What is the possibility of finding meaning in our everyday struggles and still understanding the greater picture that lies before us?
If you are having difficulties with these questions, you are not alone. The world is in chaos, prices are going higher by the minute, and the earth’s energy level is diminishing moment by moment.
Our own energy is also lacking as we try to face each day with a bright outlook. Something is truly missing, and we don’t know what it is. How do we cope? How do we simplify our lives to find the beauty that exists?
And it truly does exist.
It is so simple that it is almost ridiculous. Everybody is searching outside themselves when the answer is right under our noses.
I would like to share a wonderful story. It is the story of a great queen in a kingdom hundreds of years ago. The queen was a ruler with an “iron fist,” and her whole monarchy was quite afraid of her.
One day, she called all her subjects to her castle. She was furious. It seems that she had not been able to find her large diamond necklace, and she was about to challenge and reprimand the one who might have taken it.
She began to scream and pound her table with her specter, saying, “Whoever took this necklace………….off with their head!”
Everyone was cowering and shaking, afraid to say a word. Finally, a tiny little attendant of the queen stepped forward and, with a very weak voice, said, “Your majesty, I can tell you where your necklace is.”
The queen looked at this small, unimportant person with warning, and in a booming voice, said, “You had better know what you are talking about, my dear. Where is the necklace?”
This brave soul spoke up and, with confidence in her voice, said, “Your majesty, the necklace that you believe is gone is right around your neck.”
The entire kingdom applauded the servant. The queen touched her chest and, indeed, there was the diamond necklace!
You see, the things we are looking for are right within our grasp. The joy, happiness, contentment and bliss reside within each and every one of us. We just have to look deep inside and realize that we are the peace we so dearly wish to have.
Spiritual practices connect us with our true selves, our neighbors and our world. This is the missing link; this is the answer. With grace and gratitude, contentment will come.
Follow these ABCs to discovering new routes to this pleasure, which is there for the learning. It takes practice, but it is worth it:
A. ATTENTION – Learn to meditate and self contemplate.
B. BEAUTY – Live simply and enjoy each moment; it is all you have.
C. COMPASSION – Have loving, kind thoughts for each one you meet in their own struggle. You will feel better for it, and you may make another person’s day a great joy.
Clublaret@aol.com
IF YOU GO
WHAT: Raja Yoga meditation classes.
WHEN: 10 to 11 a.m. and 7 to 8 p.m. each and every Tuesday. Beginning in August, the time will change to 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
WHERE: Hollywood Library, 2600 Hollywood Blvd.
WHAT: Raja Yoga meditation classes.
WHEN: 7 to 8 p.m. each and every Wednesday. No meditations in August; instructors are on vacation.
WHERE: Hillcrest Playdium, 1100 Hillcrest Dr., (same as 46 Ave.), Hollywood.
COST FOR BOTH ACTIVITIES: Free.
CONTACT FOR BOTH ACTIVITIES: Roz Reich, 954-962-7447.
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