How Feelings Are Changing Our Brain

Remember when you read a drama novel or watch a sad movie when a character is facing some heartbreaking event or danger we almost feel it in ourselves in our mind, the empathy that we show is part our human brain and nervous system that we are wired to feel and resemble the similar or the same pain or feeling.

Therefore we are easily capable of placing ourselves in someone else's shoes and sense empathy towards them. It taps into our very human potential to share the feelings that others feel. In fact, when we see someone else hurt, the brain regions connected to our own pain also become active.

But it turns out that our emotional state has an effect on how much empathy we feel. Our emotions literally change the way our brain responds to others, even when they are in pain. In particular, it is when we feel bad that it can have a consequence in our social world.

It is apparent that our mood can influence our behavior in a myriad of ways, from the food choices we make – when we are in a bad mood we eat less healthily – to our friendships. When our friends are down and gloomy, the feeling can be contagious and can make us feel more miserable too. Bad moods can even spread on social media, a 2017 study found.

In fact, our emotions are so powerful that when we are in a positive mood, it can dampen how much pain we feel when injured. It provides us with an analgesic-like effect. When it comes to negative emotions, the opposite occurs: our feeling towards that pain is exaggerated.

Worse, a recent study, published in December 2017, has shown that when we feel bad it affects our in-built capacity to respond to others in pain. It literally dampens our empathy. Emilie Qiao-Tasserit at the University of Geneva and her team wanted to understand how our emotions influence the way we respond to others while they are in pain. Individuals were made to feel pain with a temperature-increasing device on their leg. The team also showed participants positive or negative movie clips while in a brain scanner, in addition to making them feel pain, or when watching clips of others in pain. Did participants feel empathy towards those who they knew were made to feel pain, the team wondered.

It turns out that those who watched a negative clip and then saw others in pain showed less brain activity in areas that are related to pain: the anterior insula and middle cingulate cortex. These are usually active when we see others in pain as well as when we experience pain ourselves. “In other words, negative emotions can suppress our brain capacity to be sensitive to others’ pain,” explains Qiao-Tasserit.

This work is revealing. It shows that emotions can literally change our “brain state”, and that by doing so our own feelings modify how we perceive someone else’s.

Along similar lines, another study by Qiao-Tasserit and colleagues found that after watching a negative clip, people tended to judge a face with a neutral emotion as more negative.

These results obviously have real-world implications. If a person in power, say a boss, has been exposed to something negative in their lives – even something as simple as a negative movie – they could be less sensitive to a colleague in pain and even view them more negatively. Our bad moods literally make us less receptive to others’ feelings.

A lack of empathy has other implications too. Findings show that reduced empathy will result in less money donated to charity. Brain scans reveal that we also show less empathy to those who are not in our immediate social circle, say teammates in a sports club.

So why would negative emotions reduce empathy? It could be that a specific type of empathy, called empathic distress, is at play. This, explains Olga Klimecki, also at the University of Geneva, is “the feeling of being overwhelmed” when something bad happens to someone else, which makes you want to protect yourself instead of being overcome by negative feelings. This type of empathy even shows very different brain activation compared to typical empathy. This kind of distress might naturally also reduce compassion.

It might also be that any situation that elicits negative emotions encourages us to focus more on ourselves and any issues we face. "Anxious and depressed patients who suffer from excess negative emotions are more likely to focus on their own problems and be isolated," says Qiao-Tasserit.

One 2016 study by Klimecki and colleagues even found that empathic distress increases aggression. Here participants were subjected to unfair scenarios and then had the chance to punish or forgive their competitors. What’s more, the participants in her study were asked to do personality tests before they came into the lab. She found that those who were more naturally compassionate reacted with less derogatory behavior.

For Klimecki this was telling. In her extensive research on empathy, she has shown that it is possible to cultivate more compassionate behavior. She found that feelings of compassionate empathy can be trained. Our emotional responses to others are therefore clearly not set in stone.

This shows that we can all re-engage our inner empathy, even in the face of someone else’s misery. And when we think a bit more positively it will help broaden our attention towards others’ needs. “This could contribute to greater relationships, a key factor of happiness,” says Qiao-Tasserit.

