![]() "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... SimplicitySimple 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 PatiencePatient 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. CompassionCompassionate 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:
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. ShoutOutsUntil 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.
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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.
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11/20/2016 10:27:23 am
Prof. Mahreer,
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This has been a year of musical legacies for sure, dear Vickster - Sharon Jones is no exception.
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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. 😔
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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!
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Hi Bro,
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11/21/2016 06:41:44 am
Dear Maria,
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William Holland
11/21/2016 09:43:46 am
Anyone who quote Lao Tzu is all right by me. :)
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Shauna
11/22/2016 12:04:12 pm
Powerful post, Mare! I love your song choices. You're one of a kind, my friend.
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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. :(
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Your comments are the best, dear Paula.
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