MATHATMA GANDHI

The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong. 

- Mahatma Gandhi

Learn more about Mahatma Gandhi by visiting: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahatma_Gandhi

Cantate Domino - Gregorian Chant

MINDFUL LIFE PROJECT

MINDFUL LIFE PROJECT

Vision

Mindful Life Project envisions schools where all students are able to participate and excel both socially and academically. Our programs focus on empowering students by providing them with skills and tools that lead to improved self-awareness, impulse control, confidence and resiliency. We believe that every student has the innate ability to be a successful member of the school and the community. By providing “at-risk” students with skills that lead to positive results and successful school experiences, the whole school will see an improved climate.

Programs Overview (excerpt)

We focus on healing the social-emotional problems that have plagued underserved, inner city schools by providing an educational experience that positively impacts the behavioral patterns of students. Through Mindful Life based interventions, students can be guided to make positive life choices both at school and in their community. Mindful Life Project does this through teaching mindfulness, expressive arts, yoga, and the performing arts. Students learn to understand and navigate their feelings, emotions, thoughts, and life experiences, which enables new, wiser responses that improve attention, learning, emotional regulation, empathy, and conflict resolution. Our goal is to establish a foundation of social-emotional skills to allow students to positively navigate through difficult life experiences.

https://twitter.com/Mindful_Project

https://www.facebook.com/MindfulLifeProject

http://mindfullifeproject.org/

If you want to conquer the anxiety of life,

live in the moment, 

live in the breath.

- Amit Ray

Are your moments mindfully filled?

http://www.meaningtopause.com

Tibetan Healing Sounds

BIOLOGY OF BELIEF - Dr. Bruce Lipton

Today’s Daily Pause features Dr. Bruce Lipton - https://www.brucelipton.com/

Share Video: http://youtu.be/jjj0xVM4x1I

Instrumental Christmas Music and Winter Scenes

CONFUCIUS

Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall. 

- Confucius

Learn more about Confucius by visiting: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confucius

I Will Follow Him and Nun's Chorus

THE CHOPRA CENTER

THE CHOPRA CENTER

About Us

The Chopra Center, founded in 1996 by Deepak Chopra, M.D. and David Simon, M.D., is the premier provider of experiences, education, teacher trainings and products that improve the health and wellbeing of body, mind and spirit.  We provide an integrative approach to total wellbeing through self-awareness, and the practice of yoga, meditation and Ayurveda.  The consciousness based teachings of Vedic science, as translated by our founders, coupled with cutting edge research and modern western medicine, serve as the foundation for Chopra Center teachings.  We collaborate with visionaries, scientists, pioneers, physicians and industry experts to educate and inspire seekers from around the globe to better their lives and the lives of those around them.

Wealth is the progressive realization of worthy goals, the ability to love and have compassion, meaningful and caring relationships. – Deepak Chopra

https://twitter.com/DeepakChopra

https://www.facebook.com/DeepakChopra

https://www.deepakchopra.com/

 There are no extra pieces in the universe.

Everyone is here because he or she has a place to fill,

and every piece must fit itself into the big jigsaw puzzle.

- Deepak Chopra

 

Are you aware of your value?

http://www.meaningtopause.com

Choir of the Abbey of Mount Angel - Dom David Nicholson, OSB

MARY ANGELOU

The thing to do, it seems to me, is to prepare yourself so you can be a rainbow in somebody else's cloud. Somebody who may not look like you. May not call God the same name you call God - if they call God at all. I may not dance your dances or speak your language. But be a blessing to somebody. That's what I think. 

- Maya Angelou

Learn more about Maya Angelou by visiting: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maya_Angelou

Relaxing Music - Meditation, Sleep, Spa, Study, Zen

 

SELF ACCEPTANCE

Everything is in flux. 

Each moment is a new moment – a different moment.  And we are new and different in each moment, too - growing and expanding in our development. 

Because life is always changing, circumstances around us are also shifting.  Sometimes conditions are more favorable than others. 

Despite what is happening around us, it is important that we maintain our personal integrity to the best of our ability and to acknowledge that our ability to do our best can vary from one moment to the next.  What matters is that we remain fair to ourselves – to accept who we are in the moment and release self judgment. 

