Tag: YouTube;

Posted in Uncategorized

Celebrating World Happiness Day 2018!

Posted on by rachaelathomasj

“For every minute you are angry you lose sixty seconds of happiness.”

– Ralph Waldo Emerson

Today (March 20) is World Happiness Day! I hope that your day was filled with happiness and if it was not, I hope that there was some measure of happiness for you today! If it hasn’t been like that yet please know that the day is not over and happiness will greet you soon. It will appear in the form of laughter, a smile or a kind word.

Happiness we can all agree should come from within and can manifest itself through any of the ways mentioned above- in a smile, a kind word, a thoughtful gesture or just pure laughter!

Here is a link to some quotes which I found and I am happy to share:   https://www.brainyquote.com/topics/happiness

Hopefully there is something there which can resonate with you and also something that was able to pique your interest.

In continuing allow me to ask,  have you heard what the UN report said about Trinidad and Tobago’s happiness Index? Please have a look at this video:

Now look at Trinidad and Tobago in relation to the top 10 countries that are the happiest in the world.

Now stop for a minute and ask yourself what makes Finland the world’s happiest country. Then be sure to look at the video below.

In closing this is my message to you: Spread the love, spread the laughter, spread the happiness! 

Stay away from anyone who tries to steal your happiness! If you cannot stay away from the one who tries to steal your happiness just do not let them or their negativity or their nonsense get the better of you!

From me to you, Happy International Happiness Day 2018!

 

Posted in Nature and the Environment, Uncategorized

Celebrating Nature: Recyling

Posted on by rachaelathomasj

Hi all,

It is indeed a blessed occasion when I have the opportunity to share a post with you! This post is dedicated to Celebrating Nature and Recycling (mainly Trini Style) but it’s all about embracing nature, respecting it and protecting it!

We can all agree that protecting our environment and respecting it will help us to minimize the impact of climate change being faced throughout the world. Together, let’s do it!

Here are some sites worth checking out:

http://www.all-recycling-facts.com/recycling-statistics.html

https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/electronic-waste-recycling-un_us_5a30f30de4b01bdd76588e5c

https://www.fastcompany.com/40510592/to-keep-plastic-out-of-the-ocean-companies-are-starting-to-add-it-to-their-products

https://news.nationalgeographic.com/2017/07/plastic-produced-recycling-waste-ocean-trash-debris-environment/

Did you know that you can help recycling plastics, glass, paper, tetra packs and lots of other things right here in Trinidad and Tobago? Just imagine if we all do our part or we all do a little, our effort can make a difference and result in less pollution and maybe less flooding and unwanted diseases! Just imagine doing a little may mean that our effort can help save a live or lives as the case may be! Let’s all do something to help!

A simple search on Google for “recycling in Trinidad and Tobago” will produce very useful information.

The iCARE Project is a project of the Environmental Management Agency (EMA). This National Project is aimed at the Collection of Recyclable Solid Waste. At present there are a minimum of 58 iCARE Collection Bins throughout the country where plastic, glass, tetrapaks and aluminium cans can be placed for recycling. To recycle these items here is what must be done:

  • Items must be collected and rinsed.
  • They must be placed in a transparent bag.

For more information on the iCARE Project please visit http://www.ema.co.tt/new/index.php/component/content/article/9-uncategorised/482-icare

For recycling paper you can contact Ace Recycling Limited. You can visit their website at http://www.acerecyclingcaribbean.com/   or you can contact them at (868) 290-2970.  At Ace Recycling they provide a wide range of services which can be found at http://www.acerecyclingcaribbean.com/services.php .

It provides a free cardboard and paper recycling service throughout Trinidad and Tobago and after calling to schedule collection waste paper or cardboard can be collected within 48 hours.

It is to be noted that glass can also be recycled at Carib Glassworks. For more information on this please visit https://www.caribglass.com/recycle

In searching through recycling here in Trinidad and Tobago I found the video that I have included below. Kudos to the students of St. Stephen’s College on this initiative!

