Inspirations with Saleema

NOTICING

2011-11-11T17:45:00.000-08:00

Rain drops rush

down my window.

Each one sparkles

clear perfection.

Circular shapes

move before me

turning, sliding,

swirling into streaks

that caress the glass.

Rainy day pageants

brighten my heart.

By, Saleema E. Giltinan

2011-05-07T10:36:00.000-07:00

In Decency

They shot him in the head

Called him dead

Sang a national anthem

Like a phantom

Ringing with revenge.

Some demanded pictures

Of the head that bled.

While others said the sight

Would mar a sense of right.

As if war can be fought

And hidden, so those

chanting victory slogans

don’t get disturbed by

organs, death, mutilation.

War spits at wisdom

Calls the One, many

Then gashes all

who buy its fears

and play its games.

Saleema E. Giltinan

2010-11-03T13:40:00.000-07:00

Detours

It’s not easy to rise

covered in the mud of failure

and take another step.

It’s not easy to dwell

in sorrow

when a dream disappears.

Determination and surrender

form the bridge

that leads from despair

to hope and peace.

Step by step we climb,

until our destiny unfolds.

by, Saleema E. Giltinan

Horse Rights?

2010-10-19T17:14:00.000-07:00

It’s Business

Clipity clop, clip pity clop.

Equus, majestic beauty,

you pull carriages

for oblivious tourists

who enjoy a ride

that allows you to be

enslaved, used by those

who ignore empty eyes

and steal your freedom.

Enthralled by profit,

coveting ease, earth’s

guardians become tormentors.

Saleema E. Giltinan Copyright@2011-4-4

What is a Human Being?

2010-10-05T10:49:00.000-07:00

Inspiring thoughts from Jacob Needleman.

Prof. Dr. Jacob Needleman

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZWUsV5KaKzI&feature=related

A Calm Mind

2010-09-29T22:15:00.000-07:00

Unbound

Earth doesn’t have to be a
scary place
where “what if’s” snare joy
and gnaw at peace.
The world can be a
gentle space
where beauty thrives and
Love’s Presence silences
all that threatens her
supremacy.

Saleema
Copyright@2010-09-22

This is well worth watching, it's not short, but it's so beautiful!

2010-09-27T12:07:00.000-07:00

Just scroll down, click on the video, then just sit back, relax and enjoy! :-)

http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/episodes/cuba-the-accidental-eden/video-full-episode/5834/

Rubaiyat, by M.A. Kashoo

2010-09-20T11:41:00.000-07:00

Here is an excerpt from one of Amin's poems:

"Delve the depths within,
suffuse in unlimited radiance.
I plunged into the ocean of love
and found Him there in every drop."

From a Rubaiyat, by M.A. Kashoo

Today's Inspiration

2010-09-18T11:05:00.000-07:00

The tenderness of one who consciously lives in the attribute of Mildness reflects the exquisite presence of God’s gentle care. Those who dwell in Mildness are infinitely calm, tolerant and powerful.

Lovely to ponder

2010-05-31T14:13:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5H_6uK7fcQ

Another good one from, The Fellowship of Reconciliation

2010-05-20T10:49:00.000-07:00

How to Be an EVERYDAY Philanthropist

Posted: 19 May 2010 01:13 PM PDT

http://forpeace.mayfirst.org/resources/linda-kelly/how-be-everyday-philanthropist

A Poem

2010-05-16T14:59:00.000-07:00

Moons Of Self

Has the gap between us
become a chasm?
Our arms less rigid
more elastic
attempt to reach across
the expanse
that tries to separate
and alienate.

The dream of opinions
and differences
Dissipates, as Moons
borrow pure
Light from the
Sun of Oneness.

By, Saleema E. Giltinan
copyright@2010

NOW IS THE TIME!

2010-05-02T09:36:00.000-07:00

http://forpeace.mayfirst.org/content/interfaith-leaders-to-pray-and-rally-for-nuclear-abolition-at-u.n.?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+forpeace+%28FORpeace+-+the+blog+of+the+Fellowship+of+Reconciliation%29

http://forpeace.mayfirst.org/content/why-not-now?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+forpeace+%28FORpeace+-+the+blog+of+the+Fellowship+of+Reconciliation%29

PEACE

2010-04-19T08:13:00.000-07:00

http://forpeace.mayfirst.org/resources/for/to-the-interfaith-community-and-faith-leaders-of-the-new-york-metropolitan-area

Food For Thought

2010-04-10T09:09:00.000-07:00

"To be hopeful in bad times is not just foolishly romantic. It is based on the fact that human history is a history not only of cruelty, but also of compassion, sacrifice, courage, kindness... And if we do act, in however small a way, we don't have to wait for some grand Utopian future... the future is an infinite succession of presents, and to live now as we think human beings should live, in defiance of all that is bad around us, is itself a marvelous victory." - Howard Zinn

http://forpeace.mayfirst.org/content/violence-nonviolence-and-responsibility

Be Srue To Enjoy SPRING ... here's some inspiration to get you started

2010-04-05T14:26:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pezVJ-_PzeQ&feature=player_embedded

photo from youtube
URL posted above

These Look Interesting:

