Optimism seems to be idealistic
L'ottimismo sembra essere idealista
ஒருங்கிணைந்த நேர்மறை நம்பிக்கையானது கற்பனாவாதமாகத்  தெரிகிறது​
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​​“Your messages on optimism seems to be too idealistic and sometime I don’t agree with that. And I feel it too much,” is one of the recent responses I had recently from a person who regularly receives our messages regularly.
Yes even with Covid the word “positive” brings fear. We are so influenced by the negative influences and effects so much so that we struggle to come out of it. And that is why it is good sometimes we insist little more (may be a bit too much) the optimistic thoughts and ways. It is good to expose ourselves to positive realities, thoughts and experiences that it could become part of our being.
Recently after being introduced to integrally optimistic ways for few days a person responded saying: “It is interesting that it is not only when I do the exercises I feel the influence of optimism but also it gradually becomes part of my person. I realise that so far I have forgotten to take good care of myself and love myself.”
Despite having sceptical thoughts, try optimistic ways in your thoughts, words and actions.
Brother Charles Alphonse OFMCap and Integral Optimism Team
                      
L'ottimismo sembra essere idealista
"I tuoi messaggi sull'ottimismo sembrano essere troppo idealistici e a volte non sono d'accordo. E lo sento troppo", è una delle risposte che ho avuto recentemente da una persona che riceve regolarmente i nostri messaggi.
Sì, anche con Covid la parola "positivo" porta paura. Siamo così influenzati dalle influenze e dagli effetti negativi che facciamo fatica ad uscirne. Ed è per questo che è bene a volte insistere un po' di più (forse un po' troppo) con i pensieri e i modi ottimisti. È bene esporci a realtà, pensieri ed esperienze positive che possano diventare parte del nostro essere.
Recentemente, dopo essere stata introdotta per alcuni giorni a modi integralmente ottimisti, una persona ha risposto dicendo: "È interessante che non solo quando faccio gli esercizi sento l'influenza dell'ottimismo, ma che gradualmente diventa parte della mia persona. Mi rendo conto che finora ho dimenticato di prendermi cura di me stesso e di amarmi".
Nonostante i pensieri scettici, cerca di essere ottimista nei tuoi pensieri, parole e azioni.
Fratello Charles Alphonse OFMCap e Equipe dell'ottimismo integrale
 
ஒருங்கிணைந்த நேர்மறை நம்பிக்கையானது கற்பனாவாதமாகத்  தெரிகிறது
" நேர்மறை நம்பிக்கை பற்றிய உங்கள் செய்திகள் மிகவும் இலட்சியமாக இருப்பதாகத் தெரிகிறது, சில சமயங்களில் நான் அதை ஏற்கவில்லை. மேலும் நான் அதை மிக அதிகமாக உணர்கிறேன்,” என்பது நமது செய்திகளை தவறாமல் பெறும் ஒருவரிடமிருந்து சமீபத்தில் எனக்கு கிடைத்த பதில்களில் ஒன்றாகும்.
ஆம், கோவிட் உடன் கூட "நேர்மறை" (positive) என்ற வார்த்தை பயத்தைத் தருகிறது. எதிர்மறையான தாக்கங்கள் மற்றும் விளைவுகளால் நாம் மிகவும் பாதிக்கப்படுகிறோம், அதிலிருந்து வெளியே வருவதற்கு நாம் போராடுகிறோம். அதனால்தான் சில நேரங்களில் நாம் நம்பிக்கையான எண்ணங்கள் மற்றும் வழிகளை இன்னும் கொஞ்சம் (கொஞ்சம் அதிகமாக) வலியுறுத்துவது நல்லது. நேர்மறையான யதார்த்தங்கள், எண்ணங்கள் மற்றும் அனுபவங்களுக்கு நம்மை வெளிப்படுத்துவது நல்லது, அது நம் இருப்பின் ஒரு பகுதியாக மாறும்.
சமீபத்தில், சில நாட்களுக்கு ஒருங்கிணைந்த நம்பிக்கையான வழிகளை அறிமுகப்படுத்திய பிறகு, ஒரு நபர் பதிலளித்தார்: "நான் பயிற்சிகளைச் செய்யும்போது நம்பிக்கையின் செல்வாக்கை உணர்கிறேன், ஆனால் அது படிப்படியாக எனது மனதின் ஒரு பகுதியாக மாறும் என்பது சுவாரஸ்யமானது. இதுவரை நான் என்னை நன்றாக கவனித்துக் கொள்ளவும், என்னை நேசிக்கவும் மறந்துவிட்டேன் என்பதை நான் உணர்கிறேன்.”
சந்தேகமான எண்ணங்கள் இருந்தாலும், உங்கள் எண்ணங்கள், வார்த்தைகள் மற்றும் செயல்களில் நம்பிக்கையான வழிகளை முயற்சிக்கவும்.

