  Spiritual
This week: Wonka Wisdom Edited by: Shannon  
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Welcome to the Spiritual Newsletter. I am Shannon and I'm your guest editor this week. |
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"The kindest word in all the world is the unkind word, unsaid." ~ Author Unknown
I love Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (the original with Gene Wilder, not the farce of a remake starring Johnny Depp). I even own the DVD and the soundtrack (the music is simply magical). When I watch it, I'm instantly transported back to a much simpler time--a time before Amber Alerts existed and children weren't afraid to walk home from school; a time when it was okay to pray in the campus cafeteria and programs like Little House on the Prairie, the ABC After School Special, and films like Willy Wonka taught children about respect, kindness, generosity, gratitude, and the benefits of a hard day's work.
Have you ever noticed how children under the age of five can approach each other on the playground and instantly become friends? There are no preconceived notions, no racial or religious differences, no prejudices separating them. They simply see each other as children, the same, and they thoroughly enjoy each other's company.
The hatred comes later. It is a learned behavior.
In comparison, have you ever sat back and watched adults interact? Racism and preconceived notions aside, I am often stunned by how rude and self-serving "grown-ups" can be--how unconscious and utterly unaware of others. Rather than listening to the other person in a dispute, whether it be their spouse or a stranger in the grocery store, they completely switch off, oblivious to what the other person is saying because they are too busy formulating a defense in their heads. You can see it in their eyes: they haven't heard a word.
"Hesitate. Before you react, hesitate. You don't know this person's history. You don't know what they've been through. That moment of hesitation allows the compassion to come in so that I'm not acting reactively." ~ David "Avocado" Wolfe
We could learn a thing or two by watching children play. We are one. We are the same. The breath that sustained you yesterday fills my lungs today. The past is history. The future is uncertain. The only time we have is this moment. Right here. Right now.
Stop. Breathe. Listen. Appreciate. Be courteous and kind. Be 100% present in the moment, and before you react ... hesitate, or as Willy Wonka would say, "Hold your breath. Make a wish. Count to three."
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Please enjoy this week's featured selections and remember to do the authors the courtesy of reviewing the ones you read. Thank you, and have a great week!
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The following is in response to "Spiritual Newsletter (October 26, 2011)" :
Winnie Kay  says, "Thanks, Shannon. Your newsletter made me stop and think how special every individual is. One kind word to a lonely man you may pass on the street starts a chain-reaction. That lonely man helps a lady having a bad day hail a cab in the rain. From inside her cab, that lady watches a young man in a black leather jacket pace back and forth at the railing of the Golden Gate Bridge, and she tells her driver to stop .... The Power of One." Thank you for your beautiful words, Winnie. Peace and blessings to you and yours.
embe  says, "Hello Shannon, thank you, for your fine newsletter." Thank YOU, embe! I appreciate your kindness and support.
markmyword says, "Dear Shannon: Thank you so much for the article about the suicide rate on the Golden Gate Bridge. I have had the experience of seeing someone about to jump. I was driving on the bridge and went immediatedly to the bridge station and reported the woman in a pink nightgown standing on the edge. I believe she was saved because she was not an item in the next mornings news. It is absolutely true that a simple smile, just an acknowledgement of our common humanity can save and improve a life. Thanks Again " What an amazing story! Thank you so much for sharing it with us. 
Emeraldawn says, "Excellent newsletter, thank you so much for sharing in this way. Be Blessed!" Thank you. Blessings right back atcha. 
ladyfefe says, "Greetings, Thank you for a heartfelt newsletter, i appreciation your kindness." And I appreciate yours. Thank you for taking the time to read and comment. Have a wonderful rest of the week!
pigletwrites2 says, "Regarding the 'Letter to the Editor' that Shannon wrote, I appreciate what you wrote. It is something that I tell my children everyday, that they are special. Sometimes I forget that myself. It is good to remember that as writer's go, we have something important to say. And each of us can write something that will reach a particular audience who needs to read it. Thanks for sharing. I looked up 'Namaste'. Now I know what it means. Namaste to you, also. And blessings." Aw, thank you so much! Yes, we can write something that will reach a particular person just when he or she who needs to read it. I know because it's happened to me personally. Thank you for the reminder. (((hugs)))
Mogay Ryt  says, "This is the best article I've read since I joined writing.com. Words can't express." Thank you, Mogay. I'm so glad you liked it.  to you, my friend.
ChrisDaltro-Chasing Moonbeams  says, "THANK YOU FOR FEATURING MY SHORT STORY THE MEDIUM IN YOUR AWESOME WDC NEWSLETTER." Of course! Always my pleasure, Christina.
Rajalakshmi says, "Dear Shannon, a very beautiful, inspirational, insightful editorial here. Thank you so much for sharing such beautiful thoughts. Every one of us can truly make a difference." Thank you, Rajalakshmij. Yes, I believe we were all sent here for a purpose. Nothing is by accident. We can spend our days taking, or we can attempt to give back. It's our choice. Sometimes all it takes is a smile--an "I love and accept you just the way you are," to change someone's life forever. Thank you for your kindness.
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Spiritual: February 15, 2012 Issue [#4870]
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