A literary autumnal evening featuring GRATITUDE

Friday (October 11’19) marked a beautiful warm and sunny day of autumn, when I was delighted to meet with a groups of good friends to share, ponder and discuss special life situations which emphasize gratitude, thankfulness and appreciation.

This time I’ve greeted my friends with a piece of classical music, called “Ode to Joy” (Romanian: "Oda bucuriei"), composed by Ludwig van Beethoven, which brought upon a relaxing wave of peace, totally appropriate for the occasion.

After we all settled in, our program continued with a number of life related stories my guests openly and candidly shared, which in essence I will list below:
- Firstly, our friend Dorina Aldea shared with the group an essay featuring the enormous gratitude she had in her heart when her first grandson was borne (13 years ago, on January 1^st), after a very challenging period of 10 hours of intense labour, where 2 lives were at risk, but saved by a very competent and devoted medical doctor on duty at that time. When the new baby came into this world, all the pain has been forgotten by everyone, being replaced by joy and gratitude. Nowadays Julian is a lovely, smart and athletic teenager who defines happiness as the time spent with family and the freedom to choose his favorite playing activities…through his eyes, both his grandparents (Dorina & Stefan) are wonderful heroes; at the same time, his grandparents are reaching every day higher and higher realms of sincere appreciation for all what life has to offer.
- After that, our dear Asiza D. shared with the entire group a significant chapter of her life, when after 30 (thirty) years she reunited with her tween sister. A life story which emphasizes courage, love, compassion, dignity, respect and above all gratitude. The entire audience was truly touched, while we all were listening to Asiza’s words in deep silence, with misty weeping eyes.
- Further, our friend John S., who is also a medical doctor in his professional life, graciously shared with the group how rewarding it is to be able to help people in need and how important it is to remain positive under harsh life circumstances. Also, he reminded that in life the true satisfaction is given by the dedication you put into your profession, rather than focusing on the secular aspect of it.

- Next, Sandu O. enumerated several modalities of how a person could reach and maintain a balanced state of happiness and content, mentioning that in fact the meaning of these two desired feelings are very different from person to person.

- Then, our dear Emilia approached the subject from a different angle wondering if happiness is really an option, especially if one is facing a controversial life situation; in other words, how far you need to push and when you need to let it go, without compromising gratitude (the subject of discussion) or hurting your feelings while staying true to yourself.     

- At this point, Anca P. reminded how important and challenging it could be at the same time to continue to remain happy and grateful about something when you can’t control the situation.

- Additionally, Camelia refreshed that life taught her that for each difficult situation (generally regarded as ‘insoluble’) there could be found at least two solutions if you are willing to change perspective. Also, she shared that in her experience, during the most challenging situations of her life a strong bonding between parties involved occurred, which lead to lasting unforgettable memories. 

- Furthermore, Ilena shared a number of old precious memories and then recited for the group the beautiful poem called “Autumn“, by Rainer Maria Rilke (which is published in comments section, both in English & Romanian languages). 

- Also, our dear friend Lidia reminded that we can create our own happiness by being simply grateful. To her, gratitude feels like a flame which grows the more you spread it, and the further it goes the bigger it gets.

- Subsequently, Mioara told us that after she moved to Canada she is still thinking of her home country (Romania), and how it is to live in between two worlds, but nonetheless grateful to be close to her two sons.

- After that, our friend Maria commented seemingly along the same lines, expressing her gratitude for Romania (the homeland where most of us were formed & reached a certain level of expertise in our professions), which she left with a suitcase (like most of us) and then moved to Canada (the adopted country, which is allowing us a continuous growth in a balanced climate of peace and respect). 

- Then, our dear friends Dana and Adrian S. , who just returned from a vacation in Romania share their recent experience in home land – an experience filled with lots of family memories when both further realized how time is changing people and perceptions; moments to ponder and be grateful for the present.

Our group conversations were open, genuine, lengthy and full of spark…as usual by now, we wrapped up the night with light refreshments brought for the occasion, good cheer and heartfelt greetings we extended to each other for the coming Thanksgiving Day!

While at the page of "giving", this time we also gathered few donations so in December we could put together a number of bags for homeless people, when the cold weather will strike. 

