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marcoujor: The Greatest Treasures

11/19/2016

22 Comments

 
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"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

I happened upon this quote and found it especially applicable to a season traditionally devoted to thanksgiving for family, friends and life. As such, I'd like to use Lao Tzu's words to make a framework for this month's musings...


​Simplicity

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

Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings are an American funk and soul band. They started a revivalist movement that combined funk and soul music, sounds that I heard growing up in the mid-1960s to mid-1970s. Sharon, at the age of 60, passed away this past Friday of pancreatic cancer that had been in remission but returned last year.

The lyrics in this song are reminiscent of values my parents tried to instill in me including humility and simplicity. I'm dedicating this song to you, Mom and Dad. I want you to know I appreciate the lessons you taught me through your example.   

Sharon Jones and The Dap-Kings: Humble Me

​Patience

Patient with both friends and enemies, you accord with the way things are.

One of the gifts I received in surviving a trauma lasting 46 hours is an appreciation of and ability to demonstrate patience in all life circumstances, ranging from the unexpected to the absurd.

Traffic jams, long lines in the grocery store, waiting for the friend who always runs late, the doctor's office--any appointment for that matter, even in accomplishing personal or professional challenges I set for myself. Former reasons for impatience have become opportunities for perspective.

I remain conscious of keeping professional and personal commitments. In other words, I place high value on my own punctuality and follow through with issues, promises, assignments. I instill these traits in my nursing students as well.  

Speaking of patience, I have to share another motivational number by Sharon Jones, who didn't become a household name until she was forty. To me, she was worth the wait and I'm grateful for twenty years of her music.

The lyrics of I'm Still Here remind me that patience and persistence is always worth it.

Compassion

Compassionate toward yourself, you reconcile all beings in the world.

Recognizing and addressing my stress and need for self care is the most compassionate thing I can do, for myself and those I love and work with.

My physical body carries me through the life that God has given me.

My mind helps me think about issues with clarity and meaning.

My soul keeps me aligned with my purpose in the Universe.

My self care plan includes:

  • humor and laughter
  • music, all kinds
  • walking, especially with my lovely labs, Andy and Zoey (although not both at one time!)
  • writing, journaling, storytelling
  • mindfulness, relaxation
  • aromatherapy

In taking care of myself, I am better able to take care of others in a compassionate manner.

I'm currently enjoying the music of a new artist who calls himself Rag n Bone Man. His song Human is vulnerable and strong at once and reminds me of the importance of self-compassion. Take a listen. This may strike a chord in you as well​.

​ShoutOuts

☙ Caramelized Onions & French Onion Soup via WarnerWords
☙ Prayer, Spiders & ShoutOuts via flashPress

Until next month, I am thankful to each of you. Please take time to enjoy the simple treasures in this season.

Hugs,

mar ​
22 Comments
Mike
11/20/2016 09:31:01 am

Hello mar - This is so timely for the season. Beautiful in many ways. Now, off to walk the dogs. Not together of course.

Reply
Maria link
11/21/2016 07:10:36 am

Thanks, dear Mike and Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours as well - including your 4-legged beauties..

Reply
Martie link
11/20/2016 09:43:12 am

Dear Mar, simplicity, patience, and compassion are indeed some of your strongest characteristics. I have experience this since the day I've met you - 6 years ago. On top of this you do manage to rub this off on your friends.

Before I met you I was quite complicated and impatient, and my grudges suppressed my compassion. Honestly, thanks to your influence and support I was able to sort myself out. And this is one of the reasons I treasure our friendship.

Hugs,
Martie

Reply
Maria link
11/21/2016 07:12:55 am

I treasure your friendship more than you may ever know, dear Martie. And this comment means the world to me.

Love you much and have a peaceful week, mar

Reply
Angelia Phillips link
11/20/2016 10:27:23 am

Prof. Mahreer,

A thought provoking post. It brought up some wonderful memories. My life is richly blessed with simple treasures. Each day I get to enjoy them in this earthly camp out, I'm very grateful for.

Beautiful music inclusions and thank you for the introductions to musicians and vocalists I wasn't aware of until this read. :)

Reply
Maria link
11/21/2016 07:16:38 am

You have a beautiful outlook and perspective on life, dear Ange.

I'm glad you enjoyed this month's musical highlights.

Love and thanks, mar

Reply
Vicki link
11/20/2016 10:38:49 am

Dear Mareer,
These are some valuable qualities to treasure and live by in life. Enjoyed the videos, and I'm sad to hear about Sharon Jones. She left a lovely legacy though.
Always love to hear about that in progress dawgy relationship! So sweet!

Reply
Maria link
11/21/2016 07:27:37 am

This has been a year of musical legacies for sure, dear Vickster - Sharon Jones is no exception.

I'm glad you enjoyed this month's music as well - I've been leaning a little heavier on the radio dial these days.

The wind continues to roar this morning...feels more like March than November. Sending you peace and sloppy kisses from A and Z.

