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Most Powerful Piece of Wisdom

Karma Kitchen has a theme every week on which we encourage the guests to reflect on. The "theme" last weekend was: Wisdom. We asked each of the guests, "What is the most powerful piece of wisdom you have ever received?" Here are their responses, some obvious, some not so obvious, and some just made us laugh out loud:

  • To make the best of your life, live in the moment. Forget the past, think not of the future. This moment is all that matters. Don't let your mind limit your spirit. Let both run free and clear. Fear is useless, you know what danger is, so let go of emotions that cause hesitation.
  • Approach life with child-like wonderment.
  • Be Yourself!
  • Always be happy with what you have.
  • An hour with your grandparents is time well spent.
  • Life engenders life, energy creates energy, it is by spending oneself that one becomes rich.
  • We know nothing -- but all we need is love.
  • Read the book and find out!
  • Never take your lawn too seriously.
  • Don't forget to laugh, especially when times get difficult.

  • Make a plan, work the plan, ask for help.
  • Respect your parents! They are wiser.
  • "Whatever you are, be a good one." --Abraham Lincoln
  • "No one can make you feel inferior without your consent." --Eleanor Roosevelt
  • "Affirm for yourself: I am submerged in eternal light. It permeates every particle of my being. I am living in that light, divine spirit fills me within and without." --Paramahansa Yogananda
  • Love is harmony and harmony is love. This sublime principle of creation. This unifying and attractive force of existence, is everywhere. Love pours forth from the center of all that is. Cultivate love in your heart and radiate it forth will all your might.
  • Be compassionate and loving to yourself and to others.
  • Be a good listener.
  • Anger is like an inward shaped dagger. The greatest danger from exhibiting anger is to yourself.
  • The periapt of wisdom works pretty well on my archer, but that might be pathfinder -- only, I'm not sure.
  • Be self-aware of your impact on others, but realize you are powerless in controlling them.
  • What is our purpose in life? To love and be loved. To appreciate beauty, in art and nature. To leave the world a better place than when we came in.
  • "Remember that your are absolutely unique, just like everyone else." --Margaret Mead
  • "Be who you are, and say what you feel, because those who mind, don.t matter, and those that matter, don't mind." --Dr. Seuss
  • We're all insignificant specks of dust, but that's not depressing!
  • Smile!
  • Accept people for who they are and be kind.
  • Someday someone might decide to make a movie on your life; make sure it doesn.t go straight to the video!
  • That which doesn't kill you, only makes you stronger. My mantra in life.
  • Never be where you are not needed, and never go where you are not wanted.
  • Know yourself and accept yourself!
  • Live so that you will be impressed with yourself.
  • If you want something you.ve never had, you have to do something you.ve never done.
  • "Rings and jewels are not gifts, but apologies for gifts. The only true gift is a portion of thyself." --Ralph Waldo Emerson
  • Take decisions with care and thought.
  • My grandfather, who lived to be 100, often said: "Mind Over Matter, Health Over Wealth."

  • Take the time and space to listen to yourself.
  • Never complain. Never explain. Don't get excited.
  • Question authority.
  • "A hare is a fast runner, but even the lazy hare gets overtaken by the tortoise." --by My Teacher
  • The way to hell is paved with good advice.
  • In any interaction, assume positive intent.
  • Be patient with others. No one is perfect; don.t expect them to be.
  • "A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush." As cliches it maybe, it is the best advice I have received since coming to college.
  • "Take the best of every culture in constructing your values and identity." --My Dad
  • Learn neuroscience (how you work), theoretical physics (how the universe works), and linguistics (how we communicate with others). Simple!
  • Wisdom has many forms and paths. One of them is selfless love and volunteering at places like KarmaKitchen.
  • Live a life of integrity.
  • Take advantages of your resources. --Tian
  • "A woman is like a tea bag . you never know how strong she is until she gets in hot water."
  • Live life with no regrets. --Anuja
  • Reality is about perception, not intention. --Sherry
  • Change what you don't like in your life, you have the power to change anything if you put your mind to it.
  • "My religion is kindness." --The Dalai Lama
  • Don't compromise who you are for anyone!
  • Talk less, see more.

What a joy to be in a space that generates so much wisdom!

--B2 on Jan 30, 2011




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