So next time you are in a foul mood, don't forget the effect it might have on other people you communicate with daily-bases. You may also want to time your reading of chilling drama novels or horror movies wisely. If you read or watch them while in a bad mood, that’s the perfect time to keep your empathy at bay and feel a little less distressed at the pain – real or fictional – of others.

citation: Melissa H. Article and research, BBC news, 

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Then Excellent Life Lessons from Dalai Lama

Dalai Lama is one of the most inspiring people around the world, know by his quotes, books, and speeches. The current Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, which is the 14th Lama of Tibetan Buddhism. He was born in July 1935 and his key social stances and poses that are known are the democracy, nonviolence, religious harmony. He is a lightworker and a great teacher of self-discipline, empathy, unconditional happiness, peace and love, acceptance and forgiveness. The wise Dalai Lama always described himself as a "simple Buddhist monk" regardless of all the wisdom and good works that he has done and all the greatness he achieved to all that he teaches by his simplicity and kindness. Here you can find just a pinch of his wisdom and inspiring quotes that I invite you to read and think about for a moment, let it inspire and enlighten your mind and soul and create happiness in your life. I have added my interpretation and thoughts to each quote and I hope you will enjoy that as well.

1 - My religion is very simple, My religion is kindness. 

Kindness is the base of all spiritual teachings, being kind and passionate needs a strong, happy, and peaceful character and being kind means archiving all those levels and have a valuable self-discipline and self-awareness. many may interpret kindness as giving up, or less powerful and that is not what kindness is, the true kindness is given by a person who has reached their high-level potentials who does not hurt themselves while enjoying on supporting others. who is so powerful and string that can support and be kind to their enemies even without getting hurt or harming anyone while standing their ground and fighting against any attack peacefully. Kindness is the key to connect to each other and the universe within and out, the path to the kindness is the religion that would be better for all of us to choose and take on our life.

2 - Love is absence of judgment.

You may hear from religious or spiritual people that judgment serves no purpose in our life, and the truth is whatever we do and we think has a purpose in our life, it is a strategy to serve a core desire in our subconscious and thoughts. Unfortunately, many of us may have used this strategy to feel that they are gaining power, growing, taking what is theirs and even feeling of teaching others what they think is right, while none of these are real and will be achieved by judgmental strategy and behavior, it could be a temporary feeling and it last as that moment and create craving of getting more, therefore the person became more eager to get good feeling so they do the wrong more, judgment. This causes to get away from kindness and peacefulness which creates Love and compassion, give yourself a chance to create, endorse and expand, feel the power and witness, by changing your strategy from judgmental to giving and loving.

3 - Positive and negative actions are determined by one’s own motivation. If the motivation is good, all actions become positive; if the motivation is wrong, all actions become negative.

It happened to may that they try to do and be positive and it felt hard to, or even sometimes impossible to be positive. Well here is the secret of being and doing things positively, the term positive is to do and be good, which can be understood to not harm others and yourself and do as you desire. All our actions are depended on our intentions and goals when our intention and goal the urge of reaching to a point or position requires negativity or we are thought to use harmful ways to reach then it is hard to be and do positive since all our motives are leaded by our intentions and goals. we either need to change our motives and intentions or learn a new strategy that will have positive actions in it to reach our goals.

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

Perhaps you have heard that saying, be careful what you wish for, sometimes we don't and cant sees the exact path to get to what we want therefore lots of unwanted things happens without our acknowledgment while deep inside we did wish for it. Well on this particular situation which we want the good for us but not getting it could have more bad and negative affects afterward than what we thought or not. Basically having faith in the universe, god, higher source, the energy that connect us all which is the most wisdom master will ease our life, having faith that things didn't happen because of a reason, and as Steve Jobs said one, we only can connect the dots when looking back, and we should have faith that dots will connect to each other in future. we will release the reason in the future when we look back and connect the dots :)

5 - We can never obtain peace in the outer world until we make peace with ourselves

Remember everything grows within out not from outside, the seed is the beginning of a tree and the fruit is the result of a healthy tree, same as the tree we are with our physical and emotional body, when we are healthy and peaceful then we can create a peaceful space, room, home, family, friends, and environment. We only can connect and feel the peace when we are in peace. there is no way to get to something with acting opposite of it, that means we cant get to peace by force.

6 - Sleep is the best meditation

When meditating the highest that we can achieve will be closer to when we are going to sleep because then is when we access our subconscious the highest. This doesn't mean that we should not meditate or sleeping is enough meditation, it means we can use the sleeping as the longest meditation and deepest that we can have every night constantly, and how we might do that? remember our subconscious knows the most about ourselves and every data we collected during the day, it is the most active part because it keeps us on track of what we really want and dream of. Before going to sleep clean your mind by clearing your day, check what worked what didn't work during the day, then start appreciating with things that happened or you have this will calm you, give you a joy of living and clear your low vibration and thoughts you may hold and pass to the next day and have a bad sleep. After you cleared your mind, focus on something you want to do, or wish for, create a positive and happy image of what you want in your mind and own it as it is your reality, let it go to our subconscious and sleep. this technique is very powerful that you can try when you have issues to solve and are frustrated, be careful to clear your mind first and you will find next morning you already know what to do or what is the solution to your challenge.

