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I post on Monday with an occasional random blog thrown in for good measure. I do my best to answer all comments via email and visit around on the days I post.

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Random Thought Thursday


Today's quote is from Mohandas Gandi.

I have no idea when I first became aware of Gandi. No doubt I heard his name at home from time to time, as I heard so many names. No doubt I read about him in high school.

I chose this quote today, because we are approaching the 63rd year of the anniversary of his death on January 30th.

Why is it the Peace Makers always seem to be the ones who are assassinated, killed, tortured, maligned...?

Always aim at complete harmony of thought and word and deed. Always aim at purifying your thoughts and everything will be well.

Could anything be more simple and more difficult? Don't I find myself fairly regularly getting mad or peeved or upset or annoyed at someone, something? The object is to aim for the goal, as the journey itself will always contain moments of frustration. The object is to recognize my reaction, to become conscious, and, in those moments aim at purifying my thoughts.

What about you? Are you an act-er or react-er? In the midst of reacting, can you stop yourself and change your attitude/reaction? Or do you muddle along and deal with consequences later?

13 comments:

  1. Oh I am such a react-er it's not funny. I wish I had the patience to stop in the middle of my craziness and just think about what I'm doing or saying.

    I think the reason why so many of our beloved leaders are murdered is because the people who kill them are jealous they can't live that life.

    I think the only reason Mother Theresa wasn't murdered was because everyone knew she was close to God. And you don't want to mess with that.

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  2. What a wonderful quote. I'll be honest: When I get really angry, I have a hard time purifying my thoughts. Luckily this whole getting angry thing doesn't happen too much. : )

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  3. Wonderful! I definitely need to work on that. Great inspiration for the day, no. Not just a day. Something to work on everyday!

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  4. Wow. Your post is so pertinent. I woke this morning and immediately thought about someone and a situation that's infuriating to me. I had an imaginary conversation in my head and then thought, "What am I doing? This is NOT the tone with which to start the day."

    I cannot tell you how often I catch myself in negative thought. It's a bit of a battle for me.

    That quote is excellent. Thank you. I will remind myself of it anytime my thoughts start to nose dive.

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  5. Great photo and quote! Definitely inspiring words to try and live by. I thinks reactions depend on the situation, best thing is to 'keep calm and carry on' whatever the situation. I find meditation is a great way to ground yourself if you are feeling overwhelmed at all. ;)

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  6. Great photo and quote ... love the JOY!

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  7. Wonderful photo. Radiant.
    I struggle so with irritation, often over something that really does not mean much. I try to curb it by remembering the good qualities of whoever has upset me, by trying to put the words or incident in context of broader life.

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  8. Such a wise man, and a wonderful photo.
    A lot of negative thoughts come from worrying about the past, the future, or from making assumptions about someone else's intentions. Lately I'm constantly asking myself, "Are you certain this is true?" That usually stops me in my tracks.

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  9. Great photo and quote. You rock, sista! But I struggle with remembering the good in all people. Especially if someone has hurt me. I love what Adrienne says in the comment above mine. She rocks, too. I need to think about this quote as I go through my day. I'm sure IT WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE. (((hugs)))

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  10. I've learned to be a responder rather than a reactor -- but I'm sure my introversion helps in that regard. As does my propensity to handle anything heavy in writing.

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  11. It's the simple goals that take the greatest amount of energy. How I admire those who stay the course.

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  12. Awesome quote. I'm slowly learning to react less. Not easy.

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Your Random Thoughts are most welcome!