I have subscribed to this InnerNet Weekly newsletter I don't know how many years ago, really rarely there is a post that does not touch me and I forward them all to friends, almost weekly :) 
The people at iJourney.org always share really deep and lovely messages. 
This one in particular is something that talks to me... 
Read and see for yourself. 
Happiness comes from within ♥

Make Your Life Into a Giving

--by Jaggi Vasudeva (Dec 27, 2011)

Listen To Reading!

Make your life into a giving. When I say a giving, it is not to be understood as an act. Giving as an act is a deception because, after all, what can you give? Everything that we have, including this body, we have taken from this planet. What we can give is only a paltry part of what we have taken. Giving as an act could be very deceptive and could turn ugly, but if your way of being is giving and your actions are only a manifestation of that, when you open your heart to give, grace invariably seeps in. That is inevitable.

It has been my fortune and privilege that at a very early age, I became witness to a certain state of giving -- my great grandmother who lived to be 113 years of age.  In the morning, if she was given breakfast, she would always go about giving away at least two-thirds of it to the ants, birds and squirrels, particularly to the ants.  People would say, ‘She is throwing all her food around, this old woman will die without eating,' but they all died while she lived.  There were many days where I saw her with a little bit of breakfast that was left on her plate. She would simply sit there, watching the ants eat. Tears would be streaking down her cheeks and when somebody asked, ‘Won't you eat?’ she would say, ‘I'm full. I'm already full.’ It was many years later that I realized her way of transacting with the world. If the ants ate, she was being nourished. A logical mind would never understand this, but it was this nourishment which gave her an extraordinary longevity.

Each of us can also make every act and every breath into a process of giving – seeing how we can contribute to everything around us, no matter what we are doing.  In just 24 hours, we will be so rich that the experience of life, the beauty of life, will set a glow on our face because that is the only way life functions.  The whole process of life is a giving. It is a transaction. In every giving there is a taking. We are taking more than we are giving, but in your mind, just ignore the taking. You just keep giving because you do not have to take; it will be pushed into you.

There was a man who cleared one hundred acres of forest and made it into farmland. His two sons helped him and they became prosperous. When the man was dying, he called his two sons and told them that the land should never be divided, but the produce should be taken equally, fifty percent, by each son.

Accordingly, they went by their father’s word. One of the brothers got married and had five children. The other one never got married. Life went on and they each took fifty percent. One day, a thought entered the mind of the brother who had a wife and five children: "I'm getting fifty percent; my brother is also getting fifty percent. But I have a wife and five children while my brother has nobody. When he gets old, who will take care of him? He should have a little more than me because I have the wealth of my children. But he is too proud; he will not take it from me." So in the dark of the night, he carried a bagful of grain quietly and walked into his brother’s store, dropped this bag and walked back. Whenever he could, he went on doing this.

The same thought also entered his brother's mind. He thought, "I am alone, my brother has five children to feed and I am getting fifty percent, but if I give him extra, he will not take it." So he started doing the same thing at night. This went on for many years and both of them never noticed. One night, both of the brothers carrying sacks of grains in secrecy walked towards each other's storehouse and came face to face. Suddenly, they realized what was happening. 

--Jaggi Vasudeva
(http://www.ijourney.org/?tid=782)

Watch: This is Because We Must

This is one awesome video that was posted to the FB page Peace Activism - thanks Jeff!
It is really inspiring and does belong here! See for yourselves:

Video: This is Because We Must (vimeo)

ANIMAL * EARTH * HUMAN 

Because We Must is founded on the idea that all forms of oppression and, in turn, the struggles against them, are intimately connected. The subjugation of the earth, it’s non-human animal inhabitants, and the people that are not members of the wealthy white male elite are not unrelated phenomena. Each of these, among the many other injustices that must be confronted, is a product of the white supremacist, patriarchal, capitalist culture that dominates the planet. If we intend to mount a serious attempt at confronting, undermining, and overcoming the forces of oppression, we should understand that though there are many battles to fight and many more ways to fight them, we will always face the same essential enemy.

