Harmony of the Heart

Feature Photo

2011-11-07T22:53:00.000-08:00

PHOTO CAPTION: Two owls cuddling together. Find someone to cuddle next to today. "Photo Courtesy of Our Beautiful World & Universe."

WELCOME TO HARMONY OF THE HEART!

We've got inspirational stories, articles, poetry, photos, videos and much more. We hope that you enjoy the library of inspirational resources. Feel free to share your favorite posts via your social network and get the word out.

Feature Photo

Every once in a while we post the Feature Photo, a striking photo for everyone to view. To view all of the other feature photos we have posted at Harmony of the Heart simply click here.

Follow Us

Also, if you are new to the site and want to learn more about us click here. You can subscribe to Harmony of the Heart at the top right corner of the sidebar on the right if you would like to be notified of any new posts. You can also follow us with Google Friend Connect (just scroll down the sidebar and you will find it). You can also subscribe or like our Life Enriching Communication page on facebook.

The Practice of Tact

2011-11-05T23:20:00.001-07:00

Photo Caption: "Photo Courtesy Our Beautiful World & Universe."

"Use a sweet tongue, courtesy, and gentleness, and thou mayest manage to guide an elephant by a hair."

"Tact is telling the truth kindly. We think before we speak, aware of how deeply our words affect others. When our words are weighty, we weigh our words, knowing they have the power to cause pain or uplift. A harsh word to an intimate is like a grain of sand in their eye.

"An encouraging word can fill them with confidence. Tact is essential when we feel strong emotions like anger. It helps us discern what to say and what is better left unsaid. Tact is good timing. It is the diplomacy of the heart."

- The Virtues Project

Parenting With Compassion

2011-11-04T16:45:00.001-07:00

Children do not come with parenting manuals. Parents, through trial and error, try to figure it out as best they can. They may buy books on parenting and discipline or default to how they were parented. Societies trends on parenting can also influence how parents show up and interact with their children.

But what if the sources we are drawing from are off the mark and not in our children's best interest. For this reason, it is important for parents to re-examine how they were parented, the social trends of the time and even the books they are reading on parenting.

Alfie Kohn references in his book that almost 25 years ago, a social psychologist named Elizabeth Cagan reviewed a number of contemporary parenting books and concluded that they mostly reflected a "blanket acceptance of parents prerogative," with little "serious consideration of a child's needs, feelings, or development."

She added that the dominant assumption seemed to be that the parents desires were automatically legitimate and that the only real question "open for discussion was how, exactly kids could be made to do whatever they're told."

Holding Children's Needs With Care
I don't think this should be the number one concern for parents. The number one concern should be connecting with children in such a way that their feelings and needs are held with care. If we do this, we model respect and cooperation as opposed to only demanding it. We send a radical message to our children that they matter to us and that what they have to contribute is of value as well. Our children are no longer robots who must obey or docile, dependent children focused on only pleasing us (that they cannot think for themselves or trust themselves).

Nonviolent Communication, founded by Marshall Rosenberg over 40 years ago, offers a different approach to parenting. It empathizes getting in touch with the child's feelings and needs and honoring them in such a way that they are considered in decisions and not overlooked.

Unfortunately, many times parents get caught up on the "bad" behavior of a child instead of looking deeper and what might be their feelings and needs behind the behavior.

When the parent has their own interpretation of the behavior they are observing, and operate from that premise, they lose touch with compassion and parenting from the heart.

Getting Past The Story
Parents tend to create a story about the behavior or child. For instance, a parent might say, "Johnny is being a selfish little brat. He is always trying to get his way."

This is the parent's story and not necessarily the truth. The reality may be that Johnny wants to play with a toy that his brother is playing with. He may feel sad, upset, angry and needing reassurance that there will be fair play or sharing of the toy. He may have a need for fun as well. If the parent focuses on this rather than their story of the child they can then try to meet these needs for the child and help the child see that there may be a healthier strategy (that does not involve hitting or name-calling) to getting this need met. The parent is now teaching the child a healthy way to get his or her needs met and there is no interpretation or label lobbied at the child.

The parent might say, "Are you wanting to play with the toy as well? Are you really wanting to have a turn? Are you upset because you want more sharing? How about we each take turns and you can play with it for 10 minutes each? Would you be willing to call me next time if you would like sharing or need help instead of hitting or raising your voice?"

These are just some examples of things to say to help your child learn new ways to meet his needs without labeling him. These questions all honor the child's needs and make room for a strategy to be suggested that will work for both the child and the parent.

Whereas when we operate from the story we may respond by saying, "You are so selfish and you never share. You are grounded." This story if believed by the child may have him conclude that we are right and that he is just selfish. He may also get defensive or more rebellious. If he submits he may do so out of fear of punishment or lack of self-esteem.

If you are interested in learning more about nonviolent communication and parenting from the heart you can visit www.nonviolentcommunication.com and or purchase the book Parenting From Your Heart by Inbal Kashtan.

Silent Film of Boys Picking Strawberries

2011-10-21T18:11:00.000-07:00

Creating Special Memories
I created this silent film with my IPad application Silent Film Director. You can transform your videos into vintage or retro films. It works on iPhones and iPads. I really enjoyed creating this film because it captures my two boys exploring and discovering the world. I will treasure it and probably show it to them when they are older.

May we always remember the joy of childhood and not forget that we can still let the little boy or little girl in us come out.

Do you have any special memories you have captured on film, camera or art?

Reflection
"Childhood is the time when we can build castles in the sky, see elephants and monkeys in the clouds, play with tadpoles, jump on our matresses to our heart's delight, ask why the sky is blue, roll in the dirt, and play with trucks and dolls; it is a time when memories are made
and friendships established.

"Our childhood is the beginning of our creative nature and ambitious desire to enjoy life and succeed in it. In childhood we find the essential and fundamental ingredients for a healthy life." - Eddie Zacapa

Premature Twin Thrives With A Rescuing Hug

2011-10-11T21:17:00.000-07:00

PHOTO CAPTION: Twins Brielle and Kyrie Jackson who made headlines.

Twins Brielle and Kyrie Jackson of Westminster, Massachusetts, made national headlines five years ago due to the rapid recovery of one of the twins. Brielle, not yet a month old and weighing only two pounds at birth, was slowing getting weaker and in danger of dying. Nothing seemed to be working to help her recovery.

Her twin Kyrie, three ounces heavier, was doing much better. As Brielle's condition got worse, nurse Gayle Kasparian remembered a techinque she had heard about called "double bedding" where in multiple births the babies are put in the same crib. She placed Kyrie in the same incubator and the recovery of her twin amazed doctors and everyone. Kyrie snuggled next to her and the improvement was instant. The two went on to thrive and do well.

To read the full story click here.

A Story of Love: Christian the Lion

2011-09-28T21:22:00.000-07:00

In 1969, John Rendall and Ace Berg saw a lion cub for sale. It was cramped and lonely in a small cage. They decided to bring it home. They named the cub Christian. As the cub got bigger they decided to take him back to the wild. A year later they decided to go visit the lion, which was now in the wild. The reunion is documented here and is amazing.

Enjoy!

Feature Photo

2011-08-16T20:13:00.000-07:00

PHOTO CAPTION: Tower Bridge in London, England. One of my favorite places. "Photo Courtesy of Photos8.com."

WELCOME TO HARMONY OF THE HEART!
We've got inspirational stories, articles, poetry, photos, videos and much more. We hope that you enjoy the library of inspirational resources. Feel free to share your favorite posts via your social network and get the word out.

Feature Photo
Every once in a while we post the Feature Photo, a striking photo for everyone to view. To view all of the other feature photos we have posted at Harmony of the Heart simply click here.

Follow Us
Also, if you are new to the site and want to learn more about us click here. You can subscribe to Harmony of the Heart at the top right corner of the sidebar on the right if you would like to be notified of any new posts. You can also follow us with Google Friend Connect (just scroll down the sidebar and you will find it).

Love By Degrees

2011-08-07T23:46:00.000-07:00

Photo Courtesy of Photos8.com

Guest Post by Penny Wassman, CNVC Certified Trainer

www.pennywassman.ca/

I might say, “I love you” to my sister when she and I have been sharing a favorite childhood memory...and, to anyone who might be listening to me, “I love sitting in my neighborhood café with my latte” or “I love ginger cats” or “I absolutely love walking on the beach early in the morning”. My partner might hear me say, “I love the way you touch me”...

When I feel love for my sister, I’m often cherishing her instant glee as we share childhood memories or a particular knowing that is unique to us as siblings. The love I express as I recall the neighborhood café and the latte has a different source - perhaps one more aligned with nurture and the welcome ambiance of the café. The love of ginger cats, for me, has something to do with beauty and comfort. And the emotion I feel in the moment of touch reflects the joy of intimacy. All these expressions of love are genuinely and uniquely felt. All are transient – linked to a moment in time... or a memory of a need fulfilled or yearned for.

Love as Fuel for Life
Quite different in my view is the dynamic force, love - love as energy, love as fuel for life - love as wisdom, love as the wellspring from which all human needs flow - love as the mother (and father) of all needs. Love, though often veiled, is a constant energetic and omnipresent stream, necessary for life. Love reveals itself as I let go of any attachment... any perceived sense of righteousness or judgement or privilege or humility or idea of possession.

The emotion I call love, on the other hand, is usually a transitory and pleasant experience – like a feather stroking a willing cheek. I may yearn for love.... or grieve for a love lost. I may identify underlying needs relating to feelings of love – needs such as those I identified above – sharing, nurture, welcome, beauty, intimacy and so on. But the love force that stirs in me is even more powerful - more life-serving - more real. Love, the energetic force invites me only to be – to notice – to embrace and recognize the symphony playing through me (and others) as I go about my life.

Opening the Heart to Love
It’s hard for me to be gentle with myself when I realize that the solution to fully living life is so simple. How hard is it to just be... to accept.... to know my life has purpose or that I matter at all in the realm of things if only I would notice? And yet, there it is – all I’m asked is to open my heart to the loving energy that is already there. And so I practice exactly that.... over and over again... softly opening my heart to love. Each fragment of pain...each struggle is an opportunity to dig a little - to notice constrictions whether emotional, physical or mental - to invite underlying needs into my awareness.... and then to open my heart to love.

I’m often stirred into such recognition by my body. Some years ago, I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. I notice resistance in me to be labeled in any way, so I don’t like to say, “I have Parkinson’s Disease” as if PD somehow defines me. Rather I prefer to share the diagnosis so that people have an understanding about my physiology or coping skills that may be unique for me - no more or less difficult than anyone else's - just different. The funny thing is that the PD tremor is a metaphor for what I feel. The condition is especially vibrant when I am anxious or shaky and critical of myself. When I allow PD to define me, fear stirs in me – usually accompanied by an accelerated tremor in my left arm and tightness in my shoulder.

A Wonderful Invitation
As troubling as these symptoms may be initially, they are also a wonderful invitation for me to identify the thoughts that accompany them – often a worry about what the future may hold or about my ability to continue my work. Equally often, I’m aware of correlating needs for ease and vitality. I try to be patient with myself as I peel away the surface and get real with what's there. As I give space to the fear, I open into a yearning to be vibrant and alive, to flow easily in life...to know that in the realm of all things that what I offer matters. I allow my mind and my emotions to quiet. In this stillness, I open to the full experience of vibrancy and ease and mattering – allowing the richness of these qualities to spill through me – allowing myself to live - essentially to be those qualities.

And then, there is something more: I'm finally getting that if I'm willing to open myself another degree further - to love – to the bigger, universal love that encompasses and cradles all human needs – to that all-encompassing LOVE - that I'll be okay in life, gibbled body and all. I experience a tremendous and settling peace when I'm "there" (difficult because the more I notice I'm there, the less I am), so this, for me, means entirely letting go and somehow just being with it all. What sustains me is the knowing that arrives with the experience of opening in this way to the innermost layer of my being, and learning to trust that and to repeat this practice over and over again. For me this particular inner layer is THE most important and the most elusive, most begging to be seen - it is, for me, where I know the work is... where I am most pulled to attend...and also, peculiarly, where I know I must be most gentle with myself.

So what is love? I don’t know fully – I am pulled to live what I know and to share that. The knowing, at first a recognizable speck, has become through repeated experience a sturdy seed with roots that I trust. Each of us has this seed - these roots. My wish is that we each assist the other to witness and nurture this ineffable, beauteous energy - the elusive, absolutely available quality we call love.

What Yoga Offers Those Battling Cancer

2011-07-26T21:41:00.000-07:00

By Jillian McKee

Guest Post

For those battling cancer, yoga can serve as a healthy fitness regimen and can be very beneficial in cancer treatment and recovery. Yoga is praised for its amazing health benefits ranging from increased flexibility to muscle tone to an improved posture. It has recently become more and more popular among cancer patients and is recommended widely by many medical professionals today because it strengthens the body as well as the mind and mental state of the individual.

Yoga strengthens the mind of cancer sufferers by focusing on self-awareness and by emphasizing relaxation techniques, which calms the minds of patients while easing stress. This is beneficial to cancer patients because this diagnosis can bring on psychological distress such as depression, anxiety, and fear.

Yoga also benefits cancer patients physically. Yoga is a great exercise for cancer patients because it is a low impact type of workout that those battling cancer can do without wearing out their bodies and overexerting themselves. Gentle, restorative yoga allows one to work at their own pace and at their own ability and it is not a competitive environment. Workouts are always very individualized and can give those with cancer a feeling of empowerment.

This practice focuses on relaxation, breathing techniques, dexterity, hand-eye coordination and it increases overall well being. Yoga users can experience lower blood pressure, improved circulation, as well as an increased endurance and stamina. This physical strength has the power to promote mental will and desire for the body to feels better and healthier.

Yoga offers many benefits, but the most important benefit is the increased amount of energy redeemed from the practice on the mat. Cancer treatment regimes often eat away at the immune system, causing a person to feel weak. Those with aggressive cancers such as mesothelioma, have experienced yoga as a compliment to their cancer treatment, have reported feeling more awake and energized during the day. They have also reported lower anxiety and having improved quality of sleep. A good nights rest can actually help the immune system and is essential in a healthy lifestyle. The energy yoga brings makes the cancer patient feel alive and well and ready to fight the disease.

Through the mental and physical strength yoga gives the body, yoga has the ability to promote health and, in some instances, could possibly stretch grim prognosis like the mesothelioma life expectancy. This shows cancer sufferers a new sense of energy and life; and the power to keep going and continue a healthy life.

Photo Caption: "Photo Courtesy of Photos8.com."

Nonviolent Communication Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

2011-07-13T21:57:00.000-07:00

What is Nonviolent Communication?

Nonviolent Communication (NVC) is a way of communicating that allows us to stay connected to compassion and speak and act in a way that is in alignment with our desire to hold others with consideration and contribute to their well-being.

It involves a four step process created by Marshall Rosenberg, founder of the Center for Nonviolent Communication (CNVC).

What is the Four Step Process?

The first step in NVC involves stating an observation without making an evaluation (moralistic judgement, label, diagnosis, etc.). Example: "I notice (see, hear, etc.) ..."

The second step involves sharing our feelings without mixing in thoughts. Example: "I feel _____

The third step involves sharing your needs by accepting responsibility for your feelings. Example: "... because I need ______.

The fourth step involves making a specific action request that will meet your need. Example: "Would you be willing ...?"

Listening to Others
When listening to others we also use four steps in NVC. This can be done by making an observation of what might be stimulating an unpleasant feeling in the person (step one). But many times the observation can be dropped and we can just simply ask the question, “Are you feeling frustrated because you need cooperation?” (steps two and three)

Then a suggestion can be made to try to meet the need. (step four) This may sound like, "How about we work together to put the dishes away after dinner?"

Why is Nonviolent Communication called Giraffe Language?

