Feel good Friday...Born to Help

Feel Good Friday…Born to Help

If I have been of service, if I have glimpsed more of the nature and essence of ultimate good, if I am inspired to reach wider horizons of thought and action, if I am at peace with myself, it has been a successful day. --Alex Noble

In light of the disaster in Haiti we see an outpouring of empathy and help going to those less fortunate than us. It turns out this may be a biological imperative; that we humans are, in fact, born to be helpful and cooperative. What a revelation…we weren’t made to make money, or compete, or kill. We were made to cooperate, to help one another and ensure that all of us lead healthy and successful lives.

Here is a link to the New York Times article that explains the science behind this discovery:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/01/science/01human.html
and a video of a school in Japan where the teaching is how to be happy:
http://www.karmatube.org/videos.php?id=1720

Enjoy…Feel Good…do something for someone!

Namaste
John
“Teaching Focus, Inspiring Transformation”
www.martialartsnevada.com

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Feel Good Friday...I Believe

Feel Good Friday…I Believe

I received this recently and thought I would share it with all of you…

I BELIEVE... A Birth Certificate shows that we were born. A Death Certificate shows that we died. Pictures show that we lived! Have a seat . . . Relax … And read this slowly...
I Believe.... That just because two people argue, that doesn't mean they don't love each other. And just because they don't argue, that doesn't mean they do love each other.
I Believe... That sometimes when I'm angry I have the right to be angry, but that doesn't give me the right to be cruel.
I Believe... That we don't have to change friends if we understand that friends change.
I Believe... That no matter how good a friend is, they're going to hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that.
I Believe... That true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance. Same goes for true love.
I Believe... That you can do something in an instant that will give you heartache for life.
I Believe... That it's taking me a long time to become the person I want to be.
I Believe... That you should always leave loved ones with loving words. It may be the last time you see them.
I Believe... That you can keep going long after you think you can't.
I Believe... That we are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel.
I Believe... That either you control your attitude or it controls you.
I Believe... That heroes are the people who do what has to be done, when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences.
I Believe... That money is a lousy way of keeping score.
I Believe.... That my best friend and I can do anything, or nothing, and have the best time.
I Believe... That sometimes the people you expect to kick you, when you're down, will be the ones to help you get back up.
I Believe... That maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had, and what you've learned from them... and less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated.
I Believe... That it isn't always enough to be forgiven by others.. Sometimes, you have to learn to forgive yourself.
I Believe... That no matter how bad your heart is broken the world doesn't stop for your grief.
I Believe... That our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but we are responsible for who we become.
I Believe... That you shouldn't be so eager to find out a secret. It could change your life forever.
I Believe.... Two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally different.
I Believe... That your life can be changed in a matter of hours by people who don't even know you.
I Believe... That even when you think you have no more to give, if a friend cries out to you.. you will find the strength to help.
I Believe... That credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being.
I Believe.... That the people you care about most in life are taken from you too soon..
I Believe.... That you should send this to all of the people that you believe in. I just did. The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything; They just make the most of everything!
Namaste
John
“Teaching Focus, Inspiring Transformation”
www.martialartsnevada.com

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Feel Good friday...Never Too Young to make a Difference

Feel Good Friday….Never too Young to Make a Difference

“If you think you are too small to make a difference, try going to bed with a mosquito in the room.”
--Anita Koddick
A young man, Jonathan Slack aged 7, sees a homeless woman and organizes a drive to help. He gets enough food and toys donated to fill 4 trucks. Read his story here:
http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local-beat/Seven-Year-Old-Organizes-Mass-Donation-to-Homeless-Shelter-80285952.html?yhp=1
How many times do we see another human in poor straits and just shake our heads and move on. Granted we can’t save everyone but sometime we can do something that will make a difference. It could be as little as a kind word and some human connection. It could be much much bigger. It is really up to you. What will you do this year to make your corner of the world a little more pleasant, a little kinder, and a little friendlier? Check out soles 4 souls at http://www.soles4souls.org/ , go to your local food bank or volunteer, or work in a community garden. Just do something!

Namaste
John
“Teaching Focus, Inspiring Transformation”
www.martialartsnevada.com

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Feel Good Friday...Be the Change

Feel Good Friday…Be the Change

Merry Christmas

As I write on this crisp winter morning, the presents opened, dinner smells wafting from the kitchen, children playing with their new toys I am struck with gratitude. Gratitude for everything I have, all the things that have come my way, the lessons that I have learned. Gratitude for each of you that read these messages. Gratitude for your comments and attention.

And I am saddened by a world that still treats the least of us with such abject apathy and disdain. Turn the other cheek does not mean turn your back…on poverty, on hunger, on homelessness, on war, on disease, on displacement, or any of the other problems our world and the people in it face every day.

What are you, what am I, going to do tomorrow and the next day and the day after that to Be the Change we want to see in the world? Here is a video with a song from Gina Rene to help inspire you:

http://www.karmatube.org/videos.php?id=1769

Namaste
John
“Teaching Focus, Inspiring Transformation”
www.martialartsnevada.com

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Feel Good Friday...Back on their Feet

Feel Good Friday…Back on their Feet

When I used to run a lot I often ran through some pretty interesting (gritty) neighborhoods in Oakland, Berkeley, Richmond and other East Bay cities. But I never did what Anne Mahlum did. Her story is here:
http://www.karmatube.org/videos.php?id=1695

We often talk about finding your passion, your purpose, following your bliss, what’s your tree? This is a story of someone finding their purpose and following it. And changing lives in the process…Enjoy!

Namaste
John
“Teaching Focus, Inspiring Transformation”
www.martialartsnevada.com

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Feel Good Friday...Global Mindshift

Feel Good Friday…Global Mindshift

One of you sent this to me the other day (Thanks Carol) and I thought it was very cool and very cute and very true. It is what we are all about now, right now, right here. Enjoy! And send any and all links you find to me at utffernley@gmail.com ….Inspiration is everywhere (but I am not!)

http://www.global-mindshift.org/memes/wombat.swf

Namaste
John
“Teaching Focus, Inspiring Transformation”
www.martialartsnevada.com

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Feel Good Friday...6.6 Million Acts of Kindness

Feel Good Friday…6.6 million Acts of Kindness

The owners of a company sold the company for millions and gave 6.6 million dollars in bonuses to their 200+ employees. Money that will save homes from foreclosure, pay medical bills, fund college educations and start new businesses. They did not walk away from the people who made it all possible. They gave back. And they continue to give back in the philanthropic foundations they started. This is a remarkable story, especially in the light of today’s economy. Check out the video of the Spungen family here:

http://www.karmatube.org/videos.php?id=1682

Where can you create a win win today?

Namaste
John
“Teaching Focus, Inspiring Transformation”
www.martialartsnevada.com

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