TheLeaderInside.com

“A friend is someone who understands your past, believes in your future, and accepts you just the way you are.”

~~~ Anonymous

What a wonderful time away in Vermont last week. There is a framed saying in one of the rooms of our home that says, “You never really leave a place you love — Part of it you take with you, leaving a part of you behind.” How true that is.

What a beautiful state Vermont is. This time of year the colors of the autumn leaves are something to behold. In all the years that I lived there, I’ve seen falls where the color was more spectacular than it was this year, but compared to what I see here in Ohio, it was breathtaking. To see the wide open spaces — the majesty of the mountains — the pastures all mowed and green — and the pleasure of driving without having to have my eyes glued to the traffic — brought the nostalgia to the top of my consciousness.

I will always miss Vermont, but it’s good to know that it’s not that far away so future visits are a reality.

Vermont is also about friends. Both my wife and I have many friends that live there and that we miss seeing. We were lucky to have been able to connect with some of them on this visit. It’s the renewing of those friendships that prompts today’s article.

Whether we realize it or not, every person who passes through our lives makes a contribution of some kind to our own life story. There are those who make deep impressions and who play large roles and then there are others who enter our lives only briefly before their own lives take them in another direction. It’s such a gift to reconnect with them after so much time has gone by.

I find it so fascinating that out of all the multitudes of people that we may never know we seem to somehow find those who are on a similar energy wave-length to our own.

On first meeting, the characters in our life stories may seem familiar. We may know each other from past lives or perhaps we merely recognize the energy of a kindred spirit. But when fate brings old friends back into our lives, there is always a reason. They may act as messengers, reminding us of a part of ourselves we have forgotten to nurture. They might appear to give us a chance to react in a new way to an old situation. They may even bring up unresolved issues so that we may complete them, giving us the chance to move forward on our life path. Whether old friends, previous romances, or once and future partners, their reappearance is more than mere chance. They may never know what they bring into our lives, but the renewed contact is a gift to be treasured forever.

“Life is partly what we make it, and partly what it is made by the friends we choose.”

~~~ Tennessee Williams

It’s always a good thing to seek out old friends. Oftentimes old friends may come to us in our dreams or just pop into our minds at other times. When that happens it may be a good excuse to get in touch. You never know, their appearance in our sub-conscious may have happened for a reason. If an old song or movie reminds you of them, reach out to share the gift of renewed contact. Wherever you fall in the circle of connection and reconnection, be sure to look beyond the surprise of the moment to enjoy the deeper gift that this revelation brings.

“Promise me you’ll always remember: You’re braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” — As said by Christopher Robin to Pooh.

~~~ A. A. Milne

Here’s one more quote I found that gave me a good chuckle this morning. Enjoy!

“A true friend is someone who thinks that you are a good egg even though he knows that you are slightly cracked”

~~~ Bernard Meltzer

Now, today, make contact with an old friend and see how good it will make you feel.

Namaste!

And, as I always say in closing — remember these words …

You are the most precious gift you can give yourself. Every day look in the mirror and say, “I’m available to more good than I have experienced, realized or imagined ever before in my life!” Do this every day while you look into your own eyes.

You are special — and you are loved. You are the greatest gift you can be.

Shanti … (A sanscrit word meaning, “Let there be Peace. Peace, beautiful Peace. Peace within, Peace without. Peace in this world. Peace for all beings.”)

“If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.”

~~~ Mother Theresa (1910-1997)

~~~ DBL-R

P.S. Remember, that if you have one of the “readers” — like My Yahoo, My MSN, or the Google Reader, or any of the others, you can get our blog sent to you automatically, whenever I post to it. Just click one of the buttons over on the left side to add it to your reader.

PSS — If you didn’t get a chance to read my last post (on Wednesday this week) — check it out below. It’s about this month’s offering from the Spiritual Cinema Circle. You’ll want to be sure you check it out. And thanks!
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As you know, I do practice sitting, silent meditation every day in my life. Recently, I did a podcast about this for another blog that I read. Take a moment and click this link to hear what meditation means to me and what it does for me.