7 - The true hero is one who conquers his own anger and hatred.

Many people want to be happy and yet not paying attention to their own inner anger and hatred toward people, God, and the world also most of the time toward themselves. Acceptance is the first step to conquer the self-anger and frustration. One a person had that cleared they become their own lives hero.

8 - Where ignorance is our master, there is no possibility of real peace.

Ignorance is the biggest challenge and enemy that we have within ourselves, once we realize this and choose to not follow and take the ignorance as the master step and choice everything become more clear and visible, we start taking responsibility and get rid of expectations. That's when we step in the world based on possibilities and peace.

9 - It is very rare or almost impossible that an event can be negative from all points of view.

In reality, it's almost not possible for an event to be pure negativity, if we just change our perspective and see things from a different point of view then we can see even most of the time there were a benefit for us, although it could be a temporary or a hidden one and there is. Do your best to detach yourself from that event and acknowledge the reality of it, then review all aspects of it, perhaps you can learn and find a shift, and that by itself is positive. Remember every failure is a step to success.

10 - True spirituality is a mental attitude you can practice at any time.

Believe it or not, the attitude is one of the keys to a successful life and business, the productive and peaceful conversation with others and ourselves. Start practicing to be loving and supportive to ourselves, then it will shine out to our outer world. Say that you love yourself, forgive and accept what you are. Be your teacher and hero by practicing on improving your mental attitude.

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Your Birthday and Celtic Tree Astrology

Find out that from which tree your soul has fallen from, although there is no known scientific study and proof behind these type of horoscopes yet it has a science behind it and in most cases the description matches the person, although many people do not believe in zodiac signs and the effect of time and date followed by the position of the moon on the newborn, in many beliefs and astronomy masters this is a well-known knowledge, like in Kabbalah and old Jewish people or Druids, they were known as great astrologists, and they even created rules and charts to guide them to understand people and their behavior so they can have a better interaction and communication. well, this article is not that deep about astrological science and still the fact that Celtic Tree Astrology can be considered an astrological knowledge is a wonderful topic to learn about.

Oath of Druids

Celtic tree astrology is based on the ancient concept that the time of our births is pivotal to the formation of our character and behavior. the spiritually savvy celts, especially the druids have been professional observers. over the years, they diagnosed that a child born within a positive season might develop certain qualities. further, the druids discovered styles in the color and form of someone's lifestyles in keeping with the motions of the moon primarily based on a lunar year calendar, and the season in which we are born. the system of Celtic tree astrology was evolved out of a natural reference and connection with the druid's knowledge of earth cycles and their reverence for the sacred understanding held by trees. the druids had a profound reference to trees and believed they were vessels of endless knowledge. sporting this concept a leap forward, we are able to companion the likeness and character of trees to our personal human nature. with the aid of doing so, we gather inspired insight and clarity into who we are.

Celtic Tree of Life

Below you may discover a precis of every of the thirteen Celtic zodiac signs and summary. why 13 instead of 12 signs? because Celtic astrology is based totally on a lunar system, which revolves around the thirteen phases of the moon. this is a unique system of astrology in that the meanings of each signal are bounded to both the power of the moon and the limitless magic inherent inside the trees/flora determined within the Celtic Ogham. in lots of ways, Celtic astrology based totally on ancient Ogham knowledge is a way greater dynamic than different astrological structures. Celtic druids, who created this special star-casting system, spent a long time looking at bushes. in reality, druids have been capable of see signs, omens and divine destiny activities just through the rustling of leaves. the similar form of severe invocations and divination had been done by meditating upon the moon and her motions. the moon and the trees/plants of the ogham dovetailed collectively to offer us a sacred and forcible tool in our forecasting bag of hints. those superb forces in nature are top notch in their effect upon every human life. through delving into Celtic tree astrology based at the druid ogham, we gain unusual perception into the human psyche, in addition to the variety nature gives us in super and cosmic methods. as you contemplate your Celtic tree astrology signs and personality bellow listed, please know there may be so much more to your personality and psyche. you'll find more insight into your sign in future posts for each Celtic Tree, keep posted and follow us.

Your Celtic Tree Astrology Signs and Meanings

Birch – The Achiever

December 24 – January 20

If you were born under the energy of the Birch you can be highly driven, and often motivate others they become easily caught in your zeal, drive and ambition. You are always reaching for more, seeking better horizons and obtaining higher aspirations. The Druids attributed this to your time of birth, which is a time of year shrouded by darkness, so consequently you are always stretching out to find the light. Birch signs (just like the tree) are tolerant, tough, and resilient. You are cool-headed and are natural-born rulers, often taking command when a situation calls for leadership. When in touch with your softer side, you also bring beauty in otherwise barren spaces, brightening up a room with you guile, and charming crowds with you quick wit. Celtic tree astrology Birch signs are compatible with Vine signs and Willow signs.

