I had a history teacher in high school who had a signature line that is engrained in my brain. I can still picture him standing in front of the class, with his finger pointed and his arm raised, bellowing “minority rules”. I thought he was crazy, but over the years, I have decided he was not. All it takes is one idiot to stir the pot. Case in point – did most of the world agree with Adolph Hitler? No, but he reigned with all of his craziness and influenced a select group to follow and the world lost innocent people savagely and horribly so this maniac could create a master race.

During this on going journey called life, I often search for ideas in which I can become stronger in my spiritual lifestyle and faith. As I study Buddhism I continue to read from others how to strengthen my sense of peace and good will toward others. Marianne Williamson, a contributor to Oprah magazine offered these suggestions that I find very helpful on staying connected to my spiritual self.

Some of us need a little guidance when trying to reduce the stresses in our lives. Whole Living magazine has this easy to follow guide that I use in attempting to live my life more authentically. (as shared in Whole Living Magazine)

First identify your stress triggers. As I type this I can see a few fly by in my mind! Here are some questions to address once you’ve identified those stresses:

I recently read an interesting and disturbing article on honor killings in America. For those of you who aren’t familiar with honor killings, they are part of a new culture within our boundaries. With the increased number of Middle Eastern families there is an increase in the accepted behavior by some to kill those women who dishonor the men in their family. Yes, I said kill.

Sometimes I feel like the Andy Rooney of this blog. I often write about my gripes and there are many gripes swirling around the atmosphere at the present moment. I don’t even know where to begin with the oil spill in the Gulf. I can’t watch or listen to it anymore. It isn’t that I’m apathetic. I simply get a pit in my stomach and a feeling of doom when I see the pictures of the beautiful blues of the water being tarnished by sludge. Some people aren’t beach people. I am. It is my valium. It is my ambien. It soothes my soul.

What is the deal with mean people always getting their way by yelling and screaming? Maybe it is true that the one who yells the loudest gets the better end of the deal. I noticed that being kind and nice to some people only take you so far. Sometimes I find that being nice can also mean being taken advantage of. People can misinterpret kindness as someone who is submissive and will not complain or will back down when put in a difficult situation.