93 Awesome Inspirational Quotes

“Words that enlighten the soul are more precious than Jewels.” Hazrat Inayat Khan

I hope you enjoy my list 93 awesome inspirational quotes. This handpicked list of favorites is a diverse selection that was slowly compiled over my life. This is no cut & paste job with excess crap. It’s my absolute Favorite Inspirational Quotes. Hope you enjoy and share…

My Top Ten Inspirational Quotes

“No man is free who is not master of himself.”  Epictetus

“It’s the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting.” The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

“A person is a success if they get up in the morning and gets to bed at night and in between does what he wants to do.” Bob Dylan

“The appearances of things change according to the emotions, and thus we see magic and beauty in them, while the magic and beauty are really in ourselves.”  Kahlil Gibran

“First say to yourself what you would be;
and then do what you have to do.”  Epictetus

“Champions aren’t made in the gyms. Champions are made from something they have deep inside them — a desire, a dream, a vision.” Muhammad Ali

“It is in the compelling zest of high adventure and of victory, and in creative action, that man finds his supreme joys.” Antoine de Sainte Exupery

“We are still masters of our fate.
We are still captains of our souls.”  Winston Churchill

“The credit belongs to those who are actually in the arena, who strive valiantly; who know the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, and spend themselves in a worthy cause; who at the best, know the triumph of high achievement; and who, at the worst, if they fail, fail while daring greatly, so that their place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.”  Theodore Roosevelt

My next 11 favorite Inspirational quotes:

“Everyday, God gives us the sun – and also one moment in which we have the ability to change everything…” Paulo Coelho

“Winning isn’t everything, but wanting to win is.”  Vince Lombardi

“Courage is the discovery that you may not win, and trying when you know you can lose.”  Tom Krause Inspirational quotes

“Every human is an artist. The dream of your life is to make beautiful art.”  Don Miguel Ruiz

“When you judge others, you do not define them, you define yourself.”  Earl Nightingale

“In the hopes of reaching the moon men fail to see the flowers that blossom at their feet.”  Albert Schweitzer

“Hope is the dream of a man awake.” French Proverb

“I postpone death by living, by suffering, by error, by risking, by giving, by losing.”   Anais Nin

“Life is a big canvas, throw all the paint on it you can.”  Danny Kaye

“And in the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.”  Abraham Lincoln

“When inspiration does not come to me, I go half way to meet it.” Sigmund Freud

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”
– Mark Twain

My next 12 favorite Inspirational quotes:

“Live in each season as it passes; breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit, and resign yourself to the influences of each. “ Henry David Thoreau

“Every ceiling, when reached, becomes a floor, upon which one walks as a matter of course and prescriptive right.” Aldous Huxley

“Only as high as I reach can I grow, only as far as I seek can I go, only as deep as I look can I see, only as much as I dream can I be.” Karen Ravn quotes

“You’re on the road to success when you realize that failure is only a detour.”  Anonymous

“A man is not old until regrets take the place of dreams.” John Barrymore

“To live is so startling it leaves little time for anything else.” Emily Dickinson

“I like living. I have sometimes been wildly, despairingly, acutely miserable, racked with sorrow, but through it all I still know quite certainly that just to be alive is a grand thing.” Agatha Christie

“Reach high, for stars lie hidden in your soul. Dream deep, for every dream precedes the goal.” Pamela Vaull Starr Inspirational quote

“Don’t follow your dreams; chase them.”  Richard Dumb

“A rich man is not one who has the most, but one who needs the least.”  Unknown

“It is enough that I am of value to somebody today.”  Hugh Prather

“It’s never too late to be what you might have been.”  George Elliot

My next 13 favorite Inspiration quotes:

“Our truest life is when we are in dreams awake.” Henry David Thoreau

“Cherish your visions and your dreams, as they are the children of your soul; the blueprints of your ultimate achievements.” Anonymous inspirational quotes

“Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else.” Judy Garland

“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.” Mahatma Gandhi

“You gotta dance like nobody’s watching, dream like you will live forever, live like you’re going to die tomorrow and love like it’s never going to hurt.” Meme Grifsters

“One life – a little gleam of time between two eternities.”  Thomas Carlyle

“If you only do what you know you can do- you never do very much.”  Tom Krause

“The mind that is anxious about future events is miserable.”  Seneca

“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”  Martin Luther King, Jr Inspirational quotes

“I was never afraid of failure, for I would sooner fail than not be among the best.”  John Keats

“Happiness resides not in possessions and not in gold; the feeling of happiness dwells in the soul.” Democritus

“One of the most tragic things I know about human nature is that all of us tend to put off living. We are all dreaming of some magical rose garden over the horizon-instead of enjoying the roses blooming outside our windows today.” Dale Carnegie

“When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on.”  Franklin D. Roosevelt

My next 14 favorite Inspirational quotes:

“Every ceiling, when reached, becomes a floor, upon which one walks as a matter of course and prescriptive right.” Aldous Huxley

“It was a high counsel that I once heard given to a young person, “Always do what you are afraid to do.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

“Men’s best successes come after their disappointments.”  Henry Ward Beecher.