Integral Spirituality
Easter Affirmation
Affermazione di Pasqua
ஈஸ்டர் நல்மொழி
Easter Experience is a passage from death to life. From meaninglessness to a new meaning that Jesus comes to offer us. Jesus’ life inspires us that our sufferings for a good cause will be rewarded. And the painful moments can be lived with His grace and love. Those who opt to follow Jesus’ way have a new passage to life and meaning. They can also move from selfish sinfulness to a generous commitment and true love that will bring Jesus’ risen memory alive again to all who are with them.
As Jesus’ friends we are called to have a new search among the living, try new ways, have new spiritual and human thought that through God’s resurrecting grace we can overcome any challenge. This is going to be certainly a new opening in all those who are willing to go through this passage that will bring some changes in their lives, outlook and they will also begin to do some good to others.
Easter Affirmation: ‘Only good can have the final victory’ and that is Easter affirmation. Those who suffered evil consequences will be strengthened by God and prepared to effect new changes. Love inspires through self-sacrifice.
May the Holy Spirit fill all our hearts and lives with selfless love leading us to a new passage of life.
Fra. Charles Alphonse OFmCap  
Affermazione di Pasqua
L'esperienza della Pasqua è un passaggio dalla morte alla vita. Dall'insignificanza ad un nuovo significato che Gesù viene ad offrirci. La vita di Gesù ci ispira che le nostre sofferenze per una buona causa saranno ricompensate. E i momenti dolorosi possono essere vissuti con la Sua grazia e il Suo amore. Coloro che scelgono di seguire la via di Gesù hanno un nuovo passaggio alla vita e al significato. Possono anche passare dalla peccaminosità egoistica a un impegno generoso e a un amore vero che farà rivivere la memoria risorta di Gesù a tutti coloro che sono con loro.
Come amici di Gesù siamo chiamati ad avere una nuova ricerca tra i vivi, provare nuove strade, avere un nuovo pensiero spirituale e umano che attraverso la grazia risorgente di Dio possiamo superare qualsiasi sfida. Questa sarà certamente una nuova apertura in tutti coloro che sono disposti a passare attraverso questo passaggio che porterà alcuni cambiamenti nella loro vita, nella loro prospettiva e cominceranno anche a fare del bene agli altri.
Affermazione di Pasqua: "Solo il bene può avere la vittoria finale" e questa è l'affermazione di Pasqua. Coloro che hanno sofferto le conseguenze del male saranno rafforzati da Dio e preparati ad effettuare nuovi cambiamenti. L'amore ispira attraverso il sacrificio di sé.
Che lo Spirito Santo riempia tutti i nostri cuori e le nostre vite di amore disinteressato conducendoci a un nuovo passaggio di vita.
​ஒருங்கிணைந்த ஆன்மீகம் – 1
ஈஸ்டர் நல்மொழி
ஈஸ்டர் அனுபவம் என்பது மரணத்திலிருந்து வாழ்க்கைக்கான ஒரு பயணம். அர்த்தமற்ற தன்மையிலிருந்து ஒரு புதிய அர்த்தத்தை இயேசு நமக்கு வழங்க வருகிறார். ஒரு நல்ல காரியத்திற்காக நாம் படும் துன்பங்களுக்கு வெகுமதி கிடைக்கும் என்பதை இயேசுவின் வாழ்க்கை நமக்குத் தூண்டுகிறது. மேலும் வேதனையான தருணங்களை அவருடைய அருளுடனும் அன்புடனும் வாழலாம். இயேசுவின் வழியைப் பின்பற்ற விரும்புபவர்கள் வாழ்க்கைக்கும் அர்த்தத்திற்கும் ஒரு புதிய பாதையைப் பெறுகிறார்கள். அவர்கள் சுயநல பாவத்திலிருந்து தாராளமான அர்ப்பணிப்பு மற்றும் உண்மையான அன்புக்கு மாறலாம், அது அவர்களுடன் இருக்கும் அனைவருக்கும் இயேசுவின் உயிர்த்தெழுந்த நினைவை மீண்டும் உயிர்ப்பிக்கும்.
இயேசுவின் நண்பர்களாகிய நாம் உயிருள்ளவர்களிடையே ஒரு புதிய தேடலைப் பெறவும், புதிய வழிகளை முயற்சிக்கவும், கடவுளின் உயிர்த்தெழுதல் கிருபையின் மூலம் நாம் எந்த சவாலையும் சமாளிக்க முடியும் என்ற புதிய ஆன்மீக மற்றும் மனித சிந்தனையைப் பெறவும் அழைக்கப்படுகிறோம். இந்த பத்தியில் செல்ல விரும்பும் அனைவருக்கும் இது நிச்சயமாக ஒரு புதிய திறப்பாக இருக்கும்.
ஈஸ்டர் நல்மொழி: 'நல்லது மட்டுமே இறுதி வெற்றியைப் பெற முடியும்' அதுதான் ஈஸ்டர் உறுதிமொழி. தீய விளைவுகளைச் சந்தித்தவர்கள் கடவுளால் பலப்படுத்தப்பட்டு புதிய மாற்றங்களைச் செய்யத் தயாராக இருப்பார்கள். சுய தியாகத்தின் மூலம் அன்பு தூண்டுகிறது.
பரிசுத்த ஆவியானவர் நம் இதயங்களையும் வாழ்க்கையையும் தன்னலமற்ற அன்பினால் நிரப்பட்டும், புதிய வாழ்க்கைப் பாதைக்கு நம்மை வழிநடத்தட்டும்.
உங்களுக்கு அருள் நிறைந்த ஈஸ்டர் வாழ்த்துக்கள்                                                                   

Thanks to the author of the above message

Realism and Integral Optimism
Realismo e ottimismo integrato
யதார்த்தம் மற்றும் ஒருங்கிணைந்த நேர்மறை மனநிலை
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In one of his recent sharing Dr. Michael Mariasingam inspired us with the following wisdom filled reflections:
Everything we do we must start with optimism. We should also know our weaknesses. If we don’t know that we will go over-board. Sometimes we try to do things which we are not capable of doing. So let us continue to know our strength and weakness so that we don’t suffer in which we are not capable. We must be prepared if it doesn’t work out. If something doesn’t work out the way we wanted, most of us feel that something is not good with us. But in reality we cannot be perfect in everything and let us also prepare to accept our limits as well.
So integral optimism includes a realism that we will succeed in something and we may not in a few other things. But in everything we do we must start with optimism.
Thanks to Dr. Michael Mariasingam, Madison, US who inspires us with his deep insights and guidance.
Realismo e ottimismo integrale
In uno dei suoi recenti interventi, il dottor Michael Mariasingam ci ha ispirato le seguenti riflessioni piene di saggezza:
Tutto ciò che facciamo deve iniziare con l'ottimismo. Dobbiamo anche conoscere le nostre debolezze. Se non le conosciamo, ci spingeremo oltre. A volte cerchiamo di fare cose che non siamo in grado di fare. Quindi, continuiamo a conoscere la nostra forza e la nostra debolezza, in modo da non soffrire in ciò che non siamo in grado di fare. Dobbiamo essere preparati se non funziona. Se qualcosa non funziona come volevamo, la maggior parte di noi pensa che ci sia qualcosa che non va in noi. Ma in realtà non possiamo essere perfetti in tutto e quindi prepariamoci ad accettare anche i nostri limiti.
Quindi, l'ottimismo integrale include il realismo che riusciremo in qualcosa e che forse non riusciremo in qualche altra cosa. Ma in ogni cosa che facciamo dobbiamo iniziare con l'ottimismo.
Grazie al Dr. Michael Mariasingam, Madison, USA, che ci ispira con le sue profonde intuizioni e la sua guida.
யதார்த்தம் மற்றும் ஒருங்கிணைந்த நேர்மறை மனநிலை
முனைவர் மைக்கேல் மரியசிங்கம் தனது சமீபத்திய பகிர்வு ஒன்றில் பின்வரும் ஞானம் நிறைந்த பிரதிபலிப்புகள் மூலம் நம்மை ஊக்கப்படுத்தினார்:
நாம் செய்யும் அனைத்தையும் நம்பிக்கையுடன் தொடங்க வேண்டும். நமது பலவீனங்களையும் தெரிந்து கொள்ள வேண்டும். அது தெரியாவிட்டால், நாம் எல்லை மீறுவோம். சில சமயங்களில் நம்மால் முடியாத காரியங்களைச் செய்ய முயற்சிப்போம். ஆகவே, நம்மால் இயலாமையில் துன்பப்படாமல் இருக்க நமது பலத்தையும் பலவீனத்தையும் தொடர்ந்து அறிந்து கொள்வோம். அது செயல்படவில்லை என்றால் நாம் தயாராக இருக்க வேண்டும். நாம் விரும்பியபடி ஏதாவது வேலை செய்யவில்லை என்றால், நம்மில் பெரும்பாலோர் ஏதோ நம்மிடம் நன்றாக இல்லை என்று நினைக்கிறோம். ஆனால் உண்மையில் நாம் எல்லாவற்றிலும் சரியானவர்களாக இருக்க முடியாது, மேலும் நமது வரம்புகளை ஏற்றுக்கொள்ளவும் தயாராக இருக்க வேண்டும்.
எனவே ஒருங்கிணைந்த நம்பிக்கையில் நாம் ஏதாவது ஒன்றில் வெற்றி பெறுவோம், வேறு சில விஷயங்களில் வெற்றி பெறாமல் போகலாம் என்ற யதார்த்தவாதமும் அடங்கும். ஆனால் நாம் செய்யும் எல்லாவற்றிலும் நாம் நம்பிக்கையுடன் தொடங்க வேண்டும்.
முனைவர் மைக்கேல் மரியசிங்கத்திற்க்கு,
 (மேடிசன், அமெரிக்கா), எங்கள் நன்றியைத் தெரிவித்துக் கொள்கிறோம். அவர் தனது ஆழ்ந்த நுண்ணறிவு மற்றும் வழிகாட்டுதலால் எங்களை ஊக்குவிக்கிறார்.     

