HOORAY, it’s MAY!:) May i ask YOU: What will YOU DO today?!

What a Privilege to be Breathing:)…Fragile-Life! Each Morning is a Gift. A fresh, new opportunity for compassion.

A New Day: HOORAY! How will YOU show appreciation for this gift. What positive choices will YOU make? What will You feed Your mind and body?! Who will YOU help?! What kind words will YOU use to comfort?!

Waking UP to a Beautiful Morning is a Blessing:

“When one ruling over mankind is righteous, ruling in the fear of God, then it is as the light of morning, when the sun shines forth, a morning without clouds. From brightness, from rain, there is grass out of the earth.”—2 Samuel 23:3, 4.

{The Hebrew verb ma·shal has the meaning “rule, dominate”; the Greek term ar’khon is translated “ruler.”}

Rulers or leaders can bring Happiness, Peace and Prosperity. Sadly, some leaders choose to act like this:

“As a growling lion and an onrushing bear is a wicked ruler over a lowly people.” Proverb 28:15

This world would be such a better place with better leadership! Don’t we all need good management skills. Effective skills to manage our lives, manage our families, manage what ails us. Good government is the cure. Good government starts in the home (at home). Does man practice good government?!

1 on-line dictionary definition of good: adjective: to be desired or approved of;  Noun: That which is morally right; righteousness; Synonyms: adjective: nice, kind, fine, Noun: benefit, profit, advantage, avail, welfare, use.

Another dictionary: Synonyms of good to contemplate: Commonsense, commonsensible, commonsensical, firm, hard, informed, just, justified, levelheaded, logical, rational, reasonable, reasoned, sensible, sober, solid, valid, well-founded.

Bottomline: Learning Goodness is the key to good management/good government…which brings better living for caregivers, partners, friends…ALL-BEAUTIFUL-BREATHING-FRAGILE-LIFE!:)   Ancient books can teach us much:

Goodness is not passive but is dynamically active. Recipients of the “good” person’s kindness, generosity, and self-sacrifice might even be moved to die for him! So it is with good …

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It is an OUTRAGE! Safety measures, injury prevention and using some smarts could save so many young/innocent lives…what am i talking about: Dummy parents who refuse to respect water and life! Here in Florida…i’ve heard so many super-sad-stories of beautiful-fragile-life drowning because of a lapse in supervision, etc…Just overheard another incident/tragedy and i’m ANGRY.

Okay, not out-of-control angry…just VERY upset by stupidity and senselessness. (Thus–the inspiration for this post.) Yeah, we make mistakes as parents, (and my heart breaks for any parent who has lost their child in death:(

But, can’t we be more vigilant when it comes to our kids’ safety?! Parents must protect their kids. Parents must respect life. Parents must respect water. Parents must respect time. Parents must WAKE-UP/PAY ATTENTION before kids drown…Until our kid(s) are grown, our job as a parent is: LIFE GUARD! (not just talking water)

Scope of the Problem       

Florida loses more children ages 1–4 to drowning than any other state. Annually in Florida, enough children to fill three to four preschool classrooms drown and do not live to see their fifth birthday.

Florida overwhelmingly has the highest unintentional drowning rate in the nation for the 1–4 year old age group with a rate of 6.98 per 100,000 population (Oklahoma was second for this age group with a rate of 5.04) for 2007–2009.

Alaska, Hawaii, and Florida have the highest overall unintentional drowning rates in the nation between 2007–2009, with rates of 3.53, 2.90, and 2.09 per 100,000 population, respectively. The soaring rate for the 1–4 year old age group drives up Florida’s overall rate, so if we can impact the 1–4 year old rate, we can also make an impact on Florida’s overall rate. ~Floridashealth.com

Sun, surf and sand…sand, sun and surf…baby powder sand of Siesta Key Beach is 1 of my all time favorite beaches…had the privilege/experience of living close by (Gulf Gate)…Hubby and i would pop over in the evenings (when the sun wasn’t so strong) with the babies/toddlers…and i remember one of our first times at the beach (after relocating from Massachusetts to Sarasota)…word was spreading around the …