“Happiness is like a kiss. You must share it to enjoy it.’ Bernard Meltzer

“The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.” Gandhi

“Happy are those who dream dreams and are ready to pay the price to make them come true.” Leon J. Suenes

“It isn’t what you have, or who you are, or where you are, or what you are doing that makes you happy or unhappy. It is what you think about.”  Dale Carnegie

“Character is a diamond that scratches every other stone.” Cyrus A. Bartol

“If you aren’t going all the way, why go at all?”  Joe Namath

“There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.”  Albert Einstein

“We make our fortunes, and we call them fate.”  Earl of Beaconsfield

“For every minute you remain angry, you give up sixty seconds of peace of mind.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

“The great and glorious masterpiece of
man is to know how to live to purpose.”  Michel de Montaigne

“Success is sweet: the sweeter if long delayed and attained through manifold struggles and defeats.”  A. Branson Alcott

My next 15 favorite Inspirational quotes:

“I would not exchange the laughter of my heart for the fortunes of the multitudes.” Kahlil Gibran

“Quite often we change jobs, friends and spouses instead of ourselves.” Akbarali H. Jetha

“If you do not hope, you will not find what is beyond your hopes.”  St. Clement of Alexandra

“Seek the lofty by reading, hearing and seeing great work at some moment every day.”  Thornton Wilder

“If you don’t know where you are going, you’ll end up some place else.”  Yogi Berra

“What you dislike in another take care to correct in yourself.” Thomas Sprat

“Practice yourself in little things, and thence proceed to greater.” Epictetus

“Each day is a new canvas to paint upon. Make sure your picture is full of life and happiness, and at the end of the day you don’t look at it and wish you had painted something different.” Unknown

“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.” Henry David Thoreau

“It is the characteristic of the magnanimous man to ask no favor but to be ready to do kindness to others.” Aristotle

“There is only one way to happiness, and that is to cease worrying things which are beyond the power of our will.”  Epictetus

“Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds.” Albert Einstein

“Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

“For hope is but the dream
of those that wake.”  Matthew Prior

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” Eleanor Roosevelt

My final 17 favorite Inspirational quotes:

“To find what you seek in the road of life,
the best proverb of all is that which says:
“Leave no stone unturned.” Edward Bulwer Lytton

“Anything in life that we don’t accept will simply make trouble for us until we make peace with it.” Shakti Gawain

“Dreams are renewable. No matter what our age or condition, there are still untapped possibilities within us and new beauty waiting to be born.”  Dale E. Turner

“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore,
is not an act but a habit.” Aristotle

“Nurture your mind with great thoughts, for you will never go any higher than you think.” Benjamin Disraeli

“There is no paycheck that can equal the feeling of contentment that comes from being the person you are meant to be.”  Oprah Winfrey

“If your actions inspire others to dream more,
learn more, do more and become more,
you are a leader.” John Quincy Adams

“Do not follow where the path may lead.
Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” Harold R. McAlindon

“The greatest good you can do for another is not just share your riches, but reveal to them their own.” Disraeli

“What chance gathers she easily scatters. A great person attracts great people and knows how to hold them together.”  Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe

“The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack in will.” Vince Lombardi

“May you have enough happiness to make you sweet, enough trials to make you strong, enough sorrow to keep you human, and enough hope to bring you joy.” Unknown

“Change and growth take place when a person has risked himself and dares to become involved with experimenting with his own life.” Herbert Otto

“Dost thou love life?
Then do not squander time,
for that is the stuff life is made of.”  Benjamin Franklin

“Learn to enjoy every minute of your life. Be happy now. Don’t wait for something outside of yourself to make you happy in the future. Think how really precious is the time you have to spend, whether it’s at work or with your family. Every minute should be enjoyed and savoured”.  Earl Nightingale

If you want happiness for an hour — take a nap.
If you want happiness for a day — go fishing.
If you want happiness for a month — get married.
If you want happiness for a year — inherit a fortune.

If you want happiness for a lifetime — help someone else.”  Chinese proverb

“If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again. Then quit. There’s no use being a damn fool about it.” W.C. Fields

I hope you enjoyed my Inspirational quotes. Feel free to add any inspirational quotes of your own in my comment section below.

I was inspired to share this collection of awesome inspirational quotes after finding Neil Pasricha’s blog 1000Awesomethings. This simple and sweet blog acquired a fierce following of readers. Neil recently published a book The Book of Awesome that has received high praise that echoed far beyond the net. Open yourself to some Inspirational Awesomeness today.

Buy The Book of Awesome: Snow Days, Bakery Air, Finding Money in Your Pocket, and Other Simple, Brilliant Things

Filipino proverb

I remember a distinct moment from grade school: I looked around the classroom and wonder if anybody else was actually listening to the teacher. My wandering imagination has always fascinated me. I would dream constantly; paying little attention to the boring or mundane. My imagination is like a trusted friend I can always rely on to entertain me. I would learn this was to be my blessed curse; a never ending imagination of possible wonders.

I read somewhere that writing is no more than a guided dream…

This dream starts in grade twelve English with the poem Ulysses by Lord Alfred Tennyson. It was the first time that literature would inspire me to take action. I was mesmerized by this poem and it would soon become a part of my soul. The great urge to travel the world pursuing distant horizons and unknown wonders filled my heart. I made a decision that day to travel Europe for the summer; and it was simply the most enlightening decision I have ever made.

“…I am a part of all that I have met;
Yet all experience is an arch wherethro’
Gleams that untravell’d world whose margin fades
For ever and forever when I move.
How dull it is to pause, to make an end,
To rust unburnish’d, not to shine in use!
As tho’ to breathe were life!…” Ulysses by Lord Alfred Tennyson

I found part of my true self that summer in Europe. I grew more in character then the previous 18 years of my life. The world was a grand vast place and I needed to contribute my verse. Everything was so fresh and alive; I was seeing the world in a new light. It was sensory-overload and for the first time, my imagination stilled. I didn’t realize it at the time, but somewhere between The Grand Place in Brussels and the snow covered peaks of Switzerland, I took my first step towards a few fleeting moments of enlightenment.

It would take three years for me to return to Europe. I had become a lost soul in University. My live the biggest life you can attitude had me hanging my hat in the pub instead of the classroom. I was having the time of my life, completely unaware that my future was taking a turn for the worst. I had lost all direction; something big was missing in my life. The Scary part was that I had no idea what.

I started my trip in England and managed to make my way down to Greece. Just thinking about Greece as I write gives me chills. That warm ocean breeze and winding seaside roads seemed to naturally heal my unhappiness. I was a free soul again: I was loving life once more.

