Soul: Service

Tis the fuel of the season
A low-price gas each can find
It is giving without reason
A good use of one's body and mind

Pleasing to the receiver
A dose of pure joy to the giving
It is a stress reliever
A gift between those truly living

Extending one's knowledge and skills
A dividend of personal investement
It is more valuable than all of one's bills
A fulfillment of one's testament

Collaborating with those around
A frown mended
It is joy and gladness that we have found
A smile vended

Embrace the warmth and the heat
A fire kindled with love
It is now that you may take your seat
A prayer was delivered up above

Mind: First Fall of Snow

Today is the first fall of snow -- this year
One year...and one week ago.
Twas indeed the first fall of snow -- last year

Child deep in slumber, quiet and serene
On a Saturday afternoon in the month of November
Twas indeed me that sat down to her screen

She unlocked the portal to a chat room
And began to explore
Twas several names, but his that did loom

We began with a few words at a time
Not for long, however
Twas fast sentences like a childhood rhyme

She glanced out of the window at the snow
As it fell to the ground
Twas winter preparing the seed to grow

A sweet journey had begun to unfold
Little did we know at that time
Twas a story uniting young with old**

This memory spurs happiness and thought
Along with gratitude, praise, and thanksgiving
Twas God's grace by which this adventure hath been wrought

I sit here, a similar afternoon
With a flame of love dancing in my heart
Twas that spark - the note that started our tune

I glance out of the same window today
Recounting the memories of this past year
Twas a year of much more joy than dismay

Let the seed to grow and the snow to fall
Let the singer keep singing, and the notes keep dancing
Twas God whom heard and the shots he will call

**I'm going to get in trouble for that line :)

Body: Nature

In its lower nature, it is simply a body
In its higher nature, it is the temple for the soul

A construct of organs and elements that coexist and cooperate
In union and accord, the parts work together to strive for harmony and wellness

A house of stored abilities and a training camp for honing skills
With a humble purpose it serves as a useful tool for a mighty cause

Impulse of actions guided by a whirlwind of thought
With a mind that provides direction and energy that fuels

Inherently good and in a condition of harmony
The body strives to be well, balanced, and unified.

Soul: The Gate

In the darksome night of despair
You came, alert and aware
That the new dawn was near
A new manifestation would soon appear

A young man endowed with divine wisdom
To announce the impeding establishment of His kingdom
On Earth, God will be manifest
In human form, He will in humanity invest

In the dawn-tide, few awoke
To hear the words that you spoke
They were in total ten and eight
That sought and found that blessed gate

A gift, a gem, a challenge, a treasure
A mission, a sacrifice of the highest measure
Comforted when giving one's all
Knowing the eternal covenant will never fall

Mind: Child’s Conception Of The Realm On High

As we said our prayers that eve
She was reminded of those that He did retrieve

She asked to pray to Peter Khan and Rose
Astounded, to the challenge I arose

Of course we can pray to those upon high
Those that with God do soar and fly

She humbly bowed her head and closed her eyes
Her hands rested upon her thighs

And she sang with the most melodious tone
Say God Sufficeth sending shivers through my every bone

Her conception of the Lord is so clear
She remembers those she’s lost over this past year

But sadness doesn’t seem to meet the thought
Just joyous reflection pulling her faith taut

Body: Neck Pain

You are a pain in my neck
A product of an accident
Resulting from an unexpected car wreck

I was in the wrong place,
But actually right on-time
I did not expect this I’d have to face

You are an obstacle in the way of progress
A thorn piercing me from behind
Resulting from a collision of might and stress

I was helpless yet hopeful
But she was filled with misery
I did not desire to be mope-full

You put up a spastic fight
A painful tension
Resulting from those that hug you tight

I was stopped along a road to a final destination
But she thought I was moving at a faster pace
I did not hold it against her, I forgave without hesitation

You will remind me -- not sure for how long
A constant ache and an aggravating pain
Resulting from naught that I did wrong.

Soul: Unity in Diversity & Amidst Calamity

A nation
Under God
Celebration
In His pod

Within diversity
Unity is attainable
In times of calamity
It is indispensable

Unto a family in their home
People within this diverse society
Whether in a steeple or under a dome
Gather seeking prayer and piety

They look upon each others faces
With joy and love, dispelling His light
Originating from varying places
Witnessing the same wisdom and might

He gave us the necessary adhesive
And it’s taking us a while to learn how to apply
He sent down tools which you can buy or lease if
You express gratitude for the wings which he gave you to fly.

 



MPR -- Minnesota's Remembrance 09.11.2011

This little light of mine,
Please, Lord, let her shine
This little light of mine!

She looks upon with a gaze
Which pierced the photo
And rid it from any haze

Within those eyes, one can see
The cogs a-turnin
A mind of deep curiosity

With that gaze, She views a world of turmoil and pain
She takes in that which surrounds her
Through the haze, she sees only sunshine and rain

She sees light at the end of every tunnel
Can connect the dots and view the larger picture
She refuses to look through only a narrow funnel

This little light of Thine
Please, Lord, let her shine
This little light of Thine!

Mind: Key Contributors to True Happiness

I attended a seminar this past weekend by Dorothy Marcic -- she briefly covered topics addressed in her book, Love Lift Me Higher and outlined for us some key contributors/essentials to true happiness:

Service
Supportive Social Relationships
Sense of Purpose
Meaningful Work
Compassion
Forgiveness
Hope
Faith
Gratitude
Humility
Love
Trustworthiness

These are some of the highlights but the overall message was clear -- we have so much to be happy about and to bring us joy -- even in times of utmost challenge and what-seems-to-be despair. Much of true happiness lies in perspectives -- it is taking the "Must Dos" and "Should Dos" in life and altering one's perspective to turn these into "Like To Dos" and "Love To Dos."