World Mental Health Day – Let us wish peace and good to all
உலக மனநல தினம் - அனைவருக்கும் அமைதி மற்றும் நன்மையை விரும்புவோம்
Giornata mondiale della salute mentale - Auguriamo pace e bene a tutti 
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​Today (10th October), we celebrate the world mental health day. War, violence, injustice, depravations and conflicts in the society lead people to stress, depression and may lead to mental illness. Let us show our concern and try to understand the struggles of those who are living with mental challenges.  Today, we specially wish all our friends who are under mind related illness treatment all the best. We shall encourage them to keep in touch with their physician regularly and also maintain a positive mood. Let us continue to support them to be faithful to the medication and regularly follow the integral loving self care.
This day also reminds us that all of us have to take good care of our mental health. That is we need to take good care of ourselves physically, mentally and spiritually. Sometimes parents, care-givers, leaders, social workers and teachers spend lots of energy in serving others but postpone self-care.
Integrally optimistic self-care like wishing good to all, saying something positive to our inner child and to others, having good night sleep, taking natural food and drinks, meeting a loving person, reading something positive, loving contemplation of God and a beloved person, follow some fitness exercises like Brain Dance and so on will help us have a good mental health. Best wishes to all our friends who are involved in mental health service.
Let us pray for peace in our world and do our duty to make this world a home for all. May God bless all of us with good health of mind and body!
Integral Optimism Team Members
 
Giornata mondiale della salute mentale
Oggi (10 ottobre) si celebra la Giornata mondiale della salute mentale. Guerra, violenza, ingiustizia, depravazione e conflitti nella società portano le persone a stress, depressione e possono sfociare in malattie mentali. Mostriamo la nostra preoccupazione e cerchiamo di capire le difficoltà di coloro che vivono con le sfide mentali.  Oggi, in particolare, auguriamo il meglio a tutti i nostri amici che sono in cura per malattie mentali. Li incoraggeremo a tenersi regolarmente in contatto con il loro medico e a mantenere uno stato d'animo positivo. Continuiamo a sostenerli affinché siano fedeli ai farmaci e seguano regolarmente la cura integrale di sé.
Questa giornata ci ricorda anche che tutti noi dobbiamo prenderci cura della nostra salute mentale. Dobbiamo cioè prenderci cura di noi stessi fisicamente, mentalmente e spiritualmente. A volte i genitori, i caregiver, i leader, gli operatori sociali e gli insegnanti spendono molte energie per servire gli altri, ma rimandano la cura di sé.
Un'autocura integrale e ottimistica, come augurare il meglio a tutti, dire qualcosa di positivo al nostro bambino interiore e agli altri, dormire bene, assumere cibi e bevande naturali, incontrare una persona affettuosa, leggere qualcosa di positivo, contemplare con amore Dio e una persona cara, seguire alcuni esercizi di fitness come la Brain Dance e così via, ci aiuterà ad avere una buona salute mentale. Auguri a tutti i nostri amici che sono impegnati nel servizio di salute mentale.
Preghiamo per la pace nel nostro mondo e facciamo il nostro dovere per rendere questo mondo una casa per tutti. Che Dio benedica tutti noi con una buona salute della mente e del corpo!
Membri del team di Ottimismo Integrale
உலக மனநல தினம்
இன்று (அக்டோபர் 10) உலக மனநல தினத்தைக் கொண்டாடுகிறோம். சமுதாயத்தில் போர், வன்முறை, அநீதி, சீரழிவுகள் மற்றும் மோதல்கள் மக்களை மன அழுத்தம், மனச்சோர்வு மற்றும் மனநோய்க்கு இட்டுச் செல்கின்றன. நமது அக்கறையைக் காட்டி, மனச் சவால்களுடன் வாழ்பவர்களின் போராட்டங்களைப் புரிந்துகொள்ள முயற்சிப்போம். இன்று, மனநலம் சம்பந்தமான நோய் சிகிச்சையில் இருக்கும் நமது நண்பர்கள் அனைவருக்கும் வாழ்க்கை சிறப்பாக அமைய வாழ்த்துகின்றோம். அவர்களின் மருத்துவருடன் தொடர்ந்து தொடர்பில் இருக்கவும், நேர்மறையான மனநிலையை பராமரிக்கவும் அவர்களை ஊக்குவிப்போம். மருந்துகளுக்கு உண்மையாக இருக்க அவர்களுக்கு தொடர்ந்து ஆதரவளிப்போம் மற்றும் ஒருங்கிணைந்த அன்பான சுய கவனிப்பை தவறாமல் பின்பற்றுவோம்.
இந்த நாள் நாம் அனைவரும் நம் மன ஆரோக்கியத்தை நன்கு கவனித்துக் கொள்ள வேண்டும் என்பதை நினைவூட்டுகிறது. அதாவது உடல் ரீதியாகவும், மன ரீதியாகவும், ஆன்மிக ரீதியாகவும் நம்மை நாம் நன்கு கவனித்துக் கொள்ள வேண்டும். சில சமயங்களில் பெற்றோர்கள், பராமரிப்பாளர்கள், தலைவர்கள், சமூகப் பணியாளர்கள் மற்றும் ஆசிரியர்கள் மற்றவர்களுக்குச் சேவை செய்வதில் அதிக ஆற்றலைச் செலவிடுகிறார்கள், ஆனால் சுயநலத்தைத் தள்ளிப் போடுகிறார்கள்.
அனைவருக்கும் நல்லதை விரும்புவது, நம் உள் குழந்தைக்கும் மற்றவர்களுக்கும் சாதகமான ஒன்றைச் சொல்வது, நல்ல இரவு தூக்கம், இயற்கை உணவு மற்றும் பானங்கள், அன்பான நபரைச் சந்திப்பது, நேர்மறையான ஒன்றைப் படிப்பது, கடவுள் மற்றும் அன்பான நபரைப் பற்றிய அன்பான சிந்தனை போன்ற ஒருங்கிணைந்த நம்பிக்கையான சுய பாதுகாப்பு, தினமும் ப்ரைன் டான்ஸ் போன்ற சில உடற்பயிற்சிகளை மேற்கொள்வது மன மற்றும் உடல் ஆரோக்கியத்திற்கு உதவும். இன்று மனநல சேவையில் ஈடுபட்டுள்ள அனைத்து நண்பர்களுக்கும் மனமார்ந்த வாழ்த்துக்கள்.
நம் உலகில் அமைதி நிலவ பிரார்த்தனை செய்வோம், இந்த உலகத்தை அனைவருக்கும் வீடாக மாற்ற நமது கடமையைச் செய்வோம்.
கடவுள் நம் அனைவருக்கும் நல்ல மன மற்றும் உடல் ஆரோக்கியத்தை அருளட்டும்!
ஒருங்கிணைந்த நம்பிக்கை குழு உறுப்பினர்கள்
https://www.facebook.com/groups/IntegralOptimism/permalink/2392658857580480/?mibextid=oMANbw
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What We Do

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Our Mission

Integral Optimism is an art, wisdom, a continued journey into positive thinking and sharing of goodness. People with integrally optimistic vision will continue to grow in integrally passionate optimism. They are in a world of exploitation, challenges and manipulations but will have to move forward with inner convictions to dedicate themselves to uphold human values, well-being of all, universal brotherhood and cosmic ecological wellness. 

