Wisdom comes to us from many sources-sometimes from the mouths of babes, at other times from the teachings of ancient philosophers. A treasury of simple but wise sayings that suggest guidelines for living were given to the world by A. A. Milne, the London playwright who wrote the charming tale of Winnie-the-Pooh in 1926, and several more books on “Pooh Bear” to follow.
Although originally written as stories to read to his young son, Christopher Robin, Milne’s series on Winnie and his friends who lived in the forest offer enlightenment to women–especially in this hectic, modern world in which we live.
Each character’s personality reflects for the reader a unique view of the world: Owl through his quest for knowledge, Eyeore as an unrelenting pessimist, we learn about bravery from Piglet and the need to believe in ourselves from Tigger. Winnie the Pooh, as described by Milne, might be a bear with “very little brain” but he has an abundance of wisdom and spouts insightful truths. Here are some of those truths.
On believing in yourself:
“Promise me you’ll always Remember: You’re BRAVER than you believe; And STRONGER than you seem; And SMARTER than you think.”
Self-esteem is developed by knowing and “remembering” that you are greater than the thoughts and beliefs that try to convince you that you cannot be and do what you wish. When you follow your dreams, which arise from your authentic self, you can be all that you choose to be.
On living in the moment:
“What day is it?”
“It’s today,” squeaked Piglet.
“My favorite day,'” said Pooh.
How would it be if you lived your life as if “today” is-or at least could be-the best day of all, living each and every day as if it was your favorite day?
Start each day with the thought, “This is going to be my best day ever.” Or going to a meeting with the thought, “This will be a wonderful, harmonious meeting.”
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On love:
“How do you spell ‘love’?” asks Piglet. Pooh responds, “You don’t spell it. You feel it.”
And you live it. You live it through giving your time and attention to the people and activities that are important to you. Who or what have you been neglecting?
On friendship:
“It’s more fun to talk with someone who doesn’t use long, difficult words but rather short, easy words like ‘What about lunch’?”
Have lunch with someone you care about this week. Giving time to our friendships, to conversation and laughter, nourishes us and helps keep our lives in balance.
On taking time:
“Don’t underestimate the value of doing nothing, of just going along, listening to all the things you can’t hear and not bothering.”
In these hectic times, take time to relax and do nothing with awareness. You might want to notice who and how you are right now, stare at a candle flame, listen to music….
On mindfulness:
“Rivers know this: There is no hurry. We shall get there some day.”
Practice staying present with whatever is flowing through your life on a daily, moment by moment basis. Enjoy being where you ARE.
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Affirm to yourself:
“I choose to live and love right here, right now.”
No Excuse Action Step:
Engage fully with the people around you, looking into their eyes and listening intently to their words. Appreciate the small details that create the fabric of your life.
Remember, I am here for you, to support and believe in you.
I would love to hear about how you practice mindfulness in living in the now.
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