Inspiration

What does it mean to be "inspired?" Inspiration can be felt in the form of a sudden welling up of creativity, either artistically, intellectually or emotionally. Literally the word means "to be breathed upon". The very force of life itself animating all that was created. In the book of Genesis, the Creator gathered up the soil, released a Divine Breath into that soil, and from that was born the first sign of human life. Literally implying that perhaps the very first spark of life on earth originated from a breath. If you have ever felt the surge of vital energy upon becoming inspired then you know that being inspired on a regular basis can greatly contribute to a sense of contentment, happiness and well being. It can offer us a renewed sense of purpose for our lives.

May these pages offer you some ideas with which you can bring contentment, enlightenment, and purpose to your life.

I offer this section of this web site in direct opposition to all the negativity being circulated through our pitiable modern day media outlets.

May all beings be peaceful
May all beings be happy
May all beings be free from sufferings of body and mind

Inspired By A People

Happy people dancing!

This piece was filmed all over the world, inspired by a fellow named Matt Harding. I dare you to watch this and not smile in your heart.
antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap080722.html

Bhutan's Gross National Happiness Experiment

Bhutan is the first and perhaps the only country to measure its wealth in Gross National Happiness instead of Gross National Product. Thus placing the well being of its citizens over purely economic prosperity. The development of this philosophy led by the King, Jigme Singye Wangchuk was a lofty ideal. The GNH policy has been passed in the parliament and the Government is taking every step to ensure that the GNH is considered seriously when making decisions about how the country evolves.

The Four Pillars of Gross National Happiness

-Sustainable development
-Environmental protection
-Cultural preservation
-Good governance

Bhutan has pulled itself out of abject poverty without exploiting its natural resources (other than hydropower, sold to India as Bhutan's main source of foreign funds).

Nearly three-quarters of the country is still forested, with more than a quarter of the land preserved as national parks. Rates of illiteracy and infant mortality have fallen dramatically, and the economy is steadily growing. Tourism is growing too, though limits on new construction and a daily tax of up to $240 a visitor keep out the kind of backpacking hordes that have trampled Nepal. All things in balance. A rather Buddhist perspective that appears to be revealing itself a very possible model for other places, proving its worth over time.

Bhutan appears to understand that the Happiness of its people is intricately linked to the land, traditions, culture and general respect. Growth that cares not for the land, the people, nor the spirit cannot contribute to Happiness and that it is indeed possible to be prosperous while simultaneously tending to the more subtle human aspirations of peace, well being and connectedness to the natural world.

Inspired by the Land

(local gems! Inexpensive ways to increase your Gross National Happiness)

Broadmoor Mass Audubon Society

Great opportunities for birdwatching, photography, sketching
and breathing fresh clean air

$5.00 admission fee or become a member

280 Eliot Street, Natick, MA 01760
508-655-2296
broadmoor@massaudubon.org

The New England Wildflower Society

A wonder of botanical delights to uplift you in any season!

Garden in the Woods
180 Hemenway Road, Framingham MA
508-877-7630

Local Organic Produce

Food that did not travel 2 thousand miles to reach you!

The Natick Community Organic Farm
117 Eliot Street, Natick, MA 01760
508-655-2204

Founded in 1974, The Natick Community Organic Farm is a non-profit, certified organic farm providing productive open space, farm products, and hands-on education for all ages, year-round.