Sitting on a rock in Corfu enjoying the splendor of the brilliant pink sunset and contemplating my life. I decided to make a list of everything I loved and hated about myself. I looked at the list for a long time – and then I threw it in the Ocean. It was a list of my past-self, and I made peace with it, realizing it had no bearing on my future. Then it struck me hard. This overwhelming and absolute feeling of joy invaded my soul. I wept with tears for joy for the first time in my life. I cried my eyes out and it felt wonderful. I was happy to be who I was; and proud of my place in the world. That cry still remains one of the happiest moments in my life. I was forever a changed man.

Nothing could hold me back from returning to Europe next summer.  I needed to sit on my rock and figure out one question. What I want to do with my life?  The question was simple.  If I could do anything at all, what would make me the happiest?  The answer never showed. So I left Greece on a ferry heading to Italy. I was listening to Ben Harper’s song ‘Give a man a home’ and I finally figure it out. I wanted to travel the  world and write about it. That would make me the happiest man I could be.

I knew that was the answer I was looking for more then I knew anything else on earth.  I traveled up the coast to arrive in Barcelona a few days later; and had my first meeting with fate.  I arrived late at night and there wasn’t a bed to be found anywhere.  I stored my backpack in a locker at the train station and headed to the beach to crash. I awoke miserable and tired. I searched everywhere for 6 hours to find a place to stay. The hot sun was pouring down and my backpack was digging deeper and deeper into my shoulders. I had no luck at all.  I was ready to give up and get back on the train, but I decided to give it one more try. Finally, the hostel Alberg Palau had one bed available; relief.  On my bed was a copy of The Pilgrimage by Paulo Coelho: a story about a sacred journey to Santiago Compostela in Northern Spain to become a new man. That book would become part of my journey as I traveled through the luscious green valleys of Spain to the Cathedral of Saint James. The Cathedral was breathtaking and for the first time I felt immersed in the Soul of the World. I was certain that a higher source of power existed on earth, and I felt comforted by that.

“It is the pleasure of searching and the pleasure of the adventure.  You are nourishing something that’s very important-your dreams.  We must never stop dreaming.  Dreams provide nourishment for the soul, just as a meal does for the body.  Many times in our lives we see our dreams shattered and our desires frustrated, but we have to continue dreaming.  If we don’t, our soul dies…” The Pilgrimage by Paulo Coelho

I returned home and picked up a copy of Coelho’s famous book The Alchemist.  It was an omen that confirmed everything I had learned in my travels. I would begin listening to my heart and following my dreams.  I was the Sheppard boy Santiago whose love for traveling had revealed his personal treasure. From that moment on, I dedicated my life to becoming a writer.  I had finally found what I was looking for; my destiny.

“When you want something with all your heart, that’s when you are closest to the Soul of the World. It’s always a positive force.” The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

Ulysses is still my favorite poem, and The Alchemist my favorite book by my favorite author. I have yet to return to my rock on the beautiful beach of Corfu, but I know I will make it back there someday. Hopefully with a copy of my bestseller in one hand and my journal in the other.

“It’s the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting.” The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

Hope you enjoyed my insight…. Peace and safe travels…

Jonathan

The Evolution of this blog and what to expect in year 3.

Over the weekend, I retraced my steps in Cyberspace and was pleasantly surprise with the evolution of E.y.D. However, truth be told, this blog wasn’t initial very good. In fact, it kind of sucked. It was obvious how my writing style had developed to expose more insight. But one Key ingredient still remained missing: My true voice. It really came down to one thing: My fear of being vulnerable.  In short, the message on E.y.D was clear, but it had no personal tone.  I – was absent.

Awareness is the catalyst for change. It’s time to pull back the curtain and empty my bleeding heart by taking risks and writing with passion. I vow to broaden my quest for a more enlightened life and share it with you.  I’m stepping out of my comfort zone to experience new things, and devoting myself to practicing the message I preach.

Here is what else you can expect from E.y.D in year 3:

A Facelift:

A bright new Earthy look. A much needed change from the former dark muddled appearance. The new look is bright and consistent with my message to enlighten your day.  Here is a quick snap shot of the old Face of E.y.D What do you think? Did I take a step in the right direction?

New pages and updated directory:

I have edited my pages by adding short original summaries to communicate my message in as few words as possible. Moreover, my new service page allows authors to submit their book for a free review; and the chance for other writers to contribute guest posts. In addition, my updated Enlightened Directory is designed to make navigation fun and easy.

Monthly Newsletter:

My monthly E.y.D Newsletter will launch next month. Here is a sneak preview of what you can expect.

Original articles, monthly Book reviews, selected quote collections, and must-see-movies. In addition, I will include Cyberspace highlights featuring a bloggers, Youtube videos, and photo collections of the month.  Be one of the first 250 to sign up and get a free copy of my upcoming eBook.

My new Ebook:

My intent is to create a book that will brighten a sad day and lift a broken heart. Each chapter will start with one negative emotion and boldly attempt to give my readers the power to change a negative feeling into a positive one. For instance, my chapter on Sadness will include selected stories with happy endings, happy quotes, and my personal experiences designed to strip away sad tears and allow the sun to shine once again.   My eBook is a long way from finished, but I will have it completed very soon.

I thank you for your support during my growth and evolution phase of E.y.D. I hope you’ll take an active role in the coming year by sharing your thoughts and insights in my comment section.

Kindest Regards,

Jonathan

Follow the linkssssss…  What R U waiting for???