On the other hand, I feel it is important to refresh that the essence of "giving" could touch the core of every human being, while bringing along joy and peace, because generosity has the capability to create a stronger community and ultimately a happier society for everyone!

Without any doubt, we all had a rewarding evening, filled with a very special sense of togetherness, for which I’m sending along my sincere gratitude to each guest. 

Until we meet again, my best wishes to all for a pleasant rest of autumn!
Alice 

“For it is in giving that we receive.” (Francis of Assisi)

This event has been delivered in Romanian Language, featuring Romanian culture. 

Briefly about TIME

Upon a recent stroll by the side of the ocean, watching how calmly and persistently the waves were washing the shore, I was reminded once again that we all grow in time, live in time and die in time. Joy, sorrow, happiness, success, fame or defeat are all blending together in different proportions as we each walk the path of life, leaving behind footprints in the sand of time.

In science, time and space are woven together like a fabric upon which all matter lies, while on a psychological level, when life speeds up it feels like time is slowing down. 
Yes – time is an opportunity, which can be used wisely or foolishly; time is more precious than money, and it is more powerful than kings and princes – they come and go, but time is forever. Nonetheless, as we each walk the walk, we all realize how powerful time is and that in fact, time and tide wait for none.

Recently I was coming across this short inspirational story, which I find worth sharing further. Enjoy the reading!

Story: This Too Shall Pass

One morning, the boy Solomon saw the goldsmith who works for King David's Palace walking out of the palace very desperate and sad.
Solomon asked the goldsmith with curiosity: - What makes you feel so sad and desperate?
The goldsmith answered: - I have to provide a solution to the King within seven days. If not I will be taken out of my job. I am really confused because there is no solution for what the King has asked.

- What is the solution that the King is looking for?, Solomon was curious.
The goldsmith presented the demand of the King to Solomon as follows: - I need to make a gold ring for the king with an inscription on it which should help the king not to be very happy and forget the eternal truth at his happy moments. At the same time the inscriptions on it should help him not to lose his heart when he is facing failures and desperation.

Immediately Solomon gave what he needs to inscribe on it: - Write as follows: "This too shall pass."

Time
Little drops of water,
Little grains of sand,
Make the mighty ocean,
And the beauteous land
And the little moments
Humble though they are,
Make the mighty age of eternity.

“The only way to survive eternity is to be able to appreciate each moment.” 

September 23, 2019: Happy AUTUMN, dear friends!

      AUTUMN has arrived – enjoy it!
On September 23, 2019 is the autumnal equinox, marking the first day of autumn in Northern Hemisphere.

Autumn is a wonderful time of fruition when the abundance offered us all is acknowledged and honoured. 
The harvest period brings along wonderful occasions to extend gratitude toward all what it has been given to us.

Wishing you a beautiful season! 

The Autumnal Equinox is an astronomical event, nearly noticed by everyone, marking the arrival of autumn in Northern Hemisphere.
During the equinox, the night & day have almost the same length (twelve hours) throughout the entire world.

● A previous post on the same theme: 
AUTUMNAL Equinox – 2018

Alice’s Book Club – SUMMER session of 2019

Slowly but surely the current summer time is coming closer to the end, but this Friday (September 6’19) I was pleased to meet with my group of dear friends for our seasonal book club session. 
Upon arrival, while my guests were joyfully settling in, the soft classical music from the background along with the relaxing fragrance of jasmine & French lavender oils made everything coming together nicely and smoothly emanating at the same time a profound sense of collective peace and shared content. 

On the other hand, as some of us traveled extensively this summer or being super busy with lots of outdoor activities, rather than our usual novel this time the chosen subject of discussion was an essay on communication (called: "Psychology in Communication Process") issued by Stanford University. Additionally, this was conjugated with another brief paper, called “The Importance of Personal Boundaries”.

Needless to say how well these materials were embraced by the entire group & how extensive, interesting as well as stimulating were the subsequent conversations…true heart to heart connections & brain to brain talks. 