If we are lovingly steadfast in our thinking and behavior toward ourselves, then we can avoid hurting ourselves through guilt, regret and self abuse.

Will you Pause to be loving?

Make each moment count toward self acceptance.  We invite you to Pause today.

Click here for our catalog of prayer and meditation tools.

http://www.mcssl.com/store/meaningtopause/catalog/search

For more ways you can Pause, click here for our list of 75 PAUSE-ibilities.

http://www.meaningtopause.com/pdf/75%20Ways%20to%20Pause.pdf

FEELING GOOD - Esther Hicks

“If you knew your potential to feel good, you would ask no one to be different so that you can feel good. You would free yourself of all of that cumbersome impossibility of needing to control the world, or control your mate, or control your child. You are the only one who creates your reality. For no one else can think for you, no one else can do it. It is only you, every bit of it you.” – Esther Hicks

https://twitter.com/AbrahamHicks

https://www.facebook.com/Abraham.Hicks

http://www.abraham-hicks.com/

https://www.facebook.com/AbrahamDaily

The greatest gift

you can ever give

another person

is your own happiness.

- Esther Hicks

 

Does goodness have a place in your life?

http://www.meaningtopause.com

FEAR + MIND READING = ASSUMPTIONS

Without distinction, we have extinction.  

If we do not comprehend that each of us is distinct from one another, equipped with our own belief system that is based on our own reality, then we will not be able to understand that assumptions separate us.

When we make assumptions about ourselves and others without investigation, misfortune and separation ensues. 

Assumptions cause us various levels of pain and suffering.  Chaos, drama, hurt, misunderstanding – these are the results born out of assumptions.  The price for assumptions is destruction – time, relationships, creativity, intelligence, emotions, money, resources, and on and on.  If we do not learn from these sufferings, we limit our spiritual and self growth.

Why do we make assumptions?  Because of fear - fear about us, others - it doesn't matter. What matters is that we understand that fear drives us to cower from the truth.  Fear feeds assumptions.

So how do we refrain from making assumptions about ourselves and about others?  The answer lies in knowledge, courage and willingness. 

If we are willing to seek knowledge, and willing to pursue it, we can avoid assumptions.  Even in the face of fear, if we can find the willingness to ask questions, to express what we really want, to communicate with others with clarity - we will dissolve assumptions.  And the more we inquire, and the more we are truthful, the stronger we become in our convictions, integrity and courage.

Will you Pause to be authentic?

Make each moment count toward choosing knowledge.  We invite you to Pause today.

Today’s Suggested Prayer and Meditation Tool: meaning to pause® bracelet: Awe Natural

http://www.mcssl.com/store/meaningtopause/catalog/search

Gorgeous Gregorian Chant - Chillout Megamix

FINDING LOVE BEYOND WORDS - Dr. Steven Stosny

Today’s Daily Pause features Dr. Steven Stosny - http://compassionpower.com/

Share Video: http://youtu.be/tgvMZoTC4cY

PROJECTION + PERCEPTION = EXPECTATION

Our responsibility is to our own energy.  

When we express our opinions through words or actions, we are expressing our personal beliefs according to our perceptions. 

If our heart is open and filled with love, we express ourselves freely with the intent to convey and communicate - detached from expectation.  When we are free of expectations, our trust is within ourselves and our connection to God.

Ultimately, we are responsible for our decisions and behaviors.  When we understand that the opinions from others are mere projections of their beliefs and values on to us, we realize that we do not have to take on their energy residue.  Should we choose to take a vibration that does not belong to us, the result is to incur suffering. 

Freeing ourselves from suffering allows us to be victorious rather than be victimized.  

By releasing ourselves from the bondage of ego, we release ourselves from taking things personally and involving ourselves with people, places, situations and things which do not serve our greatest good.

We are constantly making choices which affect our highest outcome.  Are we willing to choose love over hate, joy over anger, and unity over conflict?

Will you Pause to be responsible?

Make each moment count toward choosing your greatest good.  We invite you to Pause today.

Today’s Suggested Prayer and Meditation Tool: meaning to pause® bracelet: OM

http://www.mcssl.com/store/meaningtopause/catalog/search

PERSONAL INTEGRITY

Do we say what we mean and mean what we say?  Examining how our thoughts, words and behaviors interact will reveal our personal integrity. 

