Hello!

Today is MINDFUL MONDAY
I’m glad you’ve chosen to take daily steps toward becoming a happier, healthier, more positive YOU!

This week, we are working toward strengthening
the principle or quality of COMPASSION.

To use detailed steps from the JOURNALriffic Method (The 4 Steps to Discovery), follow the Daily Journal Jog promts which are found at http://familytreequest.com/journalriffic_jogs . Write the principle of the week from this JOURNALriffic Blog into the prompts found there. If you know of another principle that would be more helpful to you right now, feel free to choose that instead. A list of helpful principles can be found at http://familytreequest.com/principles .


Definition:
1. noun
a feeling of deep sympathy and sorrow for another who is stricken by misfortune, accompanied by a strong desire to alleviate the suffering.

To begin brainstorming about this principle, I have provided some words that are similar and then some words that are opposite. These were found on
www.dictionary.com


Words with the same or similar meanings (synonyms):

commiseration, mercy, tenderness, heart, clemency.

Words with the opposite meanings (antonyms):

mercilessness, indifference

compassion. (n.d.). Dictionary.com Unabridged. Retrieved February 21, 2010, from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/compassion

Here are some great quotes about compassion.

"Compassion is not religious business, it is human business; it is not luxury, it is essential for our own peace and mental stability; it is essential for human survival." --Dalai Lama

The dew of compassion is a tear. –Lord Byron

Needed are eyes to see the pitiable plight, ears to hear the silent pleadings of a broken heart; yes, and a soul filled with compassion. . .
--Thomas S. Monson


Remember to See www.familytreequest.com for detailed weekly journal prompt explanation using JOURNALriffic’s 4 steps to Discovery.

To review JOURNALriffic and the JOURNALriffic Method visit
http://www.familytreequest.com/journalriffic_and_method_learn_more

Follow Family Tree Gal on Twitter or Facebook where you will find occasional quotes
www.twitter.com/familytreegal www.facebook.com/familytreegal



Disclaimer: Please remember that information contained here is provided as an informational resource only and is not a substitute for medical or professional care.

Disclosure of Shareholder Relationship: I am the owner of www.familytreequest.com which has been referred to in this blog post. I also publish www.journalriffic.blogspot.com www.familytreegal.blogspot.com and www.familytreequest.wordpress.com . I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Hello!

Today is MINDFUL MONDAY
I’m glad you’ve chosen to take daily steps toward becoming

a happier, healthier, more positive YOU!

This week, we are working toward strengthening
the principle or quality of PEACE .

Find and develop inner peace.

Learn, study and grow in the area of understanding that being a peacemaker is

NOT THE SAME AS being an enabler.

Develop and maintain the quality of peace within yourself., then let your peacefulness influence the lives of others.

To use detailed steps from the JOURNALriffic Method (The 4 Steps to Discovery), follow the Daily Journal Jog promts which are found at http://familytreequest.com/journalriffic_jogs . Write the principle of the week from this JOURNALriffic Blog into the prompts found there. If you know of another principle that would be more helpful to you right now, feel free to choose that instead. A list of helpful principles can be found at http://familytreequest.com/principles .

To begin brainstorming about this principle, read the next blog post titled “Thoughts on PEACE”

I commend you for taking a proactive approach to improving the quality of your life. By writing in your journal and focusing on attributes and principles that foster happiness and growth, you are taking a step in the direction of Living Mindfully in the Present (which is one of the goals of those who are on a FAMILY TREE QUEST. See www.familytreequest.com ).

May you enjoy the JOURNALriffic journey as you strive to create positive change in THIS generation.

Kind regards,
Family Tree Gal, Carolyn


To review JOURNALriffic and the JOURNALriffic Method visit http://www.familytreequest.com/journalriffic_and_method_learn_more

Remember to visit http://familytreequest.com/journalriffic_jogs for detailed daily journal prompts using the JOURNALriffic Method which is The 4 steps to Discovery.

Disclaimer: Please remember that information contained here is provided as an informational resource only and is not a substitute for medical or professional care.

Disclosure of Shareholder Relationship: I am the owner of www.familytreequest.com which has been referred to in this blog post. I also publish www.journalriffic.blogspot.com www.familytreegal.blogspot.com and www.familytreequest.wordpress.com . I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Thoughts on PEACE

These Thoughts on PEACE

go along with our Mindful Monday topic.

Ralph Waldo Emerson declared, “Nothing can bring you peace but a triumph of principles.”

(“Self-Reliance,” in Ralph Waldo Emerson: Essays and Lectures, New York: The Library of America, 1983, p. 282.)

I hope the following thoughts by Marvin Ashton about peace

stimulate some thoughts of your own.

Peace must be a triumph of principles. Selfishness and lack of patience seem to block the way. . .

Peace—not passion, not personal possessions, not personal accomplishments nor happiness—

is one of the greatest blessings a man can receive.

Certainly peace is the opposite of fear.

No man can be at peace who is untrue to his better self.

No man can have lasting peace who is living a lie.

It is not a written document. It is something that must come from within.

Never will peace and hatred be able to abide in the same soul. . . .

Lasting peace cannot be built while we are reviling or hating others.

