Inspiration of the day: QUIETUDE

Ludwig van Beethoven: “Silencio” (classical music)

In the midst of everything, while ‘noise’ of any kind surrounds us we could easily get disconnected from ourselves to such an extent that we are not able to hear anymore that valuable inner voice (so called by many, the inner voice of reason), which always contains the wisdom that we need to heal, to grow, and to put our thoughts together in order to further carry on with our journey (swiftly and joyfully).  

Quietude is the only 'avenue' able to take us back within, where is peace, where is clarity, where is simplicity, where is the fundamental truth of life, we each need. 
Many times we all search for answers and clarity, and more often than not, we are looking into the wrong direction for guidance. 
In the current super consumerist society it could become a real challenge to go beyond the mind chattering in a consistent manner.

There are extensive studies explaining that only in silence people could focus and recognize the truth. Only in a safe and calm environment we might be able to ‘shift’ from the outer into the inner world, where we could find peace, direction, sense, the needed healing & the meaningful answers that we mistakenly were looking for where else.

If you haven’t practice such recollection yet, I encourage you to take time to find your oasis of peace, while remembering: the quieter you become the more you can hear!

“Listen to the silence; it has so much to say.”

TIME is flying by very fast

Whether we realize it or not, time is a tremendously valuable treasure, and unfortunately so many people waste it foolishly in lots of meaningless activities.

Philosophers believe that if we would take care of time, other things would take care of themselves automatically.

The greatest figures of the history knew the value of time, so that’s is why they were able to leave remarkable footprints behind.
Generally speaking people want success, happiness, money, fame, etc., etc., but the records have shown that only those who make the best of their time could have many of these. We all grow in time, live in time, die in time, and that’s why every minute is so important. Nothing is more significant than time! As I've said before, time is more powerful than kings and princess (who come and go)...time goes on eternally. Time is destiny, it is history, it is civilization. Nothing is beyond time! Time is way more precious than money. We identify time as birth, growth, decay and death, but time is neither a beginning nor an end. Time is forever. Everyone should appreciate the value of time and make good use of it, because time is an opportunity, and if it slips through our hands, we can’t bring it back so that’s why it is crucial to make sure we spend it wisely.

On the other hand, life is very short. It has been said by many that it is like a drop in the ocean, and this drop should not be wasted…it should be turned into a pearl by using it wisely and thoughtfully.

For your brief enjoyment, here is a short story shared by an intelligent woman, which I find appropriate to pass it on…peaceful reading, dear ones!

Insights

“I am no longer waiting for a special occasion; I burn the best candles on ordinary days.

I am no longer waiting for the house to be clean; I fill it with people who understand that even dust is part of life.

I am no longer waiting for everyone to understand me; it’s just not their task.

I am no longer waiting for the perfect kids; my children have their own names that burn as brightly as any star.

I am no longer waiting for the other shoe to drop; it already did, and I survived.

I am no longer waiting for the time to be right; the time is always now.

I am no longer waiting for the mate who will complete me; I am grateful to be so warmly and tenderly held.

I am no longer waiting for a quiet moment; my heart can be stilled whenever it is called.

I am no longer waiting for the world to be at peace; I unclench my grasp and breathe peace in and out.

I am no longer waiting to do something great; being awake to carry my grain of sand is enough.

I am no longer waiting to be recognized; I know that I could dance each time I choose to.

I am no longer waiting for Forgiveness; I offer it and move on.”

Life is short. Time is fast. No replay. No rewind. Enjoy every moment as it comes.

Few thoughts about THE WAY PEOPLE THINK

Whether we agree or not, many times, the mind "grinds" negative thoughts of dissatisfaction (such as lack of forgiveness, non-acceptance, resentment, envy, etc.) and in such situation/s, logically speaking, it has no way of generating a positive and a healthy experience, isn’t it?!

The extraordinary part of it is that the mind (representing the totality of your thoughts) is "under the direction" of your will, which is basically the ability to choose the kinds of thoughts it will host, and that in itself gives us all tremendous hope. Your thoughts are like seeds: what you sow, you reap (right?!), and based on that you could choose a certain way of thinking and subsequently a certain way of living. 
Despite the fact that in our society, a human being does not always have the ability to influence the external circumstances and the behavior of his or her fellows, in the end s/he still has the ability to choose how to react to what it is done to her or to him. 
Do you remember the saying: “life is 20 percent what happens to you and 80 percent how you respond”? Generally, that’s pretty much the case! Let it be clear that positive thinking does not mean you do not notice the bad things in life; it means that you try to find a solution in a productive way instead of whining about it.

I know, in theory it sounds good and easy, but practically speaking it is a bit harder.
Well, as you all know, when the ground slips away from under your feet, cling to the sky…Sunday is coming! Meanwhile, dear friends please stay healthy and wise!