Sing, Dance, Leap
Plant, Sow, Reap

A seed of joy planted and bred
In the heart of one man
Can be cultivated, and spread
In the hearts of many men

Ticket to the moon
Prayer at high noon

A prayer for strength and wellness
Sounds out from your bedroom wall
A prayer not at all of selfishness
Sounds out from your love for all

Rejuvenated and refreshed
Knowledge that one is blessed

An apparently long journey may be viewed from one's perspective
One of calamity, momentary sorrows, and much strife
An apparent fleeting moment may be viewed from the mind reflective
One of reality, today and tomorrow -- this is life!

Body: Hips Don't Lie

Emerged from the space between
You had your very own
As the cells came to convene
The results, muscles and bone

Poised midway
Between feet and mind
Mind guides the way
Feet take you to your find

Support the weight
Retain balance
Move in figure eight
Showing off their talents

Usually supportive
Of the efforts to gain
Beware lest ye be exploitive
They can inflict you with pain

Reminded of the run
As you take the first stride
Warrior facing the sun
Twist and stretch each side

Rotate at the hips
View the surround
More feminine than lips
As they sway with the sound

Abduction and adduction
Tension building
Flexion and extension
Intensify the feeling

Relax and release
Giving them a break
Pain may increase
A minimal stake

Treatment, they deserve the very best
Supporting every leap and stride
Will work for little rest
Hold on hips, we’ve got a long and worthwhile ride

Soul: Mountains To Climb

Shall I build you a mountain?
Shall I walk by your side?
As we walk to that mountain
Step by step, stride by stride

Shall I take you by the hand?
Shall I sing this little rhyme?
As we traverse the land
And plan the impending climb

Shall I build you a mountain?
Shall I make a steep incline?
As we observe that steep mountain
I’ll be yours, you’ll be mine

Shall I stand at the base?
Shall I try to pave the way?
As to each, we turn our face
No delay, it’s the day

Shall we build us a mountain?
Shall we begin our ascent?
As we pray that our fountain
Will flush out any resent

Shall we climb this together?
Shall we dance in the rain?
As we take that rope and tether
Embrace the joys and the pain

Shall we build us a mountain?
Shall we envision the peak?
As we take steps in the direction
Towards that of which we speak

Shall we take them with us?
Shall we teach them how to fly?
As we learn the why and the because
We triumph o’er land and sky

Mind: Patience & Perserverance

Striving to build endurance and stamina
in the pursuit of patience.
Love provides a stronghold
fueling the heart and soul
whilst the mind focuses
on strengthening the will
to perservere
and the faith
to be wholly and patient.
When God wills
there is a way
in the direction
of His way
set gaze
turn to him
with praise
be poised
head raised.

From the Bahá’í Holy Writings:

He, verily, shall increase the reward of them that endure with patience. The virtues and attributes pertaining unto God are all evident and manifest, and have been mentioned and described in all the heavenly Books. Among them are trustworthiness, truthfulness, purity of heart while communing with God, forbearance, resignation to whatever the Almighty hath decreed, contentment with the things His Will hath provided, patience, nay, thankfulness in the midst of tribulation, and complete reliance, in all circumstances, upon Him. These rank, according to the estimate of God, among the highest and most laudable of all acts. All other acts are, and will ever remain, secondary and subordinate unto them....
-- Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah

Be Patient, for the Lord is patient.
It behoveth whosoever hath set his face towards the most Sublime Horizon to Cleave Tenaciously unto the cord of patience, and to put his reliance in God, the Help in peril, the Unconstrained.
--Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh

O SON OF MAN! For everything there is a sign. The sign of love is fortitude under My decree and patience under My trials.
--The Hidden Words of Baha'u'llah

From the Muslim Holy Writings:

O believers, be patient, and vie you in patience…haply so will prosper.
--Qur’an, III,200,P.99

Be patient; surely God’s promise is true.
--Qur’an 40.55

You who believe, seek help through patience and prayer; God stands alongside the patient!
--Qur’an 2.153-57

From the Hindu Holy Writings:

Though he be ever so tired by repeated failure, let him begin his operations again and again; for fortune greatly favors the man who perseveres in his undertakings.
--Laws of Manu 9.300

From the Buddhist Holy Writings:

Heedful among the heedless, wide awake amongst the slumbering, the wise man advances as does a swift horse, leaving a weak jade behind.
Forbearing patience is the highest devotion…
--Dhammapada 29, XIV, V.184,P.53

From the Jewish Holy Writings:

Scripture credits with performance not him who begins a task, but him who completes it.
--Talmud, Sota 13b

From the Christian Holy Writings:

Do you not know that in a race all the runners compete, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things.
--1 Corinthians 9.24-25

Body: To Get Rid of Sighs, Work Bis and Tris

Feel the tension build in each muscle
After much pain, relieve with a release
Pump the heart, move and hustle
Feel it beat and swiftly increase

Nothing like the rush of strength
To rid the frown and sighs
Lunge with lots of length
Curl and extend the bis and tris

Soul: Joy Gives Us Wings

While reflecting on both real frustrations and true happines, one recalls that joy can give us wings to fly and spirit to soar! Striving to seek joy in all things and at all times.

"The realm of joy hath been ushered in; be not sorrowful! The hidden mystery hath been made manifest; be not disheartened!" -- Bahá’u’lláh

"In this world we are influenced by two sentiments, Joy and Pain.
Joy gives us wings! In times of joy our strength is more vital, our intellect keener, and our understanding less clouded. We seem better able to cope with the world and to find our sphere of usefulness. But when sadness visits us we become weak, our strength leaves us, our comprehension is dim and our intelligence veiled. The actualities of life seem to elude our grasp, the eyes of our spirits fail to discover the sacred mysteries, and we become even as dead beings.
There is no human being untouched by these two influences; but all the sorrow and the grief that exist come from the world of matter—the spiritual world bestows only the joy!" -- ‘Abdu’l-Bahá

The world may be dark and gloomy
But inwardly, He is a blessing unto me
He gives me strength when I may be weak
He places the dimple in each cheek
He causes me to smile
And makes sure it lasts a while
He can be seen in the sun and the moon
Can be reached at dawn and at noon
He shines within and all around
Can be loudly heard or without sound
Provider of joy, creator of all things
Founder of the sky, and merchant of the wings

Mind: Mazloom Strives For Courtesy

FACT:
مَظـلوُم "Mazloom" is an arabic meaning "Wronged One"
Courtesy is a virtue

BACKGROUND:
This morning, I was engaging in some daily reading and reflection -- seeking encouragement to neither offend nor be offended as I start off my day. I came across the below and it has really help to set a great tone for the day.

