Meditation Works

When prosperity catches up to you

2011-08-16T10:22:00.000-07:00

My brother, Terry, and I have discussed how prosperity without caring is empty. Unless you care about another's prosperity, your own well-being will be limited. So we asked each other this question: "What would you see me doing when my prosperity catches up to me?" And then we gave each other the vision on which to focus. Here is what I asked him to see when I'm regaining prosperity:

I'm standing in the airport looking at departures to Europe, traveling light and light-hearted. I hear the announcement of my flight boarding. I lean down and pick up a small carry-on care and walk toward my gate. Just as I get to the security stop, I look over my shoulder at the person I'll be traveling with. "Hey, just in time. Let's rock and roll."

So we're using these shared visions to care about each other's well-being. Try it. Exchange your vision with someone for whom you wish the best of what you will be doing when your prosperity catches up to you -- that is, not a vision of paying your bills, sighing that you saved your home or that you can pay your car payment, but what you would do as a prosperous person. Let it be a vision of doing something fun and joyful that clearly represents ease, comfort and security.

And share that vision today!

Chesa
www.chesakeane.com

Fresh Air Experience - the Fund is almost there

2011-08-02T12:34:00.000-07:00

The Fresh Air Fund, an organization established to help New York City children from the toughest neighborhoods have a life-changing experience by spending some time with host families in the northeast section of the U.S.

So far, the Fresh Air Fund has managed to find 650 host families and they have one week left to find 200 more host families for the remaining children to be placed.

I work with Rotary International in Rotary Youth Exchange and Rotary Youth Leadership programs. I can tell you that when you give a child a chance to see a different view of the world, one that is not only different, but perhaps one that gives them a new hope that there is nothing they cannot accomplish, the world is changed by one more person whose future is positive.

Be the change you want to see in the world. Those were Gandhi's words. You can be the person who gives another person a better view of life. Step out of yourself and step into providing someone a life-changing experience.

Tsunesaburo Machiguchi, a Buddhist educator in Japan who founded SGI in 1930, believed that our children should be taught to be world citizens with a focus that expands beyond their local and national focus. This belief is one that will help to make the world a better place for everyone.

Help these children have an experience that is outside of the world they know and provide them with the vision that the world is theirs to conquer.

Visit their website: www.freshairfundhost.org and realize today that the Power of One begins with you.

Chesa
www.meditationwarrior.com

Words matter....

2011-05-29T13:45:00.000-07:00

I really like this one....

Chesa
www.meditationwarrior.com

Fresh Air Fund - looking for host families

2011-05-18T13:23:00.000-07:00

As a Big Sister in the Big Brother/Big Sister program, I am well aware that many children just don't have simple advantages that some families take for granted. Children living in New York City often cannot imagine what it is like to be in the open air of the countryside -- their restricted circumstances just don't provide them that perspective on life. I have now been made aware of a program that helps New York City children enjoy the experience of the country and suburbs in the Northeastern part of the U.S.

The host families who join the program will open their homes for a few weeks in the summer and children growing up in New York City's toughest neighborhoods will have an experience -- probably life-changing -- to enjoy the Fresh Air Experience.

This program has been so successful that more than 85% of these children are re-invited to stay with their host family, year after year.

You may think that this is a small event in a child's life - but I can assure you that children who have not been exposed to life outside of an inner city environment, will open their eyes to new understandings of life and the excitement of opportunities that never crossed their minds before.

To find out more about becoming a host, call 800.367.0003. Or go to the FreshAirFundHost.org website for more information.

The story of Brandon Mendoza and the McKnight family:

After all, if we want the future to be reflected in a more humanistic way than we sometimes witness today, never forget that the Youth are Our Future.

Chesa

www.meditationwarrior.com

10-year-old BC girl offers song of anti-tanker sentiment in video

2011-03-30T16:02:00.000-07:00

A 10-year-old girl from British Columbia, Canada, of the Sliammon First Nation, has written a song that protests plans for west coast oil tanker traffic.

Chesa
www.MeditationWarrior.com

Full Moon/Total Lunar Eclipse on December 21, 2010

2010-12-17T21:26:00.000-08:00

Not since 1703 has this event occurred where on a full moon, there is also a total lunar eclipse at this time of the year. While it is the short day of the year (for those in the Northern hemisphere), it could be an opportunity to join with hundreds of thousands in shaping the future with out intentions.

So why not make it a time to join others around the world in a meditation/focus on a bright, positive, hopeful future? This video in its simplicity puts forth the idea:

Honestly, is there anything more important than the human race surviving? Growing positively? All people realizing their best potential? Simple, yet deep happiness? Really, what is more important?

Chesa
www.meditatingwell.com

And to all a good .....