Our Impact

In our pandemic and other challenges filled world we have commitments to keep. It needs openness, daily preparations, inner healing and passionate optimism to see good in every challenge. It is also a call to dare new ways of building an universal family of sharing, loving, inspiring and networking. There would be always temptations to loose hope due to the stark realities of manipulation and exploitation. The flame lit by integral optimism will burn in your heart and move it forward to bounce back with hope bringing responses. God is our Father/Mother and Source of our being so we have to do our duty however small or tiny the way may be. May the God of surprises bring our humble initiatives to shine in darkness and allow flow of life to continue the way He/She wanted. 

Get Involved

 Integral Optimism Counselling
Support Groups
Learning
Seminars
 Books and Articles

Learn More

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Integral Optimism Themes
Integral optimism has various themes to brighten our lives. They include the following life touching aspects: Integral Awareness, Inner Journey, Core-issue Identification, Integral Inner Healing, Integral Whispers, Love Power, Sexual Integration, Mood Design, Integral Brain Gym and Dance, Heart Meditation, Mind Power, Optimism and NLP, Integral Hypnosis, Logosynthesis, Integral Optimism Therapies, Integral Creativity, Integral Optimism Research, Poornarita and Integral Spirituality. 

​Optimistic Vision
Integral Optimism is an art, wisdom, a continued journey into positive thinking and sharing of goodness. People with integrally optimistic vision will continue to grow in integrally passionate optimism. They are in a world of exploitation, challenges and manipulations but will have to move forward with inner convictions to dedicate themselves to uphold human values, well-being of all, universal brotherhood and cosmic ecological wellness.
We live in a world of indifference where people don’t bother about other people’s well-being. It is due to the fact that sometime one’s own concerns are overwhelmingly heavy to bear. May be the hurts of my past put me off that I cannot think about other persons suffering or need.
 
In the modern society with various activities and demands there is a danger that we could be lost in the crowd. It is very much felt in the children, they are lost and broken by the cold attitudes and negativisim of people they come across. All, especially children and youth need is attention, care, respect, dignity and a safe environment to grow. We need caring people’s support, presence, example, personal touch of assurance that they are there as we learn to live and love. Let us avail the opportunity we have to grow in this sense of belonging and start sharing that experience.
 
Caring is a gift from the Creator
Growing to be a caring person is a big gift that we could donate to the world of indifference. Yesterday I met a religious sister a missionary who works with the abused women in her country where many women in her locality are pushed into prostitution, she said, “I am trying to be a mother, sister and friend to these persons. They see in me a person in whose presence they feel at home and accepted. All that I do is caringly listening to them, try to give some help if possible and be with them. It is a gift given to me by God in Jesus.” If you have already such a gift you are a blessing. And if you feel you have less start with listening to people caringly and say a few a words of affirmation.
 
Caring attitudes that we develop will lead to us to have personal touch. Some persons like Pope Francis are specially gifted with such a personal touch that they give experiences to people. And those experiences move the hearts of those who witness it.
 
The video found in the link, we are sure, will inspire you.
 
People like Pope Francis are so paternal, maternal & spontaneous to give comfort and home-feeling to any person they meet with. They add beauty to our world.
In Italian:
 
IL TOCCO PERSONALE E L’INTEGRAZIONE
Noi (bambini) abbiamo bisogno di amore e di senso di appartenenza
 
Viviamo in un mondo d’indifferenza in cui la gente non s’interessa del benessere degli altri. Ciò si deve al fatto che qualche volta le preoccupazioni proprie di ognuno sono esageratamente pesanti da sopportare. Forse sono le ferite del mio passato a impedirmi di pensare ad altre persone che sono nella sofferenza o nel bisogno.
Nella società moderna, con tante attività e domande c’è il pericolo che ci smarriamo nella folla. Ciò è tanto più avvertito dai bambini. Essi sono perduti e infranti dall’attitudine fredda e dal negativismo della gente che incrociano. Tutti, specie i bambini e la gioventù, hanno bisogno di attenzione, di cura, rispetto, dignità e di un ambiente sano per crescere. Abbiamo bisogno dell’aiuto, della presenza, dell’esempio di gente amorevole che col suo tocco personale ci rassicuri di essere lì perché noi impariamo a vivere e amare. Sfruttiamo l’opportunità che abbiamo di crescere in tal senso di appartenenza e iniziamo a condividere quest’esperienza.
Aver cura degli altri è un dono del Creatore
 
Crescere per essere una persona amorevole è un grande dono che possiamo offrire al mondo dell’indifferenza. Ieri ho incontrato una suora missionaria che lavora con le donne vittime di abusi sessuali nel suo paese. Molte donne nella sua zona sono state costrette alla prostituzione. Mi ha detto: “Cerco di essere una madre, una sorella e un’amica per queste persone. Loro vedono in me una persona alla cui presenza si sentono a casa e accettate. Tutto ciò che faccio è ascoltarle affettuosamente, cercare di aiutarle se possibile, e stare con loro. E’ un dono che Dio mi ha dato in Gesù”. Se anche tu possiedi già un tale dono tu sei una benedizione. E se senti di possedere meno inizia con l’ascolto attento della gente e dona qualche parola di apprezzamento.
 
L’attitudine a prenderci cura degli altri che sviluppiamo ci condurrà ad avere uno (speciale) tocco personale. Certe persone come Papa Francesco sono particolarmente dotate di un tale tocco personale, da essere in grado di farlo sperimentare alla gente. E quest’esperienza fa vibrare i cuori di coloro che la testimoniano.
 
Questo video, ne sono certo, vi ispirerà.
 
Persone come Papa Francesco sono così paterne, materne e spontanee da dare conforto e “sentirsi a casa” a chiunque li incontri. Queste persone aggiungono bellezza al mondo.
Tanto di cappello a te, se hai un po’ di questo carisma.
https://charlesalphonse.blogspot.com/2015/09/personal-touch-integration-1.html
 
 
 
-Poornarita (Integral Harmony)
Integral Optimism theme will include reflections on poornaRita that is integral harmony. It is an integral effort to lead a harmonious life having a sort balanced living touching spiritual, emotional, social, physical, intellectual and relational areas. Today very few are able to reach this harmony while many are agitated and suffer burn-outs.
‘Purnarita Dhyana’ - Harmonious Integration meditation
 
Internal & external harmony is a needed thing today. Accessing on and off the serenity is a blessing. A secret to harmonious integration and truly successful living is to find ways to synchronize our living with inner strength.
Meditation: I would recommend a ‘Harmonic Integration Meditation’ that is to sit quietly if you can in a place and become aware of the Creator God’s presence in and around you. In fantasy go to a comfort zone and be there with the beloved Creator God in a way that pleases you. (By comfort zone what I mean is to choose a place where you find peace, healing and solace. It could be a garden, home, valley, a worship place and a place where you go while feeling the need to be with yourself).
 
