Sangha of Auspicious Companions

Stillpower: A Path to Flow, Clarity, and Responsiveness

True change isn’t willful. It’s so fluent and intuitive that we don’t even realize it happened. — Garrett Kramer

~~~~ Tip of the Day: Sports guru and author Garret Kramer has a unique theory about what separates great performers. Kramer believes that the classic ‘grind it out’ mentality that we’re taught at a young age actually prevents athletes from realizing their potential — and he’s betting it’s impacting your performance at work, too. His insights led him to write a book: ‘Stillpower: The Inner Source of Athletic Excellence.’ In his words: “I truly believe the finest competitors in every sport, or in life, play the game with what I call stillpower not with willpower. This understanding is key to success. What I mean is that despite the desire to win, these competitors remain open to all possible outcomes; win or lose, they know they’ll be perfectly okay. What arises out of this is a level of consciousness that lets them excel.” http://premiere.whatcounts.com/t?ctl=169CBED:C3009629A010612C5C225B1DAA933BCEB4B847859706E37D&

~~~~ Be The Change: The next time you need to perform well, try engaging your ‘stillpower’ instead of your willpower.

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Quote of the Week | Seize the Vulnerable Moment

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Teachings by Pema Chödrön, taken from works published by Shambhala Publications. Photo by ©Andrea Roth. Forwarded from a friend? You can subscribe to this e-mail emailList, and be sure to include both your old and new addresses. If you no longer wish to receive the Heart Advice e-mails, click here. If you can’t see the images, click here.

Students Stepping Up the Kindness

When you learn, teach. When you get, give. — Maya Angelou

~~~~ Good News of the Day: How amazing would it be to start the first day of school receiving random acts of kindness from your fellow students? Last year, a hundred students at Kansas State huddled early in the morning to see just how they could pool their time, money and creativity to surprise (and even shock!) their fellow students with unexpected generosity. From a welcome applause to paying for meals to wowing a driver with parallel park assistance, this is a short video that’ll make you smile. http://premiere.whatcounts.com/t?ctl=169C96F:C3009629A010612CBF06C2C63E29E1F1B4B847859706E37D&

~~~~ Be The Change: Become a neighbor helping neighbors: explore 366 ways you can help your community. http://premiere.whatcounts.com/t?ctl=169C970:C3009629A010612CBF06C2C63E29E1F1B4B847859706E37D&

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Kindness Daily: Running To The Record Shop

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Running To The Record Shop November 15, 2011 – Posted by RMB333 Many years ago I was on vacation in Tilehurst, a beautiful little village in Reading, in the U.K. I was with my sister and her family and it was my first trip to the West. Having been born and brought up in the East I had to get used to the English accent which sounded quite diferent to ‘our’ way of speaking. I enjoyed walking in and around Tilehurst. It was a typical English village; elderly ladies walking out with lovely hats, their husband with their walking sticks, reminding me of the English films we had watched as kids back home. In Tilehurst the main mode of public transport was a single little "Shuttle" bus which ran from Tilehurst to Reading. There was no need for more as every family owned either one or two vehicles. Being October the Autumn weather was lovely and comortable which encouraged me to go out. I would help all these plump old ladies (I was in my early 20s then) to get into the coach then I would carry on walking down the road. A good distance down the road stood a row of little shops (there were NO super markets in Tilehurst then.) It was such a peaceful and a clean environment! I enjoyed every minute living of being there. Even with my Eastern accent I managed to get shopping done. My sister and family would take me to Reading town on Saturdays or, at end of the month, to London! Time passed and Christmas was round the corner. Every shop had their Christmas Sales on. I walked to the row of small shops and read a sign that said "Old Records at Half Price While Stocks Last!" Though I was not old then I prefered old songs to new! For the Easterner the dark and chilly evenings felt just wonderful! But, back home we were never permitted to go out alone in the dark and it was getting late. Having bought a dozen "Golden Oldies" at half price and half a dozen new songs, a total of 18 records, I started on my return journey. I was rushing, but even as I hurried I realised that the elderly lady in the record shop had miscalculated! In utter confusion I got home in the dark. Seated on my bed I started adding up my purchases. I was right and she was wrong! I wanted to run back immediately before it was too late! I couldn’t ask my sister (who had two kids on her hands) to drive me down. Her husband was at work later than normal so he couldn’t take me! I had no option. I left the house and ran for the record shop. I have never run so fast, ever! As I was taking the last turn, a few yards away, I could see the shop door closing! But I didn’t stop. I could see the lady through the glass. She came to the door and pointed to the "CLOSED" sign, but I would not move till she opened the door. She grumbled that it was getting late as she opened the door and I could tell she was very annoyed! I placed all the records, the balance and the receipt on her table and showed her my arithmetic. She put her hands in the air and was about to say something in a loud voice when her eyes caught the correct balance written on my paper. She read it aloud – then run around the counter to me with open arms. She hugged me and said "Oh, thank you for being so honest! You are an angel!" There were tears rolling down her cheeks! After few minutes she explained that if I hadn’t returned the difference that evening the owner would have deducted that sum from her wages the next day! I returned home carrying not only the records but a very light heart. It didn’t bother me in the slightest that it was dark and chilly! My mind flashed back to my childhood days when my parents always said – (1) Never cheat. and (2) Never postpone what has to be done. Do it now!! I was in the seventh heaven knowing that elederly lady would have her complete salary and she too would sleep well! Now I am an elderly lady and when I walk down my memory lane to Tilehurst peace and contentment just fill my heart! Add/View Comment >> About Newsletter Kindness Daily is an email that delivers today’s featured story from HelpOthers.org. If you’d rather not receive this email, you can also unsubscribe. Similar Stories Confronting Road Rage With Compassion, by Megan How Much Are You Short?, by Nini Small Acts of Trix-Mix, by Anita Buying a Miracle, by Anonymous The Wall Outside the Window, by Purvi Helpful Links Smile Cards: do an act of kindness and leave a card behind to keep the chain going. Smile Decks: 52 cards with a kindness idea on each! Smile Groups: share your own stories, make friends, spread the good. Smile Ideas: loads of ideas that can support your drive of kindness. Unsubscribe If you’d rather not receive these stories by email, you can remove yourself with two easy clicks. Community

