JD LeJeune

Notes from the Universe - TUT.com

Funny, isn’t it, John-Derek, how those who don’t believe that thought unfailingly creates matter and is the bridge between spirit and physical, desire and manifestation, yin and yang–basing their denials on science, religion, or whatever–nevertheless rush around to share their thoughts with others on the subject. Huh?

Things that make you go, “Hmmmm….”
The Universe

Some might even need proof they think, John-Derek, if they thought about it enough.

Timely: Some timely quotes reminding me of who we are and what helps to define our beliefs (and therefor our reality).

“It’s surprising how many persons go through life without ever recognizing that their feelings toward other people are largely determined by their feelings toward themselves, and if you’re not comfortable within yourself, you can’t be comfortable with others.” - Sydney J. Harris

“We have the need to be accepted and to be loved by others, but we cannot accept and love ourselves. The more self-love we have, the less we will experience self-abuse. Self-abuse comes from self-rejection, and self-rejection comes from having an image of what it means to be perfect and never measuring up to that ideal. Our image of perfection is the reason we reject ourselves the way we are, and why we don’t accept others the way they are.” - Don Miguel Ruiz

“There is no freedom like seeing myself as I am and not losing heart.” - Elizabeth J. Canham

“If we could learn to like ourselves, even a little, maybe our cruelties and angers might melt away.” - John Steinbeck

The Perfect Holiday DailyOM

As the holidays arrive it is easy to become distracted by our desire for perfection. It might be the need to craft a festive environment, always be in an upbeat mood, or simply the desire to find just the right gifts for everyone in our lives. Even though these things can be positive, if we start putting too much pressure on ourselves during this season, we are much more apt to forget what truly is important—celebrating our lives with the people we care about.

For many of us this time of year can stir up a host of mixed emotions. For example, we might feel a tinge of nostalgia for past holiday celebrations, when times were simpler, or a sense of being let down due to the unmet expectations we have for ourselves and others. No matter what our feelings are, they are likely to be caused by an unrealistic sense of what the holidays should mean for us. Rather than thinking of this season as a time for finding the perfect gift or hosting the best party, we can get so much more out of the holidays if we create a personal inventory of the things that matter most to us. With each item we add to our list, we can then set the intention to use this season as a time to consciously rejoice in and express our appreciation for the blessings we have. The more we are able to let go of our traditional expectations for the holidays, the more open we will become to the bounteous spirit that lies within us.

Our true enjoyment of this season will only come from looking within and reflecting on the deeper spiritual significance the holidays have for us. Infusing our holiday activities with a sense of gratitude will bring a greater level of enjoyment to our life and also help us extend loving and kind energy to all we encounter. It is this spirit that will allow us to truly celebrate by sharing our greatest gifts—infinite love, peace, understanding, and joy—with those around us.

DailyOM Horoscope

Timely: Wow. All the messages today say the same thing.

You may feel like supporting those around you today. This may be due to your desire to give assistance to people who look up to you. If during the day you find that others may want more support than you can give at that time, you can work on becoming centered and opening up your heart. This allows you to become fully attuned to their needs and to keep your energy flowing. You can take a few moments to ground yourself. Plant your feet onto the floor, and keep in touch with the earth. Then you might imagine that the rest of your body is a channel of energy opening up to the sky. You can picture a bright light entering your body through the top of your head, filling you with unlimited energy and love as you breathe. You could notice that your heart becomes more receptive as a result.

Learning to ground ourselves and open our heart center allows us to more fully encourage other people. There are times when we may want to be helpful and giving, but if we are not tapping into the unlimited energy of the universe, we can drain ourselves in the process. It is important to remember that we cannot truly support other people unless we support ourselves first, and becoming grounded and accessing the universal energy are physical ways to do so. This keeps the energetic cycle flowing and our hearts open. Becoming a channel for universal love today will give you the strength and compassion to be fully present with others.

Boredom DailyOM

The human mind thrives on novelty. What was once a source of pleasure can become tedious after a time. Though our lives are full, boredom lurks around every corner because we innately long for new experiences. Yet boredom by its very nature is passive. In this idle state of mind, we may feel frustrated at our inability to channel our mental energy into productive or engaging tasks. We may even attempt to lose ourselves in purposeless or self-destructive pursuits. While this can be a sign of depression, it can also be an invitation issued from your mind, asking you to challenge yourself. Boredom can become the motivation that drives you to learn, explore the exotic, experiment, and harness the boundless creative energy within.

In Hindu and Buddhist traditions, boredom is perceived as a pathway to self-awareness. Boredom itself is not detrimental to the soul—it is the manner in which we respond to it that determines whether it becomes a positive or a negative influence in our lives. When you respond by actively filling the emptiness you feel lurking in yourself, you cultivate creativity and innovation. If, when in the grip of boredom, you have difficulty acknowledging the merits of any activities you might otherwise enjoy, generate your own inspiration. Before you find yourself beset by boredom, create a list of tasks you can consult when it feels like there is simply nothing to do. Referring to a list of topics you want to learn more about, projects you’ve yet to begin, or even pending chores can spark your creative energy and reawaken your zest for life.

When we are troubled by boredom, it is not that there is nothing to do but rather that we are not stimulated by the options before us. A bored mind can be the canvas upon which innovation is painted and the womb in which novelty is nourished. When you identify boredom as a signal that you need to test your boundaries, it can be the force that presses you to strive for opportunities you thought were beyond your reach and to indulge your desire for adventure.