Rowan – Thinker

January 21 – February 17

Celtic tree astrology recognizes Rowan signs as the philosophical minds within the zodiac. If you were born under the Rowan energy, you are likely a keen-minded visionary, with high ideals. Your thoughts are original and creative, so much so, that other’s often misunderstand from where you are coming. This sometimes makes you aloof when interacting with others as you feel they wouldn’t understand where you are coming from anyway. Nevertheless, although you may appear to have a cool exterior, you are burning within from your passionate ideals. This inner passion provides inner motivation for you as you make your way through life. You have a natural ability to transform situations and people around you by your mere presence. You are highly influential in a quiet way and others look to you for your unique perspectives. Rowan pairs well with Ivy and Hawthorn signs.

Ash – The Enchanter

February 18 – March 17

Those born under the Celtic tree astrology sign of the Ash are free thinkers. Imaginative, intuitive, and naturally artistic, you see the world in water-color purity. You have a tendency to moody and withdrawn at times, but that’s only because your inner landscape is in constant motion. You are in touch with your muse, and you are easily inspired by nature. Likewise, you inspire all that you associate with and people seek you out for your enchanting personality. Art, writing (especially poetry), science, and theology (spiritual matters) are areas that strongly interest you. Others may think you are reclusive, but in all honesty, you are simply immersed in your own world of fantastic vision and design. You are in a constant state of self-renewal and you rarely place a value on what others think about you. Ash signs partner well with Willow and Reed signs.

Alder – The Trailblazer

March 18 – April 14

If you are an Alder sign within the Celtic tree astrology system, you are a natural-born pathfinder. You’re a mover and a shaker, and will blaze a trail with fiery passion often gaining loyal followers to your cause. You are charming, gregarious and mingle easily with a broad mix of personalities. In other words, Alder signs get along with everybody and everybody loves to hang around with you. This might be because Alder’s are easily confident and have a strong self-faith. This self-assurances is infectious and other people recognize this quality in you instantly. Alder Celtic tree astrology signs are very focused and dislike waste. Consequently, they can see through superficialities and will not tolerate fluff. Alder people place high value on their time, and feel that wasting time is insufferable. They are motivated by action and results. Alder’s pair well with Hawthorns, Oaks or even Birch signs.

Willow – The Observer

April 15 – May 12

If you are a Willow sign, you are ruled by the moon, and so your personality holds hands with many of the mystical aspects of the lunar realm. This means you are highly creative, intuitive (highly psychic people are born under the sign of the Willow) and intelligent. You have a keen understanding of cycles, and you inherently know that every situation has a season. This gives you a realistic perspective of things, and also causes you to be more patient than most tree signs. With your intelligence comes a natural ability to retain knowledge and you often impress your company with the ability to expound on subjects from memory. Willow Celtic tree astrology signs are bursting with potential, but have a tendency to hold themselves back for fear of appearing flamboyant or overindulgent. It is your powers of perception that ultimately allow your true nature to shine, and what leads you to success in life. Willow signs join well with the Birch and the Ivy.

Hawthorn – The Illusionist

May 13 – June 9

Hawthorn signs in Celtic tree astrology are not at all what they appear to be. Outwardly, they appear to be a certain persona, while on the inside Hawthorn’s are quite different. They put the term “never judge a book by its cover” to the test. They live seemingly average lives while on the inside they carry fiery passions and inexhaustible creative flame. They are well adjusted and can adapt to most life situations well – making themselves content and comforting others at the same time. You are naturally curious, and have an interest in a broad range of topics. You are an excellent listener, and people seek you out as an outlet to release their burdens. You have a healthy sense of humor, and have a clear understanding of irony. You tend to see the big picture, and have amazing insight – although you typically won’t give yourself enough credit for your observations. Hawthorn signs match up nicely with Ash and Rowan’s.

Oak – The Stabilizer

June 10 – July 7

Those born under the Celtic tree astrology sign of the Oak have a special gift of strength. They are protective people and often become a champion for those who do not have a voice. In other words, the Oak is the crusader and the spokesperson for the underdog. Nurturing, generous and helpful, you are a gentle giant among the Celtic zodiac signs. You exude an easy confidence and naturally assume everything will work out to a positive outcome. You have a deep respect for history and ancestry, and many people with this sign become teachers. You love to impart your knowledge of the past to others. Oak signs have a need for structure, and will often go to great lengths to gain the feeling of control in their lives. Healthy Oak signs live long, full, happy lives and enjoy large family settings and are likely to be involved with large social/community networks. Oak signs pair off well with the Ash and Reed, and are known to harmoniously join with Ivy signs too.