Are YOU a Reader-Writer-Writer-Reader of Poetry??..Personally, i LOVE the stuff…some poems resonate deeply to me:  The murmurs ebb; onto the stage I enter.I am trying, standing at the door,To discover in the distant echoesWhat the coming years may hold in store.The nocturnal darkness with a thousandBinoculars is focused onto me.Take away this cup, O Abba, Father,Everything is possible to Thee.I am fond of this Thy stubborn project,And to play my part I am content.But another drama is in progress,And, this once, O let me be exempt.But the plan of action is determined,And the end irrevocably sealed.I am alone; all round me drowns in falsehood:Life is not a walk across a field.~Hamlet by Boris Pasternak…

Actually …Pasternak is quoting scripture/Jesus’ words…a prayer/agony in the Garden of Gethsemane:Luke 22:39-44/Mark 14:36: “And he went on to say: “Abba, Father, all things are possible to you; remove this cup from me. Yet not what I want, but what you want.”

“The word ‘abba’ in Aramaic corresponds to the emphatic or definite form of ‘av, literally meaning “the father”, or “O Father.” It was the intimate name used by children for their fathers and combines some of the intimacy of word “father,” being both informal and yet respectful. It was, therefore, an endearing form of address rather than a title and was among the first words a child learned to speak.” Here is a fervert appeal of a son to a beloved Father, followed quickly by an assurance, that, in any event, he would remain obedient.”(Insight on Scriptures)

See (understand) that’s what is required/the obligation/the burden of true agape love = obedience…how else is its quality/true value demonstrated or revealed?!…a son who loves his father: honors him, respects him and obeys him…especially evident when it’s NOT easy/conflicted with his own will…(“true” compassion & agape love come with responsibility..(no denying it)…the seeking of the best interests of the other person not self…IF one is not seeking the best interests of the other = counterfeit compassion).

True compassion obeys the call for help of another. True compassion obeys the cries for aid of another. True compassion suffers the …

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“Among the reasons for the existence of music in virtually every culture [is] its ability to elicit and maintain human health and well-being,” says the book Principles and Practice of Stress Management.

Don’t ya just LOVE it when you come across some research/evidence or writing that highlights long-held beliefs or helps to support your personal growth/understanding of something (i.e. Your mind on music). Read at Your own discretion/Check out points from this CNN article: http://www.cnn.com/2013/04/15/health/brain-music-research/index.html?hpt=hp_c4

…Betcha couldn’t tell (from my previous posts w/music selections) that i actually LIKE/LOVE Italian music and the language…(you know i butcher French–good thing you cannot hear me “try” to karaoke to Bocelli in Italian -lol…i enJOY wide-variety of musical flavors/tastes). Back in the 90′s when Andrea Bocelli was first on the scene…remember driving around Europe w/Hubby, (Chato B. Stewart from Mental Health Humor), and hearing Con te Partiro on the radio for the first time…didn’t know any Italian…came in on the song mid-way, didn’t know the singer and my next “meaningful” European endeavor:…NOT leaving or saying good-bye to Europe without this music!!…We “introduced” friends to Bocelli back in the States…(Chato took me to see him live in Massachusetts…Amazing..barely/effortlessly opens his mouth and out flows this Incredible voice!)

We were in the paperwork process of relocating to Europe (i.e. Luxembourgh) at the time and Not planning on having kids when we unexpectedly found out we were expecting…i LOVE motherhood!!:)

However, honestly, motherhood was not an ambition…it was a surprise-gift…one i’m truly beyond words thankful for and humbled about. For me, before motherhood, i was kinda apathetic and indifferent to “certain” things/certain truths…or lacking sufficient knowledge to notice or care…i was unaware of the deep life lessons my future kids would help teach. My-before-kids-life consisted of study/work/volunteering…work, study, volunteering, work, work, work, study, study, study, volunteer, volunteer, volunteer…personal inner/spiritual growth and outer manifestations of that growth. A never-ending-insatiable-hunger-for-more- knowledge-more-”truth“…(Also, save your pennies to help others and travel/meet new mentors and learn/educate everyday!:)

(P.s. a couple fun/good reads You may like: A year in Provence et Toujours Provence by Peter Mayle.)