2010-03-28T14:29:00.000-07:00

From: Fellowship of Reconciliation.
Walks for Peace - The Journey to end Nuclear Weapons 2010

Thursday, March 11, 2010 at 10:59pm

As plans are underway for an international conference in New York City on Nuclear disarmament, peace walks are planned (and in many cases are underway). Various Buddhist communities have organized walks and invited others to join them either in the walk or by providing hospitality. Walkers include Buddhist monks and nuns. All are welcome. One sponsoring community writes: "Please join us by walking for an hour, a day, or for the entirety. You can support us by organizing a community potluck, a sharing circle, a visit to your mayor, a place for our walkers to sleep, or coverage by the local media. Also please keep this walk in your thought and prayer."

http://forpeace.mayfirst.org/blogs/bill-winston/walks-peace-journey-end-nuclear-weapons-2010

Information on four walks has been shared with the Fellowship of Reconciliation. All four walks culminate in New York City for the Rally and March on Sunday, May 2^nd. The May 2nd Rally is an international call for an end to nuclear weapons in the US and around the world.

Walks will pass through Connecticut, Kentucky, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York State, Massachusetts, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, and Vermont.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Farm the Land,Grow the Spirit:
A Multifaith Peace Internship
Ages 18 to 28
July 6-31, 2010

Live in an intentional multifaith residential community, study nonviolence and faith-based community organizing, plant and tend CLT* gardens, enjoy hiking, kayaking, drumming, ropes course, big puppet making and good food. Interns will co-create their time together with elders from each tradition and will support CLT’s* Multifaith Family Peace Camp at Stony Point Center, July 25-31.
If you are interested, please contact MPF Director Rabia Terri Harris: rabia@MPFweb.org or Rabbi Lynn Gottlieb at lgottlieb@stonypointcenter.org.

Interns will receive a $300 stipend and room and board. They are responsible for their own travel to and from Stony Point Center.

*Sponsored by the Community of Living Traditions: an intentional multifaith residential community at Stony Point Center dedicated to the study and practice of nonviolence.

Stony Point Retreat and Conference Center
17 Crickettown Road, Stony Point, NY 10980
Phone: (845) 786-5674 Fax: (845) 786-5919
www.stonypointcenter.org

http://mpf21.wordpress.com/

This Week's Thought

2010-03-24T10:14:00.000-07:00

This is a sweet one that will make you smile!

http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2009/nov/18/good-catch-toddler-helps-in-delivery-of-baby/

This Week's Thought

2010-03-15T11:26:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LbEcAjG0E40

Michael W. Smith - Come Together Now - Official Video (Music City Unites for Haiti) In HD 1080 From Michael W. Smith & Christian & Country music to raise money for Haiti

This Week's Uplifting Story

2010-03-08T12:54:00.000-08:00

www.parade.com/news/what-america-cares-about/featured/100307-compassion-counts-more-than-ever.html

YEPPIES (YOUNG, ENGAGED PROBLEM SOLVERS)

"Yeppies--a group of young people distinguished by a reliance on social media and socializing to fuel their activism--came into existence only a few years ago. They enjoy volunteering and have the most faith that individuals can solve social problems. Improving the world is both important to them and a way to connect with like-minded peers. Open to a variety of causes, they're particularly susceptible to getting involved because of a friend's "ask." They derive great stimulation and satisfaction from their activism and donate often and widely. Two-thirds of Yeppies are women, and of the three types, this one has the highest percentages of African-Americans and of single people."

This Week's Uplift comes from the works of the "Fellowship of Reconciliation"

2010-03-02T13:42:00.000-08:00

http://forpeace.net/blog/bill-winston/part-international-effort-abolish-nuclear-weapons

THIS WEEK'S UPLIFT

2010-02-21T12:28:00.000-08:00

"Validation"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cbk980jV7Ao

This Week's Inspiration... ENJOY!

2010-02-14T13:18:00.000-08:00

Janine Benyus: " 12 Sustainable Design Ideas From Nature"
makes so much sense... and Janine uses lovely pictures to
explain her ideas. Wonderful, hopeful and truly inspirational video!!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n77BfxnVlyc&feature=channel

Lost Generation

2010-02-09T12:19:00.000-08:00

Great YouTube - Don’t stop halfway or you’ll miss it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=42E2fAWM6rA

The Charter For Compassion

2010-02-09T12:17:00.000-08:00

The principle of compassion lies at the heart of all religious, ethical and spiritual traditions, calling us always to treat all others as we wish to be treated ourselves.
http://charterforcompassion.org/

An extra UPLIFT for everyone!

2010-02-03T12:24:00.000-08:00

Here's an extra middle of the week uplift:
” The New York Times has uncovered a widespread ethic of “communal rationing” in Haiti, in which “no matter what is found, or how hungry the forager, everything must be shared.”

