Deepak Chopra has taken a vow for non-violence in his life and is creating a "global movement for peace consciousness." He has a website: i take the vow and you can watch the video to find out more. I appreciate any attempt to put some structure around the intangible concept of "being peace" and anything that helps ground me in a practice of conscious contribution to the world.

be Happy be Thanks be Giving

I've seen this painting Freedom from Want in person at the Norman Rockwell museum in Stockbridge, Massachusettes. It is one in a series of paintings called "The Four Freedoms" that Rockwell created in 1942 based on a speech given by president Franklin D. Roosevelt. In his speech, the president articulated 4 fundamental freedoms that all humans should enjoy: freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom from want and freedom from fear.

Standing among these four large paintings is powerful. The incredibly rendered details illustrate a desire for freedom that is as relevant today as it was 66 years ago. Rockwell's skill is undeniable, yet he is often dismissed as a serious artist because he chose to "paint life the way I would like it to be." Sounds about right to me.

What would it feel like to be free from want? The part of us that is human will always want. It's ok. Don't make it a moral issue. It's the nature of humans. Our being part, however, wants for nothing, is perfectly happy with exactly who and where it is. Tap into that today and everyday. You are a human, being. Embrace it all. be thanks for the smallest details in your life. The attention to, acceptance of and gratitude for what is will set you free.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Life will be

I received this postcard in the mail today from Creativity Explored, a non-profit art studio and gallery in San Fransisco for adults with developmental disabilities. Michael Bernard Loggins (quoted on card) is one of their artists and I love his message. It acknowledges one important tenet of a 'being' mindset - See the Big Picture.

Step way back, increase the angle of your lens on life as much as possible and take comfort in the knowledge that life is, and always will be, moving forward in its perfect cycle of disruption and restoration. The storm always passes, always. And yet, as the great quote says "Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass, it's about learning to dance in the rain." Despite what might be occurring right in front of you, see if you can enjoy the ride on life's ups and downs. As they say in the hospital, when it becomes a flat line it means you're dead. Choose a broader view and release your grip, even just slightly, to feel life move you on its natural current towards relief which leads to hope which leads to peace which leads to joy.

about Creativity Explored:

Some of our artists just turned twenty years old, while others are in their eighties. Some have lived lives of previous isolation or institutionalization, while others have lived their entire lives with their families in a supportive environment. Many of our studio artists speak different languages, or do not speak, and are unable to communicate with each other using spoken language. At Creativity Explored, visual art is language everyone can use to share culture, experience, and feelings.

At Creativity Explored, uncensored self-expression is both encouraged and celebrated. The result is art that is fresh, exciting, and innovative. Our common thread is the basic need to express self

Mission:

Creativity Explored enables adults with developmental disabilities to express themselves artistically in a way that is personally rewarding and appreciated by others. We work to enrich the community by increasing awareness of the value and diversity of artistic expression.

One way to support the mission of Creativity Explored is to purchase original works from their online store. If you appreciate abstract, folk and /or "outsider" art you will enjoy the very reasonably priced selection. I have a thing for art that incorporates words, so have become a fan of John Patrick McKenzie and own one of his pieces that looks a lot like this one:

and I quote...

"All the Bibles, Jesuses, gurus, poets and artists have ever said to people is that this minute is the one that counts; not tomorrow or yesterday.

That's the whole game. There's no other time but the present. Anything else is a waste of time." - John Lennon

my sister sent me one of these great "you are here" t-shirts from worn free

today in yoga class the instructor, YogaJoe, said and asked:

"for five deep breaths just be where you are, not trying to get anywhere in particular...isn't that the more interesting choice?"

from www.live-inspired.com

about be

We just made a few changes to "the be line" website. I held up the process because I could not decide what to write for the "about be" page. I wanted to say so much, but we are determined to keep it simple. My sister, our brilliant graphic designer, always says "simple is difficult" when it comes to design and she is right.

