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How Small Acts of Kindness Change You and the World

A peaceful world really comes down to choice because we all carry with us, as human beings, not just the capacity to be kind, but the choice to be kind. by Michael Corthell ''This is my simple religion. There is no need for temples; no need for complicated philosophy. Our own brain, our own heart is our temple; the philosophy is kindness.''  — Dalai Lama Kindness is defined by most folks as a behavior marked by ethical characteristics, a pleasant disposition, and concern for others. It is known as a virtue and recognized as something of high social value in almost all cultures and religions.  What does kindness mean to you? Am I kind enough in this topsy-turvy world? Is it even possible to practice kindness consistently? Everyone has heard the Golden Rule , but not everyone takes it to heart. Kindness often gets overlooked as a sign of weakness, and to an extent, it can be—there is such a thing as being too nice. But a little kindness can still go a

Understanding Karma, The Law of Cause and Effect and Compensation

"Every action ripples, karma echoes; choose wisely, shape your world." Michael Corthell The law of cause and effect , often associated with the concept of karma, is a fundamental principle that governs the interconnectedness of actions and their consequences. It posits that every action, whether physical, mental, or emotional, produces a corresponding result or outcome. According to this law, every cause sets into motion a chain of effects that reverberate throughout existence. Positive actions generate positive outcomes, while negative actions yield negative consequences. This principle applies to both individual actions and collective behaviors, influencing personal lives, relationships, and even societal dynamics. Karma , derived from the Sanskrit word meaning "action" or "deed," refers to the accumulation of one's intentional actions and their impact on future experiences. It encompasses the notion that our actions in this life or previous li

Echoes of Walden: Finding Abundance and Joy in Living a Life of Simplicity

Echoes of Walden  is FREE with Kindle Unlimited! by Michael Corthell "A man is rich in proportion to the number of things which he can afford to let alone." — Henry David Thoreau, Walden Why not choose a less complex life?  Becoming a minimalist isn't just the paring down of possessions, even though that is a the big part of it. It is also an internal state of mind. Minimalism is a road trip — a journey of self-growth. At the end of that path is a life of peace and abundance. Simplify what you wear. Do you really need all those clothes? Multiples of each type? Where do you shop? Think thrifty, think thrift shops! Money. How much do you really need ? Your work.   Please note that people who really love their jobs tend to dive into it, regardless of how much they make. If you earn a little less you...buy fewer THINGS. Food. Eat less, eat right. My advice is to consume a plant-based diet, a 100% non-animal diet. The evidence is overwhelming

Minimalism: Doing More with Less and Finding Out What is Important in Our Lives

Find out why, when you embrace the minimalist lifestyle, less truly is more.   by Michael Corthell Paring it down. Finding out that you really don't need all this 'stuff'. But, being a minimalist doesn't mean that you are poor or have to live poorly. It is not a life of poverty. As you can see below, minimalism is not a new idea. One of America's founding fathers and prolific over-achievers was spot on... '' There are two ways to increase your wealth. Increase your means or decrease your wants. The best is to do both at the same time.''   ―Benjamin Franklin ''More and more people today are adopting a minimalist approach to life. They are cutting back on consumption and investing in experiences. They are turning away from being told what they need by insatiable media. Minimalism can be a nasty word in the age of high-impact advertising and glutinous consumerism. It still isn't cool to de-clutter and live with less—at leas

Resourceism: Health Care is a Basic Human Right

by Michael Corthell Universal healthcare coverage means that all people have access to all the health services they need for a good quality of life without the risk of financial hardship when paying for them. Why should we provide universal healthcare coverage for every person? ''Universal healthcare coverage is an imperative step for the United States to prioritize the well-being of its citizens. By providing healthcare for all, we foster a more equitable society where access to medical services is not determined by financial means. Universal healthcare ensures that every person, regardless of their socioeconomic status, can receive essential medical care, preventive services, and necessary treatments. Healthcare coverage for all would improve overall public health outcomes by enabling early detection and intervention, reducing the burden of chronic conditions, and promoting preventive care. It would alleviate financial burdens on families and individuals, preventing med

The POWER of Positive Persistence

Persistence and determination are all-powerful.  by Michael Corthell Persistence in the face of negative people. We all have to deal with it in our daily lives. Very often the very first thing we have to overcome on the path to achievement is another person's lack of optimism and enthusiasm. If I had to choose one quality, one personal characteristic that I regard as being the most likely to bring me success, in any field, I would choose persistence. Persistent determination: the will to endure to the end, getting knocked down ninety-nine times and getting right back up for the hundredth. "Nothing in the world can take the place of Persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan 'Press On' has solved and always will solve the problems of th

The Golden Universal Precept of Love for Others

'' Love for others is a fundamental principle found at the core of almost every major religion. It entails desiring the same positive things for others as we do for ourselves. Not loving others attracts negativity into our lives - it is as simple and straightforward as that.'' Michael Corthell The idea of loving others and treating them with kindness and compassion is indeed a common theme in many major religions and ethical systems. While the specific wording or emphasis may differ, the underlying principle of caring for others and promoting their well-being is widely recognized. In Christianity, for example, Jesus taught his followers to love their neighbors as themselves and even to love their enemies. In Islam, the concept of "Ihsan" encourages Muslims to do good and show kindness to others. Buddhism promotes the idea of "Metta" or loving-kindness, which involves cultivating a compassionate and loving attitude towards all beings. Similarly, other

Creating Harmony and Peace for Ourselves and Others

''The quest for peace on Earth resides within each of our hearts, and it is a shared responsibility for all to nurture it.'' MichaelCorthell To bring about change in the world, it is essential to start by changing ourselves. Thus, if our goal is to attain global peace, we must first discover it within ourselves. This is achieved through a transformation of our mindset , which consequently influences our personal lives and the overall state of the world. In essence, to alter our circumstances on a global scale, we must initially transform our inner realm. Our thoughts, encompassing both positive and negative aspects , serve as the driving force behind our actions. Beneath the captivating beauty that surrounds us, there exist immutable natural laws governing the existence of all things. Adhering to these laws enables us to achieve harmony and equilibrium, allowing us to foster our own beauty and balance. Conversely, disregarding these laws results