows control of your schedule … but it’s not realistic for your life.
I say bullshit.
Take responsibility for your life. If your job forces you to rush, take control of it. Make changes in what you do, in how you work. Work with your boss to make changes if necessary. And if really necessary, you can eventually change jobs. You are responsible for your life…
Imagine receiving 40 days of inspirational video clips and reflections directly to your email from some wonderful sacred sites in Ireland? The 40 days cover many different life enhancing themes such as meditation, stillness, following your heart, following your dreams, courage, forgiveness, inner peace, music, happiness, life purpose and more. It brings you to some wonderful sites in Ireland including – Glandalough, Glencree, Durrow, Wicklow, Dublin and other places.
Here’s a video which offers you an overview of what you’ll experience on the online pilgrimage. Enjoy!
To join the Free pilgrimage simply enter your details below:
This is an ancient stone circle in Ireland. Dated around 1,400 to 800 BC. Created probably during the Bronze age. How did it get its name – Pipers Stones? Well you’ll have to watch the video to find out. Remember if you’d like to receive all 40 videoes and reflections from around Ireland subsribe for free on the right hand side.
This is day 37 of the 40 day online Irish Inner Peace Pilgrimage. It’s part two of the Art of Forgiveness theme and tells the story of how one women forgives someone who murdered her father. To view all the videos and reflections on this inner peace pilgrimage subscribe for free to the 40 day Inner Peace Pilgrimage on the right hand side. Enjoy!
Have you ever read a poem where you felt drawn into another state of consciousness. A state of consciousness which feels very authentic, very truthful and very peaceful.
Well when I first read the following peom that’s how I felt. The poem is called “A State of Meditation” and it’s written by a very inspirational lady called Rajyeshwari Ghosh
A State of Meditation
Oh What a Joy!
As I meditate and focus on my breath, I
Slowly calm down and feel rested.
As I rejuvenate
And restore,
I experience the ecstasy
Of absolute clarity.
All worries, anxieties, and stress leave,
And I am recharged and reconnected within!
A few months ago I came across Rajyeshwari on the internet and she has just launched her first book. It’s called “Essence of My Existence” and I was lucky enough to be sent a pre-published copy myself. It’s a deeply inspiring book. Here’s a couple of small excerpts from the book:
A few years ago, I went through an emotional crisis in my life. This incident shook me to my core, and I asked myself some questions, which I had not asked before. Even though I did not have most of the answers at that time, the one thing I remembered searching for was something that is “sustainable beyond time and space.” As I started observing people’s lives around me, I hardly found anyone’s life, I wanted to live. I was looking for something deeper, more authentic, more universal, and more magnificent.
After attending tons of programs, reading many books, and listening to a lot of people, I found only few people’s lives actually motivated and inspired me. They have given this world everything they have, and therefore could influence and impact so many human beings so profoundly. They have lived their truth.
Amidst these crises, I never stopped smiling and believing in my dreams. I did not stop living my essence. I did not stop being the human being I am destined to be. I let my “inner voice” guide me to my destination. This book is the culmination of that journey. This is my first creation after I have discovered the “essence of my existence.”
Well if you’d like to learn more about Rajyeshwari Ghosh, her new book and buy your own copy it’s one of the books we recommend in the new Be Inspired Book Store. Here’s a link: http://bit.ly/8bo66e
And here’s another inspirational poem from her book for you to enjoy:
The Connection
The fragrance of the newly blossomed flowers,
the chirping of the birds,
and the texture of the earth –
all remind me there is life.
There is a life to live and experience!
The blue sky is so magnificent,
and the ocean is so infinite
I feel like a tiny creature in this entire Universe!
How amazing this life is which unfolds itself
to something it is destined to be!
Just like a flower – it blooms, it graces the surrounding,
and spreads aroma – it is a joy to behold.
The sublime sensation that arose from the tone
of the sweet voice echoing from the distance
is a pure connection to the world within!