Some people refer to Nonviolent Communication as giraffe language. The giraffe has the second largest heart of all the land mammals. A giraffe’s heart is about 3 feet long and weighs about 24 pounds. NVC, or giraffe language, focuses on expressing what is in the heart (feelings and needs) and hearing what is in the heart. For this reason is also known as the “Language of the Heart.” The idea is that by staying in touch with what is in the heart we are able to stay connected to that which serves life.

Who is Marshall Rosenberg?

Marshall Rosenberg is the founder and director of educational services for the Center for Nonviolent Communication (CNVC) an international peacemaking organization. He founded the NVC process in the 1960's. Nonviolent communication is now used all over the world.

Rosenberg, who is the 2006 recipient of the Global Village Foundation’s Bridge of Peace Award and has traveled all over the world helping others resolve conflicts, has writtent he book Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life. He studied with Carl Rogers and often cites to works of Walter Wink and Raine Eisler.

He is married to Valentina Rosenberg and continues to conduct international intensive trainings on Nonviolent Communication.

What Influenced Nonviolent Communication?

Rosenberg and Inbal Kashtan have both at times said that Nonviolent Communication has been inspired in part by the work of Mahatma Gandhi. The word "nonviolent" in Hindu is "ahisma" which implies open-heartedness. The idea is that pepple have the capacity to open their hearts to be able to see every person's humanity. If one can see the humanity of the person they see no enemy images.

The CNVC site states, "Nonviolent Communication contains nothing new. It is based on historical principles of nonviolence-- the natural state of compassion when no violence is present in the heart. NVC reminds us what we already instinctively know about how good it feels to authentically connect to another human being.

"With NVC we learn to hear our own deeper needs and those of others. Through its emphasis on deep listening—to ourselves as well as others—NVC helps us discover the depth of our own compassion. This language reveals the awareness that all human beings are only trying to honor universal values and needs, every minute, every day."

Baby Giraffe at Chester Zoo Video

2011-06-27T22:26:00.000-07:00

Margaret, who is approximately 10 days old in this video, is being bottle fed because she had trouble suckling. The team at Chester Zoo took on the task of hand rearing her.

More pictures of Margaret are in my previous post for those who have not seen them yet.

"Until one has loved an animal, part of their soul remains unawakened."

New Baby Giraffe Born at Chester Zoo

2011-06-25T18:02:00.000-07:00

PHOTO CAPTION: "Photo Courtesy Zimbio.com."

Her eyes are beautiful. Most babies measuring five feet would be considered big, but newborn giraffe, Margaret, at Chester Zoo, UK is seen as unusually small for her species. She is one of the smallest giraffes ever born at Chester Zoo but pint-sized Margaret will soon be an animal to look up to.

Little Margaret, who is the first female Rothschild giraffe born at the zoo, is being hand-reared by her dedicated keepers. The first calf for six-year-old mum Fay, Margaret, who was born two weeks early, tipped the scales at just 34 kilos (75 lbs) and is a mere 5 ft tall.

Tim Rowland's, team leader of the Giraffes section, said: "Margaret is one of the smallest giraffe calves we have ever seen. Fay isn't the largest of giraffes and Margaret was also early which might go some way to explaining her size. Margaret was having difficulty suckling so our keeping team are now hand-rearing her."

To see more photos of Margaret click here.

The Practice of Gentleness

2011-05-31T21:02:00.000-07:00

Courtesy of Photos8.com

"The spiritual warrior's discipline is gentleness. Asserting gentleness in all spheres of life, nonviolence and peace are achieved." - Raha Sahar

When we practice the virtue of gentleness we get in touch with caring for ourselves and others. It is essential to care for ourselves. If we are dried up like raisins we have nothing to offer. Taking the time to rejuvenate and tenderly care for our needs leads to inner peace and a natural desire to contribute to life.

Don Miguel Ruiz writes, "If I don't feel good emotionally, I find out what is causing it and fix it. Then I can recover my happiness and keep going with my story."

Nurturing a Better Story
When we take care of ourselves we can write a better story. How we treat ourselves reflects how we treat others. Do we speak to ourselves with a kind voice? Do we value our emotional safety and physical safety? Do we value fun and play in our lives?

If we do not value ourselves then we will allow others to abuse us. If we love ourselves and set appropriate boundaries we teach others how to love us. When our boundaries are healthy we can then choose to give our love away. It feels good to give when we are in this place.

Gentleness Brings Awareness
From this place of awareness and value of ourselves flows a desire to not harm anyone and to contribute to enriching our world. Gentleness allows us to call on the will to practice self-control when tension comes into our world. We are able to forgive others because we have forgiven ourselves. Gentleness lets go of control and in its place practices peace. Gentleness is using discernment, giving a tender touch, speaking soflty and thinking kindly.

Take time this week to practice a gentle activity that you can do that nurtures your soul. Allow yourself the time to experience some self-time. Reflect on what it feels like to do this and let that motivate you to continue to do an activity each week that nurtures you.

Parenting Articles & Resources

2011-05-23T21:32:00.000-07:00

Courtesy of Photos8.com.

This is a place where parents can find all the posts on parenting that I have posted on this site. I have also included some links to parenting resources that I think may be either helfpul or inspiriation.

Feel free to share these with others via your social network. I plan to post more on this topic to continue to add to the resources. If you have any questions on parenting or topics that you would like me to write about please comment and let me know.

Parenting Articles:
Parenting Without Promoting Fear
Fathering With A Purpose
The Importance of Family
Dealing With Death of a Child
Loving Our Kids

Parenting Poems:
Little Boys Do What Big Boys Do
Children Learn What They Live
If I Had My Child to Raise Again
See Me Beautiful

Parenting Links:
Raising Small Souls
Alfie Kohn
Child Trauma Academy

High School Students Make a Difference on Denim Day

2011-05-08T12:55:00.000-07:00

PHOTO CAPTION: Jeans signed by students of Union Mine High School for Denim Day.

On Wednesday, May 4, 2011 the My Strength Club and Her Strength Club at Union Mine High School put on Denim Day. Nationally it was held on Wednesday, April 27, 2011. Denim day is a rape prevention campaign where members of the community can take a stand against misconceptions that surround sexual assault.

My Strength and Her Strength students at Union Mine set up tables with literature on sexual assualt prevention and had many activities to draw crowds like face painting, a hacky sack toss and nerf bowling. Two students played music to make the mood more festive.

There were rows of jeans hanging on rails across the main area near the cafeteria for students to sign and write a personal message. Students also had a chance to sign a pledge.

I was so proud of these students. It was great to see them unite and work together for a great cause. To read the full story and find out about Denim Day click here.

Steve The Hamster's Great Escape

2011-04-23T23:00:00.000-07:00

Our newest addition to our family is a hamster called "Steve the Magnificent." My son Andrew came up with the name. He stresses that he is not just "Steve" but that the magnificent part has to be added on when saying his name.

I came home from work one evening and the boys and my wife introduced me to him. It was a big surprise. They told me he was just too adorable and they needed to rescue him from the pet store. He is now very loved by every member of our family (including me).

In this video he escapes his enclosed habitat. He has escaped a couple times where we couldn't find him for hours. This time I caught him on tape. He is a pretty nifty little guy. I hope you enjoy the video.

Feature Photo

2011-04-22T23:29:00.000-07:00

PHOTO CAPTION: "Photo Courtesy of Photos8.com."

WELCOME TO HARMONY OF THE HEART!
Hoping that you find something inspirational on this blog that moves you and something that you can share via your social network. We've got inspirational stories, articles, poetry, photos, videos and much more. Enjoy the library of inspirational resources. You can literally spend hours here. We hope we brighten up your day.

A Season for Nonviolence
I have been writing a weekly reflection on nonviolence in honor of the A Season for Nonviolence National Campaign. To find out more about the campaign click here.

Feature Photo
Every once in a while we post the Feature Photo, a striking photo for everyone to view. To view all of the other feature photos we have posted at Harmony of the Heart simply click here.

Follow Us
Also, if you are new to the site and want to learn more about us click here. You can subscribe to Harmony of the Heart at the top right corner of the sidebar on the right if you would like to be notified of any new posts. You can also follow us with Google Friend Connect (just scroll down the sidebar and you will find it).

Charlie Chaplin Google Doodle

2011-04-19T02:07:00.000-07:00

This video doodle is Google's latest creative genius. The video doodle appeared on Google's homepage on April 15th in tribute of Charlie Chaplin's 102nd birthday. Chaplin, a silent film star who revolutionized how movies were done, was born on April 16, 1889.

For Google this project may just be the biggest it has taken on. Google has produced some animated logos prior to this project that caught a lot of attention as well. A Pac Man game, a John Lennon animation and a Jules Vernes animation.

I have enjoyed watching Chaplin's films through the years and own a collection of videos. To view some of his videos you can go to you tube and type his name in the search engine or go to his official website at http://www.charliechaplin.com/.

Martin Luther King Jr. - Nonviolence

2011-04-17T15:01:00.000-07:00

"In this age of wonders no one will say that a thing or idea is worthless because it is new. Things undreamed of are daily being seen, the impossible is ever becoming possible.

"We are constantly being astonished these days at the amazing discoveries in the field of violence. But I maintain that far more undreamed of and seemingly impossible discoveries will be made in the field of nonviolence."

- Martin Luther King Jr.

Jeremy Rifkin on "The Empathic Civilization"

2011-04-16T21:59:00.000-07:00

Jeremy Rifkin on "the empathic civilization" Video on TED.com

Bestselling author, political adviser and social and ethical prophet Jeremy Rifkin investigates the evolution of empathy and the profound ways that it has shaped our development and our society.

Rifkin illustrates through art and sketches a powerful message on the potential empathy has to change the world. This video inspires and challenges all who view it.

A Season for Nonviolence Reflections - Week 10

2011-04-04T00:01:00.000-07:00

"If we are peaceful, if we are happy, we can blossom like a flower, and everyone in our family, our entire society, will benefit from our peace." - Thich Nhat Hanh

When we can attain inner peace we can model what that looks like for others. We can become salt and light in a dark world. As Gandhi said, "You must be the change you wish to see in the world."

One great master said that the kingdom of heaven is in our heart. He challenged people to step into this kingdom within and live transformed lives.

By making peace with ourselves and others we begin to let go of needless resentments and free our soul to enter into a better world. But, for many it is not easy to forgive oneself or others. It is easy to get trapped and suffer endlessly. Working through this struggle is essential.

By letting go of our resentments we forgive. Mourning what we cannot change can help with this endeavor. If we struggle with forgiving ourselves we can remember that we are not all-knowing. We are in process. We can see our shortcomings as simple opportunities to grow.

Once we are free of resentments we make room for happiness to enter into our lives. We can begin the art of cultivating happiness.

This week slow down enough to breathe in life. Attempt to express peace in your thoughts and words. Tell yourself, "Today and always, I model peace by the way I live my life."

PHOTO CAPTION: "Photo Courtesy of Photos8.com."

The Power of Empathy

2011-04-02T19:47:00.000-07:00

PHOTO CAPTION: "Photo Courtesy of Flickr."

CHANGING OUR WORLD WITH EMPATHY

"Cultivate a sense of empathy - to put yourself in other people's shoes - to see the world from their eyes. Empathy is a quality of character that can change the world." - Barack Obama

Marshall Rosenberg, the founder and director of educational services for the Center for Nonviolent Communication, an international peacemaking organization, states that "empathy is a respectful understanding of what others are experiencing."

Rosenberg, who is the 2006 recipient of the Global Village Foundation’s Bridge of Peace Award and has traveled all over the world helping others resolve conflicts, says that "instead of offering empathy, we often have a strong urge to give advice or reassurance and to explain our own position or feeling." He adds that, "Empathy, however, calls upon us to empty our mind and listen to others with our whole being."

Relaxed Presence

Miki Kashtan, co-founder of Bay Area Nonviolent Communication said in a workshop, "To be with people in distress and be helpful we want to achieve relaxed presence. If I care for someone I want to give them what is most helpful - my relaxed presence."

Kashtan gives a helpful tip for getting to this place. She says to separate yourself from responsibility for the outcome or for fixing others when helping others.

It may also be helpful to know what empathy is sometimes mixed up with.

Empathy is not sympathy. Sympathy is when I am with my experience about your experience. I might say, "I feel sad for you" or "Poor you."

Empathy & Identification

Empathy is not identification. Identification is when we are with our experience about what happened to us when we identified with the other person's experience. Sometimes this leads to sharing our story and comparing stories which takes the focus off of the other person.

"Identification can serve as a doorway to approximate understanding of what might be going on for the other person," said Kashtan in a workshop. "Yet, it may be harder to see when in identification because I am more charged. I may get stuck on me. So we may need to dance with it so we don't get stuck."

Nonviolent Communication

Rosenberg, who developed the Nonviolent Communication (NVC) process, explains what empathy looks like with NVC, "In nonviolent communication, no matter what words others may use to express themselves, we simply listen for their observations, feelings, needs, and requests. Then we may wish to reflect back, paraphrasing what we have understood. We stay with empathy, allowing others the opportunity to fully express themselves before we turn our attention to solutions or requests for relief."

Kashtan in a workshop on how to influence your community said, "The most important way we can make a difference in our community is to listen."

Feature Photo

2011-03-29T01:26:00.000-07:00

PHOTO CAPTION: "Photo Courtesy of Flickr."A tree trunk at Ft. Smallwood Park in Pasadena, MD.

WELCOME TO HARMONY OF THE HEART!
Hoping that you find something inspirational on this blog that moves you and something that you can share via your social network. We've got inspirational stories, articles, poetry, photos, videos and much more. Enjoy the library of inspirational resources. You can literally spend hours here. We hope we brighten up your day.

A Season for Nonviolence
I have been writing a weekly reflection on nonviolence in honor of the A Season for Nonviolence National Campaign. To find out more about the campaign click here. To read this week's weekly reflection click here.

Feature Photo
Every once in a while we post the Feature Photo, a striking photo for everyone to view. To view all of the other feature photos we have posted at Harmony of the Heart simply click here.

Follow Us
Also, if you are new to the site and want to learn more about us click here. You can subscribe to Harmony of the Heart at the top right corner of the sidebar on the right if you would like to be notified of any new posts. You can also follow us with Google Friend Connect (just scroll down the sidebar and you will find it).

A Season For Nonviolence Reflections: Week 9

2011-03-28T00:59:00.000-07:00

"Two kinds of gratitude: The sudden kind we feel for what we take; the larger kind we feel for what we give." - Edwin Arlington Robinson

Marshall Rosenberg states that he believes that all human beings have a desire to give. He calls it natural giving. He has created a whole language on helping people stay connected to this natural giving that we all have the potential to live out.

Rosenberg the founder of Nonviolent Communication, says that many times people play the "Who's Right?" game and that what he wants to encourage is for more folks to play the "How can I make your life more wonderful?" game.

Imagine if we focused more on making life wonderful instead of being right or looking out just for our own interest.

We are all connected. The earth, animals and people. Just like the trees in a forest are all connected to the earth and nourished by water we are all interconnected. For this reason it is important to consider all these things in our decisions. One way to do this is to simply ask, "How can I enrich life today?"

When what we are doing is enriching life we have a sense of purpose that brings peace and harmony to our life. Max Lucado writes in The Applause of Heaven, "There are certain things that you can do that no one else can. Perhaps it is parenting, or constructing houses, or encouraging the discouraged. There are things that only you can do, and you are alive to do them. In the great orchestra we call life, you have an instrument and a song, and you owe it to God to play them both sublimely."

The world needs us to find our gift or talent and the world waits expectantly for us to not only find it but to use it to contribute to life. But not just when it comes to our gifts and talents, may we also enrich life in the small things too. Think of an act of kindness that you can do for the planet like picking up trash or recycling paper. Give to someone without them knowing. Acknowledge another for their service and/or use your talents to serve others. Take your pick or do them all this week. May your life be one that is serving life and is bringing you and others joy.

