TheLeaderInside.com

“The most precious gift we can offer others is our presence. When mindfulness embraces those we love, they will bloom like flowers.”

~~~Thich Nhat Hanh

I came across this the other day and thought it might be interesting to put it in the blog and see what sort of reactions there will be. I can tell you I did not do well at all. It’s obvious I’m way too absent-minded. Out of the 15 questions, I only answered 3 of them the way a truly mindful person should have.

This questionnaire, the “Mindful Attention Awareness Scale,” appears in an interesting paper by Kirk Warren Brown and Richard M. Ryan, The Benefits of Being Present: Mindfulness and its Role in Psychological Well-Being.

The more often you answer “ no,” the more mindfully you live. How do you score?

1. I could be experiencing some emotion and not be conscious of it until some time later.

2. I break or spill things because of carelessness, not paying attention, or thinking of something else.

3. I find it difficult to stay focused on what’s happening in the present.

4. I tend to walk quickly to get where I’m going without paying attention to what I experience along the way.

5. I tend not to notice feelings of physical tension or discomfort until they really grab my attention.

6. I forget a person’s name almost as soon as I’ve been told it for the first time.

7. It seems I am “running on automatic” without much awareness of what I’m doing.

8. I rush through activities without being really attentive to them.

9. I get so focused on the goal I want to achieve that I lose touch with what I am doing right now to get there.

10. I do jobs or tasks automatically, without being aware of what I’m doing.

11. I find myself listening to someone with one ear, doing something else at the same time.

12. I drive places on “automatic pilot” and then wonder why I went there.

13. I find myself preoccupied with the future or the past.

14. I find myself doing things without paying attention.

15. I snack without being aware that I’m eating.

Mindfulnss can bring many benefits. It brings clarity and vividness to present experience. It may help people end unhealthy habits and patterns. It can enhance a sense of well-being and calm troubled spirits.

This questionnaire is also useful because its questions suggest specific areas for improvement. I’m going to try to do more of the things I keep saying I’ll do — things like walk more mindfully; eat more mindfully; really listen to the folks I’m sharing time with, and learn to slow down more.

Be well — be in peace,

Ron Rink
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Always remember this wonderful quote from Buddha ….

“You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.”

~~~ Buddha

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“Those who really seek the path to Enlightenment dictate terms to their mind. Then they proceed with strong determination.”

~~~ Buddha

Namaste!

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.”)

“Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without.”

~~~ Buddha

http://www.buddhistbelief.com
http://www.theleaderinside.com
http://www.wecould2.com

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.

I do have a FaceBook page — if any of you partake of this social activity. Mine is:

Ron’s FaceBook Page

Ron Rink
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Click on the link below. If you want to see what’s in the current month’s DVD, just open the link that says, “Our Films”.

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In my meditation I often use what I believe is a powerful aide to deep meditation. 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.
(5) It is the proven path to finding the peace, love and compassion within all of us –

— 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, inner peace, Buddhist Belief, spiritual energy, hope, 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, sustainability, compassion[/tags]