How does our integrity match to our goal’s results?  Do we act on our intentions and fulfill them?  Do we keep our word to our ourselves and to others?  Do we stick to our New Years’ resolutions? 

When we’re not where we want to be, intention tampering is the cause.  Whether our goals were knocked off course due to outside interference or they were an inside job, mindful attention to our intentions, was superseded by our lack of focus.

If we ask ourselves a few basic questions before we set an intention, we can save ourselves from corrupting our integrity.

Is our intention obtainable? 

- Do we have enough support, skill and energy to carry it through to completion?

Is our intention authentic? 

- Do we really want to achieve our goal?  Is the goal our goal or does it belong to someone else?

Is our intention worth the effort? 

- Do we actually want to do whatever it takes to reach our goal?  What will we have to release in order to embrace?

If we maintain true and consistent in our integrity, we save ourselves from the pain of deceite, which results in fracture of our wholeness.  The price we pay for disenfranchisement from ourselves is a weaker connection with God and brings about feelings of unhappiness.  But all of that can be turned around.  We can find our way back to a stronger connection to God and bring joy back to our lives through the power of forgiveness, mindful intention and purposeful attention.

Will you Pause for integrity?

Make each moment count toward joy.  We invite you to Pause today.

Today’s Suggested Prayer and Meditation Tool: meaning to pause® bracelet: Joy

http://www.mcssl.com/store/meaningtopause/catalog/search

REVELATIONS OF DIVINE LOVE - Julian of Norwich

Truth sees God, and wisdom contemplates God, and from these two comes a third, a holy and wonderful delight in God, who is love. 

― Julian of Norwich, Revelations of Divine Love

Learn more about Julian of Norwich by visiting: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julian_of_Norwich

OUR WORD

Words are powerful.  When said, they express sound vibrations.  Their frequency is based on our intent.  Although our intentions begin with thought, their form often begins with words. 

Through our words, we combine our emotions and intentions, which establishes and sends forth vibrations.  What we energetically create causes action and that action causes a reaction.  What energy we send out, comes back to us.  This is why there is so much power in our “intent.” And this is why it is imperative to be mindfully of aware of our intent.

When we express our words, it is crucial that we are aware of which words we are choosing, our emotions behind our words, and our intent on how to use them. 

Are we putting out love, appreciation, gratitude and forgiveness when we speak?  It all starts with us. 

don MiguelRuiz advises us in his book, The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom, that our words must be “impeccable.”  That is, our words must be backed by personal integrity and the agreement that we never speak or act against ourselves. 

Our intentions, words and actions can affect a multitude of negative agreements.  We always have the opportunity to choose to do good or do harm.  We have the power to choose wisely.

Will you Pause wisely?

Make each moment count toward being impeccable.  We invite you to Pause today.

Today’s Suggested Prayer and Meditation Tool: meaning to pause® bracelet: Classic Silver

http://www.mcssl.com/store/meaningtopause/catalog/search

RaMaDaSa (Love Vibration) - Snatam Kaur

SERENITY THROUGH MEDITATIVE SELF DISCOVERY

Meditative self discovery is not spiritually focused like a meditative prayer.  Meditative self discovery is a simple mindfulness practice of finding out more about who we are through purposeful meditation.  The process of meditative self discovery is supported by being still and open to whatever information comes to us during our meditative state.

When we are still, non-judgmental and un-controlling, we are able to observe our thoughts and feelings without restrictions.  This practice of  transparency assists us in knowing our mind and ultimately, knowing ourselves.  Mindfulness also aids in our neuroplasticity, supporting training and shaping our mind in new ways which ultimately aids with the aging process.

Deliberate and conscious focus during meditative self discover may reveal inner conflicts and aversion symptoms may arise such as depression, sadness, anger, and so on. The more we know who we are, the more strength and wisdom we acquire, and the more adaptable we become.  Eventually, through our surrender of conflict we are able to replace struggle with acceptance.  The more we accept people, places and things as they truly are, the more we will be able to cultivate balance and inner peace no matter what is taking place outside of us.

Will you Pause today to know yourself?