PHOTO CAPTION: "Photo Courtesy of Photos8.com."

Boys Take A Stand Against Bullying - Wear Pink Shirts

2011-03-23T23:35:00.000-07:00

Here is a video of how some boys were able to turn around a bullying incident into a movement to end bullying in their school. The boys displayed the courage to wear pink shirts to stand up to bullies in their school who picked on a boy for wearing a pink shirt.

May we keep finding creative opportunities to stand up to injustice like these boys did. By being creative we can many times expose injustice and tap into the energy of standing for something and igniting that in others. May we not sit still as bullying or injustice occurs and instead be active bystanders as opposed to passive bystanders.

A Season for Nonviolence Reflections - Week 8

2011-03-21T22:42:00.000-07:00

"Compassion and love are not mere luxuries. They constitute nonviolence in action." - Dalai Lama

For many people love is thought of as a strong emotion that compels us into action. There is this idea that love is something we "fall into" in relationships or that it is something that is triggered by something someone does.

How many times do we hear people say that they have "fallen in love?"

In the book The Art of Loving by Erich Fromm he writes that love is an art. That it is something that we do and we can perfect. The imagery that I get is that we can become masters at loving and that we can perfect this art of loving.

Fromm writes, "Love is an activity, not a passive affect; it is a "standing in," not a "falling for." In the most general way, the active character of love can be described by stating that love is primarily giving, not receiving."

Love in action, the activity, leads to compassionate living.

All people have a part of the divine in them. When we love others we love God because we love the divine in others. We see the beauty in others. This awareness can help us to choose to give and/or stand in the tough moments with others. We may choose to suffer with them in trials and we demonstrate that love endures. Love and compassion for others are actions driven by conscious choices to give to others. Our values and life commitments may influence these choices and actions as well.

Even when others treat us poorly we can still respond by respecting them. We may choose to not associate with them but we understand that they have drifted away from their calling to love and to live out the divine purpose in their life. This can help us not lose ourselves in mirroring them or saying or doing things that we regret or are not in alignment with our core values.

When love is merely an emotional response to something it can easily fade away in the storms of life. This kind of love does not have our back and cannot be counted on. When we no longer feel something we walk away.

But a love that comes from choice and practice can be trusted. It cultivates healthy relationships and peace in the world. This week think of ways that you can love others and let this motivate you to do something for someone. Think of how you can practice giving to others and become a master of loving others. Whether with your family, your work, your church or in your daily interactions with strangers practice doing something to enrich another's life.

PHOTO CAPTION: "Photo Courtesy of Photos8.com."

A Season for Nonviolence Reflections - Week 7

2011-03-14T23:47:00.000-07:00

"Laughter can be more satisfying than honor, more precious than money, more heart-cleansing than prayer." - Harriet Rochlin

Anyone who has laughed so hard that they cannot stop understands the precious gift of laughter. It gives us a taste of something wonderful and something special. And who wouldn't want more of that?

But what happens when life hits us like a ton of bricks? Are the happy feelings automatically gone?

I have found it helpful to differentiate between the words happiness and joy. I have come to see happiness as being based on happenings (something actually happening). This happy feeling is connected to something and if that something is gone so is the feeling of happiness.

You can be happy because you just got a car. This happiness is temporal and is based on a situation and possession of a material object. If your car is destroyed you are no longer happy. Therefore, happiness is based on circumstances and is the response you have to these circumstances.

Joy is different. You can always have joy in your heart. Joy is the understanding that no matter what happens in your life (good or bad) there is a purpose behind it and you can become stronger and better for it. Joy comes from a clear understanding that God is in perfect control and that his providence is at work always. When we believe this no matter what is happening we can always have joy no matter what we are going through (James 1:2-4; Philippians 4:4). This leads to inner peace.

Joy is a feeling that is the result of a state of being that is connected to an unshakable truth; a truth that reminds us that we are loved by a divine being and a part of a cosmic plan to make the world a better place. It brings us comfort and security in the face of trials and affliction.

This week look for ways to remind yourself of this truth. Meditate on this truth and once you are grounded in this truth try to do something to put more joy in your life and the life of others. Ask yourself how can I contribute to another person?

PHOTO CAPTION: "Photo Courtesy of Photos8.com."

31 Tips To A Better Life: Enjoy The Ride

2011-03-12T22:37:00.000-08:00

Enjoy The Ride

More PowerPoint presentations from 0Kes

Here is video presentation that I think is very inspirational. It is a great way to start your day or week. I encourage everyone to check it out.

A friend sent this to me a couple years ago and I found it very moving. I hope that you have the opportunity to send it to your friends and motivate them in a positive way. Let's all agree to live a better life and enjoy the ride.

A Season for Nonviolence Reflections - Week 6

2011-03-07T00:26:00.000-08:00

"When people honor each other; there is a trust established to synergy, interdependence, and deep respect." - Blaine Lee

All human beings are made from the same stuff. We all have a heart, a mind and a spirit. We were all made in the image of God. We all have the divine breath flowing through us.

Rob Bell, pastor of Mars Hill states in a popular NOOMA DVD Breathe, "There's this paradox at the heart of what it means to be a human being. We're fragile and vulnerable, we come from the dust."

"And yet at the same time we've been breathed into by the creator of the universe. And this divine breath is in every single human being."

We Are All Special

We are all God's creation and we are all special in God's eyes. When we treat others with disrespect we disrespect the Creator. Everyone is worthy to be respected for this reason alone. When we see others as valuable we see their potential as human beings. Even when they act in unbecoming ways we can still respect them.

It is true that many people are disconnected from their purpose and doing things that do not serve life. This is a tragedy of resources. We must make wise choices when around these individuals and possibly we will choose to not associate with these persons to protect ourselves or others; but we can still see them as human beings and, if safe to do so, respect them.

Respect Creates New Possibilities

When we offer others respect we offer love and new possibilities. When we judge we close doors on opportunities to be heard or work together. We can disagree about politics, religion and other topics and still respect others. There is a way to do this without judging and seeing the other as the enemy or bad guy.

By choosing to not judge and instead see people with unlimited potential we change the way we see others and the world. This internal shift can create new possibilities and social change.

This week look at others through this lense and try to put yourself in their shoes. Especially those that you have a hard time getting along with. What needs do they have and what values are they operating from? May we mourn their strategies if they are unhealthy, but still choose to see them as human beings with unlimited potential. When we do this we honor them and respect them.

"And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being." - Genesis 2:7 (NKJV)

"One God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all." - Ephesians 4:6 (NASB)

PHOTO CAPTION: "Photo Courtesy Photos8.com."

Feature Photo

2011-03-05T13:31:00.000-08:00

PHOTO CAPTION: "Photo Courtesy Photos8.com."

WELCOME TO HARMONY OF THE HEART!
Hoping that you find something inspirational on this blog that moves you and something that you can share via your social network. We've got inspirational stories, articles, poetry, photos, videos and much more. Enjoy the library of inspirational resources. You can literally spend hours here. We hope we brighten up your day.

A Season for Nonviolence
For the next three months be on the lookout for our Season for Nonviolence weekly meditations. I will be writing a weekly reflection on nonviolence in honor of the A Season for Nonviolence National Campaign. To find out more about the campaign click here. To read this week's weekly reflection click here.

Feature Photo
Every once in a while we post the Feature Photo, a striking photo for everyone to view. To view all of the other feature photos we have posted at Harmony of the Heart simply click here.

Follow Us
Also, if you are new to the site and want to learn more about us click here. You can subscribe to Harmony of the Heart at the top right corner of the sidebar on the right if you would like to be notified of any new posts. You can also follow us with Google Friend Connect (just scroll down the sidebar and you will find it).

A Season For Nonviolence Reflections - Week 5

2011-02-27T18:41:00.000-08:00

"All things pass. Patience attains all it strives for." - Sr. Theresa of Avila

I once heard patience defined as "slow to boil." I liked this definition because it denotes that patience is something that we can control. We can do things to keep from boiling or going over the edge. Patience can also apply to staying focused on a task even when the chips are down.

Sometimes clients tell me that they practiced patience during the week. I like to ask them what they specifically did that allowed them to experience patience. At first they are surprised by this question. After further thought they might say that they used positive self-talk, deep breathing, journal writing or took a walk. I like asking this question because I think it is important to be able to know what we can do to attain patience in our lives.

It is not just something that happens to us or we can wish for. There is something we are doing to create the patience. And when we attain patience we can attain all we strive for.

This week I challenge you to think about specific things that you can do to attain patience in your life and start practicing them. I believe when we practice specific actions consistently we attain a discipline that leads to more patience in our lives.

From Hate To Hope: A Story Of Forgiveness

2011-02-25T18:02:00.000-08:00

This is an incredible story of the power of forgiveness. The story begins with Matthew Boger, a 13-year-old boy, who has been kicked out of his home because he told his mother he was being bullied at school because he was gay. As he wanders the streets he is attacked by a group of nazi-skinheads.

"When I got up to run to get away and they caught up to me in the alley - they were like literally beating, kicking, and screaming 'We're going to kill you.' The last thing I remember was when a boot went right to my forehead and I was out," Boger recalls.

He was left for dead. As the gang drove away they thought it was possible that Boger had died.

Where the story gets pretty amazing is where one of the skinheads, Timothy Zaal, who was involved in the incident begins to volunteer at the Museum of Tolerance, where Boger was one of the managers. One afternoon they went out to lunch and started talking. They shared about what motivated them to be involved at the Museum of Tolerance and the two started putting the pieces together.

Boger was staring right at one of the nazi-skinheads who beat him up. He walked away. Later the two made amends and started sharing their story of forgiveness. They were featured on 20/20 episode and a novel, Freaks and Revelations, was written about their story. They recently shared their story at Federated Church in Placerville.

A Season For Nonviolence Reflections - Week 4

2011-02-21T23:12:00.000-08:00

"Forgive, forget. Bear with the faults of others as you would have them bear with yours. Be patient and understanding. Life is too short to be vengeful or malicious." - Phillips Brooks

It is not easy to forgive others. Sometimes people say they have forgiven someone but when they start talking about the person they begin to criticize or judge the other person. I have found that many times there is a disconnect about what forgiveness really means. There are some myths about forgiveness that need to be dispelled.

Forgiveness is simply about letting go of our resentment towards others. It is for our own benefit that we forgive others. It does not mean we have to reconcile or say that what the individual did was okay. When we let go of our resentment towards others we feel free from pain and released from this person having any power over us. When we don't forgive we suffer. The resentment may affect our health, our state of mind, how we treat others, and lead to disharmony in our soul.

The Myths About Forgiveness
One myth is that by forgiving someone we imply that it was okay for that person to treat us the way they did. This is not what forgiveness implies. Forgiveness simply means letting go of our resentment towards another. We do not state that what they did was okay. Instead we acknowledge what they did was wrong or did not serve life and we choose to let go of our resentment. When we hang on to our resentment we give away our power. The event or person still can stimulate pain in us.

Another myth is that forgiveness opens us to being hurt again. But forgiveness does not mean reconciliation. There are two different things. We can forgive others and never talk to them again if we so choose. We can let go of our resentment and set boundaries so that we do not get hurt by others.

Occasionally, if the situation is appropriate forgiveness can lead to reconciliation. We can choose reconciliation. But this is our choice.

And one more myth is that if we forgive others they will not grow as individuals. There is a belief that these individuals need to be punished or hurt. When we punish others or hurt them they usually become resentful and dislike us. It does not motivate them to make amends and if it does it is out of fear and not because they sincerely have remorse.

Forgiveness And Loving Our Enemies
When Jesus was crucified to the cross over 2000 years ago he cried out to God, "Father forgive them for they do not know what they are doing." He was referring to those who put him on the cross. Jesus chose to let go of any resentment and to love his enemies. He actually hoped that they would some day realize that by his sacrifice on the cross they could have a relationship with God.

It is this example that Martin Luther King Jr. followed as he led the civil rights movement. He writes in his book Strength to Love, "To our most bitter opponents we say: 'We shall match your capacity to inflict suffering by our capacity to endure suffering. We shall meet your physical force with soul force. Do to us what you will, and we shall continue to love you. We cannot in all good conscience obey your unjust laws, because noncooperation with evil is as much a moral obligation as is cooperation with good.

"Throw us in jail, and we shall still love you. Send your hooded perpetrators of violence into our community at the midnight hour and beat us and leave us half dead, and we shall still love you. But be ye assured that we will wear you down by our capacity to suffer. One day we shall win freedom, but not only for ourselves. We shall so appeal to your heart and conscience that we shall win you in the process, and our victory will be a double victory."

The Power Of Empathy
King not only let go of resentment but empathized with his oppressors. This is the key to loving our enemies. When resentment is gone we can empathize with others. We can see that they have learned some unhealthy beliefs and strategies and are attempting in their own tragic way to meet their needs. King hoped that he could touch the hearts and minds of his opponents with love and forgiveness so that he could in the process be reconciled to them. He took into action forgiveness and love and applied them to a social change movement.

He writes of his inspiration, " Love is the most durable power in the world. This creative force, so beautifully exemplified in the life of our Christ, is the most potent instrument available in mankind's quest for peace and security."

May we not be misled about what forgiveness means and instead offer forgiveness to others. May we also be able to empathize with those who have hurt us - realizing that all individuals are doing the best they can with what they have learned. May we have opportunities to love our enemies and open the door to seeing the miraculous happen. May we dream as King did and change our world in the process.

Related Articles:
The Five Steps to Forgiveness
Overcoming Guilt

Some Interesting Valentine's Day Stories

2011-02-16T21:35:00.000-08:00

Here are some Valentine's Day stories that I found on the web. There is some good stuff out there and sometimes it is good to direct readers to other blogs and sites that have inspirational posts. That's what it is all about, right? Sharing the love. Today I'm sharing the love stories.

Hope you are all having a good week!

Simple Definitions of Love
Check out these quotes of children on what they think the definition of love is. Too cute. Get ready for the warm fuzzies. Click here to see quotes.

Valentine's Day: The Reality
A cute story about sleeping on the couch and snoring on Valentine's Day. This mom gets back at her hubby in a funny way. To read the story click here.

Love Could Be Just Around The Corner
A creative Valentine's Day Card and message about love. This blogger found love just around the corner. Check out the story here.

A Trice of Life
A blogger shares how she spent Valentine's Day and some nice Valentine's Day card designs. Read post here.

PHOTO CAPTION: "Photo Courtesy Photos8.com."

Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords Gets Tulips and Toast for Valentine's Day

2011-02-15T21:03:00.000-08:00

Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords received tulips and toast from her husband Mark Kelly for Valentine's Day. Giffords was shot in the head on January 8, 2011 and is recovering at TIRR Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston.

It is reported that she asked for toast with her breakfast last week. These apparently were her first words spoken since the shooting. According to the status of her facebook page an update reads:

"Gabrielle Giffords Beautiful Valentine's Day flowers from Mark to Gabby. Tulips...and toast. Many wishes from the Giffords family and staff for a happy Valentine's Day to everyone."

An update by her husband, who has been by her bedside, on facebook states:

"It is hard to believe that only one month has passed since Gabrielle was shot. The doctors say she is recovering at lightning speed considering her injury but they aren’t kidding when they say this is a marathon process.

"There are encouraging signs everyday though. Gabby’s appetite is back and – ...even though it’s hospital food – she’s enjoying three meals a day. We can’t thank you enough for the heartfelt show of support that has come in from all around Arizona and the nation.

"I want the families of all the other victims and the entire Tucson community to know that Gabrielle will soon stand by your side to mourn this tragedy and learn how we can heal. In the meantime, your prayers are being heard, so don’t stop."

Astronaut Mark Kelly, who has flown in space three times, says that he is "closest to heaven" when he is with his wife. To watch a video of Mark Kelly talking about his wife's shooting, miracle recovery and their love in an interview with Diane Sawyer click here.

