A New Way of Seeing Things

I have found the reason I am struggling so much these past 3 months with the majority of the I Ho Chuan requirements. My want and desire has diminished. Even though I have experienced and know the value of each requirement, I don't want it bad enough. My mind comes up with a multitude of excuses and reasons not to put in the effort. I have experienced in the past my ability to create or make something happen when the desire or need is strong, so I know what is possible. Need and/or desire are strong motivators. I just need to find what my motivator is. We all have the ability to make amazing things happen! 

Namaste,

Michele Ward


“One's destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.” 
― Henry Miller

Namaste - "The divine in me bows to the divine in you"

Anger and hatred do not serve to make our world a better place! It can be difficult to not focus on the hateful words and acts of violence occurring in different parts of the world. Sorrow, fear and even more anger can become a result of these terrible acts, creating more negative energy.

We can not change what has happened in the past, but we can lead by example. Love, gratitude, positive thinking, compassion and empathy are the building blocks towards a peaceful world.

Projects like cranes for peace are especially important right now. In an effort towards building a peaceful world, I would like to share with you an ancient Sanskrit greeting that says it all.



                                                         


https://www.thoughtco.com/what-does-namaste-mean-1770004
                                         







Namaste,

Michele Ward            
                                                                   

Driving in My Car Car

Lately while driving I have noticed how often my mind wanders. I am easily distracted and certainly not paying attention to the drive. There are blocks of time where I am not aware of my surroundings. I don't need a cell phone in my hand to be distracted! My mind is its own distraction. I wonder how many other drivers on the road navigate without being mindful of what they are doing and where they are going? Auto pilot has kicked in! This is where things could get ugly!

Becoming more aware of my lack of focus while driving has proved interesting. Trying to become more aware and mindful while driving is proving to be a challenge for me. I start off great and before I realise my mind has gone off on its own little journey, completely separate from the task at hand. Driving a familiar route (back and forth to work) is especially challenging. I find that I have to create a dialogue with myself about my surroundings, my vehicle and my driving to help stay mindful. With practise I hope to build a habit of being more aware and able to stay present in the moment.

Too many things in life become automatic. Makes you wonder what you may be missing along the way. How can we truly enjoy life if we are on auto pilot for a large portion of it. Mediocrity is like being on auto pilot. Most of the key ingredients to actually living life are missing. Mindfulness, awareness, appreciation and being fully present in each and every moment. Without these ingredients life slips you by without even noticing. You've gone from point A to point B with little recollection of the journey in between.

Michele Ward

Mother Earth's Treasure

Today was a great end to the week! A gemologist from the Lacombe area took a small group of us out rock hunting southeast of Stettler. We spent most of the day in a farmers field going through glacial till mounds looking for interesting rocks and learning about our finds. It is amazing what mother nature creates and leaves behind for us to find and appreciate. My friend and I both came back with two small buckets of treasures and spent some quality time together. I am looking forward to doing more of anything that involves being outside enjoying nature. Logan and I plan to do some hiking this coming week, but I am not sure where to go. We are open to suggestions and are looking for day trips if anyone can point us in the right direction.

Michele Ward