Daily Necessities Web 2.0

(Links and Stumbles for building a spiritual life in the Blogosphere )

Pray

Meditate

Be aware/Stay awake
Bow
Practise yoga
Feel
Chant and sing
Breathe and smile
Relax/Enjoy/Laugh/Play
Create/Envision
Let Go/Forgive Accept
Walk/Exercise/Move
Work/Serve/Contribute
Listen/Learn/Enquire
Consider/Reflect
Cultivate oneself/Enhance competencies
Cultivate contentment
Cultivate flexibility
Cultivate friendship and collaboration
Lighten up
Celebrate and appreciate
Dream
Give thanks
Evolve
Love
Share/Give/Receive
Walk softly/Live gently
Expand/Radiate/Dissolve
Simplify
Surrender/Trust
Be born anew

from Awakening The Buddha Within by Lama Surya

(Tips & pointers for building a spiritual life from scratch)

Daily Necessities Web 2.0

(Links and Stumbles for building a spiritual life in the Blogosphere )

The idea for this post was inspired by Greg Rutter‘s Definitive List of The 99 Things You Should Have Already Experienced On The Internet Unless You’re a Loser or Old or Something. Thanks Greg for your awesome creativity.

Last week a reader contacted me on E.y.D with the subject line: Buddhist Bible?

Message:  “Just stumbled upon your site, and it is very inspiring. I need something to bring peace to my life. I just hit 50 and realized how miserable I have been for most of my life. Anyway, is there a Buddhist book similar to a Bible? What should I begin with? Again, wonderful site.”  Thanks, Katrina

I responded to Katrina and recommended the Dhammapada, which is essentially the words and teachings of The Buddha. I also promised to dig deeper and give a recommended reading list on Buddhism books for beginners.

But before we get to that, I have a confession to make. I am not a Buddhist. I am no Yogi, Zen Master or Guru. The only Nirvana I’ve ever reached was synthetically produced.  What I am, is a man trying to find peace and wisdom in this insatiably crazy world of ours. I’m the product of a hardcore Catholic family. My aunts are known to pass out  pamphlets at family picnics about the end of the world. (Seriously they do) And when a few of them found my site, they immediate thought I had become a Buddhist. The Truth is, I try to see the beauty in all religions. And the teachings of Zen and enlightenment help me live a better life.

By my own admission, I will always be a Catholic, but that won’t stop me from opening my eyes to the world and seeking joyful wisdom at every turn. My favorite English teacher, Mr. Nabaan, would explain to his students on their first day of class: “There is an infinite amount of knowledge in the world, and if you can grasp even a little speck of it, then you have accomplished something great.” Then he asked: “What knowledge do you want your life to be filled with?” That question has stuck with me for over 15 years now, and for good reason.

Buddhism books for beginners – Buddhist Bible

Peace Is Every Step: The Path of Mindfulness in Everyday Life by Thich Nhat Hanh

“Breathing in, I calm my body.
Breathing out, I smile.
Dwelling in the present moment,
I know this is a wonderful moment!”

Buy Peace Is Every Step on Amazon

“If we do not have peace and joy right now,
when will we have peace and joy – tomorrow, or after tomorrow? What is preventing us from being happy right now?” Thich Nhat Hanh

Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind – S. Suzuki / Weatherhill / April 1972

Buy Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind on Amazon

“For Zen students the most important thing is not to be dualistic. Our “original mind” includes everything within itself. It is always rich and sufficient within itself. You should not lose your self-sufficient state of mind. This does not mean a closed mind, but actually an empty mind and a ready mind. If your mind is empty, it is always ready for anything; it is open to everything. In the beginner’s mind there are many possibilities; in the expert’s mind there are few.”
Shunryu Suzuki-roshi (1905 – 1971)

The Wise Heart: A Guide to the Universal Teachings of Buddhist Psychology by Jack Kornfield

“To undertake a genuine spiritual path is not to avoid difficulties but to learn the art of making mistakes wakefully, to bring to them the transformative power of our heart.” Jack Kornfield

Buy “The Wise Heart” on Amazon

The Art of Happiness: A Handbook for Living by Dalai Lama

“Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions.”

Buy “The Art of Happiness: A Handbook for Living” on Amazon

“I believe that the very purpose of our life is to seek happiness. That is clear. Whether one believes in religion or not, whether one believes in this religion or that religion, we all are seeking something better in life. So, I think, the very motion of our life is towards happiness…” Dalai Lama

The Way of Zen by Alan Watts

“I have realized that the past and future are real illusions, that they exist in the present, which is what there is and all there is.”

Buy “The Way of Zen” on Amazon

“We feel that our actions are voluntary when they follow a decision and involuntary when they happen without decision. But if a decision itself were voluntary every decision would have to be preceded by a decision to decide – An infinite regression which fortunately does not occur. Oddly enough, if we had to decide to decide, we would not be free to decide”. Alan Watts

“The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance.”
Alan Watts quote

The Heart of the Buddha’s Teaching by:
Thich Nhat Hanh

“The Buddha said many times, ‘My teaching is like a finger pointing to the moon. Do not mistake the finger for the moon,’” p. 17.

Buy “The Heart of the Buddha’s Teaching” on Amazon

“I grew up in a time of war. There was destruction all around—children, adults, values, a whole country. As a young person, I suffered a lot. Once the door of awareness has been opened, you cannot close it. The wounds of war in me are still not all healed. There are nights I lie awake and embrace my people, my country, and the whole planet with my mindful breathing,” p. 5.

How to Practice : The Way to a Meaningful Life by his Holiness the Dalai Lama

“I believe that whether a person follows any religion or not is unimportant, he must have a good heart, a warm heart. This is essential for a happy life, which is much more important than Buddhahood.”

Buy “How to Practice : The Way to a Meaningful Life” on Amazon

“Basically, a human being is a social animal. So, if you create some short moment of happiness for people, you get deep satisfaction.” Dalai Lama

Buddhism Plain and Simple by Steve Hagen

Buy “Buddhism Plain and Simple” on Amazon

“So you don’t have to do the long search, the frantic chase, the painful quest. You’re already right where you need to be.” We often think the purpose of taking up a spiritual practice is to produce good actions as opposed to bad. According to the Buddha-dharma, however, this is completely beside the point. The point is, rather, that we become aware of when and how we act out our intent.”  Steve Hagen, Buddhism Plain and Simple.