In order to promote this awareness and move forward, Because We Must strives to be a source for informational media that illuminates both the diversity and interconnectedness of struggles against oppression. Rather than pushing a monolithic set of beliefs and expecting others to tow the party line, we intend to present a wide range of radical viewpoints on the urgent issues that we face today and, in doing so, encourage every person to find the ways that their passionate opposition to injustice can be translated into effective action against it.

http://www.becausewemust.org 

Ugly the Tomcat

remember them, now in the "holiday mood" where we only think of pleasing our beloved one...
take a moment to remember those, who suffer. and think if you can help one of them maybe in some way or the other. and if you only go and volunteer at your local shelter for a day in a month... ♥

This is the story of Ugly the Tomcat

Everyone in the apartment complex I lived in knew who Ugly was. Ugly was the resident tomcat. Ugly loved three things in this world fighting, eating garbage, and shall we say, love.

The combination of these things combined with a life spent outside had their effect on Ugly. To start with, he had only one eye, and where the other should have been was a gaping hole. He was also missing his ear on the same side, his left foot has appeared to have been badly broken at one time, and had healed at an unnatural angle, making him look like he was always turning the corner.

His tail has long age been lost, leaving only the smallest stub, which he would constantly jerk and twitch. Ugly would have been a dark gray tabby striped-type, except for the sores covering his head, neck, and even his shoulders with thick, yellowing scabs. Every time someone saw Ugly there was the same reaction.

That's one UGLY cat!!

All the children were warned not to touch him, the adults threw rocks at him, hosed him down, squirted him when he tried to come in their homes, or shut his paws in the door when he would not leave. Ugly always had the same 
reaction. If you turned the hose on him, he would stand there, getting soaked until you gave up and quit. If you threw things at him, he would curl his lanky body around feet in forgiveness.

Whenever he spied children, he would come running meowing frantically and bump his head against their hands, begging for their love. If ever someone picked him up he would immediately begin suckling on your shirt, earrings, whatever he could find.

One day Ugly shared his love with the neighbor’s huskies. They did not respond kindly, and Ugly was badly mauled. From my apartment I could hear his screams, and I tried to rush to his aid. By the time I got to where he was laying, it was apparent Ugly's sad life was almost at an end.

Ugly lay in a wet circle, his back legs and lower back twisted grossly out of shape, a gaping tear in the white strip of fur that ran down his front. As I picked him up and tried to carry him home I could hear him wheezing and 
gasping, and could feel him struggling. I must be hurting him terribly I thought. Then I felt a familiar tugging, sucking sensation on my ear.

Ugly, in so much pain, suffering and obviously dying was trying to suckle my ear. I pulled him closer to me, and he bumped the palm of my hand with his head, then he turned his one golden eye towards me, and I could hear the distinct sound of purring. Even in the greatest pain, that ugly battled scarred cat was asking only for a little affection, perhaps some compassion.

At that moment I thought Ugly was the most beautiful, loving creature I had ever seen. Never once did he try to bite or scratch me, or even try to get away from me, or struggle in any way. Ugly just looked up at me completely trusting in me to relieve his pain.

Ugly died in my arms before I could get inside, but I sat and held him for a long time afterwards, thinking about how one scarred, deformed little stray could so alter my opinion about what it means to have true pureness of spirit, to love so totally and truly. Ugly taught me more about giving and compassion than a thousand books, lectures, or talk show specials ever could, and for that I will always be thankful. He had been scarred on the outside, but I was scarred on the inside, and it was time for me to move on and learn to love truly and deeply.

To give my total to those I cared for. Many people want to be richer, more successful, well liked, beautiful, but for me, I will always try to be Ugly.

I feel...

This is one very interesting video presenting two sensitive kids, born as empaths. They see and feel the world differently, with other eyes then we use to see it. They see colors, auras, talk to animals, read thoughts, foresee events.

We have often heard about such people, here you can meet two of them. This video shows, how naturally these two children live with their gift. And I personally wonder, how will they grow up and live their lives in this world.

