Meditating on Cayuga Lake, photo by Janice Brodowsky

Photo by Janice Brodowsky
http://janice-brodowsky.blogspot.com/

Gaining Insight from Obstacles, posted by Janice Brodowsky

 

 

Gaining Insight from Obstacles

Using meditation or therapy to try to shut down parts of our experience is ultimately counterproductive. We do not have to be afraid of entering unfamiliar territory once we have learned how to hold experience within the gentleness of our own minds. Learning to transform obstacles into objects of meditation provides a much needed bridge between the stillness of the concentrated mind and the movement of real life.

- Mark Epstein, "Stopping the Wind"

 

Beebe Lake, Ithaca NY

Photo by Janice Brodowsky

The Meaning of Letting Go, by Melodie Beattie. Posted by Janice Brodowsky

"Letting go doesn’t mean we don’t care. Letting go doesn’t mean we shut down. Letting go means we stop trying to force outcomes and make people behave. It means we give up resistance to the way things are, for the moment. It means we stop trying to do the impossible—controlling that which we cannot—and instead, focus on what is possible—which usually means taking care of ourselves. And we do this in gentleness, kindness, and love, as much as possible.” ~ Melody Beattie
Photo taken from my back deck in Ithaca NY by Janice Brodowsky

Deserving Love, posted by Janice Brodowsky

You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.

~ Buddha Quote ~

Peace,
Janice Brodowsky

What You Are Now, posted by Janice Brodowsky

"What you are is what you have been. What you'll be is what you do now."

~ Buddha ~

Peace,
Janice Brodowsky

Being Kind, posted by Janice Brodowsky

Mark Twain has got it right!
Peace,
Janice Brodowsky

Inner Peace, posted by Janice Brodowsky

Peace,

Janice Brodowsky

Beautiful, posted by Janice Brodowsky

Always in Peace,
Janice Brodowsky

Peaceful World, posted by Janice Brodowsky

 

 

 

Thank You Louise Hay!

Peace,

Janice Brodowsky

 

Friendship, posted by Janice Brodowsky

True friends are hard to come by!
Peace,
Janice Brodowsky

Kindness, posted by Janice Brodowsky

So True....
Peace,
Janice Brodowsky

Compassion, posted by Janice Brodowsky

 

 

 

Thich Naht Hanh is wonderful!

Peace,

Janice Brodowsky

Forgiving, posted by Janice Brodowsky

Peace,
Janice Brodowsky

Wise Words, Posted by Janice Brodowsky

“Find the love you seek, by first finding the love within yourself. Learn to rest in that place within you that is your true home.” ~ Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
Learning to love yourself is definitely a priority. No doubt about it.
Something to ponder,
Janice Brodowsky

Photo Blog by Janice Brodowsky

Janice Brodowsky : Photo Blog

Tracks, Photo by Janice Brodowsky

Where do these tracks lead?

Janice Brodowsky

Trail By Cayuga Lake, Photo by Janice Brodowsky

A quiet place to walk in solitude, and a peaceful place to meditate. Glad I found this place so close to work.

Janice Brodowsky

Quietness, by Janice Brodowsky

There is something to be said for silence and quietness. There is a healing element to it. It is hard to achieve though. Whether the noise is all around you, or if your thoughts take you away from the quietness. I guess that's what meditation practice is supposed to be for. Being able to hear the noise, acknowledge it, and then go back to the breath....
In Peace,
Janice Brodowsky

Ithaca Falls in Motion, by Janice Brodowsky

A Beautiful Place in Ithaca, NY

Ithaca Falls

by Janice Brodowsky

Janice Brodowsky : SpringPad : Ithaca Hiking

Trusting The Goodness in Others, posted by Janice Brodowsky

"...when we trust the goodness in others, we become a mirror to help them trust themselves."

From the book Radical Acceptance by Tara Brach

Posted by Janice Brodowsky

Ithaca Falls, Posted by Janice Brodowsky

Ithaca Falls Hike + Driving Directions

by Janice Brodowsky

This is the time when I finally have to discover the beauty of the area that I live in.  Hiking in the woods has always brought me a sense of inner peace. It is time I reclaim that by finding special places in nature where I can feel the sun on my face, and smell the earth lingering in the air. So here is my link to my Springpad collection of places that I would like to go. It's time....
I hope to add to this collection regularly as the weather get's better. Please click here for my in and around Ithaca Hikes-----> Janice Brodowsky : Springpad Collection of Hikes in and Around Ithaca NY

Ithaca Falls

Directions to Ithaca Falls

from www.fingerlakes.com

These directions sound tricky because the road signs are less than helpful, but those who persevere will be rewarded with breathtaking views. If you’re traveling south on Route 13, take the exit for Route 34 North, Auburn and Stewart Park. Follow the signs for Route 34 North, but instead, turn right (south) at the “T” onto East Shore Drive, which becomes Lake Street.