“To experience love, we must go inside. When you experience real love you get into a state which is beyond words. You are filled with a joy that goes beyond all emotions. True love is the love of the inner Self.”

~~~ Swami Muktananda

It has been ages since I last did a post to this blog. All the reasons why I avoided doing more writing here have faded into the background. Part of the hiatus was due to the surgery I had in January. Since I’m not a young whipper-snapper any longer, it did take a bit longer to get back in the groove than it might have for someone younger. However, I could have been back in action as far as the writing is concerned much sooner than I did — instead I was doing some serious procrastinating. The important point is I do feel the urge to do some writing again, and this is an attempt to come up with something reasonably interesting.

A few days ago many people in this country celebrated Valentine’s Day. It’s one of those days where men and women make a special effort to let their loved ones know how much they love them. The question in my mind every year is — why do we need this reminder to be loving to our partners and loved ones? Sure, I know it’s a huge commercial thing for the florists, card makers, candy and jewelry manufacturers. I know we start our kids out young with all the cute “Won’t you be my Valentine” cards and the little candy hearts for their classmates at school.

I sort of balk at all this and have a couple of thoughts to share.

One of the aspects of a Buddhist lifestyle has to do with learning how to mindful. As evidenced by one of my other blogs, Buddhistbelief.com, I do live a Buddhist lifestyle, and do consider myself to be a Buddhist. Being mindful, or mindfulness, means to pay attention. It means to be aware of the moments as they go by. It means to be paying attention to what we’re thinking, saying and doing in each moment. It also means to live in the present and not be fretting about past actions or worrying about what hasn’t happened yet.

So much of our time and effort is taken up with our attachments to the past. Anytime we’re focusing our thoughts and efforts to recreating the past, we’re no longer in the present. There are often arguments about this — especially if you’re remembering times in the past where you were having a great time and you want to try to regain the way your felt back then. If you do focus on the past, you are also missing out on what’s happening in the present. Even though we have a tendency to believe we are defined by our past, the truth is only the present exists.

One thing Buddhists believe is to live a mindful life. If we life mindfully, we’ll be on our way to freedom. Once we learn to accept each moment as it is, we will find they are truly new and refreshing.

Here are some ways to bring your focus to the present:

1. Walking meditation. Take just five minutes and try this. With each step you take, pay attention to which foot you are placing down. Do this slowly and deliberately. Think right foot, left foot. If weather and conditions permit do this barefoot. Notice how it feels to place each foot on the ground. How does the ground feel? Is the ground soft or hard? Is your step stable or are you a bit off-balance? As the very brief five minutes pass, notice how your attention is more focused on what is happening right now. You cannot be thinking of walking, taking each step with intention, and be thinking of the past or the future at the same time.

2. Breathing. At least twice each day, take three minutes to just breathe. Sit or lie down — whatever feels more comfortable. Breathe deeply into your diaphragm. Place your hand on your naval so you can feel your breath going in and out. Breathe slowly in and slowly out. Use the stomach muscle to empty the breath. Bring all your focus onto your breathing. You cannot be thinking of the past or future while you’re taking in and letting out conscious breath.

3. Meditation. Those who have studied yoga and other meditative methods feel that it takes as little as 12 seconds to feel the peace of silence. Obviously, longer is preferable, but short, 12 second or more sessions can be done without disrupting your daily routine. Merely sit quietly and close your eyes and focus on your breathing for a few seconds. Just be. This is meditation. More than a few seconds is always better. Try to do this for as long as possible a couple of times a day. It is one of the best gifts you can give yourself.

The practice of being mindful — being in the present — being aware of what is happening in your life in every moment is how we give our energy to the essence, or the heart of us. It is from this precious place within us that we give to others. This is the place where love and compassion for others, as well as ourselves, flourishes.

It’s a great place to be — and if you think about it — it’s the only place we can possibly be. It’s all there is at any moment.

Be well — be in peace,

Ron Rink
====================================================================================================================
Always remember this wonderful quote from Buddha ….

“You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.”

~~~ Buddha

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

“Those who really seek the path to Enlightenment dictate terms to their mind. Then they proceed with strong determination.”

~~~ Buddha

Namaste!

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.”)

“Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without.”

~~~ Buddha

~~~ Ron Rink
http://www.buddhistbelief.com
http://www.theleaderinside.com
http://www.wecould2.com

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.

Oh, and another thing — follow me on Twitter (see the button up on the left under Resources or click this link: Follow Me on Twitter) and I’ll let you know what’s going on with my blogs and a lot of other neat things as well.
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In my meditation I often use what I believe is a powerful aide to deep meditation. 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.
(5) It is the proven path to finding the peace, love and compassion within all of us –

— 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, inner peace, Buddhist Belief, spiritual energy, hope, 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, sustainability, compassion[/tags]

What Do the Holidays Mean to You?

“If you can’t feed a hundred people, then feed just one.”

