To be of support for others in need with all my heart and all I can if required; my spiritual practice even if in very hard times this might be difficult or insufficient; joyfully working together with kindred friends in one spirit.
I do not commit to anything that is of no value to me,
and I take the things I commit to
very seriously . . .
however,
sometimes I need a wake up call
or reminder
when my priorities slip or get shifted.
Sometimes I get caught
running down a rabbit hole,
and forget.
My mind can be a fickle thing,
but not my heart.
Coming to this place
guides me back,
as does a stern talking to . . .
sometimes it’s my lover’s touch upon my skin,
or looking into the center of a flower . . .
but I am always
drawn back to the moment
and re-dedicate myself to my callings,
which are all,
in the end,
just one . . .
to live and love joyfully
and enrich the earth
and the lives of those around me . . .
putting goodness out into the world
wherever I go. ♥
“…. sometimes it’s my lovers touch upon my skin, or looking into the center of a flower…” Reading this portion of your passage, reflecting upon it, they both do draw me to the moment, dear Sparrow.
I am committed to taking a daily walk and I seldom fail at that commitment. I am committed to being kind and owning my thoughts, feelings and actions. Some times this is very hard. I’m committed to coming to the gratefulness site each day but there are times when I don’t make it. This question reminds me of the Toltec Four Agreements which I attempt to live each day: I copied them from Don Miguel Ruiz’s book, “The Four Agreements.” I have found that when I live the first one, the other three automatically follow.
1. Be impeccable with your word: Speak with integrity; say only what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love.
2. Don’t take anything personally: Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won’t be the victim of needless suffering.
3. Don’t make assumptions: Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness and drama. With just this one agreement, you can completely transform your life.
4. Always do your best: Your best is going to change from moment to moment. It will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick. Under any circumstances, simply do your best and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse and regret.
I wanted to double check the definition of “value.” Online said ‘a person’s principles or standards of behavior.’ I value a number of things: a few include: my daily spiritual practices; speaking truth to disarray or chaos (in my life or others); personal and professional boundaries; and listening to Sophia for guidance. I too enjoyed Mary Oliver quote, a gifted artist.
Mary, great question, thanks for asking. Sophia is the Voice of Wisdom. References in Hebrew Scripture to Wisdom. Some may also say it’s the Holy Spirit. For others of us who use more inclusive words for God, (in Trinity form) it’s the feminine of the Divine. I hope that helps. Thanks.
I value my commitment to my husband.
That is probably my only formal commitment.
I am committed to my Mom, to being there for her for the rest of her life.
I am committed to taking care of my cats for their lives.
I am committed to taking care of myself, body, heart and spirit.
I am committed to doing good, and doing what I can
to make this world a better place for myself and for others.
I am committed to learning and growing
and finding joy and peace within myself.
I value all that I am committed to.
I value my commitment to my husband and the love and vows we share.
My commitment to my beliefs and the pursuit of spiritual growth.
My commitment to my yoga practice, which is related to the previous, and the gift I plan to give by sharing it with others.
My commitment to my family – loving and staying in touch with them.
And my commitment to taking care of this vessel I’ve been given to live in while here on this earth.
My commitment to my values is right up there on the list.
My commitment to my husband and not taking our love and marriage for granted.
My commitment to my daughters, to love them and be there for them.
My commitment to care for my friends and invest time and attention to friendship.
My commitment to care for my health, hoping to live a long and reasonably energized life.
My commitment to working at being a good leader for my team, which grew so rapidly and gives me opportunities to think about how I lead.
Yram, we live with humans. Nature is irreplaceable. Giving care requires being able to receive it from many different angles. One cannot give from an empty cup. I’m still working on the receiving part. Fortunately, as I’ve talked about before concerning my rebellion days, that’s been squashed. I learned that line from former Minnesota Timberwolves star, Karl-Anthony Towns, concerning his beef with former head coach, Tom Thibodeau, where both men have reunited in New York with the Knicks. “That beef been squashed.”
Thank you Mary Oliver for the word of the day, “amazement.” I, too, value amazement, along with enthusiasm (which means possessed by God). I get excited about as much as possible. I’m committed to amazement and enthusiasm because they make the mundane magical. This ties in to my commitment to my spiritual path. Some days, for various reasons, it can be challenging to find motivation. When this tamasic energy sneaks in and I’d rather roll over or watch TV, the way I pull out of it is usually the practices of gratefulness which gives me enthusiasm for whatever the daily question asks and for this community. I harness that boost to make my way to mantra and meditation. Everyday is everyday, I’m committed to living life from joy.
Like washing the dishes for me Avril. Once my hands feel the warm soapy water, being grateful that I have the ability to stay in the moment and appreciate the cleaned dishes, ready to prepare and enjoy the next meal with. Thank you.
