I’m sure most of you have seen the movie, Forrest Gump. Sometimes it’s not so much a big box of luscious chocolates we get to sample in a lifetime! It’s not as much fun biting down on a hard rock candy, but there you go. It happens. How many are now saying to yourself upon reading this, “Been there, done that”?
It’s a beautiful and balmy Sunday afternoon here in Sedona, Arizona, after a night of some refreshing rain. I’m in the mood for some reflections. I was thinking of how chapters of our lives can alternate from being a river of tears, to a barrel of laughs, and back again. Along our journey, it does feel so important to remember the Golden Rule, and remember to practice forgiveness at every turn. Whatever comes our way, whatever the roll of the dice may seem to bring…just do yourself a favor and forgive all.
You know the trouble with Dreamers? They wake us up! That Author Within has me writing again. I’ve been thinking about some chapters for my forthcoming book, which I plan to write next month at another Tom Bird Write Your Best Seller in a Weekend retreat here in sunny Sedona. The other night, rather than sleep (which my body wanted), my mind wanted to write, so that won out. Here are some of themes I plan to write on, coming to an online book seller near you.
The Way Back – See You There – We’ll All take the High Road – No More Karma: The Greatest Freedom – Can You Remember? Every Choice Does Matter; Courage is as Courage Does.
That is just a small sampling, and each topic deserves a chapter…I may be blogging on some of these topics in days to come, so stay tuned!
Are you familiar with the Hoʻoponopono (ho-o-pono-pono) healing prayer? It is an ancient Hawaiian practice of reconciliation and forgiveness. Similar forgiveness practices were performed on islands throughout the South Pacific, including Samoa, Tahiti and New Zealand. Traditionally hoʻoponopono is practiced by healing priests or kahuna lapaʻau among family members of a person who is physically ill. Modern versions are performed within the family by a family elder, or by the individual alone.
The simple process of saying over and over: “I Love You, I’m Sorry, Please Forgive Me, Thank You” has had amazing affects, even with patients in the most dangerous mental hospital wards. I urge you to google and read these heart-warming stories of Dr. Len’s work in Hawaii, as chronicled by Joe Vitale. It is really absolutely amazing. Try it on the people in your life whom you’ve been having the most difficult problems relating to. Try it on yourself. Let me know how that goes. The results are just so profound. The funny thing is that this works even if you are at a distance, and not seeing the person you are saying this simple affirmative prayer for.
My point is that we do not have to stay “stuck” in any ruts. You have a unique gift, a unique voice on this planet. Remember to express love in all that you do. You ultimately cannot just keep running away from conflict (I know that we’d all like to), but have to be a source of resolving the conflict. Be the joy-bringer; be the peace-bringer. Find that old movie with Albert Brooks and Meryl Streep, “Defending Your Life.” It’s one of my favorites and it makes quite the moral point. You will see what I mean. We need more movies like that. We all need every source of inspiration possible, to restore harmony to our dear planet Earth. On your best days, make sure that you are the inspiration to those around you, and you will feel doubly blessed.
Many days I still feel like I have the proverbial “long way to go and a short time to get there,” but I always find reasons and ways to enjoy each day. Let’s keep in mind that humor is still the best medicine. I salute each of you as you do your best to make this world a better place. One day at a time; one step at a time. To make the forest green, we have to focus on making each tree green, right? And may Forrest Gump share with you some of the best chocolates from that box his mama gave him! “I love you; I’m sorry; please forgive me; thank you.”
