To my mind, the idea that doing dishes is unpleasant can occur only when you aren’t doing them. Once you are standing in front of the sink with your sleeves rolled up and your hands in the warm water, it is really quite pleasant. I enjoy taking my time with each dish, being fully aware of the dish, the water, and each movement of my hands. I know that if I hurry in order to eat dessert sooner, the time of washing dishes will be unpleasant and not worth living. That would be a pity, for each minute, each second of life is a miracle. The dishes themselves and that fact that I am here washing them are miracles! ~Thich Nhat Hanh
The moon is a loyal companion. It never leaves.
It’s always there, watching, steadfast, knowing us
in our light and dark moments, changing forever
just as we do. Every day it’s a different version of itself.
Sometimes weak and wan, sometimes strong and full of light.
The moon understands what it means to be human.
Uncertain. Alone. Cratered by imperfections.
~Tahereh Mafi
When you are joyful, when you say yes to life and have fun and project positivity all around you, you become a sun in the center of every constellation, and people want to be near you. ~Shannon L. Alder
"The various features and aspects of human life, such as longevity, good health, success, happiness, and so forth, which we consider desirable, are all dependent on kindness and a good heart."
~Dalai Lama
http://leelavadeeflower.blogspot.com/2014/10/there-is-no-religion-without-love.html
It is only with true love and compassion
that we can begin to mend what is broken
in the world. It is these two blessed things
that can begin to heal all broken hearts.
~Steve Maraboli
http://leelavadeeflower.blogspot.com/2014/10/to-mend-what-is-broken.html
"Do your little bit of good where you are; it's those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world." ~Desmond Tutu
The lotus is the most beautiful flower, whose petals open one by one. But it will only grow in the mud. In order to grow and gain wisdom, first you must have the mud — the obstacles of life and its suffering. … The mud speaks of the common ground that humans share, no matter what our stations in life. … Whether we have it all or we have nothing, we are all faced with the same obstacles: sadness, loss, illness, dying and death. If we are to strive as human beings to gain more wisdom, more kindness and more compassion, we must have the intention to grow as a lotus and open each petal one by one. ~Goldie Hawn
http://leelavadeeflower.blogspot.com/2014/10/where-you-are.html
Ellie-Mae, the French bulldog, spotted a perfect play-time opportunity when she found a wild deer in the back garden. They played for about 30 minutes.
We are not going to change the whole world, but we can change ourselves and feel free as birds. We can be serene even in the midst of calamities and, by our serenity, make others more tranquil. Serenity is contagious. If we smile at someone, he or she will smile back. And a smile costs nothing. We should plague everyone with joy. If we are to die in a minute, why not die happily, laughing?
― Swami Satchidananda