Holly – The Ruler

July 8 – August 4

Among the Celtic tree astrology signs the Holly is one of regal status. Noble, and high-minded, those born during the Holly era easily take on positions of leadership and power. If you are a Holly sign you take on challenges easily, and you overcome obstacles with rare skill and tact. When you encounter setbacks, you simply redouble your efforts and remain ever vigilant to obtain your end goals. Very seldom are you defeated. This is why many people look up to you and follow you as their leader. You are competitive and ambitious even in the most casual settings. You can appear to be arrogant but in actuality you’re just very confident in your abilities. Truth be known, you are quite generous, kind and affectionate (once people get to know you). Highly intelligent, you skate through academics where others may struggle. Because many things come to you so easily, you may have a tendency to rest on your laurels. In other words, if not kept active, you may slip into an unhealthy and lazy lifestyle. Holly signs may look to Ash and Elder signs for balance and partnership.

Hazel – The Knower

August 5 – September 1

If you are born under the energy of the Hazel, you are highly intelligent, organized and efficient. Like the Holly, you are naturally gifted in academia, and excel in the classroom. You also have the ability to retain information and can recall, recite and expound on subjects you’ve memorized with amazing accuracy. You know your facts, and you are always well informed. This sometimes makes you appear like a know-it-all to others, but you can’t help that; you’re genuinely smart and usually know the right course of action because of your impressive knowledge base. You have an eye for detail, and like things to be “just so.” Sometimes this need for order and control can lead to compulsive behaviors if left unchecked. You have a knack for numbers, science and things that utilize your analytical skills. You like rules, although you are typically making them rather than playing by them. The Celtic tree astrology sign of Hazel joins harmoniously with Hawthorn and Rowan’s.

Vine – The Equalizer

September 2 – September 29

Vine signs are born within the autumnal equinox, which makes your personality changeable and unpredictable. You can be full of contradictions, and are often indecisive. But this is because you can see both sides of the story, and empathize with each equally. It is hard for you to pick sides because you can see the good points on each end. There are, however, areas in your life that you are quite sure about. These include the finer things of life like food, wine, music, and art. You have very distinctive taste, and are a connoisseur of refinement. Luxury agrees with you, and under good conditions you have a Midas touch for turning drab into dramatic beauty. You are charming, elegant, and maintain a level of class that wins you esteem from a large fan base. Indeed, you often find yourself in public places where others can admire your classic style and poise. Vine signs pair well with Willow and Hazel signs.

Ivy – The Survivor

September 30 – October 27

Among other cherished qualities of the Ivy Celtic tree astrology sign, most prized is your ability to overcome all odds. You have a sharp intellect, but more obvious is your compassion and loyalty to others. You have a giving nature, and are always there to lend a helping hand. You are born at a time of the waning sun so life an be difficult for you at times. This sometimes seems unfair because it appears that obstacles are coming at with no prompting on your part. Nevertheless, you endure troubling times with silent perseverance and soulful grace. Indeed, Ivy signs have a tendency to be deeply spiritual and cling to a deep-rooted faith that typically sees them trough adversity. You are soft spoken, but have a keen wit about you. You are charming, charismatic, and can effectively hold your own in most social settings. Ivy signs are attracted to the Celtic tree astrology sign of Oak and Ash signs.

Reed – The Inquisitor

October 28 – November 24

Reed signs among the Celtic tree astrology signs are the secret keepers. You dig deep inside to the real meaning of things and discover the truth hidden beneath layers of distraction. When there is a need to get to the heart of the matter, most certainly the Reed sign will find the core. You love a good story, and can be easily drawn in by gossip, scandals, legend and lore. These tendencies also make you an excellent historian, journalist, detective or archeologist. You love people because they represent a diversity of meanings for you to interpret. You are adept at coaxing people to talking to you, and sometimes you can be a bit manipulative. However, you have a strong sense of truth and honor so most of your scheming is harmless. Reed people join well with other Reeds, Ash or Oak signs.

Elder – The Seeker

November 25 – December 23

Elder archetypes among Celtic tree astrology tend to be freedom-loving, and sometimes appear to be a bit wild to the other signs of the zodiac. In younger years you may have lived life in the fast lane, often identified as a “thrill seeker.” At the time of your birth the light of the sun was fast fleeting and so you take the same cue from nature. You are often misjudged as an outsider as you have a tendency to be withdrawn in spite of your extroverted nature. In actuality, you are deeply thoughtful with philosophical bent. You also tend to be very considerate of others and genuinely strive to be helpful. These acts of assistance are sometimes thwarted by your brutal honestly (which you openly share solicited or otherwise). Elder Celtic tree astrology signs fit well with Alder’s and Holly’s.