Allow the healing grace and warmth of HIM/HER flow through you and into the persons/situations that make you suffer. Surrender everything and be there as long as you wanted. Reminding yourself that you rely on God’s help and will overcome this agony with His/Her help.
 
One could also become aware of the loving presence of the Creator and that of a beloved person on earth can continue to meditate. Remaining like this for few minutes a day will begin to influence the whole being of the person who meditates. I would also recommend this during the moments of anxiety, fear, brokenness, loss and helplessness. Our modern society sometimes with its selfishness, exploitation, war and ignorance, has deprived millions of people, especially the children their right to live a peaceful and harmonious life. The hope is inviting such people to harmony could also be one of the ways to heal their memories. It could be a starting point to strengthen our subconscious and also a help to recover the lost past.
 
https://charlesalphonse.blogspot.com/2016/11/purnarita-dhyana-harmonious-integration.html
Poornarita Themes are found in the below link:
https://integralpoornarita.blogspot.com
 
-Integral Leaders
Integral leaders are source of wisdom, hope and unity. They touch our hearts and inspire us to change and do our little part to make our world a better place. Read, get inspired and imitate them.
Dr. Abdul Kalam- a great Indian Teacher
He was warm hearted and truly intelligent.
1.You have to dream before your dreams can come true.
 
2.Excellence is a continuous process and not an accident.
 
3.Life is a difficult game. You can win it only by retaining your birthright to be a person.
 
4.Man needs his difficulties because they are necessary to enjoy success.
 
5.We will be remembered only if we give to our younger generation a prosperous and safe India, resulting out of economic prosperity coupled with civilizational heritage.
 
6.Those who cannot work with their hearts achieve but a hollow, half-hearted success that breeds bitterness all around.
 
7.Educationists should build the capacities of the spirit of inquiry, creativity, entrepreneurial and moral leadership among students and become their role model.
8.Look at the sky. We are not alone. The whole universe is friendly to us and conspires only to give the best to those who dream and work.
 
9.If a country is to be corruption free and become a nation of beautiful minds, I strongly feel there are three key societal members who can make a difference. They are the father, the mother and the teacher.
10.My message, especially to young people is to have courage to think differently, courage to invent, to travel the unexplored path, courage to discover the impossible and to conquer the problems and succeed. These are great qualities that they must work towards. This is my message to the young people.
 
His life history speaks to our hearts.  And may his message motivate our young people to be humble and noble.
 
 
 
https://charlesalphonse.blogspot.com/2015/09/dr-abdhul-kalam-great-teacher.html
Julius Nyerere: a Great Leader of commitment & simplicity
Being in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania for couple of days now, I was reminded of the Great Father of this nation Julius Nyerere. He was a visionary who had deeper insights into the reality of his time and beyond. It is said that he was a leader who cared for all. He was able to bring together both Muslims and Christians to live side by side in brotherhood.
Soon after the independence he realized that Christians possessed lots of schools and some of them were exclusively used for Christians. He being a Christian by birth got some of them from Christian authorities and handed them over to Muslim Educators. It brought further unity between these two religious groups.
 
Economic Policies:
He had a very realistic and people friendly economic policy where he kept the common good of the poor in his mind. His insistence was: “Let us be poor being united than attempt to become rich suddenly by creating factions among ourselves.” His policies helped Tanzania save its natural resources and cultural heritage of Tanzania.
 
 
A quality filled leader that is what he proved in his life. He was said to be a committed person who was not for his sons and family members entering into politics. Although two from his family tried to enter the politics, he seemed to have discouraged them. He was a great visionary, a committed leader but very simple in his living. May our world be gifted with leaders like Julius Nyerere. He is truly great and his heritage & legacy continues in his true followers.
 
https://charlesalphonse.blogspot.com/2016/08/julius-nyerere-greatleader-of.html
A doctor who made the difference! (Dr. T.P. Ganesan)
We live in a context where the healthcare is becoming costlier and many modern medical facilities are alien to the poor and meant only for those who have plenty of money. There are many occasions when the poor take  their beloved ones back to home without the completion of the treatment because they could not pay the demanded amount. 
 
In this world of ours there was a doctor with a big heart. That is  Dr. T. P. Ganesan who is one of the remarkable persons the humanity can be truly proud of because he used to charge just 5 rupees from patients and provide free medicine for poor people throughout his life journey. (This is a very meagre sum with which you can only buy a cup of tea in India)
I used to hear many poor people (in Trichy, Tamilnadu, India), praising Dr. T. P. Ganesan for his generosity and thoughtful care towards them. They used to wait to meet him and get healed.
This great person has finished his earthly journey on 27th April 2016 to meet the Heavenly Healer, the Creator. May he receive Eternal Blessings!
 
Let his prayers transform the selfish doctors & medical personnel who in their ignorance exploit the needy and the poor.
 
https://charlesalphonse.blogspot.com/2016/05/a-doctor-for-poor.html
 
Musings about Mother Teresa   
Mother Teresa was said to be having a big heart for the poor and needy. This heart went beyond ordinary comprehension to understand the humanity and need of them. Whenever she used to return from a particular visit or mission as she reached the railway station she used to hire Cycle Rickshaw (it is a sort of small tricycle which can be pulled by hands as well as one can ride it by pedaling) manned by poor people.
 
On that day they were only two of them returning from a place and the luggages were few so the other person who was with Mother seemed to have said that it is enough to hire only one vehicle. But Mother Teresa had called two cycle Rickshaw men to take them to their convent. When asked about the reason for doing this her reply was: “If we hire two people then two families will have something to eat and be happy today. Let us be generous with the poor because God is so good to us.”
 
She was really a human being who grew into holistic integration. I think it must have been a long journey of learning, unlearning and maturation.
 
Integrated people have their reasons, language and logic based on God's love and that is heart's response!
 
https://charlesalphonse.blogspot.com/2016/08/musings-about-mother-teresa.html
 
 
-Integral Spirituality
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Integral Spirituality inspires us to go beyond our confines and boundaries to see the God given wisdom and spiritual depth in others also. We need universal brotherhood and sisterhood in the name of God our Father and Mother. Integral Spiritual Reflections will help you to go deep into your faith, learn and also respect other religions.
 
Faith Journey - It is hard to believe…!
 
“I am losing my hope in Jesus and If it happens too long I think I would become an atheist…” was a personal sharing of a young person who has just lost a very good job possibility which he got after a long struggle in a foreign land.
 
“My adolescent years were time of rebellion with regard to God. I was angry with God. Because I grew up with Christian values but they were imposed ones to go to church and so on. I wanted to understand why to go for mass. And also within me there were lots of bad things happening. And I was asking why I have to pray when all things go wrong. I was angry with him and was only dedicated to singing. And hence there was a period in my life in which I was existing only for songs. It was when I was 16 & 17years of age and during that period, we shall say, that the Lord manifested himself in my life. I was asking God why this? Why that? But I have got back my faith by meeting someone who inspired me and dedicated my life to serve God and others. And today I am a singer for God,” says Sr. Cristina known as Suor Cristina all over Italy. She won the best singer award in a singing competition last year in Italy. 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8PwSOm9kaM)
It is easy to believe when everything goes well but to believe when your own roots are shaken is a tough experience. And faith in that state is not that easy and it can inspire people. A true believer is strengthened through doubts and brokenness. But when we go through those moments of uncertainty and continuous blow it is very demanding. It is during this time people abandon faith and religion. Although deep inside them a deeper longing for God and meaning of life.
 