If you’re traveling north, take the exit for Route 34 North, Auburn, and turn right (south) at the end of the ramp onto East Shore Drive, which becomes Lake Street. No matter which direction you’re coming from, follow the road that goes behind the Ithaca schools.

Soon after you pass the Ithaca Junior and Senior High Schools, you will see Ithaca Falls on your left. To stop and see the falls, look for a gravel driveway on your left just after you cross the bridge. Be aware that the path from the parking lot to the gorge is a little steep. It may be easier to walk out to Lake Street and take the trail into the gorge that starts near the Lake Street Bridge.

To see the rest of the gorge, proceed south on Lake Street and up Gun Hill. Half way up the hill on the left you will see an old smoke stack on the former site of the Ithaca Gun Company, which made world-famous shotguns for over a century and was, at one time, powered by Fall Creek.

Continue up the hill, and turn left onto University Avenue and then left onto Stewart Avenue at the “T” in the road. You will pass over the Stewart Avenue Bridge. Immediately after the bridge, take a right onto Fall Creek Drive.

Enjoy the hike,

Janice Brodowsky

The Familiar, quote posted by Janice Brodowsky

"People have a hard time letting go of their suffering. Out of a fear of the unknown, they prefer suffering that is familiar."

-Thich Nhat Hanh

Respectfully posted by Janice Brodowsky

Janice Brodowsky on Tumblr

Click here---> Janice Brodowsky on Tumblr

The Big Picture, Posted by Janice Brodowsky

"I work really hard at trying to see the big picture and not getting stuck in ego. I believe we're all put on this planet for a purpose, and we all have a different purpose... When you connect with that love and that compassion, that's when everything unfolds."

Ellen DeGeneres

posted by Janice Brodowsky

Compassion, posted by Janice Brodowsky

"Here are the values that I stand for: honesty, equality, kindness, compassion, treating people the way you want to be treated and helping those in need. To me, those are traditional values."

Ellen DeGeneres

I haven't really followed much of what Ellen DeGeneres had to say, but I found this quote to be right on the mark.
Peace,
Janice Brodowsky

Inner Peace, posted by Janice Brodowsky

Inner peace is something to strive for.
May you be peaceful today,
Janice Brodowsky

Letting Go, posted by Janice Brodowsky

"The starting point is realizing that letting go is not a dramatic moment we build upto some time in the future. It is happening now, in the present moment—it is not singular but ongoing. Letting go is based on our present realization of the reality of impermanence."

-Tricycle Magazine, Fall 2006

Janice Brodowsky on Tumblr

Janice Brodowsky trying out Tumblr
http://www.tumblr.com/blog/janice-brodowsky

What You Believe, posted by Janice Brodowsky

“Everything that happens to you is a reflection of what you believe about yourself. We cannot outperform our level of self-esteem. We cannot draw to ourselves more than we think we are worth.”
-Iyanla Vanzant

I found this to be a profound quote. Seems simple in theory, however we all know it takes lots of work to change old beliefs. Although these old beliefs generate pain, it is familiar, and hard to change. Let this quote serve as a reminder that positive change is possible, and trying the same thing over and over again, will not produce different results.

Janice Brodowsky on Instagram

Click ----> To go to Janice Brodowsky on Instagram

Janice Brodowsky's Thought of the Day

When all else fails...I still have my cat.

Photo of Paws by Janice Brodowsky

The Cat in The Hat Has it Right, posted by Janice Brodowsky

A simple thought that sometimes seems the most complicated. Think about it....

Peace,

Janice Brodowsky

Good Article About Mindfulness, from Springpad : Janice Brodowsky

Click this link for a good article on Janice Brodowsky's SpringPad.
Janice Brodowsky : SpringPad Mindfulness Article
Peace,
Janice Brodowsky

