Before you pray - Become - Shirvington Hannays

I have discovered and come to realize that effective prayer requires a State of Mind and Being filled with the PEACE that passeth Human understanding.

My quest for a better understanding of what life was all about started when as I child, I felt that my entire family and I, were all going to hell because God didn’t like us. This conclusion at that time was arrived at because it was clear he didn’t answer any of our many prayers we offered to him daily on our knees, eyes closed and face upward to heaven.

Praying and the need to pray was drilled into my head daily to be done before I went to sleep at night, when I woke in the morning, before I ate anything, before leaving the house and yes even at school before classes started for the day. More than twenty years later, I can safely say after more than ten years of conscious and consistent exploration, I have extended my concept of prayers and praying or acts of worship.

I now no longer pray for anything with words but continuously try to maintain a state of Mind and Being of gratitude for every experience or event I experience. This is in no way always easy or the ready response in every situation as I go about my daily practical living or when my ego and intellect demand a excess dose of attention.

This way of living and state of Being is becoming easier because of the conscious awareness and alertness that continuously fill me with renew gratitude. Which results in longer periods of complete acceptance of whatever maybe happening in my life. This also makes me more at peace with the concept now than when it was first introduced to me some twelve years ago.

I am now totally at peace with the notion that there is never ANYTHING to pray for hence I do not offer up any prayer to something or someone outside my Being. I may say THANKS or THANK YOU from time to time when the sense and feeling of gratitude is so intense that I may automatically verbalise my gratitude as a reminder to my self to consciously look around and observe more of the present moment. This continues to strengthen me to be more consistent in my willingness to be open and receptive to give up any previously held concept in place of new response in any given moment. Which then usually fosters harmony with whatever IS in the NOW moment.

This is what I now understand and know to be "be still and know...." and it is truly “the Peace that passeth Human understanding...” - Shirvington Hannays (http://www.smahoo.com/)

As we embrace Podcast and Vodcast.

Monthly audio podcasts are now available at http://smahoo.mypodcast.com to be followed shortly with the launch of an on-demand online motivational WebTV via www.smahotv.com.

Regards to you in your continued exploration of your INNER Self for a more wholesome understanding of yourself in relation to everything else in the physical and invisible realms of the Universe.

"If you can dare yourself to dream big, infact VERY big and not be afraid to be seen as different, the seemingly impossible becomes possible." – Shirvington Hannays (11-05-2008)

CHOICE for CHANGE

The United States of America has elected a new President on 11-04-2008.  His mixed racial identity makes the occasion historic, as he is refered to as African American.  He has done himself, family and supporters proud.  History will show that it was his willingness to embrace all of who he is without seeing himself as a victim of his heritage that enable him to make history.  It is now up to those who prayed for a moment like this, to embrace it and do something with it INDIVIDUALLY.  Since in the fullness of WHAT is REAL, SPIRITUALLY, "this too shall soon pass."  -- Shirvington Hannays

Modern day mental slavery

Many theories and belief about our relation to the invisible and physical realms of the Universe, continue to hold many, in mental bondage. If consciously explored, many may discover that a large part of their Belief system is based on theories that were arrived at based on very limited evidences and assumptions.

For example, there are many, whom still hold the belief, that NIGHT and DAY were created, even in light of evidences which show that day and night are the effects of the earth spinning on its axis.

Further evidences support the fact that the Earth is ROUND; not FLAT and have been for over 70 million years. Yes, intellectually, it is now accepted and embraced that the earth is round and goes without saying. It is the roundness of the earth that results in the events we label Day and Night. However as recent as 2000 to 500 years ago most held the view that the earth was FLAT. Therefore the assumption was still upheld that Day and Night had to have been CREATED by that which created everything.

To revisit this belief would REQUIRE that other beliefs central to this belief be revisited. It goes without saying that any revisiting will shake the foundation of what is put forward in direct support of some creation stories or even the flood that destroyed everything except for an ARK.

"This too shall soon pass" - the same image on either sides of the same coin. - Shirvington Hannays

When in the mist of a judged or labeled "bad, difficult, painful or challenging situation or experience", the phase "this too shall soon pass" can be one of the most comforting re-assurances you can receive, reflect on or embrace.

Especially if you allow yourself to acknowledge that, the statement has proven true countless times before. In reality, this statement is also true for those situations or periods in our lives that we may judge or label "good, easy going, painless, peaceful or without challenge."

If and when you embrace this statement fully or even partially, it could be said that, you have become awaken to a very simple but yet one of the most powerful Spiritual principles. A principle that has the potential to return your mind, body and soul to the state of wholeness.