You have inspired me Avril. I want to integrate what you have said into my thinking.
“I am committed to amazement and enthusiasm.”
Amazement and enthusiasm are just what I need in my life.
And joy!
To live life from joy!
Yes!
I too,
thank Mary Oliver for her life,
every time I see a quote from her,
or one of her poems.
What a beautiful, grounded reflection,
dear Avril . . .
Like you,
I struggle with tamasic energy,
as it tries to interfere with my commitments,
and I find your words encouraging. ♥
This brought back a memory. When I was teaching we had a male teacher who loved opera. Everyday after the students left he would loudly put on the music from an opera. La Boheme was often played. I am not a fan but it was a way to decompress after a day of teaching.
The health of the soil. The health of the water. The health of animals under my care. Being a conscious participant in my carbon footprint. The health of my form by not drinking the poison I used to imbibe in so copiously. May all encounter some peace. love and joy today.
Letting go of the false self that doesn’t exist to become 💯 True . My comment is to Truth and trusting the universe method to go to Truth while I’m alive.
Like Mary Oliver I’m so amazed by the fact that we have Truth here and now !
Thank you so much . ☺️ https://onlinemeditationevents.com/locations/
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To be of support for others in need with all my heart and all I can if required; my spiritual practice even if in very hard times this might be difficult or insufficient; joyfully working together with kindred friends in one spirit.
Commitment to my family and friends
Commitment to my faith
Commitment to my employer
Commitment to living a life of gratefulness, kindness and peace
I do not commit to anything that is of no value to me,
and I take the things I commit to
very seriously . . .
however,
sometimes I need a wake up call
or reminder
when my priorities slip or get shifted.
Sometimes I get caught
running down a rabbit hole,
and forget.
My mind can be a fickle thing,
but not my heart.
Coming to this place
guides me back,
as does a stern talking to . . .
sometimes it’s my lover’s touch upon my skin,
or looking into the center of a flower . . .
but I am always
drawn back to the moment
and re-dedicate myself to my callings,
which are all,
in the end,
just one . . .
to live and love joyfully
and enrich the earth
and the lives of those around me . . .
putting goodness out into the world
wherever I go. ♥
Amen to your calling.
Like I said,
dear Avril,
sometimes I need reminders . . .
that is why I come here,
because of people like you. ♥
“…. sometimes it’s my lovers touch upon my skin, or looking into the center of a flower…” Reading this portion of your passage, reflecting upon it, they both do draw me to the moment, dear Sparrow.
There are things like that in the world,
dear Joseph,
that speak to us
at a deeper level then words,
don’t you think? ♥
I am committed to taking a daily walk and I seldom fail at that commitment. I am committed to being kind and owning my thoughts, feelings and actions. Some times this is very hard. I’m committed to coming to the gratefulness site each day but there are times when I don’t make it. This question reminds me of the Toltec Four Agreements which I attempt to live each day: I copied them from Don Miguel Ruiz’s book, “The Four Agreements.” I have found that when I live the first one, the other three automatically follow.
1. Be impeccable with your word: Speak with integrity; say only what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love.
2. Don’t take anything personally: Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won’t be the victim of needless suffering.
3. Don’t make assumptions: Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness and drama. With just this one agreement, you can completely transform your life.
4. Always do your best: Your best is going to change from moment to moment. It will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick. Under any circumstances, simply do your best and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse and regret.
I’m recovering from a cold and I needed number 4.
Thank you for referencing these again – I also have the book and this is a nice reminder from time to time.
I just happen to have this book,
dear Carol,
right next to me
on my desk. 🙂
I wanted to double check the definition of “value.” Online said ‘a person’s principles or standards of behavior.’ I value a number of things: a few include: my daily spiritual practices; speaking truth to disarray or chaos (in my life or others); personal and professional boundaries; and listening to Sophia for guidance. I too enjoyed Mary Oliver quote, a gifted artist.
Mary, great question, thanks for asking. Sophia is the Voice of Wisdom. References in Hebrew Scripture to Wisdom. Some may also say it’s the Holy Spirit. For others of us who use more inclusive words for God, (in Trinity form) it’s the feminine of the Divine. I hope that helps. Thanks.
Who is Sophia?
I think I know, but want to check on this
I value my commitment to my husband.
That is probably my only formal commitment.
I am committed to my Mom, to being there for her for the rest of her life.
I am committed to taking care of my cats for their lives.
I am committed to taking care of myself, body, heart and spirit.
I am committed to doing good, and doing what I can
to make this world a better place for myself and for others.
I am committed to learning and growing
and finding joy and peace within myself.
