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Know
& Grow Monthly Magazine
"Fear
grows out of the things we think;
it lives in our minds. Compassion grows out of
the things we are, and lives in our hearts."
~ Barbara Garrison...
August 29, 2005
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TODAY'S TUNE [ON/OFF]
"All
I Need Is a Miracle"
If you cannot hear the song, simply:
Enter
Here to open media window.
^FREE DOWNLOADS^
THIS WEEK'S ISSUE
From the Inside Out...
What a
Coincidence!
Yes You Can!...
Find a 'Fix'
for
Spiritual Depression
Far Horizons...
China's Disabled
Art Troupe
Untangling the Web...
What a Site and
Computer Ease
Just for YOU...
Special Treats
Laughing It Off...
What You Didn't
See at the Louvre
Fascinating Facts...
Gesundheit!
Joyful Lifestyles...
Compassionate
Accountability
BE the World
You Want to See!
When
we get into the habit of truly paying attention to life, we often
find that miracles are all around us. They are simply every day
occurrences seen more clearly.
~ Chelle Thompson, Editor
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From the Inside Out
WHAT A COINCIDENCE!
Tess was a precocious eight year old when she heard her Mom and
Dad talking about her little brother, Andrew. All she knew was that
he was very sick and they were completely out of money.
They
were moving to an apartment complex next month because Daddy didn't
have enough money for the doctor bills and the house payments. Only
a very costly surgery could save him now and it was looking like
there was no-one to loan them the money.
She
heard Daddy say to her tearful Mother with whispered desperation,
"Only a miracle can save him now."
Tess
went to her bedroom and pulled a glass jelly jar from its hiding
place in the closet. She poured all the change out on the floor
and counted it carefully. Three times, even. The total had to be
exactly perfect. No chance here for mistakes.
Carefully
placing the coins back in the jar and twisting on the cap, she slipped
out the back door and made her way 6 blocks to Rexall's Drug Store
with the big Indian Chief sign above the door.
She
waited patiently for the pharmacist to give her some attention but
he was too busy at this moment. Tess twisted her feet to make a
scuffing noise. Nothing. She cleared her throat with the most disgusting
sound she could muster. No good. Finally she took a quarter from
her jar and banged it on the glass counter. That did it!
"And
what do you want?" the pharmacist asked in an annoyed tone
of voice. "I'm talking to my brother from Chicago whom I haven't
seen in ages," he said without waiting for a reply to his question.
"Well,
I want to talk to you about MY brother," Tess answered back
in the same annoyed tone. "He's really, really sick... and
I want to buy a miracle."
"I
beg your pardon?" said the pharmacist.
"His
name is Andrew and he has something bad growing inside his head
and my Daddy says only a miracle can save him now. So how much does
a miracle cost?"
"We
don't sell miracles here, little girl. I'm sorry but I can't help
you," the pharmacist said, softening a little.
"Listen,
I have the money to pay for it. If it isn't enough, I will get the
rest. Just tell me how much it costs."
The
pharmacist's brother was a well-dressed man. He stooped down and
asked the little girl, "What kind of a miracle does you brother
need?"
"I
don't know," Tess replied with her eyes welling up. "I
just know he's really sick and Mommy says he needs an operation.
But my Daddy can't pay for it, so I want to use my money."
"How
much do you have?" asked the man from Chicago.
"One
dollar and eleven cents," Tess answered barely audibly. "And
it's all the money I have, but I can get some more if I need to."
"Well,
what a coincidence," smiled the man. "A dollar and eleven
cents-the exact price of a miracle for little brothers." He
took her money in one hand and with the other hand he grasped her
mitten and said, "Take me to where you live. I want to see
your brother and meet your parents. Let's see if I have the kind
of miracle you need."
That
well-dressed man was Dr. Carlton Armstrong, a surgeon, specializing
in neurosurgery. The operation was completed without charge and
it wasn't long until Andrew was home again and doing well. Mom and
Dad were happily talking about the chain of events that had led
them to this place.
"That
surgery," her Mom whispered, "was a real miracle. I wonder
how much it would have cost?"
Tess
smiled. She knew exactly how much a miracle cost ... one
dollar and eleven cents ... plus the faith of a little child.
A
miracle is NOT the suspension of natural law, but the operation
of a HIGHER law ...
~Anonymous
Parable
To Read Many More Heartwarming Stories & Poetry
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Yes You Can!
FIND A 'FIX' FOR
SPIRITUAL DEPRESSION
From
a physiological perspective, depression is a “natural”
condition of energy depletion. Since we are active beings (well,
most of us are sometimes, anyway), physical depression is “natural”
and to be expected. If we “naturally” accept the physically
depressed state — while remaining aware of our bodily
sensations and our feelings while resting and recovering
— the eventual consequence will be a revitalizing of our energy
reserves and a restoration of our more joyful mood. Quietly observing
ourselves while “down” actually accelerates our recuperation.