The state you were a nano-second before your soul accepted the invitation from your parents and you were conceived. I am nowhere near being totally at peace with this statement, but I am humbled in the understanding of the principle, an understanding that could truly bring to my Human experience the peace that passeth Human understanding.

As I continue to daily acknowledge and embrace this awareness, I am strenghten to snap out of most states of depression, resentment, anger and the blame game faster when seemingly good and pleasant experiences fade away and "soon pass". - Shirvington Hannays

The road less Traveled. -- SMAHO

Being Human means being willing to daily face all of Life's experiences, knowing that you will continue to experience pain, hurt and emotional bruises in many different ways for as long as you are in this physical universe. Especially emotional bruises even after you have consciously or unconsciously CHOSEN to take the road less traveled to live your life. On the road where you will consciously make the CHOICE to always be authentic to the NOW moment. Always being naked with your TRUTHS, honest with your INTENTION and committed to your CHOICE.

However even as an enligthen person consciously seeking to be authentic in the moment with your every CHOICES, it may come as a surprise to you when you find yourself overcome by deep pain or hurt. Which can then easily give way as usual to anger or resentment toward yourself and the projected source of the pain or hurt. It is usually in these times that you will be called on to BE still and know that the peace that passes all human understanding is readily available to get you to YOUR next fullness in time, in the NOW.

For this understanding and knowledge I give thanks and I am truly THANKFUL. -- Shirvington Hannays

The Power of Choice - SMAHOO

I always have the choice to stay silent or to Voice an opinion. There is significant power in either choice. - Shirvington Hannays

"It is all meant for your next moment in TIME - whether good and Bad" - Shirvington Hannays

"I have always been a firm believer that nothing happens to us by chance, but by the grand design layed out for our lives and at the appointed time or as it were 'the fullness of time'. What we do with these exeperiences shape our destiny and our journey or learning in this life. If we embrace life's experiences good and bad, we can shape our own character and prepare ourself for even greater challenges and ready ourself for even deeper enjoyment of life."  - Justin Hardy (Tue, Sep 2, 2008 at 3:28 PM)

The talk of Peace is LIMITED - SMAHOO

Be that which you seek. That is the ultimate form of PRAYER. - Shirvington Hannays

Time really has no really importance in the realm of the invisible.  -  Shirvington Hannays

Some people have an impact on our lives, even if only for a moment.  And we are not the same anymore.  time has no importance, but certain moments have some forever.  -  Fern Bork

The poetry of Nature - SMAHOO

Even a brief focus on that which is beyond our own limited understanding of that which has cause us to BECOME manifested can lead to a sincere understanding of the poetry of all of Nature in the visible and invisible UNIVERSE. - Shirvington Hannays

The visible is a shadow cast by the invisible. -- PLATO

The truth does not fear questions. -- David Baird

Each of us have the potential to BE a Genius -- Shirvington Hannays

Any intelligent fool can make things bigger, more complex, and more violent. It takes a touch of genius -- and a lot of courage -- to move in the opposite direction. -- E. F. Schumacher

We are masters of our own Destiny -- Shirvington Hannays

Within the limits of the physical laws of nature, we are still masters of our individual and collective destiny, for good or ill. -- E. F. Schumacher

The Truth

You shall know the TRUTH, and the truth shall set you free. -- JOHN, 8:32

A victory for all humanity

Each victory over yourself is a victory for humanity. -- Herve Desbois.

Universal Unity

Universal Unity comes from our individual worlds are woven into all of society and humanity's fabric. It is our unique surface difference and variety that give that fabric its rich and vibrant rainbow of colours. -- Shirvington Hannays

Risk is required for our continued Growth.

Those who don't want to take the risk of growing are quickly swallowed by life.

Who you are shines clearer than who you think you are. -- Shirvington Hannays

A smile, a look, a shrug of shoulders can most times say more about us Human BEING than any statement I may try to make about who I think I am at any moment.

Taken collectively the behavoir of any group or community demonstrate who they feel at the core of the Being whether they are consciously aware of this or not. -- Shirvington Hannays

Even the highest tower started from the the ground. -- Chinese Wisdom

Share what you have or think you fully KNOW.

To share our knowledge is one thing, to impose it is another. Finding the balance be interesting but it certainly a cool method for mindful awareness in every moment of NOW. -- Shirvington Hannays

Falsehood and Facts

The simplest facts can point to the solutions of some of the most complex conflicts but only if the many falsehoods of these situations can be realized for what they truly are. Then and only then may the FACTS be able to stand tall for all concerned to recognize and experienced. -- Shirvington Hannays

Love is TRUST expressed. -- Shirvington Hannays

Love is TRUST in action. To truely experience it, you hve to be it or become it as you would ask other to share it with you. -- Shirvington Hannays

You always have something to Give -- Shirvington Hannays

What you have or don't have is a reflection of what you HAVE in your MIND constantly. --Shirvington Hannays

Anger

Anger can be totally rational and have positive effects in specific situations however staying angry is always negative for its container.