My Meditation Podcast

In my meditation I use what I truly believe is the most powerful personal growth and mind development tool on earth. It’s the The Holosync Solution. I knew that meditation was a vital element to nurturing my soul — to opening myself to the universe — and this tool has allowed me to achieve and receive the benefits of deep, long-term meditation — and to achieve it much more quickly. If you’re having trouble “getting meditation to work for you” – then the The Holosync Solution is what you’re looking for.

Regular, daily meditation can give you …

(1) Increased intelligence and creativity.
(2) Lower stress levels — and with that — increased ability to handle whatever the world tosses your way.
(3) New levels of self-awareness and inner peace.
(4) The healing of emotional issues at the deepest levels —

— it’s definitely worth taking the time for this powerful practice every day.

With a One-Year 100% Iron-Clad Guarantee, you can now do so with no risk whatsoever — just click any of the links that say … The Holosync Solution

— The Holosync Solution

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[tags]peace, inner self, The Secret, Law of Attraction, dreams, spiritual energy, action, value, inner balance, enlightenment, destiny, manifestation, meditation, patience, gratitude, tolerance, acceptance, body balance, life cycle, beginnings, endings, positive thinking, ego, silence, consciousness, staying grounded, cycle of life[/tags]

He everyone — I’m back from vacation. I will be posting again either tomorrow or Friday with a regular article. In the meantime ….

I know it’s late in the month — but I wanted to get this information to you before the month got away completely.

Here’s the news about the Spiritual Cinema Circle films for October, 2007.

This month we have four amazing and diverse films that all seem to point to the profound gifts we receive from the Universe.

This Month’s Films

DEJA VU: I’m thrilled to tell you about this ‘hidden gem’ about love, commitment and destiny, starring Victoria Foyt, Stephen Dillane and Academy Award Winner Vanessa Redgrave. 117 minutes in English. Written by Victoria Foyt and Henry Jaglom. Directed by Henry Jaglom.

(There’s more about this film below in a review by Dr. Christianne Northrup, M.D.)

DREAM PEOPLE OF THE AMAZON: This extraordinary documentary about the Achuar people of the Amazon is an introduction for our SCC members to the newly launched Earth Cinema Circle. 30 Minutes in English. Directed by Larry Lansburgh.

BETWEEN HEAVEN AND EARTH: A lesson in Karma is played out in Zen Heaven in this quirky animated short. 8 minutes in English. Written and Directed by Anthony Cheung.

MAGIC MILE: Healing and boundless possibility come together in this original short film from the UK. 7 minutes in English. Written by Simon Allen. Directed by Toby Meakins.

You can get your copy of this month’s films here ….

Spiritual Cinema Circle

… or you can click the small banner over on the left.

October Feature Film: Deja Vu

Movie Review by Christiane Northrup, M.D.

Deja Vu (a Henry Jaglom film) is a wonderfully romantic love story, with a stellar cast (that includes pros like Vanessa Redgrave) and a script that is funny, poignant, and thought provoking. This movie was released in theaters several years ago– but because of inadequate distribution and marketing, never got the attention it so richly deserves. (Otherwise, I would have seen it, believe me!)

In addition to the main love story (which is about a couple who meet and feel as though they’ve always known and loved each other), there are also some delightful minor love stories going on simultaneously complete with scenes that I won’t soon forget: particularly those with the older couple who are housing the star-crossed lovers for the weekend in their London home. At one point the older couple is in bed together. She is reading. He is also reading– while thoroughly enjoying some Mars bars. She isn’t keen on this activity. Obviously thoroughly enjoying his delicious treat, he tries to tempt her into indulging too. She resists. But as she does, they also engage in reminiscing about the childhood candies they most loved– the memories made all the more tender because of rationing during the war. This and other such scenes make this movie absolutely human and magical at the same time. Deja Vu is intelligent, thought -provoking, beautifully acted, and beautifully filmed. And, it will appeal to both men and women. I urge you to enjoy this film. It will be good for your health and your heart!!

