Perspectives

“Do not fear, for I am with you…” ~ Isaiah 41:10
Do not fall to the rhythms of the ups and downs in life that keep us wanting and suffering, but rather cling to the ordinary awareness that is present in all states and moments. In that center are all things; let’s explore it together.
“Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing,

there is a field. I’ll meet you there.” ~ Rumi
http://www.thelucidsky.com

Tarot Contemplation – Ace of Swords

GD TAROT_Ace Swords

Don’t be afraid to make a leap if it’s in your best interests.  Bravery is once again called for to make the next strides forward.  You know what has to be done … so go to it!  We’ve been at a similar juncture after we’ve had opportunities to contemplate what aspects of living make us happy … we continue to experience opportunities to rebalance and refocus on the relationships and situations that matter to each of us … and now, once again, we know what we want at this new level and its time to JUST DO IT.  The Universe is on your side … CARPE DIEM!

Tarot Contemplation – Two of Swords

tarot_2swords

The theme today is partnerships and balance.  Partnerships of all , actually, ought to be going quite well these days.  How committed are you to them?  How committed are they to you?  Is there balance and equality in these relationships?  Open communications, or opening communications, is key.  Spiritually, you are on a more balanced approach on your path.  If it’s working for you, stick with it even though your methodology might not be understood by others.

Tarot Contemplation – Seven of Cups

7cups

Choices, choices, choices … and confusion, and perhaps a touch of disorganization.  There’s just a lot going on, isn’t there?  It’s time to narrow your focus.  You’re probably trying to do too much, and doing most of it not very well.  Choose just a few of the myriad things that are on your plate and work through these items one by one, carefully.  You may be feeling overwhelmed.  Remember that you can control how much you are trying to take on … at least in some areas of life right now.  If a business or work deal seems too good to be true, it probably IS too good to be true.  Watch where you put your money and who you put your trust in.  If you work (or want to work) in a creative field of some kind, this is an excellent omen for making good progress.  However, if your job or field is more precise, mathematical and business-like, this energy carries the warning that you may be spending too much time with your head in the clouds and need to refocus.  You may have several romantic chances at hand.  Be clear and specific about what you want in a relationship, evaluate your choices thoughtfully, be honest and as clear as you can be with the people involved (including yourself), then move ahead.  Good relationships, even soul mate relationships, will settle into a less “rush-based” comfort zone at some point.  That does not mean that you have to stay in a rut.  This is a good time to make financial investments.  If you must, consult a professional or do a lot of homework first.  You may be too scattered businesswise (especially if you run/own your business).  For maximum return, focus your efforts.  If you are experiencing health symptoms, this is partially due to a lack of being grounded.  Of course, consult your physicians to be sure.  Journal your symptoms and also your thoughts.  Physical exercise may help you stay grounded.  Visualize the most important goals and desires being met.  Use positive affirmations and/or treasure-mapping to help make your dreams come true.  Keep a positive attitude.

Tarot Contemplation – Ace of Swords

GD TAROT_Ace Swords

Aces indicate new beginnings of some sort in your life.  Sometimes, a new beginning comes about from a separation of some kind …. a relationship, or from a job situation.  Know that as anxiety producing as such a new beginning can be, that underneath it all is good, beneficial energy that is getting you where you want to go.  The Ace of Swords calls on us to not be afraid to make a leap if it’s in our best interests.  In short, bravery is called for today.  Feel the fear and do it anyway.  You have a good idea already of what must be done.  The hard part is the doing of it.  Start today.  At work, you soon will try a different tactic, or may even choose to leave the job that you’re currently in.  If you’re committed to staying where you are, you may have some good ideas for new policies or procedures that could make everyone’s life easier at work and improve the bottom line/final product.  Don’t hesitate to give voice to those.  It’s amazing what gets done when you don’t care who gets the credit.  Ultimately, everyone will know the good was your handiwork.  As for your finances, enough is enough.  Now is not the time to take chances with money.  Don’t invest any money that you cannot afford to lose.  You may be asked for a loan, but you might not be in a position to accommodate this request.  Lend only if you’ve weighed the contingencies and accept the potential consequences.  Spiritually, you can finally let go of belief systems that aren’t working for you.  You’ll find some spiritual truths that hold more promise for you and which are beneficial.  Discuss with others what works for them on a spiritual level.

Daily Words of the Buddha for July 18, 2016

BUDDHA
Pare ca na vijānanti
mayamettha yamāmase.
Ye ca tattha vijānanti
tato sammanti medhagā.

There are those who do not realize
that one day we all must die.
But those who do realize this
settle their quarrels.

Dhammapada 1.6
The Dhammapada: The Buddha’s Path of Wisdom, translated from the Pali by Acharya Buddharakkhita

Ham and Cheese Pancakes

Amelia @ CPM's avatarCook Plant Meditate

IMG_7049

You can put all sorts of different cut up foods into a pancake. All you need is a solid pancake recipe to start with, then add what you want want. Sautéed apples and a dash of cinnamon. Leftover veggies and cooked bacon. Or – ham and cheese!

I caution that you should be careful when adding salt to this recipe. If you are adding a salty meat, cut back the salt in my Extra Tasty Pancakes recipe! The original recipes calls for 1 teaspoon of salt, which is waaaaay too much salt when adding salty ham. If you add sweet items instead of ham, you will probably want the original salt amount.

