Why bother to look for peace and wellbeing?

"Just as treasures are uncovered from the earth, so virtue appears from good deeds, and wisdom appears from a pure and peaceful mind. To walk safely through the maze of human life, one needs the light of wisdom and the guidance of virtue."

~The Buddha

This sounds like an airy-fairy pronouncement, but it's not. It's very practical advice. To create safety and be safe, I think it's important to orient yourself towards wellbeing for all (good deeds and virtue), because this creates the best opportunity for open, honest communication, carefully thought out decisions and, subsequently, the best possible outcomes.

To make good (wise) decisions, it's also important to be grounded, centered and reach for a peaceful mind---knee-jerk actions taken in anger and fear don't result in good decisions or good outcomes. In the long run, they lead to estrangement and sadness.

Fortunately, I don't think wellbeing and peace are the abstract qualities of a spiritual person. I think they're the practical assets that allow average people to make good decisions that pay off in longstanding ways.

Finally, I think that the more peace and wellbeing you possess, the less likely you are to create dramatic clusterfucks in your own life and the lives of those around you.

That's a pretty nice benefit, too.

Of course, this is my opinion---your mileage may vary.

Posted via LiveJournal app for iPhone.

HOLY SHIT! TED Talk 2013 Auditions

From Flaming Genius creator, divalion...

More than half of the speakers at TED2013 will be selected through an ambitious experiment in crowdsourcing: the TED Worldwide Auditions.

WANT, WANT, WANT!

( Read more... )

How are winners selected?
After all the auditions have been held, we will post video of all the presenters on a special area of our site. You and other members of the public will have a chance to vote for the ones you think are best. We will then tailor our program from the top 50. Successful candidates will have the chance to deliver a longer talk or performance at TED2013 and we will offer coaching and AV support as needed. We will cover speakers' travel to Long Beach, California, and their accommodation for the entire conference.

(no subject)

Full of love today.

Weirdo opportunity for local Blue Star peeps

I have need of help on an unusual project.

This project would require a single 3-hour commitment of time and the ability to meet with a few other like-minded folks at my house on a mutually agreed-upon Friday, Saturday or Sunday. An upcoming Thursday night might also be an option. You need to be able to use an electronic calendar and type on a computer (no speedy typing required; I hunt and peck).

This will happen some time in the next month and a half or so. A second meeting will be planned if there is enough work and interest, but one meeting is just fine.

You also need to have an interest in Neo-Pagan history and the ability to keep your mouth tightly shut about the personal affairs of well-known pagans. Interest in Gardnerians is a plus.

in return for your help, you will get:

* Good company

* Good food

* A free, licensed copy of "BusyCal," should you bring along a Mac
[You can see it here: http://www.busymac.com/]

* Acknowledgement of your fine work and thanks in print

You'll also get the chance to explore a little Pagan history.

Interested? Email, text or call me. Details provided with inquiry.

****

EDIT: Thanks to all who responded. The project is a go!