Haiti Untold: Nonviolence and Humanization at the Grassroots

By Randall Amster, professor of peace studies at Prescott College, and executive director of the Peace & Justice Studies Association. Reposted from Waging Nonviolence...

This week's uplifting story. ENJOY!

2010-01-31T12:27:00.000-08:00

Man credited with saving woman on subway tracks

Kemberly Richardson reports

http://abclocal.go.com/wabc/video?id=7214215

farshchian.net

2010-01-29T14:58:00.000-08:00

Injustice, is painted by, Master Mahmoud Farshchian
(There are a few limited editions available).

"This painting is dear to the artist’s heart.
Through angel tears and broken angel wings,
he portrays the imbalance and unfairness
that has the angel of justice crying for us."

Check it out.
farshchian.net

A BEAUTIFUL SUFI POEM

2010-01-29T11:51:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvLU7rbQXyM

Here's this week's uplifting story. ENJOY!

2010-01-24T12:44:00.000-08:00

"American humanitarian Greg Mortenson's first book — THREE CUPS OF TEA — has sold over 3.5 million copies around the world. It tells the remarkable story about his efforts to build schools in Afghanistan and Pakistan. When in 2008 the JOURNAL asked viewers what books should be priority reading for the next President, THREE CUPS OF TEA was among the top ten suggestions. Now, the book has become required reading for our senior military commanders and Special Forces in Afghanistan."
http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/01152010/profile2.html

2010-01-16T10:39:00.000-08:00

As the news media continues to show us devastating pictures of the crises in Haiti we can find comfort in knowing that the world as a whole is responding to the need. The people of Haiti are not alone. Help is present and more is on the way.

http://en.wikinews.org/wiki/Countries_around_the_world_send_aid,_help_to_Haiti?dpl_id=147821

I am posting a few links from local groups that are doing their best to help:

“World Relief provides urgent medical care and feeds hundreds of shell-shocked survivors.” http://worldrelief.org/Page.aspx?pid=2364

“Aid groups accepting donations for earthquake victims in Haiti” http://winnipeg.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20100113/wpg_haiti_donations_100113/20100115/?hub=WinnipegHome

“Muslim Council of Calgary chairman Nagah Hage said it’s necessary to step up and help. ‘No one knows why tragedies happen, but we do know we must come to the aid of our brothers and sisters in humanity,’ he said.” http://www.calgarysun.com/news/alberta/2010/01/14/12471421.html

“The American Jewish Committee has established a Haiti Earthquake Relief Fund. Donate at ajc.org.” http://www.miamiherald.com/news/americas/haiti/story/1428350.html

"Hundreds of Salvation Army volunteers in the United States have spent the last few days preparing and packing one million ready-to-eat meals to send to survivors of the Haiti earthquake."
http://www.christianpost.com/article/20100116/salvation-army-prepares-1m-meals-for-haiti-quake-survivors/

"Animal Rescue Teams Headed for Haiti"
http://cats.about.com/b/2010/01/14/animal-rescue-teams-headed-for-haiti.htm

"Massive Quake Propels Massive Outpouring of Aid, Prayers for Haiti"
http://www.christianpost.com/article/20100114/massive-quake-propels-massive-outpouring-of-aid-prayers-for-haiti/

And, there are many more who are helping with prayers, uplifting thoughts, donations, and in any way they can. YES, HELP IS PRESENT FOR EVERYONE IN HAITI AND MORE IS ON THE WAY!

Altruism In Plants

2010-01-12T15:55:00.000-08:00

Here’s a wonderful thought for today from an article on, “Altruism In Plants.” Enjoy!

http://www.scientificblogging.com/news_articles/altruism_plants

Forgiveness

2009-11-28T16:04:00.000-08:00

The blackness pulls with a shrilling intensity.
Down you go.
Muck and murky stenches cling to your garment of hate.
Thorns of self righteousness indignation pierce your heart.

Blood drips, puddles form.
Red footprints wherever you tread.
Hands seek weapons.
Words filled with rancor pollute the air.

Where is your youthful innocence, your purity of heart?
Is that too covered with colors of bloody ash?
“No!” cries a voice from deep within.
A voice anger tries to envelop, yet its call will not be silenced.

Again and again the voice of Truth beckons,
finally becoming a continuous hum.
Then it transforms into a sweet melody
that plays in the background of the wretched blackness.

Tones of comfort blot away the crimson puddles of revenge.
The fragrance of Forgiveness touches the air.
Can you breathe it in?
Listen, feel the call.

Eyes open slowly.
Veils blow away, weapons fall useless, empty.
Tears mingle with red, turning puddles pink.
Pink becomes clear, light.

Forgiveness steps forward,
her arms open wide, warmth, Compassion, Love.
Leaning towards her you wonder,
“Why did I ever turn away?”

Suddenly, a flash becomes a lustrous glow.
There it is: Your Innocence and Purity of Heart
Never lost, ever present, reflecting back to you
as you gaze into the radiant eyes of Forgiveness.

By, Saleema Eileen