Beachwood Buzz Magazine - November 2015 Page 3

November 2015

Beachwood Buzz

Letter from

THE EDITOR

By Debby Zelman Rapoport

When we are attuned

to positive attributes,

our focus shifts from

what our lives lack to the

abundance that is

already present.

"We can not see our

reflection in running

water. It is only in still

water that we can see."

Taoist Proverb

For the past several months, I've been starting

my day listening to guided meditation tapes. I
find it inspirational to begin each day with a cen-
tering thought and message. These tapes help
set the tone of peace, joy and wellbeing.

Repetition confirms what we already know,

and meditation often reminds me that hap-
piness is a state of mind, and not determined
by external circumstances. Meditation helps
slow down the thought process to let us "just
be." When focusing on our breath, distracting
thoughts are replaced with a sense of inner
peace and relaxation.

A Taoist proverb states, "We cannot see our

reflection in running water. It is only in still water
that we can see." According to this proverb, it
is important for our minds to be still if we truly
want to see who we are.

Some of the centering thoughts from a 21-day

Oprah/Deepak meditation series that I've been
listening to include:
· Today I am open to the presence of miracles.
· I am a radiant spiritual being.
· I cherish the beauty in myself and others.
· I attract what I am.
· I nurture relationships with attention and

appreciation.

· I use my energy to heal and transform.
· I am present.
· Forgiveness sets me free.
· The world is my mirror.

When I start my day with an inspirational

message, an introspective feeling is set for
being positive, feeling grateful and living in the
present.

While all of these topics share powerful mes-

sages, the one about our world's being our mir-
ror struck a chord as Thanksgiving approaches.

Deepak says, "Through reflection, we see who

we are through others. What we put out is what
we attract, or hope to attract in our lives. With
increased awareness, we can envision what
is possible. What we see is not always beauty,
sweetness and compassion; yet to transform
that which no longer serves us to what we truly
desire in our hearts, we must embrace both the
dark and light of who we are."

With Thanksgiving approaching, here are

some mirrored thoughts for which we can be
grateful:

· The good you find in others is in you too.
· The faults you find in others are your faults

as well. After all, to recognize something, you
must know it.

· The beauty you see around you is your beauty.
· See the best in others and you will be your best.
· Give to others, and you give to yourself.
· Appreciate beauty and you will be beautiful.
· Admire creativity, and you will be creative.
· Love and you will be loved.
· Listen and your voice will be heard.
· Seek to understand and you will be understood.

When we are attuned to positive attributes,

our focus shifts from what our lives lack to the
abundance that is already present.

With Thanksgiving just a few weeks away, it is

a good time to recognize the abundance in our
lives. We are never too old to rewrite our own
story and bestow a happy ending.