A Prayer For My Friend C.C., by Janice Brodowsky

As I am not one who generally prays, I have been moved to do so now. You see, I have a friend that I work with who's entire life changed within seconds. I will respect his privacy by not using his name or any details of what happened to him. All I can say is that he is one of the kindest, most compassionate, and caring people I know. Seeing him suffer brings me (and everyone else who knows him) great pain, and leaves me wondering why it seems that the "good people" in the world seem to suffer the most. So I'm sending healing thoughts into the universe. Chances are nobody will ever read this blog, especially him. Writing this and sending it into the Internet cosmos feels like how it might be to put a message in a bottle and casting it out to sea with hopes that it will reach some destination. My deepest wish is that some of the kindness that he has bestowed upon everyone, will somehow come full circle and come back to him in the form of healing. C.C., You are in all of our hearts. Please get well. We need you, we love you, and miss your smiling face.
Praying for You my friend,
Janice Brodowsky

Janice Brodowsky on Quora

Interesting question and answer site.
Janice Brodowsky : Quora

Before Work, photo by Janice Brodowsky

This is what I saw right before I left for work this morning. It was gone in a second. Trying to live in the moment....
Janice Brodowsky

Janice Brodowsky on Naymz

Nanz is a place to bring all of Janice Brodowsky's links together in a centralized location. This is in an experimental phase, and will be evaluated as to it's worth and effectiveness. Here is the link:
Janice Brodowsky on Naymz
Peace,
Janice Brodowsky, Ithaca NY

Mindfulness and Meditation Book List by Janice Brodowsky

Here's a link to my Amazon list of good Mindfulness, Meditation etc. list. http://www.amazon.com/Janice-Brodowskys-Mindfulness-Meditation-Buddhism/lm/RPW943QIW2IH0
Peace,
Janice Brodowsky

Book Review: The Sociopath Next Door, Review by Janice Brodowsky

My review of this book is on Goodreads. Here is the link: Janice Brodowsky's Review of The Sociopath Next Door by Martha Stout

My Grandpa Max by Janice Brodowsky

Grandpa Max was a wonderful man. In memory and in honor of him, I am putting a link on my blog to a post I have written back in 2000 on the Ancestry.co.m website geneology forum. I will always love and remember my Grandpa, and will always remember the Nestled Crunch Bars that he would keep in the refrigerator for me. Here is my link to Grandpa Max Kornberg: My Grandpa Max, by Janice Brodowsky
Also, I just found a link to the 1940 US Census where Grandpa Max, Grandma Sarah, my Mother Rose, and Uncle Izzy are listed as well. This is very cool. Janice Brodowsky's Grandpa and the Kornberg family listed on the 1940 Census

Janice Brodowsky on Facebook

I have so many mixed feelings about Facebook. It was a novelty in the beginning, which was maybe five or six years ago. I played games like Pet Society and Farm Town, and became hooked. I also witnessed people using Facebook to publicly air their issues with the people in their lives who they may be angry with at any given time. On the positive side, Facebook is a way to reconnect long lost friends, and enable families who live far apart to keep in touch through posts and pictures. Over the years, I have eased up on my Facebook usage, although I do enjoy sharing photos, quotes, and will "like" or comment on posts that I relate to or find interesting. So, in the spirit of connecting and sharing, here is a link to my Facebook profile. I've made some of my posts and information public. I very rarely accept friend requests anymore, as I am satisfied with the Facebook friends I currently have. So, here I am on Facebook: Click here---> Janice Brodowsky on Facebook

My StumbleUpon Likes, by Janice Brodowsky

StumbleUpon is really cool. A surprise with every click! Here is a link to the stuff I "Like."
Janice Brodowsky on StumbleUpon
Janice Brodowsky

The Sunset Before Spring, photo by Janice Brodowsky

This was happening around 7:15 PM tonight. Lots of snow still outside. You would never know that tomorrow is the first day of spring.

Peace,
Janice Brodowsky

Janice Brodowsky on Flickr

Here's a link to my photos on Flikr. ----> Janice Brodowsky on Flickr Some I've taken myself, others are downloaded from the Internet. Photography is one of my favorite things!
Janice Brodowsky

Janice Brodowsky on LinkedIn

Janice Brodowsky's link to her LinkedIn profile page:
Click Here--->Janice Brodowsky on LinkedIn
Peace,
Janice Brodowsky

Janice Brodowsky on Vimeo

I'm starting to upload some videos to Vimeo. Here is a link to my Vimeo page:
Janice Brodowsky on Vimeo
Enjoy,
Janice Brodowsky

The Right Direction, posted by Janice Brodowsky

“If we are facing in the right direction, all we have to do is keep on walking.” -Unknown

My Vimeo Stuff, by Janice Brodowsky

Here is a link to the beginning of my Vimeo creations.
vimeo.com/janicebrodowsky

Janice Brodowsky

A Real Friend, by Janice Brodowsky

A real friend is someone who tells you that they will always be your friend, even if you haven't spoken in a long time. They understand that sometimes life leads you through twists and turns, and still cares about you even if you get "lost" for a while. That is a friendship that is to be treasured.
May we all have at least one friend like that....