~~~ Mother Teresa

Oftentimes the true meaning of the holidays can get lost in all the details. You know what I mean — all the different things on your plate — the festivals — the feasts — the decorating of the house — the overloaded to-do-lists and many other obligations and commitments which have a way of arising at this time of year.

Some of these are designed to be times for celebrating life, new beginnings, and traditions, but what so often happens is we get so wrapped up in the stress of the to-do-list, that we forget what it’s all about. Yet there are many unique and satisfying ways to celebrate the holidays without spending too much money or becoming exhausted in the process. Whereas the media, and possibly even loved ones, may encourage you to do and buy more, concentrating on the spirit of the season by giving love and hope during the holidays can help you do more with less. You can create new holiday traditions that help you focus on what you find important.

Many of you know that I follow a Buddhist lifestyle. Even though Buddhists don’t have a particular thing to celebrate this time of year, there’s no reason why this isn’t a great time to take stock of what matters most to me, you, or anyone, regardless of our spiritual beliefs.

What matters to you? Is it family, friends, community, helping those less fortunate, or loving the earth? If you feel driven to give the people in your life gifts, consider presents that encourage positive living or where the gift will have impact felt long after the holidays are over.

Think about donating your effort to making someone else’s life better. Maybe you could make a charitable donation or plant a seedling tree in a loved one’s name. A couple of my favorites are to make a contribution to a place like Heifer International or to Oxfam or Kiva. When I’m asked what I want for a gift, I ask people to make a contribution to help someone else and I suggest these organizations. Instead of giving your friends and family material goods, give them the gift of your time. Time spent making homemade gifts can give you a chance to ruminate on what you treasure about your loved ones.

When exploring the true meaning of the holidays and getting back to the true spirit of the season, allow yourself to alter existing traditions. Even a blessing before a meal or a walk under the stars can help you reconnect with the holidays. Do what fulfills you and then stop before your celebration becomes more of a hassle than a happy occasion. Get back to the basics of generosity and goodwill, and your holiday will certainly be a rewarding one.
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Always remember this wonderful quote from Buddha ….

“You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.”

~~~ Buddha

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I meditate every day to help keep me centered. Those glimpses we get of peace, love, acceptance and happiness when we’re meditating will soon grow into more than glimpses if we keep practicing. Keep those feelings alive. A meditation can be as simple as one, deep, conscious breath. When something happens in one of your moments to cause you to suffer, just stop and take one of those breaths and remember, “This too shall pass!” Another thing that is wonderful, especially at certain times of the year, is to have a fresh flower where you work. Just stop from time-to-time and look at it — don’t label it — don’t judge it — just be with it for a couple of moments. It really does work. It’s winter where I live so I do miss my fresh flower.

“Each flower is a soul blossoming out to nature”

~~~ Gerard de Nerva

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In my meditation I often use what I believe is a powerful aide to deep meditation. It’s the The Holosync Solution.

Rather than write volumes about what it has done for me over the years, there is a new video available called, “One Simple Thing, The Amazing Holosync Story“

Take a few moments, click the link above and check it out. It’s a good one.
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“Those who really seek the path to Enlightenment dictate terms to their mind. Then they proceed with strong determination.”

~~~ Buddha

Namaste!

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.”)

“Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without.”

~~~ Buddha

~~~ Ron
http://www.buddhistbelief.com
http://www.theleaderinside.com
http://www.wecould2.com

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. Oh, and another thing — follow me on Twitter (see the button up on the left under Resources or click this link: Follow Me on Twitter) and I’ll let you know what’s going on with my blogs and a lot of other neat things as well.
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[tags]peace, inner self, inner peace, Buddhist Belief, spiritual energy, hope, 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, sustainability, compassion[/tags]
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