Restoring Community

By Stephanie J. McWilliams

In honor of this country’s greatest spiritual leader, take time today to reflect on the following nine quotes of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Allow his vast wisdom to resonate in your own life so that you may experience more fullness, richness and juiciness in the year to come!

1. “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”

Positive situations can only spring from optimism. Peace will never be established through war. And inner-peace will never be created through negative self-talk.

So many of us are kind to others, yet are cruel dictators internally. Practice speaking gently to yourself this week, like you would to a sweet, innocent child. Be compassionate and understanding. Be encouraging, excited, and joyful about all that you dream. It is only through a loving approach that the true enjoyment and richness of life can be embraced.

2. “Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.”

Action is the missing step in so many peoples’ journey. Most of us know what we should be doing, yet do not live in alignment with those goals. Stepping into integrity, and moving forward energetically, by taking action  any action  is vital. Without movement, there is stagnancy. Nothing can change when standing still.

So take a leap. Make a decision about something small this week that you’ve been putting off. Once you take those first brave steps, life has a beautiful way of illuminating the road just ahead. With each step forward, the path will be revealed and your journey will unfold.

3. “Means we use must be as pure as the ends we seek.”

So often we get sidetracked in this country, and only hold the end-results of our endeavors in high-regard. But quite often I meet clients that are very outwardly successful and financially abundant…yet spiritually bankrupt. Many people are so focused on the prize that they’ll do anything to get there, forgetting to stop along the way to play, reflect, be grateful and smell the roses.

If we lived in a world where the only thing that was of any importance was in fact your intention, your awareness, your kindness or your faith, how would you stack up? What grade would you give you in the school of life?

The same principle applies in feng shui. It is not as important that your home look beautiful, but how it got to be that way. That you have reverence when cleaning. That you dance when decorating. That you smile as you rearrange. Focus instead on how you’re BEING, rather than all you’re DOING… and you’ll be doing great!

4. “The quality, not the longevity, of one’s life is what is important.”

We tend to make choices about our lives in terms of physical well-being over spiritual well-being. We want to live long lives, and we have doctors and hospitals and drug companies to support those goals. But what if we were just as tenacious about our own joy and laughter? What if we fought to have meaning and love? What if we would do anything to feel passion, pleasure and playfulness each and every day?

The desire for longevity is based on fear. The other is based on love. In what ways can you begin to live a long and LOVING life? Bringing in even the smallest twinkling of lightness to your day will go a lot farther for your health and longevity than a trip to the doctor…

5. “An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity.”

When clients come to me frustrated or depressed, it’s usually because they have shifted their perspective inward, wallowing in the details of their own life. I’ve been there many times myself, as the human brain has a sneaky way of putting each of us as the center of our own little Universe. And while that seems like it would be a great thing, it also can wreak havoc.

When we shift our focus onto others, we not only get the experience of helping a fellow human being, but we also realize that we are not alone, others share the same struggles (or oftentimes, worse ones, and that the things we’re fixated on might really not be that important after all.

This outward focus also can bring a deep sense of satisfaction. When we live only for ourselves, there is a hollowness that develops. By holding to what we know to be true, and shining our lights for others to see, we not only enrich our own lives, but make a difference in the world - and this sort of experience always reaps far greater rewards than those done solely for our own gain. When you learn to light another’s lantern, you are also illuminating your path as well.

6. “We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.”

We tend to see ourselves as individuals, separate from the whole. We get concerned with our own needs, our own injustices, our own struggles, and our own desires. But if you look around, we are all completely interdependent. Every bite of food, piece of clothing, or car you drive has likely been touched by hundreds of other people. Unless we’re living off the grid, every move we make is linked to lots of other folks.

The same interconnectedness is found on an interpersonal level. Every time you meet another, you’re making an impact  either positive or negative. Every smile, grimace, compliment or hug ripples out into your home, your community…and eventually, the planet. Only when we begin to see each other as united, as cells of a greater being, as our very own selves, will we experience peace throughout the planet. Let it begin with you.

7. “We must concentrate not merely on the negative expulsion of war but the positive affirmation of peace.”

Dr. King expresses here a most important principle in the manifesting of any dream. Whatever we focus on, becomes bigger  and unfortunately we have a media that fixates on scandal, crime, violence and poverty. Take a look in your own life, your own struggles… Have the things you worry about most come to pass? Are the challenges you face those that you reflected on?

Take a look also at your triumphs. Were they things that you talked about, dreamed about or wrote about?

This week take a look at your wish list. How can you keep your eyes on THAT prize, and less on your worries? Where can you live “as if” your dreams already have come true, rather than grumbling about your displeasures? Where can you find room for improvement, and making loving steps to revel in all the good?

8. “Rarely do we find men who willingly engage in hard, solid thinking. There is an almost universal quest for easy answers and half-baked solutions. Nothing pains some people more than having to think.”

So… Are you a follower or a leader? Do you take what everyone tells you as truth… your parents, the papers, the priests and the politicians? Have you taken time to as YOU what you think? Have you put your hand on your own belly and sat in that silence, listening to the quiet wisdom within? Did someone once tell you you weren’t pretty enough? Smart enough? Creative enough? Driven enough? Tall enough to have what you really want?

