Vet Judy

This week is a week to practice Ahisma. The essence of Ahisma is the practice of non-judgement and non-harming. We have carried this into the subjects of judgement of oneself, judgement of others as individuals, and judgements of others as groups.

Today , consider the practice of Ahisma as it relates to the enviroment.  The practice of non violence, non harming towards the enviroment is essential to the preservation of our livelihood on earth. One way to consider the practice of Ahisma with reference to the enviroment is taking a break away from excessive consumption.  No matter how much advertising and marketing says you must partake, you have the free will to say no, if only for today.

Each and everyday we are taught, pressured, lured into the belief that we are what we do, what we have, and how successful we are. The level of consumption we have is equated with the level of success. The bigger the house, the fancier the car, the more gadgets and games we possess, the bigger the vacations, the more cell phones we can hook together in one plan…..are all indicators of our level of success. In a competitive world, we think we are in the lead if we have all these things. But really, are we?

Do you go through your day with a sense of accomplishment and peace because you have accumulated these many things? Or do you always have a sense of never enough, always chasing, always moving and yet never arriving? It is easy to see that joy and peace will never follow consumption, no matter how much we have been brainwashed to believe it is so.

The truth is, we are all vunerable. In the words of Byron Katie: Life is as it is. The only thing we can control is our attitude and actions. When you practice Ahisma, there are many obstacles.

So, for today, only for today: practice Ahisma or non-harming towards the enviroment. Take a break from buying something today, disposing of something that is still useful, or destroying something that no longer pleases you but is still functional. Consider a walk in nature and give thanks for the things the universe gives us for free everyday. We all get oxygen to breath today, the earth still has trees and water for us to drink and use and enjoy.

If we practice Ahisma towards others today, we can even enjoy what the universe offers us in terms of love and joy. Get out of your head and the ego’s need to get more and rest in the moment: looking for what has been graciously given for you to enjoy. No matter how rough it is for you, there is always something to be grateful for today. If you had a shower give thanks. If you had water to drink say thanks. If you had a home to live in says thanks. If you had some food today give thanks. It is said that if you have a dish full of change on your dresser night stand, you are more wealthy than something like 80% of the worlds’ population.

Today is a good day to practice Ahisma towards the enviroment. Have a great day.

Ahimsa: Refers to LOVE, but not the sentimental kind of love. It refers to the practice of non-harming in thought, in action, and in speech. It is the practice of listening to the voice of lighteness, cultivating that very voice and trusting in it. Finally, it is acting on that voice of lightness.

This is the practice of non-judgement of ourselves and others. Being free of fear of ourselves and others. Freedom from our own willingness to harm self or others. And this doesn’t need to be a big thing. Just thinking you are fat, ugly, unhappy, unsuccessful, poorly dressed, having a bad hair day is evidence of the lack of practice of Ahisma.

 This can translate to others as well. “What was she thinking wearing that? Boy, what a grump. Can you imagine, what an idiot? Thoughts of silent judgement they all count.

Practice, for today only, by refraining from judging yourself. This can be a significant accomplishment. Just take notice today of all the derogatroy thoughts you are willing to have against yourself. Most people will have several before they are even finished their first cup of coffee. Be aware first and then practice non-harming behaviour. Everytime you have a judgemental thought against yourself, just send light to the thought. You will find yourself more peaceful by just practicing this one thing.

Tomorrow, we will have the second day of the practice of Ahisma, do tune in and have a great day today.

This is a must see! It is fantastic. Look closely at each square within the mosaic. I especially like the horses eye, so click there.

http://www.muralmosaic.com/Cochrane.html

For those of you not living out in the west, Cochrane is in the foothills of Alberta, east of Banff. The mosaic was unveiled last week at the Cochrane Ranch House.

What is so fantastic about this art work is that each tile is 1 foot square and is a unique picture on its own and is done by a different artist.

All of them together form this huge mural. Check out the horses eye or click on any given square. It is competely fascinating and amazing, what an accomplishment. Absolutely grand.