Attitude of Gratitude

Life has its twists and turns, most of which are fodder for fiction.

Sister Thérèse, an attractive, thoughtful, sincere and brilliant past colleague, who has since married, guided me to be a man of gratitude. It is all about attitude and embracing life.

My personality is one that always walked to the beat of my own drum. Though it took me years to discover and understand the following: it is impossible to be a unique individual, following dreams and aspirations, while conforming to authoritative dictates that fluctuate according to whim! At times, Church leaders made whimsical decision that had and continue to have disregard for the individual. In my own life, I experienced fickle rules and regulations that were not only oppressive and impossible to fulfill (as a human being), but helped develop neurotic tendencies. I’m still getting over the symptoms!

Idealism is usually the trademark of the young. However, in the scheme of Catholicism, I was captivated by eastern spirituality, which beckoned my heart and mind. My early rigid existence was drawn to an alternative way of life that required being present in the moment, charity particularly when it is most difficult, and making informed decisions even when the majority disagreed. Certainly, the cognitive dissidence between the drive for perfection or being a beautifully flawed and responsible human being ripped apart my ideal world and made it delightfully habitable. So, here I am, overcoming dysfunction all the while desiring to give—more than receive.

I have discovered the necessary tools, which have enabled me to walk through my personal life-labyrinth; heart-felt sincerity, service and humility require confidence, a sense of self-worth and self-respect. In hindsight, once I began to understand these principles, I was able to celebrate life regardless of the politics, authoritative abuses and evil. Though it has taken awhile, I am allowing myself the freedom to have fun and be silly with friends, while being effective in making healthy changes in the world around me.

Reflecting upon my personal history, I am grateful for my life’s circumstances—the good, the bad and the ugly, for they have prepared me to be the man who walks in my sandals. The universe has collaborated to make my dreams come true. Now I want to help others’ resurface their dreams, while offering the tools of hope through education.

Celebrate Spring with more youthful looking skin! We’re offering our wonderful customers an Early Spring Special: $10 off your order, plus reduced shipping!, when you enter the promotion code “ThinkSpring” at checkout. Expires 3/10/10

Listen to Br. Dennis in person! He’ll be on the radio with award-winning journalist Callie Crossley Monday, March 1st 2010 at 1:40PM. You can listen on 89.7 in the Boston area or online here: http://www.wgbh.org/897/

Evoking my spiritual self in the midst of human experiences, particularly challenges, usually involves havoc. Somewhere along my daily routine, time passing into weeks and sometimes months, before I enter into the deepest awareness of my frailty before God. Usually, there is an approaching monumental uncertainty requiring, yet another miracle in order to overcome the impending hurdle. Inevitably, Divine Providence extravagantly provides. Hindsight leaves me questioning…that was easy, why do I waste precious time fretting over the seemingly impending dread of the oncoming requirement of faith?

…An example: In 2003, when I crossed over the threshold of our property in Paxton, MA (where, in the near future, we will build our new monastery) I knew my feet were standing upon the place of my future home. The challenge—we had no source of revenue, other than donations, which was a cause of financial struggle. Yet after a twenty-minute walk, a brief discussion with the community members who accompanied me, we made the decision. This property was meant to be the home of our monastery. Well, this might sound like a nice story, however, the situation called for $600,000. Ouch!

Six months later, after lengthy negotiations and lots of prayer, I had in hand a signed Purchase & Sale agreement. There after, every day for five months, during my time of silence and solitude, I sat in the rocking chair of my bedroom, feeling a sense of dread. What did I get myself into? Am I crazy? Jesus—how are You going to provide me the money?

When the day arrived to pay for the property—Divine Providence provided. One would think, if God can provide in that situation, why worry? The abridged version: I am still learning to trust God. However, the subsequent hurdles get larger as time passes.

Why am I slow to trust in Jesus, when He has been extravagant in generosity? Once again, I am in heart-stop-alley, waiting on the Lord.

Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, a French Jesuit visionary once said we are not human beings having a spiritual experience, but spiritual beings having a human experience. Obviously, my spiritual being is beckoning to exist beyond the confines of my mind.

Below is a news release sent over the PR Newswire last week about Easeamine® that we wanted to share with you. Some of you may have already seen it in your local news!

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/introducing-easeaminer-an-advanced-anti-aging-treatment-clinically-shown-to-reduce-wrinkles-that-occur-with-aging-82677312.html

Introducing Easeamine(R): An Advanced Anti-Aging Treatment Clinically Shown to Reduce Wrinkles that Occur with Aging

Patented formula scientifically proven to increase production of collagen and elastin

WORCESTER, Mass., Jan. 26 /PRNewswire/ — Easeamine® is the first over-the-counter, anti-aging cream that increases the production of collagen and elastin through its patented formula which delivers Adenosine to the lower layers of the skin. Adenosine, a natural compound found throughout the body, increases dermal fibroblast protein production, such as collagen and elastin, thus easing fine lines and wrinkles associated with aging. When delivered into the lower layers of the skin, Easeamine helps achieve healthier skin from the inside out.

Adenosine’s powerful effects on aging skin were discovered by two University of Massachusetts Medical research scientists, Dr. James G. Dobson, Ph.D., Chairman of the Department of Physiology, and Dr. Michael F. Ethier, Ph.D., who patented Adenosine Skin Technology. Easeamine, with its Adenosine Skin Technology, promotes healthiness of skin, decreasing the amount of wrinkling, roughness, dryness, laxity or sallowness in skin.

“Scientists and dermatologists have long sought topical treatments that stimulate collagen production in the skin,” said Dr. Dobson. ”But until the use of Adenosine in Easeamine, the products available were limited to invasive treatments or chemical solutions.”

Dr. Dobson, a lay member of the Teresian Carmelite in Worcester, MA, encouraged the small community of monks to obtain the Exclusive License for his patented technology from the University of Massachusetts Medical School. Marketing this product came as a welcome vehicle for revenue, as their traditional funding sources have dwindled in recent years. Easeamine is sold exclusively online with nearly all profits targeted to the monks’ charitable endeavors, and in particular, programs focused on helping the poor and disadvantaged through education.

Brother Dennis Wyrzykowski, Prior of the Teresian Carmelites and founder of Carmel Laboratories LLC, developed business strategies that would lead his community from a donation based financial model to a self-sustaining entity. “Easeamine is a healthy skin care product that helps people look good and feel good about helping others,” says Brother Dennis.

For best results, Easeamine should be used twice daily, once in the morning and once in the evening. A tube of Easeamine sells for $65.00 and lasts approximately three to five weeks. Easeamine is manufactured in the U.S., and can be purchased online at www.Easeamine.com.

SOURCE Carmel Laboratories LLC

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