Musings about the Mind

I like the word, "mind." It can be a noun or a verb. As a noun it refers 1 third of your being, as in body, mind, and spirit. It often refers to the brain. But also the brain plus the processes that the brain initiates.

The verb mind is a synonym for pay attention to (something).

Do you mind?

What's on your mind?

If you don't mind, it doesn't matter.

A mind is a terrible thing to waste.

You're out of your mind!

Mind your manners!

Mindless chatter.

mind
mindful
mindfulness.

Mindfulness training in schools

I found this on the Facebook page for the Wellness Council of USF Medical College. It's about how mindfulness techniques, like yoga, can reduce the effects of trauma and stress!

Seems like there are several schools that are jumping on the band wagon. I wish Florida Public Schools would jump on!


http://www.forbes.com/sites/alicegwalton/2013/07/24/how-yoga-might-save-the-u-s-trillions-of-dollars-and-a-lot-of-lives/

Happy or Irresponsible?

Don't Worry, Be HAPPY!

These are words of advice from a song sung by Bobby McFerrin.

Do they encourage people to ignore problems and behave irresponsibly? Perhaps. But I think they express a profound philosophical truth. Worrying prevents you from being happy. Worry creates tension, and tension prevents happiness. You need some way to relax and take a vacation from stress and worry. Worrying is bad for you, physically, mentally, and emotionally.

The song also states that when you are in trouble, worry will make it double, essentially making the problem worse. We know worry doesn't help anything, and is likely to make you sick!

In the Bible, Jesus says No amount of worry will add years to your life.

In The Lion King, this problem-free philosophy is promulgated by Timon and Pumba, in the song Hakuna Matada.

All these experts agree that worry cannot help you, and in fact can hurt your health. So, don't worry. Be happy.

What ever happened to Common Sense?

I got this email message from a friend yesterday:

Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who has been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was, since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape. He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as: 

- Knowing when to come in out of the rain; 
- Why the early bird gets the worm; 
- Life isn't always fair; 
- And maybe it was my fault. 

Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don't spend more than you can earn) and reliable strategies (adults, not children, are in charge).

His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well-intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place. Reports of a 6-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his condition. 

Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the job that they themselves had failed to do in disciplining their unruly children. 

It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer sun lotion or an aspirin to a student; but could not inform parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion. 

Common Sense lost the will to live as the churches became businesses; and criminals received better treatment than their victims. 

Common Sense finally gave up the will to live, after a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot. She spilled a little in her lap, and was promptly awarded a huge settlement. 

Common Sense was preceded in death,
-by his parents, Truth and Trust,
-by his wife, Discretion,
-by his daughter, Responsibility,
-and by his son, Reason. 

He is survived by his 5 stepbrothers; 
- I Know My Rights 
- I Want It Now 
- Someone Else Is To Blame 
- I'm A Victim
- Pay me for Doing Nothing 

Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone. 

If you still remember him, pass this on. If not, join the majority and do nothing.

What is the Soul?

The luminous splendor of the colorless light of emptiness -- your own true self!

You are here to enable the Divine Purpose of the Universe to unfold.

Your get there by realizing that you are there already.  You find God the moment you realize you don't have SEEK God!


Just a few quotations for the book, The Power of Now, by Eckhart Tolle.