Karma 101

Last week 'Heart of Glass' somehow allowed a 'troll' to post. I didn't respond, because I didn't want to respond in anger. It was Gandhi who said about retaliation 'An Eye For An Eye Makes the Whole World Blind' this along with my belief that if I expend energy on a negative it will grow, kept me from responding.

Instead I found myself rereading Good Karma - J.D. Oliver, unless readers sent great photos, or write post this week we will be focusing on Karma.

West Virginia Janis was kind enough to immediately respond to my troller "I just learned you are a "troll," someone who goes around writing incendiary messages to try to get people to blow up with rage over nonsense. So far, no blow ups!!!! Happy trolling! Try another, less civil group of bloggers. " No one attacked our troll!

Rabbi Hillel (lst century BC) said " What is hateful to you do NOT do unto others. That is the entire Law. The rest is commentary."

This leads me to believe the problems of anger and mis behavior are very old. In Good Karma - JD Oliver suggest Intention is one of the most significant factors in determining _____ or not some contemplated action is likely to produce bad karma. 'IT PAYS TO THINK AHEAD'

Oliver continues with the thoughts that in a world that at times seems unjust or uncaring, every act of concern spreads hope and goodwill. When we do good works, we not only help others, we help ourselves. It was Lilly Tomlin's who said WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER ALONE"

Altruism is innate in humans and many animals. Even a small act of generosity gives us a sense of being useful. It used to be that extended familes and neighbors help one another as a matter of course. Now often we have to rely on the kindness of strangers. SOMETIMES IT'S OUR TURN TO BE THE STRANGERS THAT OTHERS RELY ON.' Most all the Blenko Collectors that I know could be considered altruistic,as a whole the group acts with integrity and empathy, is giving, has pure values and concern for the community and the world as a whole.

Sometime ago from observing Uncle Reemas I learned NOT to seek retribution for every hurt or slight, that revenge makes matters worse. It is my goal to look for appropriate ways to achieve justice, acknowledge my own role in conflicts and be forgiving.

J.D. Oliver states: ' Karma is an impartial justice keeper: it brings human folly into line without our intervention.'

It is my belief that West Virginia is a great state, and living here is a privilege. Doesn't mean I think everything is perfect, but that I choose to work within the system and to stay positive.

We can make West Virginia and the USA better by being positive and working together for change. BUY MADE IN West Virginia and MADE IN USA. hjh

Margie Hale sent this photo - from the Glass Garden Tour - part of Festival of Glass - PLAN TO ATTEND NEXT YEAR and Join the Blenko Collectors Society.