Our World is a Canvas for Kindness
FULL TITLE: Our World is a Canvas for Creative Kindness72 total reviews
Comment from Jean Lutz
Peace poured out in ink (well, keyboard, thanks to technology). Thank you for sharing your joy that cannot be bought, but is earned by giving. As I read the wisdom of Amma I pondered if consciousness is actually the soul.
reply by the author on 21-Oct-2014
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Peace poured out in ink (well, keyboard, thanks to technology). Thank you for sharing your joy that cannot be bought, but is earned by giving. As I read the wisdom of Amma I pondered if consciousness is actually the soul.
Comment Written 21-Oct-2014
reply by the author on 21-Oct-2014
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Hee hee--my keyboard is feeling blissful now! Thanks for your lovely comments, dear Jean. Yes, consciousness is soul. Exactly. :) Love, rd
Comment from donaldww
This essay provides excellent words of wisdom and advice on the blessing of conducting our lives selflessly, putting others ahead of ourselves "without expecting reward, recognition, or compensation."
"When we drop our own story to listen to someone else, it forges cracks in the mind's inner shell, allowing light to flood in."
[Excellent point! It has been said that cracks are where change happens.]
Ironically, although the theme is "selflessness," there are many benefits that accrue back to the altruistic individual: "Those who discover the joy of charitable gestures are blessed with deep peace and bliss because they touch the core of reality."
Beautifully written, with a good balance between text and quotes from "Amma." I like the tone of the writing. It has a reassuring quality that is in line with the material.
One area that I think could strengthen the piece is if you could weave in a personal anecdote or experience that shows a concrete example of a selfless person, action, etc. rather than "Ask anyone who serves the poor and suffering ... etc." Making it personal, or recounting the experience of a friend would drive home the point.
Some notes on vocabulary ...
imbibe
[means to drink, consume, to take in from something external, as it were. If this is the meaning you intend, then the word following altruism I think should be "from" (as in taking in) rather than "in." However, if "imbibe" were changed to something like "radiate," or "demonstrate,"--some action from within--then "in" remains the perfect choice. And the sense of this being a conscious action, as opposed to inaction, is carried through with "Such activity ..." etc., and the following paragraph "engage in action", etc.]
selflessness and altruism
[These two words are synonyms. Are both necessary, since they have the same meaning?]
An example, with both edits:
Those who radiate a spirit of selflessness in their everyday actions draw nearer to understanding the universal spiritual truth that all is one. Such activity ...
Overall, a compelling piece with an uplifting message!
Cheers,
DW
reply by the author on 21-Oct-2014
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This essay provides excellent words of wisdom and advice on the blessing of conducting our lives selflessly, putting others ahead of ourselves "without expecting reward, recognition, or compensation."
"When we drop our own story to listen to someone else, it forges cracks in the mind's inner shell, allowing light to flood in."
[Excellent point! It has been said that cracks are where change happens.]
Ironically, although the theme is "selflessness," there are many benefits that accrue back to the altruistic individual: "Those who discover the joy of charitable gestures are blessed with deep peace and bliss because they touch the core of reality."
Beautifully written, with a good balance between text and quotes from "Amma." I like the tone of the writing. It has a reassuring quality that is in line with the material.
One area that I think could strengthen the piece is if you could weave in a personal anecdote or experience that shows a concrete example of a selfless person, action, etc. rather than "Ask anyone who serves the poor and suffering ... etc." Making it personal, or recounting the experience of a friend would drive home the point.
Some notes on vocabulary ...
imbibe
[means to drink, consume, to take in from something external, as it were. If this is the meaning you intend, then the word following altruism I think should be "from" (as in taking in) rather than "in." However, if "imbibe" were changed to something like "radiate," or "demonstrate,"--some action from within--then "in" remains the perfect choice. And the sense of this being a conscious action, as opposed to inaction, is carried through with "Such activity ..." etc., and the following paragraph "engage in action", etc.]
selflessness and altruism
[These two words are synonyms. Are both necessary, since they have the same meaning?]
An example, with both edits:
Those who radiate a spirit of selflessness in their everyday actions draw nearer to understanding the universal spiritual truth that all is one. Such activity ...
Overall, a compelling piece with an uplifting message!
