Kindness for the Health of It

Each year my friend Sam Juliano takes a book-by-book look at Caldecott Medal contenders and pens engaging reviews. One of his recent posts showcased Never Say a Mean Word Again: A Tale from Medieval Spain written by Jacqueline Jules with illustrations by Durga Yael Bernhard.

The captivating story offers a powerful global message that for me brought to mind the Dalai Lama’s statement: “My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness.”

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Numerous scientific studies correlate kindness with physical and mental health benefits:

  • Decreased intensity and awareness of physical pain.
  • Enhanced emotional resilience.
  • Increased sense of optimism and self-worth.
  • Strengthened immune system.
  • Reduced incidence of high blood pressure.

Kindness begets kindness.” — Greek proverb

Have you been a recent recipient of kindness?

© lauriebuchanan.com

OUTSTANDING or OUT STANDING In Your Field

I’m fortunate in that I get to rub shoulders with some tremendously interesting people—people who are outstanding in their field because they consistently (1) show up, (2) put their best foot forward, and (3) apply themselves fully to their craft:

Sandi White — Master Gardener
Terrill Welch — Impressionist Painter
Debbie Jacob — Psychic
Sam Juliano — Teacher and Film Critic
Heather Shumaker — Author
Jeff Stroud — Photographer
Sibyl English — Vocalist
Kathy Smith — Film Director

And while this photo is of Len Buchanan out standing in a field, he’s outstanding in his field as well—technology.

Click on Photo to Enlarge

Are you outstanding in your field, or out standing in your field?

Laurie Buchanan

Whatever you are not changing, you are choosing.” — Laurie Buchanan

The Book—Discovering the Seven Selves
The Experience—Life Harmony

© Laurie Buchanan 2013

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It’s a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

It's a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood by Laurie Buchanan

It's a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood by Laurie Buchanan

With the advent of the World Wide Web, the concept of “neighborhood” is no longer limited to a geographically localized community. Rather, it’s global. On any given day I can—and do—communicate with Ted in New Zealand, Terrill in Canada, Sandi in Georgia, and many others as if we were having a conversation over the back fence.

With that in mind, I’d like to take this opportunity to introduce 5 of the most recent additions to my blogroll—my internet neighborhood. I hope you’ll go knock on their doors and extend each of  them a hearty welcome.

SunnyRoomStudio
Daisy Hickman has designed a warm and creative sunny space for kindred spirits.

Life by Design
Alison Elliot invites us in and has us consider the possibilities.

Island Time
Lisa Krupp provides intentional travel essential for well being.

Wonders in the Dark
Sam Juliano has a well-crafted space dedicated to the arts—especially film, theater, and music.

Donna Jill Witty
Jill Witty shares the life of an artist—travel, painting, food, photography, and other thoughtful musings.

“An activist is one who is actively involved in creating community, whether that is locally in their neighborhood or internationally. It is an admirable quality.”
              
— Jasmine Guy, American actress, singer, and dancer

Listen with your heart,

Laurie Buchanan

Whatever you are not changing, you are choosing.”
               — Laurie Buchanan

www.HolEssence.com

© 2011 Laurie Buchanan – All Rights Reserved