QUOTES:

Bahá’u’lláh says:—

O people of God! I exhort you to courtesy. Courtesy is indeed … the lord of all virtues. Blessed is he who is adorned with the mantle of Uprightness and illumined with the light of Courtesy. He who is endowed with Courtesy (or Reverence) is endowed with a great station. It is hoped that this Wronged One, and all, will attain to it, hold unto it and observe it. This is the Irrefutable Command which hath flowed from the pen of the Greatest Name.—Tablet of the World.

Again and again He repeats:—“Let all the nations of the world consort with each other with joy and fragrance. Consort ye, O people, with the people of all religions with joy and fragrance.”

‘Abdu’l-Bahá says in a letter to the Bahá’ís of America:—

Beware! Beware! Lest ye offend any heart!
Beware! Beware! Lest ye hurt any soul!
Beware! Beware! Lest ye deal unkindly toward any person!
Beware! Beware! Lest ye be the cause of hopelessness to any creature!

Should one become the cause of grief to any one heart, or of despondency to any one soul, it were better to hide oneself in the lowest depths of the earth than to walk upon the earth.
He teaches that as the flower is hidden in the bud, so a spirit from God dwells in the heart of every man, no matter how hard and unlovely his exterior. The true Bahá’í will treat every man, therefore, as the gardener tends a rare and beautiful plant. He knows that no impatient interference on his part can open the bud into a blossom; only God’s sunshine can do that, therefore his aim is to bring that life-giving sunshine into all darkened hearts and homes.

Again, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá says:—

Among the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh is one requiring man, under all conditions and circumstances, to be forgiving, to love his enemy and to consider an ill-wisher as a well-wisher. Not that one should consider another as an enemy and then put up with him … and be forbearing toward him. This is hypocrisy and not real love. Nay, rather, you must see your enemies as friends, your ill-wishers as well-wishers and treat them accordingly. Your love and kindness must be real … not merely forbearance, for forbearance, if not of the heart, is hypocrisy.

Such counsel appears unintelligible and self-contradictory until we realize that while the outer carnal man may be a hater and ill-wisher, there is in everyone an inner, spiritual nature which is the real man, from whom only love and goodwill can proceed. It is to this real, inner man in each of our neighbors that we must direct our thought and love. When he awakens into activity, the outer man will be transformed and renewed.

REFLECTION:

Running deep, a sincere love for humanity

Person to person, our differences, true beauty

Differently, we appear, we act, we believe, we seek

But I honestly believe we are climbing to the same peak

Each one finding their own direction

Along winding pathways, a massive collection

Of differing perspectives and beliefs

Choosing to soar in the sky or swim in ocean reefs

Whether of the school of fish or the flock of birds

May feel much different than the cows that run in herds

But at the end of the day, we're one in the same

Witnessing His Glory through perhaps a different name

In order to love one another, having faith and trust

In God as well as each other is quite a must

Courteous ways, an open mind, and a kind heart

Striving. Perhaps one can bring together that which is apart

Body: Hip Set

Stride by stride, we took our run
Dips and squats, we lifted for fun
Kettle bell squats, down, up, and thrust
In my body, I placed a whole lot of trust

Grieving the potential break in my workout routine
Training causes my mind to be both clear and serene
Wanting to leap forward, increase my pace, and sustain
Very difficult to see how this pain will cause me any gain

Hips set in place, shoulders down and back
Tail bone tucked in, Chest popping out the rack
Have prided myself in perfecting posture and stance
Feeling like a ballerina who can no longer leap or prance

Forcing me to relax, to center, to take a break
Forward fold, deep breaths and stretches by the lake
Praying these hips will heal soon
So I can sing to my usual tune

Soul: Family is a Human Unit

According to the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh the family, being a human unit, must be educated according to the rules of sanctity. All the virtues must be taught the family. The integrity of the family bond must be constantly considered, and the rights of the individual members must not be transgressed. The rights of the son, the father, the mother—none of them must be transgressed, none of them must be arbitrary. Just as the son has certain obligations to his father, the father, likewise, has certain obligations to his son. The mother, the sister and other members of the household have their certain prerogatives. All these rights and prerogatives must be conserved, yet the unity of the family must be sustained. The injury of one shall be considered the injury of all; the comfort of each, the comfort of all; the honor of one, the honor of all.

(“The Promulgation of Universal Peace: Talks Delivered by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá during His Visit to the United States and Canada in 1912”, p. 168) [61]

Mind: Thought Cloud

Below is a random thought cloud from today's perspective:

Powerless?
"When powerless, regnerate and source energy from an alternate source.
If powerless, productivity is not possible" -- Dominique Mazloom (pun fully intended when feeling powerless to resolve issues resulting from literal power outages)

Workaholic?
Nope, because the drive for efficiency would actually prefer to not work all the time. Aiming to succeed and taking any means necessary? Perhaps, because consider that one may be a "Dedicated, Determined, and Efficient" in his/her somewhat-obligatory pursuits of servitude.

Tensity?
The body's reaction to the mind's exhausted efforts often causees tensity in certain areas of the body and may even cause pain at times.

Pessimistic?
Not at all. Optimist? Not quite. Realistic? Spot on!

