Recently I came across this wonderful African word - "tinogona." It simply means, it is achievable.
We do not have a similar word in English. It often amazes me, how in other cultures and languages there can be tens of words to designate unique qualities or aspects of emotions such as love or things like snow - but English is not really that kind of language - perhaps it is more precise than it is nuanced. Tinogona - it is achievable - is an incredibly hopeful word - at least to me. It seems to convey encouragement and positivity and the belief that anything can be possible. There is a certain solace and comfort to that. Take a moment to consider your greatest and seemingly most insurmountable challenges in this moment of your life. Close your eyes. Hone into the scene. Then imagine a different outcome from the one you have been playing out in your mind. See the situation resolved with ease and grace. And perhaps, a solution arises in your mind you could not have have envisioned otherwise. Or, consider the same scene or another experience or challenge. Perhaps something you would like to achieve or create. Focus on the perceived difficulties but imagine that they can be overcome. Simply say to yourself, "It is achievable." We can turn this simple word into a practice in our lives. It is both plain and powerful. I invite you to follow these suggestions or one of your own making and see if the challenge in question does not become achievable in some way. For more offerings and practices offered to you with love, visit: Offerings 4 U!
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One of the hardest things to do is to simply observe things. As they are. Without judgment.
Often, when we observe we are already imagining an outcome to our liking. Or we allow ourselves to get involved emotionally in the situation in question. Then we absorb everything going on in that situation, whether it pertains to us or not. Have you ever noticed how others are quick to give advice on social media? Someone recently posted on a thread I was following, that the ones who are often most prone to offer advice, especially to people they don't know, are the least equipped to do so. This morning, I had a person call me and unload her personal drama on me. I tried to be empathetic without involving myself in the drama, and merely listen. At the end I suggested that perhaps she and the other person involved were seeing things from very different perspectives. And perhaps the behavior that was being perceived as aggressive really stemmed from the other individual having a deep fear of losing a grip or control in several areas of her life.. I don't know if what I suggested was received. I don't know if it made a difference. And, it really doesn't matter. I don't have all the information or both sides of the story. I simply tried my best to observe, and not absorb and most especially not be drawn into the drama. Normally, I get emotionally tied up in other people's drama, but not today. I choose to listen. To observe. And not absorb. And then at the end, I let go of it all. At least for today. Tomorrow is another day. All I can do is observe. Not absorb. One day at a time. And try to make this a habit over time. For more on simple practices, visit: https://linktr.ee/meditationsimple Today's entry is very simple. It is summer in one part of the world and that invites us to live in greater simplicity. In another part of the world, it is going into winter, and that invites introspection and one to slow down as well. Either way, the season invites rest.
Are you too busy? Feeling overwhelmed? Then rest! Take time to: REST. REFLECT. AND REPLENISH. That is what I am doing right now. Last night I gave myself permission to let go of tasks and goals I had set out for the year. It felt instantly freeing. Instead, I thought to myself - "Let's just see where things go. Let me be open to whatever presents itself." So yes! Just: REST. REFLECT. AND REPLENISH. If you don't take time to rest, you can't reflect. And if you don't have time to reflect, you won't be able to figure out what you need to replenish - and make your life better, more peaceful, and joyous. It's really that simple. Try it! Want some tools to help you on your journey? Check out: GIFTS 4 U! Are you one of those persons always in motion? Always trying to get from point A to point B?
Have you spent most of your life acquiring things - degrees, trainings, certificates, collectibles? Is life always about "more this" or "more that?" Is it about traveling to every state or as many countries as you can? Or learning more languages? Or getting better at a game - a sport - or something? Are things always a means to an end? We spend a lot of our lives working towards something. But what I am coming to realize more and more as I get older is - that it's not about the destination. It's always about the journey. Now, looking back at my life, I am seeing more deeply that "less is more." If I could do some things again - I'd certainly acquire less. Now, I am consumed with establishing a more zen like life - with less material things - less striving - and less "to do" things on my list. But it's not easy. There is the continual matter of what to do with stuff. There is an overwhelming urge to simplify. It's the journey that matters. It's what shapes us and makes us who we really are. But here's the thing. It's never too late to change. Stop. Slow down. Simplify. Savor and enjoy the journey. Don't worry about getting anywhere! It's all about the ride! For more simple practices, visit: FREE Gifts 4 U! |
olga rodriguez RasmussenChanging the world! Archives
January 2024
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