Thought For The Day

Why not start each morning with a simple thought for the day? Hold it in mind to see what perspective it gives to the day's events. Here is one for each day of the week.

Monday's Thought For The Day

When you argue with a person, are you focused on the words? What's out there beyond the words? What about the reality that the words are pointing to? Look beyond what a person is saying, to what he or she is seeing that gives rise to the words. Do that, and you'll not only fight less, but you may learn something as well.

Tuesday's Thought For The Day

Be aware of the thoughts doing battle in your mind, for some of them will win and become your actions. Be aware of your actions, for those which are repeated will become your habits. Be aware of your habits, for they will make your character. Pay attention, because your character creates your life.

Wednesday's Thought For The Day

Democracy? It's mob rule. Our rights are not subject to a vote. Law? It is politics and prejudice. Much that is right is forbidden, and much that is wrong is allowed. Religion? A mind killer that answers our fears but not our needs. Bow to no authority. The right path is there when you choose to use the love and intelligence you possess.

Thursday's Thought For The Day

We defend our ideas to the death - of other people. The wars of words which lead to death and destruction will only end when we stop serving our ideas and see that they are meant to serve us. When they do not, it is time for new ones.

Friday's Thought For The Day

People say they want to change, but do they? A bird must leave behind the egg it came from in order to fly, but humans so often remain in their protective shell of thoughts and feelings about themselves and the world, and even try to thicken the walls around them. If you are not willing to leave the old self behind, how can you grow into the new?

Saturday's Thought For The Day

A man argued that the world is a good place as he walked by the hungry child without seeing him. His friend said the world is evil, and did not notice the beauty of the apple tree they passed. Then another came along and, without words, he took an apple from the tree and gave it to the child.

Sunday's Thought For The Day

"Do not believe in anything simply because you have heard it. Do not believe in anything simply because it is spoken and rumored by many. Do not believe in anything simply because it is found written in your religious books. Do not believe in anything merely on the authority of your teachers and elders. Do not believe in traditions because they have been handed down for many generations. But after observation and analysis, when you find that anything agrees with reason and is conducive to the good and benefit of one and all, then accept it and live up to it." - Buddha

That last one is not my own, but I couldn't have said it any better.