"The measure of happiness in your life depends on the quality of your thoughts" (Marcus Aurelius)

August 31, 2022: ROMANIAN LANGUAGE Day

The Romanian Language Day is another perfect occasion for all Romanians throughout the world to celebrate their cultural heritage and to be remembered that despite the fact that many people use this language routinely, our ancestors fought for it.

“The Romanian Language Day is a celebration of the Romanian soul, because the language is the most pronounced effigy of the Romanians.”
(Ioan Aurel Pop, the president of the Romanian Academy, at the debate "The current status of the Romanian language")

”Limba română are virtuţi complete, adică poate fi vehicul a tot ce se întâmplă spiritual în om. E foarte greu de mânuit.

Prin ea poţi deveni vultur sau cântăreţ de strană.”  ~Petre Ţuţea~

● Excerpt: 
Many definitions have been given of the language and of the Romanian language, but language for me means a living organism that is born, grows, develops and even ages sometimes and flows into other languages at the same time as the people who created it and that served as a means of communication. That's why we are talking, perhaps scientifically incorrect, but in colloquial language, about living languages and dead languages. Ours is alive and no matter how contaminated it may be today by neologisms, barbarisms, hyper-urbanisms, unusual abbreviations, naughty text messages, we should not be afraid. The Romanian language still has the power to remain itself despite these various dangers," said Ioan Aurel Pop during an event held in the Academy's Aula.

Did you know? Romanian Language is mother tongue of around 30 million individuals, and taught as a foreign language in universities, in 45 countries.

● My previous post on the same theme: ROMANIAN LANGUAGE Day – 2021

NOTE: Dear readers, please be advised that on this website each of the previous postings, pertaining to the recurrent annual themes, portray a different perspective of the subject/s presented (same theme/s, but a different outlook without duplication due to the cultural richness of the specific topic/s discussed). 

FOREST – a precious gift of nature

A beautiful summer walk in the coolness of an ancient forest might inspire your imagination, stir and rejuvenate your senses, while easily and effortlessly could bring years to your life.

A forest is much more than a collection of splendid old trees….a forest makes our environment clean and green. 

May we appreciate this!
🌿🌿🌿🌿🌿

“The Sounds of the FOREST” 

(audio)

About "JUDGEMENT" & "NON-JUDGEMENT"

The truth is that we all make judgements, as it seems to be in the human nature to do so, because one of the purposes of the mind /brain is to judge, and we do it instinctively, subconsciously, without realising at times; it’s a primal thing designed to “keep us safe”.
The way we look at things, our actions, responses, opinions, behaviours, communication, they are all showing signs of our journey in some way.
Judgements are based on our own experiences and the lenses we view the world through, being based on our own moral compass, values, beliefs, stories and understanding, all of which are formed through our own life experiences – our work experiences, relationships, teachings and interactions, things we’re exposed to first, second and third hand, including media and social media.
Consequently, we have thoughts and feelings around situations, circumstances, events, practices, behaviours, beliefs, attitudes, ideas, values, people and ourselves that will have an automatic internal response for us. Based on what you see, hear or experience, a series of responses in your brain will be triggered.
Judgements can also be influenced by how we’re feeling at any given moment, with things like tolerance, acceptance & patience being the first to go when we’re low.

On the other hand, theoretically, being non-judgemental refers to "having a sense of balance, a sound way of understanding misunderstandings and a civilized manner of accepting those with whom we may disagree. This behaviour is reflected in one's words, choices, actions and reactions."
Being non-judgemental is how you acknowledge, deal with & manage those judgments, the influence & impact they have – from both sides of the coin; it is about being open minded, being in the moment, actively listening, while allowing that judgement to pass & not interfere with being fully present for that person or case. 

To be non-judgmental, a great deal of personal awareness and understanding is required.
In essence, being non-judgemental is about acceptance, empathy, compassion and understanding it is about having the knowledge and skills to be able to listen properly, to observe, clarifying your understanding and interpretation without assumption. This is in congruence with what you’re saying and the way you’re behaving, being fully present, not just physically. Basically, it is meeting that person where they are, in life, in business, mentally, emotionally, while creating an environment that enables them to feel safe and deal with what they need help with.
People will make judgements, especially out there on social media, but it’s a reflection of the person doing the judging. It is important to be careful that applying labels and making judgments, although it seems easy and sometimes gives momentary satisfaction of an illusory superiority, in the medium and long term erodes or even damages relationships, breaks hearts, steals peace & harmony, and on top of everything else, it destroys health (both of the object of the judgment, & especially of the one who judges). For the most part, it’s our own judgements that cause us the biggest difficulties, the assumptions we make about what other people may think or do, or how things might work out.

At this time the kindness and understanding of the other (during his or her difficult times) heals and restores....it is similar with a familiar feeling....when we are held in arms, caressed and loved, a voice inside us tells us: I can go and face the world again.

"Everything we judge in other is something within ourselves we don’t want to face."

