"The Book of Secrets" by Deepak Chopra

"The Book of Secrets-Unlocking the Hidden Dimensions of Your Life" is the first book I have read by Deepak Chopra. I am only superficially aware of his work and checked this book out of the library on a whim. Talk about Synchronicity.

This is an amazingly rich, insightful, and spontaneously thought provoking book in the truest sense of the word. I am a voracious reader, I can easily read 300 to 400 pages a day depending on the level of difficulty. This book is only 260 pages, but I have only read 145 pages in the last two months. That's right, a whopping 18 pages per week! It is written in a straight forward and simple manner. However, the ideas and examples in the book are like a rich dessert, you have to savor and experience them before proceeding.

One "Secret" from the Chopra book is about the Gift of Attention as a kindness. It helps me realize how reserved and guarded I keep myself sometimes, avoiding eye contact or interaction. I am trying to be more open and present in my day to day world, even if it's just acknowledgement with a nod or glance. In the virtual world, I am learning it's okay to send a comment to a blogger or email to a friend that says "Thanks" or "I care". Sounds simple, but it is a challenge.

I hope to finish this book soon, it's overdue at the library. It's so hard to rush through, I put it on my Christmas list. I am looking forward to making it part of my library, so I can continue to learn.

Best to you and yours and thank you sincerely for the gift of your attention.

"The Universe is in You." Dr.Deepak Chopra

Holiday Greetings from Out of this World

Today, I am participating in "The Secret is in the Sauce" Holiday Greetings. This is a fun blog whose goal is to share support and comments. They are spreading some holiday cheer today with great prizes including a $200 gift card to "Tar-jay" aka Target. No contests or silly games, your comments are your entry.

Being the science nerd I am, (daughter of an engineer, didn't stand a chance), I hope you enjoy these Greetings from "Out of this World".

A Frown in the Night Sky
The planetary conjunction of the Moon, Venus, and Jupiter on December 1, 2008. (Venus is the brighter planet on the left, Jupiter is on the right.)




The Space Shuttle Endeavor Lands at Edwards Air Force Base, November 30, 2008



I was cleaning out the flower beds in my backyard on a picture perfect Sunday afternoon when I simultaneously heard/felt BOOM BOOM. The windows of the house shook, the dog awoke from his nap barking, and car alarms started to shriek. My thought process, "That was an earthquake, no, a big car accident right out front, NO, It was the Space Shuttle landing". And sure enough, that's what it was, the rupture of the atmosphere caused by the friction of the nose and tail of the Shuttle entering the sky about 50 miles from my home in Southern California. Sincere Thanks to Jeff for this wonderful video which includes the sonic booms.

The unique closeness of the planets of Venus and Jupiter and our moon, witnessing and sharing in the homecoming of our astronauts from Outer Space reminds of how vast our wonderful Universe is and how blessed I am to share my small part of it.

Peace, Health, Happiness to You and Yours, Martha

Perfect Moment - Navigational Aid for the Spirit

Inuk - Shuk Wooden Box and Jade Pin from Canada

Inuk-Shuks are stone figures built to resemble humans. Inuk-Shuks (Inuit word meaning "In the image of man") can be found along Canada's Northern Shores. Originally built as navigational landmarks and to aid in caribou hunting, today they are a symbol of respect for the land and the people of the North.



Thanks for Giving Recipe for a Perfect Moment

1. Take one blue and out of sorts 47 y/o female.
2. Add the poignancy of the Thanksgiving holiday and anniversary of my brother's death.
3. Routinely check the mail on Friday, a white package awaits!
4. Open package with beautiful Inuk-Shuk wooden box and jade pin from the incredibly kind, thoughtful Mrs.Spit.
5. Perfect Moment arises, enfolds, and embraces me.
6. Express my gratitude and appreciation for the gift of friendship and caring.
They are treasured.

Recipe notes: I would like to acknowledge the persuasive power of See's Chocolates in facilitating this perfect moment. Please note that my beautiful new jade pin is pointing Northeast towards Mr.and Mrs.Spit's home.

To see what else is cooking up in the Perfect Moment Kitchen, please check out my inspiration for this and many posts, dear Lori. Thank you so much, Martha

Little India in Los Angeles

Greetings this beautiful Sunday. My husband took me to Little India yesterday in Artesia, California. It is so great to have so much cultural diversity in our fair city. We had lunch at Ambala Dhaba restaurant and it was the best Indian food I have EVER had in my life. The curry was so flavorful, the basmati rice incredibly fragrant, and the Naan (Indian flat bread) was just delicious. My husband loved his Goat curry (no, honey, I will not be making that at home!!) and the boys their tandoori chicken. It was such a treat. The picture above was taken outside of a traditional Indian grocery with a display of the crysanthemums that are strung together for decorations for celebrations. We then did a little shopping including buying yards of bangles to give as gifts to our nieces and friends. The clothes and jewelry are ornate, heavily embroidered and jeweled, it's almost overwhelming. I wish I had the opportunity to buy and wear a sari, but not this time. Everyone in Little India was very nice and helpful (gosh, what a change from the indifferent snotnoses that staff most stores), but there was a feeling of sadness in the community related to the Mumbai terrorist attacks. I will continue to pray for tolerance and acceptance. We are all from Mumbai.

In Memoriam - My brother Jim

Yesterday, November 27th was the 24th anniversary of my older brother, Jim's death. He has been gone now as long as he was alive, twenty four years. I miss him terribly, he was my protector, my best friend, my source of unconditional love and support. I hope he knows how much I will always love him and try to honor him with my life and love.
He is with me still.
I love you, Jimbo, never forget. I miss you, bro.

Thanksgiving Toast - 101st Post

One of the daily exercises I work on and more than occasionally struggle with is to adopt an "Attitude of Appreciation". The Thanksgiving holiday is a good time to reflect on this and here are some things of which I am infinitely grateful (in no particular order)-

Rain, Sweet Rain - I am enjoying our first rain in 8 months. After days of relentless sunshine, the gray and overcast skies are cozy and refreshing.

My Nursing career/avocation - I am appreciative of the privilege to help my patients and families regain their health and well being.

Letting Go - I am so thankful that I am learning to let go. Whether it's dealing with disappointment or anger with my parents or learning to forgive myself, I am (along with my family and friends) experiencing the benefits of this.

My Pets - Abigail and Charley Barley are the best four legged buddies. They are my officemates, exercise partners, and therapists. They are a continual source of amusement and unconditional love.

My Family and Friends (of which I consider you one) - They center, nuture, and support me. Even when we disagree, they are my rock, my life. They know this because I'm theirs.

Thank you for sharing in my 101st post and the gift of your time and attention.

Perfect Moment Monday by Proxy

Good Morning and Happy Monday to you!

Today, I would like to share a Perfect Moment that happened to our 13 y/o son. Our son, D. is in 8th grade and one of his classes is an elective, "Student Services". He works in the school office as a receptionist and runs campus errands for the counselors and staff.

He was walking on air when he came home a week or so ago and related the story of how a school counselor requested he get something out of her car trunk and gave him her keys. He told me how good it felt to be trusted. His happiness at this recognition reminds me what a gift it is to be considered trustworthy and how he deserves this so much for being responsible and kindhearted.

It is especially joyous to watch our son's transition into manhood and how he makes his way in the world. Scary, but wonderful.

Thank you and for more Perfect Moments, please visit Lori and her Perfect Moment Minions of which I am proudly one!