Body: Shoulders Down and Back

Release the pressure from your shoulders
And lift
Shoulders down and back
And reach

Whether lifting or practicing yoga, I find it very important to release the tension from your shoulders and set up good form by rolling you shoulders back and down -- this simple exercise centers your gravity and aligns your spine, hips, back, shoulders ready for lifting or stretching.

Whether preparing to clean and press, shoulder press, dead lift, or find crescent lunge or Tāḍāsana... please remember to find set position by ensuring your shoulders are rolled down and back.

Now that you're ready, work it! :p

Soul: Who is 'Abdu'l-Bahá?

To read an official/well-written answer, please visit: http://info.bahai.org/abdulbaha-center-of-covenant.html

OR...

For your amusement and consideration of a four-year-old's perspective, I have provided Jamilah's current understanding below

During our weekly prayer gathering yesterday evening, Jamilah identified a photo of 'Abdu'l-Bahá in one of the books, and pointed to it and said "God." Not quite Jamilah, since we were in the middle of a prayer, I just simply shook my head.

After prayers, I decided to teach Jamilah a song about 'Abdu'l-Bahá -- I taught her "Look at me, Follow me" and explained that 'Abdu'l-Bahá is someone we should look to and follow -- he is a good example of how we should behave.

When Jamilah was asked this week on numerous occasions what does 'Abdu'l-Bahá want us to do, her responses included:
Do nice things
Listen to our Moms and Dads and the teachers
Say prayers and be nice to the trees
Be nice to the plants
Don't hit, and don't scratch, and don't kick, and don't pinch, and don't punch their nose
Play at the park
Don't throw sand

I personally think she comprehends his being and purpose quite well for only four years of being acquainted with his words, stories, photos, and spirit.

Mind: Spanish Immersion

Since several of her preschool friends will be going to Kindergarten in the Fall, Jamilah has recently been talking a lot about 5 yr olds going to Kindergarten and how she will go to Kindergarten when she turns 5. We have also been talking about how we will go see a few schools and decide which one she will attend before she goes to Kindergarten.

On the way home from school today, we were driving by the Spanish Immersion School in our neighborhood. Jamilah asked what the school was and I told her it was the Spanish Immersion School. Impressing me with her ridiculous memory yet again, she asked if that was Violette's school -- yes, indeed it is. She asked if she could go to that school when she turns 5 and I explained to her that at that school the children speak in Spanish.

She so gracefully replied, "I speak Spanish" and began singing the following song:

She proudly concluded by explaining that her teacher knows Spanish and taught her that song.

Can someone please verify for me that my child does indeed already know how to sing this song in Spanish?

Body: When Lethargic Run

Was practically falling asleep, eyes were closing, body was lethargic, mind was blank -- I could have easily curled up and taken the opportunity to take a nap.

Instead, I strapped up the laces, plugged in the ear buds, lunged left then right, and took off -- took off running.

Step by step, stride by stride.
Heart beat steadily rising
Eyes opened and  became aware
Mind became busy and alert

My body, it ran.
My mind, it ran.
My energy, it soared!

Grounded by gravity, my head held high by the spirit, I was encouraged to run the distance.

Soul: Education, Equality, and Justice

Some quotes on Education, Equality, and Divine Justice for pondering and reflecting upon:

"...it is incumbent upon the father and mother to train their children both in good conduct and the study of books; study, that is, to the degree required, so that no child, whether girl or boy, will remain illiterate..."²¹

---

 "Know ye that in God's sight, the best of all ways to worship Him is to educate the children and train them in all the perfections of humankind; and no nobler deed than this can be imagined."⁶

---

 

"Divine Justice demands that the rights of both sexes should be equally respected since neither is superior to the other in the eyes of Heaven. Dignity before God depends, not on sex, but on purity and luminosity of heart. Human virtues belong equally to all!"⁹

---

I pray that such words of wisdom continue to spread like wild fire and that the souls of mankind will feel the warmth as the Glory of God shines and continues to light up the world.

Mind: A Mother's Thoughts

Work.As.Worship
"Work done in the spirit of service is the highest form of worship" -- ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Divine Philosophy

Reflect.Blog.Read.Repeat
Just when you think that 'perfect' mom never loses her patience and always acts rationally, responds calmly, floats through life like a feather with a smile on her face... you read that 'perfect' mom's blog. Reality check -- being a Mom is hard -- it's all in the striving!

"Strive that your actions day by day may be beautiful prayers! Turn towards God and seek always to do that which is right and noble..." -- ‘Abdu’l-Bahá

Walk.With.Vision
Clearly reflected in the lenses through which ye view that which lies ahead, is both the source and final destination of the path ye tread.

Body: Down the Lane

Set-off down the lane today... the first 1.5mi in 12min, the last 1.5mi as a walk/run but in 16min -- for a total of 28min mile. A lovely run... down the lane.

Body: O2 Driven

A steady pace
To finish the race
Deep breaths
To extend the breadth

Mind alert and clear
Finish line increasingly near
Breathe in the country air
Breathe out thoughts of despair

Each mile an accomplishment
Each thought encouragement
Images of future meld with those of past
Wisdom guides you forward but not too fast

Breath serves as recognition
Of the energy and exertion
Driven by oxygen
Releasing every toxin

Soul: Saplings of the World

Precious saplings, nourished and nurtured for hours upon hours

Allow them to become deeply rooted and blossom beautiful flowers

Wavering in a vicious storm that does surround

Protected by the love from those around

"...I am, O my God, but a tiny seed which Thou hast sown in the soil of Thy love, and caused to spring forth by the hand of Thy bounty. This seed craveth, therefore, in its inmost being, for the waters of Thy mercy and the living fountain of Thy grace. Send down upon it, from the heaven of Thy loving-kindness, that which will enable it to flourish beneath Thy shadow and within the borders of Thy court. Thou art He Who watereth the hearts of all that have recognized Thee from Thy plenteous stream and the fountain of Thy living waters.

