love is the great power

“Still your mind in me, still yourself in me, and without a doubt you shall be united with me, Lord of Love, dwelling in your heart.” – Bhagavad Gita

Blessings of Peace and Love,
Preston

caring about life

“I know whether or not I am confused most readily by noticing--being mindful of--my capacity for feeling caring concern. ... when I feel myself in caring connection--encouraging, consoling, or appreciating--I feel the twin pleasures of clarity and goodness. It doesn't matter if the connection I feel is to myself or a person I know or people I don't know or even the whole world. The lively impulse of caring is what counts. [p. 20]” 
― Sylvia Boorstein, Happiness Is an Inside Job: Practicing for a Joyful Life

Today, I choose to care about all living things.

Blessings of Peace and Love,

Preston

learning to surf

“… freedom of choice is possible. Life is going to unfold however it does: pleasant or unpleasant, disappointing or thrilling, expected or unexpected, all of the above! What a relief it would be to know that whatever wave comes along, we can ride it out with grace [p. 35].”
― Sylvia Boorstein, It’s Easier Than You Think: The Buddhist Way to Happiness

Today, I choose to surf.

Blessings of Peace and Love,

Preston

the presence of true love

“The practice of true love requires our presence. Loving kindness in our words and quiet mindful listening are the means to be fully present.” – Preston Morgan  

Today, I choose to be mindful and practice loving kindness towards myself and others.

Blessing of Peace and Love,

Preston

invitation to peace

“You hold in your hand an invitation: to remember the transforming power of forgiveness and loving kindness. To remember that no matter where you are and what you face, within your heart peace is possible.” 
― Jack Kornfield

Today, I choose to practice forgiveness and loving kindness to realize the peace that is available within my heart.

Blessings of Peace and Love,
Preston

suffering eased

“You should treat your own suffering like a mother treats her crying baby. When a mother first hears her baby cry, she might not know what is causing the suffering. It is only after she holds and comforts the child can the suffering be eased. Look within your heart for love and compassion towards your own suffering.”  - Preston Morgan

Today, I choose to hold and comfort my suffering.

Blessings of Peace and Love,

Preston

reality of life

"Wisdom says we are nothing. Love says we are everything. Between these two our life flows." Jack Kornfield

When I use my own mind I see all my short comings, failures and limitations, but through the love of Wezie I am full, complete and whole. Our vision of life is more than a half full or half empty glass. It is the ability to see and accept reality for what it is – precious.

Today, I choose to embrace my reality and let life flow.

Blessings of Peace and Love,

Preston

loving kindness meditation

The practice of Loving Kindness meditation is a wonderful way to start each day.

“We begin practicing the love meditation on ourselves ("I"). Until we are able to love and take care of ourselves, we cannot be of much help to others. After that we can practice on others ("he/she," "they")--first on someone we like, then on someone neutral to us, then someone we love, and finally someone the mere thought of whom makes us suffer. "--Thich Nhat Hanh, Teachings on Love

May I be peaceful, happy, and light in body and spirit.

May I be safe and free from injury.

May I be free from anger, afflictions, fear, and anxiety.

 

May I learn to look at myself with the eyes of understanding and love.

May I be able to recognize and touch the seeds of joy and happiness in myself

May I learn to identify and see the sources of anger, craving, and delusion in myself.

 

May I know how to nourish the seeds of joy in myself every day.

May I be able to live fresh, solid, and free.

May I be free from attachment and aversion, but not be indifferent.

 

Today, I choose to start my day with Loving Kindness meditation.

Blessings of Peace and Love,

Preston

lessons of peace

“Peace requires us to surrender our illusions of control. We can love and care for others but we cannot possess our children, lovers, family, or friends. We can assist them, pray for them, and wish them well, yet in the end their happiness and suffering depend on their thoughts and actions, not on our wishes.”
― Jack Kornfield

Today, I choose to surrender my illusion of control and replace my thoughts with loving kindness.

