i will not judge...

In the spirit of the law of pure potentiality I am trying to practice non-judgement. Trying desperately not to judge. Not to judge myself, and my surroundings. Not to judge others.

"I will not judge". This has become my mantra. As judegmental thoughts creep into my space I repeat "I will not judge...I will not judge". You know what I'm learning...I judge... more than I'd like to admit.

And it's not just that I've become harder on myself, which I have. It's that I've started to judge others; I mean I even judge the man...not the man, but my man. And totally without cause. I've misplaced that innate trust and pureness that partners with youth and have become a wee bit cynical.

Wait, is that the word I want to use? Yup, cynical - "contemptuously distrustful of human nature and motives". Ugh. What a definition. If I could have chosen the words at 16 to describe my 28 year old self, contemptuous and distrustful would not be on the list. Lovely, accepting, kind...those would be words on the list.

There was a time when I was full of compassion and caring and patience and void of judgement.

Time. Life, has shifted that balance. I find myself judging more with less patience.

So, let's go back to the wee bit part. I would not consider myself a judgmental person, just a person who has a slight (clearing of the throat) tendency to judge. And, this is a new thing, a thing that I can change. I am upset with myself (i will not judge...), for getting to a point where I feel comfortable passing judgement so freely. I didn't even know that I was judging and casting out this negativity until I started to bring awareness to my thoughts ~honestly.

And so, now that I am aware, it's time to reel in this little woman with the gavel and send her on her way...permanently.

thinkin' green

I read this post on Elephant Journal a couple of days ago and it got me to thinking about the law of giving and receiving.

Mainly I was attracted to the Declaration of Independance as set out by the David Suzuki foundation back in 1992.

We are the earth...
We are the rains...
We are the breath...
..we share a common future as yet untold

It's important not only to give and receive from the energy body of the universe but to be mindful of our impact in the cycle of the physical body of the universe as well.

Start thinking green. And if you're already thinking green...start thinking greener!

We hear about all that's going on in the world right now with Global Warming and it's a damn hot topic of conversation. But how much are we really doing in order to ensure a clean, green future for generations to come.

I recycle. I walk or take public transit most of the time. I don't litter. But really that's about it. There is so much more that I could be doing. So in the spirit of the law of giving and receiving I am going to make an effort this week to educate myself on the different things I could be doing in honour of our planet earth.

And, I'm going to do them!

ssly - the law of giving and receiving

"the universe operates through dynamic exchange"

We are all in constant exchange with the universe. It is this exchange that keeps the life force going. Chopra says that "life is the flow of all the elements and forces that comprise the field of existence". And that "stopping the circulation of energy is like stopping the flow of blood".

We must all be open to the law of giving and receiving in order to keep the life force circulating.

How do we do this?

It's easier than you might think.

Here are three things Deepak suggests to help stay connected to the flow of the universe

* Breathe. Maintain your breathing awareness. This is the easiest most natural way to keep the life force, prana, in cirulation. A steady, effortless exchange of air with our environment.

* Be grateful. Celebrate your existence. Be open and accepting to gifts that come your way; whether they be in the form of a small gift, a rainbow or a compliment. Take some time to enjoy your surroundings, enjoy being you.

* Give. Set an intention to give to whomever you come into contact with during your day. This is the best part, it doesn't have to be a material gift, in fact it is the non-material gifts that go the furthest in the realm of giving. Give a compliment. Give love. Give affection. Give a prayer.

When we are open to the law of giving and receiving and the life force is flowing, we are in natural alignment with the universe.

What I love so much about this is the simplicity in it's nature, but the greatness of its scale. We are all responsible for a little give and take and in the end this will help to keep us connected. This is what will ensure the dynamic exchange that is essential for the existence of the universe.

So here I am, sending out my positive vibes and opening my heart to what the universe tosses my way.

This weekes mantra

Om Vardhanam Namah
I am the nourisher of the universe

canada eh

Happy Canada Day!

It sure doesn't feel like July 1st over here in Korea and I've gotta say, I'm not the happiest about missing out on a long weekend. But I have donned my red and white and am doing my damndest to represent the homeland.

I put together a little fun facts quiz about Canada for my kiddies which was actually pretty hilarious.

Here are some of the questions/answers that I got

How old is Canada?
10

What is our national animal?
Monkey
*Korea's national animal is the tiger and they thought it was pretty hilarious that ours is the beaver. I mean seriously, the beaver? Aren't there a lot of bears in Canada? Just sayin'.

What is our national sport?
Make a igloo

What languages do we speak in Canada?
English and Innuit

Seriously cute stuff.

And one fun fact for you guys.....did you know that Canadians have the highest consumption of mac and cheese of every nation? That's right, good ol KD. Gotta love it.

After school Mike and I are heading out for some poutine. Doesn't get any more Canadian than that, eh?

~Peace and hugs~