This is, of course, an important piece of holistic healing wisdom.
If
we “resist” the physically depressed state often and long
enough, it can lead to chronic or clinical depression.
This is an example of the “physical” disturbing, or unbalancing,
the “psychological.” In other words, this habitual behavior
of resistance results in the conversion from a physiologically depleted
condition to an unbalanced psychological disorder. Not accepting
our depressed state is a form of self-rejection, or self-denial,
a refusal to “accept what is.” We fail to accept what
is natural, often by blaming others for our condition, or endeavoring
to escape our depression by attempting to distract ourselves with
other activities. Resistance merely delays the rejuvenation while
repressing the negativity, postponing integration, and leaving us
to deal with more debilitating versions of depression later. Our
persistent resistance leads to unrelenting depression, which
becomes a “normal” state for many of us. This is an all-too-common
example of: “What we resist persists.”
What
if our “depression” is instead a mild, just barely noticeable
“ho-hum” — a general mood that is not obviously attributable
to our current overall physical energy levels?
We feel well rested and are even very active. Yet, there is a cloud
of vague, slightly negative, emotional energy perpetually lingering,
regardless of current events and experiences. Rather than easy-to-recognize
packets of feeling energy, moods are more subtle, generally existing
throughout all of our energy systems. Still, there may be some other
form of resistance as a root cause. This “gentle gloom”
may be a different kind of signal from the Higher-Self regarding
INACTION — the resistance to deal with a pending issue. It
has been my experience that when I find myself in this form of mild
depression, there is usually something that I have been avoiding
(or resisting). One or two meditations quickly point out my unaware
behaviors of avoidance. I am NOT doing my life’s duties. I
have wandered slightly off the path, and the Universe, in Its Infinite
Wisdom, has sent me a message which I can FEEL that states: “Recess
is over, get back to your studies.” I feel almost instantly
better when I just — “Joyfully do whatever needs
to be done!"
From
“The Voice of ISIS” written by F. Homer Curtiss
in 1913 comes the following observation:
“In the life of every earnest seeker after Truth, after
the first enthusiasm of the awakening to his spiritual possibilities
and the wonder of his newly found joy, there comes a period of depression
in which everything seems to fail him, and a shadow of discouragement,
almost lack of faith, seems to spread over him.”
It
is this state of feeling "stuck" that I call a Spiritual
Depression. However, this is not something that can be known
or understood by analyzing a collection of words. It is a life-path
experience — either you have had it due to where you were in
an evolutionary phase of your life, or you have not ... not
YET. The specific causes are as varied as the "travelers"
who are experiencing them. In general, though, a common process
may be found in many episodes of Spiritual Depression:
By
exploring our inner world
through regular meditation instead of being held captive by the
outer world...
By choosing to be a better person than we ever have been
before...
By intending to express Love in all ways possible...
By petitioning our Higher Self for guidance...
And then sprinting down the path towards discovering our
True Essence...
We immerse ourselves in a new dimension that feels wholly
“out of this world” at first...
We run full blast until we become exhausted...
Then we have to stop and rest — because we are slightly
DEPRESSED. We are racing headfirst into seemingly uncharted
territories. Fears and concerns about "proper direction"
creep in. A life full of old habits, all based upon the past and
not the present moment, still have significant “memory”
energies to share with the conscious mind. The ego has a stake in
seeing that there are no changes to the status quo. We have just
announced to the whole universe that we are going to be living life
differently from now on — do you assume that the ego is going
to sit still without a major fuss for this complete change in life
and living?
The
“FIX” for Spiritual Depression is an appropriate dosage
of “mind your own business.” When starting
the Spiritual Growth phase of life, the “job” is to “Know
Thyself” ... for THAT is our business. This entails many life-altering
steps. The two most obvious ones are: 1) Discover who you are “really”
— a spirit temporarily possessing an incarnate body having
a human experience with specific purposes (which will most likely
NOT be who you think you are — considering all of your ego
masks, roles, etc.). and 2) Discover who you are “really”
by realizing who you are NOT. This is partially accomplished by
studying our old habits and beliefs. These patterns will reveal
truths about the past — with major clues about the things that
need to be "grown" into new, more loving versions, in
order to replace old, stale, fear-based ways of living.
Much
of what we learn in life is “how NOT to do it,” “how
NOT to be,” and “how to focus on the world OUT THERE.”
So your job as a fellow Student of Life is to turn INWARD
and be seriously concerned about rediscovering the REAL you. Find
your specific purposes for being here at this particular time and
place. That's what is meant by “mind your OWN business.”
Remain ever watchful and the Universe will provide you with an unending
stream of clues regarding your “current inner business.”