Blessings of Peace and Love,

Preston

open mind open heart

“Mindfulness meditation doesn’t change life. Life remains as fragile and unpredictable as ever. Meditation changes the heart’s capacity to accept life as it is. It teaches the heart to be more accommodating; not by beating it into submission, but by making it clear that accommodation is a gratifying choice.”
― Sylvia Boorstein, Don’t Just Do Something, Sit There: A Mindfulness Retreat with Sylvia Boorstein

Today, I choose to open my heart by accepting the reality of life.

Blessings of Peace and Love,

Preston

love in practice

“If you do not know how to take care of yourself, and the violence in you, then you will not be able to take care of others. You must have love and patience before you can truly listen to your partner or child. If you are irritated you cannot listen. You have to know how to breathe mindfully, embrace your irritation and transform it. Offer ONLY understanding and compassion to your partner or child - This is the true practice of love. ” Thay

Last night I became irritated. I thought of my own feelings. I stopped listening. 

Today, I choose to take care of myself through the practice of love and patience.

Blessings of Peace and Love,

Preston

self love

“To be beautiful means to be yourself. You don’t need to be accepted by others. You need to accept yourself.”  Thay

How often do we feel the need for acceptance from others? I sometimes struggle with the thought that I don’t measure up to the standard; whether it’s looks, weight, intelligence, money, or position in life. Then I realize it is not about the hand that I have been dealt, but it is about the way that I play my hand. Am I focusing on the importance of bringing the best out in myself?

Today, I choose to love myself and to become my best.

Blessings of Peace and Love,

Preston  

my wife's love

Love is a verb.

Love is doing for him because you know that is what he needs or desires.

Love is quiet listening even when her mind is busy planning for her class.

Love is that gentle touch of her hand when you need to know she is there.

Love is that look in her eyes as you part ways each morning.

Love is comfort knowing that she is there beside you as you fall asleep.

Love is sharing hopes and dreams of your future together.

Love is a verb.

Today, I choose to LOVE my wife the way she loves me.

Blessings of Peace and Love,

Preston

compassion

“Words and thoughts concerning compassionate action that are not put into practice are like beautiful flowers that are colorful but have no fragrance.” Thay

 “Compassion is a verb.” Thay

Today, I choose an active compassion.

Blessings of Peace and Love,

Preston

a father's note to his daughter

Dear P.A.,

One of the joys of teaching high school is to see students successfully transition to the next phase of life. Today they passed out caps and gowns. I immediately thought of you. You are an amazing young woman.

 The last couple of weeks I have been watching your interactions GP and Molly. Your attention and time has been so very special to watch. I am soaking up every last laugh and smile. I know that this is how it must and should be. The time has come and you are getting ready to transition to a different period of your life. The two important things that you need to know are: that you are loved and you will always have a home. These two things will never change.

Our lives will change; some may be for the better and others may just be different.  Our van rides will be missing that fifth part in our perfect harmony. Our dinner table discussions will be missing your witty banter and insight. “What’s cooler than being cool? Being a Morgan” - the Morgan kids.

These last 18 years have been a wonder to watch. Take what you have learned and make it your own. Your mother and I are very proud of you.  You will always be my Precious Angel.

With all my heart I wish you blessings of Peace, Love, and Happiness,

Dad

miracles of life

“People usually consider walking on water or in thin air a miracle. But I think the real miracle is not to walk either on water or in thin air, but to walk on earth. Every day we are engaged in a miracle which we don't even recognize: a blue sky, white clouds, green leaves, the black curious eyes of a child -- our own two eyes. All is a miracle.” Thay

Today, I choose to take the time to recognize the miracles that are abundant in my life.

Blessings of Peace and Love,

Preston

just understanding

“When you plant lettuce, if it does not grow well, you
don’t blame the lettuce. You look for reasons it is not
doing well. It may need fertilizer, or more water, or
less sun. You never blame the lettuce. Yet if we have
problems with our friends or family, we blame the other
person. But if we know how to take care of them, they will
grow well, like the lettuce. Blaming has no positive
effect at all, nor does trying to persuade using reason
and argument. That is my experience. No blame, no
reasoning, no argument, just understanding. If you
understand, and you show that you understand, you can
love, and the situation will change”
― Thay

Today, I choose the path of understanding without reasoning, blaming or arguements.

