Today's DailyOM Offerings...
May 21, 2014
Meditations for Happiness
Rick Hanson
2011
"When you look back on your life, what do you remember, the 10,000 pleasures and accomplishments or the handful of losses and failures?" This is one of the key questions that counselor and healer Rick Hanson asks us in Meditations for Happiness, an indispensable three-disc meditation set (the perfect gift for the stressed-out relative or friend, or self). An excellent guide through these thorny issues, Hanson has a gently compassionate, nurturing voice that manages to make these points hit home without raising egoistic hackles. Learning to live in happiness can feel like an uphill battle as painful mistakes linger crystal-clear in our minds forever while all the good times just fade away into nothing. "It's as if we are predisposed to believe the worst about ourselves and doubt the best." Hanson's here to reverse that formula.
In addition to the numerous meditations, Hanson points out the three elements of unhappiness: self-criticism, resisting the way things are, and envy. He notes that "resisting reality makes us feel let down, at war with the world as it is; it's very painful and not necessary at all." We can work to change the way things are, but first we must accept that they are, in fact, that way. Meditation topics include: compassion ("self compassion has more benefits than self-esteem, it's more emotional"); the inner protector; taking refuge in what's reliable; learning to let go; taking inventory of the good things in your life; the big space of awareness; being for yourself; working through an upset; happiness as our natural state; and coming home to happiness.
Each meditation is rich in suggestion and detail, and Hanson notes we should take what feels right and leave the rest. The important thing is not becoming upset if something such as a repressed trauma is brought into light, triggering a painful response. Hanson says that "simply bringing it to mind and then finding basic goodwill for yourself in that situation, basic warmth and concern," will work wonders. With his deep awareness of the inner workings of our minds and his patience in helping us past our own inner demons and doubts, Rick Hanson's Meditations for Happiness works wonders too. Those 10,000 pleasures and accomplishments in our lives are just waiting to be remembered. Just let go of that handful of failures and press play.
May 21, 2014
Trust Yourself
Sagittarius Daily Horoscope
You might feel deceived today by the people in whom you have placed a great amount of trust. This could lead to a feeling of disappointment in others, which may make you wary of trusting people in your personal relationships. If this should be the case, perhaps today you can regain your trust in others by learning to trust yourself. You may want to find some quiet time to think deeply and honestly about the betrayal you feel. While you are with your feelings, allow the inner voice of your intuition to guide you on how to deal with the situation. You might sense that you have to be direct with this person and meet the situation head on, or maybe you feel that letting things unfold slowly could the best course of action.
Paying attention to our intuition helps us determine the right action to take to reestablish our sense of trust. When we have been hurt by the sting of another person’s lack of honesty, it can be easy to shy away from our feelings. We pass the situation off as something that was a one-time occurrence. By listening to our intuition, however, we become aware of what we should do-immediately talking the situation over or waiting and finding out that the other person meant us no harm and that everything was a misunderstanding. As you learn to trust yourself and deal with others honestly today, you will develop relationships that are built on a foundation of greater trust and understanding.
May 21, 2014
Evolving Commitment
Spirituality in the Workplace
by Madisyn Taylor
A career can coexist with the development of the soul when we approach each with balance and determination.
We do not need to deny our spiritual selves while focusing on being at the office, even though working while walking the path of ascension can be extremely challenging. Commitment to a career can coexist peacefully with commitment to the development of the soul when we approach each with balance and determination.
Careers can tend to take up a great deal of time you might otherwise devote to your own awakening, so make the most of the free hours at your disposal by using your breaks to walk in nature or write in your journal. If you schedule healings, bodywork, and other therapeutic activities on Friday, you give yourself the gift of an unhurried and restful weekend of rejuvenation. You can create a spiritually aware workspace by adorning your desk or office with sacred objects such as a Buddha or a candle that have meaning to you. If decoration is not permitted in your workplace, your supervisor may allow you to display a small item associated with your life path if you explain its significance. Your workplace may not always meet your best expectations, but living with imperfection can also be a wonderful spiritual exercise. Remember that you can strive for excellence in your own existence without asking your coworkers to exemplify perfection. They, too, are human beings doing all th! ey can to grow in spite of that humanity, and they can support you when your path becomes difficult.
In many companies, there is a spiritual reality tied in closely into the corporate culture. It is your choice whether you want to integrate the spirit of your workplace into your own divine practices or participate in this reality on a superficial level. However you proceed, realize that the spiritual values you hold dear need not be at odds with the energy of your place of employment. As an employee, your spiritual self is one of the diverse strengths you bring to the table. Simply by approaching projects, goals, and interpersonal relations in the workplace with intention, you can pursue individual fulfillment while also doing your part to gently promote a healthy and harmonious working environment.