2010-12-16T16:13:00.000-08:00

I just want to send out a message of good will and cheer to anyone who drops by to read this blog. So many people are in the throes of suffering with the touchy economic conditions. I would like to encourage you to make a difference -- in your life and in the lives of others. How? By breaking the fear-based economy and social viewpoint that is so prevalent right now.

I get it that our unemployment rate is high -- probably close to 20% in some states because those off the unemployment roles are not being counted. But without sounding like a PollyAnna, this also means that there is 80% employment. But don't you see and feel how the fear of loss is hampering everyone. Spending is down. People and businesses are holding tight. This only serves to prolong the down cycle. If there is no investment or opening to the awareness of cash flow, change cannot and will not occur.

I'm not suggesting that you spend yourself silly or in a foolish way. But please - know that all cycles comes to an end. For every down position, there is a replacing up position on it way. Let go of the fear, people! Trust in your ability to survive and survive well. Think and act with compassion and kindness to everyone around you. As we trust each other more, trust ourselves more, and with a knowing, proceed through these times, we will all be better for it.

Happy, happy holidays. Be safe. Enjoy your friends and family. Stretch. Live. Laugh. Release the fear.

Chesa
www.meditationwarrior.com

Animated viewpoint 200 countries growth over 200 years

2010-12-16T15:58:00.000-08:00

This is really a fascinating presentation of the growth of 200 countries over the past 200 years by Hans Rosling. Check it out:

I love the hopeful perspective. How many people with this access to the data of societies and trends speaks so positively?

Chesa
www.meditatingwell.com

Face your shame

2010-12-13T13:00:00.000-08:00

I have just watched a video by Brené Brown, a researcher and profession at the University of Houston who gave a presentation on shame and how overcoming this lack of worthiness can impact not just your own life but the lives of others. It is a little long, but well worth the watch:

It's all about courage, really.

Chesa Keane

www.meditationwarrior.com

Meditation Sites filled with meditation tools and products

2010-11-29T11:11:00.000-08:00

I am always interested in finding the latest and greatest meditation tools and products. To showcase these findings, I have created the following websites:

You can find techniques, tips, tools and products to support your efforts in meditation. You already know the value -- these sites help you enhance your focusing and concentration skills so your meditations produce the results you are seeking.

I'm adding new products every day -- come back often and visit.

Enjoy!!

Chesa Keane

www.meditatingwell.com

First Nation soldiers - reminds me of my father, aunts and uncles

2010-11-09T10:01:00.000-08:00

My father was proud to have served in WWII and to the end, he was a soldier. This video makes me think of him, his courage, his fears and his contribution to my life.

Chesa
www.meditationwarrior.com

Alice at 107 is oldest living holocaust survivor -- sees beauty in life

2010-11-08T10:42:00.000-08:00

Alice will celebrate her 107th birthday this month. She was in a concentration camp during WWII and because she was a concert pianist, she survived. One might think that the experience would make her bitter, but no. Alice says that she has never hated -- hate only breeds hate. And she find each day a beautiful experience.

As a Buddhist, for me, her voice rings with the truth of Buddhist beliefs - life is precious and it is our goal to find happiness and joy on earth regardless of the circumstances under which we find ourselves. I would love to meet her in person. For now, meet her in the video which is a trailer for a new documentary short about the oldest Holocaust survivor in the world, Alice Herz-Sommer. Your life will be enriched in a short 12 minutes.

Chesa
www.taototem.com

Believing in each other

2010-09-01T12:40:00.000-07:00

This is a great video by a kid - and I'm not always sold on kid videos when they feel contrived. She sends out a clear, honest and important message to us all: "You can do anything!"

Take a look:

Keep breathing as my brother would tell us during this Mercury Retrograde period.

Chesa
www.taototem.com
www.mediationwarrior.com
www.computergoddess.com

BP Oil Spill -- just another day in our lives....

2010-03-15T11:38:00.000-07:00

Last year, the oil industry spent $168 million on lobbying for oil concerns -- and BP alone spent $16 million. Any concerns that the industry might have influenced the outcome we are seeing in the Gulf of Mexico today? Oh, maybe.

Just as an example, BP has claimed that its technology is safe, yet 11 men are dead and the oil continues to pour out of the broken line. In fact, BP has a long history of safety violations that have resulted in other deaths and environmental disasters. In 2008, BP stated that it could handle a scenario ten times the size of this current spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Really? Well, we don't think so.

Robert Redford, an environmental activist, is calling for the American public to use whatever political influence you might have - dollars, voice, votes -- to tell your senators to vote for the clean energy and climate bill now before Congress. This might be the path to regaining control over our environment -- it has to start somewhere.