Blessings of Peace and Love,

Preston

my belongings

“My actions are my only true belongings.” Thay

My house, my car, and all my stuff are not my true belongings, these are things that identify who I am. He is the man that lives in the white house or drives the blue Chevy or …They are items that complicate and control my life by the amount of time, energy, and money needed for proper maintenance.  The way I treat myself and others is the true nature of who I am. I attempt the actions of loving kindness in my speech and deep mindful listening with the hopes that they will become my true belongings. Today I choose to focus on my actions.

Blessings of Peace and Love,

Preston 

happiness here and now

“The amount of happiness that you have depends on the amount of freedom you have in your heart.” Thay

A true and simple statement, yet not easy. My mind sometimes travels down the road of doubt, anxiety, fear, and … when this happens I hold my own heart captive. The practice of mindfulness in this present moment can free the heart and mind, by viewing life in the here and now. The past is gone and the future has yet to arrive, all I have is this present moment. By focusing on my breathing I can bridge my thoughts to my reality. Today, I choose to free my heart and experience all the happiness this present moment holds. 

Blessings of Peace and Love,

Preston

truth

Which quotes are truth? (One is Buddhist, one Hindu, one Atheist, and two Christian) 

“Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon, and the truth.”

"Anyone who doesn't take truth seriously in small matters cannot be trusted in large ones either."

"I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality. This is why right, temporarily defeated, is stronger than evil triumphant."

"An error does not become truth by reason of multiplied propagation, nor does truth become error because nobody sees it."

"Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom."

I believe truth is found when we seek it. Today, I choose to seek the truth in my life.

Blessings of Peace and Love.

Preston

the rule to a happy marriage or partnership

“A successful partnership is not a 50/50 relationship, it is a 75/75.” David Ford

I remember when David said this to me. I was confused. I said “75% and 75% would be 150%”. David said, “yes, a successful partnership is more than a 100%.”

I sometimes hear a husband say, “she does not do this or that.” I respond by asking “what are your wife’s wants and needs, and have you done everything possible to meet those needs?” When one partner starts to exceeds 50% it is just a matter of time when the other partner responds in like measure. This is the true secret to a happy successful partnership. Today, I seek to reach my 75% in my marriage with Wezie.

Blessings of Peace and Love,

Preston

true love mantras

·            Dear one, I am here for you

·            Dear one, I know that you are here, and it makes me very happy

·            Dear one, I know that you are suffering, that is why I am here for you

·            Dear one, I am suffering, please help.

The four mantras from Thay’s book “True Love” have opened a renewed closeness for Wezie and me. The joy and warmth I feel as she utters one of these mantras is pure bliss. Every morning I look deeply into Wezie’s eyes and as I hear her speak, I experience comfort and peace. Today, I choose a love that is mindful.

Blessings of Peace and Love,

Preston

conquering self

“It is better to conquer yourself than to win a thousand battles. Then the victory is yours. It cannot be taken from you, not by angels or by demons, heaven or hell.” Buddha

I struggle when applying this principle to my life; my ego gets in the way. Conquering my self would mean to admit that I am wrong…that I am not perfect… that I AM human. The first step in realizing that we are human is to realize we are impermanent. We are not here forever. Today I choose to realize that I am human, the first step in conquering self.

Blessings of Peace and Love,

Preston

The Maritimes Shared Happiness

“Thousands of candles can be lit from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.” Buddha

These words were written some 2000 years before the current Europeans inhabited the Maritimes. How could have Siddhartha Gautama known that the heart beat of humanity would be located some 1200 KM away. This past year has been a journey that I will forever cherish. Though my Twitter exploits, I have seen the best that humanity has to offer. This last outpouring of love towards my daughter has me in awe of The Maritimes. Although I am a CFA, today I choose to embrace their spirit and open my heart by sharing my happiness with the world.