THANK YOU for Your patience: This post is …

Listen UP: Terror and tears. Listen UP: Timing and fears. Listen UP: Worrying and cares. It’s a dirge. It’s a lamentation…of a nation!:(

Listen UP: Choice and choosing. Listen UP: Helping? or boozing?…can’t drown this pain?…better refrain. Listen UP: Violence and silence..Listen UP: Justice and guidance…can love prevail?…better avail. Listen UP: Stupid? and Smart? should Listen UP: Stop! and Start…healing, no revenge, no retaliation…IS a compassion nation.

My HEARTFELT THOUGHTS, PRAYERS & SYMPATHIES to ALL BEAUTIFUL-FRAGILE-LIFE affected by Boston’s Marathon Bombing Tragedy 2013!:(

Did You know: “The race — which draws more than 20,000 participants — is the world’s oldest annual marathon, dating to 1897.” ~Cnn:“Sadness, resolve as Boston comes to grips with deadly marathon bombing.”

Growing up in Massachusetts and having many warm, loving memories of this special place and (special) events…it NEVER occurred to me that some day in the future–someone would violently exploit this part of Boston’s culture. How awful…this and any exploitation and violence.

Why is it so hard for some of us to get along?? Why is it so hard for some of us to have peace?? Why is it so hard for some to forgive?? Obviously, one thing’s for sure: the horrible bombing event was not motivated by love and compassion. That’s why the culture of compassion MUST be TAUGHT. Compassion must be a priority.

THANK YOU for making Compassion a Priority in Your life!:)

Read this blurb: “Why is World Peace so Elusive?” 2 Reasons: Self-interest and ambition.

Also, hatred and prejudice…”What is Prejudice?”…

“Researchers struggle to define prejudice. Some say it is “a negative attitude or feeling toward an individual based solely on that individual’s membership in a certain group.” Others say that this attitude is based on “insufficient information,” which leads to the “prejudgment of members of [a] group.” Whatever the case, prejudices can be formed against another person because of his race, weight, gender, language, religion or virtually any perceived difference.”

It’s soooooooo sad that human history both ancient and recent is: “Man has dominated man …

“As for mortal man, his days are like those of green grass; Like a blossom of the field is the way he blossoms forth.”~Psalm 103:15

“Who are You that you should be afraid of a mortal man that will die, and of a son of mankind that will be rendered as mere green grass.” ~Isaiah 51:12 (Anger, rage and threats whither like grass!)

We live in a world gripped with fear. Everyone lives with fear to some degree or another. You know your personal fears. The fears i’ve confronted, i don’t possess any longer. With age and acquired knowledge/experieince in life, our fears change and vanish. Facing fear and overcoming fear is important to wellness. When you take positive action, you relinquish some fear. When you run from fear…guess what: fear follows and catches you. Which reminds me of this powerful Biblical point about craving …and not being prepared…

“just as when a man flees because of the lion, and the bear actually meets him; and [as when] he went into the house and supported his hand against the wall, and the serpent bit him.” (Amos 5:19)

The Garuda Purana claims: “True Happiness lies in the extinction of all emotions…where there is affection there is misery…Renounce affection and you shall be Happy.”

What do you think about that claim/solution?! Sounds dreary to me or sounds just like “unhappiness.” What’s happiness devoid of emotion or affection?!..unhappiness.

Can we devoid ourselves of all fear?? i don’t think so. Should we be totally fearless?? Fear can serve as a protection and restraint. Here’s 1 definition of Fear: “a calm recognition or consideration of whatever may injure or damage, such recognition causing one to exercise reasoned caution and intelligent foresight.”