Meditations for Happiness
Rick Hanson
2011
"When you look back on your life, what do you remember, the 10,000 pleasures and accomplishments or the handful of losses and failures?" This is one of the key questions that counselor and healer Rick Hanson asks us in Meditations for Happiness, an indispensable three-disc meditation set (the perfect gift for the stressed-out relative or friend, or self). An excellent guide through these thorny issues, Hanson has a gently compassionate, nurturing voice that manages to make these points hit home without raising egoistic hackles. Learning to live in happiness can feel like an uphill battle as painful mistakes linger crystal-clear in our minds forever while all the good times just fade away into nothing. "It's as if we are predisposed to believe the worst about ourselves and doubt the best." Hanson's here to reverse that formula.
In addition to the numerous meditations, Hanson points out the three elements of unhappiness: self-criticism, resisting the way things are, and envy. He notes that "resisting reality makes us feel let down, at war with the world as it is; it's very painful and not necessary at all." We can work to change the way things are, but first we must accept that they are, in fact, that way. Meditation topics include: compassion ("self compassion has more benefits than self-esteem, it's more emotional"); the inner protector; taking refuge in what's reliable; learning to let go; taking inventory of the good things in your life; the big space of awareness; being for yourself; working through an upset; happiness as our natural state; and coming home to happiness.
Each meditation is rich in suggestion and detail, and Hanson notes we should take what feels right and leave the rest. The important thing is not becoming upset if something such as a repressed trauma is brought into light, triggering a painful response. Hanson says that "simply bringing it to mind and then finding basic goodwill for yourself in that situation, basic warmth and concern," will work wonders. With his deep awareness of the inner workings of our minds and his patience in helping us past our own inner demons and doubts, Rick Hanson's Meditations for Happiness works wonders too. Those 10,000 pleasures and accomplishments in our lives are just waiting to be remembered. Just let go of that handful of failures and press play.
May 21, 2014
Trust Yourself
Sagittarius Daily Horoscope
You might feel deceived today by the people in whom you have placed a great amount of trust. This could lead to a feeling of disappointment in others, which may make you wary of trusting people in your personal relationships. If this should be the case, perhaps today you can regain your trust in others by learning to trust yourself. You may want to find some quiet time to think deeply and honestly about the betrayal you feel. While you are with your feelings, allow the inner voice of your intuition to guide you on how to deal with the situation. You might sense that you have to be direct with this person and meet the situation head on, or maybe you feel that letting things unfold slowly could the best course of action.
Paying attention to our intuition helps us determine the right action to take to reestablish our sense of trust. When we have been hurt by the sting of another person’s lack of honesty, it can be easy to shy away from our feelings. We pass the situation off as something that was a one-time occurrence. By listening to our intuition, however, we become aware of what we should do-immediately talking the situation over or waiting and finding out that the other person meant us no harm and that everything was a misunderstanding. As you learn to trust yourself and deal with others honestly today, you will develop relationships that are built on a foundation of greater trust and understanding.
May 21, 2014
Evolving Commitment
Spirituality in the Workplace
by Madisyn Taylor
A career can coexist with the development of the soul when we approach each with balance and determination.
We do not need to deny our spiritual selves while focusing on being at the office, even though working while walking the path of ascension can be extremely challenging. Commitment to a career can coexist peacefully with commitment to the development of the soul when we approach each with balance and determination.
Careers can tend to take up a great deal of time you might otherwise devote to your own awakening, so make the most of the free hours at your disposal by using your breaks to walk in nature or write in your journal. If you schedule healings, bodywork, and other therapeutic activities on Friday, you give yourself the gift of an unhurried and restful weekend of rejuvenation. You can create a spiritually aware workspace by adorning your desk or office with sacred objects such as a Buddha or a candle that have meaning to you. If decoration is not permitted in your workplace, your supervisor may allow you to display a small item associated with your life path if you explain its significance. Your workplace may not always meet your best expectations, but living with imperfection can also be a wonderful spiritual exercise. Remember that you can strive for excellence in your own existence without asking your coworkers to exemplify perfection. They, too, are human beings doing all th! ey can to grow in spite of that humanity, and they can support you when your path becomes difficult.
In many companies, there is a spiritual reality tied in closely into the corporate culture. It is your choice whether you want to integrate the spirit of your workplace into your own divine practices or participate in this reality on a superficial level. However you proceed, realize that the spiritual values you hold dear need not be at odds with the energy of your place of employment. As an employee, your spiritual self is one of the diverse strengths you bring to the table. Simply by approaching projects, goals, and interpersonal relations in the workplace with intention, you can pursue individual fulfillment while also doing your part to gently promote a healthy and harmonious working environment.