The video is only available on Vimeo, 
so click here to watch I feel... :)

Jasmijn is a seven year old girl, who loves hugging trees and having conversations with animals. Anything she touches seems to breathe a sense of aliveness. Robert is ten years old, and the only place where he feels at ease is in nature. He climbs trees as high as he can escaping the everyday reality that is not always easy.

I feel… is about children who experience their environment differently compared to most of us. They travel their own way against the mainstream and dare to see the world with a pureness of vision over and over again.

Video: She's Alive... Beautiful... Finite... Hurting... Worth Dying for...

If this video won't send shivers down your spine, I think you are doomed ;) 
It shows the amazing beauty of this planet, her amazing inhabitants, human and non-human, nature, and ultimately what we do to all this. And gives credit to those activists that were ready to die in order to defend Earth, nature and animals. 


I am not sure if we really destroy Mother Earth, I think she will survive us. She just has to get rid of the parasites and will heal. The question is, do we want to survive? If so, it is time to take action and start change. With ourselves and our surrounding. 


Serj Tankian says it very well: "We've fallen asleep as people as animals on this planet. We are here to nurture our planet. We are here to help guard this f*** place, not destroy it for gods' sakes! I am sick and tired of unequal globalism. I am sick and tired of fascism. I am sick and tired of this type of people."


This amazing and beautiful video below is a non-commercial attempt to highlight the fact that world leaders, irresponsible corporates and mindless 'consumers' are combining to destroy life on earth. It is dedicated to all who died fighting for the planet and those whose lives are on the line today. The cut was put together by Vivek Chauhan, a young film maker, together with naturalists working with the Sanctuary Asia network (www.sanctuaryasia.com). 

♥ I just love Julia Butterfly Hill ♥

♥ I just love Julia Butterfly Hill ♥

For 738 days forest activist Julia Butterfly Hill lived 180 feet high in the canopy of an ancient redwood tree to help make the world aware of the plight of ancient forests. Julia, with great help from steelworkers and environmentalists, successfully negotiated to permanently protect the tree and a nearly three-acre buffer zone. She came down to a world that recognized her as a heroine and powerful voice for the environment.

Julia's occupation of the over 1000-year-old tree known as Luna is only a part of the fifteen-year struggle to save Headwaters Forest and the 3% of the ancient redwood ecosystem that remains. Luna's hillside is where a massive 'debris torrent' originated that destroyed seven homes in Stafford, California. Seeing the mudslide scar from Julia's treetop perspective was a daily reminder that the health of our forests and watersheds directly affects our lives.

Luna stands as a beacon of hope, showing that individuals and communities can speak out against corporate irresponsibility. Luna reminds us to stand up for our own survival and for the future of our shared planet.

On her website she invites us to be the change, to become active. Read for yourself: 

"Believe in your Dreams and your Power to change the world. Play BIG. Play full out. Don’t let fear Stop you. Trust your intuition. Be as BIG as you can be and at the same time remain humble.

We are made up of the same material as stars and the same material as dirt. Be willing to give your life over to something greater than yourself, and see just how great your life can become! Choose to live life as an exploration. Choose to be a truth seeker, instead of a truth know it all. Make a commitment to remain more committed to being connected than to being right. Laugh a lot – especially at yourself. Stop and smell the flowers.

Enjoy the absolute magic of this gift called life – the miracle of every breath. Become a joyous vegan – our forks are weapons of mass destruction or tools of mass compassion depending on the choices we make.

Remember to CELEBRATE! Even if it is celebrating the miracle that you chose to wake up another day and have the courage to keep caring in a time that it would be a lot less painful to choose not to care. Look for the miracles in the Small things like a blade of grass pushing through the concrete. Celebrate it! Cry when you need to. And don’t apologize for it, Never apologize for having the courage to care. Build community in everything you do and look for ways to always extend the concepts of what community looks like.

Dance, Sing, make art, be creative. And look for ways to enjoy this profound miracle called life as we know it. You are the ancestor of the future. Start living that way."