Here’s a funny story…or what i think is funny/strange about certain fears and youth and experience. Hubby and i were traveling throughout many parts of France (i think ’95)…mad cow disease was a big deal at the time. (For more on Mad Cow Disease: Check out this link: www.webmd.com/brain/mad-cow-disease-basics) So, IF one made …

Are You a lover or a fighter? Both?!…I am–a Lover of Truth and a fighter for it!:)  (FYI: not talking physical combat.)

Who enjoys being scammed, fooled or tricked, lied to, exploited or taken advantage of?! Not You. Not me.

When it comes to power also known as choice…everyone should be well-informed. Being well-informed is crucial to wellness on many levels of compassionate living. Investigating and researching our belief system to ascertain if it is based on truth or lies is important to better decision-making. Better decision-making leads to wellness. Wellness leads to Life!:)

THANK YOU for Wielding your power–your choice in ways that heal and don’t hurt You or Other Beautiful-Breathing-Fragile-life!! When Your choice is based on truth, You find inner peace. Isn’t that what we all want regardless of circumstance…PEACE?!:)

Blind believing and blind following is blind living. Why?? walk around blindfolded and possibly injure yourself or others-when You can (with a little effort, with a little time, with a little help) choose to take the blindfold off or turn on a light and actually see where you are going.

History is filled with many habits, patterns and traditions inherited through the centuries…behaviors blindly followed and passed along from one generation to the next. Not all centuries-old habits are healthy. i entreat You to honestly examine your traditions, your patterns of living, your habits…are they truly healthy? Are they leading You to wellness and longevity? If NOT…remember, you have the power…You can choose to follow or stop….or start…

Are Your beliefs based on substance, evidence and Truth? Do you trace the origins of some rituals you may practice? Do certain rituals bring You wellness or detract from your overall health/well-being? Something to deeply consider before rituals and/or celebrations: Not all patterns should be followed. Do you blindly follow just any traditions? Or do you break tradition? Would you break tradition IF it meant wellness, peace and longevity of living? Of course you would!:) Personally, my choice is NOT to be a slave …

M is for ?…mmmMonday. M is for March. M is for Mars.

M is for Marshmallows!:)

Do you like marshmallows? Just “realizing” while writing this post:

I pronounce and spell marshmallow as marsh-mellow!

Though, others have remarked on my spelling skills, i feel, my accent messes up my spelling abilities…not going to worry about it–just going to “mellow” out. -lol:)

I have an odd/thick accent…especially when tired and/or upset. What i term “New England” accent because of growing up there. Specifically, a “Somerville”–east Somerville accent…i get teased in good fun all the time about it!:) My kids get in on it too…correcting me when i speak. That’s okay!…found a great way of getting kids–my kids to listen/obey/cooperate…threaten* (*using this term jokingly) a public display of affection like a kiss on the cheek and/or hug or start calling them by a cute nickname ala my accent: works every time!-lol:)

It’s pretty ironic, Somerville has come a long way from “slummerville”…it use to really bother/embarrass me as a kid when people would refer to my hometown that way! (waaaaay over it!) Looking back now, really thankful for my upbringing there…a lot of good people/things have come from Somerville, Massachusetts…not just famous ones.

I’m getting choked up writing this now…thinking about my family/friends/experiences…”Somerville” and what that word/place means to me. Somerville did indeed play a part in shaping/molding me–my impressionable formative years!

Questions for Consideration:

• What place has helped shape You into the personality You are today?!
• Does this place express Compassion Culture?!
• Where are You now?!
• A place of Compassion?!

Still living in Summer…ville here in sunny Florida. My accent pronounces “Somer” like the season Summ…drop the er and insert a..Summaville…er is always short a sound..R gets dropped too: car is ca…yard is yad. Then insert the r sound where it doesn’t belong like idear. Forty…for becomes fau-ty becomes d (sounds perfectly right to me): fau-d. Heart sounds like haat. Start sounds like staat.

Confusing?? There’s way more to this accent than that…No wonder i get blank stares when talking very fast!:) That’s probably why i feel more easily understood in written …

What is your native tongue? How well do you speak compassion–The language and living of love (agape)??