Click here for our catalog of prayer and meditation tools.

http://www.mcssl.com/store/meaningtopause/catalog/search

For more ways you can Pause, click here for our list of 75 PAUSE-ibilities.

http://www.meaningtopause.com/pdf/75%20Ways%20to%20Pause.pdf

GOLDIE HAWN FOUNDATION

ABOUT US

“Keep your heart open and your MindUP™ for children!” – Founder, Goldie Hawn

Children today are showing signs of distress. School dropout rates are rising. Distractions abound for children, their teachers, and parents.

A child’s ability to learn is directly linked to their overall state of well-being and mental health, of primary concern to The Hawn Foundation and Founder, Goldie Hawn who was the visionary behind MindUP™.

Assembling a team of educators, neuroscientists, positive psychologists and experts in mindful awareness training, the academy award winning actress, producer, author, child advocate and philanthropist created the evidence-based MindUP™ as a social and emotional literacy curriculum and training program. For 10 years, it has grown as the signature initiative of The Hawn Foundation and currently serves children and schools across five continents.

Accredited by CASEL, MindUP™ equips children, educators and parents with vital social and emotional literacy skills, helping them increase focus, improve academic performance, reduce stress, gain emotional resilience and optimism. Rooted in neuroscience, the program teaches self-regulatory behavioral control while offering engagement strategies for learning and living.

The Hawn Foundation enlists educators, scientists, researchers, clinicians, volunteers, parents and children’s advocates as well as the most dynamic mindful awareness practitioners in the world to join us in our efforts to expand MindUP™ globally for children. You’re invited to join us and make a difference today in the lives of children, impacting their opportunities for lifelong success!

https://twitter.com/goldiehawn

https://www.facebook.com/goldiehawn

http://thehawnfoundation.org/

The only thing that will

make you happy is being

happy with who you are,

and not who people think

you are.

- Goldie Hawn

How do you keep an open heart?

http://www.meaningtopause.com

VISIONING

Visioning is done with the intent of achieving the greatest good, either for ourselves or for our group.  Visioning is a form of prayer and meditation that is used when we petition God’s input for the best outcome for an activity, project, alliance, organization, etc. 

Purposeful visioning begins with a mindful question to inspire and assist us with our intent.  Visioning questions could be along the lines of the following:

What is the best procedure for this project?

What is the best course for this organization?

What do I need to release in order to bring this vision into manifestation?

What do I need to embrace in order to bring this vision into manifestation?

Following the visioning question is your mindful meditation on it with complete openness to the guidance you will receive.  Your focused awareness will bring forth insight and perspective about moving forward toward the outcome’s highest good.  (If you are meditating with a group, you will share your information with others, and they with you.)

Will you Pause for answers?

Make each moment count toward Divine inspiration.  We invite you to Pause today.

Today’s Suggested Prayer and Meditation Tool: meaning to pause® bracelet: Be Inspired

http://www.mcssl.com/store/meaningtopause/catalog/search

1 Hour Healing Meditation Music

MEDITATIVE PRAYER

Through meditative prayer, we recognize our certainty of our connection to everything, our togetherness with the Universe and the access to the wisdom resulting from this union. Utilizing meditation we deepen our connection to God, increase our inner peace and gain more clarity.  

There are a number of methods available to us to assist when we choose to utilize meditative prayer for spiritual connection  such as breathing, contemplation, silence, chanting, mantras and guided meditations.

I am leaving everything in its place that is outside of me as I take this moment to refocus on me.  I turn inside during this moment.I stay present in this moment… in this power, in this omnipotence, in this sacredness and I feel my spirit connecting with one source, deep within the strength and the magnificence which I call God.

I am feeling the kindness that resides at the core of who I am.  It feels delightful and I welcome this kindness.  It fills my heart and flows through all of me.  Kindness is here.  I breathe deep and inhale kindness and exhale kindness.  Kindness uplifts me.  I sense a gentle and pleasant change in my energy.  I feel absolute kindness.  It is complete within me.  Kindness expresses for me.  Kindness expresses as me. Kindness is me and I am Kindness.  Kindness reminds me that I am whole, and perfect and complete.  This kindness of God unites us and we are one. 