If so, where can you begin to take back your power and find your own voice and set your own path? Where can your spirit begin to whisper in your ear? Where can you find your own beautiful answers?

9. “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.”

In a world full of flashy cars, high-profile celebrities, plastic surgery and get-rich-quick schemes, it’s easy to lose sight on the deeper aspects of the human spirit. When we judge  ourselves or others  on their appearance, status, age, ability or wealth, we lose sight of the truly beautiful parts of each one of our souls. Every person on this planet has a story, has hopes, has fears and has a heart if we open our eyes to see it.

If you’re only walking through the surface of life, I challenge you to go deeper. Take time out of your busy schedule to make eye-contact, flash a smile, or offer a hand to your fellow man. Stop to ask your children what their lives are like, what they’re scared of, and what they long for. Ask your mate what they most want more of from you, and ask your neighbors how you can help.

Living solely on the surface makes for a very brittle life. So go deep, go deep… and go a bit deeper. There you’ll find the gold….

Copyright (c) 2009 Stephanie McWilliams

Stephanie McWilliams is the host of HGTV’s “Fun Shui”. She is a success coach, health counselor, interior designer and feng shui consultant with a booming practice in NYC. She travels the country teaching, speaking and working one-on-one with clients. To learn more about Stephanie’s coaching, design or feng shui services & products, receive her free weekly e-zine “My Cup of Chi” and get lots of free goodies, visit her website at EvolvingArts.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Stephanie_J._McWilliams
http://EzineArticles.com/?9-Quotes-From-Martin-Luther-King-Jr-As-They-Apply-Today&id=1899662

By Sam J Thomas

Bird watching is a pleasant exercise. We need only a few moments of leisure to watch them in their natural habitat their only aim seems to be to get food. The moment their little stomachs are full, they retire and rest. Oh! What a carefree life!

Our life cannot be that simple, though hunger is the same for both bird and beast. We too need something to eat, to keep the body and soul together. How small a desire! And yet, how difficult to realize!

More than four decades have passed by, and feeding the hungry is still a dream unfulfilled. One after another, we have seen 7 five years plan, come and go. Many a time, the planners, politicians and Prime Ministers talk of self sufficiency they talk of targets and achievements. But the common man who does not know anything of this high sounding verbiage is baffled to find even the groundnuts which the great Gandhiji called the poor man’s staple food, cost him so much. Nor can he understand why the groundnut oil costs him so much while the imported palm oil costs so little. His little head which knows only two things the availability of a commodity and his own purchasing power-cannot understand the international trade laws and subsidized sales.

Planning alone cannot ensure agriculture productions. It depends upon so many factors especially on proper water management. We have no doubt a number of rivers, perhaps enough to irrigate the entire land if properly harnessed. But their waters drain into the seas, flooding the country, washing villages, killing people and cattle alike. Without trying to learn the art of flood control, we tirelessly involve ourselves in wrangling about the distribution procedures of river waters, and gaze at the sky to see if the monsoon is setting in. What is therefore needed is not additional resources, but better management of available materials like land and water.

The village and not the city, should be the basis of out economy and therefore agricultural planning should be village based. It is not from Delhi that planning should make its journey and plod all the way to reach the distant villages, but it should be the other way round. Thus, when the village becomes the focal point, it will become easy to assess its needs realistically and decide upon the priorities.

Though ‘Bhoodan’ Movement is not as much a success as it should be in a land where charity and compassion have held sway over all the other traits of man, its has prepared people psychologically and creates conditions favorable to the redistribution of excessive land beyond the ceiling the law sets.

This land thus pooled should no doubt be distributed among the landless poor of the village, but these new set of land owners should be persuaded to form into agricultural co-operatives. Not that other petty land owners should prohibited.

The concept of co-operative farming is not new. Many European countries like Denmark and Switzerland, Japan and Russia have conducted the experiment and every where except in Russia, there is no element of compulsion. They have been organized on the willing co-operation of the people and run on democratic lines. In our land, Gandhiji was a great advocate of the system.

Co-operative farming means conducting the agricultural activities on co-operative basis. ‘Each for all and all for each’. Nobody loses the right of ownership nor does the society acquire any rights. The bits of lands pooled together, is cultivated as if it all belonged to one individual. From the stage of tilling the land, right up to harvesting, storing and selling everything is done collectively. Only the dividends are divided in an appropriate manner.

Its advantages are many and varied. A part from inculcating the spirit of co-operation, in the minds of the participants, wastage is minimized; duplication of work avoided; and production increases.

Nobody need to bur farm implements individually. They will be bought and maintained by the society. Again, ill health and old age will never stand on the progress of work, nor will there be quarrels on the issues of irrigation or problems of boundary lines. While the entire community stands to gain, no body will remain to lose. If proper irrigation facilities are available, farming can go on endlessly like clock work, throughout the year. If such facilities are not available, the society can diversify and pursue off-season activities like planting of trees, digging of wells or laying of roads. There is every chance for the village to blossom into a well developed, self sufficient and self sustaining unit.