Christiane Northrup, MD, obstetrician/ gynecologist, is internationally known for her visionary, empowering approach to women’s health and wellness. As a practicing physician for over 20 years, Dr. Northrup is a leading proponent of medicine and healing that acknowledges the unity of the mind and body, as well as the powerful role of the human spirit in creating health. www.drnorthrup.com

You can get your copy of this month’s films here ….

Spiritual Cinema Circle

… or you can click the small banner over on the left.

And, as I always say in closing — remember these words …

You are the most precious gift you can give yourself. Every day look in the mirror and say, “I’m available to more good than I have experienced, realized or imagined ever before in my life!” Do this every day while you look into your own eyes.

You are special — and you are loved. You are the greatest gift you can be.

Shanti … (A sanscrit word meaning, “Let there be Peace. Peace, beautiful Peace. Peace within, Peace without. Peace in this world. Peace for all beings.”)

“If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.”

~~~ Mother Theresa (1910-1997)

~~~ DBL-R

P.S. Remember, that if you have one of the “readers” — like My Yahoo, My MSN, or the Google Reader, or any of the others, you can get our blog sent to you automatically, whenever I post to it. Just click one of the buttons over on the left side to add it to your reader.
================================================================
As you know, I do practice sitting, silent meditation every day in my life. Recently, I did a podcast about this for another blog that I read. Take a moment and click this link to hear what meditation means to me and what it does for me.

My Meditation Podcast

In my meditation I use what I truly believe is the most powerful personal growth and mind development tool on earth. It’s the The Holosync Solution. I knew that meditation was a vital element to nurturing my soul — to opening myself to the universe — and this tool has allowed me to achieve and receive the benefits of deep, long-term meditation — and to achieve it much more quickly. If you’re having trouble “getting meditation to work for you” – then the The Holosync Solution is what you’re looking for.

Regular, daily meditation can give you …

(1) Increased intelligence and creativity.
(2) Lower stress levels — and with that — increased ability to handle whatever the world tosses your way.
(3) New levels of self-awareness and inner peace.
(4) The healing of emotional issues at the deepest levels —

— it’s definitely worth taking the time for this powerful practice every day.

With a One-Year 100% Iron-Clad Guarantee, you can now do so with no risk whatsoever — just click any of the links that say … The Holosync Solution

— The Holosync Solution

====================================================================

====================================================================
[tags]peace, inner self, The Secret, Law of Attraction, dreams, spiritual energy, action, value, inner balance, enlightenment, destiny, manifestation, meditation, patience, gratitude, tolerance, acceptance, body balance, life cycle, beginnings, endings, positive thinking, ego, silence, consciousness, staying grounded, cycle of life[/tags]

“Let sincere faith be your bowing in prayer, and let the conquest of your mind be your objective in life.”

~~~ Sri Guru Granth Sahib

The first thing I want to be sure to tell you today is that I will be away for the next week and may not be able to write a blog entry until after I return. With that in mind, if you don’t see a new article here next Thursday, don’t be surprised. I will be back in full swing the following week.

Then, as is usual for these articles, they come out of things I happen to be thinking about when I sit down to write them or things I notice during the week that interest me. I have this notion that if it interests me, it might also interest you. I don’t know if you’ll be as fascinated with the subject today, which is bowing, as I am, but since it is a sort of universal gesture of respect and reverence, I am bowing to you.

I was watching a short video on line last week (I don’t recall what it was about) and one of the characters in the video bowed to the other character. Seeing that started me to thinking about how, in so many cultures, bowing is the predominant form of social greeting. There are several religions that also incorporate it into their rituals of worship.

I did some research about bowing and found that in many cases this act signifies not only respect, but also is an acknowledgment of the the shared divinity between the bower and the recipient. When you think about it, bowing can also be an acknowledgment of our own divinity when we bow our heads in prayer, meditation, or contemplation.

“Pursue some path, however narrow and crooked, in which you can walk with love and reverence.”

