Life, Death & Peace

You know how people always say death comes in threes? Well since the beginning of March through today, March 14, 2013, I have known of at least 7 deaths that are either people I knew or family and friends of people I know. That seems like a pretty high number. It reminds me of March 1985 when I experienced a similar occurrence. First of all, why so many?. Second, what's up with the month of March? Although some people don't believe in coincidences, I'm pretty sure this is just that.
So what are the chances of death affecting a person that many times in such a short span? Of course if you know a lot of people the chances are going to be greater. Do I know THAT many people? Did I know THAT many people in 1985?
According to the National Center for Health Statistics, the leading causes of death in the U.S. are, in this order, heart disease, cancer, stroke, chronic lower respiratory diseases and "accidental injury," a broad category that includes a lot of stuff that just happens.
Here are the odds of a person dying of the following:
Heart disease (1 in 5)
Cancer (1 in 7)
Stroke (1 in 23)
Accidental injury (1 in 36)
Mother vehicle accident (1 in 100)
Intentional self harm (Suicide) (1 in 121)
Falling Down (1 in 246)
Assault by firearm (1 in 325)
Fire or smoke (1 in 1,116)
Natural forces (heat, cold, storms, quakes, etc.) (1 in 3,357)
~~ (*Includes some that are listed below)
Electrocution (1 in 5,000)*
Drowning (1 in 8,942)
Air travel accident (1 in 20,000)
Flood (1 in 30,000) *
Legal execution (1 in 58,618)
Tornado (1 in 60,000)*
Lightning strike (1 in 83,930) *
Snake, bee or other venomous bite or sting (1 in 100,000)
Earthquake (1 in 131,890)*
Dog attack (1 in 147,717)
Asteroid impact (1 in 200,000)*
Tsunami (1 in 500,000)*
Fireworks discharge (1 in 615,488)

Some pretty strange one listed here. And really, statistics are not very accurate since there are so many factors involved and most are outdated anyway and they are changing everyday.But the odds of dying period are 1 in 1.

Here's what I know: I'm not afraid to die. I'm ready whenever it is my time to go. What I do worry about is the ones I leave behind. I don't want them to mourn and grieve. Of course it's hard knowing that a person will no longer be there like before and that we will miss them deeply. But know that they are at peace and find strength in this knowledge so that you can also experience a peace of your own. Cherish the memories, know that your loved ones are with you in some way and they always will be.

So this March thing, in my opinion is coincidence and it's just unfortunate when one has to take in so much at one time.  All I can do is be here for the one's that need me and that the one's that are no longer with us are resting in peace which should bring comfort to some. Some are taken way too soon and we feel anger, but we can't bring them back and we must be selfless in our thoughts just because we weren't ready for them to go.

Live each day as if it were your last. Tell your loved ones how much you love them and how much they mean to you. Forgive and have no regrets. Cherish every moment of every day.

We never know when it's our time and that is why I always wish you Peace & Love xoxo

Living In Harmony

Don't know where I got this but wanted to share...

When people are overwhelmed by illness, we must give them physical relief, but it is equally important to encourage the spirit through a constant show of love and compassion. It is shameful how often we fail to see that what people desperately require in human affection. Deprived of human warmth and a sense of value, other forms of treatment prove less effective. Real care of the sick does not begin with costly procedures, but with the simple gift of affection and love.

In the practice of healing, a kind heart is as valuable as medical training, because it is the source of happiness for both oneself and others. Not only do other people respond to kindness when medicine is ineffective, but cultivating a kind heart is a cause of our own good health. Similarly, inner peace can be found in prayer and meditation, but it is also profoundly important that we bring that inner peace to bear in practical ways in the generous service to others.