 
Here again I am given the example of Pope Francis by my friend and colleague in General Formation team Br. Jaime Rey Ofm Cap., He said, “At this age, about 79 years, why should he to strain himself? While in Europe normally people are expected to relax and do what they wanted. You can get up late and do minimum but enjoy silence and other things. But Pope Francis takes up the burden of the world, specially touching upon very sensitive issues. It is because his faith propels him to do that.” It is so inspiring to listen to his reflections on Faith and its witness. Since they come from his own personal journey, search and struggles, could inspire many who have similar struggles. And that is why even the non-believers go to listen to him. And there he talks to their heart.
 In most of the so called atheists I found a deep search and struggle to find answers to their deep seated questions and  a thirst for meaning. Let them find meaning in their life journey.
http://www.ofmcap.org/it/contenuti-sito/ordine-ofmcap/curia-generale/nostri-blog/segretariato-generale-della-formazione
 
https://charlesalphonse.blogspot.com/2015/09/it-is-hard-to-believe.html
Spiritual growth & Openness… (n.1)
 
Hymns, songs & praise
It would be an interesting experience to sing the praises of the Creator God or listen to the hymns and songs composed in praise of  His/Her abounding graces. Every religion on earth attempts to help the faithful to get united in prayer and worship. We all have one source to return to and seek after. A open heart with its intelligence will continue to seek for the understanding this life and the maker of this cosmos. To this end the hymns may be an introduction like intercessory prayer and petition along with loud prayers. The more deeper one gets into spirituality he is led into contemplation and as a result compassion emerges to reach out to the needy and the poor. “Our faith and the closeness to the poor are connected,” said Br. Leonardo Gonsalez Ofm Cap., from Argentina. Starting point for spiritual growth is through daily prayer practices, saying printed prayers, reading the Sacred texts, group intercession, singing the praises of God and worshipping together.
 
These two videos presented in the following link are devotional songs from two religions namely Islam & Christianity.
 
Enjoy their meaning. And we shall further reflect about spiritual growth where one is inspired to deeper communion with God and commitments. We shall reflect about it soon.

https://charlesalphonse.blogspot.com/2015/10/spiritual-growth-openess-n.html
The Warmth of Meditation.
The advantage of meditation is that if we are regular to spend at least few minutes for it we would slowly get serenity and peace of mind. It is a best remedy for those who are stressed out and feel worn out. If you are stressed too much then try the warmth of personal meditation. The effect of spending time in meditation is so deep and personal. It’s like someone experiencing the warm embrace of a beloved mother, partner or a friend. That experience itself impacts the person internally and externally. 
Its warmth could linger through the day or the week. And that is why I used the expression ‘the warmth of meditation.’ It could start with a simple gesture of closing the eyes for few minutes to deeper contemplation of the unconditional love of God. Have you noticed radiance on the face of people who pray closing their eyes? It’s like someone coming out of an incensed room carrying on his/her body some of the fragrance present there.
 
 
 
The continued effects of meditation are serenity, composure and a greater inner stability even amidst stress bringing commitment. In those beautiful moments one’s life purposes get clarified. In my counseling sessions I used to always encourage people to do meditation at least for few minutes. To some of them I have just said to breathe in and out gradually and gently. Encouraged them to do this for few minutes in the morning and evening. They found it very much strengthening and it also helped them to concentrate better. There are some people who in their houses have a separate space or a room for prayer and meditation. And the guests are taken to that room first or before leaving. And there people feel the pulling force of love, wisdom and healing. There are many more aspects in the meditative process we shall reflect about them in future blogs.
 
 
What is your favorite space for meditation? Draw strength from daily meditation and spread that warmth to the humanity. 

https://charlesalphonse.blogspot.com/2015/09/the-warmth-of-meditation.html
Silent Moment’s & Inner Pull
Spending some quiet quality time in silence somewhere is so rewarding. It is one of the secrets of balancing oneself into a sort of integrity. When I used to visit Jerusalem I used to go to visit Holy Sepulcher of Jesus and spend quiet time in prayer. It was a rich experience to sit quiet in a corner there in the upper chapel and meditate on the goodness and love that led Jesus to offer his very life for others. There is a inner pull there to be united with God and humanity.  His living presence there draws people together. One of our Italian brothers namely Giovanni was asked by a security officer, “Do you still believe that his (Jesus) presence is there in that place.” And his response was “Yes! He is alive there and in our hearts above all.” When that security officer heard this reply he was moved and responded with an embrace in return. For Giovanni it was a moment of joy and presence. Jesus’ memory brings people together where boundaries are transcended. Spending time in quiet meditation will help us be united with the grace that permeates these holy places. I saw lots of people coming that way to pray. Some friends used to go there very early in the morning to spend quiet time there. Jesus is great in effecting inner healing and peace.
 
“Get to a place in your life where you start to be guided by something larger than yourself. Just stay aligned with what you are here for say in harmony with spirit, with God, with source, stay there. As you stay there the meaning face of your life begins to take over. Once you pass over to your afternoon of your life it is possible to go back.” These are all the touching dialogues from Wayne W. Dyer’s movie ‘The Shift’. http://www.drwaynedyer.com
 
 
 
Holy and quiet places will communicate something to our hearts and senses, if only we are ready to go there and wait in meditation. And if it is a place where the humanity gathers for many years then the inner pull and the effect is more.


https://charlesalphonse.blogspot.com/2016/05/silent-moments-inner-pull.html


Meditation for healing compassion, forgiveness & Integration  
Meditation for healing compassion, forgiveness & Integration

Meditazione per la compassione che guarisce, il perdono e l’integrazione (Italian translation at the end)
 
The Following meditation I found quiet interesting from the book by Joan Z. Borysenko, The Power of the Mind to Heal,
 
Hay House India, New Delhi, 169-174. www.joanborysenko.com I have modified it to fit into our purpose try this and if you like it share it, you are welcome with your friends and others.
Tonglen to Recreate
Pema Chödrön  a Budhist teacher from “Omega Insititute of Holistic Studies,” reflects on Tonglen saying that "Tonglen Meditation" let us do Tonglen for the world that is falling apart. On the in breath we could breathe in whatever particular area, group of people, country or even one particular person or may be breathe in the physical and mental discomfort of someone undergoing the chemotherapy, may be the pain of the loss of the loved ones.
 
 
Procedure
Preparation: Go to a comfortable place & close your eyes and take a stretch and a few letting-go breaths...say a ‘non-judgmental’ hello to the thoughts and feelings present in you as you begin this process of meditation.
 
Begin to notice the flow of your breathing, allowing your body to relax and your mind to come to rest...
 
-Imagine God’s powerful presence (Jesus Image or whatever God’s image you like according to your religious background) or a Great Star of Light above your head, and feel it washing over you like a waterfall and running through you like a river runs through the sand at its bottom... Allow it to carry away any fatigue, pain, illness, or ignorance.... See these wash through the bottom of your feet into the earth for transformation. As you are washed clean, notice that the light within your heart begins to shine very brightly...
 