Love and hugs, mareer

Reply
Sunshine
11/20/2016 04:28:17 pm

I'm thankful for MM's words of wisdom which are just what is needed during this time of unrest among so many millions of people. 😔
Happy Thanksgiving! ❤️

Reply
Maria link
11/21/2016 07:29:17 am

Thanks for bringing the SUNSHINE, dear Linda.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your chickies as well. Love, MM

Reply
Richard Rumple link
11/20/2016 08:03:30 pm

Hey, Sis! Strong message, to say the least. In this time in which we reside, surviving any way we can tends to take the forefront. Long hours, stress, and doing what must be done (instead of what we wish to do) makes it difficult to remember that none can be accomplished if we don't take care of ourselves first, both mentally and physically. Definitely made me sit back and say, "Damn, Sis hit the nail right on the head!" As far as Sharon Jones is concerned, her death is a great loss to the music world and all of us that enjoyed her music. If you get a chance, check out YouTube for videos of her Paris concert. She'd been through chemo and it looked as if cancer might have been in remission. Her mental strength and performance was absolutely amazing. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Reply
Maria link
11/21/2016 07:37:49 am

Hi Bro,
Your visit means the world to me - a treasure indeed.
I feel a need to 'talk' about self-care like a broken record these days...as Sharon would sing: "I Learned the Hard Way".
I will absolutely check out Sharon Jones in Paris... I believe she had been in remission - never giving up on sharing the music in her heart.
Wishing you and yours a peaceful Thanksgiving. Love you, Sis

Reply
Sannel Larson link
11/21/2016 06:41:44 am

Dear Maria,

How profound and true - "Compassionate toward yourself, you reconcile all beings in the world." As always, you bring valuable words to treasure and live by, dear friend.
Thank you for introducing me to Rag n Bone Man and his "Human." An instant favorite as soon as I heard it.
Now, off for a walk with my lovely Freddie! A simple treasure in my life that I'm blessed with.
Take good care!
Love and hugs,
Sannel

Reply
Maria link
11/21/2016 07:46:49 am

Dear Sannel,
I fell instantly in love with the sound of Rag n Bones Man, from the UK, as well.
I know how much you and Freddie love your time together walking - give him big hugs from me and his American cousins, Andy and Zoey.
Love you both, Maria

Reply
William Holland
11/21/2016 09:43:46 am

Anyone who quote Lao Tzu is all right by me. :)

Hugs from Olympia, dear friend.

bill

Reply
Maria link
11/23/2016 09:53:04 pm

Awesome, dear Bill and hugs back to you from PA, Maria

Reply
Ruby link
11/21/2016 02:31:39 pm

It seems we're loosing great artists much too soon. Rag'n Bone Man is a new artist to me. I enjoyed his video, so many faces of all who care about our world. Continue taking good care of Mar. Love..

Reply
Maria link
11/23/2016 09:55:13 pm

Thanks, sweet Ruby. I promise to take care of myself too.

Glad you enjoyed meeting 'Rag n Bones Man'. Love you, mar

Reply
Shauna
11/22/2016 12:04:12 pm

Powerful post, Mare! I love your song choices. You're one of a kind, my friend.

Happy Thanksgiving to you, Geoff, Andy and Zoey!

Reply
Maria link
11/23/2016 09:57:56 pm

Thanks, dear Sha - so are you!

Really happy you enjoyed these song selections as much as I do.

Wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving as well.

Reply
paula link
11/22/2016 01:38:31 pm

Maria....Love your work so much, GF... I am not familiar with the group you mention, but will make it a point to track down some of their music. It's very sad to learn of the passing of Miss Jones.....too young, too soon. :(
I have an over abundance of unconditional love, patience & admiration for my loved ones...family, friends, etal.....Traffic and long lines don't bother me in the least and BTW, I am the friend who always runs late!
I have much work before me when it comes to "enemies," but God's not finished with me yet, I mean, obviously~~he gave me friends as wonderful as you, to encourage me. You see? Know that I listen to you, sweet thing.
I'm crazy about that Teddy Bear-looking "rag n bone"....I could just hug him. Very unique voice and the song is powerful. I do appreciate the introduction and sampling....Yes, we are human after all.
Sending you & Geoff & fur-babies hugs & wishes for a yummy, happy Thanksgiving. Love ya, Paula/Effer

Reply
Maria link
11/23/2016 10:04:22 pm

Your comments are the best, dear Paula.

Thanks for being such a bright spot in my world. At this time of Thanksgiving, you are high on my list of friends to be grateful for.

Enjoy a day filled with family and stuffing - not necessarily in that order. Love ya, Maria

Reply



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    marcoujor

    Something awaits us all.

    Know your possibilities.

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    mar


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  • BOOK SHOP
    • Kylie's Stories
    • Other books by Maria Jordan >
      • Mysterious & Miraculous Book I - News and Reviews
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    • Poetic Ponderings
    • marcoujor on Hubpages
  • I Recommend...
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