His opening line, always, is "How many of you are with me here for the first time?" He surveys the crowd. Then asks "How come?" And we laugh.
Some quotes and ideas gleaned:
Words are a limited expression of the thought within.
Anger is the attempt to overpower the other to alleviate our own fears.
There are six or seven words in Hebrew that are translated as "anger" into English. And they don't mean anger at all. English doesn't have an equivalent word for the emotion expressed by the Hebrew word(s).
WHAT IS INNER BALANCE
o When the wisdom of the mind guides the energy of the heart.
o And the words and behavior reveal the soul rather than the camouflaged fear.
When someone is angry, threatening, misbehaving, giving offense, etc.; when we're not getting what we want, or getting what we don't want, don't react with anger. Just step back and ask yourself "I wonder what this means?" He guarantees, with this response to a situation, you'll never get angry.
I asked him What, if not anger, is the emotion we should be expressing when we are faced with cruelty, injustice, and the like. He said "Empathy." And a desire fix what we perceive to be wrong.
Oh, so much more.
I'd have to be totally incapacitated to miss his lectures when he's here.
I bought one of his CDs, and hope to be able to collect the rest of the series over time.
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After yesterday's physical therapy, I thought I might not have to go again today. But I did. Woke up sore, stiff, achy. So I kept the appointment, and made two for next week. The therapist said I'd come twice a week, probably for 4 to 6 weeks. Well, at least he expects an end to the need for treatment.
Also, last night when I was crocheting, my left arm was becoming painful. I asked the therapist if there was a connection and said there was. So now I have to prop my arm on a pillow or the arm of the chair to support it. I tried that this evening, earlier, and there were no twinges. So I guess I don't have to give up my favorite handcraft.
The Leisure League luncheon was delicious today, and the entertainment was great! A group of young performers did dance and song numbers from "Chicago" and the drummer gave us a drum concert. He's GOOD. I love drumming. From the most primitive to the exotic to the likes of Gene Krupa.
An altogether satisfying day.
Shalom