Sometimes the best way to stay close to someone you love
is by being just a friend. The one who trusts you more
than others, the one who knows and understands you more
than yourself is your best friend and nothing can change
this truth ever. ~Unknown
Cats may chew electrical cords because they’re bored or stressed, or because they just enjoy the texture. Chewing electrical cords is dangerous! Take the steps below to stop this behavior. Check each step as you take it until the chewing has stopped.
Source: The Humane Society of the United States
All cats, even cats who never interact with other animals or venture outdoors, should be examined at least once a year and receive vaccinations against rabies and other diseases, as recommended by their veterinarian. Regular veterinary visits, as well as preventative care, such as keeping cats indoors and providing good nutrition, are key to ensuring the highest quality of life for cats. Source: The Humane Society of the United States
Love is the flower of life, and blooms unexpectedly and without law,
and must be plucked where it is found, and enjoyed for the brief hour
of its duration. ~Unknown
Vipassana meditation at the Peace Meditation Center, Wat Kirivongsa Bopharam, in Massachusetts.
If you are depressed, you live in the past…
If you are anxious, you live in the future…
If you are happy … You live in the present.
~Lao Tzu
Life is a mixture of sunshine and rain, teardrops and laughter,
pleasure and pain. Just remember, there was never a cloud
that the sun couldn’t shine through. ~Unknown
Make someone happy, then you’ll be happy too.
The art of happiness is to serve all. To be truly happy, we must think not only of how
we can help ourselves, but how we can help others. ~Unknown
Upasika Nary
Vipassana meditation at the Peace Meditation Center, Wat Kirivongsa Bopharam in Massachusetts.
by Ajahn Chah
Meditation is not separate from the rest of life. All situations provide opportunity to practice, to grow in wisdom and compassion. Ajahn Chah teaches that the right effort for us is to be mindful in all circumstances without running away from the world but to learn to act without grasping or attachment.
Furthermore, he insists that the foundation of a spiritual life is virtue. Although virtue is neglected in our modern society, it must be understood and honoured as a fundamental part of meditation. Virtue means taking care so that we do not harm other beings by thought, word, or deed. This respect and caring puts us into a harmonious relationship with all life around us. Only when our words and deeds come from kindness can we quiet the mind and open the heart. The practice of non-harming is the way to begin turning all life situations into practice.
To further establish our lives on the Middle Way, Ajahn Chah recommends moderation and self reliance. A life of excess is difficult soil for the growth of wisdom. To take care with the basics-such as moderation in eating, sleeping, and in speech-helps bring the inner life into balance. It also develops the power of self-reliance. Don’t imitate the way others practice or compare yourself to them, Ajahn Chah cautions; just let them be. It is hard enough to watch your own mind, so why add the burden of judging others. Learn to use your own breath and everyday life as the place of meditation and you will surely grow in wisdom.
Meditation in Action
Proper effort is not the effort to make something particular happen. It is the effort to be aware and awake in each moment, the effort to overcome laziness and defilement, the effort to make each activity of our day meditation.
How to play with your cat: Playtime isn’t just for cats—it’s for their people, too. Your cat’s speed and grace will amaze you as she dashes about, trying to catch her “prey.”
Toss a crumpled ball of paper for her to chase—she may even bring it back to you. Some cats love to “fetch” so much that they will actually initiate the game by dropping a toy in your lap for you to throw. Source: The Humane Society of the United States
Why it’s important for cats to play: Toys and regular playtime are part of providing your cat with a stimulating environment, which makes for a happy and healthy cat. Play gives them an outlet for their energy, mental and physical stimulation, the opportunity to satisfy their instinctual hunting drive and a chance to bond with you. Source: The Humane Society of the United States