Awakening the Buddha Within: Tibetan Wisdom for the Western World by Lama Surya Das

Buy Awakening the Buddha Within” on Amazon

“The next time you feel so angry you could scream, ask yourself: Who is making me angry? Perhaps the anger is subtly directed at yourself. When our expectations are not met, we tend to blame others and get angry. But is our discontent really their fault? Shantideva said that anger is the greatest evil because it is so destructive and can cause so much harm. The trained mind of the Bohdisattva, like a peaceful lake, is able to transcend anger. Even if people throw sparks into it, it doesn’t explode because it’s like water and not volatile. The untrained mind, on the other hand, can be likened to a big pool of gasoline. Every spark makes it explode. In life, there will always be sparks. But does there have to be an explosion? That’s your responsibility. Nobody can make us angry if we have no seeds of anger left inside.” Lama Surya Das, Awakening the Buddha Within, Page 209.

Mindfulness in Plain English, Updated and Expanded Edition by Bhante Henepola Gunaratana

Buy “Mindfulness in Plain English, Updated and Expanded Edition”

“Discipline” is a difficult word for most of us. It conjures up images of somebody standing over you with a stick, telling you that you’re wrong. But self-discipline is different. It’s the skill of seeing through the hollow shouting of your own impulses and piercing their secret. They have no power over you. It’s all a show, a deception. Your urges scream and bluster at you; they cajole; they coax; they threaten; but they really carry no stick at all.” Bhante Henepola Gunaratana

Zen Flesh Zen Bones: A Collection of Zen and Pre-Zen Writings by Paul Reps and Nyogen Senzaki

Buy “Zen Flesh Zen Bones: A Collection of Zen and Pre-Zen Writings”

“An instant realization sees endless time.
Endless time is as one moment.
When one comprehends the endless moment
He realizes the person who is seeing it.”
Paul Reps, Zen Flesh, Zen Bones, p. 158

The Accidental Buddhist by Dinty W. Moore

Buy “The Accidental Buddhist” on Amazon

“Though we often tend to blame them, it is not the external things like families, jobs or money that create problems for us in our lives. Rather, what actually makes us unhappy is our tendency to desire that these things bring us happiness. This expectation that family, job, money, a new car, whatever, will make us happy is what binds us and causes our discontent.” (p. 42)

“Being human, I succumb to this weakness constantly, wanting to be thinner, richer, taller, less gap-toothed, less busy. But I can catch myself, laugh at what a big silly guy I am, before the knot I am tying myself into becomes too tight to ever release itself. Humor and laughing at oneself is not Buddhism, but it can be a way into Buddhism.” Dinty W. Moore

The Blue Cliff Record by Thomas Cleary

Buy “The Blue Cliff Record” on Amazon

“Even to speak the word Buddha
is dragging it in the mud soaking wet.”

“The excitable observer will pass judgement first and then make knowledge conform to judgement; the prudent observer will first learn to know and then judge according to knowledge.” Thomas Cleary

Thanks Katrina for inspiring this post.  I hope you enjoy the list and find more happiness in your life. Kindest Regards, Jonathan

“You are perfect as you are, and you could use a little work.”
Shunryu Suzuki-roshi (1905 – 1971)

“Wisdom says we are nothing. Love says we are everything. Between these two our life flows.” Sri Nisargadatta

Please add any book recommendations to this list in my comment section below.  Or just ask me a question -  about anything.  Peace  E.y.D

Buddhist Bible – Buddhism books for beginners.

Randomly wandering in cyberspace; I found this Funny Internet Zen Haiku. Unexpectedly, I burst out laughing and instantly realized I was pure E.y.D material.  I decided to do something new and illustrate the quote in a picture for social media purposes. Then the search continued and I found three more proverbs that got the lol go ahead. I hope you enjoy this short illustrated post.

Sharing is Loving…  Peace. E.y.D

Student says:
“I am very discouraged
what should I do?”

Master says:
“Encourage others”
Zen Proverb

A samurai once asked Zen Master Hakuin where he would go after he died.

Hakuin answered:

‘How am I supposed to know?’

‘How do you not know? You’re a Zen master!’ exclaimed the samurai.
‘Yes, but not a dead one,’ Hakuin answered.

“Better to struggle with a sick jackass

than carry the wood by yourself.”  Zen Proverb

Yebbbibiiballlllll That’s all folksssssss……….

So what makes for a healthy life?

According to The World Health Organization; “Health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being.” Since sharing tips for a better life in 2008, some commentators have asked “What about 2010?” So here is my list of tips for a healthy life in 2010. I have added my best photos from Costa Rica to the mix. Enjoy and feel free to share this post via email, blogging, or link love.  I would love your thoughts and feedback on my tips for healthy living.  So Drop me a comment below.

Tips for a Healthy Life in 2010 – Healthy Living tips

1. Surrender to the sweet sound of Silence.  “Silence is Golden” Ari Gold
2. Live with the 3 P’s — Passion, Positivity, and Purpose.
3. Get outside every day. Find a favorite outdoor spot and claim it as your private sanctuary. “Fresh air impoverishes the doctor” - Danish Proverb
4. Get TiVo and only make time to watch the shows you really love. When in doubt – read a book.
5. Look in the mirror in the morning and say: I love my life because_____________. Adopt Zig Ziglar’s “The attitude of Gratitude”.
6. Read new authors, buy used books, and find the literature that inspired your favorite writers.
7. Find “the ‘way’ of art or spiritual insight through beauty. This can be practiced as traditional Zen arts (tea ceremony, painting, flower arranging) or our modern forms of painting, writing, music.” Source: Lost Coin Zen
8. Find new portals of creativity and inspiration online every day. Start here at the Webby Awards to find the best of the best.
9. Fear nothing, but if you must fear, fear not having lived a life big enough for more than just one person. 
   