Rajyeshwari Ghosh
About Rajyeshwari Ghosh
On her own from the age of 18, she came from India to the USA as an Undergraduate International Student. The poet poignantly delivers an insight into her world as a non-resident alien in the United States; we view her growth through her pain, anguish, joy and laughter. Her quest to seek the “Ultimate Truth” led her to confront courageously some of the severe trials and tribulations of life. In this deeply reflective, heartwarming volume of poems, the poet explores the very fabric of her existence –whether it’s a pale illusion or authentic. She transcends her sufferings, as she harmonizes her life with the guidance from the Universe, and ultimately rejoices to find her bliss in her own existence. Through her graceful words, raw emotions, feelings and artistic presence, she makes a powerful connection with the universal humanity. Her poems will render joy, and an affirmation that adversities can be overcome and dreams can come true!
In June of 2007, my family moved to a new home in Bellingham, Washington right on the trail into Whatcom Falls Park–a beautiful park and trail system along Whatcom Creek, full of wildlife, waterfalls and a shade of deciduous and cedar trees. Gorgeous! It’s quite a sanctuary of nature there and I was thrilled to be able to walk out my door and be in the woods within a couple of minutes.
Shortly after moving, our family walked down to Whatcom Falls, a 15 minute walk from our door and we all stood on the bridge admiring the powerful force of water before us. Incredulous that this place is literally in our back yard, we marveled at our good fortune.
While taking in the ambience at the waterfall, I peered down from the bridge to the water below us. And staring back at me were the two bright eyes of an owl! He was perched on the ledge of the bridge, looking up at us. What a magical moment! I felt blessed. He then swooped down under the bridge and landed on a tree branch 100 ft away looking straight into my eyes. “This is a real gift!” I thought. What a magnificent bird! I felt it was a good sign of welcome to our new home.
Later that month, on a return trip to the falls with some friends, I looked over at the tree branch where I had first seen the owl, and there he sat–Again! I was amazed to have the good fortune of seeing him a second time, and within such a short time of my first sighting. I started wondering what it might mean.
A month or two later, my cousin and I were taking a walk on one of the many side trails in the park . As we were chatting, I looked over to my left into the trees, and there was my owl friend once again. He sat bold and upright, staring right into me, almost as if to say “I have a message for you.” As I reached for my camera phone to take a photo of him he suddenly swooped down across our path and landed on the opposite bank. Spreading his wings, he tried to camouflage himself among the brush.
Now this was my third owl sighting within a five month period or so. I was starting to think “There must be a reason for this!” So I went home and looked up “animal totems.” Here’s what I read…”Animals come to us because they have a lesson we need to learn a power they are willing to share with a friend. They seek to give us a gift of understanding, universal love, energy, and knowledge (ULEK). In general, animals remind us that we are part of the earth; that each creature has a place; that each creature has a skill of it’s own; that we have instincts given to us from Mother, wisdom born to us that we must awaken. The Animal Totem that comes to you offers you power and wisdom if you will learn to communicate with it, with respect, trust, and understanding.
So here’s what I read about Owl: “Owl has the ability to light up our blind side, enabling us to speak the whole truth, as opposed to only half truth. Owl is a feminine trait symbolically associated with clairvoyance, astral projection and magic. When you have lost your way, owl essence will guide you back to your proper path and wisdom. Owl medicine helps us clear out that which is no longer needed or wanted.”
I saw Owl one more time a couple of months later and my final encounter was a on a walk through the park where I encountered an enormous owl feather across my path. The feather now sits upon my dresser and is a daily reminder to pay attention to the subtle messages all around us.
I believe that animals are great teachers if we take notice. And I am noticing more than ever now. Especially after another special animal encounter last week!
Last Wednesday evening, my daughter Emma and I went to the local coffee shop for something warm to drink . Just after receiving our drinks, we sat at a table and looked out the window. People were gathering around outside, circling and staring at something in the street.
We stood up and looked out the window, and there in the middle of the road was a hawk, having just taken a seagull down out of the sky! Right there in the street and then onto the sidewalk, we were all able to stand within three feet of this magnificent bird. It was amazing! It was incredible to be so close to the hawk, and to witness the natural world in action.