From a scholastic perspective, I would like to briefly state that the fields of psychology and communication are closely related, and a distinctive area which is common to psychology and communication is the study of cultural influences on identity formation and social interaction. Aside of that, we all know that psychology has a well-established tradition of examining cultural differences on how the mind functions. Over time, psychologists have also focused on how culture shapes thought by directly comparing people from different cultures, while in turn, communication scholars have theorized and examined the very acts of expression and interaction of cultural processes. Given the historical development of these two areas, psychology is more of an established discipline than communication, so communication may benefit from the consolidated approaches of psychology.

The second paper discussed that evening emphasized that in fact setting boundaries is a key concept ensuring that relationships are collegial, respectful, supportive and caring. Once clear boundaries are set in place, people would become more polite, therefore you can be yourself to a greater extent, graciously addressing your needs without the fear of judgment; as a result, the emotional manipulators would vanish away being replaced by sustainable, loving and mutually respectful relationships. 

Our group conversations that evening were flourishing exponentially making each of us completely forget the time. All participants were truly delighted with the topic, asking for a repeat session of such kind, which of course was music to my ears. 
Like usual by now, we closed the gathering with a light meal, and genuine life related conversations, abundantly ‘seasoned’ with kind fellowship. 
Once again, my sincere appreciation goes to my friends who promptly & enthusiastically responded to my invitation. Wishing them each a great rest of summer! 
Best regards,
Alice

“Only through communication human life could hold meaning.”

Inner Peace

A large amount of research has been showing that once inner peace is achieved the heart becomes happy and the mind ‘feels’ liberated, all leading to a peaceful state…at this point, you truly realize that in fact there is no greater wealth in this world than a lasting peace of mind. Our elders often said that "the true peace always comes from within". 
The short simple story below is emphasizing that self-analysis is essential to achieve inner peace. Enjoy the reading!

Story: The internal peace

“Once upon a time, a student said to his teacher: - Professor, I have an ungovernable temper. Can you please help me get rid of it?

- You have something very strange, said the teacher. - Show it to me.

 - Right now I cannot show it to you.

- Why not?

- Because it arises suddenly.

- Then it cannot be your own true nature, said the teacher. 
If it were, you would be able to show it to me at any time…so, why are you allowing something that is not yours to trouble your life. Thereafter, whenever the student felt his temper rising the remembered his teacher's words and checked himself. In time, with discipline and perseverance, he developed a calm and balanced spirit, and acquired a steady inner peace."

“Peace is the result of retraining your mind to process life as it is, rather than as you think it should be.” 

Summer Literary Evening

This Friday (August 2’19) I was absolutely delighted to be able to meet with a group of dear friends at a public library to celebrate the current summer season.
Before our evening together began, I was happy to be able to greet them all with the famous piece, called “The Lonely Shepherd“, by Gheorghe Zamfir (who is a famous Romanian Master of the pan flute). 
Additionally, the French lavender and the Egyptian geranium oils from my aromatherapy diffuser filled the room with a very suave and relaxing summery fragrance, truly appropriate for the moment.
While at this page I’m happy to share that new friends are continuously joining us, so we had a brief round of introductions around the circle, which allowed my guests to feel very comfortable with each other, and facilitated a true heart opening experience deeply enjoyed by all.

Then our program continued with a number of presentations, which I will briefly list below. 
Our dear friend Dorina Aldea brought a beautiful summer journal featuring their trip to Alaska, where they got acquainted with the existence of the Romanian historical figure, George Pomutz. 
Dorina was kind to submit the essay she wrote and read that evening to all, and for the convenience of our readers, it is published in the comments section.  

Portrait: George POMUTZ (1818-1882)
George Pomutz was a Romanian Revolutionary, American Civil War General and US Diplomat.  
He was “a young Romanian who had fought for freedom in the 1848 revolution, and later immigrated to America. His name in Romanian language means ’little tree’. Once on American soil, he volunteered for Lincoln's Army and fought in some of the key battles of the Civil War including Vicksburg and Atlanta. Then he went on to become a general in the army and later an American diplomat, serving in Russia where he helped negotiate the American purchase of Alaska. In 1944, long after his death, the Romanian community in the United States donated money to build a battleship, named for Romanian-American General George Pomutz. The ship named for the ’little tree’ served in peace and war, always a symbol of strength and vigilance. “

In the comments section I am publishing a more detailed biography featuring the life of this Romanian general.  