10. Spend time with people who are more successful then you.
11. Dream Big! Then write down your dreams and turn them into goals.
12. Grow your own vegetables or shop local and organic. Support your local farmers market.
13. Trade some coffee for tea and drink at least 6 glasses of fresh filtered water a day.
    
14. Get your emails organized into neat little folders; trust me it helps.
15. Only purchase art when it’s a piece you can’t live without.
16. Never interpret your dreams in terms of gold and silver.
17. Give genuine compliments. Give them without wanting anything in return at least 3 times a day.
18. Quit Hording useless stuff.  Watch 20 minutes of Hoarders to inspire a junk free life. If you find yourself relating to the A&E show Call 1-800-Got-Junk immediately!
19. Stop reading cheesy tabloids. Don’t concern yourself with the problems of celebrities. Especially since they don’t know you exist.
20. Remember that if you keep hitting the same road block, it’s because you haven’t yet learned the lesson needed to surpass it.
21. Practice simple enlightenment by tasting every meal from the first bite to the last.
22. Laugh out loud as much as possible and use the LOL symbol: it makes the other person smile.
23. Become a better lover, practice a lot on your own if you have too.  LOL  – see they make you smile
24. Life is fair to those who make their own circumstances.
25. Life is too short. Period. Don’t make yours a dress rehearsal.
26. Take yourself seriously when it comes to being the person you want to be.
27. Give up your need to be right and choose to be open-minded.
28. You can’t live in the past or future; bring all your plans into the present moment.
29. Jealousy works the opposite way you want it to.  Lululemon Manifesto
30. You’re the guardian of your emotions; choose to be happy.
31. Frame every so-call disaster with these words: Shit happens – usually for a reason beyond our understanding.
32. Get over it! If you can’t forgive; then forget. If you can’t forget; then forgive. If you can’t do either: then ask a close friend for help. If that doesn’t work; then say a prayer and seek a Shrink.
33. The only opinions that matter are your family, friends, and teammates. “When things go wrong, the only friends you have in this world are those you eat with, sleep with, bleed with, pray with, and cry with. That’s your family, and your teammates.” Lou Holtz
34. Know that we are all moving towards or away from the soul of the universe with each decision we make.
35. Good can always get better; never settle for anything less than your best.
36. The best friends to have are usually the ones that require the least amount of effort.
37. If there is something in your life that doesn’t bring you peace, happiness, or joy: Try to discard it.
38. Only envy happy people, and then quickly join their parade. You too can be happy at any moment.
39. All the best moments in your life happen in the present moment. Stay focused on the now.
40. No matter how hung-over or tired you feel, suck it up and pay the price for success.
41. Never break your word. Each time you do, it has less value.  Cultivate your moral-fiber.
42. Use all the social media portals wisely; reconnect with a few TRUE old friends you have missed over the years.
43. Take at least three deep breaths every night before sleep and visualize something positive.
44. Remember that stress is who you think you should be, and relaxation is who you are. “A good laugh and a long sleep are the best cures in the doctor’s book” – Irish Proverb
45. Enjoy the ride: “Life is like a roller-coaster, it has its ups and downs, but when part of it is over, you wish you could do it again. …” —Jerry Seinfeld,
46. Remember “sharing is loving”. What are you waiting for? Pass this along to a friend…  (blog humor)
47. Life isn’t like a box of chocolates. Life is all we have: I suggest you fill it with things you’re proud of.

Youtube Video for healthy living.

An Inspirational Video 1 – The Law Of Attraction.

“The best six doctors anywhere
And no one can deny it
Are sunshine, water, rest, and air
Exercise and diet.
These six will gladly you attend
If only you are willing
Your mind they’ll ease
Your will they’ll mend
And charge you not a shilling.”
~Nursery rhyme quoted by Wayne Fields, What the River Knows, 1990

Yes, that’s me, hanging in Costa Rica. Thanks for stopping in to E.y.D – Feel free to share your thoughts on living a healthy life in 2010 below.  Are you living healthy? Was there anything you hated about this list? Share 2 Cents Please…

Does God heal almost everything? Or does God heal nothing?

“The Church has its problems, but the older I get, the more comfort I find there.”  Bono

This post is about you. Yes – You. It’s about what you believe, think and feel about God and his healing powers. Back when I was starting E.Y.D, I received a chain email from a friend listing some Amazing tips for 2008. I enjoyed reading the list and decided to share it. The response was overwhelming. It’s hard to believe that 2 years later that post would still be my most commented.  It seemed like everyone needed to express something on that topic.

My comment section exploded with passion, insightful wisdom, and negative views of religion. Honestly, I loved it all.

So I decided to revive that post and ask that controversial question everyone felt the need to give their 2 cents about. Does God heal almost everything? Or does God heal nothing? What is your experience with God’s healing? Can you give everyone some specific examples? Can you explain why this was such a controversial issue to some people and why they felt so offended by this tip for a better life.

I have listed below some of the positive and negative comments because I believe there is real value in the answers provided. I hope you will take the time to join the debate and share a little of your inner wisdom or negativity towards this debate.  Be creative, sincere, dark, or funny, but be something and say anything. Your words and opinions are always welcomed here at E.y.D

My goal with this post is to get 100 comments. If I am able to reach that goal, I will concede that the majority rules, and the truth about this question shall be revealed.

#27) What other people think of you is none of your business.
#28) GOD heals almost everything.
#29) However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

GOD heals almost everything debate – True or False

Jimbo says:

June 24, 2008 at 12:21 pm

“#28 Way to ruin it.”

Joe Bonham says:
“I agree with Jimbo. #28 ruins the truthfulness of this entire post, because according to those who believe in #28, everything in this list is all taken care of in that one sentence………. riiiight……….”

