[scott snedeker]

Originally Posted by Daniel

(My hope and prayer is that, with time and practice, my brain will learn to find less noisy highways to travel.)

And let's face it, we all have something we have to deal with, right?

I say use it. Whatever it is, let it teach us to become more open to love and light, to warmth and joy.

The Buddhist's call it Maitri.

Maitri:

Kindness, benevolence, or goodwill, as in the disposition of a friend (Sanskrit, mitra). An important Buddhist virtue, maitri is to be cultivated towards all in a spirit of generosity which is free of attachment or thoughts of self-interest. As the first of the four Divine Abidings, maitri is practised as a meditational exercise by being directed first of all to oneself, then those close to one (such as friends and family), and then extended by stages to embrace all living beings.


The point here is to take what seems unbearable and to use it as a way to find compassion for one's self and for others.

I am enthralled by your inroduction of the Buddhist meditational exercise of Maitri. Is that pronounced "may tree" ? A discipline of love and harmony of self with the purpose of extension to others by ripples is beautiful! I can see a meld of this discipline with the others I have embraced! I will have to embrace more of this discipline!

You always come up with the best resources! Smart Guy!

Originally Posted by antonyh

It can be difficult sometimes to simply give yourself permission to pursue what YOU WANT. I decided to try this philosophy after graduating recently and I start a non-profit job advocating for LGBT sacramental/civil rights in January. I'm so excited. I could make $15,000 more per year in the corporate world but I'll be happy at work for once...so who cares!

My next goal is to become ordained and enter the ministry (yeah, frightening I know ). How I am going to pull that one off as an out gay man in a committed relationship is yet to be seen.

Relentless focus on what YOU WANT

Scotty, I really admire your loving, care free approach to life.

Thanks! I think you have a pretty goood idea of what you want! The wealth of your life is better measured by your capacity to let in joy! You sure seem to see that clearly!