In closing allow me to share this video from October 2017:

 

Posted in January 6th, Uncategorized

Celebrating January 6th!

Posted on by rachaelathomasj

Did you know that there is a lot of History associated with January 6th? Like all other days on the calendar which are associated with a lot of History similarly January 6th is associated with a lot of History. In this post I am opting to share some of the history regarding January 6th with you.

Before continuing however please  allow me to wish everyone who celebrates a Birthday on January 6th a very very Happy Birthday!

 

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Photo courtesy WishAFriend.com

 

 

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Photo courtesy WishAFriend.com

 

January 6th marks is the date marked as the Epiphany -the 12th day of the Christmas. It is a major Christian celebration around the world known as the “Feast Day” and “Three Kings Day”.  It is also the date many opt to take down their Christmas trees and it marks the conclusion of the 12 days of Christmas!

Here is some information that has been provided about the Epiphany: https://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/common/epiphany

In doing some research on it I came across lots of interesting things that happened on January 6th.

Here are two useful links worth checking both of which are from The Associated Press:

https://wtop.com/media-galleries/2018/01/today-in-history-jan-6/slide/1/

Here is also something that may pique the interest of others- those celebrities who were born on January 6th!

Before ending here is one more thing to add to this post. Did you know that Sherlock Holmes was born on January 6th?  Below is a picture I came across.

sherlock holmes

To confirm it you can do your own search on Google and you will see for yourself.  You can also do a search on any search engine for that matter.

Thank you for taking the time to read! In closing it is my sincere hope that you found some useful information.

Once again Happy Birthday to all those born on January 6th!

Also to everyone the world over Happy New Year 2018 once again!

 

 

Posted in Happy New Year 2018, Uncategorized

Celebrating Life: Happy New Year 2018!

Posted on by rachaelathomasj

Happy New Year CEHappy New Year to everyone!

As we bid farewell to 2017 and welcome  2018 I wish you a Bright, Blessed and Happy New Year! I hope we can celebrate 2018 together and take it by celebration after celebration!

By no means do I want to make this a long post but I want it to be a true celebration of good things to come for all of us and a celebration of all that we have overcome in 2017! Let’s promise to take it one day at a time and remember that everytime you feel down this is one place you can visit to find something that may cheer you up or inspire you to continue!

cropped-celebrate-your-existence    each day is a blessing

Celebrating Existence Post

All in all this blog comprises of 81 posts. What is my challenge to you for 2018? Find as many posts on my page that can inspire either you or someone you know. Then share them and make someone’s day better! Whether it is one line or one link if it can make a positive difference please share it.

I urge you once again to  please download SGSPosts for positive and uplifting messages if you have not already done this. It is an app which delivers messages by His Holiness Param Pujya Dr Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji that are based on ‘peace, love,  brotherhood and universal co-existence’ across the world. You can download it using any of these links:

  1. https://bnc.lt/sgsposts
  2. https://itunes.apple.com/tt/app/sgs-posts/id1097382754?mt=8 (For iPhone users)
  3. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.sgsragasagara.sgs_posts  (For Android users)

In closing please enjoy these musical treats:

Allow me also to share what ended 2017 for me on a high note. Below is the link to His Holiness Param Pujya Dr Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji’s Healing and Meditation Concert in Taipei, Taiwan yesterday (Dec 31, 2017). Sri Swamiji’s concert was a Nada Gita Raga Sagara and it was viewed by many Datta devotees the world over. Please remember it is a Healing and Meditation Concert so do not open this link if you are driving, going to drive, operating machinery or about to operate machinery.

https://livestream.com/YogaSangeeta3/dec2017/videos/167806092

Once again everyone Happy New Year 2018! Lots of love from me to each of you now and always!

 

 

Posted in Reading

Reading is Knowing!

