Joy in a Bowl of Porridge!

The New English Dictionary describes “joy’ as something that cause’s intense happiness! I like the idea of "intense happiness" so how do I get to these "somethings" to experience joy?
Remember the movie Oliver Twist? Young Oliver was still hungry after his first bowl of porridge. He quietly rose from his seat and approached his keeper to say, “more please!” Was it a joy for him to nourish himself with a simple bowl of porridge. Did the joy of the experience (eating tasty, sustaining porridge) prompt the request for more or was it simply the need to fill his tummy with food?
How do I know joy really exists? I am told it must because of the universal law of opposites. I know daylight because of night; pleasure because of pain, faith because of fear and life because of death. I know joy because of sorrow.
For me, joy is like smiling from the inside out. It feels really good. It takes me to a place of quiet comfort, deep inside the core of my being. It’s as if joy connects my human body with my spiritual being. It cradles my soul. It's a part of me.
“The great teachings unanimously emphasize that all the peace, wisdom and joy in the universe are already within us; we don’t have to gain, develop or attain them. We are like a child standing in a beautiful park with eyes shut tight. We don’t need to imagine trees, flowers, deer, birds and sky; we merely need to open our eyes and realize what is already here, who we really are - as soon as we quit pretending we are small and unholy.” Author Unknown
Practising Gratitude, Compassion and Generosity are real eye openers! Who knows one day I may come to the realization that I Am Joy!
In the meantime,
More please!

Please visit us at: www.joythrugenerosity.com
Anthony

On The Road to Peace

Like many others, on November 11th, I took the time to pause, reflect and honor those who have gone to war. I watched the ceremony on television and said a quiet "thank you". What am I saying thank you for and why do I feel a sense of sorrow?
Obviously, I’m grateful to live in a democracy. I’m grateful that I have not officially “had to go to war”. Really, I have no idea of what front line battle feels like. Or do I?
I feel sorrow for the loss of life, for the families that have lived with that loss, for the soldiers that have lived with the first hand experience of going through a war. I also feel a tremendous sadness, that despite the testimonials of countless active soldiers, veterans and their families reflecting on the futility of war; we are, in fact, still going to war.
I watched the soldiers as they partook in the Remembrance Day ceremonies and wondered what it would be like if we did not have a need for soldiers or for the guns they carry. What if Remembrance Day was a day for honoring the past and celebrating peace? What if we lived in a world without distinction of borders, without a belief of “them and us”?
How would this be possible? Many are “for peace”, attend peace rallies, and support peaceful movements. Why have we not learned from the past and why does worldwide peace not exist?
The Buddhist’ philosophy states that we must start with ourselves. If we truly desire peace for our society and the world, we must first attain peace within ourselves. This brings me back to my earlier questioning of having no idea what front line battle feels like. If I truly desire peace, I must reflect upon my thoughts and actions. I need to ask the question, “What battles do I engage in?” How can the possibility of peace exist if I am unable to attain peace within? How do I harm myself and others through my thoughts, words and actions?
Rather daunting questions! So, how can I achieve peace? First, I need to be clear of my intention of peace. It’s easy for me to state what I’m against and “how horrid war is” and to talk of peace in the same breath; but intention without appropriate action is ineffectual.
What is effective action on the road to peace? As I go about interacting with myself and the world, I can learn to be mindful of my thoughts and actions. I can meditate to learn stillness and calmness. I can access many spiritual tools to increase my awareness. I can pause and think before reacting to my environment. I can learn to focus on positive thoughts with gratitude. I can silently affirm compassion for all sentient beings and wish them “freedom from suffering”, thereby creating connection or re-connection. I believe this has to include myself, as the more compassion I have for myself, the more compassion I am able to extend to others. If I am in a state of true connection with others, I am in a state of peace!
These practices allow me to see that most…well okay…all of my inner conflicts are really projections and create disharmony for me and others.
So, how do we attain peace? One thought at a time!
Please visit us at: www.joythrugenerosity.com
Joyful Blessings,
Cathy

The Store IS Open!

TwinkleTone Productions at www.joythrugenerosity.com is very excited to announce the grand opening of the store!
We’re pleased to be offering Education & Entertainment resources for the whole family. Many delightful gifts have arrived just in time for Christmas!
Searching for a present that will entertain and educate a child? Check out the musical CD A Day With Da Boys. This lively CD will have the whole family singing. Join daMunk & his sidekicks for such favorites, as “When You’re Smiling”, “Teddy Bears Picnic” and the ever catchy “Munky Man Theme” song.
Parents & grandparents are you looking for educational stories that entertain & provide positive mentoring? Then this CD is for you! Adventure Stories are taken from bedtime stories originally written by a grandfather for his grandson. Children love listening to "Pops" the narrator, as he takes them on one exciting adventure after another! This CD is age appropriate for 5 - 10 year olds.
What is the real meaning of the Crone? How can women jofully embrace the third phase of their lives? Order this refreshing DVD Amazing Grays: A Celebration of the Crone & see how some women are embracing spirituality & the wisdom of the Crone! Women & men of all ages are inspired by this captivating documentary.
Spread kindness in your community & throughout the world! Order a dozen Tokens of Kindness & pass them on. Whenever someone does something kind for you or you for them, give them a Token of Kindness. Kids love to pass them on. Get the whole family involved & keep the spirit of kindness & generosity going! Each order contains a dozen tokens.
Special Offer: Every order receives one FREE Token of Kindness!
Please visit our site at: www.joythrugenerosity.com