Chesa

www.computergoddess.com

www.taoconsultants.net

www.focusingtools.com

GYN Disposables - unethical business

2010-03-10T18:23:00.000-08:00

GYN Disposables is a client that has proven to be deadbeats. They don't pay their bills, they don't return phone calls, and they purport to be a business in which women would benefit. I don't think so.

I am a woman in the business of helping get online businesses found by a targeted audience, delivering the positive message that company would like displayed. However this company that manufacturers single use disposable gynecological instruments - which would be a good product for women's safety - has proven to be unreliable, irresponsible, disreputable, dishonest, and dishonorable. Why would any woman want to do business with these people? Why would she encourage her OB/GYN doc to go to this band of disrespectful doctors for medical instruments when there are lots of other businesses out there that do the same thing without the negative business practices.

For the full story, go to the Eye of SEO Focus and TAO Consultants blogs.

Not only have they not paid my company, they have not paid the consultant who referred me -- even though he brought them some large contracts. Do these doctors in their arrogance think that negative behavior should be rewarded? Do they think that the world is so large that others won't find out about them?

I think they are mistaken in their actions and their business approach. GYN Disposables in Memphis, Tennessee. Avoid them.

Just think of the karmic impact they are making. A great, useful product sold by a disreputable company is the wrong combination we need in the world.

Chesa

www.computergoddess.com

Okanagan Chief slams "thinly veiled" attempt by Tolko to incite violence against band membership

2010-02-25T16:57:00.001-08:00

It gets worse:
February 25, 2010

Okanagan Chief slams “thinly veiled” attempt by Tolko to incite violence against band membership. Layoffs are due to poor markets and Tolko’s own unsustainable logging practices.

Okanagan Nation Territory, Vernon – Okanagan Indian Band Chief Fabian Alexis today slammed Tolko’s “irresponsible” and “thinly veiled attempt to incite violence against the Okanagan Indian Band membership.” “Blaming us for the closure of the Armstrong Plant is utterly ridiculous,” said Chief Alexis. “The amount of wood we are preventing Tolko from logging amounts to about 15,000 cubic metres which at most would only be a three day supply for the mill.”

“The fact is that Tolko had previously put out a news release on January 19th where it announced it was curtailing lumber production due to poor market conditions,” noted Chief Alexis. “Also in its news release of February 24th Tolko made reference to BC Ministry of Transportation load weight restrictions due to unseasonably warm weather.”

“We also have pictures showing that Tolko’s Armstrong sort yard is full of logs, so the fact they are laying off workers at that mill has everything to do with market conditions and nothing whatsoever to do with our decision to protect our drinking water supply,” added Chief Alexis.

“Last but not least, Tolko closed their Armstrong mill for two weeks last year, it has even been referred to by some industry insiders as Tolko’s annual curtailment,” noted Chief Alexis.

“We request that Tolko apologise for their highly misleading statements to the media and warn them that if they persist in trying to incite violence against our community we will not hesitate to take them before the BC Human Rights Commission,” concluded Chief Alexis.

“Before the introduction of Tree Farm licenses in 1962, most of the creeks running into Okanagan Lake were protected as water reserve areas. But thanks to decades of unsustainable logging practices the hills above the Okanagan Valley are a patchwork of clearcuts,” said Chief Alexis. “The result has been fish bearing creeks that flood in the Spring and go dry in the Summer because the forest ecosystem that used to absorb and then slowly release that water has been largely wiped out.”

-30-

For more information please contact: Chief Fabian Alexis, cell (250) 306-2838, phone (250) 542-4328

Kudos to Chief Alexis for his thoughtful and intelligent representation of OKIB.

A nation that does not know its history has no future.

2010-02-12T11:47:00.000-08:00

This video is one that touches my soul as a First Nation, Head of the Okanagan Band member. So many stories for me to tell. They will unfold. But this is a part of this country's heritage that is too easily forgotten. I do not celebrate Columbus Day. Why would I?

Chesa

www.MeditationWarrior.com

Zoom on steroids

2010-02-12T11:39:00.000-08:00

This is a cool way to view the world.....

Mandelbrot Fractal Set Trip To e214 HD from teamfresh on Vimeo.

Can you send your mind there?

Chesa
www.taoconsultants.com

Will's Wisdom - we all have it...

2010-01-14T15:37:00.000-08:00

I think you'll enjoy this YouTube video. It's all those great ideas we know but do we employ? Ask yourself what you are willing to die for -- your beliefs? If not, you're probably not reaching your potential. Do you think you make a difference? If not, then you probably don't. Do you step through life focused and with intention -- or just takes what life throws at you? If you know what you want and believe it to be achievable, act upon those goals, you will absolutely achieve whatever you wish to create in life.

One of my favorite quotes from Will Smith: "Being realistic is the most common road to mediocrity." My way of phrasing it is: Deny reality at all costs.

