You know sometimes things are placed before you for a special reason, and you don’t always realize why.
If happens to me all the time whether in my travels, my encounters, situations, or in other surprised readings.
I like to read everything on all sorts of subjects and now and then I come across the name “Dodinsky” and a comment that he has made here and there which are usually quite ‘provoking’ in generating my own thoughts.
As a matter of interest, I discovered further he wrote this neat little book titled, “In the Garden of thoughts; The only place you can find the power to be your best self.“
I purchased the book and am enthralled by its content of tiny quotes which really invites one to think.
May I share a few of them with you?
“A mind preoccupied with thoughts of resentment and bitterness cannot change the past. Nor do these thoughts wound anyone but the soul that beholds them.”
To ponder that one is a good beginning to think how much the negatives of the past in one’s life can affect the presence of your future. Harboring negative thoughts can make one miserable.
Later in his book Dodinsky advises his readers:
“Do not let your shadow walk you. You are not a slave of the past.”
How much at peace might you find if you release yourself of those chains that weigh you down from yesterday?
The art work (Amanda Cass) in this tiny book is most soothing and informative. There is a picture of flying geese in formation and dodinsky shares a tiny remark:
“Be there for others, but never leave yourself behind.”
That nature of geese.
This one is a good reminder too:
“If you stumbled today, remember where and how it felt. Tomorrow, take a different path. Life flourishes from its pain and the lessons we gain.”
Learning can occur every day. I’ve been there many times and this advice may help you along this path of life as well.
I really like this next one!
“They who do not feel darkness have learned to light their own candle.”
Have you ever lit your own candle in a moment of darkness? A lit candle can also be a light not only for yourself, but for others too.
As I read the tiny book, I realize that “Dodinsky“, its author, has lived a most interesting life, and observed a myriad of behaviors and incidents that have impacted his writings.
I like this little gem:
“Sometimes the one you dismiss so easily is the one who will stay to weather the storm with you.”
Have you ever been surprised by someone like this? A person you may have not befriended, but displays the strength that you never expected; a surprise sometimes of human behavior.
Dodinsky adds another thought:
“There are friendships imprinted in our hearts that will never be diminished by time or distance.”
I have been genuinely pleased by those friends beyond time and distance that often show up to my surprise after many, many years in the strangest place.
And you want an idea on how to make yourself feel better? Dodinsky offers this advice:
‘To strengthen the muscles of your heart, the best exercise is lifting someone else’s spirit whenever you can.”
You can do this one often if you only pause briefly before each encounter. I am always reminded that when you give a hug, you always get one in return.
And what of your position in life?
“Do not worry about others leaving you behind. They are not going where you are headed. It is not who finished first, but who saw the most of life.”
For some Dargan kid, this has a lot of meaning for me. I often have never finished first, but the places I have gone and seen, and the experiences I’ve been gifted could fill a journal.
Dodinsky’s wisdom and thoughts are most refreshing and provoking. Simple thoughts put in simple words that provide a place for the reader to pause and ponder.
Many great lessons are often found in simple lines by great writers
There are many little flowers of thoughts that can be found in this author’s garden.
And perhaps the last thought in this book may sum up things nicely:
“When I reach the place of my dreams, I will thank my failures and tears. They too, kept me going.
“In the Garden of Thoughts” is a fine little book that refreshes one’s soul.
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