Friday, January 4, 2008

Happy New Year

It is the beginning of a new year, and it seems like a good time to take a look at any changes I could make to enhance my meditation practice. I think about things like technique, the duration of practice, the books that I read and these all do affect the quality of my quiet time. If I had to choose one thing to focus on, day in and day out, it would be the importance of experiencing the sacred more intently because this is where the magic is; so becoming still is the goal, one which has never changed and leads to being touched by the invisible energy and power of the healing presence.

Thursday, December 6, 2007

Metta and Meditation

The Pali word "metta" has multiple meanings, one of which is goodwill towards all people. The basic message of metta is communication of an attitude of highest integrity and love as opposed to the message of common relationships based on self-interest. In this season of Hanukkha and Christmas, we look within and hope to find a sense of deep regard for each other and for all of humanity.

Meditation lifts us above the baser emotions and transforms our attitudes so that it is possible for us to wish for only happiness for others. It helps us to rekindle a sense of metta; loving-kindness, concern, benevolence, and sensitivity towards others; it stirs us to be warm hearted and sympathetic and with practice we are lifted above social, religious, racial, political and economic barriers.

Shalom and Peace to all in this holy season.
Metta,
Rhonda

Sunday, December 2, 2007

Prescription medication problems

Have you noticed that the side effects of medication and the symptoms of your psychiatric or physical problem are the same? When you read the list of possible side effects and warnings for a particular drug, it is almost like a Saturday Night Live joke only it is not at all funny, it is your life. Is this the best that the pharmaceutical companies can do? Desperation is a vicious motivator but IF we were in our right mind, we would not accept the risks involved and it is a sad truth that we are taken advantage of by an insensitive and greedy system when we are in a very vulnerable state. New diseases are being created daily and the pharmaceutical companies are profiting at your expense. How many diseases are you diagnosed with today?