HONOUR

Definition of HONUR according to dictionary.com: a tangible symbol signifying approval or distinction; show respect towards

When was the last time you took the time to really stop and honour someone, something or even better yourself?

We live in an incredibly busy, often non connected world. Yes, I recognize that we have the internet, cell phones, texting, email, all the technological advantages of the times, which offer the perception of connection. Yet, in reality are we really more connected to one another or better able to be disconnected with ourselves and others? Have our lives & relationships been enriched through personal connection or less so with all of this?

I am no different than anyone else out there living their life each and everyday, choosing to be the best person I can be. I am busy, actually, really quite a master at keeping myself busy. I carry a cell phone/blackberry with me most everywhere I go. I check my email regularly, often several times a day. I love my ITouch. I go to the gym regularly and always have my headset with me. Am I more connected? Am I honouring myself or others?

The past bit, I have been busy, genuinely busy. In this busyness, I have not had the same opportunity and access to the above mentioned. You know what, I have to say, that I truly feel I have been far more connected, connected on a personal level, not only with myself, but with others as well. In recognizing this, what I have come to realize for me, is that when I am living my life fully, in my own skin, doing what is true to me, I am actually honouring myself and others. It not only feels great, it is absolutely amazing what the Universe sends back!

When was the last time you took the time to check in with yourself? Truly honoured yourself? Are you living your life from a place worthy of your own recognition, honour and celebration? I encourage you to try it, you just might like it. When we look after ourselves, truly honour ourselves, it can't help but spill over into the rest of our world.

Insist on yourself. Never imitate.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

The Way I See It . . .

Times are very interesting right now. For starts, like it or not, history was made this week. My sense is that HOPE is in the air. Not just in North America, but a feeling of global HOPE. Something that I do not remember experiencing in my life time. My thoughts - is this not a positive? Is it not true that HOPE sees the invisible, feels the intangible and achieves the impossible? Yet, I am somewhat bewildered . . . I am having a hard time comprehending the intense reactions of many. Reactions based on what?? Media? Hearsay? Gossip? Learned Behaviour?

We all have buttons, buttons that when triggered, can and do evoke novel responses - often not the most enlightened of responses. I find this to be very curious. In fact, it has been renting a fair bit of space in my being. Now, don't get me wrong, I am the first to admit that my own responses can be just as puzzling as the next persons. This has led me to ponder where these reactions come from . . . I understand that all behaviour is learned and that much of our learning happens very early in our lives - childhood. Can you really teach older 'dogs' new tricks?

"People need to see that far from being an obstacle, the world's diversity of languages, religions & traditions is a great treasure affording us precious opportunities to recognize ourselves in others."

Youssou N'Dour

Musician

(Borrowed from my recent Chai Latte)

What precious opportunities are you missing out on because you've allowed yourself to get in your own way . . . How often are you blinded by your own reactions?