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Toss Productivity Out

Life where you’re always doing something you love is art. — Leo Babauta

~~~~ Tip of the Day: “For at least a couple of years, Zen Habits was one of the top productivity blogs, dispensing productivity tips for a nominal fee (your reading time). I’d like to think I helped people move closer to their dreams, but today I have different advice: Toss productivity advice out the window. Most of it is well-meaning, but the advice is wrong for a simple reason: it’s meant to squeeze the most productivity out of every day, instead of making your days better. Imagine instead of cranking out a lot of widgets, you made space for what’s important. Imagine that you worked slower instead of faster, and enjoyed your work. Imagine a world where people matter more than profits. If any of that appeals to you, let’s look at some traditional productivity advice, and see why we should just toss them out.” http://premiere.whatcounts.com/t?ctl=169C85E:C3009629A010612CDFED6200AA579BC1B4B847859706E37D&

~~~~ Be The Change: Experiment with your own day: is there a balance between uber productivity and tossing productivity out?

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A Year of Dancing with Life – Week 6

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InnerNet Weekly: Pilgrimage to Nonviolence

Email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser. Pilgrimage to Nonviolence by Martin Luther King, Jr. [Listen to Audio!] First, it must be emphasized that nonviolent resistance is not a method for cowards; it does resist. If one uses this method because he is afraid or merely because he lacks the instruments of violence, he is not truly nonviolent. This is why Gandhi often said that if cowardice is the only alternative to violence, it is better to fight … The method is passive physically, but strongly active spiritually. It is not passive nonresistance to evil, it is active nonviolent resistance to evil. A second basic fact that characterizes nonviolence is that it does not seek to defeat or humiliate the opponent, but to win his friendship and understanding. The nonviolent resister must often express his protest through noncooperation or boycotts, but he realizes that these are not ends themselves; they are merely means to awaken a sense of moral shame in the opponent … The aftermath of nonviolence is the creation of the beloved community, while the aftermath of violence is tragic bitterness. A third characteristic of this method is that the attack is directed against forces of evil rather than against persons who happen to be doing the evil … We are out to defeat injustice and not white persons who may be unjust. A fourth point that characterizes nonviolent resistance is a willingness to accept suffering without retaliation, to accept blows from the opponent without striking back. ‘Rivers of blood may have to flow before we gain our freedom, but it must be our blood,’ Gandhi said to his countrymen. The nonviolent resister … does not seek to dodge jail. If going to jail is necessary, he enters it ‘as a bridegroom enters the bride’s chamber…’ “What is the nonviolent resister’s justification for this ordeal to which he invites men, for this mass political application of the ancient doctrine of turning the other cheek?” The answer is found in the realization that unearned suffering is redemptive. Suffering, the nonviolent resister realizes, has tremendous educational and transforming possibilities. A fifth point concerning nonviolent resistance is that it avoids not only external physical violence but also internal violence of spirit. The nonviolent resister not only refuses to shoot his opponent but he also refuses to hate him. At the center of nonviolence stands the principle of love … A sixth basic fact about nonviolent resistance is that it is based on the conviction that the universe is on the side of justice. Consequently, the believer in nonviolence has deep faith in the future. This faith is another reason why the nonviolent resister can accept suffering without retaliation. For he knows that in his struggle for justice he has cosmic companionship… a creative force in this universe that works to bring the disconnected aspects of reality into a harmonious whole. –Martin Luther King. Jr., in Stride Towards Freedom Share the Wisdom: Latest Community Insights Pilgrimage to Nonviolence Conrad wrote: You have my gratitude for giving me the opportunity to respond. Great lessons in nonviolence come from reading and reflecting on this kind of highly inspirational writing. Being frequently kind is a h… Catherine Todd wrote: I’ll try…. Ricky wrote: As soon as we believe we are separate from others, we judge. This leads to violence of heart, spirit, or even on the physical plane. Nonviolence drops judgment away, and as we practice the… Edit Lak wrote: Thank you and welcome to LIFE LESSONS 101 – ‘‘A second basic fact that characterizes nonviolence is that it does not seek to defeat or humiliate the opponent, but to win his friendsh… Share/Read Reflections >> Wednesday Meditation: Many years ago, a couple friends got together to sit in silence for an hour, and share personal aha-moments. That birthed this newsletter, and later became “Wednesdays”, which now ripple out to living rooms around the world. To join, RSVP online. Audio Reflections From last week’s Bay-Area circle on Stand In the Tragic Gap … Some Good News Discovering My Own Values 8 Approaches to Simplicity 5 Great Books on the Science of Being Wrong Video of the Week Sounds of Kindness Kindness Stories Gratitude for our Caregiver The Missing Cheese Bun Feeds Two Souls Running To The Record Shop About Back in 1997, one person started sending this simple “meditation reminder” to a few friends. Soon after, “Wednesdays” started, CharityFocus blossomed, and the humble experiments of service took a life of its own. If you’d like to start a Wednesday style meditation gathering in your area, we’d be happy to help you get started. InnerNet Weekly is an email service that delivers a little bit of wisdom to 68,797 subscribers each week. We never spam nor do we host any advertising. Archives, from the last 10+ years, are freely available online. You can unsubscribe anytime, within seconds. A Gift Economy offering of CharityFocus.org (2008)

