I had not intended writing a blog post today but I feel I must share my thoughts with you. Last night I finished reading Freedom In Exile. It’s the Dalai Lama’s autobiography. I started reading it on Christmas day (a gift from my niece). It was a book I’d had on my reading list for some time and was keen to get started.
I have to tell you it wasn’t always an easy book to read and at times I found it quite distressing although at times also amusing, especially when he is recalling his childhood memories.
I have to admit I have been quite ignorant to the ordeals the people of Tibet have been through, so from that point of view I feel that I have a much better understanding of the history of these people.
My reason for this impromptu post today was that I wanted to remind myself more than anything to focus on the goodness in my life, in others (even when it’s hard to find) and in the world. I hope that by sharing my thoughts I may just inspire others to do the same.
Even thought the Dalai Lama’s people suffered greatly and his homeland of Tibet was almost destroyed and he himself was forced into Exile, he is still able to see great goodness in the world.
Now I have to tell you that my own life is far from perfect, there are lots of things I want to improve and upgrade in my life but I do have so much to be thankful for each and every day, I also see terrible events on the news but I choose to focus on all the wonderful people and events in the world.
We all have a choice about what we focus on. It would be so easy to focus on what’s not working, the bad stuff that goes on in the world, even in the local communities that we live in. It’s easy to judge people and focus on what they do wrong or what is wrong with them, even in our own families. But what if we always choose to focus on the goodness in people, the goodness in our local community, the goodness in the world and the goodness in our own lives?
I will not sit hear and tell you that’s how I live my life. Instead I tell you that’s how I want to live my life and that every day I try to live my life that way. I think that’s the best any of us can do.
If you haven’t read the book Freedom in Exile, I can highly recommend it. If you have I’d love to hear what you thought of the book. And if you’d like to learn more about the Dalai Lama go to www.dalailama.com
I want to leave you today with this quote from the Dalai Lama ~
“This is my simple religion. There is no need for temples; no need for complicated philosophy. Our own brain, our own heart is our temple; the philosophy is kindness.”
If reading this post today has touched you or inspired you, please pass it on to others by sharing it.
I choose kindness.
Sending out love and happiness today to all.
Wendy xxx
Really enjoyed reading your post re: The Dalai Lama Wendy. I wasn’t aware of his book but will definitely get my hands on a copy after your recommendation. Sometimes it isn’t always easy dealing with people who are sometimes unkind to you but concentrating on one positive trait of theirs definitely lightens one’s mind towards them. Kindness to you too.
Thank you so much for this lovely comment Nicky. It’s really appreciated.
Great post. The Dalai Lama is quite an amazing man. Kindness is something we can do a bit more of in our lives. Focusing on it makes a huge difference. There is much more good in the world than not, but we need to look for it, because many others focus on the negative. Your post is a great reminder to stay focused on that which is good. Thanks!
Thank you so much Ed for those lovely words. Much appreciated.