Now go out there and Make it happen!

Chesa

www.mediationwarrior.com

www.meditation-works.com

It's all about self-confidence...

2010-01-06T09:50:00.001-08:00

When this video started, I thought, "This woman has a strong sense of self. Her black shirt and pants were close-fitting and showed all of her lumps and bumps."

Then the video continues and I am laughing in amazement. This is the best example of self-acceptance I have ever seen. Enjoy and think of whether you can match this woman's self-confidence:

Chesa

www.meditationwarrior.com

Staying in the Now helps

2009-12-30T15:54:00.000-08:00

I found myself letting go of someone recently through circumstances neither of us could change. So how do you deal with this kind of loss? The process follows the grieving steps -- denial, anger, etc. -- but then you're still left with the reality of that empty spot beside you and within your heart.

It has always been my habit to focus on the now rather than the past or future. Focusing on the past often shows itself in feelings or actions that are guilt-based. Focusing on the future usually expresses as fear of future outcome and worry. But focusing in the Now offers a centeredness that allows you to release the past that can't be changed and keeps you from straying into a future that cannot come about if you don't work in the now.

So my heart feels heavy and at the same time, I am aware of the potential for seeing my now evolve into a future that could have him here again. That will be nice.

Chesa

www.meditationwarrior.com

40 Inspirational speeches in 2 minutes

2009-11-03T19:02:00.000-08:00

Ever wonder about what inspires you? How about these speeches?

Two Losses - One Lesson

2009-08-31T17:52:00.000-07:00

Last week, Mike, a business associate, lost a short and fierce battle to esophageal cancer. Last night, my dear friend Calvin's huge and loving heart let go.

Two friends gone and I have come to realize what I thought I already knew: leave nothing unsaid or undone each day. Being in now is the only answer to regrets for those words or actions that you're going to get around to soon, but too late realize they must now remain unspoken.

Mike and I belonged to a networking organization that I chose to leave because of an unfortunate situation. When Mike asked my assistant to have me drop by and see him at the store, I put it off. I didn't know he was fighting a losing battle and that he would be gone so quickly.

Calvin and I lived on the opposite sides of the country and I kept thinking I wanted him to know that I deeply appreciate his introducing me to my Buddhist practice and resulting deep faith. I know I said it before, but I didn't say it again as I was thinking it this morning -- just before I got the call.

I don't do guilt, but I do recognize that I don't want to miss these long-gone opportunities ever again. I know Mike felt my intense prayers during his hard battles with radiation and chemotherapies. And I know that Calvin is well-aware of how I feel toward him. I will miss him forever until we meet again.

But thoughts have to be turned into words to manifest the outcome you are seeking. I would have rather seen and heard their smile from my words rather than simply my thoughts.

See more about Calvin on his website: www.chkyo.com.

Chesa Keane

www.meditationwarrior.com

What is Romance?

2009-03-05T21:07:00.000-08:00

I was recently asked if I was a romantic person. Hmmm, I thought, "I think so, but how do you define romantic?"

Yes, I like the little notices that someone special gives me. I like that light touch on my face, my hand and that look that tells me I am special. I like the little unexpected displays of attention and affection. I like it when he runs his fingers through my hair and smiles into my eyes rather than at me.

I like it when he remembers something I told him I liked three months ago and surprises me by showing up with that very special remembrance.

But, I think that those things noble and above the fold for altruistic reasons and no hope for or desire for recognition are intensely romantic -- in the sense of deep and lasting awareness and inspiration. Those actions and thoughts and ideas that simply make life better for everyone, including me, are the most romantic. Those heroes make me realize that the romance in life is ever-unfolding and the best is yet to come.

Chesa
www.taototem.com
www.meditationwarrior.com
www.meditation-works.com
and more....

What is it to begrugde one's life?

2009-02-18T21:01:00.000-08:00

Begrudging one’s life takes many forms – from over-indulgence to self-denial; from self-loathing to false confidence; from lack of attention to health issues to hypochondria; from the inability to love others or even ourselves; from demanding attention to apathy regarding our presence.

Whenever we do not cherish the body, mind and spirit of our existence, we are denying the existence of the Buddha nature that lies within us awaiting recognition. It seems to me that it is in the extremes of expression that we get caught in the act of begrudging our lives. How to counter these very “human” traits is the question to ask.

Find joy in the moment; appreciate the wind, sky and stars; see the Buddha within others and accept the glorious life that surges through your blood with each breath. Find gratitude for the simplest of things and marvel at the complexity hidden in the simple. I guess, for me, it is just appreciating everything, finding joy in the now and expressing the compassionate understanding for others and myself.

Chesa
www.taototem.com
www.meditationwarrior.com
www.meditation-works.com