Oh, wonderful kindness, your home resides in me and together we will discover life together.  I will expand in your presence and learn the wonderful things you have to teach me.  I reflect this perfect union.  I am serene.  I am complete satisfaction.  I am kindness.  I take this kindness with me and out into the world.  Kindness emanates from me and I express kindness freely.

Will you Pause to feel kindness?

Make each moment count toward spiritual meditation.  We invite you to Pause today.

Today’s Suggested Prayer and Meditation Tool: meaning to pause® bracelet: Kindness

http://www.mcssl.com/store/meaningtopause/catalog/search

Relaxing Harp Instrumental Christian Music

 

CHRISTINA ROSSETTI

Choose love not in the shallows but in the deep. 

― Christina Rossetti

Learn more about Christina Rossetti by visiting: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christina_Rossetti

PRAYING FOR OTHERS

Praying for others is when we intercede on behalf of someone else.

There are many reasons why we may be asked to pray on behalf of another.  Sometimes the petitioner asks for prayers to overcome a challenge.  Other times, the petitioner is unable to pray on their own. 

Regardless if the petitioner is nearby or far away, once we accept the petitioner’s request for assistance, we are agreeing to pray or meditate with compassionate intention, an open heart and an uncluttered mind. 

Before we commence prayer for the petitioner, we need to listen to our petitioner’s story.  Our willingness to help another must be altruistic with no expectation for anything in return for our assistance.  Our attention must be focused on listening with a light but dedicated heart and a non-judgmental mind.  And most importantly, our faith must be strong in the knowing that Divine energy flows through us as we pray, completely trusting that the outcome will be according to the will of our Lord.

Are you willing to be a vessel for Spirit to do its work here on earth?

1 Timothy 2:1 ESV

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people,

Will you Pause on behalf of another?

Make each moment count toward working with Spirit.  We invite you to Pause today.

Today’s Suggested Prayer and Meditation Tool: meaning to pause® bracelet: Pause for Balance - Bamboo Jasper Natural Stone with Green Brown Sandalwood

http://www.mcssl.com/store/meaningtopause/catalog/search

YOU ARE A CHILD OF GOD - Marianne Williamson

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?' Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” - Marianne Williamson

https://twitter.com/marwilliamson

https://www.facebook.com/williamsonmarianne

http://www.marianne.com/

Joy is what happens to us

when we allow ourselves

to recognize

how good things really are.

- Marianne Williamson

How are you manifesting the glory of God within you?

http://www.meaningtopause.com

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO YOU!

Thanksgiving day provides an opportunity for us to give thanks to God and open our hearts and minds to others – spirit to spirit. 

PSALM 95:1-6 ESV

Oh come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!  Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!  For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods.  In his hand are the depths of the earth; the heights of the mountains are his also.  The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land.  Oh come, let us worship and bow down;  let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker!

PEACE BE UNTO THEE, STRANGER by Ernest Holmes

Peace be unto thee, stranger, enter and be not afraid.

I have left the gate open and thou art welcome to my home.

There is room in my house for all.

I have swept the hearth and lighted the fire.

The room is warm and cheerful and you will find

comfort and rest within.

The table is laid and the fruits of Life are spread before thee.

The wine is here, also, it sparkles in the light.

I have set a chair for you where the sunbeams dance

through the shade.

Sit and rest and refresh your soul.

Eat of the fruit and drink the wine.

All, all is yours, and you are welcome.

VERSE OF FIVE CONTEMPLATIONS

(Gokan no ge 五観之偈）

We reflect on the effort that brought us this food

and consider how it comes to us.

We reflect on our virtue and practice, and whether

we are worthy of this offering.

We regard greed as the obstacle to freedom of mind.

We regard this meal as medicine to sustain our life.

For the sake of enlightenment we now receive this food.

(Saba ge 生飯偈）

 In what ways do you participate in Thanks giving?  

Will you Pause today to give thanksgiving?

Make each moment count toward expressing your appreciation, gratitude and love through being thankful.  We invite you to Pause today.

Today’s Suggested Prayer and Meditation Tool: meaning to pause® bracelet: The Prayer Pause

http://www.mcssl.com/store/meaningtopause/catalog/search

Relaxing Hymns On Piano

DOGEN ZENJI

Life and death are of supreme importance. Time swiftly passes by and opportunity is lost. Each of us should strive to awaken. Awaken. Take heed, do not squander your life.

