Spring is Here

Spring officially arrived a week or so ago, but around here it still feels like winter. Don't fret! Take a good look around. Notice the rebirth of all those frozen, seemingly dead plants. Some still seem dead but there are signs of life. Check out new growth of those early spring bloomers: crocuses, daffadils and hyacinths. They're peeking through, some are even starting to bloom, despite the cold. Check out the lilac bushes. New growth is showing. You can even see which buds will turn into leaves and which ones will turn into those beautiful, fragrant flowers which, when cut and brought inside, provide a natural air freshener. That perfumed air forces you to inhale deeply and enjoy the return of another spring.
The return of spring is evidence of the perfect order of the Universe, inspiring us to realize how effortlessly good things can unfold if we but let them.
Don't let a day go by this spring without taking it all in. Pay attention as you go about your daily routine. Be in awe of this wonderful time of year.

Jim Ryan Talks - A Timely Idea

Speaking French

Saturday night we had the opportunity to host a couple from France at our home. I used to be a French teacher at Bethpage Junior High School 25 or so years ago. We have several French speaking people in our neighborhood, but I have rarely taken advantage of the opportunity to speak with them in their native tongue. So when this couple showed up it was a shock. My wife does not speak French, the husband spoke almost no English and the wife was about the same. It was an exhausting evening, trying to carry on a two hour conversation, totally in French.

Surprisingly, it turned out pretty well. We were able to share ideas, discuss family and generally carry on a semi-intelligent conversation. Actually, they were impressed with my accent, my sentence structure and my overall ablilty to speak and understand. The experience made me think that if could spend a week immersed in French, brushing up on my vocabulary, I could get back to being fluent. It was a tiring but fulfilling experience.

Who knows, maybe one day I will have my books translated into French. I would love to do a book tour in France, visiting all the beautiful spots and enjoying the fabulous food and world class wines. "La Joie de Vivre" is Simple Happiness to me in French.

Who You Really Are

Try to avoid attachment to material things. There is certainly nothing wrong with having nice things. We should all be grateful for the blessings in our lives. However, you are more that the house you live in, the car you drive, the places you vacation, where your kids went to college. Material things can come and go but WHO YOUR REALLY ARE ENDURES.

This was the content of yesterday's "Aha Moment". I was on the phone with a friend this afternoon who told me that he was blown away by the message of yesterday's "Aha Moment".
He has been reading "Tuesdays with Maury", the story of a former college professor who was stricken with Lou Gehrig's disease. That was the exact message that he had gotten from reading that book just yesterday. The message really his home to him.

Enjoy your things, but focus more on cultivating the goodness from the inside that we are all called to develop.

A New Project

I'll have some exciting news for everyone in the very near future. We are in the final planning stages of a new, expansive undertaking that will involve many, many people. Stay tuned as the rollout approaches.

Namaste

Saying to yourself the Hindu word "Namaste" during the day whenever you encounter another person, whether on the street, at the bank, at the post office, wherever, can be a great reminder to live in the present moment.

Namaste means "the Divine in me recognizes the Divine in you". Saying it to yourself reminds you of the connection between us all. It fosters a focus on our similarities rather than on our differences. It reminds us to look beyone external features and be aware that inside we are all alike, all connected somehow. The more you say to yourself ,"Namaste," as you meet others, you may find yourself saying hello and smiling more often. Eye contact will be made and greetings exchanged. It's a small thing, but it could lead to big things.

Smile, It Lifts YOur Face Value

Today try to smile at everyone who crosses your path. Give a little friendly nod, "Hello." Try it on your way to work, at work, at the bank or post office... Everywhere you go. Consciously smiling at the folks you meet is a great way to keep you in the present moment. You smile on purpose. It reminds you to see the Divine in the person at whom you are smiling. You feel good, being who you really are, one who brings joy to the world.
The folks who benefit from your smile may even smile back at you...no matter if they do or don't. Send out love with each smile. Let me know how it makes you feel.