Philosophy for Life - What is Yours?

[Waterman]

Unfortunately, I doubt that I could get more than one person (me) to join my cult.

I'm in !!!!

 

[RiverOtter]

With all this Philosophy talk.... Do we now allow pipe smoking in the lounge

 

[Beach Runner]

Life Instructions from the Dalai Lama:

1. Take into account that great love and great achievements involve great risk.

2. When you lose, don't lose the lesson.

3. Follow the three Rs: respect for self, respect for others and responsibility for all your actions.

4. Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.

5. Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly.

6. Don't let a little dispute injure a great friendship.

7. When you realize you've made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.

8. Spend some time alone every day.

9. Open your arms to change, but don't let go of your values.

10. Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.

11. Live a good, honorable life. Then when you get older and think back, you'll be able to enjoy it a second time.

12. A loving atmosphere in your home is the foundation for your life.

13. In disagreements with loved ones, deal only with the current situation. Don't bring up the past.

14. Share your knowledge. It's a way to achieve immortality.

15. Be gentle with the earth.

16. Once a year, go some place you've never been before.

17. Remember that the best relationship is one in which your love for each other exceeds your need for each other.

18. Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it.

19. Approach love and cooking with reckless abandon.

 

[Landlocked]

With all this Philosophy talk.... Do we now allow pipe smoking in the lounge

HOOKAH! HOOKAH!

 

[KY oyster eater]

Looks like a good ''Blend'' coming out of that pipe.

 

[Paula]

It sure is hard to focus on my job with this discussion group to turn to and now this thread, too. Great thread, SJ.

I'll post my philosophies later but I can tell you my favorite obituary I really read in the paper. It was about a 96 year old woman and it said "she died unexpectedly." I sure hope I get to 96 and then die unexpectedly! Perhaps on the beach (of natural causes -- not sharks or other predators) and ideally after a very good meal with family and friends.

 

[kathydwells]

After just writing a bit of my own philosophy for life under the thread regarding photos of seaside after scraping, and I have done so on other threads, I think a separate page would be better. Everyone tends to have their own philosophy for life, and I am curious to read yours.

Here is one of my snip-its from the seaside photo thread.


I know someone who once talked about putting her kids in a "no-grow" box so that they would always be as they were at that very moment in time. Can you imagine how confined and uneventful those kids would be today? What many people want is for things to be a certain way forever, never having to nuture and experience the sometimes painful growth and change. Speaking from my own life experiences, I know that everything in my life can be wiped away in the blink of an eye, even though I think everything will last forever. I have experienced losing people, possessions, and meaningful amounts of money all at the drop of a hat. Once, I too, believed that nothing should ever change, but now I realize that nothing I see is ever the same. Even my personal memories, stories, and persepective of one single event changes with time. I take nothing for granted anymore, and treasure every experience in my life, whether happy or sad. The sad times are as joyous as the happy and should be celebrated as well. We never know what beauty lies within the pain and suffering if we are not open to receiving it. There is a great book, some say written by Lao Tsu, which is called the Tao. Literally translated, it means, "the way." It is a book of stories and questions that each person has to interpret for him or her self. My way is not the way, it is only my way. I understand some of the suffering that Gulf-front owners are experiencing. It is painful and frustrating. Keep in mind that it is how you handle the difficult times that really shapes you into your own person. For anyone in need of shelter, I will open my doors to you. That is just who I am. I have been fortunate enough to have little angels looking out for me, and I like to share that with people who need a little angel of their own. I think it is unfortunate that some people are loosing their homes which perhaps their parents, or spouses personally built long ago. I know that the longer and tighter you hold own, the more it hurts when it squeezes through your grasp. I encourage you to remember to be receptive and open to movement through time. It will literally change your world.

Anyone else willing to share?

SJ, I want to know when the book is coming out!!! I don't know what your profession is, but I certainly know that you can write. You really need to write a book. I would love one autographed PLEASE!!!! I love your posts. Really puts things into perspective for me, and makes my day!!!!!!!

 

[kathydwells]

I believe in friends..
and in the healing that comes
from laughter, and tears,
and stories shared.

I believe in the wisdom
that can be found in having fun,
and in truths that are born
out of trust and honesty.

I believe in the strength
of one hand holding another
through the dark nights of the soul,
and in the miracles
of hugs and smiles
and perfectly~timed
words of reassurance.

I believe in the down-to-earth,
here~and~now kind of heaven
that reveals itself
every time we see ourselves
through the kind and caring eyes
of those who know us so well
and love us just the way we are.

In this often~far~from~fairy~tale world
we live in,
I believe in wonderful friends
that somehow make it all worthwhile.

I love this. It is written on a card that very good friend gave me. I read it often, because it makes me feel good.

 

[Smiling JOe]

SJ, I want to know when the book is coming out!!! I don't know what your profession is, but I certainly know that you can write. You really need to write a book. I would love one autographed PLEASE!!!! I love your posts. Really puts things into perspective for me, and makes my day!!!!!!!

Thanks, but I would need to take some writing classes first. I really stink when it comes to focus, and if I wrote a book, on every open page, one side would be a photo or a drawing and the other a little tid-bit of some writing. I have many more projects in front of any ideas for a book. I enjoy writing, but I am so terrible at bringing written concepts together that an English Professor used to call me bad names which I will refrain from posting here. Also, as you hav noticed, I never proofread anything.

 

[katie blue]

Here are some things i wish someone had told me as a kid. A few things i've come to know through the years:

It's our temporary home here on earth, and we can achieve much, or be a dreamer, and it's all OK in the end. You were born with a unique predisposition, and your only duty is to llve that nature to the fullest extent, and harm none along the way. If in doubt, choose a path that allows you to feel, touch, and experience more. When it's your time to go you'll look back in satisfaction, knowing you really lived.

Life is filled with the highest highs and the lowest lows. Don't stress, fear or try to avoid the hard stuff--it's futile, it's part of the duality of our world. Simply turn to, breathe through it and keep your eyes on the goal, not the obstacles. If times are tough, hang tight, and hold onto someone or something you love. Because the world shows us: from the darkness, we come again into the light. Always. Have no fear.

Finally, the key to happiness is threefold:
Find your peace.
Wherever or however you find peace of mind...be there, do that.
that is your mandate. If you feel unsettled, something needs
adjusting. Figure it out.
Spread the love.
Love is a verb. You have a lot to give.
Seek your balance.
Everything in moderation, including moderation at times. Don't let
yourself get too stuck in patterns, break out of your mold once in a while.
Don't worry about those who would raise eyebrows, they wish they
had the chutzpah to live as fearlessly as you. That's why our culture
worships adventurers and rock stars. Be one, if only in your own mind. ;-)