When Generosity Meets Venture Capital

You have not lived a perfect day, even though you have earned your money, unless you have done something for someone who will never be able to repay you. — Ruth Smeltzer

~~~~ Good News of the Day: What happens when someone who has spent much of his life on volunteerism and generosity keynotes an event for venture capitalists and entrepreneurs? “My instructions for the talk were: don’t be humble, talk about scale. I actually laughed out on the phone, when I heard that, only to realize that it wasn’t a joke. The other keynote was a billionaire, who had invented 33 medical devices and held 150 patents. And I was warned that this will be an audience of hyper-alpha-males. 🙂 I like entrepreneurs because they are always looking to broaden the pie. The best of them don’t hold a scarcity mindset but rather focus on creative expressions for creating new value in the world. […] Unfortunately, what was also run of the mill was a singular focus on money. Greed. People cheered when a speaker spoke about unethical behavior to get ahead, as if that was truly heroic.”
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~~~~ Be The Change: Today, do something for someone for which you can’t be repaid.

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Smile Newsletter: Celebrate World Kindness Day Today

Nov 13, 2011 “Believe with all your heart that how you live your life makes a difference” – Colin Beavan “Yesterday I was out walking while carrying shopping bags and my keys. My keys slipped from my hand and fell to the ground. The problem was that because of my back I couldn’t bend down to get them. I was just thinking of how to get around this when two teenage girls came up beside me. Without even speaking to me, one of the girls just reached down, picked up my keys, handed them to me and went on her way. While it was a small gesture and she couldn’t have known that I was in too much pain to bend down, it meant a great deal to me at that moment.” –amer [ share your story >> ] You can also contribute comments on each story! The Missing Cheese Bun Feeds Two Souls >> 24 Hours of Non-Stop Kindness >> An Unforgettable Fishing Experience >> More Stories >> “I had a professor in college who always showed acts of kindness to all of her students. What I did not know was that she was receiving chemotherapy for bone cancer the whole time she was caring for those around her. Her example of love continues to stay in my thoughts even today, nearly 25 years later. She passed away three years ago, but left a legacy of unselfish love that I would like to strive to emulate.” — McElsa What is a “smile card”? It’s a game of kindness — do something nice for someone and leave a card behind asking them to pay it forward. To date, 981,261 cards have been shipped without any charge. The ‘Smiles’ newsletter is emailed to 85,415 subscribers with the intent of spreading more smiles in the world. You can unsubscribe anytime. get smile cards | donate | write to us

Celebrating World Kindness Day

Shine one corner of the world — just one corner. — Shunryu Suzuki

~~~~ Good News of the Day: Today is World Kindness Day, and we thought you’d enjoy this real-world story of spreading smiles. “‘Right on. This is my kind of protest,’ he says while going past me. I hadn’t thought of it way before. But perhaps it is a protest — for lack of smiles in the world. About 15 of us gathered earlier today to create poster boards that we would proudly hold up on busy street intersections of San Francisco. The posters would say simple things like ‘Smile’ or ‘Smile Anyway’ or ‘Spare a smile?’ or ‘Smile, it’s Free.’ We weren’t doing this as a part of any organization but rather as friends and well-meaning citizens of the world. After our morning creative sessions, we split up into teams of four and spread out over various intersections on San Francisco’s Van Ness Road.” http://premiere.whatcounts.com/t?ctl=169C48D:C3009629A010612C011A608A92CD4C03B4B847859706E37D&

~~~~ Be The Change: For World Kindness Day, do your bit to shine your corner of the world. Ideas: http://premiere.whatcounts.com/t?ctl=169C48E:C3009629A010612C011A608A92CD4C03B4B847859706E37D&

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