Harmony Goodness

“The world is governed more by appearances than realities…” Daniel Webster

I went to a presentation by a local organization which ranks low in public opinion. Fascinated, I listened as national and international awards (for careful fiscal management and creative use of resources) were announced.

I read an article on crime in North America and was surprised at the statistics. The place with the most dangerous reputation actually had close to the least crime. The area with the most crime was one which many people consider to be safe.

Despite the multitude of resources and ways to keep informed, increasingly, we live in a time of misinformation. Furthermore, it isn’t necessarily easy to obtain correct facts-the bona fide scoop can be hard to find; at times you may not know whose opinion or data you can trust.

Consider the following actions when you will be directly affected by something:

• Ban assumptions.
• Verify information.
• Check multiple sources-statistics (both government and private) personal references, media reports, blog postings, independent reviews, etc.

To know what’s real takes effort! Your reward is the peace of mind you’ll gain by protecting yourself and your loved ones.

“Be not deceived with the first appearance of things, for show is not substance.” English proverb

Sending you love and wishing you harmony, Amanya

Copyright Amanya Jacobs 2012 All Rights Reserved

I invite you to comment on and share this article.

“None of us can boast about the morality of our ancestors. The record does not show that Adam and Eve were ever married.” Edgar W. Howe

After getting in touch with a cousin in Spain for the first time in many years, I searched through old photos of our family. It started me thinking about my lineage-half Spanish and half American-and my legacy from it.

We each have our own combination of genetic and familial factors handed down through the people who preceded us. Each exact mix is unimaginably personalized-our own special blend. This blend is the starting point to the people we become.

Do you know about your family tree? Was it an important part of your life as you were growing up? How do you feel about it? Whether or not you appreciate your origins, or even know about them, they’re features of your life. Focus on the positive aspects of your roots, with gratitude.

When you honor your heritage, your honor yourself because your ancestors have all played a part in who you are.

“We live upon the contribution of our ancestors.” Alfred Adler

Wishing you harmony and sending you love, Amanya

Copyright Amanya Jacobs 2012 All Rights Reserved

I invite you to comment on and share this article.

Awestruck, I watched a TV show (“60 Minutes” segment “Joy in the Congo, a Musical Miracle”) about the Kimbanguist Orchestra which played operatic, classical pieces. The startling aspect of this group of singers and instrumentalists was that they are located in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo-an area of immense poverty and conflict. The show finished as they rehearsed “Ode to Joy”, Friedrich Schiller’s 1785 poem set to music as part of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony in 1824.

“Endure courageously millions! Endure for a better world!” Friedrich Schiller

What better group to teach the meaning of these words than this orchestra? It began with an unemployed pilot as the conductor, no instruments, and no one among them who read music! These musicians demonstrate by their astonishing accomplishment that no matter the situation, the human spirit can reach for and discover inspiration and hope. They spread happiness when they perform.

You may have times in your life when the future seems bleak; when your choices seem limited; when you despair of living in peace, abundance, or safety. When you’re at this place, remember the words of Schiller and the example of the Kimbanguist Orchestra. Persevere in optimism; endure with joy; act from faith-these things will uplift you and those around you.

If you’d like to enjoy the story of the Kimbanguist Orchestra and hear their music, here’s a link:

http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=7404678n&tag=re1.galleries

Sending you love and wishing you harmony, Amanya

Copyright Amanya Jacobs 2012 All Rights Reserved

I invite you to comment on and to share this article.

“We must have strong minds, ready to accept facts as they are.” Harry S. Truman

There’s a saying that’s become a 21St Century cliche: “It is what it is…” Mostly, I notice it being voiced regarding the decisions and activities of adult relatives and friends. Though it could reflect cynicism, even insularity; usually when I hear this phrase it doesn’t strike me as negative. So why do we say it?

I believe this expression often articulates recognition of things beyond our control; an admitting of an unpleasant reality; acknowledgment not approval: “I’m not keen on what’s happening; I don’t believe I can modify it; and I’m moving on.”

Clearly there are times when urgent situations require your involvement. That notwithstanding, you probably can’t fix much of what worries you in the lives of others-and wouldn’t be welcome to interfere if you tried. When you say, “It is what it is…” you release yourself from feeling accountable by virtue of your close relationship. By doing so (and this is the key), you honor the responsibility that your loved ones have for their own choices and deeds.

“You should respect each other…” Buddha

Wishing you harmony and sending you love, Amanya

Copyright Amanya Jacobs 2012 All Rights Reserved

I invite you to comment on and share this article.

“Learning is an ornament in prosperity, a refuge in adversity, and a provision in old age.” Aristotle

“This is KF7UBY-Kilo Foxtrot 7 Uniform Bravo Yankee…”  I’m thrilled to give you my ham radio call sign!

Emergency preparedness was my motivation for becoming a ham radio operator. The amateur radio service is one that can support vital communications during times when other systems are down due to floods, tornadoes, etc.

When I began to study for my Technician’s license, I felt overwhelmed. The material covered everything from basic electronics (voltage, wattage, etc.) to specifics for radios (such as wavelengths and antennas)-previously unknown topics for me! I took a big gulp and decided to do my best. After memorizing the basic terminology, I was surprised to find that I was very interested.

In retrospect, I realize that there are wonderful emotional benefits to learning.

• Cheerfulness: It’s stimulating to step out of your routine.
• Pride: It’s satisfying when you develop a skill for the first time.
• Refreshment: New subjects awaken parts of your brain not in use.

Exercise your intelligence. Expand your awareness and knowledge. Learning is good for you!

“Learning is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere.” Chinese proverb

Wishing you harmony and sending you love, Amanya

Copyright Amanya Jacobs 2012 All Rights Reserved

I invite you to comment on and share this article.