Visit Julia Butterfly Hill's Website

Watch: Charlie Chaplin: The Greatest Speech Ever Made

Final Speech from The Great Dictator:

…

I’m sorry, but I don’t want to be an emperor. That’s not my business: I don’t want to rule or conquer anyone. I should like to help everyone if possible: Jew, gentile, black man, white. We all want to help one another; human beings are like that. We want to live by each other’s happiness, not by each other’s misery. We don’t want to hate and despise one another. In this world there’s room for everyone, and the good Earth is rich and can provide for everyone. The way of life can be free and beautiful.

But we have lost the way. Greed has poisoned men’s souls, has barricaded the world with hate, has goose-stepped us into misery and bloodshed.

We have developed speed, but we have shut ourselves in. Machinery that gives abundance has left us in want. Our knowledge has made us cynical, our cleverness, hard and unkind. We think too much and feel too little. More than machinery we need humanity. More than cleverness we need kindness and gentleness. Without these qualities, life will be violent and all will be lost.

The aeroplane and the radio have brought us closer together. The very nature of these inventions cries out for the goodness in men, cries out for universal brotherhood, for the unity of us all. Even now my voice is reaching millions throughout the world, millions of despairing men, women and little children, victims of a system that makes men torture and imprison innocent people. To those who can hear me I say, “Do not despair.”

The misery that is now upon us is but the passing of greed, the bitterness of men who fear the way of human progress. The hate of men will pass, and dictators die. And the power they took from the people will return to the people, and so long as men die, liberty will never perish.

Soldiers, don’t give yourselves to brutes, men who despise you, enslave you; who regiment your lives, tell you what to do, what to think and what to feel; who drill you, diet you, treat you like cattle, use you as cannon fodder.

Don’t give yourselves to these unnatural men, machine men, with machine minds and machine hearts. You are not machines. You are not cattle. You are men. You have the love of humanity in your hearts. You don’t hate. Only the unloved hate. The unloved and the unnatural. Soldiers, don’t fight for slavery. Fight for liberty.

In the 17th chapter of St Luke it is written, “The kingdom of God is within man.” Not one man, nor a group of men, but in all men. In you.

You the people have the power: the power to create machines, the power to create happiness. You the people have the power to make this life free and beautiful, to make this life a wonderful adventure. Then in the name of democracy let us use that power: Let us all unite. Let us fight for a new world, a decent world that will give men a chance to work, that will give you the future and old age and security. By the promise of these things, brutes have risen to power. But they lie. They do not fulfill their promise. They never will. Dictators free themselves but they enslave the people. Now let us fight to fulfill that promise. Let us fight to free the world, to do away with national barriers, to do away with greed, with hate and intolerance. Let us fight for a world of reason, a world where science and progress will lead to all men’s happiness.

Soldiers, in the name of democracy, let us all unite!

Watch Nickelback's rare video to "When We Stand Together"

Nickelback brought out a powerful video with this song, but interestingly the clip was soon replaced by a milder version... 

I uploaded the original version to Youtube and Vimeo and got of course blocked on Youtube. In case you cannot view the YT link, try the Vimeo and let me know, if Vimeo is down too please ;) 

Thank you! 

Peace!

http://vimeo.com/32673749

Or YouTube:

Lyrics Nickelback "When We Stand Together"

One more depending on a prayer And we all look awayPeople pretending everywhereIt's just another day
There's bullets flying through the airAnd they still carry onWe watch it happen over thereAnd then just turn it off
We must stand togetherThere's no giving inHand in hand foreverThat's when we all winThat's, that's, that's when we all winThat's, that's, that's when we all win
They tell us everything's alrightAnd we just go alongHow can we fall asleep at nightWhen something's clearly wrong
When we could feed a starving worldWith what we throw awayBut all we serve are empty wordsThat always taste the same

We must stand togetherThere's no giving inHand in hand foreverThat's when we all winThat's, that's, that's when we all winThat's, that's, that's when we all win