There is a connection here with the practice of nonviolence. Nonviolence is something more positive, more meaningful than the mere absence of violence. It means to respect the rights of others, to be concerned about their well-being, based on a sense of compassion. Today, there is a growing global awareness of what this implies, for the application of nonviolence is not restricted merely to other human beings. It also has to do with ecology, the environment and our relations with all the other living beings with whom we share the planet. Since human beings are basically gentle by nature, I feel that we should not only maintain gentle, peaceful relations with our fellow human beings, but that it is also very important to extend that same kind of attitude towards our environment and the creatures who naturally live in harmony with it.

I believe that it is essential that we extend our understanding of each others spiritual practices and prayers. This is not necessarily in order that we can adopt them ourselves, but because to do so increases our opportunities for mutual respect.

Sometimes too, we encounter something in another tradition that helps us better appreciate something in our own. Consequently, I hope that people of all faiths as well as those who do not believe in a religion will find inspiration and understanding that in some way contributes to their own inner peace. And I pray that through inner peace they too will become better human beings and help create a happier, more peaceful world.

May all who are sick and ill

Quickly be freed from their illness,

And may every disease in the world

Never occur again.

And as long as space endures,

As long as there are beings to be found,

May I continue likewise to remain

To soothe the sufferings of those who live.

~The Dalai Lama

Peace & Happiness

BE YOURSELF ... DARE TO DREAM... REMEMBER TO LAUGH - We've all received advice over the years from family, friends, co-workers - even from hairdressers and bartenders. Sometimes we nod our heads in casual agreement, but pay no more attention to the advice than we would to emptying the trash. At other times, good advice arrives just when we need it the most, Our best friends tells us to go on that job interview, and we get the job offer and the happiness and fulfillment we're looking for.
Sometimes, like a thief, happiness sneaks up on us when we least we least expect it - and we are forever changed. We become open to new experiences; we feel that single ray of sunshine on a cold, wintry day; we feel blessed to be alive. At other times, happiness can be not only hard to obtain but also hard to recognize. The search for happiness can be a lifelong process of discovery and trial and error. I hope that I, as a person, can help you discover what you can do to enjoy the peace & satisfaction of a happy life. My goal is to bring peace & happiness to all.
I am always here for you ♥

Escape

I know I am not the only one who has ever just wanted to "get away." I'm pretty sure everyone has experienced this.
I tend to get overwhelmed at times and want to escape, just for a while. Not really a Calgon type of thing, but to just go somewhere by myself, away from everyone, with no contact, just my myself. I have been feeling like that for the last few days. No specific reason, but it is definitely not the first time.
In the past, whenever I would get like this, I would just tell everyone, that I wanted to be alone and not to worry and I would book myself a room in the finest hotels in Charlotte (Yes- I did this more than once) and just basically chill. Nothing special about the room. Maybe the fact that it was different or that I could enjoy room service, or that I didn't have to think about anything at all, at least not until check out time.
Some may say, referencing my previous post, that I did not want to face reality. That's fair to say, but like I said before I am realistic and I am not trying to avoid responsibility-- I just needed some "me" time. Yes it is an escape, but it was also a way to renew myself, and take that much needed break that I deserved. I never abandoned any responsibilities when I did this, I did however feel refreshed the next day.
Is this selfish? I don't think so, for I believe that we need to take care of ourselves before we can take care of anyone else. I have always been there for everyone and I love it, but sometimes I need a break.
I would love to do this now but of course it is financially impossible and I do realize that it is a waste of money when there are so many other ways to escape. Maybe not for 24 hours, but I have found such comfort in the beauty of nature.
My perfect escape would be to sit on a deserted beach, under a palm tree with a good book, but I don't really need to go that far. Every time I look through our big windows out at our backyard and see the beauty of the trees, and enjoy the company of the birds (& squirrels too), I couldn't ask for more. We had our backyard declared an National Wildlife Habitat because we enjoy taking care of our little friends and provide them with food & water & shelter, so believe me, our visitors are plentiful.
I know....Going off course again....
Some of my other escapes are photography & gardening-Very therapeutic for me.
There are so many ways to escape, even if its just for a while. Everyone has different methods & activities that help them. For me, being one with nature is what truly brings me peace.