To be born anew

He who, after being negligent, becomes vigilant, illuminates the earth like the moon emerging from the clouds. -- Buddha

I remain Honest

No man can safely rejoice, unless he possesses the testimony of a good conscience. -- Thomas A. Kempis

Peace

The Only Peace we can each give to the World, most be first found within ourselves and experieinced as an abiding stillness that is alive in every moment regardless of outward appearance. -- Shirvington Hannays

First keep the peace within yourself, then you can also bring peace to others. -- Thomas A. Kempis

Peace of Mind

To truely achieve Peace of mind a clear conscience is required. No matter what reasons we give or justifications we make, our so-past can be our NOW experience if it is constantly played in our mind. Unless we CHOOSE to acknowledge and accept the roles we played in everyone of our life's experiences that we may now deem good or bad - especailly those so-call BAD ones. -- Shirivngton Hannays

What is Good?

Good is the action that brings no regret and whose fruit is welcomed with joy and serenity. -- Buddha

Daydreaming, do it more often

Far from being an escape from reality, when you daydream, it allows for a release from the daily demands of physical realities, stresses and mental eshaustion. It is also a good way to consciously reconnect with the true source of your energy and spiritually powers. Do it more often, it is good for you. -- Shirvington Hannays

Each of us is encouraged to explore wholeness of Being as we experience LIFE.

This daily quest is never really completed and is not about becoming superior to another. When we explore mastering our emotions and negative aspects then people around us will benefit from it as a by product of the inner peace and whole we experience.

We Are....

There is cause and there is effect. We are either one or the other. -- Herve Desbois

The Whole truth never lies.

A slightly modified truth losses its power of wholeness.

Life IS

Cause and Effect. That's Life in three words. -- Shirvington Hannays

Our lifes as Gardens.

See your life as a garden. The gardener does not curse at his neighbours because of his weeds. -- Herve Desbois

A true Master

He who is master of himself is greater than he who is the master of the world. -- Buddha

Enlightenment

You can not become more Enlightened since the true nature of your BEING is a TOTAL Enlightenment. For the true IS you are Fully Enlightened at the CORE of your BEING. You have have simply FORGOTTEN your true STATE OF Enlightenment.

Therefore seek only to remember and realize more of who you ALREADY are not by trying to BECOME Enlightened but just BE Enlightened NOW.

Put another way start by accepting the present moment as IT IS without judging the NOW as either GOOD or BAD regardless of what is happening right now. -- Shirvington Hannays

Power of the MIND

Be quick to do good. If you are slow, the MIND, delighting in mischief, will catch you. -- Dhammapada 116.

IT Begins with YOU -- Shirvington Hannays

If we are peaceful, if we are happy, we can smile and blossom like a flower, and everyone in our family, our entire society, will benefit from our peace. -- Thich Nhat Hanh; Being Peace.

Life and Expectations

What people expect to happen is always different from what actually happens. From this comes great disppointment; this is the way the world works. -- Sutta Nipata 588

Happiness

All those who suffer in the world do so because of their desire for their own happiness. All those happy in the world are so because of their desire for the happiness of others. -- Santideva; Bodhicaryavatara 8. 129

Willingness to Change

Being willing to change, leads to WISDOM, unwillingness to investigation current BELIEF indicates a dead SOUL. -- Shirvington Hannays

The Essence of Mind

Who would have thought that all things are the manifestation of the Essence of Mind! -- The Sutra of Hui Neng

Power of the Mind

Everything is created and dies in the Mind of its creator. -- Shirvington Hannays

My worst Enemy

I have come to realize that I am my best friend but most times I am also my worst ENEMY. -- Shirvington Hannays

Non-Judgement

Observe EVERYTHING but resist the temptation to label ANYTHING, for when label or judge SOMETHING either good or bad, you have projected your prejudices onto that which you've label. - Shirvington Hannays

The three C's of Life - Shirvington Hannays

Life is simply constant CHANGES based on CHOICES with continuous CONSEQUENCES. - Shirvington Hannays

You and your Cake

You may think that you can't have your cake and eat it -- well I guess you may never find out for yourself if you continue to only think about it. Nothing happening by only thinking about it.

Self-improvement

Looking around and you will see that many of us are commited to self-improvement but is the world any better due to our efforts?

Only you can be you

Be yourself - nobody can be you better than you, so why don't you BE the best you, you can be.

Like a grain of a mustard seed.