Feature Photo

2011-02-14T00:47:00.000-08:00

PHOTO CAPTION: "Photo Courtesy of Photos8.com."

Happy Valentine's Day!

Wishing you all a special day and don't forget to tell those people in your life that you care that you love them. You may want to share via your social network something you see here with them. Go for it! Share the love and help spread the message about the positive stuff you find on this blog.

A Season for Nonviolence

For the next three months be on the lookout for our Season for Nonviolence weekly meditations. I will be writing a weekly reflection on nonviolence in honor of the A Season for Nonviolence National Campaign. To find out more about the campaign click here. To read this week's weekly reflection click here.

Feature Photo
Every once in a while we post the Feature Photo, a striking photo for everyone to view. To view all of the other feature photos we have posted at Harmony of the Heart simply click here.

Follow Us
Also, if you are new to the site and want to learn more about us click here. You can subscribe to Harmony of the Heart at the top right corner of the sidebar on the right if you would like to be notified of any new posts. You can also follow us with Google Friend Connect (just scroll down the sidebar and you will find it).

An Inspirational Ad - Deaf Teenage Girl Plays Violin

2011-02-13T00:45:00.000-08:00

Thai shampoo ad tells story of a deaf girl who learns to play the violin incredibly well despite her disabilities and against constant discouragement from others who did not believe in her. I love these kind of stories of overcoming and not giving up. Being different doesn't mean we can't do great things.

Enjoy!

A Season for Nonviolence Reflections: Week 3

2011-02-13T00:01:00.000-08:00

"As we grow as unique persons, we learn to respect the uniqueness of others." - Robert H. Schuller

Understanding that we have a purpose reminds us that we are not an accident. The fact that we are alive and breathing today is not a product of mere chance, luck or coincidence. Before the world was created we were already on God's mind and precious to him. He was already thinking about how he could have a personal relationship with each one of us and lavish his love toward us.

Purpose
Rick Warren writes in his book The Purpose Driven Life: "God left no detail to chance. He planned it all for his purpose ... God never does anything accidentally, and he never makes mistakes. He has a reason for everything he creates. Every plant and every animal was planned by God, and every person was designed with a purpose in mind. God's motive for creating you was his love."

When we see life through this perspective we can begin to understand that everything that happens in our lives, good or bad, happens for a reason. There are no coincidences.

We Are All Unique
We can also understand that there is no person who is an exact replica of us. We are truly unique. No one has our make up and special abilities. For this reason, each person contributes to life in an intricate and essential way.

Many times we compare ourselves to others and want to trade places with them. But we must realize that we just need to be ourselves and discover our personalities, abilities and talents. We can celebrate our uniqueness and others uniqueness. Together with others we can make the world a better place.

It is sad that many times we focus on the differences we see and as a result fight and wage war. By accepting differences and recognizing the divine spark in everyone we can create community and social change. This week celebrate the differences you see in others and yourself and remember that it is a part of God's beautiful tapestry.

PHOTO CAPTION: "Photo Courtesy of Photos8.com."

Previous weeks reflections:
Week 2
Week 1

Really Cool Finds

2011-02-12T02:52:00.000-08:00

PHOTO CAPTION: "Photo Courtesy of Photos8.com." A creative owl toy.

Hope You Are Having a Wonderful Weekend!

Here are some recent finds. It has been awhile since I searched the web. Anyhow, this is what I found this week. Relax and enjoy the links.

Check out these incredible treehouses. Wow!

This is one of my all time favorite links. This is the second largest aquarium in the world. It is awesome.

Puppy lovers here are some puppy pictures you will love.

Escape to Iceland.

Check out these origami heart love notes.

Some well dressed dogs.

Check out these giant flowers.

A chewing gum artist?

A great article on ways to give on Valentine's Day.

To check out past cool finds see below:
Enjoy Life
Really Cool Finds

Overcoming Guilt & Experiencing Freedom

2011-02-12T00:27:00.000-08:00

Letting Go of Resentments Towards Yourself

We have all done something that we regret or feel guilt about. Guilt is not a bad thing. It is an alarm going off telling us that we did something that may not have been in alignment with our value system. If we pay attention to guilt and work through it we can get to a better place - change.

The problem occurs when guilt turns into shame. Shame is the result of not dealing with our guilt. When we don't work out our guilt we allow the thing we did to define us. With shame comes a lot of self-judgement and should statements. We start beating ourselves up.

So how do we get out of this trap?

Identifying Should Statements
If we are feeling guilt or shame it is beneficial to identify the should statements we are telling ourselves. For instance, if someone is consistently late they may be telling themselves, "I should be more responsible" or I should respect other people's time."

I would recommend writing down all the should statements and then circling the one that speaks the most to your situation. Once you do this then focus on trying to identify what needs of yours were not met by what you did. This is not easy because most of us do not have a needs vocabulary. I encourage you to click here if you would like to work on this step to discover what needs may have not been met. I think, at first, it is better to use the list instead of trying to discover unmet needs on your own.

Meditating On Unmet Needs
After discovering the unmet needs next write down how you feel as you reflect on these unmet needs. I encourage you to read the needs out loud first and take a deep breath after you read each one. When you are done write down how you feel in that moment. For a feeling list to look at click here. Sometimes your mind may wander and you will start focusing on should statements again. Try to go back to the needs.

If you choose feelings like sad, regret, remorse, disppointment, and sorrow you are on the right track. This sadness is what Marshall Rosenberg calls a "sweet pain" because it leads to change.

Identifying Positive Motivations
Next it is beneficial to focus on what need you were trying to meet when you chose to do what you did. For instance, if someone was late they may have been trying to meet their need for rest if they slept in. Or maybe they were helping someone so they were meeting a need to support others.

What was your positive motivation?

In nonviolent communication the belief is that every action we make is an attempt to meet a need. These needs are always positive. The strategies we choose for meeting them, though, may be tragic. Again look at the needs list. Write down the needs you were trying to meet by what you did and then say them outloud and take a deep breath after saying each one. Now write down how you feel at that moment. Here is your chance to empathize with the part of you that made the choice to do what you did. This step will help you let go of resentment towards yourself. In some cases you may discover that what you did was the best choice you could make. Here you will discover if you had false guilt. But even if you do find that you regret what you did this step lets you understand why you made the choice.

Make An Agreement with Yourself
Now the last step is to write down a decision or agreement with yourself of what you will do in the future. This is especially important when you regret what you did. By doing these steps you should be able to let go of your resentment towards yourself and start moving a positive direction. This process that has been described here is called mourning in nonviolent communication.

If for some reason you do not you may want to get some help with this process from a nonviolent communicaton trainer or life coach. They may be able to help you through the process. You may also want to check out the book Graduating From Guilt by Holly Michelle Eckert. She uses a similar process with her clients in workshops and gives various examples of people who go through the process in her book.

To read more articles on nonviolent communicaton click here.

PHOTO CAPTION: "Photo Courtesy of Photos8.com."

The Past Does Not Need To Define Who You Are

2011-02-11T15:29:00.000-08:00

"Who you were in the past means nothing. Who you are today means something." - Eddie Zacapa

Many of us have done things in our past that we are ashamed of or regret. Sometimes we allow these actions to define who we are. We judge ourselves and in doing so stunt our growth as individuals. The things we have done loom over our lives. We are haunted by what we have done. Like shadows always following us they remind us of what we have done and how bad we are. Unfortunately many people fall into this trap.

The way out is to allow ourselves to feel a sadness for what we have done. To reflect on how what we have done has affected others and ourselves. What needs of ours were not met by what we did? As we do this reflection there must be no self-judgment. Once we have connected with this we can then work on how we can make things right and avoid the same mistakes. This is empowering and leads to change. After we do this we can let go of resentment towards ourselves and move on. For a step by step process on how to do this click here.

What matters most is that we have made the changes necessary to become healthier. When we do this we become someone who is different from the person who did and who was. We are something new - changed people. That is what matters.

PHOTO CAPTION: "This photo courtesy of Photos8.com."

Volkswagen Commercial: The Force

2011-02-07T00:01:00.000-08:00

The Superbowl game has come to be known for really producing some really memorable commercials. This year Volkswagen came out with a commercial one week prior to the Superbowl. This commerical has already generated over 13 million views. It was definitely one of my favorites.

When I watched this it put a smile on my face and I laughed pretty hard. It brightened up my day. I thought I'd share it here. I hope you have a moment to enjoy it.

A Season for Nonviolence Reflections - Week 2

2011-02-06T14:18:00.000-08:00

"We shall never know all the good that a simple smile can do." - Mother Teresa

So many times we focus on what we don't have or what we want. This week I hope to challenge you to focus on what you can give.

When the topic of giving comes up many times our mind goes to money. This is not the only way to give to others. It is beneficial, I believe, to also consider and explore the various ways that we can give and contribute to life.

Story of Giving
But first I would like to share a story that I think demonstrates giving coming from an intrinsic motivation. The story begins with a british soldier stationed in Romania in World War II who saw a young orphan boy on the street. The boy, standing outside a donut store with his nose stuck to the glass window, was looking into the store. His eyes were opened very wide as he looked inside. He was looking at the various delicious donuts people were buying.

The soldier went inside the store and purchased a a bag of a dozen donuts and a cup of coffee. When he came out he gave the boy the bag of donuts. The boy was so excited that he was frozen in his tracks and speechless.

The soldier started walking away. After a moment the boy started to run after the soldier. When he caught up to him he pulled on his long coat. The soldier turned around and looked down at the boy. The boy looked up at the tall soldier and said, "Are you God?"

The little boy had been told that God would provide for his needs. This soldier gave him food and he thought he must be God. Can you imagine how the soldier must have felt to be able to help this young boy?

We Were Created To Give
We all enjoy giving. It is a human need to contribute to others. We were created to do this. We can give to others by offering a smile. It is amazing how a smile can make a radical difference in someone's life. I have had times where I have smiled at someone and because of that welcoming smile they are more comfortable talking to me.

Other ways to give to others can include talking to someone who is alone in a crowded room, helping someone jump their car battery, walking with someone to the store and helping them with their groceries, and cooking a meal for someone who is ill or just had a baby. There are hundreds of other things we can do as well. Of course, we can also get involved with organizations like churches and nonprofits to volunteer our time as well.

This week take some time to consider how you can contribute to someone or some group. Once you come up with a couple ideas be proactive and do them. May you be blessed as you give to others this week.

To read the weekly reflection for Week 1 click here.

PHOTO CAPTION: "Photo Courtesy of Photos8.com."

Feature Photo

2011-02-05T15:24:00.000-08:00

PHOTO CAPTION: "Photo courtesy www.copyrightfreephotos.com."

Welcome to Harmony of the Heart!

The blog where you can get connected to your heart and things that serve life. There are so many websites out there that focus on things that don't serve life and distract us from what is important. We hope that this blog offers you a refreshing cup of inspiration. So, sit back grab a cup of coffee or tea or whatever you drink and browse through hundreds of inspirational posts.

Inspirational Posts

You will find inspirational stories, videos, poems, photos, great links and more! We encourage you also to view our sidebar on the right for many new inspirational resources (videos, newsreels, etc.).

A Season for Nonviolence
Also be on the lookout for the next three months for our Season for Nonviolence weekly meditations. I will be writing a weekly reflection on nonviolence in honor of the A Season for Nonviolence National Campaign. To find out more about the campaign click here. To read last week's weekly reflection click here.

Feature Photo
Every once in a while we post the Feature Photo, a striking photo for everyone to view. To view all of the other feature photos we have posted at Harmony of the Heart simply click here.

Follow Us
Also, if you are new to the site and want to learn more about us click here. You can subscribe to Harmony of the Heart at the top right corner of the sidebar on the right if you would like to be notified of any new posts. You can also follow us with Google Friend Connect (just scroll down the sidebar and you will find it).

We hope that you enjoy your visit and let your friends now about us. Help be a part of spreading a positive message on the internet.

Running a 5k Race

2011-02-04T23:17:00.000-08:00

Running a 5k race can be good or bad. It depends on what kind of shape you are in. After running my first 5k in five years it was both good and bad. It was good because I haven't felt so alive and energetic in a long time. It was bad because I was really sore the next day. It could have been worse. I have been running approximately two miles once a week for almost a year and this helped me survive the race.

Whole Foods Fun Run
Another plus to running 5k races is that most of the time you are contributing to a good cause. For instance, I recently ran in the Whole Foods Family Fun Run. The funds raised go to supporting Running School. This is a program that benefits schools and helps them get kids fit. The program promotes good nutrition, fitness and self-esteem.

After running with close to 1000 other participants I felt a part of something bigger. I was a part of making a difference.

66-Year-Old Runner Inspires
But what stood out the most as I participated in the Whole Foods Family Fun Run was a runner named Herve Pastre. He finished in fifth place out of 562 runners. Pastre is 66 years old and ran the 5k in 18:35. An astonishing time for someone his age or any age group.

When I realized what he had done I was inspired to keep running. When I was in college I ran close to his time. I thought to myself, "If he can run that fast at 66 years of age maybe I can get my time down there." I am 37 years old. Whether or not I run that fast is not the point. The key is that I know that I can lower my time and get back in to shape if I stay dedicated to training.

So as you venture out and take on a challenge find someone who inspires you. Then dare to do it. The results may astonish you. I hope that they astonish me in a few months.

It Could Have Been A Love Story

2011-01-31T21:40:00.000-08:00

Is it Love or Not?

This is a really cute video that I found at A Cup of Joe. It is about a missed opportunity at love on facebook. I hope that it challenges others to dare to love. Go and tell someone that you love them!

A Season for Nonviolence Reflections: Week 1

2011-01-30T00:45:00.000-08:00

“Acceptance of others, their looks, their behaviors, their beliefs, brings you an inner peace and tranquility – instead of anger and resentment.” – Author Unknown

When we come to the realization that we cannot control others we are free from unnecessary drama. We are free from unrealistic expectations and faulty assumptions and repeated efforts to try to change others.

This awareness is profound because it leads to simply accepting others as they are. When we do this we live in reality and we can focus on what we can change – ourselves. We can only control one thing in life and that is our response to things.

This truth helps us to understand that everyone is doing the best they can with the resources that they have. Nonviolent communication teaches that every act that someone does is an attempt to meet a human need. This means that when others act unbecomingly it is not about us but about trying to meet a need they have. When we realize all of this, we no longer have to take things personally or get defensive. The drama is not about us but about the pain that others are in.

The Power of Empathy
Instead of going to our head and creating negative images of others we can look at why they may be stuck. We can empathize with their unmet needs and their tragic attempts of meeting those needs.

Jesus tells his disciples to love their enemies and to pray for them. When we accept others as they are we can love them just the way they are. We do not need to like what they do, but we can empathize with their lack of resources and say a prayer for them. Jesus, Martin Luther King Jr. and Gandhi all demonstrated this in their lives.

Acceptance of Differences
Acceptance of others also means accepting the differences that others have. One individual may have spiked hair and another person may have dreadlocks. This demonstrates self-expression and not moral character. They are both special because they were made in the image of God.

All individuals are different and have different ways of doing things. We can honor the roads that others travel even though they may be different from ours. We can celebrate the differences instead of drawing lines in the sand. By seeing the uniqueness of every individual we see the beauty that every human being possesses.

Note: The Season for Nonviolence national campaign starts today. At the start of every week I will be writing a weekly meditation relating to this campaign. I hope that it inspires you all to be peacemakers.

PHOTO CAPTION: "Photo (above) courtesy of Photos8.com."