Praised be God, the Lord of the worlds."

--Bahá’u’lláh

Mind: Why I Eat

I eat because I am
The food enables me to find comfort and joy
I am because I eat
Confident - no longer inhibited or coy

I eat because I run
The nutrients provide the necessary fuel
I run because I ate
Prepared – carrying with each necessary tool

I eat, because I leap
The energy makes flight possible and I soar
I leap, because I ate
Ready – all that surrounds I embrace and explore


(this post is not exactly what I had promised in last post -- but for now close enough)

Body: Eating, Deriver of Energy

Please take a moment to reflect on whether you are eating to provide your body with energy and then exerting it in a positive and productive manner.

Does Energy drive your Eating or does Eating drive your Energy?
Is your Energy derived from Eating or do you exert your Energy to Eating?
Is grocery shopping and/or meal planning a joy or a chore?
Is eating a privilege, a habit, practical, celebratory, and/or relaxing?
Do your choices of food and drink provide you with the energy you need in your daily life?

The next blog posting will reflect on the mind's response to some of these questions and the battle that your mind may often go through -- including the way your mind processes thoughts of eating, drinking, abundance, cravings, energy, focus. In the meantime, please refer to below suggestions for foods and activity that may enhance fulfilling your need for energy and focus.

Food suggestions to consider adding in moderation: Berries, Dark Chocolate, Fish, Eggs, Nuts, Beans, Cucumbers

Beverage suggestions to consider adding in moderation: Water, Coffee

Activity suggestions to consider adding in moderation: Service, Prayer, Teaching, Consulting, Reading, Photography, Music, Friendship

Fitness suggestions to consider adding in moderation: Walking, Running, Swimming, Lifting, Stretching, Yoga, Climbing, Meditating, Playing Sports

Game suggestions to consider adding in moderation: Scrabble (or other similar word game), Spades (or other similar team card game), Sudoku (or other individual brain stimulater), Chess (or other competitive strategy game), Cranium (or other multi-player game that uses diverse functions of the brain)

Soul: Patience & Confidence

Patience is a virtue
They say, I also do say
Desire oneness with you
Today, each hour of each day

Confidence, result of faith
We will certainly reap what we sow
Harmony of interfaith
We can see what we already know

"We render thanks unto God for whatsoever hath befallen Us, and We patiently endure the things He hath ordained in the past or will ordain in the future. In Him have I placed My trust; and into His hands have I committed My Cause. He will, certainly, repay all them that endure with patience and put their confidence in Him."

-- Bahá’u’lláh (The Summons of the Lord of Hosts, Tablet to the Kings, Page 272)

Mind: Nurse Appreciation Week

"Comfort the sorrowful, Bring healing to the sick, Reassure the fearful..." -- All noble feats that Nurses engage in daily. Thank you Nurses!

In the spirit of healing and appreciation of those engaged in comfort and healing, I would like to share below quote regarding true healing -- reasserting the belief that mind, body, and soul are all aspects of the one human being and divinely connected.

“All true healing comes from God! There are two causes for sickness, one is material, the other spiritual. If the sickness is of the body, a material remedy is needed, if of the soul, a spiritual remedy.

If the heavenly benediction be upon us while we are being healed then only can we be made whole, for medicine is but the outward and visible means through which we obtain the heavenly healing. Unless the spirit be healed, the cure of the body is worth nothing. All is in the hands of God, and without Him there can be no health in us!

There have been many men who have died at last of the very disease of which they have made a special study. Aristotle, for instance, who made a special study of the digestion, died of a gastronomic malady. Aviseu was a specialist of the heart, but he died of heart disease. God is the great compassionate Physician who alone has the power to give true healing.

All creatures are dependent upon God, however great may seem their knowledge, power and independence.

Behold the mighty kings upon earth, for they have all the power in the world that man can give them, and yet when death calls they must obey, even as the peasants at their gates.

Look also at the animals, how helpless they are in their apparent strength! For the elephant, the largest of all animals, is troubled by the fly, and the lion cannot escape the irritation of the worm. Even man, the highest form of created beings, needs many things for his very life; first of all he needs air, and if he is deprived of it for a few minutes, he dies. He is also dependent on water, food, clothing, warmth, and many other things. On all sides he is surrounded by dangers and difficulties, against which his physical body alone cannot cope. If a man looks at the world around him, he will see how all created things are dependent and are captive to the laws of Nature.

Man alone, by his spiritual power, has been able to free himself, to soar above the world of matter and to make it his servant.

Without the help of God man is even as the beasts that perish, but God has bestowed such wonderful power upon him that he might ever look upward, and receive, among other gifts, healing from His divine Bounty.”

-- ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Paris Talks

Body: Yoga & Intimacy

Breathe in through your nose
And out through your mouth
Stretch your fingers to your toes
And let your head hang south

Listen to your breath
As you stretch and reach
Sink low for depth
Let's practice what we preach

Namaste. I honor the place in you
Where the entire universe resides
The place inside that shines true
In which the world’s secrets one confides

A sense of oneness
When in that stretch beside you
A sense of fondness
Transparent, one sees right through

Direct your gaze ahead
And look note behind
As if connected by a thread
Peace, together you will find

Soul: Consultation, Expression of Justice

Consort and discuss with an
Open mind and an open soul
Not attached to individual agenda
Selfless devotion considering the whole
Unsullied thought process and
Loving kindness in both talk and action
Taint not thy words with self-desire
And strive for unified interaction
Take time to consider all options
Invest in prayer and rely upon the Concourse on High
Offer praise and ask for detachment
Never lose site of the direction towards which we fly.

