Hello Again, Friends,

I am so happy to be bringing you July 2023’s Poem Of The Month, called “Harmony,” something that I (and the rest of the world) need in abundance!

Like most things, “harmony” begins with each of us, and spreads from us to others, as do the other important concepts to be incorporated into our lives: e.g., “peace,” “happiness,” “faith,” “grace,” “kindness,” etc.

“Harmony” was first written for the 2020 Advent collection, and then published in 2021 in my book entitled MINDFULNESS. I will write more on the subject, as harmony is closely related to happiness, and I’m not finished with that subject, either.

I hope you enjoy reading it.

Remember, whatever the question, love is always the answer.

HARMONY

Happiness occurs when what you think,
What you say and what you do are in harmony.
You know how you feel when one part is missing.
It takes all three parts to live doubt-free.
Always aim at harmony of thought, word and deed.
Happiness will follow. It is a guarantee.

Happiness is not a matter of intensity,
But of balance, order, harmony and rhythm.
No matter how excited you can get about something,
The intensity does not bring harmony; or even wisdom.
The universe is not required to bring harmony
It’s up to you. You’re in charge of the outcome.

What is happiness but the simple harmony between
A person and the life which he or she leads?
When that balance or that harmony goes away on vacation,
Happiness disappears. Are we agreed?
Be in harmony with yourself and your life will run smoothly,
Because with harmony in your life you can proceed.

Summer! Here at last!

In my opinion, when warmer weather arrives, people wear lighter and fewer layers of clothing, and seem to be happier and more open to reaching out to others, be they strangers or someone they already know. Warm weather affords a better chance for conversation to take place when people are not wearing puffy jackets and rain boots.

Good and/or unpleasant weather aside, conversation and exchange of ideas is paramount to communicating with others, to establishing friendships, and to solving problems.

One Jarod Kintz weighed in on the subject: “Communication is crucial to maintaining a relationship. Never marry a mime!”

All kidding aside, my interest in the subject of conversations brought about the following poem. I hope you enjoy it.

CONVERSATIONS

“The bond of all companionship is conversation,” my friends.
“Whether in marriage or friendship,” it holds true.
This is wisdom from Mark Twain, who shared his thoughts
With people like me and with people like you.

The art of conversation is the art of hearing,
As well as the art of being heard.
An ideal conversation is an exchange of thoughts,
And not an eloquent exhibition of words.

A real conversation always contains an invitation!
Yes… like an invitation to join in the dance.
You’re asking them to reveal themselves to you,
As you reveal yourself to them, with resonance.

Different people can look at the same fact
And interpret it differently, I imagine.
To understand where another is ‘coming from?’
Well, that’s where conversation begins!

A good conversation can shift the direction of change,
If those on each side are equally heard.
Choose to have a conversation with others
Rather than talking at them with your words.

Last month’s poem on Seeking Happiness brought some lovely remarks from some of you, so I decided to make the May 2023 Poem of the Month a follow-up to that one… keeping the message alive, so to speak.

In the third act of life, my peers and I are experiencing losses that are affecting us more than we could ever have anticipated when we were younger… why, I remember hearing, and even speaking, the phrase: “If I knew I would live this long, I’d have taken better care of myself!” It turns out that truer words could not have been spoken.

Self-care is not selfish. Take care of your body. 

It’s said that your body is the only place you have to live. 

I’ve read that wellness is the complete integration of body, mind and spirit — the realization that everything we do, think, feel and believe has an effect on our state of well-being… the state of our health!

A dear friend of mine, upon ending a conversation with (or during a departure from) someone, always says, “Stay healthy and happy!” The two go hand in hand. 

Keep love in your heart and you’ll have a smile on your face

And, remember: no matter the question, love is always the answer.

HAPPINESS AND HEALTH

“I have chosen to be happy because it is good for my health!”
Voltaire penned these now-famous words long ago.
It’s thought that your body hears everything your mind says —
Make your self-talk positive, as through your life you go.

A healthy outside starts from the inside;
Our thoughts propel us, our bodies follow.
A calm mind brings inner strength and confidence
Which are important for good health, as you know.

Most people have no idea how well their bodies are designed
For feeling good and healthy and alive!
Health is more than the absence of disease.
It’s your inner spirit glowing! You are meant to thrive!

People who laugh live longer than those who don’t.
The key to a healthy body is having a healthy mind.
What fuels your spirit actually fuels your body.
Happiness and health are forever intertwined.

Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times
If you can remember to turn on your own light.
Only you can do it… you and you alone.
Find the wick, light your match, and it will ignite.

Start each day with a grateful heart.
Your inner and outer health is your greatest wealth.
The Dalai Lama sums it up with these simple words:
“Happiness is the highest form of health!”