JJ Heller - What Love Really Means

2011-01-29T22:02:00.000-08:00

This is a song about unconditional love by JJ Heller. Her husband Dave is in the video playing along. I thought I'd share it. Here is what some people are saying about the song:

"Listening to JJ Heller’s “What Love Really Means” brings me to tears! What a beautiful reminder that no matter where you find yourself in life, God loves you… Really loves you, no matter what you have done or failed to do, He is always there. What an amazing message to share with everyone who listens." - Scott Smith, K-LOVE Asst. Program Director/Music Director

"Every woman on the planet needs to hear this. You want to reflect the emotions and thoughts of our demo? This is THE song." - Theresa Ross, MD WCRJ/Jacksonville

"Wow...this song needs to come with a disclaimer! I wasn’t ready for how beautiful 'What Love Really Means' was going to be." - Sarah Taylor, MD KCMS/Seattle

"I was hoping I'd like JJ's next single as much as I did 'Your Hands', and I really do. Great follow up!" - Kat Taylor, MD KFIS/Portland

American Idol 2011 - Chris Medina Audition

2011-01-29T16:59:00.000-08:00

Chris Medina Sings For His Fiance Who Has Brain Injury

This is a very inspirational story about unconditional love. Chris Medina, whose fiance was involved in an accident that led to brain damage, auditions for American Idol and shares his love story with the panel of judges. It really demonstrates love at its best. As you watch you may want to ask: Would I respond in the same way if I was in this situation?

"If" Love
There are different kinds of ways to love. One way is the "if' love. This kind of love says, "I love you if ..." For instance, someone might say, "I love you if you lose weight." This love is based on conditions.

"Because" Love
The other kind of love is the "because" love. This is a love that an individual might say, "I love you because you look so beautiful" or "I love you because you are a great cook." Once the individual's figure goes away or cooking ability disappears there is no more love because it is based on something that person possesses or does.

Unconditional Love
The third kind of love is the "I love you just because" love. This is the love I believe all of us desire. With this love there are no conditions. These individuals make a choice to love someone and accept them the way they are. This video reminds me of the power of this love.

I would add that I believe that the good news is that there is a God who loves us in this way. Regardless of whether our family, friends or relatives have failed us in offering this love we can receive it from God. Because we are loved unconditionally we can therefore love others in this way. May you be inspired to love unconditionally and to model what it looks like to others. May you inspire others to love in this way and in the process be a part of transforming your relationships and your world.

Feature Photo

2011-01-27T22:28:00.000-08:00

PHOTO CAPTION: "Photo Courtesy Photos8.com."

Welcome to Harmony of the Heart! The blog where you can get your dose of inspiration. Feel free to check out the inspirational stories, videos, poems, photos, great links and more! We encourage you also to view our sidebar on the right for many new inspirational resources (videos, newsreels, etc.).

Also be on the lookout for the next three months for our Season for Nonviolence weekly meditations. I will be writing a weekly reflection on nonviolence in honor of the A Season for Nonviolence National Campaign.

Every once in a while we post the Feature Photo, a striking photo for everyone to view. To view all of the other feature photos we have posted at Harmony of the Heart simply click here.

Also, if you are new to the site and want to learn more about us click here. You can subscribe to Harmony of the Heart at the top right corner of the sidebar on the right if you would like to be notified of any new posts.

A Season For Nonviolence

2011-01-26T00:13:00.000-08:00

Carry The Vision of Peace

A Season for Nonviolence, a national 64-day campaign committed to demonstrating that nonviolence works, begins this Sunday.

The campaign, which begins January 30 and ends on April 4, was inspired by the 50th and 30th memorial anniversaries of Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The international event honors the vision of individuals like these two and many others who have been pioneers in the nonviolent movement.

Both Gandhi and King, who both acknowledged being influenced by the teachings of Jesus, demonstrated in their movements the power of nonviolence to heal, transform and empower lives and communities. The El Dorado Peace and Justice Community has created a brochure that has a thought for each day of the campaign to help individuals reflect on living peace. The brochure is called 64 Ways in 64 Days, Daily Commitments to Live By. To check it out click here.

I will be writing a weekly reflection during the campaign on this blog on the major themes highlighted in the brochure. Feel free to read them and be inspired to be a peacemaker. I encourage you to be a part of this campaign. To read the first weekly reflection click here.

To see a video on the history of A Season for Nonviolence click here.

Martin Luther King Jr. "I Have A Dream"

2011-01-17T13:02:00.000-08:00

SEEING THE REDEEMING QUALITIES OF OTHERS

There are many stories about Martin Luther King Jr. that remind us of his dream. There is one story in particular that stands out to me and inspires me today.

It is a story that goes back to when Martin Luther King Jr. was in a meeting with some team members. Bobby Kennedy had just become the U.S. attorney general. Many leaders of the civil rights movement were distraught.

Henry Bonafante, one leader at the time, described Bobby Kennedy this way, "famously not interested in the civil rights movement."

He goes on to say, "We knew we were in deep trouble. We were crestfallen, in despair, talking to Martin [Luther King Jr.], moaning and groaning about the turn of events, when Dr. King slammed his hand down and ordered us to stop the [complaining]. 'Enough of this,' he said. 'Is there nobody here who's got something good to say about Bobby Kennedy? We said, 'Martin, that's what we're telling ya! There is no one. There is nothing good to say about him. The guy's an Irish Catholic conservative [expletive], he's bad news."1

Moving Beyond the Negative Images

There have probably been times in your life where you felt the same way about someone. You might have thought they were bad news and you only had bad things to say about them. As long as we stay in this type of thinking we will not be able to influence change or bring peace.

Martin Luther King Jr. understood the importance of seeing others as human beings worthy of contribution. He understood that creating negative images of others only blocks forward movement toward the goal of peace.

What Martin Luther King Jr. said to his team after they made their comments shocked them. He said, "Well, then, let's call this meeting to a close. We will re-adjourn when somebody has found one thing redeeming to say about Bobby Kennedy, because that, my friends, is the door through which our movement will pass." 2

Opening The Door To Change

King believed that the only way to influence Kennedy was to discover one redeeming quality that they could say about him. That one thing could lead them to opening a door to accomplish the change they desired.

What was discovered through all of this was that Bobby Kennedy was close to his bishop. The team worked with the bishop and were so successful that by the end Bonafante himself said, "there was no greater friend to the civil rights movement [than Bobby Kennedy]. There was no one we owed more of our progress to than that man."3

By looking at the redeeming qualities in others we too can see their potential and beauty. We can see their humanity and not an ememy image. This act of seeing the positive qualities in others can be the road towards making peace and collaboration. This is one of the lessons that I have learned from Martin Luther King Jr. I hope that it inspires you to see beyond the negative and to see the potential in others.

(I encourage to you take some time to listen to the famous "I Have A Dream" speech above to celebrate the accomplishments of Martin Luther King Jr.)

1. This story was told to Bono by Henry Bonafonte. Michka Assayas, Bono: In Conversation with Michka Assayas [New York: Riverhead, 2005], Pg. 86).

2. Ibid., empahsis added.

3. Ibid., empahsis added.

M.O.R.E's Most Inspirational Project of the Year Award

2011-01-17T10:07:00.000-08:00

I was humbled when I was given this award. I thought I would share this here because this is what this site is about. I also thought some of my friends, family and blog followers would want to know. I am grateful to everyone who has supported me throughout the years and has been a part of my success. This article was published in The Center for Violence-Free Relationship's newsletter.

Eddie Zacapa, Program Coordinator for The Center's Positive Solutions programs, was awarded the 2010 Inspirational Project of the Year by Mother Load Rehabilitation Enterprises (M.O.R.E.). Susie Davies, Executive Director of M.O.R.E., presented the award to a very surprised Eddie at a banquet held in his honor in December.

The Center and M.O.R.E. created a partnership whereby The Center would provide Nonviolent Communication (NVC) training to M.O.R.E. clients and 35 staff members. Eddie took his Positive Solutions program on the road and provided M.O.R.E. with three - 8 week sessions of NVC training.

In her remarks to those assembled at the banquet, Ms. Davies stated that "The training was so powerful and meaningful that staff who attended the sessions did not want it to end." Ms. Davies also stated that the culture at M.O.R.E. has been transformed as well at the personal lives and relationships of those involved in the training.

"Eddie inspired all of us... and taught us how to resolve conflicts with ease... how to listen to ourselves and truly hear the needs of others...he taught us how to strengthen our personal and professional relationships and to start living to our fullest potential," remarked Ms. Davies during the award presentation ceremony. Matt Huckabay, Executive Director for The Center described Eddie as "a true "gem" in our county."

We are very proud of Eddie and the Positive Solutions Program, and hope that you'll join with us in celebrating this achievement. If you'd like more information about any of the Nonviolent Communication classes, please contact Eddie at EddieZ@TheCenterNow.org.

The Power of Ideas

2011-01-16T13:09:00.000-08:00

PHOTO CAPTION: "Photo Courtesy Photos8.com."

I am a creative person. What I mean by that is that I like to cast vision and dream about the future. In my job I get to create programs, curriculum, plan workshops, and outreaches that bring awareness to important topics such as domestic violence, sexual assault and peace.

I am given the room to dream and come up with ideas that contribute to making our community a better place. I am so fortunate to be working in an environment where I am encouraged, supported and allowed to cast vision. It is a gift.

Dealing With Negativity

Yet, this is not always the case for people. In the past I have been in environments where my ideas where not considered or heard and maybe even shot down. I remember feeling deflated. It is an awful place to be.

"Negative environments kill thousands of great ideas every minute," writes John P. Maxwell in the book How Successful People Think.

And Charlie Brower says, "A new idea is delicate. It can be killed by a sneer or yawn; it can be stabbed to death by a frown on the right man's brow."

I have found this to be very true. When I get disapproval in any form, keeping my idea alive is a struggle and seems like an uphill battle. I have to recall the times that I have had ideas and they have worked. I also have to remind myself that what others think is not always necessarily right. I can't allow others views and perspectives to define my life. It is good to consider what others say and the reason why they think an idea may not prosper but balancing that with your experience, your resources and your gut feeling is essential.

Sticking With Your Ideas

How many people have been discouraged by someone and still found a way to make their dream come true? How many people have given up?

I recall a time when I presented an idea to a team of people and they did not think it was a good use of our time and resources. It was tough to hear. But what I did was find other people who did believe in what I was doing and work with them.

Together this team of people put together a Hunger Awareness Week at San Jose State University in August of 1999. The team consisted of three Christian clubs on campus and San Jose Christian College. We had students take shifts manning a table from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. where people could give donations to World Vision and help the refugees in Kosovo. World Vision was distributing flour, yeast, oil, canned meat and hygiene supplies twice a week in Ulcinj, Rozaje and Podgorica. In Albania, World Vision was dispersing donated blankets, clothing and food to some of the 80,000 refugees amassed in Kukes.

On one of the days we had the Campus Crusade for Christ band perform and followed that up with a talk on the Kosovo situation. On another day we had someone on staff with World Vision come out and talk about the situation in Kosovo and the work that World Vision was doing. In the end we raised close to $1,000 and created more awareness on the campus about the situation in Kosovo and hunger and starvation in the world.

The Power of Affirmation

I remember questioning my idea and the project all the way to the end of the week. It wasn't until the World Vision speaker said, "This was a great idea. I am really proud of you for doing this" that I felt validated and proud of the effort.

That affirming word spoke to the depths of my heart. I knew that I could follow my heart and good things would come from it. I think back on this time in my life and think about how I was so close to not doing anything because of what some people said. I am so glad that I didn't let that idea die. A few months later San Jose State University gave us an award for creating more awareness on campus.

I hope that we can create environments where we build others up and help others ideas and dreams flourish so that they can better our world.

The Power of Attitude

2011-01-14T22:52:00.000-08:00

PHOTO CAPTION: "Photo Courtesy Photos8.com ."

"The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think, say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill.

"It will make or break a company ... a church ... a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we embrace for that day. We cannot change our past ... we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable.

"The only thing we can do is play the one string we have, and that is our attitude ... I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it. And so it is with you ... we are in charge of our Attitudes.”

Charles Swindoll

Tips to Keeping Your New Year's Resolutions

2011-01-04T20:20:00.000-08:00

PHOTO CAPTION: "Photo courtesy FreeDigitalPhotos.net." Photo by Nicolay.

At the start of a new year it is common to be filled with optimism, to want to start fresh, and to write down some new year resolutions. The problem, of course, is in keeping them, as we all know, they don't always come into fruition. So, what are some tips that can help us to keep the resolutions we set for ourselves this year? Try the five things below and follow through to a productive year.

1. Write down your resolution somewhere you can see it often. This way you are constantly reminded of your commitment to keep it.

2. Tell someone to hold you accountable to keeping the resolution. Have them meet with you once a week or call you to check up on how you are doing.

3. If possible find someone who also is committing to the same resolution and is willing to do this with you (or find a support group). For example if you and a friend want to workout every day you can schedule a time where you both can do this together.

4. Write down next to your resolution what needs of yours will be met by this resolution. This reminds you of the reasons why this is so important to you. For instance, if you are resolving to no longer smoke you may want to note that this will meet your need to be healthier, to exercise more effectively, to have more predictability in regards to your health and for reassurance that you will not get lung cancer.

5. Imagine what life would be like if you stuck with your resolution and what needs of yours would be met. What would that look like and how would you feel? Reflect on this for awhile and let it motivate you to make it a reality.

Originally posted on 1/2/09.

Feature Photo

2010-08-16T21:25:00.000-07:00

Every once in a while we post the Feature Photo, a cool or beautiful photo for everyone to view. To view all of the other feature photos we have posted at Harmony of the Heart simply click here.

Dog Risks Life to Save Another Dog

2010-08-14T01:30:00.000-07:00

Here is a video of a dog being heroic. This video has brought many to tears. It is inspiring and worthy to be featured on this blog and on the internet.

Enjoy!

Nonviolent Communication

2010-08-11T14:10:00.001-07:00

Here are all the posts that I have posted on nonviolent communication (NVC), also known as giraffe language. NVC was founded by Marshall Rosenberg about 40 years ago. It is being taught all over the world.

It is a language that focuses on feelings and needs. It helps individuals focus on needs so that they can focus on that which serves life instead of the things that don't serve life. I encourage to you to check out the posts below.

Nonviolent Communication Basics
A Language of the Heart
Nonviolent Communication
If Animals Could Talk (what type of communicator are you?)
How to Deal with Difficult People
Connecting to Life with Requests
Saying "No" in a Positive Way
Nonviolent Communication Vintage TV Clip (Video of Marshall)
Giraffe Mourning (Letting Go in NVC)
Mourning Unmet Needs
Going Beyond Fear
Parenting Without Promoting Fear
Serving Life

World's Reaction to USA Win Over Algeria

2010-06-26T15:52:00.000-07:00

Sometimes we may forget how sports can truly impact millions of people and unite them. Here is an example of how one goal by Landon Donovan scored in the final minutes against Algeria moved many to joy, tears and celebration.

We all enjoy seeing a team come from behind and win big. USA did just that. They remind us that with hard work and determination anything can happen. Though their run for the Fifa 2010 World Cup tropy is now over due to today's 2-1 loss to Ghana, they played very well. Thanks USA for playing your hearts out! You have made so many proud!

Fathering With a Purpose

2010-06-14T20:29:00.000-07:00

Making A Difference That Counts

As a parent it is important to love our kids. This seems obvious but many times is forgotten in the day to day hustle of life. Some reflection on this may help us to remember why this is so important.

Donald Miller in his book Searching for God Knows What writes about the affects of a child not having love in his life.

"If a kid doesn't feel he is loved, he is going to go looking for it in all kinds of ways. He is going to want to feel powerful and important or tough, and she is going to want to feel beautiful and wanted and needed. Give a kid the feeling of being loved early, and they will be better at negotiating that other stuff when they get older. They won't fall for anything stupid, and they won't feel a kind of desperation all the time in their souls."