Excerpt from "The Promise of World Peace" by the Universal House of Justice:

The courage, the resolution, the pure motive, the selfless love of one people for another—all the spiritual and moral qualities required for effecting this momentous step towards peace are focused on the will to act. And it is towards arousing the necessary volition that earnest consideration must be given to the reality of man, namely, his thought. To understand the relevance of this potent reality is also to appreciate the social necessity of actualizing its unique value through candid, dispassionate and cordial consultation, and of acting upon the results of this process. Bahá’u’lláh insistently drew attention to the virtues and indispensability of consultation for ordering human affairs. He said: “Consultation bestows greater awareness and transmutes conjecture into certitude. It is a shining light which, in a dark world, leads the way and guides. For everything there is and will continue to be a station of perfection and maturity. The maturity of the gift of understanding is made manifest through consultation.” The very attempt to achieve peace through the consultative action he proposed can release such a salutary spirit among the peoples of the earth that no power could resist the final, triumphal outcome.

Excerpt from "The Prosperity of Humankind" by the Baha'i International Community:

What Bahá’u’lláh is calling for is a consultative process in which the individual participants strive to transcend their respective points of view, in order to function as members of a body with its own interests and goals. In such an atmosphere, characterized by both candor and courtesy, ideas belong not to the individual to whom they occur during the discussion but to the group as a whole, to take up, discard, or revise as seems to best serve the goal pursued. Consultation succeeds to the extent that all participants support the decisions arrived at, regardless of the individual opinions with which they entered the discussion. Under such circumstances an earlier decision can be readily reconsidered if experience exposes any shortcomings.

Viewed in such a light, consultation is the operating expression of justice in human affairs. So vital is it to the success of collective endeavor that it must constitute a basic feature of a viable strategy of social and economic development. Indeed, the participation of the people on whose commitment and efforts the success of such a strategy depends becomes effective only as consultation is made the organizing principle of every project. “No man can attain his true station”, is Bahá’u’lláh’s counsel, “except through his justice. No power can exist except through unity. No welfare and no well-being can be attained except through consultation.”

Mind: Teacher Appreciation Day

Today, May 3rd, 2011 is Teacher Appreciation Day. Please take a moment to thank the teachers for the mighty efforts they exert daily to educate our children. The teachers are amongst those selfless souls that contribute to raising up generations of bright and radiant souls -- Brilliant Stars!

"The education and training of children is among the most meritorious acts of humankind and draweth down the grace and favour of the All-Merciful, for education is the indispensable foundation of all human excellence and alloweth man to work his way to the heights of abiding glory. If a child be trained from his infancy, he will, through the loving care of the Holy Gardener, drink in the crystal waters of the spirit and of knowledge, like a young tree amid the rilling brooks. And certainly he will gather to himself the bright rays of the Sun of Truth, and through its light and heat will grow ever fresh and fair in the garden of life.

Therefore must the mentor be a doctor as well: that is, he must, in instructing the child, remedy its faults; must give him learning, and at the same time rear him to have a spiritual nature. Let the teacher be a doctor to the character of the child, thus will he heal the spiritual ailments of the children of men.

If, in this momentous task, a mighty effort be exerted, the world of humanity will shine out with other adornings, and shed the fairest light. Then will this darksome place grow luminous, and this abode of earth turn into Heaven. The very demons will change to angels then, and wolves to shepherds of the flock, and the wild-dog pack to gazelles that pasture on the plains of oneness, and ravening beasts to peaceful herds; and birds of prey, with talons sharp as knives, to songsters warbling their sweet native notes."

-- “Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá”, Sec. 103, pp. 129–31

Brilliant Stars, Thanks to You

Gems are found in the soil
Thanks to you, they're polished and do glimmer
Water needs heat to boil
Thanks to you, their minds surely do simmer

Plants often grow in the spring time
Yours have tall stems and deep roots
Blossoms in all different colors
Yours have gleaming esteems and lofty pursuits

Birds were given wings so that they could fly
Thanks to you, they take flight
Stars were placed in the nights sky
Thanks to you, they shine bright

“The primary, the most urgent requirement is the promotion of education. It is inconceivable that any nation should achieve prosperity and success unless this paramount, this fundamental concern is carried forward. The principal reason for the decline and fall of peoples is ignorance. Today the mass of the people are uninformed even as to ordinary affairs, how much less do they grasp the core of the important problems and complex needs of the time.”
— ‘Abdu’l-Bahá

Body: 5K Baseline Set

Weather: Partly Cloudy 60°F, 20mph Winds, 30mph Gusts
Location: Lake Calhoun, Minneapolis
Distance: 3.2miles (for reference 5K = 3.1miles)
Time: 30:15
Cool Down: 10-20min walk

After 30 minutes of non-stop running, energy level was high and a feeling of excitement, accomplishment, and general happiness filled the air. The baseline for 5K training had been set at 30:15 with a goal of reaching an 8-9min/mile average speed which equates to a 25-28min 5K race time.

Baseline Breakdown

Breathe in, breathe out
Heavy breathing already?
Each stride, each step
Slow down, take it steady.

Pleasant day, lovely company
Stories make for great distraction
To the table, along for the run
Encouragement and attraction

A little hot, a little sweaty
Wondering how far we've come
Running slow, Breathing heavy
Knowing we've got a ways to run

People are running past
Having no intent to compete
Notice others run quite fast.
I just want to simply complete
Almost near you say, that you're right I pray
Alright mile three, a hill up ahead
Listen to the stories, focus on cute dogs
Can I do this? Should I walk instead?

We're doing this, we're oh so near
But what if it's an illusion, and we're actually quite far
Are you sure we're approaching the end
Yes, really. Wow, is that actually my car?

We did it, we made it, the end has come
It's all in the pace, encouragement, and tread
A soar of energy, ready for another run
Ok, perhaps not, let's walk and talk instead

Soul: Plight That Gave Woman Flight

And let it be known once more that until woman and man recognize and realize equality, social and political progress here or anywhere will not be possible. For the world of humanity consists of two parts or members: one is woman; the other is man. Until these two members are equal in strength, the oneness of humanity cannot be established, and the happiness and felicity of mankind will not be a reality. God willing, this is to be so.