Couldn’t help, but think a little about my heritage/language. VERY Thankful: i was raised with no prejudice or partiality toward any ethnic group…in other words…i was raised to Appreciate & Love All Variety of Breathing-Fragile-Life:)…in other words…my family did not elevate one particular group of Breathing-Fragile-Life over another particular group of Breathing-Fragile-Life…in other words…my particular ethnicity is quite a mix! For example, if you were going to adopt/rescue a doggie: i would be labeled a mutt for sure -lol:)…i’m a “little” of a lot of different Breathing-Fragile-Life. My DNA is an acculturation.

Right now, i’m meditating/pondering deeply about whether or not to reveal to You my “specific” partial-nationality/heritage list or not…(For clarification: whatever “i may” choose to reveal about myself via this blog or past blogs–serves a “teaching” /trust purpose for the topic under consideration/discussion. i strive to speak truth.)

Let me preface my following statement as NOT a presumption: any “possible” Mental Health Drs. out there (or Others) who “possibly” follow my writing & may “possibly” think they may “possibly” have me/my life/my personality/my profile totally figured out: think again! -lol:)…i’m an undefined work in progress…someday, i hope to get achieve–name (not talking fame).

Whatever hazy reflection you see of me/my inner person/my personality, etc. revealed in my writing…would change IF you, my Reader,  ever met me in person. Truth: Outer appearance is a distraction from the “true” inner person.

• Do you have the ability to see past faces into hearts?! (i try to see hearts.)
• Do you have the ability to see past gender?!
• Do you have the ability to see past age?!
• Do you have the ability to see past nationality?!
• Do you have the ability to see past obese?!
• Do you have the ability to see past skinny?!
• Do you have the ability to see past superficiality?!
• Do you have the ability to see past sick?!
• Do you have the ability to see past healthy?!
• Do you have the ability to see past social classes?!

Compassion does have …

Take Courage! You Can Do It!:) You can succeed in adopting a Compassion Culture…more fully expressed in your every day living! What description or definition pops into your mind when You think of Courage? Maybe a name comes to mind?…An example/role-model that epitomizes that positive trait for you!

1 definition for courage: “spiritual, emotional, and moral fortitude to speak and act without fear in the face of obstacles and dangers.”

What obstacles do You face as Caregiver? What dangers do You face as Breathing-Fragile-Life making Your way in this troubled world? What challenges are You overcoming as Partner? What stands in your way from reaching your goal of more compassionate choices? Take Courage!:) You Can Do It!:)

Fully Living or Adopting a Compassion Culture leads to greater happiness, greater wellness, greater meaning in life!:)

A Compassion Culture is a culture that is politically neutral. Compassion Culture is a culture of action. Compassion Culture is not passive. Compassion Culture is Courage! When it comes to showing/living compassion, there are no imaginary boundaries and borders dividing Breathing-Fragile-Life from the love, honor, respect, help, dignity All Breathing-Fragile-Life deserves!:)

You Deserve Compassion from Fellow-Breathing-Fragile-Life. You Owe compassion to Fellow-Breathing-Fragile-Life!

A Compassion Culture is like a place. A figurative place of love and healing, understanding and empathy! A place of comforting words and comforting hugs. A place of genuine friendship and agape love. A refreshing oasis with plenty to drink and eat because everyone courageously shares. i ENCOURAGE You to find this place…among others who value compassion. Cultivate Your compassion culture fully…without delay. Don’t hesitate. Don’t wait to show compassion. (You’ll benefit yourself and others!:)

It’s 3/3/13 i like that number. (Not into numerology)…to me 3 symbolizes emphasis. If You follow my writing?…which BTW: While i do appreciate support/readership of my blog and your sharing it with others to possibly encourage them in their particular journey…i’m really not looking for followers of me aka stalkers -lol just joking sorta…be a follower of Compassion!:) (i usually poetically repeat an important point in my writing..3 or more times: …