A couple of weeks ago, my "reflection" in this space was all about offering encouragement. I invited readers to submit either encouraging words or acts. Several folks did! And here's what they said:
Andrea C: In times of uncertainty in my life, I invariably turn to the Harry Potter series. The overwhelming message for me is one of peace and friendship. What's special about these books is that this peace is not achieved through absence of conflict, but through the wholeness of the magical community and the protagonists' efforts to defend it.
Randy A: As of late, what I find myself watching several times is the Ted Talk given by Monica Lewinsky. Every time I watch, I admire her strength and courage to confront head on her life during the Clinton Presidency when the world first learned of her. Watching and listening to her talk, I find her very intelligent, articulate and well spoken. I always am uplifted in some way knowing whatever issues confronting me pale in comparison to what Monica has had to endure and live with since her time working at the White House.
Javid J: Here's an example of a short beautiful Baha'i prayer which always encourages me: "O God! Refresh and gladden my spirit. Purify my heart. Illumine my powers. I lay all my affairs in Thy hand. Thou art my Guide and my Refuge. I will no longer be sorrowful and grieved; I will be a happy and joyful being. O God! I will no longer be full of anxiety, nor will I let trouble harass me. I will not dwell on the unpleasant things of life. O God! Thou art more friend to me than I am to myself. I dedicate myself to Thee, O Lord." (‘Abdu’l-Bahá)
What I found interesting in these submissions was how different they were! And what that has helped me understand is that there are many ways I can give encouragement. We'll all get by a little bit better with a little help from our friends!
Namasté,
Andrea C: In times of uncertainty in my life, I invariably turn to the Harry Potter series. The overwhelming message for me is one of peace and friendship. What's special about these books is that this peace is not achieved through absence of conflict, but through the wholeness of the magical community and the protagonists' efforts to defend it.
Randy A: As of late, what I find myself watching several times is the Ted Talk given by Monica Lewinsky. Every time I watch, I admire her strength and courage to confront head on her life during the Clinton Presidency when the world first learned of her. Watching and listening to her talk, I find her very intelligent, articulate and well spoken. I always am uplifted in some way knowing whatever issues confronting me pale in comparison to what Monica has had to endure and live with since her time working at the White House.
Javid J: Here's an example of a short beautiful Baha'i prayer which always encourages me: "O God! Refresh and gladden my spirit. Purify my heart. Illumine my powers. I lay all my affairs in Thy hand. Thou art my Guide and my Refuge. I will no longer be sorrowful and grieved; I will be a happy and joyful being. O God! I will no longer be full of anxiety, nor will I let trouble harass me. I will not dwell on the unpleasant things of life. O God! Thou art more friend to me than I am to myself. I dedicate myself to Thee, O Lord." (‘Abdu’l-Bahá)
What I found interesting in these submissions was how different they were! And what that has helped me understand is that there are many ways I can give encouragement. We'll all get by a little bit better with a little help from our friends!
Namasté,
Gary
PS: If you' would like to add to the storehouse of encouragement:
PS: If you' would like to add to the storehouse of encouragement:
1) To what stories do YOU turn when you need encouragement?
Click here, and you can send a message on that subject.
and/or
2) How do YOU encourage others when they are facing challenges or hardship?
Click here, and you can send a message on that subject.
Click here, and you can send a message on that subject.
and/or
2) How do YOU encourage others when they are facing challenges or hardship?
Click here, and you can send a message on that subject.
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