Dogen Zenji (1200 - 1253)

Learn more about Dogen Zenji by visiting: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/D%C5%8Dgen

Native American Flute and Guitar

 

THANKSGIVING

Blessings are bountiful and constantly in action all around us – we just need to recognize them. 

Being aware of the many wonderments unfolding before us can be achieved through mindful practice of being present in the now.  The more we practice mindfulness and being present in the moment, the more we recognize the magnificence of God. 

As our awareness develops and we have more reverence for the beauty of life, our excitement about being alive deepens and we naturally desire to share our discoveries with the Universe. 

Once a year in America, family and friends gather together with the intent to celebrate their many blessings.  But why wait to celebrate our blessings once a year?  If we utilize the intent of the Thanksgiving holiday on a daily basis, we have access to a limitless, spiritual feast.

Philippians 4:6-7 ESV 

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

How many blessings can you find today?  Will you Pause today to find them?

Blessing are all around me.

Everywhere I look,
every time I speak,
every time I listen -
I find blessings.

I encounter blessings wherever I am.

An ever increasing amount of blessings are mine.

Blessings of all sizes and shapes find me.

I place no conditions on the blessings I receive.

I openly receive all the blessings that are meant for me.

I welcome blessings and blessings welcome me.

Click here for our catalog of prayer and meditation tools.

http://www.mcssl.com/store/meaningtopause/catalog/search

For more ways you can Pause, click here for our list of 75 PAUSE-ibilities.

http://www.meaningtopause.com/pdf/75%20Ways%20to%20Pause.pdf

THE POWER OF ATTENTION & INTENTION - Dr. Deepak Chopra

Today’s Daily Pause features Dr. Deepak Chopra - https://www.deepakchopra.com/

Share Video: http://youtu.be/1OaZEffjQz0

LAO TZU, TAO TE CHING

Simplicity, patience, compassion.

These three are your greatest treasures.

Simple in actions and thoughts, you return to the source of being.

Patient with both friends and enemies,

you accord with the way things are.

Compassionate toward yourself,

you reconcile all beings in the world.

― Lao Tzu, Tao Te Ching

Learn more about Lao Tzu by visiting: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laozi

INSPIRED BY GOD - Joel Osteen

JOEL OSTEEN MINISTRIES

WHAT WE BELIEVE STATEMENT

We Believe…

… the entire Bible is inspired by God, without error and the authority on which we base our faith, conduct and doctrine.

… in one God who exists in three distinct persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God who came to this earth as Savior of the world.

… Jesus died on the cross and shed His blood for our sins. We believe that salvation is found by placing our faith in what Jesus did for us on the cross. We believe Jesus rose from the dead and is coming again.

… water baptism is a symbol of the cleansing power of the blood of Christ and a testimony to our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

… in the regular taking of Communion as an act of remembering what the Lord Jesus did for us on the cross.

… every believer should be in a growing relationship with Jesus by obeying God’s Word, yielding to the Holy Spirit and by being conformed to the image of Christ.

… as children of God, we are overcomers and more than conquerors and God intends for each of us to experience the abundant life He has in store for us.

https://twitter.com/JoelOsteen

https://www.facebook.com/JoelOsteen

http://www.joelosteen.com/

I believe if you keep your faith, 

you keep your trust, 

you keep the right attitude, 

if you're grateful, 

you'll see God open up new doors.

- Joel Osteen

Are you willing to trust in God?

http://www.meaningtopause.com

HOW TO GET YOUR POWER BACK - Gary Zukav

Today’s Daily Pause features Gary Zukav - http://seatofthesoul.com/

Share Video: http://youtu.be/R3PBMz85430

ONE FRIEND - Paramahansa Yogananda

Many clouds do race to hide Thee -

Of friends and wealth and fame -

And yet through mist of tears I see

Appear Thy Golden Name.

Each time my father, mother, friends

Do loudly claim they did me tend,

I wake from sleep to sweetly hear

That Thou alone didst help me here.

Learn more about Paramahansa Yogananda  by visiting: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paramahansa_Yogananda

PAUSING FOR SPIRITUAL BENEFIT

Just as there are physical, mental and emotional benefits to pausing for prayer and meditation, there are spiritual benefits as well.