I value all that I am committed to.
I value my commitment to my husband and the love and vows we share.
My commitment to my beliefs and the pursuit of spiritual growth.
My commitment to my yoga practice, which is related to the previous, and the gift I plan to give by sharing it with others.
My commitment to my family – loving and staying in touch with them.
And my commitment to taking care of this vessel I’ve been given to live in while here on this earth.
Sunnypatti— I teach yoga. Are you planning to teach, too?
Beautiful
My commitment to gratefulness practice and sharing here. To showing up. To allowing myself to feel. To moving my body.
My commitment to gratefulness!
Of course.
Thank you for the reminder, Drea!
My commitment to my values is right up there on the list.
My commitment to my husband and not taking our love and marriage for granted.
My commitment to my daughters, to love them and be there for them.
My commitment to care for my friends and invest time and attention to friendship.
My commitment to care for my health, hoping to live a long and reasonably energized life.
My commitment to working at being a good leader for my team, which grew so rapidly and gives me opportunities to think about how I lead.
I love that you mentioned working on love. It is organic AND it needs tending.
I am committed to living a good life of giving and receiving. I am committed to strong healthy relationships to humans, nature, and spiritual matters.
Yes,
dear Yram . . .
it is as important to receive graciously
as it is to give graciously.
Thank you for bringing it here. ♥
Yram, we live with humans. Nature is irreplaceable. Giving care requires being able to receive it from many different angles. One cannot give from an empty cup. I’m still working on the receiving part. Fortunately, as I’ve talked about before concerning my rebellion days, that’s been squashed. I learned that line from former Minnesota Timberwolves star, Karl-Anthony Towns, concerning his beef with former head coach, Tom Thibodeau, where both men have reunited in New York with the Knicks. “That beef been squashed.”
No wonder “smash” burgers are so popular Loc!
Joseph, I heard of that fastfood restaurant since 2010.
Thank you Mary Oliver for the word of the day, “amazement.” I, too, value amazement, along with enthusiasm (which means possessed by God). I get excited about as much as possible. I’m committed to amazement and enthusiasm because they make the mundane magical. This ties in to my commitment to my spiritual path. Some days, for various reasons, it can be challenging to find motivation. When this tamasic energy sneaks in and I’d rather roll over or watch TV, the way I pull out of it is usually the practices of gratefulness which gives me enthusiasm for whatever the daily question asks and for this community. I harness that boost to make my way to mantra and meditation. Everyday is everyday, I’m committed to living life from joy.
Like washing the dishes for me Avril. Once my hands feel the warm soapy water, being grateful that I have the ability to stay in the moment and appreciate the cleaned dishes, ready to prepare and enjoy the next meal with. Thank you.
Thank you Joseph
Avril, Thank you for your words and your enthusiasm. It is contagious!
It takes one to know one Carol
I agree,
dear Carol! ♥
You have inspired me Avril. I want to integrate what you have said into my thinking.
“I am committed to amazement and enthusiasm.”
Amazement and enthusiasm are just what I need in my life.
And joy!
To live life from joy!
Yes!
Thanks Mary— we are in this community to bring joy to each other. You bring me awe, too!
I too,
thank Mary Oliver for her life,
every time I see a quote from her,
or one of her poems.
What a beautiful, grounded reflection,
dear Avril . . .
Like you,
I struggle with tamasic energy,
as it tries to interfere with my commitments,
and I find your words encouraging. ♥
It’s so heavy, lol.
I understand that commitments can change … what I value is honesty.
Have a relaxing Sunday everyone. I am going to my very first Opera this afternoon .. seeing La Bohème with my dad 🙂
How neat, Enjoy!
This brought back a memory. When I was teaching we had a male teacher who loved opera. Everyday after the students left he would loudly put on the music from an opera. La Boheme was often played. I am not a fan but it was a way to decompress after a day of teaching.
🙂
Trust goes a long ways, Michele.
Enjoy Michele!
Believe in God and be meaningful to people who need help. May all of you have a happy Sunday with your loved ones.
My Ngoc. We share both of these values. Helping others is the best buzz, and god is undefeated.
The health of the soil. The health of the water. The health of animals under my care. Being a conscious participant in my carbon footprint. The health of my form by not drinking the poison I used to imbibe in so copiously. May all encounter some peace. love and joy today.
You are a good steward of your land,
dear Joseph,
and I read in your words every day
your love of it.
Beautiful commitments.
Letting go of the false self that doesn’t exist to become 💯 True . My comment is to Truth and trusting the universe method to go to Truth while I’m alive.
Like Mary Oliver I’m so amazed by the fact that we have Truth here and now !
Thank you so much . ☺️
https://onlinemeditationevents.com/locations/