Vitus Wight says:
“With all of these self healing tips #28 stands out like a sore thumb.
god doesn’t exist as a singular thing. We are all omnipotent, we are all powerful and we are all god.
the religious use of it makes you weak of mind and weak of soul. don’t use it as a crutch.
Blame yourself, Love yourself and forgive yourself.”

Pandorange says:
“One can only agree with the two other comments on #28
Without it the tips apply to people from all walks of life.
“Your job won’t take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will.
Stay in touch.” Great if you are jobless.
“Get rid of anything that isn’t useful, beautiful or joyful.” (that is almost everything.)
“Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.”
(Great, I assure you that I do want a job, then money earned can be used to go out on dates and have a life…)
I’ll have to agree to disagree thinking that these tips do not apply to everyone and anyone.”

ELBSeattle says:
I’ve read several postings like this one. I find them all exceedingly irritating. And this was before I got to the inane #28. God heals almost everything? What about that percentage that doesn’t get healed? Is it basically God saying, “Sorry, didn’t feel like healing you. Screw you, amputees…”

JM says:
Wow. Reading the above postings was a special experience. It’s as though #28 ruined the day for everyone who read it. I’m agnostic or atheist or I don’t really know what, but it’s really irrelevant. I’m just blown away by the negativity that one comment can provoke in people who are logging on to a website based on “enlightenment.” My personal advice would be to “Fucking lighten up.” But perhaps more sage advice would be what a Buddhist monk once told me when I struggled with one of the teachings: “Ignore that teaching. If it is a roadblock to accepting the good parts in the other passages, then you must discard it. Maybe one day you will feel differently about it, maybe not, but don’t let it get in the way of the parts which are helpful to you.” That’s my two cents. Feel free to get angry, I won’t.

Renata says:
“I absolutely agree!!!!!!!!!!!
I agree whole-heartedly with JM, you’re post was actually very inspiring.
Sure maybe some of you don’t believe in God, I’m not sure I do, but what does it matter? The rest of the post was very insightful.”

Tj says:

“What does God stand for to most people, Christian or something else, that take part in a monotheistic religion?
Love. Plenty of other pieces of advice written on this page have to be taken with a grain of salt; you have to accept that there are exceptions to the advice as not many articles of counsel are infallible in that they apply every where and all the time.
Why pick on the one that involves an idea of love in its purest state? You may not believe that the idea is real. I beg todiffer. Ideas are abstract in the first place, and as long as someone fathoms them, they exist in my opinion.
What if people ignored the question of Christianity’s integrity of existence to just see what the thing was prlly created for? What if everyone’s life revolved around the spread of love?
People spread religion out of love, they want others to be safe and have a greater meaning, but that is not what I’m trying to get across.
Religion is like a “fake out”-reference to Randy Pausch- or a trick to make you learn or do something else. Religion is like a parent, and it is structured to make you love. How? by following this supposed being, God. Why? so you can live forever.
There is more than one type of pain.”
 

Susannah says:
Kinda funny, that #28 had such an impact on those that chose to respond here. It’s just interesting to me that people are offended by “God”. Really people… isn’t God what you make him/her/it/them? If you don’t like it, skip it! Relax & realize that you’re never going to agree with EVERYTHING you read online & that what you agree with, the next person may not. It’s your choice to not like #28… but why make such an issue about it?
I think this is a great post… including #28 (even though I don’t necessarily believe that, I’m certainly not offended by it’s presence)!

Curt says:
“if god doesn’t exist, how are we here right now?
how is it a crutch to believe in something that’s real?
And I’m sorry if you’re offended by the word GOD, stop. Because everyone else isn’t offended by what you say instead.”

Big Col says:
“Well,i never even noticed #28 till you all started moaning about it!No wonder gods turned off his headphones with you lot shouting.”

Topliner says:
“For Christians, God is everything. I am from the Methodist tradition. I know God loves me and he loves you. Christians read the Bible to find out about God and how to live and be closer to Him. There is something in our Wesleyan tradition that speaks of understanding scripture better by applying Reason, Experience, and Tradition. If you question God and your relationship with Him I suggest trying prayer for a year and if at the end of that year you have not changed in any way then go back to the way you’re currently living with nothing lost but possibly a lot to gain.”

Matthew says:
“Sorry Hawkins, there will simply be more posts about God. There will also be more posts about how terrible this list is. You knew it when you made your post. I appreciate your attempt though. I agree, there is too much noise in the world. However, the solution, as far as I can tell, is more discourse, not less. I think a greater challenge to future posters would be to try and understand why or how people have written what they have written. From the spectrum of ELBSeattle to JW and everything beyond and in between, those experiences and opinions expressed are just humanity. God is many things to many people. For curt, God is a real and actual singular being. For me, I just substitute the word, “Coincidence.”
“First Coincidence made heaven & earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was upon the face of the deep; and the Spirit of Coincidence was moving over the face of the waters.”
I am going to pray to Coincidence now. Sometimes he answers my prayers. Sometimes he doesn’t. Whatever Coincidence decides, at least I have someone to talk to when I am alone.”

AtheistTruth says:
“Wow yea I was loving this list until I got to 28. Great way to trash a list of some good pieces of advice.”

Faenix says:
“First off, JM.
That was… indescribable. I knew Buddhism had something to it, and that was it.
I’m going to be truthful and say that once I read that, I got chills down my spine. Not even joking.
And to Hawkins, too bad it didn’t work. T:”

Barry says:
“Maybe The Higgs Boson particle the God PArticle .I forgot to use the ultimate healing consciousness until after reading and the writing this. A cough, a cold, and a niggly few moments in marriage.God that thing, that whatever it is…that triangle of truths? That which is whatever is left when you are looking at the wall.A robot’s self awakening Wall*E,deep down,past the growling,let it beat your conscious mind and guide from a transcended within, and compassionately observed without.”

