And Tochi Says… Whose thoughts are YOU thinking? » Entries tagged with "courage"
Fear Is Contagious!
I love the old native American proverb that states: “If you hang out long enough at a barbershop, you will get a haircut.” If we stay long enough with a certain kinds of people, their attitudes and beliefs will rub off on us. And before we realize it, we will be thinking and acting just like them. Our friends make or break us. Those dreams and goals that we want to achieve in our lives can … Read entire article »
Filed under: Being Real
Courage Attracts Help
As I walked with him along the forest path, we came across a sleek, grayish tiger. We stopped to look at it. The tiger quickly paced in a circle around us, watching me with its dark eyes, its body tensing to pounce. I shouted at it. It stopped and snarled back at me, baring its formidable fangs. My companion threw something at it, then beat it off with a log of wood. The creature fled … Read entire article »
Filed under: Being Real, Courage Series
Don’t Despise Small Beginnings
I enjoy hanging out with very young kids for many reasons, especially for this: Their spontaneity. Most of them haven’t learned what’s impossible. That inspires me to no end. Generally, if children try something and it doesn’t work out immediately, their first inclination is to keep on trying several times until it either succeeds or they are convinced it isn’t working. Then they ask for help. Normal children are not shy about asking for help; they … Read entire article »
Filed under: Being Real
Who Walks With You?
It was pitch black as I walked along the rutted, unpaved path that called itself a road. As I descended toward the brook, surrounded by thick bushes and tall trees, all nightly noises by the crickets, owls and toads ceased. Abruptly. I felt a cold breeze brush against my left cheek, then my right. My head felt like it was swelling in size and my heart felt constricted. I stopped, swallowed hard and repeated the … Read entire article »
Filed under: Being Real
The Need For A Mental Detox
A wonderfully hard time that I had some years ago was participating in a ten-day silent Vipassana meditation retreat. For ten days, everyone was separated by gender. Technological gadgets, books, prayer beads and medications were stored away. Each day, we were provided with two completely animal-free meals, breakfast and lunch, then a four o’clock tea. Actual meditation was for a minimum of ten hours per day. Absolutely no talking was permitted, except to ask for … Read entire article »
Filed under: Being Real
Are We Actors… Or Friends?
hortly after writing this, I will have to meet with a person like me whom I believe – rightly or wrongly – is not regularly watering our plant of friendship with me. My belief might be wrong, but that is my current perception. I also freely admit that I may have not clearly articulated my intentions and needs for this friendship, and for that I accept all responsibility. We have played the “I’m busy”, “I … Read entire article »
Filed under: Being Real