Further, our friend Doina introduced us Daniela Miga, who was the God mother of her children. Also, Doina read to the entire group a chapter from a book written by Daniela Miga (book which nowadays exists only in manuscript format), describing a childhood summer and the time she spent in her family garden, in Constanta, Romania.  

Portrait: Daniela MIGA (1917-1999)
Daniela Miga – a poet, writer and artistic decorator, was the daughter of Ernestina and Ion Miga (who was a well known pharmacist in Constanta, Romania). In the comments section I am publishing few articles in original, which refer to Daniela Miga as well. 

Then our dear friend Adina introduced to the entire group her lifelong friend, the Romanian poet, Monica Pillat and recited one of her works, called “Mergeam prin Balcic“ (the entire poem is published, in original, in the comments section). 

Portrait: Monica PILLAT
Dr. Monica Pillat is professor of English & American Literature, writer, poet, literary critic & editor, just to name a few of her beautiful professional achievements.
In the comments section I am posting few biographical notes, as publicly circulated by Humanitas Editorial House.

To our further delight, our evening together continued with the presentation of Sandu, who introduced us a book called “Toward the heights of success (The happiness formula) “, written by Pavel Corutz. Needless to say how exited everyone became when Sandu was kind to share that happiness is something we all can learn, emphasizing that after all happiness is a choice. The concept in itself ignited an interesting series of conversations, which definitively will continue to some extent during our future sessions.
At this point, our dear friend Adina, who is also a PhD. in neurobiology, confirmed that from a scientific stand point, neuropathic highways could be modified by proper thinking.
Also, a number of applied psychology remarks ensued from the entire group and the name of Jordan Peterson surfaced (Dr. Peterson is a Canadian clinical psychologist, a renowned professor of psychology and public speaker).   

Then our friend Ileana further elaborated on some psychological aspects of our modern society, highlighting the contemporary trends of personality transformations. Later, in order to remain true to our topic of the day, the current summer season, Ileana recited for us all the poem “Vara la tara“, by George Toparceanu (the entire poem is published, in original, in the comments section). 

Next, our friend Lidia recited the poem “Cine poate sti“, by Ana Blandiana, who is a Romanian poet, essayist, and political figure, considered one of the leading contemporary authors (the entire poem is published, in original, in the comments section).

Last, but not least, our friend Camelia recited the poem “Zi de vara“, by George Toparceanu (the entire poem is published in the comments section).

After all the presentations were delivered, I was very pleased to congratulate two of our dear friends who just recently (only few weeks ago) became grannies; a bunch of good wishes were neatly written in the greetings cards our two friends were gifted with.

Without any doubt, time was flying by very fast. We wrapped up the evening together with light refreshments, snacks many of us brought, and lengthy conversations.

As things nicely unfolded during the time we spent together, once again I realized how delightful and nourishing could be to spend time with like-minded people; the instant synergy that is created during our group conversations always is warming up our hearts from inside out and that in itself is truly beautiful!

Anyhow, once again, by this note as well, I’m extending my sincere appreciation to my dear friends who were able & willing to put few hours aside so we could meet at the end of another long week to discuss poetry, summer journals, national history, society trends, cultural movements & life in general. Kudos to each of them! 
Till we meet again, my best greetings to all!
Alice

“Be happy not because everything is good, but because you can see the good side of everything.“ 

This event has been delivered in Romanian Language, featuring Romanian culture. 

About SIMPLICITY

According to many, simplicity is the state of being simple (but not 'empty' or meaningless); concisely speaking, it is the ability of one to express in a plain while orderly manner. 

From an advanced perspective, simplicity implies living with very few personal possessions while letting go of consumerism, which significantly changes the approach to life.

For some people, simplicity is the main theme of existence, which allows focusing with clarity and purpose on the essential core rather than getting lost into traps or any interference.
Over centuries simplicity has been associated with happiness, all leading to a long and fulfilling life.
Further on this topic, here is a short tale, which makes it for a nice, quick reading. Enjoy!