The connection between us and something greater than ourselves is available anytime and anywhere.  Spirit is all encompassing.  All that needs to be done is to open the channel between us and God.  Like turning a light switch on, all we need is the willingness and action to do it.  Pausing each day to connect with the Divine can strengthen our faith, bring us closer to God, assist us with forgiving, offer hope, instill inner strength, bring a sense of serenity and of joy.

Hebrews 4:16 ESV

Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Whether praying for yourself or for others, Pausing for prayer and meditation enhances spiritual connection – strengthen yours today.  

What will you Pause to pray for?

Make each moment count toward your spirituality.  We invite you to Pause today.

Today’s Suggested Prayer and Meditation Tool: meaning to pause® bracelet: Prayer Pause.

A PAUSE A DAY HELPS KEEPS THE STRESS AT BAY

Numerous studies suggest that there is a direct link between reducing stress and increasing physical and emotional wellbeing as a result of the practice of prayer and/or meditation, either of which, promotes relaxation. 

The benefits of reducing stress are many.  Johns Hopkins School of Education (JHSE) studies show relaxation helps with stress related behavior issues that affect the brain such as impulsiveness, difficulty in concentration, irritating behaviors, aggression, withdrawal, depression, learning, memory and performance. 

Besides helping the brain improve, JHSE also notes that relaxation helps our body’s nervous system by relaxing muscles, lowering blood pressure, decreasing heart and breathing rates, stabilizing blood flow to muscles, slowing metabolism, calming hormones, strengthening immunity, and, releasing dopamine and serotonin that enhance feelings of well being and pleasure.

Johns Hopkins School of Education encourages a self-calming process that helps a person move toward relaxation.  The process is called: "Take 5" and was created by Victoria Tennant Consulting.  The 5 steps in the “Take 5” process are outlined below:

"Take 5" Calming Steps ©Victoria Tennant Consulting http://www.victoriatennantconsulting.com/

Step 1: I notice how I feel.

Step 2: I accept myself.

Step 3: I calm myself.

Step 4: I notice how I feel now.

Step 5: I tell myself something positive.

Prayer and meditation reduces stress – so why wait to practice them?  You’re worth taking the time to Pause for improved brain, physical, emotional and spiritual health. 

How will you Pause for your personal well-being?

For moreguidance for you or your children using the “Take 5” Calming Steps, click here to read the entire article from JohnsHopkins School of Education.

Make each moment count toward your health and wellness.  We invite you to Pause today.

Today’s Suggested Prayer and Meditation Tool: meaning to pause® bracelet: Breathe

THE GOODNESS OF PRAYER

From whirling Sufis to chanting Hindus, prayer in its many expressions offers us several benefits – improved spiritual practice by providing a sense of connection to something greater than ourselves, meditative practice through a concentrated focus of our thoughts and energy, an opportunity for contemplation, and, a positive effect on our immune system by the reduction of stress caused by the softening or eliminating of worry.  Praying is good for our mind, body and soul.

Will you Pause today to embrace goodness?

Goodness is expressed everywhere and all the time around me.

I experience goodness wherever I am.

An overflowing of goodness is mine and flows directly to me.

I openly receive all the goodness that is meant for me.

I embrace goodness and goodness embraces me.

Psalm 27:13 ESV

I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living!

Click here for our catalog of prayer and meditation tools.

For more ways you can Pause, click here for our list of 75PAUSE-ibilities.

WHAT'S YOUR TAG LINE? - HHH The Dalai Lama Center

His High Holiness The Dalai Lama

THE DALAI LAMA CENTER

MISSION AND VALUES

Committed to Educating the Heart

"My religion is kindness," the Dalai Lama famously says. The Center embraces this ethos and His Holiness’ belief that each of us has a responsibility to "develop a warm heart, cultivate compassion and work for peace within oneself and in the world."

"Educating the heart" is the Center’s tag line. The Center will provide a learning environment that cultivates mindfulness: the integration of mind, body, and spirit. It will encourage heightened awareness within of our inner potential through diverse practices of art. And it will provide a venue for creative interpretation of the world’s many wisdom traditions.

By bringing peace into our own lives, the Center will help to bring peace into the world.