Posted on by rachaelathomasj

A book is a gift you can open again and again. —Garrison Keillor

It is books that are the key to the wide world; if you can’t do anything else, read all that you can. —Jane Hamilton

writer blessing

My last post on reading entitled, “Celebrating Reading the Kindle Way” truly was a pleasure.  To me reading is a gift that can be enjoyed with others and I see my writing (be it via a blog post, social media post, email, my writing projects in the making or even my WhatsApp messages) as a means of sharing with others.

reading quote

From the time it was posted I knew I needed to do a Part 2 of it and here it is:

There are so many avenues where you can access free e-books. Some of course are a bit different to others but all in all will appeal to readers looking for different genres, people of different age groups as well as people from different cultures.

Without further ado here are some links worth checking out:

http://ufdc.ufl.edu/baldwin/all/thumbs (This is a link to 6000 free e-books that allows you to Print, Send, Save and Share)

https://archive.org/details/yrlsc_childrens&tab=collection (This is a link to 1800 e-books which are also free and can be downloaded in various formats such as PDF, ePub and Kindle)

https://www.getfreeebooks.com/

Here are some apps that may pique your interest which are applicable to Android users:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.askneo.android.fbk (  Free E-Books for Kindle) 

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.spreadson.freebooks

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.prestigio.ereader

Trust me there are lots more apps that are available and this applies to both Android and iPhone users. All you have to do is go to the Playstore or Apps Store and enter this very simple search term “free ebooks” or try searching “free book apps”.   

From me to you, happy reading!

In closing here are also some videos that might lead you to some very interesting finds:

 

Posted in Celebrating Existence, Christmas

Celebrating Christmas 2017!

Posted on by rachaelathomasj

Celebrating Existence Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas 2017 to everyone!

Merry Christmas 1Here is a musical treat from us to you! It is being sent your way with lots of love and best wishes from us to you! We hope that you have been having a great day and enjoy what is left of it.

 

Posted in World Kindness Day

Celebrating World Kindness Day 2017!

Posted on by rachaelathomasj

Happy World Kindness Day 2017

Happy World Kindness Day 2017 everyone!

What does kindness mean? The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines kindness as “the quality or state of being gentle and considerate.”

My take on kindness is this: Kindness is free. It starts with one and can be spread to millions. I believe that kindness is a way of life and it is something we should always practice. It costs nothing but offer major benefits. Won’t you say?

Here is some information shared by CaCao TV . In this video the history of World Kindness Day is explained. There are 5 fast facts on World Kindness Day that I am certain can help in understanding how important this day is and why it is important. If you cannot click the video below please click on the link  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xStyjUQNrHs

Now, here are some interesting perspectives on kindness! They are all valid and each speaker offers a unique experience! The question it asks is: Are you kind? So are you? In answering yourself please be honest but I am sure that you are reading this because kindness is something you can identify with. Again I have included the link for those who are in need of it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oazzrkh2X9o

As we move on I am happy to let you know that I opted to choose the video below because I love the way kindness has been depicted in it.  Like the other videos I am sure there is something we can all identify with. This video is very engaging and it helps us understand how kindness helps us as well as others. As with the other videos here is the link in case you need it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ju3ygNPFH98

Always remember that being kind is something we should all be inspired to be! A part of treating others as you would like to be treated means improving your quality of life. This will result in a happier and a more fulfilled you!  In an effort to offer you further motivation I have opted to include this link that leads you to 25 quotes on kindness: https://www.inc.com/peter-economy/25-quotes-about-kindness-that-will-inspire-you-to-make-a-difference-and-be-happy.html

In closing I urge you to always be kind! This message shared by His Holiness Param Pujya Dr. Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji says it all. It provides a profound message on how to life. As His Holiness Param Pujya Dr. Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji says in one of His SGSPosts today, “Be simple, generous, kind and truthful.”

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Please don’t let all these precious messages fall on deaf ears! As I always say it’s yours for the taking! Happy World Kindness Day 2017!

Posted in Uncategorized

Celebrating the Power of Silence!