As a domestic violence counselor and program coordinator of the Men’s Alternatives to Abusive Patterns program at The Center for Violence-Free Relationships, I have found that many times the root cause of unhealthy behavior comes from a deep void that was left from the person's childhood. Many times the void is a father missing the mark on loving the child and letting them know that they matter.

We can let our kids know they matter to us by showing them affection, writing them a letter, playing with them, supporting them and their endeavors, affirming them and telling them how they have touched our life in an impactful way.

Taking In Those Special Moments
Another thing we can do as fathers is to receive their love and affection. Sometimes we may be tired from a long day at work and our child wants to play with us, share a story from school or sing us a song. These are moments when we can be there for them and receive their gift to connection with us. Being present is essential in effective parenting.

I recall fondly one occasion when I was heading to work and my son Andrew, who was five years old at the time, came up to me and said, “Daddy I want to give you a hug before you go.”

He proceeded to come up and hug my leg. As he wrapped his arms around my right leg he kissed my leg twice. I bent down and gave him a hug and kissed his head. I was so moved by this spontaneous gesture of affection. I decided to include this in my journal. I told myself, “I feel grateful that my son Andrew hugged me today because it met my need for connection, to matter to someone and to receive affection.”

I really took in this gift and soaked it in by documenting it and expressing what needs where met by this event. It is good to reflect on the positive things that are happening in our life because it motivates us to keep tending and cultivating them.

Valuing Our Treasures
My father once told me about a conversation that he had with a co-worker. He said that the co-worker told him that he wished he could be as rich as my father. My father looked at him confused and asked, "What do you mean?" The co-worker said, "You have a beautiful family. You are the richest person I know."

If we take care of our family and tend to it with care we will have riches and treasures that cannot compare to material riches. I strongly desire to invest in my family and see my children grow into reflections of God's love and grace. I desire to see this lived out in millions of homes. I believe that we can change the world one family at a time if we focus on family and commit to doing the hard work.

I wish all fathers a very special Father’s Day and I hope to encourage fathers to do the hard work of being present and affectionate with their children. May you be a father who has the courage to affirm, to encourage and be there when your children need you.

Elephant and Dog Become Best of Friends

2010-06-09T21:37:00.000-07:00

Bella, a rescued mixed-breed dog, and Tarra, an Asian elephant at an animal sanctuary, form a strong bond and friendship. Steve Hartman, who visits the sanctuary, tells the incredible story for a CBS special.

This video has become one of the most featured videos on YouTube in over 23 countries. The bond between this odd animal couple continues to inspire many people to look beyond differences and to appreciate what friendship is about.

To read the full story of how Bella and Tarra met and their enduring friendship click here.

Feature Photo

2010-05-24T20:59:00.000-07:00

PHOTO CAPTION: "Photo Courtesy Flickr. Photo by Floridapfe. A golden snub nosed monkey.

Every once in a while we post the Feature Photo, a cool or beautiful photo for everyone to view. To view all of the other feature photos we have posted at Harmony of the Heart simply click here.

Martin Luther King Jr. Pledge

2010-05-21T19:27:00.000-07:00

Dr. Alveda King on a TV show talked about her uncle and the power of nonviolence. She shared that every participant in the civil rights marches in the 60’s was required to sign this pledge before they could participate.

What a great pledge for us to commit to in our daily lives. If enough of us would commit to this maybe we can dramatically impact our world for the better.

1. Meditate on teachings of Jesus daily.
2. Remember that the non-violent movement seeks justice and reconciliation, not just victory
3. Walk & talk in the manner of love/charity, for God is love.
4. Pray daily to be used by God.
5. Sacrifice personal needs. Greed has to go out the window.
6. Observe with both friend & foe the ordinary rules of courtesy.
7. Seek to perform regular service for others and for the world.
8. Refrain from the violence of fist, tongue or heart.
9. Strive to be in good spiritual and bodily health.
10. Follow the directions of the movement and of the captain of the demonstration.

See Me Beautiful

2010-05-20T19:01:00.000-07:00

PHOTO CAPTION: My son Andrew being funny when he was three years old.

See Me Beautiful

Written by Red and Kathy Grammar

Look for the best in me
That's what I really am
And all I want to be
It may take some time
It may be hard to find
But see me beautiful

See me beautiful
Each and every day
Could you take a chance
Could you find the way
To see me shining through
In everything I do
And see me beautiful

Note: A song used by some of the Montessori schools. A song that reminds me to see everyone beautiful. I hope that this song is discovered and sang everywhere. To understand the idea behind this poem with more clarity I encourage you to read the post Serving Life.

Paradigms Power Perceptions

2010-04-30T19:01:00.000-07:00

PHOTO CAPTION: "Photo Courtesy of Photos.com."

The Paradigm We Believe Influences Our Emotions and Behavior

"Paradigms power perceptions and perceptions power emotions. Most emotions are responses to perception - what you think is true about a given situation. If your perception is false, then your emotional response is false too. So check your perceptions, and beyond that check the truthfulness of your paradigms - what you believe.

"...The more you live in truth, the more your emotions will help you see clearly." - The Shack, Page 197

Paradigms Create Perceptions
The paradigm (way of viewing reality or set of beliefs) we live under can dramatically shape the way we see the world. Paradigms create perceptions, ideologies, and dominant stories that we live by. The perceptions ideologies and stories support the paradigm and keep it in place.

If the paradigm is disconnected from the truth then all that follows will be disconnected from the truth.

Paradigm of Moralistic Judgments
One example of a paradigm is the paradigm of moralistic judgments. The idea that it is okay to make moralistic judgments of others. Jesus said, "Do not judge" yet because of this paradigm so many do. This is probably why Jesus shows us another way.

Whenever we use moralistic judgments, diagnosis and evaluations we play a very dangerous game. The game we are playing is the who's right game. There is a winner and a loser. It is also a game that consists of using power-over others to try to make them do things. This game leads to disappointment, frustration, enemy images and violence. This is a good example of how a faulty paradigm leads to experiencing unpleasant emotions.

An Example of a Different Paradigm
One way to work through the fog and have more clarity is to avoid making evaluations (moralistic judgments)and instead make observations (state facts). Philosopher J. Krishnamurti states that "observing without evaluating is the highest form of human intelligence." By observing facts we eliminate the possibility of misreading a situation.

Please and Thank You
Another thing we can do is focus on needs. Marshall Rosenberg states that needs can been defined as the "resources life requires to sustain life." He goes on to say that everything anyone is ever trying to say boils down to "please" and "thank you." For instance, when someone raises their voice and tells someone they are lazy what they may be really trying to say is "please do more around the house." The need is help or cooperation. When we can see the need and not the judgment we can be compassionate instead of angry. Here is a perfect example of how a different paradigm can totally change our way of living.

If we focus on our needs and the needs of others when we encounter difficult situations (and not the story that is in our mind) we can live in reality. The story in our mind creates enemy images from our moralistic judgments, but focusing on needs produces a compassionate heart that sees what is behind the surface. Needs always serve life and when we can see them instead of the enemy images we can see people as beautiful.

An Asian Elephant that Paints!

2010-04-18T00:26:00.000-07:00

An Asian elephant paints an amazing work of art. Only nine out of 65 elephants at a conservation camp in Thailand paint. Hong, the elephant featured in this video, is said to have started early. It appears she was using a stick to draw on the dirt when she was very young.

This video impressed upon me that elephants are very intelligent, have great memories and are emotionally motivated (as they responded positively to the audience applause).

ExoticWorldGifts.com reports that there used to be about 100,000 domestic elephants and that that has dramatically decreased to 2,650. The site states that "in Thailand, the number of wild elephants remains about 2,000 and wild elephants face problems with their habitat because humans have destroyed forests and they do not have proper environments like before."

ExoticWorldGifts.com supports, "Starving Elephant Artisans" by selling their paintings so they can continue to be cared for in Thailand. You can own a print for $19.95 and support the elephants at the conservation camp.

Feature Photo

2010-04-17T23:13:00.001-07:00

PHOTO CAPTION: "Photo Courtesy Flickr." Photo by Floridapfe. A baby lion (from the Everland Zoo in Korea) getting ready to pounce.

Every once in a while we post the Feature Photo, a cool or beautiful photo for everyone to view. To view all of the other feature photos we have posted at Harmony of the Heart simply click here.

Also, if you are new to the site and want to learn more about us click here. You can subscribe to Harmony of the Heart at the top right corner of the sidebar on the right.

Nonviolent Communication Vintage TV Clip: Marshall Rosenberg and His Puppets

2010-04-16T19:16:00.000-07:00

Those of you who know me or who have been following this blog for some time know that I am a big fan of nonviolent communication (giraffe language). I practice nonviolent communication (NVC) in my daily life and in my relationships with others and myself. I have written many posts on this blog about NVC and I also teach NVC to my clients at work and integrate into my life coaching sessions. It is a big part of my life.

Marshall Rosenberg is the founder of the Center for Nonviolent Communication and is an international peacemaker. This video is a vintage video from a television show he appeared on many years ago. He illustrates the basics of nonviolent communication with the use of giraffe puppets and jackal puppets. I hope that you all enjoy this clip.

To check out more articles on communication click here.

Nonviolent Communication Basics

2010-04-13T01:07:00.000-07:00

Nonviolent Communication (NVC) allows us to stay in tune with compassion in a practical way.

When we play the blame game, criticize others, use put downs and power over tactics we are out of tune with compassion. The NVC process helps us to stay in tune with compassion and empowers us to manifest love, empathy and understanding in our lives and in our world.

Nonviolent Communication (NVC) is based on Marshall Rosenberg’s Nonviolent Communication model. Rosenberg is the founder of the Center for Nonviolent Communication and is an international peacemaker.

Some people know Nonviolent Communication (NVC) as giraffe language. NVC, or giraffe language, focuses on expressing what is in the heart (feelings and needs) and hearing what is in the heart. For this reason is also known as the “Language of the Heart” or “Giraffe language.” The idea is that by staying in touch with what is in the heart we are able to stay connected to that which serves life. The giraffe has the second largest heart of all the land mammals. A giraffe’s heart is about 3 feet long and weighs about 24 pounds.

EXPRESSING OURSELVES
The first step in NVC (giraffe language) involves stating the facts (an observation) without making an evaluation (moralistic judgment, diagnosis, etc.). The cardinal giraffe rule is: “Do not judge.” So many times we diagnose others and their behavior instead of making an observation. For instance, an evaluation might sound like, “You never wash the dishes and are lazy.”

In NVC we might say, “I noticed that you did not wash the stack of dishes today.”

The second step involves sharing our feelings without mixing in thoughts. We would say, “I feel frustrated.

The third step involves sharing your needs. Here we would follow the feeling expressed above with a need. We accept responsibility for our feelings and don’t blame others for our feelings. For instance we might say, “I feel frustrated because I need cooperation.”

The fourth step involves making a specific request that will meet your need. We can say, “Would you be willing to wash the dishes within the next hour?

LISTENING TO OTHERS
Giraffes also focus on listening to others feelings and needs by fishing for their needs. This can be done by making an observation of what might be stimulating an unpleasant feeling in the person (step one). But many times the observation can be dropped and we can just simply ask the question, “Are you feeling frustrated because you need cooperation?” (steps two and three)

Then a suggestion can be made to try to meet the need. (step four) This may sound like, "How about we work together to put the dishes away after dinner?"

To get more information on nonviolent communication click here.

Mourning Unmet Needs (The Art of Letting Go)

2010-04-03T21:46:00.000-07:00

"Hold on to your anger and use it as compost for your garden." - Thich Nhat Hanh

Recently I was feeling very angry and resentful. I felt this way for a couple days. I have learned that when I judge others it only contributes to anger and resentment. Despite knowing this, I kept judging this particular person. By doing this I only added more drama to the story I was creating in my mind. I attached my self to ideas of unfairness, rudeness, disrespect, pride and selfishness. This person was all of these in my story.

I found it strange that something would bother me so much that I would choose to go down this path of misery. "I should know better," I thought. "I am a counselor."

Mourning Unmet Needs
Then I remembered that I needed to mourn my unmet needs. My needs for empathy, support, consideration, understanding, cooperation, consistency, respect and contribution were not met and they were not going to get met by this person. So I mourned. I said, "I am sad because my needs for empathy, support, consideration, understanding, cooperation, consistency, respect and contribution are not met. I am mourning these unmet needs." I repeated this a couple times.

As I did this I felt an internal shift and relief. I let go of my resentment as I accepted reality. I realized that I could not make this person meet these needs and that I had to find another way to meet these needs.

I now understand what Jesus meant when he said, "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." The comfort comes from being free of resentment and in accepting reality. Then we are free to create a better dream.

As I look back on this difficult moment in my life I am reminded of the truth that seeds need to die to produce more seeds and fruit. When we mourn our unmet needs and die to what we cannot change we breathe new life into our souls. Marshall Rosenberg sums it up well when he says that "a need is life seeking expression."

When we mourn we make room for this to happen.

Taking Responsibility for Our Needs

As I looked at my unmet needs I took responsibility for them and gave myself empathy, support, consideration, understanding, cooperation and respect. This is what I would call self-empathy or self-connection. I walked away from resentment and held my needs with tenderness. I then starting brainstorming ideas and strategies for meeting these needs. What I came up with surprised me. For instance, I realized that other people could help me meet these needs. I also realized that I could do something specific to meet my need to contribute to others. I became aware that by setting boundaries I could even get my need for consistency and predictability met. The freedom I experienced was wonderful and I was filled with hope.

I encourage everyone to mourn unmet needs and then to brainstorm new ways to meet those needs. You just may find you can create a totally different story - one that is beautiful and full of hope and love.

PHOTO CAPTION: "Photo Courtesy Photos8.com."

Codependency: From Rescuer to Taker

2010-03-21T00:23:00.000-07:00

“God Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.” - The Serenity Prayer

Codependency is difficult to define because it is like an onion with many layers. There are many characteristics that can be a part of codependency. Different individuals can display different characteristics but still fall under the category of being codependent. Yet, one common thread that seems to run through most codependents is the desire to control others behavior and a tendency to be affected by others behavior in an unhealthy way.

Melody Beattie, who wrote the book Codependent No More, defines codependency this way, “A codependent person is one who has let another person’s behavior affect him or her, and who is obsessed with controlling that person’s behavior.”

Many times the individual who has codependent tendencies sees the other person as the problem; but the problem is not the other person. The problem is how we respond to the other person’s behavior.

The Pleaser
Sometimes people want to please others so much that they forget to take care of themselves. In the process they neglect themselves. They may do this because they value others more than they value themselves. The problem is that when this occurs they have nothing left to give. Or if they do have something left to give they become resentful when they do it because they are neglecting their own needs in the process.

Jesus said one of the greatest commandments is to “love your neighbor as yourself.” Sometimes it is easier to love our neighbor than it is to love ourselves. It may feel good to get praise from others when we give to others. There is nothing wrong with this but if we are wired to get our needs for attention and acceptance from doing things for others we may end up getting addicted to pleasing others in the process. When this happens we neglect ourselves and many times lose our self identity. We forget what is important to us and who we are. All that matters is pleasing others.

One individual, who identified himself as a codependent, shared that he would start a relationship and treat the woman like a queen. He said he would do this for a few months and then he would become resentful because he would think that she didn’t appreciate him or that she was taking advantage of him. During this time of giving he would not communicate his feelings or needs and assumed that she was selfish. He would then abandon the relationship and pull back without sharing why. The other person became the problem. The reality is that he did not value his needs and set boundaries because he was wired to give to gain acceptance. He said that he would do this over and over again in his relationships with women. The reality is that he did not value his needs and set boundaries because he was wired to give to gain acceptance.

Fredrick Buechner said it this way, “Our shimmering self gets buried so deep we hardly live out of it at all… rather we, learn to live out of all the other selves which we are constantly putting on and taking off like coats and hats against the world’s weather.”