Animal control arrived and said that the hawk was a Harris Hawk. So I went home and looked up the message of the Harris Hawk as an animal totem. Here’s what it said:
“Harris Hawk – represents cooperation and support from others. This hawk helps one to spread the word about goals or projects to those people who can be helpful for you. For those who use music to help them soar high above, this is a wonderful totem to be working with as it helps to integrate music and sound as a healing modality.”
Being a musician, singing about peace and love and spreading a message to follow one’s dreams, I feel that once again, the animal kingdom is speaking to me. What a gift!
Perhaps you may find some powerful messages among the animal friends who cross your path. Pay attention!!
Here’s a good video related to what Jenny talks about in the above post.
Jenny Brice is an inspirational singer and songwriter from Bellingham, Washington, USA. She has just released her first album entitled “Dreaming of Peace”. Her website is http://www.jennybricemusic.com/ Jenny is also featured as a guest singer on the album “Dare to Dream” by Sean M. Kelly, Dare to Dream CD link
What is the most important time of the day? Well pretty much since time began humans have welcomed the light of the day as the sun rises each morning.
The darkness of the night turns into the light of day and as it does it brings with it a newness, a freshness, a birth. It offers us new beginnings. It’s like the proverbial artists palette which is blank waiting for us to paint our picture as we go about our day. And the real question is what picture will we paint?
Unfortunately many of us find it so challenging to take time to welcome the new day into our lives. It’s like an artist who never takes the time to think about what they’re going to paint. He just splashes it on hoping to survive the battles that the day will bring!
Our lives have become so full of “busyness” we rarely give ourselves time to reflect. This “busyness” is often motivated by an inner fear that “there isent enough”. There isent enough time. There isent enough money. There isent enough of whatever we all need enough of.
What if just for one day you decided that“there is enough”.
You have enough time to take a few minutes in the morning to welcome the gift of life on this day? You have enough time to engage in some idle chat with your neighbours and/or co-workers .You have enough time to be patient and kind to others. You have enough time to help others who are in need at this time.
What if you decide that you have enough money. You decide to go into a shop, buy a lovely fresh sandwich and maybe a cup of tea too for someone who needs it. Take a walk down a street. Ask for guidance that whoever really needs it will show up. It could be anyone. If you trust you will know when they show up. You’ll feel it in your heart. Then give them the sandwich and tea. Give it to them without any need of anything in return (total unconditional giving).
Also give it not because it means “you’re a great person” but because it demonstrates to this homeless or needy person that someone cares for them. It demonstrates that inspite of all the “doom & gloom” we may be bombarded with on a daily basis there are still those who without any need for recognition and glorification choose a path of kindness and compassion.
These people whose footsteps may be rarely heard choose to paint masterpieces on their palettes of life. Masterpieces that perhaps if the truth be acknowledged are the very foundation of what really keeps our world operating at all.
As you watch this video really take the time to listen to the wisdom and depth of its words. Words which were put together by an amazing lady Iyanla Vanzant. At some moment in time she sat down in a timeless space, listened to her inner wisdom and created this wonderful morning meditation. Let its words resonate with you. Capture their magic. Let it help you create a new dawn in your day. And may the words inspire you to have the courage to create your own masterpiece.
Be Inspired!
To recieve all 40 Inspirational video clips and reflections simply enter your email below. It’s free however donations to help with this project and similar projects are always welcome . Click here if you’d like to donate
Surrender, trust and gratitde. Does prayer really make a difference? What about if the whole world came together in a great Oneness Experiment? These are some of the ideas reflected on in this short inspirational video clip.
Sometime in the future we will also be organising an Ireland Retreat so enter your details below the video to be kept informed and to receive all 40 inspirational video clips
To receive short inspirational video clips and reflections for 40 days on this online Irish Inner Peace Pilgrimage just enter your details below, you will also be kept informed of any ireland retreats we’re offering:
What is the most important time of the day? Well pretty much since time began humans have welcomed the light of the day as the sun rises each morning.