I wanted to say: be is about now, the present moment, the only time we have to really live our lives. While we rehash the past, consciously and unconsciously, or worry about and plan the future, we are overlooking the complete perfection and beauty of our lives.

I wanted to say, be is about how we are each changing the world, in every moment, by who we are being. It is not our grand sweeping outward gestures that have the most influence on the world around us, it is the subtle, silent disposition with which we approach ourselves and others.

be is about how we are human beings, yet we've become so distracted by doing and thinking that we have ignored our most natural state. be is about the part of you that cannot be seen, measured, weighed or evaluated. It's about the real you, the best part - your invisible and infinitely powerful spirit. Yes, that's right, I wanted to use the word SPIRIT for goodness sake.

I wanted to say be is about remembering that everything you have been looking for is already inside of you, just waiting for you to slow down and be still long enough to receive it, it's all here, you can stop knocking yourself out in the superficial, exterior, material world (and then I would have said there's nothing wrong with that world, it's just not where the answers are.)

I thought about saying there actually are no words to explain be. What it means to be does not exist in the realm of intellect or reason where we have become so accustomed to hanging out. Being can only be experienced, felt.

I wanted to say all of that, but instead I chose this. What do you think?

photo: Deb Gorman and her mother, Judy Aydelott, our gorgeous models

Goldie Hawn on her Spiritual Path...

be, the basics | #1

The absolute #1 recommended, do it anywhere, no cost way to come into the present moment is to breathe.

Focus your attention on what it feels like as you breath deeply into your body, hold it for a second or two, and then feel the exhale. Repeat several times.

This easy practice stops whatever thoughts were streaming through your mind and allows you to be for a moment. I am trying to teach my children this...no matter what is happening around you, there is nothing one deep breath can't make better.

So...

I get my photo taken with Martha Stewart and I have to make crazy eyes? Why??? Why did I have to make crazy eyes?!? A slightly better photograph of me from the same event was on Martha's blog here.

Let's face it, I just wanted to post this photo, but the occasion is actually worth mentioning. It was taken at a dinner for the 10th Anniversary of the Native Plant Center at Westchester Community College near where I live. My friend (also in photo) asked me to get involved and I have become so impressed with their mission: to spread the word about the importance of native plants. Who knew?!

I love simple, practical, "that just makes a ton of sense" knowledge such as - when you use plants in your yard that are native to your geography, it has incredible environmental benefits. Native plants require less water, fertilizer, pesticides and general maintenance. They support entire ecosystems including food and habitats for birds, bees, butterflies and other animal life that is native to the area in which you live. Conversely, non-native plants can be invasive and destroy habitats. Understanding this provides one way to live more in harmony with your surroundings and it can be as environmentally important as recycling or attempting to get better gas mileage. Martha practices and promotes the use of native plants, which is why she was given the "Acorn Award" at this event and which she writes about on her blog.

You can go here to find out what plants are native where you live.

photo taken by Thomas V. O'Connell

Radical Political Perspective

I just returned from voting. I took a magazine with me anticipating long lines, but I live in a small town and in NY, not a battleground state, so I was in and out in minutes. Still, as I stepped into the booth I felt a rush; I felt grateful be an American, grateful for the power of democracy. It has been easy to get caught up in the excitement generated during this presidential race. It's easy to be distracted by the emphasis on the historic and critical significance of this election. But I've tried to remain focused on what I know is true -- no matter who becomes the next President of the United States, the quality of my life remains entirely within my own control. The peace, freedom, unity and prosperity I experience, or not, is a reflection of who I am being. I will not give away that control. And I will not hold them responsible for my well being. I will remember that the change I wish to see out in the world is created when I become that change.

I realize this is a big vote for little old me, yet it comes not from a place of apathy or flippant disregard for our federal government. It comes from an intense, deeply rooted desire to make the world a better place and a growing understanding of the only real way that's ever going to happen.