The right thing to guide usIs right here inside usNo one can divide usWhen the Light is nearly onBut just like a heartbeatThe drumbeat carries on…
And the drumbeat carries on…
We must stand togetherThere's no giving inHand in hand foreverThat's when we all winThat's, that's, that's when we all winThat's, that's, that's when we all win
Lyrics copied from: http://www.metrolyrics.com/when-we-stand-together-lyrics-nickelback.html 

Empaths

Empathy is the ability to read and understand people and be in-tune with or resonate with others, voluntarily or involuntarily of one's empath capacity. Empaths have the ability to scan another's psyche for thoughts and feelings or for past, present, and future life occurrences. Many empaths are unaware of how this actually works, and have long accepted that they were sensitive to others. Empaths Sense Deep Emotions Empathy is a feeling of another's true emotions to a point where an empath can relate to that person by sensing true feelings that run deeper than those portrayed on the surface. People commonly put on a show of expression. This is a learned trait of hiding authentic expression in an increasingly demanding society. An empath can sense the truth behind the cover and will act compassionately to help that person express him/herself, thus making them feel at ease and not so desperately alone. Empaths experience empathy towards family, children, friends, close associates, complete strangers, pets, plants and inanimate objects. Empathy is not held by time or space. Thus, an empath can feel the emotions of people and things at a distance. Some are empathic towards animals (i.e.: The Horse Whisperer), to nature, to the planetary system, to mechanical devices or to buildings etc. Others will have a combination of the above. Empaths Have Deep Sense of Knowing Empaths are highly sensitive. This is the term commonly used in describing one's abilities (sensitivity) to another's emotions and feelings. Empaths have a deep sense of knowing that accompanies empathy and are often compassionate, considerate, and understanding of others. There are also varying levels of strength in empaths which may be related to the individualís awareness of self, understanding of the powers of empathy, and/or the acceptance or non-acceptance of empathy by those associated with them, including family and peers. Generally, those who are empathic grow up with these tendencies and do not learn about them until later in life. Empathy is Inherited Empathy is genetic, inherent in our DNA, and passed from generation to generation. It is studied both by traditional science and alternative healing practitioners. Empathy has both biological/genetic and spiritual aspects. Empaths often possess the ability to sense others on many different levels. From their position in observing what another is saying, feeling and thinking, they come to understand another. They can become very proficient at reading another personís body language and/or study intently the eye movements. While this in itself is not empathy, it is a side-shoot that comes from being observant of others. In a sense, empaths have a complete communication package. How Empathy Works While there is much we don't yet understand about how empathy works, we do have some information. Everything has an energetic vibration or frequency and an empath is able to sense these vibrations and recognize even the subtlest changes undetectable to the naked eye or the five senses. Words of expression hold an energetic pattern that originates from the speaker. They have a specific meaning particular to the speaker. Behind that expression is a power or force-field, better known as energy. For example, hate often brings about an intense feeling that immediately accompanies the word. The word hate becomes strengthened with the speaker's feeling. It is that person's feelings (energy) that are picked up by empaths, whether the words are spoken, thought or just felt without verbal or bodily expression. Empaths are often poets in motion. They are the born writers, singers, and artists with a high degree of creativity and imagination. They are known for many talents as their interests are varied, broad and continual, loving, loyal and humorous. They often have interests in many cultures and view them with a broad-minded perspective. They are mother, father, child, friend, nurse, caregiver, teacher, doctor, sales people... To psychic, clairvoyant, healer, etc. (That is not to say that any of these categories are all empaths.) The list is extensive and really unimportant. It is more important to notice that empaths are everywhere--in every culture and throughout the world. Empaths Are Good Listeners Empaths are often very affectionate in personality and expression, great listeners and counselors (and not just in the professional area). They will find themselves helping others and often putting their own needs aside to do so. In the same breath, they can be much the opposite. They may be quiet, withdrawn from the outside world, loners, depressed, neurotic, life's daydreamers, or even narcissistic. They are most often passionate towards nature and respect its bountiful beauty. One will often find empaths enjoying the outdoors, beaches, walking, etc. Empaths may find themselves continually drawn to nature as a form of release. It is the opportune place to recapture their senses and gain a sense of peace in the hectic lives they may live. The time to get away from it all and unwind with nature becomes essential to the empath. Animals are often dear to the heart of empaths, not as a power object, but as a natural love. It is not uncommon for empaths to have more than one pet in their homes. Traits of an Empath Empaths are often quiet and can take a while to handle a compliment for they're more inclined to point out another's positive attributes. They are highly expressive in all areas of emotional connection, and talk openly, and, at times, quite frankly in respect to themselves. They may have few problems talking about their feelings. However, they can be the exact opposite: reclusive and apparently unresponsive at the best of times. They may even appear ignorant. Some are very good at blocking out others and that's not always a bad thing, at least for the learning empath struggling with a barrage of emotions from others, as well as their own feelings. Empaths have a tendency to openly feel what is outside of them more so than what is inside of them. This can cause empaths to ignore their own needs. In general an empath is non-violent, non-aggressive and leans more towards being the peacemaker. Any area filled with disharmony creates an uncomfortable feeling in an empath. If they find themselves in the middle of a confrontation, they will endeavor to settle the situation as quickly as possible, if not avoid it all together. If any harsh words are expressed in defending themselves, they will likely resent their lack of self-control, and have a preference to peacefully resolve the problem quickly. Empaths are sensitive to TV, videos, movies, news and broadcasts. Violence or emotional dramas depicting shocking scenes of physical or emotional pain inflicted on adults, children or animals can bring an empath easily to tears. At times, they may feel physically ill or choke back the tears. Some empaths will struggle to comprehend any such cruelty, and will have grave difficulty in expressing themselves in the face of another's ignorance, closed-mindedness and obvious lack of compassion. They simply cannot justify the suffering they feel and see. People of all walks of life and animals are attracted to the warmth and genuine compassion of empaths. Regardless of whether others are aware of one being empathic, people are drawn to them as a metal object is to a magnet! They are like beacons of light. Even complete strangers find it easy to talk to empaths about the most personal things, and before they know it, they have poured out their hearts and souls without intending to do so consciously. It is as though on a sub-conscious level that person knows instinctively that empaths would listen with compassionate understanding. Here are the listeners of life. Empaths are often problem solvers, thinkers, and studiers of many things. As far as empaths are concerned, where a problem is, so too is the answer. They often will search until they find one--if only for peace of mind. Written by Christel Broederlow Copyright (c) 2002 Christel Broederlow Shortened Version from The Empath Report 101 About this contributor: Christel Broederlow is a natural born empath and author of numerous articles about empathy through personal experience and continual research. Her Web site, The Empath Report, previously hosted at Geocities is no longer active.