-Now imagine yourself as a child, choosing whatever age seems most relevant to you at this time....You, better than anyone, knows the pain in your heart at that time. Breathe it in as a black smoke (or dark clouds), and breathe out the light in your heart to yourself.... You could also take the foetal posture cuddling yourself in your beloved Creator God’s bosom (that is touching the cheeks with both the palms and placing one leg over the other and feel the warmth of God who is the eternal source of true warmth)
 
-Imagine yourself as you are right now, as if you could see yourself in a mirror. See whatever pain or illness you have as a black smoke around your heart. Inhale the smoke (with the intention of freeing yourself from that pain) and exhale the light or your Higher Self.... Fill your heart with that light...
 
-Now bring to mind’s consciousness a person you love most ... Think about the pain or illness that might be in his/her heart...Inhale that pain as a black smoke, and exhale the light of your own true nature back into their heart.
 
-Bring to mind somebody (who hurt you very badly) but now you are ready to forgive. Imagine them in as much details as you can. Imagine their pain, illness, or illusion as a black smoke around their heart....Breathe in the smoke, and breathe back the light of your own true nature into their heart.
 
-A variation: Some people may not like to breathe in the black smoke of other people’s pain so they could straight away place those people in God’s loving presence and allow him to fill these people with his grace or soothing them with His cleansing spring from above…
 
-Think of someplace in the world where there is war, sickness, violence, suffering. If possible bring a specific example of that suffering to mind-a starving child, a dying wounded soldier, a grieving widow, a drowning immigrant...breathing in the pain of that suffering as a black smoke. And breathe out the light of your Higher-self or your heart to them all. Or straight away bring them to God’s abiding presence of healing & strength. Breathe in and out bringing them into the fountain of that life giving water; surrendering their pain ask God to help them.
-Close the Meditation with a prayer or a short period of mindful meditation. You may also want to dedicate the fruits of this meditation to alleviate the suffering of all beings.
 
Social application: I am continuously touched by people& countries who receive the immigrants these days with a warm smile and fraternal solidarity. On my part I do this sort of meditation where I bring all these people into the affectionate & caring presence of the Creator and ask Him to fill these people with his strength & protection.
 
Does it sound good to you? Could this be our little response of solidarity to our suffering humanity today? 

Italiano:
Meditazione per la compassione che guarisce, il perdono e l’integrazione
 
Ho trovato abbastanza interessante la seguente meditazione, tratta dal libro di Joan Z. Borysenko, Il Potere di guarire della Mente,  Hay House India, New Delhi, 169-174. www.joanborysenko.com
L’ho modificata per adattarla al nostro scopo. Provatela e, se vi piace condividerla, siete i benvenuti coi vostri amici e chiunque altro.
 
Tonglen per Ricreare
 
Pema Chödrön, un insegnante buddista dell’ “Istituto Omega per studi olistici”, riflette sul Tonglen affermando che “La meditazione Tonglen” ci lascia fare Tonglen per il mondo che sta cadendo a pezzi. Nell’inspirazione noi potremmo respirare in qualunque area particolare, gruppo di persone, nazione, anche una singola persona o forse nello sconforto fisico e mentale di qualcuno sottoposto alla chemioterapia o nella pena della perdita delle persone amate.
 
Procedura
Preparazione: Vai in un posto confortevole, chiudi gli occhi e distenditi rilasciando pochi lenti respiri … pronuncia un ciao “senza alcun giudizio” a tutti i pensieri e i sentimenti presenti in te appena inizi questo processo di meditazione.
Comincia ad accorgerti del tuo respiro che scorre, lasciando che il tuo corpo si rilassi e la tua mente entri nel riposo.
 
Immagina la presenza potente di Dio (un’immagine di Gesù o qualunque immagine di Dio che ti piaccia e concordi col tuo retroterra religioso) o una Grande Stella di Luce sulla tua testa, e senti che ti lava come una cascata che gronda dentro te, come un fiume che corre attraverso la sabbia fino alla sua foce … Lascia che ti porti via ogni fatica, pena,  malattia, o ignoranza … Contempla questo lavaggio che dalla punta dei piedi attraverso il tuo corpo giunge al tuo cuore e ti trasforma. Appena sarai stato lavato e ripulito, nota che la luce dentro il tuo cuore comincia a risplendere molto luminosa.
 
-         Ora immagina te stesso come un bambino, scegli (d’istinto N.d.T.) qualunque età ti sembri la più importante per te in questo tempo … Tu, meglio di chiunque altro, conosci la pena nel tuo cuore in questo momento. Inspirala come un fumo nero (o come nuvole nere), ed espira la luce nel tuo cuore, su te stesso … Puoi anche assumere la postura fetale coccolando te stesso sul petto del tuo amato Creatore (consiste nel toccarsi le guance con entrambe le palme sistemando le gambe una sull’altra e sentendo il calore di Dio, eterna fonte di calore vero).
-         Immagina te stesso come sei proprio ora, come se potessi vederti in uno specchio. Guarda qualunque pena o infermità tu hai come un fumo nero intorno al tuo cuore. Inala il fumo (con l’intenzione di liberare te stesso da questa pena) ed esala la luce del tuo Io Superiore (San Giovanni Della Croce parla del Cuore alto N. d. T.)… Riempi il tuo cuore con questa luce …
-         Ora porta alla consapevolezza della tua mente la persona che più ami … Pensa alla pena o alla malattia che può essere nel suo cuore … Inala questa pena come un fumo nero ed esala la luce della tuo Io più profondo nel suo cuore.
-         Porta alla mente qualcuno che ti ha ferito con cattiveria, ma ora tu sei pronto a perdonare. Immagina questa persona col maggior numero di dettagli possibile. Immagina la sua pena, la sua malattia o la sua illusione come un fumo nero attorno al suo cuore … Inspira il fumo ed espira la luce della tua vera natura nel suo cuore.
-         Una variazione: Qualcuno potrebbe non gradire di inspirare il fumo nero del dolore di qualcun altro; allora può direttamente porre questa gente alla presenza amorosa di Dio e lasciare a Lui di riempire questa gente con la sua grazia o dando loro sollievo con la sua sorgente che scende dall’alto e li lava.
Applicazione sociale: Sono continuamente toccato da genti e nazioni che ricevono migranti in questi giorni con un caldo sorriso e solidarietà fraterna. Per parte mia io faccio questo tipo di meditazione in cui porto tutta questa gente nell’affettuosa e premurosa presenza del Creatore e Gli chiedo di riempire questa gente con la sua forza e la sua protezione.
Vi sembra buono? Potrebbe essere la nostra piccola risposa alle sofferenze dell’umanità di oggi?
 
https://charlesalphonse.blogspot.com/2015/10/meditation-forhealing-compassion.html
Our Creator took time-out  
Inspiration from Germans
 
One of the inspirations that I got from German friends is their ability to work hard and systematically throughout the week and relax during the week end. It gives them the possibility to gain strength for the week ahead and for life. It may be due to that most of their products are long lasting and quality filled. And they try hard to maintain this heritage. I have seen them valuing the week-ends and take time-out to regain their lost strength. It adds to their sharpness and well-being.
Our Creator took time-out:
Weekends specifically, the Sundays for us could be a time-out possibility where we could attempt to find time for to be ourselves at least few hours. It could also start with a time for some of these activities: cleaning the house or personal room, disposing the unused things, a help to the family members, doing something artistically that we love, spend few minutes for a walk in a garden somewhere close-by, spending extra time with family members sharing a personal experience, calling someone we care, and finally it could culminate in the time we spend quietly before the Presence of our Creator, who is said to be taking rest on the last day. This sort of silent moments could lead to great inspirations for our personal living and it could also impact others in many ways. If you experience more agitation and restlessness in your life due to your work-load, try the time-out. As we have seen earlier the persons that find space for silent meditation purposeful time-out and contemplation will add further blessings to lives.
 
