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Lake Superior, Minnesota (photo by GG)

It’s been about a month since I deleted my Facebook (FB) account. At first, I missed FB. I felt FOMO (fear of missing out). Mainly, I thought I’d miss photos of my granddaughter, Athena. But knowing that I wasn’t on FB, my daughter regularly texts me photos of Athena. Plus, I’d rather see her in person.

There is one thing I noticed since deleting my FB account: I have more peace. My family and friends can text or call me anytime. I’m here for them. But it feels so good to take back my life.

I no longer feel the pressure to keep up with everyone, and I’ve had more time to do things I enjoy. If someone says they posted something, I just say, “I’m no longer on Facebook.” I’m free from any commitments.

The good thing about FB is that I can rejoin at any time. But for now, I love the peace. I’m also limiting my time on all screens – which reduces my anxiety. I create peace. I am peace.

I want to share a heart meditation that I find helpful. It’s from the book “Awakened Sleep: An Ayurvedic Approach to Getting Rest and Unlocking Optimal Health,” by Suhas Kshirsagar and Sheila Patel.

Heart Meditation:

Do the heart meditation anytime after 6:00 pm or before going to sleep at night.
Lie down in a comfortable position.
Scan your body from head to toe. Observe any tension in your body.
Let go of any tension. Take a few deep breaths.
Focus on your heart. Feel any sensations without fear.
Return to your breath. On the inhale, focus on your heart area. On the exhale, say to yourself, “OM SHANTI.”
Repeat, focusing on your heart on the inhale and saying the mantra on the exhale.
Do this meditation for 15-20 minutes or allow yourself to go to sleep (if you do the meditation before bedtime).

It’s a special time to be alive. There is a “Great Awakening” happening. But with this awakening, we need to bring peace and love into our lives. We need to set boundaries and take back our precious time.

May peace be with you.

Namaste.

In the world of Facebook, do we need to be friends with everyone? The answer is no. It’s important to have noble friends. Noble friends are the kind of friends who are virtuous, positive and follow a healthy lifestyle. These friends look out for your best interest and care about you.

Merriam-Webster defines noble as someone who has fine personal qualities or high moral principles and ideals. James Allen, a British author, says, “A noble and Godlike character is not a thing of favour or chance, but is the natural result of continued effort in right thinking, the effect of long-cherished association with Godlike thoughts.”

A noble person is also friendly and kind towards everyone. Kindness is a wish for others to be happy. Rick Hanson, the author of “Buddha’s Brain,” says that “compassion responds primarily to suffering, but kindness comes to play all the time, even when others are doing fine.” The word “kind” comes from the root word “kin” which means family or relations. When we are kind, we bring people into the circle of “us.”

Buddhist monk Bhante Sathi (www.triplegem.org) says noble friends support each other on the path to wisdom. One of the steps to wisdom is right action. Thich Nhat Hanh, in his book, “The Heart of the Buddha’s Teaching,” describes the right action as “the practice of touching love and preventing harm, the practice of nonviolence toward ourselves and others.” The fundamental principle of right action is to do everything with mindfulness.

Facebook is a great tool to keep in touch with family and friends. However, some posts are more positive than others. It’s crucial to keep Facebook friends that lift your spirits and inspire you. Look for noble friends in the cyber world and in everyday life. Just like the quote at the top, it’s crucial to surround yourself with people that reflect who you want to be and how you want to feel. Seek people who have the qualities that you would like to have.

Namaste, world.

Tunnel Vision 8

Spirituality and Wellness

Create Peace – Be Peace

Noble Friends