The most beautiful people we have known are those 

who have known defeat, 

known suffering, 

known struggle, 

known loss, 

and have found a way out of the depths. 

These persons have an appreciation, 

a sensitivity, 

and an understanding 

of life that fills them with compassion, 

gentleness and a deep loving concern. 

Beautiful people do not just happen. 

~ Elizabeth Kubler Ros

 

"I Am Pagan" by Spiral Rhythm

I Am Pagan  
            © 2004 PJ Seale


I am pagan, and I’m proud
I am pagan, gonna shout it loud
I am pagan, want the world to know
That I follow the Goddess 
and she rocks my soul

Don’t need your bible
I’ve got the wisdom of the crone
Don’t need your heaven
Into this life I’m reborn
No ten commandments
One fills the bill
An’ it harm none, do what you will

Don’t need your churches
The world’s my sacred space
Don’t need your angels
I’ve got fairies in their place
We raise the spirit
Most every night
When we dance the fire
 in the pale moonlight


Well you take your path
And I’ll take mine
A little tolerance
And we’ll both be fine
Keep an open mind
It’ll set you free
And Goddess bless, 
so mote it be

Are you pagan?  Are you proud?
Are you pagan?  Then shout it loud!
If you’re pagan, 
let the whole world know
That you follow the Goddess
 ‘cause she rocks your soul