Contemplating God’s loving Presence
Br. Jaime Rey while reflecting about silent contemplation said that there could be some silent moments when I just place myself in God’s loving presence, gazing at his compassionate face and be there for few minutes allowing that ‘silent presence’ to influence me. It is a loving surrender and being there with the beyond who is also immanent and personal. It is interesting to note that lasting happiness is closely attached to serenity. Our lives activities and works will be very effective if we strengthen it with the power of silence.
If our Creator took time-out why can’t we…?



Comfort Zone … (n. 3) 
 [La Zona di conforto (n.3) in Italiano]
Ispirazione dai tedeschi
 
Una delle ispirazioni che ho preso dagli amici tedeschi è la loro abilità nel lavorare sodo e in modo preciso durante la settimana e rilassarsi durante il week – end. Questo dà loro la possibilità di guadagnare forza per la settimana che viene e per la vita stessa. Forse è dovuto a ciò che molti loro prodotti sono di lunga durata e ricchi in qualità. Essi s’impegnano sul serio per mantenere questa eredità. Li ho visti valorizzare i week – end e prendere pause per recuperare le forze perdute. Questo aumenta la loro forma e il loro benessere.
 
Il nostro Creatore si prese una pausa:
 
I weekend in modo particolare, le Domeniche potrebbero essere per noi una possibilità di pausa in cui potremmo dedicarci a trovare tempo per essere noi stessi, almeno per qualche ora. Potrebbe pure iniziare con un tempo dedicato a qualcuna di queste attività: pulire la casa o la propria stanza, disfarsi delle cose inutili, aiutare qualche familiare, fare qualcosa di artistico che amiamo, spendere qualche minuto per una passeggiata in qualche giardino vicino, spendere del tempo in più con alcuni familiari per condividere un’esperienza personale, chiamare qualcuno che ci sta a cuore, e finalmente potrebbe culminare nel tempo che spendiamo quietamente alla presenza del nostro Creatore, di cui si dice … che  si riposò l’ultimo giorno.
Questa specie di momenti silenziosi possono condurre a grandi ispirazioni per la nostra vita personale e potrebbero anche toccare gli altri in molti modi. Se tu sperimenti più agitazione e mancanza di riposo nella tua vita, dovuta al tuo carico di lavoro, prova una pausa. Come abbiamo già visto, le persone che trovano lo spazio per la meditazione silenziosa una pausa significativa e la contemplazione aggiungeranno maggiore benedizione alla loro vita.
 
 
Contemplando l’amorevole presenza di Dio.
 
 
Frate Jaime Rey mentre rifletteva sulla contemplazione silenziosa disse che potrebbero esserci alcuni momenti silenziosi in cui io semplicemente pongo me stesso alla presenza amorevole di Dio, fissando lo sguardo sul suo volto compassionevole e stare lì per alcuni minuti, lasciando che la “presenza silenziosa” mi influenzi. E’ una resa d’amore, stando lì col nostro bagaglio immanente e personale. E’ interessante notare che la felicità ultima è strettamente congiunta alla serenità. Le nostre attività e impegni di vita saranno più efficaci se li potenziamo col potere del silenzio.
 
Se il nostro Creatore si è preso una pausa, perché noi non possiamo…?
 
 
https://charlesalphonse.blogspot.com/2015/09/our-creator-took-time-out.html
Transcend your petty world…!
“I don’t know to meditate; I am not capable of meditation and I have not tried it,” was a very genuine reflection of person I met recently here in Rome. I was admiring the sincerity of that person and it all the more motivated me to add some more reflections on meditation and help people try the blessing out of this art and a gift. As I mentioned earlier true meditation brings lots of visible benefits and there are blessings that are not known to our external senses immediately. Great persons like Fr. Bede Griffth of happy memory used to say that “Meditation helps us grow every day, transcend ordinary way of looking, transcend our petty limited world by entering into a greater spiritual realm which would lead us to a deeper communion with the Creator and this universe.”
Fr. Bede was a Benedictine monk (17th Dec 1906-13th May 1993) reached India and gave a new thrust to the monastic way of living by adapting to the rich Indian spiritual traditions linking it into Christianity and in the later part of life became part of Camaldolese. At the end of his life journey he was also know as Swami Dayanada meaning ‘bliss of compassion.’
 
I had the possibility to meet him in early 80s and later in 1990s. What struck me in his person was his serenity and humility. He used to greet every person warmly and with reverence, I have seen him greeting the children joining both the hands together. He helped us to develop respect for other religion, he also invited us to draw inspiration from their literature by being open to them and take whatever could help us in our spiritual journey. He also inspired us saying that if we go deeper into the true meaning of all our religious practices we will discover lots of common insights which are shared by these religions and we all share a common goal. Love, peace, sharing, brotherhood, care for nature and compassion are some of them. During the sessions whenever it was his chance to speak the participants were very attentive to listen to his wisdom filled reflection and his inner serenity was permeating the entire atmosphere.
 
When I was there attending one of seminars in his Ashram, one day there was a moment of heated socio-theological reflection about the discrimination and dichotomy in the world. The participants were not agreeing on certain issues and it is then Fr. Bede intervened saying: “Try to transcend your petty world and begin to think differently. We are all called to transcendence (a deeper union with God and humanity) which will lead us to true commitment to social transformation. A person who lacks inner strength cannot be a successful social reformer.”  All those of us who met Fr. Bede will vouch for the fact that every morning and evening we found him sitting still in silent meditation in his Saccidananda Ashram, (situated in Tamilnadu, India) called ‘Shantivanam’  meaning ‘forest of peace’ in Tamil. He set as an example for silent meditation and taught us some methods of calming the inner person. Even today many people from around the world go there to find peace and inner strength. 
Watch this Youtube video of Fr. Bede found in the below link about the “Unconditional love & the power of surrender.
More inspirational materials about Fr. Bede Griffith could be found from these websites:www.saccidanandaashram.com, www.bedegriffiths.com/bede-griffiths/www.bedegriffiths.com/bede-griffiths; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bede_Griffiths 
 
We all need a time to strengthen our inner person and also a challenge (through various forms and means) so that we could transcend our petty worlds of selfishness and ego-centered deliberations.

https://charlesalphonse.blogspot.com/2015/09/transcend-your-petty-world.html  

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Inspirational Websites and Blogs

Spiritual Motivations for Youth
https://www.christophers.org/

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Lay Carmelite Spirituality and Way of Life: 
http://www.myzephyronline.org/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCe_z_-qwBBM579QEO3R9fMg

Counselling, Personal Growth and Inner Healing

https://anugraha.info/
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Peace, Ecology and Social Awareness
Fronteversismo
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