Who stole the Summer?

For the past few weeks it has been really cold here in Netherlands. I mean too cold for Summer. So much rain and so much wind – that is something I cannot use to, even till now.  It makes me love sun more than ever. And lately whenever I can, I go outside to watch the sunset. To say goodnight to sun and hoping she will come back in the morning! :D

“It is always too soon to quit”

                            (Norman V. Peale)

One of the thousand reasons why I love Earth

As every human being on Earth I also have my bad days . But this one, particular day was extremely dreadful. It seemed that nothing could possibly go right and nothing would help me get better. I tried all kinds of nice things that usually can cheer me up. But this time nothing worked, not even my favorite song, not even my favorite activity. Every single task I did gave me bad outcome or it made me have this really weird numb feeling, when you absolutely don’t care what happens around you or with you.

So there I was, cycling with my bicycle in this so common huge wind which of course was in to my face all the way back home, and then suddenly it started to rain – heavily , which of course was in to my face because of the wind. That was just another thing that made my day much more blue than it was already before. I wanted to give up on everything. I was tired.

I stopped by the shop, bought the things I needed for home and got on my bicycle. Wet and angry I cycled home. I stopped by the lights and waited  for the green light to turn on, which usually takes a lot of time. But that’s when I realize, that it’s barely raining and the sun is coming out of the clouds showing the one of the beautiful creation of nature – the rainbow, but not just one rainbow but the triple rainbow.

It was first time in my life that I saw three rainbows-  all seven colors so bright and magnificent in each rainbow one after another. It took my breath  away. As some of my friends would say -  I was blown away. I missed my green light but I did not care. I was so amazed.  How many times in your life can you see such a beauty? I was so happy that I saw something so fantastic.

The triple rainbow made me forget my sadness, my anger and me being completely wet and instead leaving joy, amazement and heart full of smiles. It seemed like the rainbows would have found some kind of switch in me. Click, and you are happy humans being again.

I am so happy that I live on this magnificent Earth

Love  and hugs for everyone

Ellie



“Meeting of Minds”

What is amazing about the peace is that everyone can have it, everyone can make it, everyone can help others to reach it. But it is always starts within you and when you have that and you open your heart to others -  peace grows. There is nothing more beautiful to see, than people who have love, joy and happiness in their hearts, one of the most essential things for growing peace.

What I adore about working or correctly would be volunteering in Lioba School Voor Vrede (Lioba School for Peace) organization which is located in Lioba monastery area, is that not only you can see the monastery life (well part of it) but you can also find an inspiration, spend  time in prayers or in silence but also free your spirit in dance or in the other nice workshops that are possible here (but about them, maybe, some other time).

 What I wanted to share that this weekend, here in School Voor Vrede, is happening, in my opinion, one of the best weekends which, again in my opinion, is great step towards peace not only within you but also bigger than that.  From 11^th till 13^th of May here will be “Meeting of Minds weekend- The mystical experience in religion and InterFaith Worship”  It is about that people from different groups of ages and different religious backgrounds coming together to share their experiences, there is also going to be variety of lectures and interactive meetings with inspirations from dance and arts and lot’s more witch will all conclude with Interfaith Service on Sunday.

Well this is truly amazing. Imagine how much possibilities there are for peace to grow. All these different people coming together, live together, share and experience all kinds of things together- the ones they know and the ones they about to get familiar with. I think it is great opportunity to let go the stereotypes and actually get to know the other person, the other religions, see other perspectives, have a respect for other things, open your heart for new kind of communication. 

I am so excited to find out what this weekend will bring and to see how great example it can show to others who are ready for growing bigger peace.

Much Love

Ellie

Life's surprises

For the past few weeks there has happened so many beautiful and inspiring things which has lift me so high that it is almost possible to think that I can fly. And it is all started with search for the adventures, than letting that wish go and just enjoying the moment and then suddenly life’s surprising you by lining up event by event..

When something lifts you up - you change and everyone can see that(except yourself I guess). But when someone meets me and ask -what happened? I am not even able to explain it in none of my known languages . It is something that you have to experience and feel it with your heart. 

So if you also longing for uplifting experiences and understanding what I wanted to say with this, my recipe for surprising moments is --> make a wish + enjoy your day +  don’t expect anything = Hello, beautiful life!

Since I can’t find other words for my inspiring weeks, this time I will share my favorite poem by (unfortunately) unknown author.

May all your days be sunny and full with joy

Ellie

Just One

One song can spark a moment

One flower can wake the dream

One tree can start the forest

One bird can herald the spring

One smile begins a friendship

One handclasp lifts a soul

One star can guide the ship at sea

One word can frame the goal

One vote can change the nation

One sunbeam lights a room

One candle wipes out darkness

One lough will conquer gloom

One step must start each journey

One word must start each prayer

One hope will rise our spirits

One touch can show you care

One voice can speak with wisdom

One hart can know what’s true

One life can make a difference

You see it’s up to You!

It’s just happened….

The opening story is always very important, and I felt honored and also nervous that writing this blog and being the first one who will do it, was putted on my shoulders. I was thinking about it for a while- how should I start it. I was looking at many thoughts and ideas in my head and wondering -should I start with the poem or quote or maybe a joke? And then it finally hit me. How about I just start with an actual life expirience... a true life idyll…

This was a beautiful Sunday morning. Even if it was raining outside and the sky was gray, it was still perfect. The rain sounds on our roof window made a relaxing sounds. My roommate, also a volunteer, was sitting in her favorite chair and crocheting while watching her favorite TV show and time to time laughing in funny moments. Meantime I was doing every Sundays small cleaning and thinking about the stories I read the day before and in background I could hear my favorite songs from Elvis, Frank and Louis. That was the moment, when I suddenly release, that finally in our 6 month here in beautiful Lioba klooster territory, after lot of ups and downs and ups again, after so many educating and beautiful experiences here, after trying to find our way how to work and live together with each other here – we have finally and unconsciously succeeded and now just enjoying or life. It felt something like those old sea traveler stories - when after the stormy night the sun rises again, bringing a new sunny day calming the ship and the soul. That is the moment when you realise that life is so beautiful and you need so little to be just happy.

I wish to you too - to notice these small, beautiful and uplifting life moments and see that it is so easy to be happy and be grateful for it

Lots of warm hugs

Ellie J