GOODNESS never goes out of style

Our world is constantly changing, but I truly believe that goodness will never go out of style!

I agree that at times goodness could be considered unrealistic, or silly, it can be abused or even punished, but it cannot be devalued or disregarded. 

True goodness is a noble virtue – it comes naturally, it puts no conditions and expects nothing in return.

In life we all could observe that good deeds usually return to you tenfold, in more beautiful forms than you would ever imagine and at unexpected times (generally taking you by surprise).

Our elders used to believe that he who sows goodness reaps friendship, and whoever plants kindness gathers love, and we all might notice, a way or another, that this is pretty much the case.

I am certain that if we were so wise as to be good to our fellows more often and not to expect anything in return, the world (if not the entire world, for sure your world) would probably be a much better place to live, and definitively more beautiful.

From a scientific perspective, many studies proved that good people are healthier, because when you are kind and do good things you feel good, and to me this is the best way to live our humanity authentically and fully.

"The best preparation for good work tomorrow is to do a good work today."

Socializing: Summer Picnic 2022 & Plein Air Painting

Since the ongoing summer is spoiling all of us with nice warm days, on Friday (August 5’22) I organized by the side of the Pacific Ocean (in Vancouver) the annual picnic for my Circle, this year being conjugated with soft jazz music and a demonstration of plein air painting, graciously offered by painter Victor Gligor.

Even though the pandemic related constraints lessened a lot in our province, at the welcoming table, amongst other things, my guests were greeted with a large tray of hands sanitizers (as the safety protocol is still closely observed).

But before I will tell you few things about our beautiful evening together, firstly I would like to share that my special guest (painter Victor Gligor) is a member of the Federation of Canadian Artists, and over time he had numerous exhibitions, both in Granville Island at the Federation’s Gallery and in other well-known art galleries and places of reference in BC.

For your edification, here is Victor’s biography as well as his website. I was truly happy that Victor honored my invitation with such kindness and elegance.

Also, I was glad that on that Friday, Victor sold a very nice painting to one of my guests, and once again I would like to wish the new owners to fully enjoy it! 

Now briefly talking about our gathering: this is the second summer in a row I am organizing a picnic for my group and each time the outcome was heart-warming.

After more than two years of social austerity, for each of us a new occasion to meet face to face brings us all real joy. Spending time in nature, with like-minded friends, while talking about art and having a soft jazz music in the background mixed with the sound of the ocean waves is absolutely perfect for a summer evening.
And so it was our gathering! For this picnic I chose a place where the consumption of alcohol was legally accepted and having a sip of a good quality wine on top of everything else brought along a different vibe.

On the other hand, as you already know, each time I put together an original surprise for my friends and this evening I brought few liters of a traditional Romanian summer soft drink, called “Elderflower cordial” (Ro: ”Socată”) I’ve prepared at home.

To everyone's delight, this gesture reminded them all about dear childhood moments, when many Romanians back home consumed it with great pleasure; I could easily state (without any exaggeration) that this summer beverage meant for all of us what Coca-Cola meant to those who grew up on the North American continent.

Last, but not least, much appreciation to our friend Sandu who delighted us with a great jazz music!

For your enjoyment, here is a short video clip I’ve created for this occasion... 

It was really satisfying to be able to spend few hours together, socializing in a pleasant and relaxing setting while catching up on the latest developments in each other’s lives….good quality time and easy going bonding, which filled our hearts with so much joy!

Dear ones, until our paths will meet again, my best wishes to all for a great rest of the summer!

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

● ARTICLE featuring our event on August 5, 2022, published by OBSERVATORUL (from Toronto)

● The previous picnic I organized for my Circle: Socializing...Summer Picnic 2021 & Book Launch

Summer vibes of 2022

As the current summer is nicely unfolding, I took a bit of time to reflect on how much life and people have changed lately, given the most recent ‘saga’ the entire world was going through, and the concept of contentment (in its full complexity) was emerging like never before, emphasizing that in fact it is not so important how much and what you have, but rather how do you relate to what you have. You can have a lot and still be in need of that little “something” in order to reach happiness. 

Or, you can deliberately choose to enjoy every single thing you have, and when you perceive life this way, shortly you realize that you have a lot.

On the other hand, noticing with satisfaction the joy of the long summer days, or that the sky is unfathomably blue, while observing that the sun is not a second late in meeting the sunrise, without any doubt your heart will be overwhelmed by the surrounding beauty of nature.  Yes…observe, give thanks and enjoy!
It is believed by many that “thankfulness precedes a miracle”. Our elders used to consider that contentment (gratitude) is the most inexpensive medicine for maintaining a good health, a glowing inner beauty and sound relationships. Yes, relationships! You all know that in life, disgruntled and grumpy people are always avoided, so it is much wiser to choose to be on the side of the grateful and the content ones! Yes, it is a choice and it is entirely yours!