Janice Brodowsky

Kitties (a little off topic), by Janice Brodowsky

Ok, so this is a little off the subject of Mindfulness, but who can resist a cute Kittie...or two, or three, or more? Enjoy my little photo montage of my Cat Paws, along with other babies I've had over the years. I've also included photos I've collected of adorable cats for cuteness sake! :)
Enjoy,
Janice Brodowsky

Humor, The Best Medicine by Janice Brodowsky

We'll start with a quote:
"Good humor is a tonic for mind and body. It is the best antidote for anxiety and depression. It is a business asset. It attracts and keep friends. It lightens human burdens. It is the direct route to serenity and contentment."
Greenville Kleisser

How very true! Thank God for humor, as the alternatives aren't very funny. I believe there is an element to humor that not only helps us cope with pain, but can be healing as well. Think about the last time you laughed, and I mean laughed hard. The after effects of laughter and humor lifts us out of dark places, even if only momentarily.
Janice Brodowsky

When all else fails, my silly cat makes me laugh. Although this isn't a picture of her, she knocks things off of tables and counters all the time. The expression on her face after she does this is priceless, as she always looks at what my reaction will be when she does it. How can you not laugh!

A Rescued Kittie is Something to be Joyous About by Janice Brodowsky

My dear friend is adopting a rescued kittie this afternoon. Her name is Dee Dee and we're so excited that she will have her forever home and a mommie that loves her.
Janice Brodowsky

We can't wait to get her out of the little cage she's been in for 2.5 months, and into a warm house with good food, a warm bed, and fun toys for her to play with. This is sheer happiness that I wish I could share with everyone! Her new mommie is going to adore her!
Janice Brodowsky

Janice Brodowsky : Review of "The Idiots Guide To Buddhism"

Janice Brodowsky : Review
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Buddhism by Gary Gach

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Janice Brodowsky : Very brief review
Your typical "Idiots Guide" or "Dummies" book. It's a good book for the absolute beginner who knows nothing about Buddhism. Has the typical cute icons and blurbs along the way to explain things in a simple way.



View all my reviews

Lessons Learned by Janice Brodowsky

Janice Brodowsky:
There is some comfort in knowing that others have been through difficult times and have gotten through them. These difficult times are supposed to make us stronger. It's too bad that these life lessons can't be learned from joyous events. I guess that's the nature of life.

Grief and Loss, Posted by Janice Brodowsky

Comfort comes from knowing that people have made the same journey. And solace comes from understanding how others have learned to sing again ~ Helen Steiner Rice

Janice Brodowsky : Review of Finding True Refuge: Meditations for Difficult Times (Meditations Audio) by Tara Brach

Peace,
Janice Brodowsky
Finding True Refuge: Meditations for Difficult Times by Tara Brach

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Tara's audiobook "Finding True Refuge" is a collection of meditations that address healing, forgiveness, dealing with loss, along with other things that are connected to being human. Tara's calming voice and guidance provides comfort during times that may be extraordinarily difficult. Tara has created a safe space when it's needed most. All of Tara's work is awesome, and has touched many lives, including my own.
Thank You Tara!
- Janice Brodowsky
http://janicebrodowsky.blogspot.com



View all my reviews

Janice Brodowsky : Review of Meditations for Emotional Healing by Tara Brach

Read my review of Tara Brach's Meditations For Emotional Healing here ---> Meditations for Emotional Healing: Finding Freedom in the Face of Difficulty by Tara Brach

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Tara Brach has a gentle and unique way of guiding you through healing meditations. This audio presentation is wonderful addition to her other works. I highly recommend any and all of Tara Brach's books and guided meditations.
Peace,
Janice Brodowsky
http://janicebrodowsky.blogspot.com/



View all my reviews

The Sociopath Next Door, Reviewed by Janice Brodowsky

Janice Brodowsky : I'm considering starting another blog on the Sociopath. In the meantime, here is a review of The Sociopath Next Door by Martha Stout.
The Sociopath Next Door by Martha Stout

