Expect nothing; Gain everything

“To avoid disappointment in life, don’t attach an expectation to an outcome.”

Buddha

When there is an expected result desired no matter the situation, there is always a good chance that you’ll experience disappointment. This disappointment can lead to anger, especially if it involves something between friends, family or lovers. If you’re not able to rise above this type of situation peacefully, the first thing that most people experience is anger, animosity or even hatred. At this point, this is when your mind has taken over your other bodily senses and closed off your inner power and intellect. Then, it’s easy to become angry, but to be angry with the right person and to the right degree and at the right time and for the right purpose, and in the right way – this is not easy to achieve. 

So, the next time you become angry at someone, remember to try not to attach an expectation to whatever made you angry in the first place. And also remember the exact dose of anger you exert, and at what time, and for what purpose could be the difference between a broken friendship or relationship and one that has grown closer than ever before. If you can accomplish this, then you’re on your way to achieving spiritual and physical maturity.

Be who you really are

“It takes courage to grow up and turn out to be who you
really are.”

~ EE Cummings

We are very much a part of nature as we live in nature. We come from a seed and grow from daily nurturing and nutrients, just like a flower that sprouts from the earth as a germinating seed. As we grow – just like a lovely flower – we bring beauty to the world in so many ways. Collectively, our body, mind and soul are beings that have the capability to do great things to as many people as we desire if only we can bloom into something beautiful like a spring flower. Each day as you live your life, make it your purpose to add something beautiful to the world. All it takes is enough courage to be who you want to be when you’re all grown up. Life is a gift.

Thanks to Tim Coffey for use of his illustration.

 

Starry, starry night

The following quotes all come from one of my favorite painters and philosophers, Vincent van Gogh. In 1998, my mother, her best friend and I were fortunate enough to see a very special art exhibition in Los Angeles at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) that showcased most all of his major and minor paintings in one location. It was the first and only time all his works from the Van Gogh family museum in Amsterdam were brought together with all his great paintings in America. It was amazingly fun to see so many of his great works close-up and personal. His character and talent were uniquely awesome and inspiring! I’ll never forget that day as I witnessed some of the greatest works of art by a true innovator.

“The best way to know God is to love many things.”

“If one is master of one thing and understands one thing well, one has at the same time, insight into and understanding of many things.”

“The more I think about it, the more I realize there is nothing more artistic than to love others.”

“Love is something eternal; the aspect may change, but not the essence.”

“Great things are not done by impulse, but by a series of small things brought together.”

“Conscience is a man’s compass.”

“What would life be if we had no courage to attempt anything?”

~ Vincent van Gogh

A young Vincent

a self portrait

a self portrait

Starry Night

Irises

Starry, Starry Night

Autumn in Paris

A Night in Paris

Wheat Fields With Crows