Cheers,
DW
Comment Written 21-Oct-2014
reply by the author on 21-Oct-2014
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Thanks for your superb and thorough review, dear friend. So glad you enjoyed this. You give great advice. I had planned to include a personal story as an example, but felt that highlighting my personal experience in this path would also be inadvertently putting myself our there for 'recognition' so it would be counter-productive to my point...if that makes sense?
Your suggestion to exchange radiate with imbibe is PERFECT! I will use it. Thanks. Good point about the synonymous words too..how'd I miss that? :)
Love, rd
Editing now!
Comment from words
What a beautifully crafted essay.
You seamlessly weave Amma's quotes into this well-crafted, informative and uplifting essay.
I admire the skill of your craft and the truth of your content.
Wonderfully done. Wish I had a six left.
Hugs,d
reply by the author on 21-Oct-2014
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What a beautifully crafted essay.
You seamlessly weave Amma's quotes into this well-crafted, informative and uplifting essay.
I admire the skill of your craft and the truth of your content.
Wonderfully done. Wish I had a six left.
Hugs,d
Comment Written 21-Oct-2014
reply by the author on 21-Oct-2014
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Aw, thanks dear. What a lovely, glowing response...as shiny as a sixer. Thanks. Glad this inspired! Love rd
Comment from adewpearl
strong opening sentence establishes your theme effectively from the very start
excellent use of supporting quotes from Amma
like a rung on the ladder to truth - strong imagery in conveying your thoughtful message
without compensation is easy for many people - without recognition is often far more problematic - all of those photo opportunities of people handing over their checks blown up to show the generous amount... :-) or those who think they've scored points with God...
an insightful and thought-provoking essay Brooke
reply by the author on 21-Oct-2014
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strong opening sentence establishes your theme effectively from the very start
excellent use of supporting quotes from Amma
like a rung on the ladder to truth - strong imagery in conveying your thoughtful message
without compensation is easy for many people - without recognition is often far more problematic - all of those photo opportunities of people handing over their checks blown up to show the generous amount... :-) or those who think they've scored points with God...
an insightful and thought-provoking essay Brooke
Comment Written 21-Oct-2014
reply by the author on 21-Oct-2014
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Thanks so much for your super thoughtful comments, dear B. I'm very happy you thought the opening sentence strong, as I reworked it four times!
Indeed...it is a subtler path removing those less obvious nuances of ego! Takes lifetimes! Not wanting recognition is a huge one...
Love,
rd
Comment from Jay Squires
A lovely spiritual essay, Rama. So easy for a person of the world of economic reality to say, "Yes, as soon as I can retire from this madhouse of my day-to-day grind, I shall start work on my inner self, find beauty and peace.
It does raise the question (from one who has just retired from 30 years in Insurance Sales) is it possible to have a rich, peaceful life (such as you describe) while being of the world.
Don't feel you have to answer this, but I've often wondered if you work in the 9 to 5 world?
Thanks for sharing this, Rama.
reply by the author on 21-Oct-2014
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A lovely spiritual essay, Rama. So easy for a person of the world of economic reality to say, "Yes, as soon as I can retire from this madhouse of my day-to-day grind, I shall start work on my inner self, find beauty and peace.
It does raise the question (from one who has just retired from 30 years in Insurance Sales) is it possible to have a rich, peaceful life (such as you describe) while being of the world.
Don't feel you have to answer this, but I've often wondered if you work in the 9 to 5 world?
Thanks for sharing this, Rama.
Comment Written 21-Oct-2014
reply by the author on 21-Oct-2014
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Thanks for sharing your thoughts and for your lovely comments, Jay. No, I do not live in the nine-to-five world. Far from it. I live in an ashram in India--with Amma! But her training does help people who live in 9-5 jobs cope with its challenges and practice these teachings. Most of her followers live in the world and have families. For those of us fully focused on these ideals and who are ready to make the choice to make them a priority, living the ashram is a boon. Even though I do not have to pay rent, I do have some expenses (like travel, etc.) and I do work for a living...but as a nun, I also do not have children or family commitments and can focus on volunteer service with much of my time. It's a blessing!
Blissful!
Warmly, rd
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God Bless!
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God Bless you too!
Comment from nancyjam
Rama this is so inspiring.
Beautifully composed and I love the quotes of Amma.
If each person would just try performing even one kind act a day....
imagine the difference it would make.
The message is clearly presented and is so needed in todays selfish world.
Best of luck in the contest. Nancy
reply by the author on 21-Oct-2014
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Rama this is so inspiring.