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Janice Brodowsky : Review of The Sociopath Next Door
This book was an eye opener. It answered lots of questions for me regarding my confusion over the lack of remorse and lack of conscience that these individuals have. Their charm, and their declaration of deep love isn't real, even though we want to believe it. It is beyond the scope of my imagination that someone can "seem" like they love someone so deeply, yet not care at all about completely devastating them. Even more interesting, is the "gaslighting" that goes on which only adds more confusion. This book is a "must read" for anyone who doesn't listen to the little voice inside that is telling them that something is very wrong. It also serves to validate that it isn't YOU who is crazy, even though the sociopath in your life may eventually drive you to that point. After your money is gone along with your self esteem, they will move on to someone else who provides them with the excitement, stimulation, and money they thrive on. On many occasions, they begin this process before they are done with you in extraordinarily hurtful ways (i.e. by betraying you in unspeakable ways while still living with you, and while continuing to deny everything, hence their lack of real compassion). This book shows that having someone in your life like this is a no win situation, and that the best and only thing to do is to run as fast and as far away as you can. There is no cure for this personality disorder.




View all my reviews

We're harder on ourselves then...by Janice Brodowsky

“The most difficult times for many of us are the ones we give ourselves.”
― Pema Chödrön, When Things Fall Apart: Heart Advice For Difficult Times


Janice Brodowsky on Pema Chodron's Quote: "It really is interesting that much of the time, we are harder on ourselves than others are on us. Also, when others are hard on us, even if unfounded and not based in reality, we hang on to that as if it is the truth, even if it is not."

Janice Brodowsky on Instagram

Some photos I've taken, and some I've collected on Instagram.
Janice Brodowsky on Instagram

Observe...by Janice Brodowsky

Thich Nhat Hanh is an amazing human being with a gentle spirit. His words can soothe and encourage you to reflect on "What is."

Thanks To Tara Brach For This from Janice Brodowsky

Thank you Tara Brach. Your kind heart and wisdom are very comforting.

"It is through realizing loving presence as our very essence, through being that presence, that we discover true... fb.me/1bWgmw3Ck

— Tara Brach (@TaraBrach) February 27, 2013

Link to Janice Brodowsky

Janice Brodowsky : Another Link
Janice Brodowsky : SpringPad Notebook on Mindfulness and Other Related Topics

30 Seconds of Snow by Janice Brodowsky

Watch for 30 seconds...breath....

Something to strive for, posted by Janice Brodowsky

It is a challenge to quiet our mind. At least it is for me. There are always thoughts going on. I try to allow them to happen, to acknowledge them, not fight them, and then try to come back to the experiencence of the moment. Which could be anything from a candle flickering, to my cat crunching on her food. All of this is easier said than done. It takes lots of practice....and silence can be good and very healing. So now I'll be quiet....and rest in the experience of "what is."
Posted by Janice Brodowsky

A place to go in your mind...

Janice Brodowsky: In my dreams

"Surrender"....an Eckhart Tolle Quote posted by Janice Brodowsky

"Sometimes surrender means giving up trying to understand and becoming comfortable with not knowing."
   -Eckhart Tolle


Posted 2/21/13 by Janice Brodowsky

Janice Brodowsky : SpringPad Sharing About All Things Mindful

I'm starting a collection of Mindfulness and other related clippings and sharing them on SpringPad. I will be collecting everything that may provide inspiration or guidance pertaining to living mindfully, healing, kindness, and compassion. My hope is that I find things that not only help myself along this path, but others who have similar thoughts about these topics. There isn't a heck of a lot there yet, but this is only the beginning of my collection. I hope to add to it regularly.

Hope this helps even just a little.

Peace,
Janice Brodowsky

Click the following link if this is of interest to you:
Janice Brodowsky : SpringPad Notebook on Mindfulness and Other Related Topics

Janice Brodowsky : Review of Tara Brach's "Finding True Refuge: Meditations for Difficult Times"

My review of Tara Brach's audio cd, "Finding True Refuge"
Finding True Refuge: Meditations for Difficult Times by Tara Brach

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Tara's audiobook "Finding True Refuge" is a collection of meditations that address healing, forgiveness, dealing with loss, along with other things that are connected to being human. Tara's calming voice and guidance provides comfort during times that may be extraordinarily difficult. Tara has created a safe space when it's needed most. All of Tara's work is awesome, and has touched many lives, including my own.
Thank You Tara!
- Janice Brodowsky
http://janicebrodowsky.blogspot.com



View all my reviews

Daybreak by Janice Brodowsky

There are many things about having to get up before dawn in order to get to work. Some are good, and some not so good. This beautiful sunrise that I saw this morning helped me stay in the moment, even though it passed very quickly. I find it hard to live in the "now" and not dwell in the past, or worry about the future. Seeing the beauty of the sun making it's way above the horizon, was a reminder to me this morning, that there is a peaceful place between the past and the future, and that is in the beauty of the present moment.