Tuesday 27 May 2014

Our Life's Journey

“Our life’s journey flows like the cycles of a tree. A tree changes from green leaves and flowers to bare branches then back to green leaves and flowers. With the right care, it can produce magnificent foliage yet it may still need a dormant period. How well we tend to our inner being, feed it with good thoughts and keep hope in our heart determines how well we weather life’s storms. We also need a dormant period to re-energize ourselves so we can achieve our full potential.” Don Shapiro, author Life Is A Fork In The Road

The Babemba tribe of Africa believes that each human being comes into the world as good. Each one of us only desiring safety, love, peace and happiness.
But sometimes, in the pursuit of these things, people make mistakes.
When a person acts irresponsibly or unjustly, he/she is placed in the center of the village, alone, unfettered. All work ceases. All gather around the accused individual. Then each person of every age, begins to talk out loud to the accused. One at a time, each person tells all the good things the one in the center ever did in his/her lifetime.
Every incident, every experience that can be recalled with any detail and accuracy, is recounted. All positive attributes, good deeds, strengths, and kindnesses are recited carefully and at length.
The tribal ceremony often lasts several days, not ceasing until everyone is drained of every positive comment that can be mustered. At the end, the tribal circle is broken, a joyous celebration takes place, and the person is symbolically and literally welcomed back into the tribe. Necessity for such ceremonies is rare!
This story is originally from the book, Contact, The First Four Minutes by Leonard Sunin. The Babemba or Bemba people make their home in an area of Africa that includes Zambia and the Congo. Another source: http://tinyurl.com/nt5xydr 

I am really enjoying a book called Detroit An American Autopsy
by Charlie LeDuff

recommended by Jim Harper.  You are right Jim no sugar coating on this book.



Mandarin Duck.
 In Asian culture the Mandarin Duck is a symbol of love and devotion, because it is monogamous. Images of Mandarin Ducks are commonly used as Feng Shui cures for people who are single. It can also be used by people who experience difficulties in searching for a life partner.

Image of Mandarin Duck and story both seen on Facebook.  Thank you 

Beautiful Japanese hair clips and story from Geisha Moments on Facebook thank you 





'Tensha' in Japanese translates to the English word 'transfer'. Tensha Beads are a handmade Japanese bead created by applying a beautifully detailed decal to an acrylic bead. It is then sealed and protected with an acrylic coating. Gold or silver accents are often used to highlight these stunning beads. Japanese Tensha Beads are light weight and strong and come in a variety of sizes, patterns and colours and are sure to add an exquisite touch to your beaded design.

"People confuse the source of their happiness. They become temporarily happy when they get a new car, or a new house, or a new marriage. And they think that they are suddenly happy because of this new thing in their life. In reality, they are happy because for a brief moment, they are without desire. But then soon another desire comes along. And the search continues."
Posted on Humans of New York


"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."

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