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Empowering And Inspiring Quotes For Women

Of course I am not worried about intimidating men. The type of man who will be intimidated  by me is exactly the type of man I have no interest in. – Chimamanda Adichie

I like to see a young girl go and grab the world by the lapels. Life is a bitch. You’ve got to go out and kick ass. – Maya Angelou

Above all, be the heroine of your life, not the victim. – Nora Ephron

There is a stubbornness about me that can never bear to be frightened at the will of others. My courage always rises at every attempt to intimidate me. – Jane Austen

The thing women have yet to learn is that nobody gives you power. You just take it. – Roseanne Barr

I will not have my life narrowed down. I will not bow down to somebody else’s whim or to someone else’s ignorance. – bell hooks

Any woman who is sure of her own wits, is a match, at any time, for a man who is not sure of his own temper. – Wilkie Collins

Well-behaved women rarely make history. –  (Most likely) Laurel Thatcher Ulrich

Being a woman is in an incredibly difficult task, since it consists principally in dealing with men. – Joseph Conrad

When a man gives his opinion, he’s a man. When a woman gives her opinion, she’s a bitch. – Bette Davis

Responsibility to yourself means refusing to let others do your thinking, talking, and naming for you; it means learning to respect and use your own brains and instincts; hence, grappling with hard work. – Adrienne Rich

The most courageous act is still to think for yourself. Aloud. – Coco Chanel

Women hold up half the sky. – Chinese proverb

A woman has to live her life or live to repent not having lived it. – D.H. Lawrence

I do not think, sir, you have any right to command me, merely because you are older than I, or because you have seen more of the world than I have; your claim to superiority depends on the use you have made of your time and experience. –  Charlotte Brontë

Life is not easy for any of us. But what of that? We must have perseverance and above all confidence in ourselves. We must believe that we are gifted for something and that this thing must be attended. –  Marie Curie

We are not interested in the possibilities of defeat, they do not exist. – Queen Victoria

I decided it is better to scream. Silence is the real crime against humanity. –  Nadezhda Mandelstam

When we speak we are afraid our words will not be heard or welcomed. But when we are silent, we are still afraid. So it is better to speak. – Audre Lord

A woman is like a tea bag. You never know how strong she is until she gets in hot water. –  Eleanor Rooselevelt

You can never be overdressed or overeducated. – Oscar Wilde

There are two powers in the world; one is the sword and the other is the pen. There is a great competition and rivalry between the two. There is a third power stronger than both, that of the women. – Muhhamad Ali Jinah

Women who seek to be equal with men lack ambition. – Timothy Leary

One life is all we have and we live as we believe in living it. But to sacrifice what you are are and to live without belief, that is a fate more terrible than dying. – Joan of Arc

When there is no enemy within, the enemy outside cannot hurt you. –African proverb

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Seven Zen Fun and Enlightening Stories

Zen Stories

Zen stories are stories told by Zen Masters and Spiritual Masters to bring knowledge of self-awareness and spiritual growth to listeners in a way that is interesting, fun and simple to understand, we all know philosophy and understanding of nature and universe most of the time could be so difficult to many minds so Spiritual Masters always wanted to put it in a simple way for regular people to understand and learn the good and positive being, doing and passing it on easily.

Many Spiritual Masters like Jesus, Buddha, Rumi (Molana), Osho, Meher Baba,  Ananda, Ashvagosha, and more always been writing or telling stories, poems and life examples to teach people and enlighten people in attractive and simple way to understand. Zen word itself came from Japanese Buddhism practice which can be call in many different words in different practices and studies.

Here are seven interesting Zen stories which I wish you will enjoy reading and will be a daily food for your soul.

Story #1 : No Objective World

Once there was a monk who specialized in the Buddhist precepts, and he kept to them all his life. Once when he was walking at night, he stepped on something. It made a squishing sound, and he imagined he had stepped on an egg-bearing frog.

This caused him no end of alarm and regret, in view of the Buddhist precept against taking life, and when he finally went to sleep that night he dreamed that hundreds of frogs came demanding his life.

The monk was terribly upset, but when morning came he looked and found that what he stepped on was an overripe eggplant. At that moment his feeling of uncertainty suddenly stopped, and for the first time he realized the meaning of the saying that “there is no objective world.” Then he finally knew how to practice Zen.

Story #2 : Flow Like a River

There is the story of a young martial arts student who was under the tutelage of a famous master.

One day, the master was watching a practice session in the courtyard. He realized that the presence of the other students was interfering with the young man’s attempts to perfect his technique.