~~~ Henry David Thoreau

There are all kinds of bows. They can range from no more than a slight forward nod of the head all the way to a full body prostration on the ground. The act of bowing can mean anything from a simple greeting to a complete giving over of oneself to the divine.

Have you ever bowed? Have you ever been the recipient of a bow? If you practice yoga, then you’ve done both. The same is true in many Buddhist practices. At a time a few years ago when I was a Taiko Drummer with a Taiko group in Vermont, we always bowed to each other and to the Sensei at the opening and closing of practice in the dojo. The primary thing I noticed when either bowing or receiving a bow was how different it felt from a handshake or a hug.

“No soul is desolate as long as there is a human being for whom it can feel trust and reverence.”

~~~ T.S. Eliot

In yoga, the act of bowing also includes saying the word “Namaste”, which in a literal translation means, “The divine spirit in me acknowledges the divine spirit in you.” When we greet one another with this kind of awareness, we can’t help but be more conscious of the fact that we’re deeply connected to one another, and to everyone, because this divine spirit resides in all of us.

Why not try bowing to someone and see how it makes you feel? Perhaps the person to whom you bow will also share how it made them feel. Don’t be embarrassed. There are simple bows and complicated bows, and subtle variations carry different meanings depending upon where you are, who you are, and a number of other factors. You can even bow to yourself. Just simply bring your two hands together, palm to palm, and press the thumb side of your hands lightly into your chest. Keep a long spine and simply bend your head gently down so that you’re looking at the tops of your fingers. Close your eyes and breathe consciously, paying homage to your spirit, the same spirit that resides within all of humanity.

Namaste!

“Always and in everything let there be reverence.”

~~~ Confucius

And, as I always say in closing — remember these words …

You are the most precious gift you can give yourself. Every day look in the mirror and say, “I’m available to more good than I have experienced, realized or imagined ever before in my life!” Do this every day while you look into your own eyes.

You are special — and you are loved. You are the greatest gift you can be.

Shanti … (A sanscrit word meaning, “Let there be Peace. Peace, beautiful Peace. Peace within, Peace without. Peace in this world. Peace for all beings.”)

~~~ DBL-R

P.S. Remember, that if you have one of the “readers” — like My Yahoo, My MSN, or the Google Reader, or any of the others, you can get our blog sent to you automatically, whenever I post to it. Just click one of the buttons over on the left side to add it to your reader.
================================================================
As you know, I do practice sitting, silent meditation every day in my life. Recently, I did a podcast about this for another blog that I read. Take a moment and click this link to hear what meditation means to me and what it does for me.

My Meditation Podcast

In my meditation I use what I truly believe is the most powerful personal growth and mind development tool on earth. It’s the The Holosync Solution. I knew that meditation was a vital element to nurturing my soul — to opening myself to the universe — and this tool has allowed me to achieve and receive the benefits of deep, long-term meditation — and to achieve it much more quickly. If you’re having trouble “getting meditation to work for you” – then the The Holosync Solution is what you’re looking for.

Regular, daily meditation can give you …

(1) Increased intelligence and creativity.
(2) Lower stress levels — and with that — increased ability to handle whatever the world tosses your way.
(3) New levels of self-awareness and inner peace.
(4) The healing of emotional issues at the deepest levels —

— it’s definitely worth taking the time for this powerful practice every day.

With a One-Year 100% Iron-Clad Guarantee, you can now do so with no risk whatsoever — just click any of the links that say … The Holosync Solution

— The Holosync Solution

====================================================================

====================================================================
[tags]peace, inner self, The Secret, Law of Attraction, dreams, spiritual energy, action, value, inner balance, enlightenment, destiny, manifestation, meditation, patience, gratitude, tolerance, acceptance, body balance, life cycle, beginnings, endings, positive thinking, ego, silence, consciousness, staying grounded, cycle of life[/tags]