Sunday, February 21, 2021

One Mind, Infinite Connections ~ The Golden Rule

One Mind, Infinite Connections - The Golden Rule

 There is a common thread of truth that runs through almost every religion and faith tradition in the world. Just as a river has many streams and waterways that feed into it and stretch beyond it, so does the practice of The Golden Rule. It is a simple message told in many stories. It flows like the water ways in a variety of paths that lead to the same Universal Truth of Compassion & Oneness. It invites us to consider treating other people the way we wish to be treated.

"I believe in the power of one and that we are all bound by the thread of oneness and humanity." Dia Mirza 

Through our teaching we recognize there is One Mind, or One Spirit that expresses itself through Infinite connections. You and I are a part of this One Life. We may live in different parts of the World, yet we share one planet. Our resources come from this planet we share. Our traditions and languages may be different, yet every person has the ability to act from loving kindness. To treat themselves and others with fairness and to show compassion. 

The Golden Rule is about learning to see, acknowledge and respect the sameness in all of us. Through the Golden Rule we also learn to establish a positive self perception. In order to treat others with kindness we first show kindness to ourselves.

The words of the golden rule are spoken in a variety of ways. The common english version is:  "Do unto others as you would have the do unto you." In other words, "Treat others the way you wish to be treated." 

"Do things for people not because of who they are or what they do in return, but because of who you are." Harold S. Kushner

Here are a few examples from Faith traditions around the world: 

Taoism: "Regard your neighbor's gain as your own gain and your neighbor's loss as your own loss."

Islam: "Hurt no one so that no one may hurt you."

Christianity: "Thou shalt love they neighbor as thyself"

Buddhism: "Hurt not others in ways that you would find hurtful." 

"To love God and to love our neighbor as ourselves means to see God in everything and to include everyone in one divine unity." Ernest Holmes 

Have you ever noticed that a small act of kindness has the power to brighten your day? That same kindness when shared by you with another person creates an uplifting ripple effect, inviting them to treat others with kindness too. Why do you think that is? How does it feel when people are kind to you? 

Now try a different path. Have you ever noticed that a harsh word spoken to or at you can leave you feeling small or sad? 

When we use our words in a harsh and unkind way to others it does not make us more powerful, it turns us into a bully. The Golden rule works here too ~ Do not to others, which would cause you pain if done to you. 

You get to choose every day, every moment how you wish to show up in the world, and how you wish to treat the people around you. What will you choose today?

Affirmations: 

“My life flows from the universal wellspring of Spirit/God's Love” Susan Robinson, RScP

"My thoughts have power, I choose the good ones." Unknown

"I Am One with God, You are One with God, We are One with God" Unknown

"I help create a world where it is safe to love each other." Louise Hay

Meditations: 

Peace Out/Friendly Wishes from Cosmic Kids
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HtYIQiXyrsE 

Loving Kindness Meditation from GoZen!Meditations

Music: 

The Golden Rule by the group A Thousand Horses. Get you Kazoos and join in!


Books:

The Berenstain Bears and the Golden Rule - early readers

The Golden Rule - by Ilene Cooper - Art by Gabi Swiatkowska
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X8OqwZvEorI 

Do Unto Otters - a book about Manners - by Laurie Keller
A quirky story that highlights what it means to be a good friend. 

Creativity:
This week think of small acts of kindness or kind things you can do for your neighbors, while staying safe. 

Draw a large heart on a piece of paper, then add lines to create sections or puzzle pieces within the heart. For each section write in things you enjoy or like, then color it any way you like. 

If you are looking for more creative ideas check out my Pinterest page here:

Have a great week everyone! 

(Special thanks to Shiya Stone and Janelle Shiers - Photo taken by Me :o)










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