Beautifully composed and I love the quotes of Amma.
If each person would just try performing even one kind act a day....
imagine the difference it would make.
The message is clearly presented and is so needed in todays selfish world.
Best of luck in the contest. Nancy
Comment Written 21-Oct-2014
reply by the author on 21-Oct-2014
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Thank you, Nancy. So pleased this inspired and I'm very glad you liked the quotes too. Glad you stopped by! Love and smiles, rd
Comment from bob cullen
If only the leaders of our world practiced these beliefs.
Rama Devi writing can be no purer that this. Your message conveys every value our world should pursue. I have so many questions but for the moment I'll simply again peruse this essay.
I will also look up the website of Amma.
Thank you so much for allowing me to read, and ponder this post.
reply by the author on 21-Oct-2014
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If only the leaders of our world practiced these beliefs.
Rama Devi writing can be no purer that this. Your message conveys every value our world should pursue. I have so many questions but for the moment I'll simply again peruse this essay.
I will also look up the website of Amma.
Thank you so much for allowing me to read, and ponder this post.
Comment Written 21-Oct-2014
reply by the author on 21-Oct-2014
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Aw, thanks, Bob. What a sweet thing to say, and I appreciate your glowing sixer too. Very glad this resonated with you and inspired you to look up Amma. She comes on tour of US every summer, and a short visit every November too.
Warmest Smiles, rd
Comment from Donya Quijote
This read very easily and I think you have supported each of your points admirably. I think there is much learn from the teachings of your guru. She is very wise and seems to have her finger on the truth. Doubt she ever come close to where I live. I might just make the effort to go and see her and listen to what she has to say. These days in particular we should take more interest in others than our self-interests. Perhaps true happiness wouldn't so elusive. Good write myt friend...
reply by the author on 21-Oct-2014
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This read very easily and I think you have supported each of your points admirably. I think there is much learn from the teachings of your guru. She is very wise and seems to have her finger on the truth. Doubt she ever come close to where I live. I might just make the effort to go and see her and listen to what she has to say. These days in particular we should take more interest in others than our self-interests. Perhaps true happiness wouldn't so elusive. Good write myt friend...
Comment Written 21-Oct-2014
reply by the author on 21-Oct-2014
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Thanks for your super kind comments, dear DQ. Pleased this resonated with you! Amma travels the US every year. Where do you live? She will be in Michigan and California this November. Every June an July she does a more extensive tour. Hope you get to meet her. Her presence conveys even more than her words.
Love, rd
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Too far from CA or MI. I live in West Virginia. Don't get to travel much these days..
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The closest she comes to you is DC in early July.
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Perhaps then. Five hour drive there and an hour on the metro.
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Super! I may be there too. :)
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I'll start pinching the pennies...
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:-))
Comment from Pili Pubul
Lots of wisdom and truth you express in this excellent message.
A philosophical treasure for the individual and the world to live by.
Thank you so much for sharing it with us. Pili
reply by the author on 21-Oct-2014
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Lots of wisdom and truth you express in this excellent message.
A philosophical treasure for the individual and the world to live by.
Thank you so much for sharing it with us. Pili
Comment Written 21-Oct-2014
reply by the author on 21-Oct-2014
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Thanks for your lovely comments, dear Pili. So pleased you enjoyed this. Hugs, rd
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You are so welcome... Smiles. Pili
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:-))
Comment from onebrit
I know this is how we should behave, I know that sometimes its possible to behave this way. I struggle with the idea of giving everything away...shouldn't the poor try and improve their station ? If they just wait to be given to isnt that as bad as not giving....a conundrum for me.
reply by the author on 21-Oct-2014
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I know this is how we should behave, I know that sometimes its possible to behave this way. I struggle with the idea of giving everything away...shouldn't the poor try and improve their station ? If they just wait to be given to isnt that as bad as not giving....a conundrum for me.
Comment Written 21-Oct-2014
reply by the author on 21-Oct-2014
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Thanks for your thoughtful comments. Some poor people are very hardworking but just unlucky. There may be others who are lazy and just want others to support them. However, I believe most people simply lack either the opportunity or the functional caliber to support themselves. It's not a black and white situation (no pun intend). The best way to serve the poor is to help them improve their station. Most of Amma's charitable activities aim to do that. One example: she provides training centers for tribal people and single mothers.
:) Warmly, rd