If we become stuck, disappointed or depressed because we no longer
see the clues, then: 1) stop striving so hard; 2)
relax, rest and meditate often; and then, 3) enter a new
phase of clue-searching, without expectations.
Remember,
the primary ingredient for a disappointment is an expectation.
The Universe will give you exactly what you NEED — not necessarily
what you WANT — when you are ready, and when you are open to
receive.
~
By YIT, Spiritual Growth Translator
Inspiration & Encouragement   for
Friends & Loved Ones
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Far
Horizons
CHINA'S DISABLED
ART TROUPE
Photo: Webshots
Hearing-impaired
dancers from the China Disabled People's Performing Art Troupe
perform in Seoul, Korea. The group was established in 1987 and
is composed of visually impaired, audibly impaired and physically
and mentally challenged people. Their pursuit of art in their
special way, to inspire the human spirit through friendship and
love, offers audiences serious artistry in traditional Chinese
dance, music, and poetry. The artists within the Troupe come from
all parts of China and are farmers, workers, and students; many
have overcome considerable difficulties and hardships to perform
with the Troupe, which has appeared in some thirty countries around
the world. The Troupe represents a truly landmark cultural achievement
for China and the world, looking beyond disability to recognize
each artist’s individual talent, then bringing these individuals
together in performances that celebrate the inspiring, universal
language of art. In its many international performances the Troupe
has been warmly and emotionally received and praised for its exceptional
artistry. (Special Link: Disabled
Travelers.com Comprehensive
listings of: Travel Agents, Tour Operators, Adventure Travel Companies,
Accessible Van and Equipment Rentals,
Travel Companions, Home Exchanges, and Access Guides for
wheelchair users and other disabled travelers.)
MORE:
 
THEN
GO HERE for Bargains at Last
MinuteTravel.com
Airfare -Cars - Cruises - Hotels - Vacations
WHAT A SITE!
"ArtFully Present"
ArtFullyPresent.com
is a journey into the unique world
of art through Lauren Zimmerman's eyes. Lauren,
creator of OTHER WORLDS: The Series, has turned her
attention to a stimulating world of color and unique design.
Original art pieces, overlaid with quotations of wisdom and
hope, make this web site a wonderful place to stop by and visit.
www.ArtFullyPresent.com
COMPUTER-EASE
"Web-based
eMail"
With web-based email you aren't stuck just viewing email
by date. With AOL, MSN/Hotmail, Yahoo, and most others
all you need to do is click the top of the column you want
alphabetical. So, if you want the mail sorted by sender,
click "Sender"; for subject, you guessed it, click
"subject".
This should be true for any other columns you may have.
Is there a way to
backup my Address Book?
Wouldn't it ruin your
day to lose all the contacts in
your address book? Learn how
to save it to disk.
**DAILY
INTERNET VIRUS THREATS**
|
Laughing
It Off
WHAT YOU DIDN'T SEE AT THE LOUVRE
There
was a big break in at the Louvre Museum in Paris, but the thieves
were captured because their getaway vehicle was a van which they
couldn't get going before the police arrived. The police captain
asked the head of the criminal band what was wrong with their
getaway van and the thief replied, "We did not have enough
Monet to get Degas to make the Van Gogh."
"Doctor,
Doctor I keep painting myself gold!" ... "Don't worry
it's just a gilt complex!"
A
famous art collector is walking through the city when he notices
a mangy cat lapping milk from a saucer in the doorway of a store.
He does a double take, as he notices that the saucer is extremely
old and very valuable. He walks casually into the store and offers
to buy the cat for two dollars. The store owner replies, "I'm
sorry, but the cat isn't for sale." The collector says, "Please,
I need a hungry cat around the house to catch mice. I'll pay you
twenty dollars for that cat." So the owner replies, "Sold!"
and hands over the cat. The collector continues, "Hey, for
the twenty bucks I wonder if you could throw in that old saucer.
The cat's used to it and it'll save me having to get a dish."
The owner shakes his head and says, "Sorry buddy, but that's
my lucky saucer. So far this week I've sold sixty-eight cats."
I
think my Grandson best summed up my feelings about abstract art.
We were looking at a painting with a wild mishmash of colors and
he asked, "What's that?" I
replied, "It's supposed to be a cowboy on his horse."
... "Well," he continued, "Why isn't it?"
An
artist asked the gallery owner if there had been any interest
in his paintings on display during the past month. "I have
good news and bad news," said the owner. "The good news
is that a gentleman inquired about your work and wondered if it
would appreciate in value after your death. When
I told him it would, he bought all 15 of your paintings!"
The artist shouted, "That's wonderful!" then asked,
"but what's the bad news?" The gallery owner sadly replied,
"Well, the guy was your doctor."
Question:
How
many visitors to an Art Gallery does it take to change a light
bulb?... Answer: Two — one to do it and one to say "Huh!