-The Promulgation of Universal Peace: Talks Delivered by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá during His Visit to the United States and Canada in 1912”, 2nd. ed., pp. 74–77

Thank you for referring to me by that somewhat inspiring name
Thank you for reminding me we're living in a special time
One in which man and woman are considered the same
One in which stating that word should be considered a crime

Beautiful
Independent
Tender
Caring
Heroine

Each day, women live by each letter
Stand with dignity and talk
Pray women will be released from their fetter
Live with equality and walk

…The woman is indeed of the greater importance to the race. She has the greater burden and the greater work. Look at the vegetable and the animal worlds. The palm which carries the fruit is the tree most prized by the date grower. The Arab knows that for a long journey the mare has the longest wind. For her greater strength and fierceness, the lioness is more feared by the hunter than the lion.

The woman has greater moral courage than the man; she has also special gifts which enable her to govern in moments of danger and crisis….

-‘Abdu’l-Bahá in London: Addresses, and Notes of Conversations”, pp. 102–3

Mind: Powered by Perspective

Look up, forward, and ahead
Reach up and march with confident stead
To look down, within, or behind
Is like pressing stop and rewind

Driven to generate motion
Rather go places than just notion
In a certain direction, one may talk and point
Direct oneself, turn unto every limb and joint

With head held high
And mind reaching for the sky
Soul grounds in preparation
For significant elevation

Standard of excellence in the air
A genuine heart, dedication, and care
The appropriate perspective
Required, not an elective

It is perspective that leads and guides too
We’re off -- taken flight -- Where to?

Body: Importance of Pace

Background:
Treadmill workout usually consists of intervals with maximum of 1mi non-stop running with either high inclines and/or speed settings.

Goal:
Run a 5K without walking

Today's Workout:
Treadmill -- 5K in 28:50 plus 5+min cool down at high incline
(Pace was 6.5mph for at least first 2 miles -- in the last mile speed varied between 6.5 and 8mph for the last stretch)
Push Ups -- 3 Sets of 10 reps (2 Sets with Ball)
Fitness Yoga -- 50+min

Reflection:
I was able to run a 5K in 28:50min on the treadmill today, without holding on or walking. Posture and form is much better when pumping the arms while taking even and full strides. Running without intervals/walking is achievable if pace is steady -- towards the end it is easier to reenergize and increase speed -- with the finish line in sight.

Next challenge:
Run at least 2miles non-stop outside -- keeping steady and sustainable pace will be most important.

Soul: It is This, This is It

It is this love that binds us
Only illumines, never blinds us
This is the love that inspires the heart
It connects body, mind, and soul to their start

It is this faith that protects us
That most definitely affects us
This is the faith that we cling to
Oh, the places we'll go, this we'll bring too

It is this prayer that I profess at morn and at night
It launches the bird at dawn into flight
This is the prayer that made our spirits soar
It hit us within, right down to the core.

It is this knowledge that preceeded and will follow
God as my witness, this reed has become hollow
This is the knowledge that does ground us
Oh, the blessings and bounties, they came and found us

It is this unity that is so very real
The attraction, the oneness that we feel
This is the unity that He bestowed
It blesses the seeds He hast sowed

"The love which exists between the hearts of believers is prompted by the ideal of the unity of spirits. This love is attained through the knowledge of God, so that men see the Divine Love reflected in the heart. Each sees in the other the Beauty of God reflected in the soul, and finding this point of similarity, they are attracted to one another in love. This love will make all men the waves of one sea, this love will make them all the stars of one heaven and the fruits of one tree. This love will bring the realization of true accord, the foundation of real unity." -- ‘Abdu’l-Bahá

Mind: Perfection vs Excellence

Perfection
-- Expecting
-- Not attainable, therefore set-up for failure
-- Goals are inordinate and surreal
-- Focused on the results and outcome
-- Inflexible - difficulty adapting to changes / set-backs
-- Impatient, uncompromising, and anxious in character

Excellence
-- Striving
-- Attainable, therefore set-up for success
-- Goals are reasonable and realistic
-- Focused on the journey and path to accomplishment
-- Flexible - embracing change and alternatives
-- Patient, understanding, and confident in character

Body: Raise the Desk

Raise the Desk

Today, I stand
For the rights of those
Who wish their desk rose
I work with upright posture
Confident composure, I do foster.

Today, I stand
People look on with curiosity
Or was that a look of animosity?
Some dare to ask why
Most, just simply pass by.

Today, I stand
Alert and aware of my surrounds
Embracing the sun and the sounds
Being at peace both body and mind
Comfort I wasn't expecting to find

Today, I stand
Core and back braced
Upright and forward faced
Ready to take on that which the day may bring
On this beautifully sunny day mid-Spring

Soul: Powerful Prayer

Prayer is powerful alone and meditation enhances its affect. Please enjoy the following Baha'i quotes that emphasize this point. I hope you can join me in devotion -- as we give our worries to the Lord -- and walk forward with unrelenting faith.