The master could sense the young man’s frustration. He went up to the young man and tapped him on his shoulder.

“What’s the problem?” he inquired.

“I don’t know”, said the youth, with a strained expression.

“No matter how much I try, I am unable to execute the moves properly”.

“Before you can master technique, you must understand harmony. Come with me, I will explain”, replied the master.

The teacher and student left the building and walked some distance into the woods until they came upon a stream. The master stood silently on the bank for several moments. Then he spoke.

“Look at the stream,” he said. “There are rocks in its way. Does it slam into them out of frustration? It simply flows over and around them and moves on! Be like the water and you will know what harmony is.”

The young man took the master’s advice to heart. Soon, he was barely noticing the other students around him. Nothing could come in his way of executing the most perfect moves.

Story #3 : Moderation

An aged monk, who had lived a long and active life, was assigned a chaplain’s role at an academy for girls. In discussion groups he often found that the subject of love became a central topic. This comprised his warning to the young women:

“Understand the danger of anything-too-much in your lives. Too much anger in combat can lead to recklessness and death. Too much ardor in religious beliefs can lead to close-mindedness and persecution.

Too much passion in love creates dream images of the beloved – images that ultimately prove false and generate anger. To love too much is to lick honey from the point of a knife.”

“But as a celibate monk,” asked one young woman, “how can you know of love between a man and a woman?”

“Sometime, dear children,” replied the old teacher, “I will tell you why I became a monk.”

Story #4 : Buddhism & Christianity

A university student while visiting Gasan asked him: “Have you ever read the Christian Bible?”

“No, read it to me,” said Gasan.

The student opened the Bible and read from St. Matthew: “And why take ye thought for rainment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow. They toil not, neither do they spin, and yet I say unto you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these… Take therefore no thought for the morrow, for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself.”

Gasan said: “Whoever uttered those words I consider an enlightened man.”

The student continued reading: “Ask and it shall be given you, seek and ye shall find, knock and it shall be opened unto you. For everyone that asketh receiveth, and he that seeketh findeth, and to him that knocketh, it shall be opened.”

Gasan remarked: “That is excellent. Whoever said that is not far from Buddhahood.”

Story #5 : The Hangover

A certain Zen teacher celebrated with his students, drinking sake and whiskey until after midnight, then rose next morning before dawn. Peevish, he expressed annoyance that his American students had not risen in time to do zazen [Zen meditation] before morning service.

When they murmured that their sluggishness might be accounted for by all the drink, the teacher snapped, “Sake is one thing, and zazen is another! They have nothing to do with each other!”

Story #6 : The Pointer

The Zen teacher’s dog loved his evening romp with his master. The dog would bound ahead to fetch a stick, then run back, wag his tail, and wait for the next game. On this particular evening, the teacher invited one of his brightest students to join him – a boy so intelligent that he became troubled by the contradictions in Buddhist doctrine.

“You must understand,” said the teacher, “that words are only guideposts. Never let the words or symbols get in the way of truth. Here, I’ll show you.”

With that the teacher called his happy dog.

“Fetch me the moon,” he said to his dog and pointed to the full moon.

“Where is my dog looking?” asked the teacher of the bright pupil.

“He’s looking at your finger.”

“Exactly. Don’t be like my dog. Don’t confuse the pointing finger with the thing that is being pointed at. All our Buddhist words are only guideposts. Every man fights his way through other men’s words to find his own truth.”

Story #7 : God And Air

A hermit was meditating by a river when a young man interrupted him.

“Master, I wish to become your disciple,” said the man.

“Why?” replied the hermit.

The young man thought for a moment.

“Because I want to find God.”

The master jumped up, grabbed him by the scruff of his neck, dragged him into the river, and plunged his head under water.

After holding him there for a minute, with him kicking and struggling to free himself, the master finally pulled him up out of the river. The young man coughed up water and gasped to get his breath. When he eventually quieted down, the master spoke.

“Tell me, what did you want most of all when you were under water.”

“Air!” answered the man.

“Very well,” said the master.

“Go home and come back to me when you want God as much as you just wanted air.”

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Happy Father's Day 2017

Happy father's day from United Spirituality to all amazing fathers which with their experience and living we learned good and bad, no matter how good or bad they were or what amazing things or mistakes they done, they gave us opportunity of experiencing all of that with out feeling it on our skin, they gave us a chance to learn from their success and their mistakes to create a better version of us. Here are selection of short stories from different people very inspiring and interesting stories to share with you all in father's day, wish you all will enjoy.

