Settling down to type this newsletter I was reflecting on the truth that we attract what we project into the world. As we think and act so we create. Acts of kindness and living through a thankful heart gradually open the door to us experiencing the same.
I know that some may say “Well I am kind and grateful for things but I still have people being mean to me, not at all appreciative of what I do!”
I understand that completely. One of the things I have had to understand on my own journey is to be patient whilst at the same time being persistent. Sometimes the time between cause and effect can be quite long, even reaching back to earlier incarnations when perhaps we weren’t so agreeable in our behaviour! Transformation and renewal are after all processes.
But in these troubled times, things are moving quicker and quicker, and any change of attitude and the consequent actions we may adopt will soon begin to bear fruit. Effect is following cause much more rapidly.
So in times when selfishness and isolationist thinking seem to prevail, why not flow with the true spirit of the season and resurrect or intensify your acts of kindness, and express thankfulness whenever you see the opportunity. It doesn’t require large ostentatious gestures but rather quiet small ones repeated as often as possible.
To dissolve the apparent problems of the outer world, be thankful for all you have and encounter. Seek ways whereby you can demonstrate kindness and generosity to life around you in thought, word and deed.
Let’s make this a time to renew our kind nature and our appreciation of our gifts and blessings.
There may be more than you think and I am sure you will not be disappointed if you persist.
Much love
Paul
P.S.
In my first teaching job I taught in a Grammar School which had a great music tradition. It ran a big amateur choral society which hired professional soloists and orchestra for their public performances of oratorios and so on. Having a fine trained tenor voice and already doing a little professional work I saved the school a bit of money by singing as the tenor soloist.
One afternoon I called into the school office for some stationery, and immediately began admiring a large delicious cream cake, provided by the Headmaster for the office staff to enjoy during their afternoon coffee break. He then appeared through the adjoining door to his study to claim his slice when he looked at me, saying, “Paul, when I was a little boy, my mother used to sing to me in bed. My favourite song was “Count Your Blessings”. Do you know it?”
I confirmed that I did and he then asked for a rendition of it, so I obliged, bursting into song. My tenor tones were at full throttle, resonating amongst the typewriters and filing cabinets!
Tears filled the Headmaster’s eyes. When I had finished singing he thanked me profusely and said to the school secretary, “I think he deserves a bit of cake!” Another plate appeared and a slice of cake was mine. I was truly blest and thankful!
It’s amazing what “counting your blessings” can do! OK, it was only a piece of cake but it was a start. Try it!
I always look forward to working with old friends and new on my various courses and individual sessions. I wish to thank all of you who help me and support me in so many different ways. You all make my life and my work so much easier to continue.
Thank you, thank you, thank you so much. You are great blessings to me.