“Saying nothing…sometimes says the most.” Emily Dickinson

My mother was wise. She had tremendous respect for privacy-her own and everyone’s. She wasn’t nosy and she didn’t gossip. Just by asking questions, people couldn’t push her into speaking about matters which didn’t concern them. Her philosophy:

“Just because someone asks you a question doesn’t mean that person has a right to the answer.” Edith Perez

When you’re a child, you’re trained to answer questions by your teachers, your parents, and other adults. This is manners training and part of education. You may have reached adulthood believing that it’s rude not to answer questions. When you’re asked a prying question, for fear of being impolite, you reluctantly discuss confidential matters. Here are some tips to stop the automatic response to an inquiry.

• Ask yourself, ” Do I want to, or have any obligation to, share this information with this individual?”
• Deflect the question by changing the subject or saying something vague. (“I don’t know…” works wonders.)
• With a persistent questioner, be more direct. (“I don’t feel like talking about that…”)

Discuss personal matters when you’re comfortable and not because you feel socially pressured. You can keep your life private and do so politely.

Wishing you harmony and sending you love, Amanya

Copyright Amanya Jacobs 2012 All Rights Reserved

I invite you to comment on and share this article.

“Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.” Lao Tzu

Many years ago I was in a community theater production of the musical, “Pajama Game”, in which there was a song about racing with the clock. It pops into my head when I push myself to go faster, when I dash about cutting corners to save time. When I hurry for any reason-to get somewhere, to finish a task-the hurry itself is ultimately harmful. I feel anxious, I make mistakes, and my frustration level rises-all negative consequences. I’ve learned to recognize rushing as a signal to pause and re-group. My life has been more tranquil (and I’ve been more efficient!) since I’ve begun to work with time and not to fight it.

You can find ways to succeed with time. Begin by telling yourself that you have more than enough time. Look for alternatives, such as completing the urgent portion of your task now, and reserving the rest for later. Call ahead that you’ll be late, and drive peacefully. Time is gift and you can team-up with it to your benefit.

“Never be in a hurry; do everything quietly and in a calm spirit.” St. Francis de Sales

Wishing you harmony and sending you love, Amanya

Copyright Amanya Jacobs 2012 All Rights Reserved

I invite you to comment on and share this article.

“Out of difficulties grow miracles.” Jean de la Bruvere

Are you concerned about the natural disasters which seem to be increasing each year across the globe? I am. Do you feel uneasy about the instability and hostilities within your own country or elsewhere? I do.

Every day our news is filled with the crises from around the planet-our beloved home. We hear about fighting and famine; about earthquakes and economies; about sorrow, loss, fear, and death. What will it take to quiet our earth, to calm both nature and humankind? The miraculous?

Miracles-the unexpected and the unexplainable, arising from good for good-might be exactly what are needed. Here. Now. In our time. Miracles for our world.

When you focus on what you want for yourself, also ask for peaceful prosperity for all people and for tranquility in everything affecting the natural world. Your power lies in your picture of a safe, plentiful habitat for everyone and for all living things, and in your confidence that miracles can create it.

“This world, after all our science and sciences, is still a miracle; wonderful, inscrutable, magical, and more…” Thomas Dekker

For those who celebrate these holidays; Happy Chanukah, Merry Christmas, and Wonderful 2012!

Wishing you harmony and miracles, and sending you love; Amanya

Copyright Amanya Jacobs 2011 All Rights Reserved

I invite you to comment on and share this article.

“Tension is who you think you should be. Relaxation is who you are.” Chinese proverb

Years ago I made most of my clothes. Never an expert seamstress, I sewed for pure enjoyment and stopped as my life got busier. Recently I’ve begun to sew again and I’m so happy with it. I love handling fabrics and thinking of lovely uses for them. It’s fun to figure out how to alter a pattern or to stitch a tricky seam.

My dear friend, Kathi Fry (who is a phenomenal knitter), said that sewing would be a type of meditation and she was right. When I’m sewing, the world retreats, my worries disappear, my thinking quiets, and I relax. Do I have time to sew? No. Am I glad that I do it anyway? Absolutely.

Do you have a hobby-something you do just because it pleases and interests you? It doesn’t matter if you grow petunias or play the saxophone, if you restore old bikes or draw cartoons. It’s important to have hobbies that rest your mind and spirit, that give you contentment. Hobbies you love will strengthen, renew, and invigorate you.

“Man is made so that he can find relaxation from one kind of labor by taking up another.” Anaotle France

Wishing you harmony and sending you love, Amanya

Copyright Amanya Jacobs 2011 All Rights Reserved

I invite you to comment on and share this article.

“Gratitude is the fairest blossom which springs from the soul.” Henry Ward Beecher

Who’s the hardest for you to thank or the one you never thank? Perhaps you easily thank the Creator for the wonders in your life, and readily thank other people for various reasons. If you’re like me, the most often overlooked recipient of your gratitude is YOU. When do you thank yourself?

The most important person who should be grateful for you is you. When I realized that I rarely ever thank myself, it struck me that I take for granted who I am and what I do.  I’ve decided to rectify this with some exercises, which I am listing below in the hope that these may be helpful to you as well.

• Each night at bedtime, ask yourself “For what do I appreciate myself today?”
• At least once a day, thank yourself for something.

By doing these, you’ll search for reasons to appreciate yourself and when you find them, you’ll strengthen your sense of well-being by being thankful to you for you.

“There is not a more pleasing exercise of the mind than gratitude. It is accompanied with such an inward satisfaction…” Joseph Addison

Sending you love and wishing you harmony, Amanya

Copyright Amanya Jacobs 2011 All Rights Reserved

I invite you to comment on and share this article.