"O thou who art turning thy face toward God! Close thine eyes to all things else, and open them to the realm of the All-Glorious. Ask whatsoever thou wishest of Him alone; seek whatsoever thou seekest from Him alone. With a look He granteth a hundred thousand hopes, with a glance He healeth a hundred thousand incurable ills, with a glimpse He layeth balm on every wound, with a nod he freeth the hearts from the shackles of grief…Then better for thee to bow down thy head in submission, and put thy trust in the All-Merciful Lord." -- 'Abdu’l-Baha, Baha'i Prayers

"Through the faculty of meditation man attains to eternal life; through it he receives the breath of the Holy Spirit the bestowal of the Spirit is given in reflection and meditation. The Spirit of man is itself informed and strengthened during meditation; through it affairs of which man knew nothing are unfolded before his view." --`Abdu'l-Baha, Paris Talks, p. 175

"Is there any Remover of difficulties save God? Say: Praised be God! He is God! All are His servants, and all abide by His bidding!" -- The Báb, Baha'i Prayers

Body: Mickey Motivates

Being relatively new to running, and having started with interval training and 5K training on a treadmill at first, I have been quite intimidated by the idea of running outside. At the same, as the snow started melting, the grass sprouting, the birds chirping, I was eager to begin running outside this spring. I embarked on the Spring running escapade on a pleasant evening in St Paul on April 4th 2011. Temperatures were in the 40s and a cooling wind chill in the 20s -- the sun was beginning to descend. With the most encouraging and supportive partner by my side, I took my first stride from Water St and Wabasha we were destined for Mickey's Diner. Mickey's was only .8miles away and that first leg was energizing, refreshing, and a little nerve racking -- am I really cut out for running outside. After galavanting through downtown St Paul, a few more round trips between the car and Mickey's Diner, a very fulfilling meal at Mickey's, and a total of 6 trips over the Wabasha Bridge, I'm ready for more! Bring on the spring running escapade!

Side note: for those respecting their bodies with healthy eating habits, I would not usually suggest Mickey's Diner -- however in this case the food piled with mountains of grease was the much needed motivation for my first outdoor run in 2011.

Mind: Well Wise

From the womb we rise
Born already wise
Wisdom, a gem within
Not smart advice once given

The cogs spin and turn
Let live and let learn
Wheels upstairs are ticking
Ideas begin kicking

Once described as smart
Perhaps that was part
Ly holding back the wise
Smart was a simple disguise

The flashy coat worn
Blast of a loud horn
But inside, queen fashion
Playing behind, musician

Two and two makes four
But what's at the core?
The notes can't make the tune hum
The beat gives it the rhythm.

In Balance

Fantastic weekend: In Balance

Mind
Thoughts inclusive of past, present, and future with an attitude of reflection, learning, and action.
Within the mind was spread an environment of focus, steadfastness, determination, patience, and peace.
Joy was found in the smallest and simplest of moments.
Gratitude was realized, shared, expressed as the heart was warmed and the eyes let off its radiance.

Body
Balance achieved in body flow.
Strength felt in body pump.
95lbs Bench Press
Speed and endurance to come with time and effort.
Thai salad was really yummy on Sat night.

Soul
Uplifted by the tranquility zone -- found peace within.
A spirit soared, a prayer sung out.
Was able to place on tests the most positive spin.
Excited for another Junior Youth Group on Friday -- the plans stir my soul.

Mind: What Am I?

Warm, Wrapped in layers of protection
Aglow, Aware of the mind’s selection
Red, Color of blood, passion, and heat
Alive, Dancing with the sweetest beat

Body: Workout #3

60min Body Pump

Reflection: Having not been at Body Pump in 3 weeks, weight selection was quite low today -- hoping to get weight selection back up to usual by end of month. It didn't help that it was also a new release -- I'm sure I'll be quite sore tomorrow.

Soul: Bearing Witness to Him

"I bear witness, O my God, that Thou hast created me to know Thee and to worship Thee." - Baha'u'llah (Baha'i Daily Obligatory Prayer)

As God is my witness,
I seek naught but to satisfy him
Focusing on fitness,
I pray my soul will never be slim

Daily nourishment and action,
Resulting in blessings and tests,
Seeking His attraction,
Prepared to follow His behests.

Body: Workout #2

34waist, 36 hip, 22 thigh, 12 arm
4min Running on Treadmill (level 3 incline, 7.5mph) 50cal
24min Cross Training on Elliptical
40min Black Bandana Crew Training (48 push ups, 9 wall to walls, 12lb weight)
2x20 Chest Press 45lbs
1x10 Chest Press 65lbs
1x10 Incline Chest Press 45lbs
1x10 Lat Pull 70lbs
1x10 Tricep Extension 20lbs
20min Pilates Ab Scultping

Body: 1st Workout of the Year

146lbs
1hr Body Flow (missed most of the Tai Chi, skipped the relaxation)
12min 1.5mi Interval Training on Treadmill (5.1-7.9mph / 3-13 incline) 200cal
23min Cross Training on Elliptical (resistance #10, interval level start #7)250cal
3x10 Leg Press 260lbs
3x10 Lat Pull 70lbs
3x10 Chest Press 45lbs
3x10 Arm Curls 15lbs

Reflection: Tough day -- felt very unfit having not worked out in exactly 2 weeks. Saw considerable set-back in speed, endurance, and strength. Confident that the ability will improve rapidly over the next few weeks.

Mind: To Be or Not To Be

Refuse!

To be…
Disrespected, Misled, Used, Abused, Oppressed, Subdued, Discredited, Degraded, Humiliated…

In order to succeed, do not be guilty of doing any of the above to self or others.

Aim!

Instead, to…
Serve, Raise, Praise, Uplift, Enrich, Support, Empower, Promote, Empathize, Strive

Soul: Kicking Off the New Year

'Abdu'l-Bahá gives the following exhortation:

O Handmaids of the All-Sufficing God!
Exert yourselves, that haply ye may be enabled to acquire such virtues as shall honor and distinguish you amongst all women. Of a surety, there is no greater pride and glory for a woman than to be a handmaid in God's Court of Grandeur; and the qualities that shall merit her this station are an alert and wakeful heart; a firm conviction of the unity of God, the Peerless; a heartfelt love for all His maidservants; spotless purity and chastity; obedience to and consideration for her husband; attention to the education and nurturing of her children; composure, calmness, dignity and self-possession; diligence in praising God, and worshipping Him both night and day; constancy and firmness in His holy Covenant; and the utmost ardor, enthusiasm, and attachment to His Cause...