GOOD VIBRATIONS
by Nancy Perkins, St. Johns, Michigan

My dad died unexpectedly at age 78, leaving our family heartbroken. During the funeral mass, my sister felt her phone vibrate in her purse. She was a little surprised that someone would be calling her, knowing she was at dad’s funeral mass. Afterward, she found there was a message: “Hi, this is your dad,” said the male voice. “I wanted to let you know I made it home.” The caller obviously had the wrong number, but the message was clear. My dad had completed his journey to heaven and wanted us to know. Thanks, Dad—until we meet again.

THERE’S ALWAYS A FIRSTby Debbie Gunn, Bothell, Washington

My dad delivered bread for a living. We enjoyed each other’s company, so he’d drive home at lunchtime and I’d go with him. One day, we delivered to a large grocery store. When we pulled in back, the manager saw me and said, “I heard it’s your birthday, so go pick out anything in our toy aisle free.” I excitedly grabbed some paper dolls, but the big surprise was still ahead. Dad, the store manager, and the employees stood with a huge lit cake, singing me “Happy Birthday.” I’d turned seven, and this was my first-ever birthday party. Thanks, Dad!

STILL HERE
by Mary Ellen Raneri, Latrobe, Pennsylvania

My dad sat straight up in bed and smiled at me. Even though his mouth was crusted with fever sores, he grinned a big grin from his unshaven face. Dementia had completely taken him from me—or so I thought, until he spoke to me. “Honey,” Dad almost seemed to sing the words. “What are you doing here?”  My throat muscles ached from trying to talk and not cry. Choking back my tears, I half-sobbed, “Daddy, I’m here to especially see you. I love you, you know.” “Me too, honey,” he whispered. Then, still smiling, Daddy fell asleep.

HOW I LEARNED THE VALUE OF WORK
by Rudy Berdine, Irvine, California

My dad owned a fruit market on a busy street. The sidewalk in front of his store collected dust and trash, which needed to be swept daily. At age six, I used to hide behind bags of potatoes when my dad asked me to sweep, but while sweeping one day, I began to find dollar bills under the dust and trash. I had no idea where the money came from. My dad had been putting money on the sidewalk—and soon, I was happy to sweep even when no money was found.

A LESSON IN PATIENCEby Robert Cronce, Brown City, Michigan

In the spring of 1960, I was riding with my dad on his milk route. He spotted a small turtle crossing the road, stopped to pick it up, and put in the glove compartment. He told me not to play with it until we got home. Of course, when he got back to the truck at our subsequent stop to pick up milk cans, I was crying over a fresh bite on my finger. The moral of the story: It’s wise to follow instructions. And if you are going to poke something, use a stick instead of your finger.

“TALKING IS LIKE KETCHUP”
by Carmen Mariano, Braintree, Massachusetts

I sat in my dad’s living room reading one night while he watched television. An hour passed before I realized it, and I felt bad for not speaking during that time. I asked if he was OK, and he said yes. Then I apologized for not talking more. “Carmen,” Dad replied. “Talking is like ketchup. If you like the meat enough, you don’t need the ketchup—and if you like the company enough, you don’t need the conversation.” My dad never earned a college degree, but he was the smartest person I ever knew.

THE HITCHHIKER’S GUIDE TO FAMILY
by Rachel O’Connor, Westtown, New York

“Linda, look at the map!” My father slammed on the brakes, glaring at my mom. He didn’t believe in excessive planning, and so each summer we embarked on a spontaneous family road trip that didn’t always go smoothly. There were lots of late-night panics to find hotels, stops to ask for directions, and elevated tempers. One night, we picked up a hitchhiker somewhere in Kentucky. As we blasted the radio and my dad bought us all ice cream, the hitchhiker told me he’d give his life to have what I had.

BIG SHOES TO FILLby Theresa Arnold, Tioga, Texas

I cleaned out Dad’s closet yesterday. There were two things I couldn’t box up: his work shirts and his two pairs of Red Wing boots. He couldn’t remember birthdays or anniversaries, but he remembered the date on which he’d bought his first pair. I remember it too—April 16, the day after Tax Day. What does a child do with her dad’s favorite boots? I think I will make a planter out of them or use them to store something valuable. You can’t throw away a man’s favorite boots. You’ve got to keep them and pass them down.

DAD’S SECRET SPOT
by Lucia Paul, Plymouth, Minnesota

My dad was a gardener before it was cool. He would proudly tell people, “I can grow just about anything.” He could—except for my beloved lilacs. He tried everything, with no luck or lilacs to show for his efforts. One night when I was a teen, it was raining in that way it does in Minnesota in April: violent and cleansing. I heard the creak of the side door, and he stood soaking wet, etched with scratches, holding an abundance of lilacs. “I found a secret lilac spot,” he said. “It wasn’t easy, but I got them.” That’s how he got everything.

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