Ham and Cheese Pancakes

2 cups all purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar
2 Tablespoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
6 Tablespoons melted butter
3 whole eggs
1 3/4 to 2 cups milk (depending on how thick you like…

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Tarot Contemplation – Seven of Swords

tarot_7swords

Someone is behaving with less than ethical intentions.  Actions of prying into someone’s life where you don’t belong.  If you sense that someone is spying on you, you may be right.  If you are tempted to dig through someone else’s life (excluding parents looking after their children for the most part), resist the impulse.  Everyone deserves privacy.  If you are involved in any sort of competition this month (formal or informal), you will want to keep a close eye out for cheating of any form.  Be aware and make sure you are doing things the right way so you have nothing to worry about, even if someone is out to get you.  Your employer is looking at your work and conduct very closely.  Keep your nose to the grindstone and make sure your work is above reproach.  This is not a time for games of chance or taking risks.  Don’t sacrifice your integrity just for a buck.  Be very cautious about religious or spiritual gurus or leaders that require your money in exchange for so-called enlightenment.  Be careful with new-found spiritual friends.

Tarot Contemplation – Knight of Cups

tarot_KnightCups

This Knight is a bearer of optimistic messages.  Things are going to be going well.  You are likely to be feeling charged up and ready for action.  Good news (particularly related to matters of the heart) is likely to be headed your way soon.  Work projects are likely to move ahead in a positive way, sooner than you’re expecting.  Be proud of your accomplishments and contributions.  If you have questions about love, this card means a positive/affirmative answer.  Singles are about to meet someone who will sweep them off their feet.  Couples are solidifying their commitment, each to his/her other.  Be open to exploring your own feelings.  Good news is also coming relative to your finances.  Figure out where you are to the penny; it’s not as bad as you think.  You are entering new realms of spiritual exploration, so be open to receiving new information and new experiences that will broaden your horizons.

Tarot Contemplation – The Sun

GD TAROT_Sun

But, of course, you felt The Sun come out today!  This is a sign that soon you are likely to find yourself feeling more free than you have in a while, perhaps years.  This is a great time to take a vacation (remember, yesterday’s Six of Swords counselled now is a good time to travel) and to experience different things.  The Sun is about vitality, freedom, joy and self-expression.  Things in general are very likely going well for you.  However, even though finances are likely to be in good shape, that does not mean you lose focus on what is truly important in life.  Materiality and money are not high on that list.  This is a great time to socialize and meet new people.  Get out and about and enjoy under The Sun.  This is a time when you are very likely to be able to see the truth with a capital “T” about life; which is that there is a great deal of beauty, joy and happiness to be found in this life, if you are looking hard enough and in the right places.  Spread this very important message.  This is a great time to try different spiritual approaches on for size to see if any of them work for you.

How to Grow Lanzones Fruit Tree

A favorite fruit from childhood is Lanzones …

Lanzones is fruit which has similar appearance with grape. However, they’re entirely different fruits.

Lanzones originally comes from South East Asia, specifically Malaysia.

Many lanzones fruit tree can be found in Philippines, Thailand, and Indonesia. It has another variety called duku fruit.However, lanzones fruit is smaller and cannot last longer than duku. It should be eaten after being picked from the tree.

Is it is possible to grow lanzones at home garden?

Some Simple Steps to Grow Lanzones Fruit Tree In Your Backyard:  Place the tree in the pot with a shady place if it’s not ready to be planted in the ground. Keep watering it until it’s ready to be planted in the ground. The soil to plant lanzones should be well drained. The area should have enough sun exposure. After finding the best place, you can dig a hole to put the tree in it. Place the tree in the hole you made in the soil before. Be careful with the root that it can be broken. Then, you can tamp the soil once the tree placed in. You can also spread mulch around it to protect it from weeds. Water the tree regularly so the soil keep moist. You have to keep this watering process until it reaches 2 years old. Don’t do excessive watering that makes the water flooded because the tree cannot thrive in it. You just need to keep the soil moist.

Lanzones fruits have round, oval, or elliptical shape. Each fruit has several pieces inside.It contains beneficial substances such as antioxidant, fiber, minerals, and vitamins.It is beneficial to improve health. Its antioxidant benefits for preventing free radical which can harm body.

Besides the fruit, the skin of lanzones is also used as mosquito repellent. The skin of lanzones just need to be dried. Then, you can burn the skin to get rid off mosquitoes.

For your information, lanzones fruit is easy to find in South East Asia. The fruit itself cannot last longer, so it’s best to eat it directly after being picked from the trees.

Lanzones fruit consists of thin skin, sweet flesh, and bitter seed. The leaves of lanzones are dark green, different from duku leaves which have bright green color.

However, lanzones fruit is very refreshing and delicious to eat in hot climate. Lanzones fruits contain much water, that’s what makes it fresh and it’s one of the characteristics of tropical fruit.

Source: How to Grow Lanzones Fruit Tree

Tarot Contemplation – Six of Swords

6swords

When the Six of Swords appears, it’s a sign that it’s time to travel … physically and metaphorically.  Time for a change in where you are inwardly, which is usually change for the better, whether inward or external.  Think about where you want to be.  Generally, the Number 6 shows at least a slight reduction in stress and strain.  Things may not be perfect, but they are going to be better than they may have been in the recent past.  Take this time to get your head above water and decide where you’re going from here.  Take your beloved on a trip, or maybe to a nearby park for a picnic.  Even a short break or change of scenery will be helpful.  This doesn’t have to cost money.  This card can also signify that your financial tide is turning for the better, if you’ve been struggling, or for the worse, if you’ve been riding high for some time.  If it’s the former, you might treat yourself to something small, but don’t get carried away:  use the influx of money wisely.  If it’s the latter, batten down the hatches.  Now is not the time to gamble, in either situation.  Some spiritual answers that have eluded you for some time may come in to your awareness suddenly.  This is sometimes tied to a change in routine; travel, or experimenting with different spiritual traditions.  Pay attention to your dreams.  They often show you things you miss during your waking hours.