Peace is not a purchase away. Peace is not when the final installment is paid. Peace is not when marriage comes nor when all the children are enrolled in school. . . . Peace is not when an inheritance is received. Peace is not when the scars of death start to heal. True peace must not be dependent upon conditions or happenings. Peace must stem from an inward contentment built upon trust, faith, and goodwill toward God, fellowmen, and self.

Peace comes to those who develop character and trust.

We learned that peace can never be achieved when we deal with those who deceive . . .

At such times, external events make it even more imperative that we seek peace within ourselves. It is futile to seek it from outward sources.

When we properly blend into our lives true principles of love, honesty, respect, character, faith, and patience, peace will become our priceless possession. Peace is a triumph of correct principles.

Marvin J. Ashton, “Peace—A Triumph of Principles,” Ensign, Nov 1985, 69

Follow Family Tree Gal on Twitter or Facebook for more quotes occasionally. www.twitter.com/familytreegal www.facebook.com/familytreegal

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Weekly Principles Coming in February!

Watch for the Principle of the Week coming some time in February. Our goal is to work weekly on a universal principle of personal growth using the JOURNALriffic Method (or you may choose a principle of your choice). These principles will help us live mindfully in the present (one of the goals of those on a Family Tree Quest). We will strengthen our lives in this generation as we overcome negative or destructive behaviors. Keep watching for the new posts.

Looking Forward to a Wonderful 2010

I'm looking forward to having a great JOURNALriffic experience with you in 2010. Spinal surgery slowed me down at the end of 2009, but posts will begin again in January. Thanks for your patience. Have a HAPPY NEW YEAR !

The JOURNALriffic Method

After you review the JOURNALriffic Challenge and take the JOURNALriffic Commitment (see first post, May 11, 2009), you are ready to learn the JOURNALriffic Method. It’s quite simple. It’s easy to use, and can become second nature in a short time.

After obtaining a journal that suits your purposes, choose a time of day to write in your journal that can become a consistent part of your routine. (I like mornings before getting ready for the day. Many people enjoy evenings before going to sleep. Others journal during a lunch break. Use your intuition to find what time best for you.)

In preparation, find a quiet place, then mindfully explore your thoughts. See what “shows up” as your greatest concern or greatest joy, etc. for the day.

Keeping in mind the 3-fold goals of Family Tree Quest found on the http://www.familytreequest.com/ website, remember your purpose is a) to glean wisdom from the past, b) live mindfully in the present, and c) prepare confidently for the future. With that in mind, take the "4 Steps to Discovery".

The steps are easy if stated this way, “OFIR UP Wisdom. Do something Specific. [Note: OFIR is pronounced "offer"]

1) OFIR (State your Own Feelings and Inner Resolve without criticism.)

2) UP (Universal Principles. Explore them)

3) Wisdom. (Did you identify the opportunity for personal growth in this experience and gain wisdom?)

4) Do something specific (to contribute positively)

To view these points in more detail, visit

http://www.familytreequest.com/journalriffic_and_the_journalriffic_method_learn_more


After using the “4 Steps to Discovery”, always express gratitude for the growth that challenges have the potential to bring or for the welcomed feelings in the experience you wrote about (joy, peace, tenderness, safety, security, etc.) . After that, NOTICE even the small steps toward a happier life.

If you do a little better each day as you purposefully and mindfully strive toward personal growth, that’s wonderful. If you get of-track, record your thoughts again the next day, and slowly and steadily there will be insight and improvement of your own situation through the clarity that comes through writing your thoughts on paper. It's amazing. It works.

Are you ready to take the “4 Steps to Discovery”? I say, "the sooner the better"!

Please comment and share how your own experiences with keeping a journal have helped you to grow. Please visit http://www.familytreequest.com/ and familytreequest.wordpress.com

What is JOURNALriffic?

JOURNALriffic is a terrific way to help you change your life for the better in THIS generation.

It is a method of journal writing (which will be blogged about later) that comes with a challenge and a commitment.

The JOURNALriffic CHALLENGE is to write a record of daily events and the personal growth resulting from those experiences. Daily journal writing, the JOURNALriffic way, helps you grow in the power of your own positive influence. Would you welcome an outcome that included renewed hope, increased insight, personal perspective, improved relationships, and the possibility of additional personal peace? It is worth a daily effort to enjoy the benefits JOURNALriffic writing can bring.

The JOURNALriffic COMMITMENT is "I am ready to grow, in spite of insecurities, frustration and fear, with an intention to strengthen myself in THIS generation. Courageously and consistently, I pursue my QUEST." This commitment includes the letters that form the "riffic" portion of JOURNALriffic. R-eady to grow. I-n spite of insecurities, F-rustration and
F-ear, with an I-ntention to strengthen myself in THIS generation. C-ourageously and consistently, I pursue my QUEST.

The QUEST refers to Family Tree Quest to which the JOURNALriffic concept is a perfect partner. It is the idea that as we strengthen ourselves in THIS generation, we create a positive influence in our entire family line (our ancestors and descendents). In a day and age when people are seeking meaning and purpose to life, JOURNALriffic can help that purpose become increasingly clear. Those who embrace the JOURNALriffic method of journaling reap abundant rewards. It's an effort worth making.

Are you ready to join the Quest, take the challenge, and make the commitment? Embrace the opportunity. Act now !

Feel free to leave a comment.
Watch for "The JOURNALriffic Method"
See also http://www.familytreequest.com/ and visit familytreequest.wordpress.com