#635 Investments - Bullish or Bearish or "Don't Want to Think About It"?

     How do we handle our life savings? Are we "bullish", actively trading stocks; "bearish", hiding cash in our freezer; or do we "not want to think about it", and hand over complete control to a financial adviser? It all depends on our overall understanding of economics, and specific interest & competence in managing personal finances.
     Similarly we may ask, how do we manage our life energy? Are we investing it consciously; holding most of it back; or do we not really want to think about it?
     Like money, our energy is a finite resource. Both can so quickly & easily be squandered. Only after they're gone do we truly appreciate them. 
     Intelligent, conscious, judicious use of our life energy is beautiful & rare - being accomplished in the art & science of living - living mindfully. Continuous intentional evolution of consciousness, repeatedly recognizing & letting go of thoughts, speech & actions that cause needless suffering, and recognizing & increasing thoughts, speech & actions brings about joy, peace, happiness.
     Direct, open heart-minded living, is a choice we can all make in each successive split second. Can we make it a life-long habit?

Stained Glass Window in Ireland

#631 Understanding

     "The most direct way to understand our life situation, who we are, and how our mind and body operate, is to observe with a mind that simply notices all events equally. This attitude of non-judgmental, direct observation allows all events to occur in a natural way. By keeping the attention in the present moment, we can see more and more clearly the true characteristics of our mind and body process. "

                 Jack Kornfield                                                  www.wisdomatwork.com

#543 What is Meditation?

     “Meditation opens the mind to the greatest mystery that takes place daily and hourly; it widens the heart so that it may feel the eternity of time and infinity of space in every throb; it gives us a life within the world as if we were moving about in paradise; and all these spiritual deeds take place without any refuge into a doctrine, but by the simple and direct holding fast to the truth which dwells in our innermost beings.”                                   Suzuki Roshi

       from: wisdomandcompassion.us

"Pax et Bonum" - Peace and Goodness (be with you) - Franciscan motto, Assisi, Italy