The Fixer
Yet others may be addicted to trying to fix others. They find themselves in the fixer role in their relationships. This also can be exhausting. These individuals attract broken people. They are looking for people who have problems. They like to play counselor and to tell others what they need to do. They may be very critical and judgmental and controlling. This person does not realize that people can’t be fixed or changed. So, this person ends up disappointed, angry and overwhelmed.

The Enabler/Rescuer
Others may get caught up enabling others. This means that they rescue others from life and in the process the individual they are trying to help does not experience consequences for their actions. So, the person does not see a need to change. Others may become dependent on them to save the day. They may seem to change but when the enabler or rescuer is not there they go back to their old patterns.

The Taker
Another type of person is the taker. This person looks for people who want to rescue them so that they can take. When people please them they esteem them and when they don’t they blame them and criticize them. They see others as responsible for meeting their needs. This person is very hard to please and is an energy blaster (he or she sucks up other people’s energy).

Regardless of what role we may identify with the key to getting healthy is to realize what we are doing. Someone once said that the definition of insanity is to do the same thing over and over again expecting a different result. For the codependent it is essential to realize the pattern of behavior that leads to destructive results and to find a new way to respond to others.

The serenity prayer can be a very helpful reminder to us of some basic core truths – that we cannot control others and can only control how we respond to others. By learning to value ourselves and paying attention to our feelings and needs we can begin to prioritize us. Then we can begin to be assertive about our needs and not neglect them. We can begin to set boundaries and in doing so gain more control of our lives. The result will be living healthier lives.

PHOTO CAPTION: "Photo Courtesy Flickr." Photo by Xurble.

Feature Photo

2010-03-11T20:53:00.000-08:00

PHOTO CAPTION: "Photo Courtesy Photos8.com."

Welcome to Harmony of the Heart! The blog where you can get your dose of inspiration. Feel free to check out the inspirational stories, videos, poems, photos, great links and more! We encourage you also to view our sidebar on the right for many new inspirational resources (videos, newsreels, etc.).

Every once in a while we post the Feature Photo, a cool or beautiful photo for everyone to view. To view all of the other feature photos we have posted at Harmony of the Heart simply click here.

Also, if you are new to the site and want to learn more about us click here. You can subscribe to Harmony of the Heart at the top right corner of the sidebar on the right.

Slowing Down and Enriching Life

2010-02-28T22:59:00.000-08:00

PHOTO CAPTION: "Photo Courtesy Flickr." Photo by Floridapfe.

The practice of slowing down is a gift for the person who can master this discipline. Many times we are so busy that we forget to focus on that which is most important. We may as a result let life pass us by.

It is healthy to take some time daily to slow down. During this time turn off the radio, television and computer. Become comfortable with silence. You can practice deep breathing, meditation, prayer, journaling, writing a gratitude list, drawing, or reflection. These are just some things you can do. It is amazing how many people are uncomfortable with silence and immediately want to fill it with noise or activity.

Slowing down is also something we can practice when we get angry. It is when we don't slow down that we usually get into trouble. We may say something that we regret or do something that is not in alignment with our values.

Rollo May says, "Freedom is the capacity to pause between stimulus and response."

If we can slow down when we are triggered by someone or something and think about how to respond we can live in freedom and in alignment with our values. Marshall Rosenberg said in a workshop, "Take your time so you can choose a compassionate energy instead of the programmed response we have been taught."

Something that helps me to slow down and to not get angry is to remember that there is always a good reason for why others do what they do. Rosenberg says that the good reason is an unmet need. All people are trying to do in any given situation is attempting to meet their needs. Sometimes the way they go about it is tragic and suicidal because it decreases the likelihood of their need ever getting met.

After we slow down and remember to check in with what needs are alive in us and in others we can open our hearts to compassion -- compassion toward ourselves and toward others. We are back on track again. We create the space to care, love and regain our peace.

"A capacity to care is the thing which gives life its deepest meaning and significance." - Pablo Casals

Haitian Boy Smiles When Rescued

2010-01-24T00:33:00.000-08:00

What has happened in Haiti is horrific to say the least. Approximately 200,000 people are suspected dead and many have lost loved ones. There are many children who are now orphans. Some may ask, "Where is God in all of this?"

But as trajedy occurs God appears to be a source of strength for many. I believe he suffers with us and does what he can to work miracles in the midst of the darkest times. This 7-year-old boy stands out as an inspiration and reminder to the human spirit. As one person commented after seeing this video: "He is a glimpse of God in a most dark time."

The boy, whose name is Kiki, commented on his million dollar smile, "I smiled because I was free, I smiled because I was alive."

To find out more information on how to make a donation to the Haiti earthquake relief efforts click here.

The Importance of Family

2010-01-08T15:02:00.000-08:00

PHOTO CAPTION: The boys hanging out at the library in Santa Clara.

I recently watched the movie Mi Familia with my wife and was reminded of the importance of family. My wife is currently taking a marriage and family class and asked me to watch this film to discuss it for her paper on the movie. I am glad that she asked me to watch it because it really moved me to think of what more I can do to cultivate a loving and caring environment in our home.

In the film a family goes through various trials and difficult times but in the end they work through these adversities. The main characters (the parents) demonstrate great love and grace for their children through the good and bad.

Family is a social group that has a great influence on people’s lives. The movie shows how family can have a very positive impact on an individual's life or a very negative impact. It highlights that family, and all that it can bring to a healthy life, must be respected and not ignorantly disregarded as not important.

The film reminded me that there will be struggles that we will face as a family and the importance of responding to those struggles with compassion and understanding. I want to be able to relate to my children and my wife; and I hope that I can impact them positively. I was reminded of how important the bond of a father with his children really is and how important it is that I be in their lives.

This movie gives the viewer a big picture of family by looking at a few generations of families and as a result gives us more perspective. I feel fortunate to have watched this movie as I am just starting a family of my own. The film also helped me appreciate the struggles that my parents went through and the sacrifices that they made for my brother and I.

My father once told me about a conversation that he had with a co-worker of his. He said that the co-worker told him that he wished he could be as rich as my father. My father looked at him confused and asked, "What do you mean?" The co-worker said, "You have a beautiful family. You are the richest person I know."

If we take care of our family and tend to it with care we will have riches and treasures that cannot compare to material riches. I strongly desire to invest in my family and see my children grow into reflections of God's love and grace. I desire to see this lived out in millions of homes. I believe that we can change the world one family at a time if we focus on family and commit to doing the hard work.

The Mom Song

2009-12-10T21:44:00.000-08:00

Motherhood does not come easy. It takes work, patience, humor and so much more. This video adds some humor to the whole mom thing and has touched a chord with thousands of moms. I am posting it in honor of all the moms who work so hard to give our kids the love and nurturance they need to be healthy human beings.

Anita Renfro is a comedian who has been on Good Morning America and many other shows and has become a You Tube sensation. This year she is going on tour all over the United States and making some appearances in Canada.

Feature Photo

2009-11-26T13:44:00.001-08:00

PHOTO CAPTION: "Photo Courtesy Flickr." Photo by Floridapfe. A baby lion.

Happy Thanksgiving and welcome to Harmony of the Heart! The blog where you can get your dose of inspiration for the week. Feel free to check out the inspirational stories, videos, poems, photos, great links and more! We encourage you also to view our new sidebar on the right for many new inspirational resources (videos, newsreels, etc.).

Every once in a while we post the Feature Photo, a cool or beautiful photo for everyone to view. To view all of the other feature photos we have posted at Harmony of the Heart simply click here.

If you would like to read some posts on gratitude during this time of giving thanks feel free to check out The Power of Gratitude and Having a Thankful Heart.

Also, if you are new to the site and want to learn more about us click here. You can also now subscribe to Harmony of the Heart at the top right corner of the sidebar on the right.

Acts of Providence: A Testimony

2009-11-25T20:44:00.000-08:00

Sometimes we may not understand why certain things occur in our lives. Whether we are experiencing tragedy, loss, or affliction we can trust that something bigger is at work in the midst of our trial.

Nina Kessler tells of a tragic event that changed her life forever. An event that made her question how God could allow such a thing to happen. She said that at the time it was (in her mind) the worst thing that could possibly happen.

She writes in a newsletter called HAND (Helping After Neonotal Death) in Vol. 5 Issue 2: "My daughter Amanda was five months old to the day when she died following open-heart surgery in January 1983. Today, Amanda (I still love that name) would be 22 years old - a grown woman. And yet I only see her through pictures, as a baby.

"The experience of Amanda entering my life has opened many doors that would have seemed highly unlikely prior to her time on earth. After her passing, I became a Hospice volunteer at Community Hospice and was later hired in 1986 as Bereavement Parent Support Facilitator. In 1989, I was promoted to Pregnancy & Infant Loss Coordinator and Bereavement Coordinator.

"This led to graduate school where I completed my MSW in 1999 at California State University, Stanislaus. Since 1999, I have served as a social worker providing counseling therapy services. I am currently halfway toward obtaining my LCSW.

"Over the years, my perspective and feelings regarding my grief has changed, or rather evolved, as I like to say. Thank God.

"The rituals however, are still very important to me. Every Christmas, my two teen age sons and spouse of 27 years hang special ornaments on our Christmas tree that have Amanda's name or picture on them. I made some of them with the original Hospice support group way back in the 80's. On Amanda's birthday, we release one balloon to her. We stand in a circle in our backyard, hold hands, say a big prayer or message, and watch as the balloon sails toward the sky until it's out of sight.

"I can't imagine the direction my life would have taken had it not been for Amanda. What twenty-two years ago was the worst thing that could have happened, transformed into a blessing in my life that has guided me in every way. Perhaps it was her purpose in life. Despite the tragedy of losing a helpless baby, and subsequent wondering why God could let such a thing happen, Amanda's light touched many. She left a legacy that changed my life forever."

I picked up this newsletter at work five years ago. It was lying on a table. The story caught my attention and moved me deeply and has remained with me ever since. When ever I am going through a difficult trial, I remember that I am not alone and that there is a purpose for why I am going through the trial. The situation, the outcome and my life are in His hands.

To reflect on this message by listening to a song (His Hands) that has inspired me recently click here.

PHOTO CAPTION: "Photo Courtesy Photos8.com."

Discovering "The Gift" in Trials

2009-11-24T23:06:00.000-08:00

No one normally asks for pain, trials and afflictions. Yet, when these rain down on us we can find some comfort in the truth that there is a gift to be found in the pain. For many of us it may be hard to find but if we look deep enough we can usually find the gift.

Sometimes when someone is ill and in the hospital families reunite and connect in a way that is special and incredibly heartwarming. Other times someone may ask for forgiveness and a relationship may be restored due to the fact that someone may have only a few days to live.

If we look hard enough we can find that special gift that is waiting to be discovered.

To read the rest of this article click here.

Your Hands by JJ Heller

2009-11-23T01:59:00.000-08:00

A beautiful song by JJ Heller, an independent artist. It was great to hear this on the radio. The song got national attention when a dancer, Diana Drexler, played it as she auditioned for the TV show So You Think You Can Dance? To watch that video of that performance click here.

Soon after the show was aired the song hit number one on iTunes. It is now playing on radio stations like K-LOVE and KSBJ. You can purchase the CD Painted Red at http://www.jjheller.com/.

You can also listen to just the song on You Tube.

Cool Finds from the Web

2009-11-21T23:57:00.000-08:00

PHOTO CAPTION: "Photo Courtesy Photos8.com." A desert camel.

A wanted to share some a few things that I found on the web this weekend. I hope that you enjoy them and that they inspire you. I hope that you all have a great weekend!

Check out this cool Fall photo. What detail!

A very funny cat photo.

An incredible shot by Kobe. He had three amazing shots in this game.

Adorable photos of a dog party.

An Abyssinian Turtoise.

The 25 weirdest animals in the world.

A bull standing up by its horns.

To check out some other previous cool finds from the web click here.

Nonviolent Communication

2009-11-16T00:45:00.001-08:00

"The forest will answer you in the way you call to it." - Finnish Proverb

When we communicate with others in a harsh tone there is a higher probability that we will get a defensive response back. People tend to respond to us in the same fashion that we speak to them. This phenomenon is called mirroring.

For some of us communicating in a critical or harsh tone has become a habit. We may come to realize that we have more conflict in our life as a result. Yet many people do not see this connection and instead continue to blame others for the conflicts that occur in their life.

Someone once said that the definition of insanity is to do the same thing over and over again expecting a different result. The key to change is to realize that what we are doing is not working and to do something different and to practice it. Aristotle said, "We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then, is not an act, but a habit."

Practice not making judgments (criticism, diagnosis, and evaluations of others) this week and instead make observations (state the facts without any judgment), express your feelings and needs and make a request. By doing this we will communicate in a way that does not judge and respects others.

For example, instead of saying, "You are lazy and never help out" you can say, "I see that you have not washed the dishes you used for lunch. I feel frustrated because I need help and support. Would you please wash your dishes within the next hour?"

Remember it is not an easy task to not make judgments of others and instead make observations. Krishnamurti says, "the ability to observe without evaluating is the highest form of human intelligence."

For more information on nonviolent communication (the process modeled above) click here.

PHOTO CAPTION: "Photo Courtesy PDphoto.org."

Feature Photo

2009-11-10T23:36:00.000-08:00

PHOTO CAPTION: "Photo Courtesy Flickr." Photo by Floridapfe. A ring tailed lemur tries to grab a dragonfly.

Welcome to Harmony of the Heart! The blog where you can get your dose of inspiration for the week. Feel free to check out the inspirational stories, videos, poems, photos, great links and more! We encourage you also to view our new sidebar on the right for many new inspirational resources (videos, newsreels, etc.).

Every once in a while we post the Feature Photo, a cool or beautiful photo for everyone to view. To view all of the other feature photos we have posted at Harmony of the Heart simply click here.

Also, if you are new to the site and want to learn more about us click here. You can also now subscribe to Harmony of the Heart at the top right corner of the sidebar on the right.

Children and Entrustment

2009-11-08T23:47:00.001-08:00

PHOTO CAPTION: A friend gives Andrew his first bow and arrow.

"And a woman who held a babe against her bosom said, 'Speak to us of Children.'

"And he said: 'Your children are not your children. They are the sons and daughters of Life's longing for itself. They come through you but not from you, And though they are with you, yet they belong not to you.

"You may give them your love but not your thoughts. For they have their own thoughts. You may house their bodies but not their souls, For their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow, which you cannot visit, not even in your dreams.

"You may strive to be like them, but seek not to make them like you. For life goes not backward nor tarries with yesterday.

"You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are sent forth. The archer sees the mark upon the path of the infinite, and He bends you with His might that His arrows may go swift and far. Let your bending in the archer's hand be for gladness; For even as He loves the arrow that flies, so He loves also the bow that is stable.'"

by Kahlil Gibran

Loving Our Kids

2009-10-24T12:08:00.000-07:00

As a parent it is important to love our kids. This seems obvious but many times it is forgotten in the day to day stuff of life. Some reflection on this may help us to remember why this is so important.

Donald Miller in his book Searching for God Knows What writes about the affects of a child not having love in his life.

"If a kid doesn't feel he is loved, he is going to go looking for it in all kinds of ways. He is going to want to feel powerful and important or tough, and she is going to want to feel beautiful and wanted and needed. Give a kid the feeling of being loved early, and they will be better at negotiating that other stuff when they get older. They won't fall for anything stupid, and they won't feel a kind of desperation all the time in their souls."

As a counselor and life coach I have found that many times the root cause of unhealthy behavior comes from a deep void that was left from the person's childhood. Many times the parents missing the mark on loving the child and letting them know that they matter.

May we do all we can as parents, grandparents, uncles, aunts, etc. to love children and build them up for healthy living.

PHOTO CAPTION: "Photo courtesy of Photos8.com."

Love and Relationships

2009-10-11T00:42:00.000-07:00

PHOTO CAPTION: "Photo Courtesy of Photos8.com."