VISION

Compassionate children in a peaceful world.

MISSION STATEMENT

Our mission is to educate the hearts of children by informing, inspiring and engaging the communities around them.

VALUES

Compassion

Kindness

Respect

Inclusion

Responsibility

Altruism

Generosity

These are the human qualities that contribute to peace and harmony locally, nationally and globally. We believe that most people embrace and recognize the importance of these qualities, and are seeking ways to access the information and guidance to bring them into their lives. The Dalai Lama Center for Peace and Education is uniquely positioned to make those connections and build capacity in those who are closest to our children.

https://twitter.com/dalailama

https://www.facebook.com/DalaiLama

http://www.dalailama.com/

http://dalailamacenter.org/

Be kind whenever possible. 

It is always possible.

- Dalai Lama

What's your tag line? Are you living your values?

http://www.meaningtopause.com

WHEN YOU CHANGE THE WAY YOU LOOK AT THINGS - Dr. Wayne Dyer

Today’s Daily Pause features Dr. Wayne Dyer – http://www.drwaynedyer.com/

Share Video: http://youtu.be/urQPraeeY0w

A PRAYER IN SPRING - Robert Frost

Oh, give us pleasure in the flowers today;

And give us not to think so far away

As the uncertain harvest; keep us here

All simply in the springing of the year.

Oh, gives us pleasure in the orchard white,

Like nothing else by day, like ghosts by night;

And make us happy in the happy bees,

The swarm dilating round the perfect trees.

And make us happing in the darting bird

Tha suddenly above the bees is heard,

The meteor that thrusts in with needle bill,

And off a blossom in mid-air stands still.

For this is love and nothing else is love,

The which it is reversed for God above

To sanctify to what far ends He will,

But which it only needs that wee fulfill.

Learn more about Robert Frost by visiting: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Frost

PURPOSE IN ACTION - St Jude Children’s Research Hospital

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is an example of purpose in action and the power of prayer:

According to Wikipedia:  “St. Jude was founded by entertainer Danny Thomas in 1962, with help from Dr. Lemuel Diggs and close friend, Miami, Florida automobile dealer Anthony Abraham, on the premise that "no child should die in the dawn of life".[1] This idea resulted from a promise that Danny Thomas, a Maronite, had made to a saint years before the hospital was founded. Thomas was a funny comedian, who was struggling to get a break in his career and living paycheck to paycheck. When his first child was about to be born, he attended Mass in Detroit and put his last $7 in the offering bin. He prayed to St. Jude Thaddeus for a means to provide for his family, and about a week later, he obtained a gig that paid 10 times what he had put in the offering bin. After that time, Thomas believed in the power of prayer. He promised St. Jude Thaddeus that if he made him successful, he would one day build him a shrine. Years later, Danny Thomas became an extremely successful comedian and built St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital as a shrine to St. Jude Thaddeus to honor his promise.[2] In 1957, Thomas founded the American Lebanese Syrian Associated Charities (ALSAC), which helped him realize his dream. ALSAC is also the fundraising organization of St. Jude. Since St. Jude opened its doors in 1962, ALSAC has had the responsibility of raising the necessary funds to keep the hospital open. Memphis was chosen at the suggestion of Roman Catholic Cardinal Samuel Stritch, a Tennessee native who had been a spiritual advisor to Thomas since he presided at Thomas's confirmation in Thomas's boyhood home of Toledo, Ohio.[3][4]”  

To learn more about St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the work they do, visit Wikipedia:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Jude_Children's_Research_Hospital

https://twitter.com/StJude

https://www.facebook.com/stjude

http://www.stjude.org/

The purpose of life 

is to contribute in some way 

to making things better. 

― Robert F. Kennedy

 What’s your Mission Statement?  Are you on purpose?

http://www.meaningtopause.com

TED TALKS - Dr. Judith Orloff

Today’s Daily Pause features Dr. Judith Orloff  - http://www.drjudithorloff.com/

Share Video: http://youtu.be/Jv5tn4MPJV4

RUMI

Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing,

there is a field.  I'll meet you there.

When the soul lies down in that grass,

the world is too full to talk about.

Ideas, language, even the phrase each other

doesn't make any sense.

Learn more about Rumi by visiting: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rumi