Not how did he die, but how did he live? Not what did he gain, but what did he give? These are the units to measure the worth Of a man as a man, regardless of birth. Not, what was his church, nor what was his creed? But had he befriended those really in need? Was he ever ready, with word of good cheer, To bring back a smile, to banish a tear? Not what did the sketch in the newspaper say, But how many were sorry when he passed away.
Author Unknown
Sharon Gordon Celebrant Stourbridge
I create and officiate authentic Celebration of Life Ceremonies for your loved ones. Have the ceremony you want in the venue you want. If you would like to discuss your own situation please CONTACT ME here. I will get back to you the same day. Alternatively you can ask your Funeral Director to contact me.
OUR England is a garden that is full of stately views, Of borders, beds and shrubberies and lawns and avenues, With statues on the terraces and peacocks strutting by; But the Glory of the Garden lies in more than meets the eye.
For where the old thick laurels grow, along the thin red wall, You'll find the tool- and potting-sheds which are the heart of all The cold-frames and the hot-houses, the dung-pits and the tanks, The rollers, carts, and drain-pipes, with the barrows and the planks.
And there you'll see the gardeners, the men and 'prentice boys Told off to do as they are bid and do it without noise ; For, except when seeds are planted and we shout to scare the birds, The Glory of the Garden it abideth not in words.
English Garden
And some can pot begonias and some can bud a rose, And some are hardly fit to trust with anything that grows ; But they can roll and trim the lawns and sift the sand and loam, For the Glory of the Garden occupieth all who come.
Our England is a garden, and such gardens are not made By singing:-" Oh, how beautiful," and sitting in the shade While better men than we go out and start their working lives At grubbing weeds from gravel-paths with broken dinner-knives.
There's not a pair of legs so thin, there's not a head so thick, There's not a hand so weak and white, nor yet a heart so sick But it can find some needful job that's crying to be done, For the Glory of the Garden glorifieth every one.
Formal English Garden
Then seek your job with thankfulness and work till further orders, If it's only netting strawberries or killing slugs on borders; And when your back stops aching and your hands begin to harden, You will find yourself a partner In the Glory of the Garden.
Oh, Adam was a gardener, and God who made him sees That half a proper gardener's work is done upon his knees, So when your work is finished, you can wash your hands and pray For the Glory of the Garden that it may not pass away! And the Glory of the Garden it shall never pass away
To live in the moment, or now, is being conscious, aware and in the present with all of your senses. It means not dwelling on the past, nor being anxious or worrying about the future
Living in the moment is not always easy. Our thoughts are full of regrets about past events and anxiety about the future. This makes it difficult to enjoy the present.
how to start living in the moment
Here are some simple strategies that can help. Try to focus on them throughout your day. Create a mindfulness cue, learn to meditate, perform random acts of kindness.
Train your mind to focus on the current activity.
Engage in, and feel what you are doing. Enjoy the process.
Learn relaxation techniques in order to be present in each moment.
Take notice of your surroundings – sights, sounds, smells, ambiance.
Listen attentively to the conversation of others, music, even silence.
Savor your food and drink. Taste each morsel.
Enjoying the Poppies in the field – living in the moment
Start small. It’s tempting to completely overhaul your lifestyle, but you don’t need to make big changes to start living in the moment. Start by developing new habits one at a time. Once you feel like you have mastered a habit, add something else.
benefits of living in the moment
Improved concentration. Less distractions and improved focus and concentration. You can focus on the present moment for longer periods of time.
Improved effectiveness. You become much more effective and get more things done in less time with less effort.
Increased relaxation. No thoughts of worry about the future or regret about the past as your mind is focussed on the present. You are relaxing into whatever you are doing.
Direct-felt experience of reality. Focussing on the now, the stories in your head start to fall away, and you start experiencing reality directly, without labels. You stop thinking that something is “good” or “bad”, and start noticing life in a fuller way.
Outmoded beliefs fall away. Beliefs that no longer serve you come to your attention when you stop labeling what’s going on. Those beliefs will fall away little by little.
do it your own way
The simplest way for me to live in the moment is when I am walking with Casper my dog in the local countryside. Or meeting with a family to talk about their loved one and then being fully absorbed when I am crafting the Ceremony. Find your own way – it could be a hobby that absorbs you. Or when working in your garden, playing with your children or doing a simple daily task.
Living in the moment with Casper
I usually remind those that attend my ceremonies that life is lived moment by moment. Enjoy the simple moments by immersing yourself fully into them.
If you would like to talk to me about my Celebrant Ceremonies please do CONTACT ME here. Sharon Gordon Celebrant Stourbridge
Do not stand at my grave and weep, I am not there. I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow. I am the diamond glints on snow. I am the sunlight on ripened grain. I am the gentle autumn rain. When you awaken in the morning's hush I am the swift uplifting rush Of quiet birds in circled flight. I am the soft stars that shine at night. Do not stand at my grave and cry; I am not there. I did not die.
Mary Elizabeth Frye
Sharon Gordon Celebrant Stourbridge
If you would like to talk to me about any aspect of my services please do CONTACT ME via this link