My four-year old could've done that!"
The
artist tried to concentrate on his work, but the attraction he
felt for his model finally became irresistible. He threw down
his palette and brush, took her in his arms and kissed her. She
quickly pushed him away. "Maybe your other models let you
kiss them!" she said with indignation. "I've NEVER tried
to kiss a model before!" he swore. "Really?" she
said, softening. "How many models have there been?"
He
thought for a moment and replied, "Only four — a jug,
two apples and a vase."
Vincent
Van Gogh's Hilarious Long-Lost Relatives ...
The
real obnoxious brother: Please Gogh
The brother who ate prunes: Gotta Gogh
The uncle who worked at a convenience store: Stop
N. Gogh
His dizzy aunt: Verti Gogh
The cousin who moved to Illinois: Chica Gogh
His magician uncle: Wherediddy Gogh
The cousin who lived in Mexico: Amee Gogh
The nephew that drove a stage coach: Wells Far Gogh
The uncle who was constipated: Cant Gogh
The aunt who loved ballroom dancing: Tan Gogh
His ornithologist uncle: Flamin Gogh
His nephew, the Freudian psychoanalyst: E. Gogh
His cousin who loved tropical fruits: Mang Gogh
His Disco-loving sister: Go Gogh
His niece, who's been traveling in an RV: Winnie
Bay Gogh
His energetic cowboy nephew: Giddup N. Gogh
His great-great-grandmother: Longga Gogh
His tentatively intimate kissin' cousin: Touchin'
Gogh
The grandfather who moved to Yugoslavia: U. Gogh
~Funny
Fotos Contributed by Our Subscriber Hilda in Auburndale, Florida
ARCHIVES:..
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Fascinating
Facts
GESUNDHEIT!
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Why do we say 'bless you' after a
sneeze?...
CHECK HERE:
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Joyful Lifestyles: Weekly Insights
COMPASSIONATE ACCOUNTABILITY
In a world
that is shifting, everything around us is being redefined.
Through the challenges in my life, I've learned that maintaining
a loving arena of Accountability creates a cornerstone for
change. It's also the gift that keeps on giving — for,
when individuals actually rise to the occasion and accept
responsibility for their actions, they then reflect a high
level of consciousness that is a beautiful gift in return.
Truth ... spoken with clarity (not harsh, demeaning words
or ego) is a gift we give to ourselves as well. It frees the
repressed emotional energy that is generated when we sell
ourselves out by remaining silent. I see this approach as
an expanded version of my favorite Dale Carnegie human relations
principle — "Giving someone a fine example to live
up to."
I recall one of the first times I was brave enough to NOT
EDIT my words, rather than "making nice and not rocking
the boat." Soon afterwards I learned that not editing
was the only way to be, and that by "speaking from the
heart" I could create a loving atmosphere of opportunity.
Several years ago, while directing my Lightship of Santa
Fe project, I encountered four simultaneous situations
for me to practice this philosophy. In three of the cases,
the people involved readily altered their perspective, because
they clearly saw what had happened and "owned" the
consequences of their actions.
The fourth was a seminar leader from another state who, at
the last minute, canceled a newsletter advertisement she had
reserved because HER schedule had changed. When I explained
that this wasn't appropriate because I'd held the space for
her and there was no time to replace it, she slipped into
the very human survival mode of justification, blame and denial.
I remained clear with the facts and, when resolution didn't
appear, I simply said, "Okay, you don't have to pay for
the ad; you, apparently, don't fit well with the nature of
our project, so it's truly best for everyone."
About a week later I received a three-page letter and a check
from this remarkable being, who had spent several days pondering
the events so she could really understand what had occurred.
With a wonderful sense of her own dignity, she acknowledged
the ways she had affected others and apologized for her behavior.
Receiving this "reciprocal gift" inspired me to
call immediately and tell her that she truly DID fit the energy
of Lightship and would be welcome to advertise or present
her workshops with us at any time.
Seeing someone step beyond their "personality self"
and move into alignment with their Soul's Essence is a miracle
to behold. Accountability can be the purest form of compassion
because it often encourages greatness.
Joyful
Blessings,
Inspiration Line's Editor
Chelle 'Shay' 
Thompson
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COPYRIGHT
NOTICE: All articles and images shown are believed to be public
domain and, therefore, re-printable material.
We make every attempt to credit original authors and websites,
and do not intentionally infringe on anyone's copyright.
Where a source is available, it has been stated. If you believe
a mistake has been made or know the source of
an unattributed article or image, please write to: Editor@InspirationLine.com
and a correction will be made.
........................................................
Chelle
Thompson, Editor
~
Jane Cate, The TechAngel
This publication originates in Santa Fe, New Mexico 87502
U.S.A.
Copyright © 2005 Inspiration Line -
All Rights Reserved
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