Short tale: “Socrates and the Marketplace”

True philosopher that he was, Socrates believed that the wise person would instinctively lead a frugal life. Himself would not even wear shoes, yet he fell under the spell of the marketplace and would go there often to look at all the wares on display. When one of his friends asked him why, Socrates said: "I love to go there and discover how many things I am perfectly happy without."

“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” (Leonardo da Vinci)

A story for anyone who's not quite perfect

Dear ones,

Recently I came across this short story, which I would like to share with you…I’m very sure most of you already know it…so do I (since childhood), but reading it again, brought into my awareness a whole new meaning for compassion, forgiveness, humbleness, gratitude and ultimately love, which I believe it could be a good refresher for all as we take a quick moment to ponder about life in general. Please, enjoy this light reading!

"THE CRACKED POT: A Story for anyone who's not quite perfect"

Once upon a time, a water bearer had two large pots, one hung on each end of a pole, which he carried across her neck; one of the pots had a crack in it, while the other pot was perfect, and always delivered a full portion of water at the end of the long walk from the stream to the house, the cracked pot arrived only half full.

For a full two years this went on daily, with the bearer delivering only one and a half pots full of water to his house.
The perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments, perfect to the end for which it was made. But the poor cracked pot, in comparison, was deeply ashamed of its own imperfection, and truly miserable that it was able to accomplish only half of what it had been made to do.
After two years of what it perceived to be a bitter failure, it spoke to the water bearer one day by the stream: 
"I am ashamed of myself, and I want to apologize to you."
"Why?" asked the bearer. "What are you ashamed of?"
"I have been able, for these past two years, to deliver only half my load because this crack in my side causes water to leak out all the way back to your house. Because of my flaws, you have to do all of this work, and you don't get full value from your efforts," the pot said. 

The water bearer felt sorry for the old cracked pot, and in his compassion he said, "As we return to the house, I want you to notice the beautiful flowers along the path.'
Indeed, as they went up the hill, the old cracked pot took notice of the sun warming, beautiful wild flowers on one side of the path, and this cheered it some. 
But at the end of the trail, it still felt bad because it had leaked out half of its load, and so again it apologized to the bearer for its failure. 

The bearer said to the pot, "Did you notice that there were flowers only on your side of the path, but not on the other pot's side?
"That's because I have always known about your flaw, and I benefited from it. I planted flower seeds on your side of the path, and every day while we walk back from the stream, you've watered them. For two years I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate our table. Without you being just the way you are, we would not have this beauty to grace our house."

MORAL: Each of us has unique flaws; in varied way/s, we're all are some sort of cracked pots, but it's the cracks and flaws we each have that make our lives together so very interesting and rewarding...we've just got to take each person for what they are, and look for the good in them, because it is a lot of good out there.

On the road to perfection, often we forget about the flowers from our side of the path, which bring their own fragrance to the journey…please take a moment to observe them, to think about them, spend more time to analyze them and suddenly you will realize that a new dialogue is unfolding – a dialogue between you and yourself, which has the potential of bringing answers to many unspoken questions. 

 “This is the very perfection of a man - to find out his own imperfections.” (Saint Augustine)

Excerpt from a summer journal

Summer – a time to relax and replenish...a wonderful season which allows unwinding or leisure travelling with loved ones, gardening or eventually walking barefoot on the green grass, sun bathing or sun gazing (at sun rise or sunset), attending varied outdoor festivals /activities, or a time just to simply cherish peaceful moments of rest in warm stillness.

For instance, describing the feelings of sincere joy and gratitude happening in my heart during a stroll on the beach at the sunset can’t be put into words, but definitively are making for a powerful relaxing experience, with a lasting reverberation.  

On the other hand, it has been observed that peaceful walks in nature during summer time can heighten our attention toward each step we take (either horizontally or vertically, metaphorically speaking) making us feel more present and appreciative at the same time.  

Without any doubt, summer is the perfect time of the year to enjoy the rejuvenating green colors of the blooming flora, while expressing sincere gratitude for all the miracles of creation as nature is spoiling us all with such a fertile bounty and truly splendid sunlight. 

Wishing you a pleasant season!

"If you truly love nature, you will find beauty everywhere." (Vincent van Gogh)