Finding a healthy mate is not easy, much less cultivating and maintaining a healthy relationship. Here are some articles that may help in the quest to finding and maintaining healthy relationships.

If you are looking for ongoing relationship advice then this is the page to bookmark. We will list all the posts (new and old) we have on the topic right here. Feel free to browse these posts below.

Building a Marriage That Works

How to Find Love (Healthy Relationships)

The Three Flames of Love

5 Tips for Cultivating a Healthy Relationship

Healthy Relationships vs. Unhealthy Relationships

Forgiveness

Wonder of Wonders

2009-10-03T01:55:00.000-07:00

PHOTO CAPTION: "Photo courtesy PDPhoto.org."

Wonder of Wonders

There's wonder when a grain of sand

becomes a perfect pearl;

when, in the east, the sun will rise
to heat and light the world.

----
How does a mighty oak tree

from a tiny acorn grow;

and purple martins return in spring

to homes they already know?

----
Why have humans throughout time

looked up and been convinced?
The beauty of creation

is awesome evidence.

----

Perhaps somewhere deep inside our souls

a sense of God comes through,

and with the spark that lights a fire,

we come to know what's true.

----

Insight is granted to each of us

to accept or reject as we will.

And even if we ignore it,

His Spirit remains with us still.

----

He comes to us in sunshine,

and He comes again in rain.

He's there with us in happy times

and shares with us our pain.

----
It's when we learn to seek Him

that all wonder is revealed.

We'll say to Him, My Savior,

and find that we are healed.

----

By Linda Gleason

Printed with Permission.

christianpoetryandresources.blogspot.com

To check out more poems click here.

Feature Photo

2009-09-27T01:22:00.000-07:00

PHOTO CAPTION: "Photo Courtesy Flickr." Photo by floridapfe. A leaping Lemur.

Welcome to Harmony of the Heart! The blog where you can get your dose of inspiration for the week. Feel free to check out the inspirational stories, videos, poems, photos, great links and more! We encourage you also to view our new sidebar on the right for many new inspirational resources (videos, newsreels, etc.).

Every once in a while we post the Feature Photo, a cool or beautiful photo for everyone to view. To view all of the other feature photos we have posted at Harmony of the Heart simply click here.

Also, if you are new to the site and want to learn more about us click here. You can also now subscribe to Harmony of the Heart at the top right corner of the sidebar on the right.

What Inspires You?

2009-09-26T00:56:00.000-07:00

Your Talent May Touch Others

It’s no accident that we love the things we love or that we are good at the the things we like to do most. God inspires our passions for a reason – because He wants us to turn around and use our gifts to benefit others. He doesn’t want us to hoard our talents and keep them to ourselves. He wants us to use them and then either use the monetary blessings they generate or our actual talents to do the things that will benefit the lives of others.

I recently read a story about a guitar player who agreed to volunteer his services to a hospice agency. Even though he never fulfilled his dreams to play in a famous band, he decided to share his love of music with others anyway. He made himself available to play his guitar to comfort patients. So many had enjoyed his music that he was requested to play for a woman who wanted to be lulled into the afterlife by his music. He used his God-given talent to play relaxing and calming music that created a peaceful and positive atmosphere. As he began to play, the woman was told to go whenever she was ready. As she took her last breath, she left with a peaceful smile on her face despite all of the pain she had been enduring as a result of her terminal illness.

Never in a million years did this guitar player think he would play to an audience of one – and never could he have imagined the significance of his contribution. We may not all be called to do this type of work, but we must always be open to sharing our talents rather than keeping them all to ourselves.

So if you like to sing, God wants you to use that talent to bless others. You bless others when you sing by stirring up positive emotions that encourage others and bring happiness. You bless others when you use the money you could possibly generate from your talent to raise funds for a charity or for someone who truly needs it.

If you like to paint, God wants you to use that talent for His good will and the same applies to you. If you like to write, God wants you to write for His purposes and use it to bring about a positve change in the world. Are you getting the picture? Whatever gifts you have, don’t take them for granted. Don’t ever think that just because you haven’t become famous like you’d always hoped, that your talents and gifts are of no value. Use your gifts and allow God to multiply them for the upbuilding of His kingdom. You never know who they may bless.

Guest post by Keisha Easley from Highly Favored

Developing Our Talents

2009-09-25T00:19:00.000-07:00

PHOTO CAPTION: "Photo Courtesy Photos8.com." Man with Intention.

Here are some quotes about developing our talents and using them to serve life. We each have something unique and special to offer the world. Something that can make the world a better place. My hope is that you will discover the magic of your talent(s) and use that magic to touch the lives of others. Enjoy the quotes!

"The greatest crime is not developing your potential. When you do what you do best, you are helping others." - Roger Williams

"I do not want to die until I have faithfully made the most of my talent and cultivated the seed that was placed in me, until the last small twig has grown." - Kathe Kollwitz

"I can't believe God put us on this earth to be ordinary." - Lou Holtz

"Set me a task in which I can put something of my very self, and it is a task no longer; it is a joy; it is art." - Bliss Carmen

"The purpose of life is to discover your gift. The meaning of life is giving your gift away." - David Viscott

"The kind of work God usually calls you to is the kind of work that you need most to do and that the world most needs to have done. The place God calls you is the place where your deep gladness and the world's deep hunger meet." - Fredrick Buechner

To read more inspiring quotations click here.

Kim Clijsters Inspires Mothers with U.S. Open Win

2009-09-24T01:13:00.000-07:00

Kim Clijsters made history when she won the U.S. Open on September 13th and became the first mom to win a major since Evonne Goolagong Cawey took the 1980 Wimbledon title.

After the winning point she fell to the ground and started crying. After having beaten Serena Williams in the semi-finals and then beating No. 9 Caroline Wozniacki for the title she moved many people with her amazing comeback tale.

Clijsters, who was invited to the tournament as a wildcard, had taken two years off from playing tennis to focus on her family and baby. Her baby, Jada, 18-months old, and husband were both present to watch her win.

She said in a post interview of the unbelievable comeback, "This is something that I ... in my wildest dreams could never imagine happening."

Clijsters shows us that you can still put family first and go after your dreams and play your best game. For all the moms out there this is a great story of how you can put family first and still live out your dreams. Kudos to you Mrs. Clijsters!

PHOTO CAPTION: "Photo Courtesy Flickr. Photo taken by David Gold." This file (photo) is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution ShareAlike 2.0 License.

5 Tips for Cultivating a Healthy Relationship

2009-09-19T15:36:00.000-07:00

Nurturing Love and Respect

Relationships can bring happiness into our lives and they can also bring pain and sorrow. The key is knowing what to specifically do to cultivate more of the happiness into your relationship instead of the heartache.

Having been married for eight years I have experienced both. As I have tried to cultivate more of the love and happiness into our relationship (through trial and error) I have found that there are some things that I can specifically do to that end. Here are some tips on cultivating a healthy relationship straight from my journal.

1. Your partner may tend to exagerate and make things sound worse than they are to be heard. They are in pain. They are communicating out of pain. Don't take it personally. They have something very valid to share and we should listen to their feelings and needs but not their evaluations of us or the marriage. If we listen to their evaluations we will get depressed or angry.

2. When your partner or spouse judges, blames and uses power-over strategies it is important to remember we cannot change them or control their behavior. It is out of our control. So, let go of trying to control them and don't take what they say or do personally. Immediately mourn the behavior and give yourself some time and space to do this and connect with your feelings and needs. By connecting with your feelings and needs you are validating them and giving yourself empathy. Then when both of you are calm you can communicate them by using 'I" messages (example: When I hear voices raised I feel frustrated because I want peace and respect for our family). Don't say the word "you" when sharing "I" messages. If your partner is still in pain you will want to help them communicate their feelings and needs first and then share yours. Once this is done you can brainstorm to come to a reasonable solution that meets both of your needs.

3. Focus on changing yourself and not on changing your partner or their character faults. You can't change your partner so trying to change them is wasted energy. Focus on what you can change - yourself. When your partner does something that stimulates pain in you it is your responsibility to keep it together and respond with love and respect. Work on your responses and behavior. Good questions to ask yourself are ... "What can I do to feel better? What can I do to bring more peace to the relationship? What can I do to manage my anger better? What can I do to respond better when I am criticized?"

4. Don't compare yourself or your partner with others. This will only make you miserable. Accept that you did not marry the other person and did marry your spouse (if you are married). Accept your partner for who he or she is and make a commitment to love them regardless. Even if your relationship or marriage is 10 times harder than other marriages, if you stick it out and do the work needed you will be 10 times better for it. You will grow immensely as a result and you be will able to help others as a result. (If you are in an abusive relationship or there is infidelity going on you may want to consider getting professional help or separation).

5. Never imply wrongness or blame each other. This is hard to do but a key to a grace-based relationship. Make an agreement to never blame or imply wrongness of the other and if you do that you will quickly accept responsibility for it. If you make a statement that implies wrongness you can be accountable by saying this: "I am deeply saddened that I said something that implied wrongness because this is not what I want to do. I really want to express my feelings and needs and not judgements and blame."

PHOTO CAPTION: "Photo Courtesy Photos8.com."

Healthy Relationships vs. Unhealthy Relationships

2009-09-15T00:41:00.000-07:00

Does Your Relationship Need a Makeover?

As a counselor I see many people who are stuck in unhealthy relationships. Some people don't know what unhealthy (or abuse) means in a relationship because they grew up in an unhealthy environment. Unhealthy for them is normal or what they are used to.

When we enter a relationship we don't get a book on relationships and rarely are we taught what is healthy and what is unhealthy. It would be great if we could all take a relationships 101 class at some time in our lives. Unfortunately, for many their education on relationships is based on movies, romance novels, fairy tales and unhealthy role models.

When I facilitate workshops, classes, or group sessions many of my clients begin to learn about what is unhealthy vs. healthy and they tell me that they wish that they had learned this in high school. I encourage everyone to check and see if what they think is healthy really is healthy. It is possible that we can be in an unhealthy relationship and not really know this.

To make sure you are on the right track and to find out if your relationship is healthy or unhealthy you can take this short quiz at love is respect.org. The website is a good resource for relationships and I recommend it especially to young couples.

PHOTO CAPTION: "Photo Courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net."

Feature Photo

2009-09-07T00:39:00.000-07:00

PHOTO CAPTION: "Photo Courtesy Photos8.com." Ahhh ... that's the spot!

Every once in a while we post the Feature Photo, a cool or beautiful photo for everyone to view. To view all of the other feature photos we have posted at Harmony of the Heart simply click here.

Also, if you are new to the site and want to learn more about us click here. You can also now subscribe to Harmony of the Heart at the top right corner of the sidebar on the right.

Save Domestic Violence Shelters From Closing

2009-09-06T18:56:00.000-07:00

Governor Schwarzenegger eliminated funding to the Department of Public Health's Domestic Violence program with a line-item budget veto.

The Department of Public Health was scheduled to provide $16.3 million to 94 domestic violence shelters and centers in California. Two shelters have already closed and many are in jeopardy of closing their doors. To read a story of a shelter that is in jeopardy of closing click here.

Recently Senator Leland Yee wrote two bills that would restore the funding but needed the support of the Speaker of the Assembly, Karen Bass. She needs to allow for the bill (SB 662) to be heard before September 11th in order for it to not die on the floor.

It appears that the bill was supposed to be presented on Thursday, September 3rd and encountered an unfortunate delay.

The bill proposes allocating existing money from the Crime Victims Compenstation Fund that has millions of dollars in the fund. If you live in California you can contact Speaker Bass at (916) 319-2047 and encourage her to present this bill before Septermber 11th. You can also contact your local state assemblymember and encourage them to vote "yes" if the bill is presented for a vote. To find out who to contact click here.

This site is about inspiring others. I hope that this inspires you to make a difference that can save lives.

PHOTO CAPTION: "Photo Courtesy of Flickr." Photo of Sacramento State Capital taken by Xelor on March 31, 2008.

The Trajedy of the Misspoken Word

2009-09-02T20:36:00.000-07:00

It can be very difficult to practice thinking before speaking. For many people it is a habit to just speak without pausing to filter their speech. Yet, the consequences of not pausing and thinking before we speak can be quite damaging to others and to ourselves.

When we hurt those around us with our speech and say things we regret we not only loose connection with others but we look bad.

Abraham Lincoln said it well when he said, "It is better to be silent and be thought a fool, than to speak and remove all doubt."

Here are some helpful guidelines to think about before we open our mouths to talk again.

T - Is it Thoughtful?
H - Is it Honest?
I - Is it Intelligent?
N - Is it Necessary?
K - Is it kind?

Before we respond to someone it is good to slow down and go through this acronym so that we speak only that which serves life. By doing this we respect others and ourselves and we keep from embarrassing ourselves as well.

PHOTO CAPTION: "Photo (above) Courtesy of Photos8.com."

The Power of Encouragement

2009-08-31T00:47:00.000-07:00

A Positive Word Can Change a Person's Life

Henry Ford and Thomas Edison were friends. Ford, since he was a child, looked up to Edison and ended up working for him as an engineer at the Edison Illuminating Company.

They officially appear to have met at a convention sponsored by Edison's company. Someone introduced Ford to Edison as, "There's a young fellow who has made a gas car."

Edison and Ford talked for some time and then Edison showed his approval and excitement about Ford's invention by banging his fist down on the table. "Young man," he said, "that's the thing! You have it! Your car is self contained and carries its own power plant."

Years later Ford said in a newspaper interview, "That bang on the table was worth worlds to me. No man up to then had given me any encouragement. I had hoped that I was headed right. Sometimes I knew that I was, sometimes I only wondered, but here, all at once and out of a clear sky, the greatest inventive genius in the world had given me complete approval. The man who knew most about electricity in the world had said that for the purpose, my gas motor was better than any electric motor could be."

Ford never would forgot those words of encouragement. It was enough to motivate him to continue to pursue his dream. May we never forget the power of encouragement and may we use it to build others up and motivate them to do great things.

"Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, but a good word makes it glad." - Proverbs 12:25, NKJV

Be Inspired!

2009-08-30T21:30:00.001-07:00

PHOTO CAPTION: "Photo Courtesy PDphoto.org." Hot air balloons at the balloon and wine fesitival.

Here are some inspirational quotes that I have found and wanted to share. I hope they bring inspiration your way. Enjoy!

"Life is a great big canvas and you should throw all the paint on if you can." - Danny Kaye

"Unless you walk out into the unknown, the odds of making a profound difference in your life are pretty low." - Tom Peters

"We are all capable of much more than we think we are." Lao-Tzu

"Imagination is the beginning of creation. We imagine what we desire; we will what we imagine, and at last we create what we will." - George Bernard Shaw

"Never tell anyone that something can't be done. God may have waited centuries for someone ignorant enough of the impossible to do that very thing." - J. R. Holmes

"There are many wonderful things that will never be done if you do not do them." - Honorable Charles D. Gill

"We all have extraordinary coded within us, waiting to be released." - Jean Houstin

"Don't wait to be discovered." - Gil Atkinson

"You have a creative contribution to make. Your life, and mine, will be better if you do." - Michael Toms

"You need chaos in your soul to give birth to a dancing star." - Friedrich Nietzsche

Feature Photo

2009-08-24T18:50:00.000-07:00

PHOTO CAPTION: Photo Courtesy Flickr. A pack of Fennec Foxes.

I just couldn't resist posting this photo of these fennec foxes. I just thought they were so cool, and I just love those huge ears! I usually post a feature photo once a month but made an exception this time. Check out more fascinating and adorable photos by this photographer on flickr.

If you are new to the site and want to learn more about this blog click here. You can also subscribe to Harmony of the Heart at the top right corner of the sidebar on the right. Welcome to Harmony of the Heart and make sure to tell us what you think!