But like many an issue, this also is easier said than done. The illiterate villager is not only ignorant but also conservative in his attitude and outlook. It is not easy to persuade him to swallow such unfamiliar concepts and win him into the fold. But it may not be very difficult to accomplish, for by nature, he is understanding and co-operative. The pasture lands his cattle graze on are the common property of the whole village and the way he pays his taxes will give him the taste of the gigantic experiment he is going to take part in. Again the government with the Radio and TV at its disposal can educate him properly and bring him round.

But there is yet another obstacle on its path. Not only the holdings of the villager are scant but also scattered. They are not enough to sustain him and his family throughout the year. He needs additional quotas before being induced into participation. And that means new land reforms. A government which has not declared agriculture as an industry and exempted all the mini “zamindars” from paying taxes, in the name of boosting agricultural production cannot so suddenly bring in legislation.

Another impediment is his indebtedness. Many of the landed poor are groaning under heavy debts and they are not sure when or how they can free themselves from the clutches of the village money lender. Co-operative credit societies and bank loans are there. But they are not for the poor ignorant farmer. The big fish will eat the small fish. That is the situation there. Again the government machinery with its red tape is impregnable to him. It is for the government to take the mountain to Mohamed.

But these are not insurmountable hurdles. If one remembers that its is not only for the good of the farmer alone that this gigantic experiment should be launched, but also for the good of the entire land, nothing should deter us.

About 12 percent of nearly 72 million estimated house hold in the villages do not hold any land. 63 million house hold have less than 5 acres on the average. Families holding about 10 acres are 11.9% and 60% if these alone enjoy ownership rights. 6.5% have more than 15acres. People having more than 50acres are only 5% but they have 11% of the total area under them. (1961- census).

Sam J Thomas is a freelance writer and has written content for several web & print media projects. He is currently preparing content for Kerala House Boat Package -based
tourism website and http://www.solvedquestionpapers.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sam_J_Thomas
http://EzineArticles.com/?Co-Operative-Farming&id=2026093

By Ki Gray

What makes a neighborhood walkable? Streets and roads that are accessible for everyone; and have wheelchair ramps, lots of benches with shade and sidewalks on all streets.

Walkable neighborhoods have well designed streets that everyone can use, including bicyclists, pedestrians of all ages and abilities, people getting on and off transit vehicles.

Another thing to look for in walkable neighborhoods are well connected streets that improve traffic and provide many routes to any destination.

Austin has many walkable neighborhoods. These neighborhoods are easy to get around in, and have many amenities that pedestrians can access very easily.

Downtown is Austin’s number one walkable neighborhood. Downtown scored a 92 out of a possible 100. The neighborhood has grocery stores such as Whole Foods, several convenient stores. There are also many restaurants, coffee shops, entertainment and parks for citizens to enjoy.

University Of Texas and West University both came in at second, with a score of 87. The University Of Texas is walkable for the students who live on or near campus. Living here makes it easy for students and visitors to be car free and still be able to get around campus and surrounding areas easily.

West University is a neighborhood just west of UT. Students, professors and many others make their home in this small Heritage neighborhood. It is just a short walk to the university, and the streets are lined with trees. Most of the homes in this neighborhood date back to the 1910’s and 1920’s, making it a nice scenic walk.

North University came in with a score of 83. This neighborhood is in central Austin. Residents have many places to walk in this old neighborhood. One of the most famous places is Trudy’s Restaurant, Spider House Cafe and JP’s Java, along with the 37th street lighting spectacular during Christmas.

Old West Austin and Bouldin Creek also scored a walkable score of 83. Old West Austin neighborhood has lots of history and plenty of landmarks. The streets are lined with shade trees and the neighborhood has Bed and Breakfast’s for visitors. Old West Austin was named one of the 10 best neighborhoods in Austin in 2007. This neighborhood is enjoyable, safe and desirable. Residents of this neighborhood participate in keeping this neighborhood strong and preserving its roots. Chain stores are basically nonexistent in Old West Austin; instead visitors can find specialty shops, restaurants and schools.

Bouldin Creek is a neighborhood that is filled with apartments, homes and mom and pop shops. Running through the heart of the neighborhood is South First Street; with a melting pot of businesses and restaurants.

Austin is full of neighborhoods with shade trees covering the streets and sidewalks, restaurants, bakeries and tattoo shops. That is what makes Austin, Austin!

Next time you are in one of these neighborhoods, find a place to park your car and take time to walk through the streets and look at the yards, trees, homes and businesses that make each neighborhood unique.

At no charge, buyers can search the Austin MLS on Ki’s website. The site provides a lot of detail on Austin Texas real estate. Ki started working in real estate as a hobby, and eventually quit his advertising job in Austin, Texas, because real estate was more interesting and fulfilling.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ki_Gray
http://EzineArticles.com/?Walkable-Neighborhoods-in-Austin&id=2060265

Welcome to WordPress. This is your first post. Edit or delete it, then start blogging!