Value every thought for it can develop into a power idea if you allow it. Mind you that idea can then become productive or distructive base on the mind that contains it. -- Shirvington Hannays

A wise person is willing to kill daily.

A man should never be ashamed to own that he has been in the wrong, which is but saying, in other words, that he is wiser today than he was yesterday. -- Johnathan Swift

Change

Embrace change - don't run from it since it has a way of catching up with you.

The dawn of each day

Experience each day that dawns as if it was your first.

Many eyes for Fear -- Diguel de Cervantes - 1547 - 1616

Fear has many eyes and can see things which are underground.

Never see anyone as being a fool because a wise man once said:-

The greatest lesson in life is to know that even fools are right sometimes. -- Winston Churchill

True Wisdom

The greatest wisdom is seeing through appearances.

-- Atisha

Meditation

The greatest meditation is a mind that lets go.

Atisha

The greatest effort is not concerned with results. - Atisha

Most prayers are not answered because those that pray asking for something have not embraced the FACT that to pray asking for something means you have not received it in your Heaven or Kingdom (which is your MIND).

If you have not received it there you can never make it appear in your Earth (your phyiscal WORLD and AFFAIRS).

Destruction of any FORM of LIFE

"Aware of the suffering caused by the destruction of life, I vow to cultivate compassion and learn ways to protect lives of people, animals, plants, and minerals. I am determined not to kill, not to let others kill, and not to condone any killing in the world, in my thinking, and in my way of life.”

-- Ven. Thich Nhat

Humility

The greatest patience is humility.

Atisha

Bobbing in the Ocean of Delusion

"If you live the sacred and despise the ordinary, you are still bobbing in the ocean of delusion."

-- Lin-Chi.

Continual Awareness

The greatest precept is continual awareness.

Buddha

To be happy or suffer for a while - which?

A fool is happy unlit his mischief turns against him.
And a good man may suffer until his goodness flowers.

-- Dhammapada 119-120

You've got to get the mind cleared out before you put the truth in it. - Minister Louis Farrakhan

Many prayers or dreams are never fulfilled because the mind that entertains the prayers or dreams are fill with error thinking that negate the magnetic power of the prayer or intention. - SMAHO

I Am as great as I think I Am. - Iyanla Vanzant

It is in our minds that we individual create our world and can collectively develop or destroy it.

I will STOP what is no longer good for me.

That is easier said than done, believe me, I know. However I also know that most of us know exactly what needs to change in our lives. However most times we are in denial about our addiction to the comfort of the blame game hence we continue in live in pain with whatever we say we would like to change.

Anything in our life can be changed but ONLY when we make CHOICE to take full responsibility for whatever is happening and then another CONSCIOUS CHOICE to change the BELIEF that promote the BEHAVIOR.

A Peaceful mind

The greatest goodness is a peaceful mind.

Buddha

Non-attachment

The greatest generosity is non-attachment.

Buddha

Be an Individual for your own sake

The greatest action is not conforming with the worlds ways.

Buddha

Dealing with Passions or Addictions

The greatest magic is transmuting the passions.

Buddha

The Greatest Medicine

The greatest medicine is the emptiness of everything.

Buddha

Serve Others

The greatest quality is seeking to serve others.

Buddha

Self Mastery

The greatest worth is self-mastery.

-- Buddha

Selflessness

The greatest achievement is selflessness.

-- Buddha

What is the quality of your intent? --- Thurgood Marshall.

When we intend to do good, we do. When we intend to do harm, it happens. What each of us must come to realize is that our intent always comes through. We cannot sugarcoat the feelings in our heart of hearts. --- Iyanla Vanzant.

No investigation. No right to speak. --- Confucius

If you have not taken the time and effort to research something for yourself then you have no authority to share it with another even if you are addicted to small talk and your life depends on repeating everything you thinking you KNOW.

It is none of my business to change your MIND about anything. -- SMAH


It is not your duty or responsibility to change the minds of other people. The nature of their thinking is advanced or limited by their experience. In your presence, they have an opportunity to learn about you and, perhaps, to grow. --- Iyanla Vanzant.

You too CAN CHOOSE to Survive. -- SMAH

Someone was hurt before you; wronged before you; hungry before you; frightened before you; beaten before you; humiliated before you; reaped before you; yet, someone survived. --- Maya Angelou.

The ruin of a Nation begins in the homes of its People. - Ashanti proverb.

Most of our try very hard to maintain our physical homes but take little or no care of our INVISIBLE or SPIRITUAL homes. Our MINDS are our REAL and true home because it is the only thing or place we TRULY own. Within it we each create the blueprint of what our individual world and physical Universal will continue to be.