Helkitten says:
“A typical dark spot of human nature came out here – instead of appreciating the intention of the list and the lovely suggestions, the only one that hinted to religion is slagged. It was not intended to force religion down anyone’s throat. It was simply an opinion aired which everyone has the right to do, as does Jimbo. How easy it was to keep slagging instead of find the good ones and highlighting that?
We can all be so damn silly.”

Rog says:
“# 28 Surely If you do believe (I think you’re deluded but hey everyone is entitled to their view)then God does heal everything(for you). If you don’t it’s irrelevant, why get worked up over something you don’t believe exists?”

Fred Flintstone says:
“I know God will not give me anything I can’t handle. I just wish that He didn’t trust me so much.”

Nick says:
“This is a great post. Has some very psycho synthetic, transpersonal points that I like. and as for #28. Think of it more as a Namaste thing. It’s the god in all of us. I am agnostic. But I am also a very spiritual person. I believe that everyone has the potential of divinity.”

IronMan says:
“I cant believe how weak minded you people are …..with no control …. you let a simple quote control your emotions and get you all uptight …. no wonder you have so many bad experiences ….”

Glenna says:
“It surprises me how much people dislike #28 and also how trite some people can find this advice, when in actuality if one applies these, life does become a lot more balanced.
Perhaps it is the concept that people have of God and their fear of the word God because of it which makes so many have adverse reactions to the word.
If it were seen as something everywhere present, including in us as us, it would not be seen as a crutch, nor something outside of ourselves we are depending on. It would rather be, acknowledging our own content and connection to all of life everywhere.”

Time says:
“time heals most things”

Gaboo says:
“Vitus Wight said-
“With all of these self healing tips #28 stands out like a sore thumb.
god doesn’t exist as a singular thing. We are all omnipotent, we are all powerful and we are all god.
the religious use of it makes you weak of mind and weak of soul. dont use it as a crutch.
Blame yourself, Love yourself and forgive yourself.”
Maybe the author agrees with your definition of ‘god’ and understands it in a similar way as you”

bKKw!& says:
“we forget the worth of words…. we heal by just the images of the thought and the creation of discussion among us all… feel free to be happy or not about #28 because all your responses reveals the hidden energy that we all like to connect to, and that is to be heard and be part of the great question in life… grab what you can from all that’s said because all this is a poem we wrote together which we titled “GOD almost heals everything.” and I do thank you for allowing this moment to add to the MAJIK that does flow in all and i find your words beautiful as it reflects all aspects of the jewel which we call “human”
……… but please all ya all… believe we can heal!!!”

Your words and opinions are always welcomed here at E.y.D

My goal with this post is to get lots comments. If I am able to reach that goal, I will concede that the majority rules, and the truth shall be revealed.

GOD heals almost everything – True or False

Please leave your 2 Cents below. Thanks

“I cannot tell you any spiritual truth that deep within you don’t know already. All I can do is remind you of what you have forgotten”  The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle

I have always been intrigued by enlightenment, but it seemed so complicated; so unattainable. Then I read The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle and realized it was simple. The Power of Now gave two great examples that enlightened everything.

Simple Enlightenment: Craving Your Favorite dish.

“Pleasure is always derived from something outside you, whereas joy arises from within.”  Eckhart Tolle

I’m a carnivore who loves fillet Mignon, rack of lamb, and grease cheeseburgers. I get irresistible cravings that need satisfying. Visualize for a moment your favorite meal. Imagine the smell tantalizing your senses as all your attention shifts to the simple pleasure of tasting something wonderful. That first mouth watering bite is heaven on earth. Hummm… You say to yourself. Ahhh – Yes I deserve something this great.  And isn’t always the first bite that taste the best? Hummm… Yes. Yes it is, or at least for me, it was.

Then the second bite, third and so on, but before it’s over, something gets lost along the way. The flavors settle in as each bite becomes less and less fulfilling. By then time I finish a cheeseburger, I barely notice the last bite. So what changes? I do. My attention to the present moment shifts. My senses lose focus as life and its messy confusion of thoughts start turning my cerebral wheel of  unrest.

Eckhart Tolle challenges his readers to make every bite; a first bite.  When you give complete  attention to finding joy in one simple thing,  for that brief moment in time, you’re experiencing a moment of enlightenment. A truly simple exercise: one that taste good, feels good and is good.  My food cravings are now satisfied from start to finish.

“Enlightenment means choosing to dwell in the state of presence rather than in time. It means saying yes to what is.” The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle

Simple Enlightenment: Getting stopped at a red light.

The second example from The Power Of Now I wish to share is about red-lights. Take a moment to imagine you’re in a rush; late for a very important meeting. Time is scarce. You feel the pressure mounting, stress building, and you know that no matter what – you’re going to be late. Finally, you’re stopped at a red-light, the world’s longest red-light.  It’s taking forever; you want to scream and pound the dashboard in frustration. You’re trapped in an eternity of red going nowhere. Now, ask yourself one very important question.  Do you have the power to be happy in this moment? Can you choose to be happy? Can you let out all the frustration and let happiness prevail?

We’re the guardians of our thoughts and feelings: we choose how we feel. We can all choose to be happy at any moment.  Happiness is a choice, it may seem impossible at times, but the power is within us at any moment. So next time your rushing, or late, or find yourself stuck behind a red light or road block.  Just ask one question: Do I have the power to be happy in this moment?  I think the answer will surprise you.

“Most folks are as happy as they make up their minds to be.” Abraham Lincoln

Peace

E.y.D

Your thoughts and feedback are greatly appreciated.

Interested in finding some books by Eckhart Tolle? Check out my new Art to Zen Book Boutique.

Jim Carrey Introduces Eckhart Tolle

Eckhart Tolle The Power of now: He is the reader of this book, as well as the writer.

Related Post: Stillness Speaks: Meditative thoughts by Eckhart Tolle