Blessings of Peace and Love,

Preston

Compassion

“Have compassion for all beings, rich and poor alike; each has their suffering. Some suffer too much, others too little.” Buddha

Yesterday I sent a direct message to a number of Twitter friends. (people that live over 3000 miles away and that I have never personally met) I was taking a shot in the dark. I really didn’t know how or what I was asking. I just knew I didn’t have the answer. I received many positive responses. One young woman’s response gave my family hope. Her compassion was beautiful. She took the time to answer questions. Yesterday, I was on the receiving end of compassion. Today, I choose to show compassion for others. 

Blessings of Peace and Love,

Preston

Our Journey

“It is better to travel well than to arrive.” Buddha

This truth reminds me of how blind we can be to the impermanence of our lives. Our lives can be viewed as a train ride. Our anticipation for that next station controls our thoughts. “I can’t wait till I’m a teenager or I’m 16 so I can drive or 21 to become legal… and yes even 65 so I can retire.” Our challenge is not to look forward waiting for the next station, but to look all around you discovering the beauty of being 12, 15, 20 and 64. This journey has only one direction.  Today I choose to be mindful of May 6, 2012.

Blessings of Peace and Love,

Preston 

Beautiful Self

“To be beautiful means to be yourself. You don’t need to be accepted by others. You need to accept yourself.”
― Thich Nhat Hanh (Thay)

When counseling young people I share the root of this quote quite often. It is important to be who you are and to accept yourself rather than be accepted by others while wearing a mask. Your true nature cannot be long hidden. When we learn to accept ourselves we then can accept others for who they are. Today, I choose to love and accept myself. 

Blessings of Peace and Love,

Preston

Live today

“Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.” Buddha

This is a principle I have read and studied for a couple of years. It seems straight forward and easy, but it takes a great deal of patience and mindfulness. Sometimes I do dwell on the past with things I’ve said or done and people I may not have treated properly… Sometimes my thoughts are focused on the future, about problems that could and sometimes do arise. Every moment that I focus on the past or future is lost time. It is time that I rob myself of this present moment. For today will never come again. These 24 hours are precious. So today I choose to focus and live May 4, 2012.

Blessings of Peace and Love,

Preston 

Lessons from my daughter

"Chaos is inherent in all compounded things. Strive on with diligence." Buddha

As a father, I strive to be all things for my family. I realize this is a unattainable goal, yet I continue. My PA (Precious Angel) is in the middle of true chaos and I am unable to end her suffering. This brings great pain to my heart. When I woke this morning Bekah had placed a note and gift beside my chair. Her  act of pure love and compassion towards my suffering was a peaceful healing. Bekah is doing more than striving on with diligence she is on the path towards mindfulness. This brings great joy to my heart.

Blessings of Peace and Love,

Preston

Anger transformed by Love

“Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned.” Buddha

Yesterday I was reminded of this quote. I had anger in my heart. I was troubled by the perception of how one of my own children had been treated. I wanted to lash out, but instead Wezie showed me two videos. http://www.paws4thor.com/ (please watch the two videos to the right) I began to cry. The anger was transformed to love and compassion. 

“Hatred does not cease by hatred, but only by love; this is the eternal rule.” Buddha

Blessings of Peace and Love,

Preston

Mind

“To enjoy good health, to bring true happiness to one’s family, to bring peace to all, one must first discipline and control one’s own mind. If a man can control his mind he can find the way to Enlightenment, and all wisdom and virtue will naturally come to him.” Buddha

When I see this quote I think about the computer adage ”garbage in garbage out.” Before you can truly bring peace and happiness to your surroundings, you must first bring peace and happiness to your mind. Reality is found within perception. If you don’t see peace and happiness through your own eyes, peace and happiness cannot exist. Today, I choose to see peace and happiness.

Blessings of Peace and Love,

Preston