Posted on by rachaelathomasj

imagesI5DQML35Let’s celebrate the Power of Silence or as I choose to call it, The Lost Art of Shhhh! Silence according to the Merriam Webster dictionary is the “complete absence of sound”. But what is the power of silence? It is the ability to search within and find that inner peace that none can disturb. This is not impossible but like everything else it takes practice.  I am happy to share these images with you:

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“Silence the Mind by Simply Watching the Breath”- HH Param Pujya Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji
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“Mirror reflects body. Meditation reveals Soul.”- HH Param Pujya Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji
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“Experience the Soul”- HH Param Pujya Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji

Have a look at this video:

This is an excerpt from a speech by HH Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji on the evening of September 4, 2014 at Meinberg, Germany. Here is the link to the rest of the speech by His Holiness:  http://dattavani.org/pravachana-malika/datta-vaakya/datta-vaakya-2014/september-2014/sep-4-2014/

Silence quotes according to HH Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji:
“1) In silence there are no quarrels.
2) Silence lies beyond the realm of judgment.
3) Silence is peace.
4) True silence occurs when the mind is still.
5) In silence there are no questions.
6) Creativity begins with silence.
7) The source of innovation is silence.
8) When the leaves stop rustling, the trees enjoy silence.
9) It is in silence that a fruit ripen to sweetness.
10) A flower gathers its colors in absolute silence.
11) True friends communicate best in silence.
12) Listening to pure silence is bliss.
13) To a screaming mind, silence is unbearable.
14) Silence teaches many things.
15) Silence can be peaceful, uncomfortable or ominous.
16) When thoughts are unclear, silence clears them.
17) A spell of silence brings clarity to situations.
18) Beautiful snowflakes fall so silently.
19) When silence is comfortable, there is peace in the air.
20) Compassion can be shown in perfect silence.
21) The silence of stubbornness is not pleasing.
22) When the mind is silent, the soul gets refreshed.
23) In deep sleep there is silence.
24) Silence speaks more eloquently than words.
25) There is music in silence.
26) Restless minds are frightened by silence.
27) Silence weaves lovely, soothing patterns.
28) Total silence turns the mind off.
29) In silence not even a leaf moves.
30) Words sometimes hinder communication.
31) The mighty and glorious Sun rises in deep silence.
32) The moon beams gently descend in silence.
33) The stars twinkle in absolute silence.
34) Silence empowers.
35) Words create a storm. Silence makes it calm.
36) Silence is sacred.
37) No communication. No conflict.
38) Beyond the realm of judgment lies silence.
39) In peace there is silence.
40) When the mind is still, it is true silence.
41) A questioning mind is not silent.
42) Silence inspires innovation.”

Here we are provided with a lot of great advice! They are priceless words and precious messages. Do not let these messages fall on deaf ears! What do we need to do? We need to Listen, we need to put these words into practice, we need to focus on being more silent. I

In closing please have a look at some of these other quotes which you might find helpful:

 

 

 

 

 

Posted in IT Guru Seva,, Uncategorized, You Tube

Celebrating Divinity: Appaji’s Trinidad visit 2016!

Posted on by rachaelathomasj

20160727_221948Jaya Guru Datta!

On July 26th, 2016  His Holiness Param Pujya Sri Sri Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda arrived in Trinidad.

It was a day devotees and members of the Datta family were looking forward to and many were determined to spend as much time as they could in the divine presence of Sri Swamiji.

Here are some pictures that show the welcome Sri Swamiji received:

 

 

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Many  turned out in their numbers from the night of Appaji’s arrival to the time of His departure and His visit was marked by a number of very memorable occasions, namely:

Witnessing Appaji performing puja on a daily basis was not an opportunity to miss!

appaji-doing-puja2

 

Listening to Sri Swamiji’s discourses were as always very inspiring.

appaji-doing-puja

As always there is a message for everyone and it is important to put it to use! Here are some useful links:

Hearing Appaji singing Bhajans

Receiving Sri Swamiji’s darshan is indescribable! It is a divine blessing and one to cherish!

 

The consecration rituals and ceremony for the murtis of Lord  Rama’s  Parivaar and Lord Satyanarayan at Dattatreya Yoga Centre in Carapichaima.

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Appaji, our Swamiji, His Holiness Sri Sri Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda was presented with His 5th Guinness World Record

appaji-world-record

Epic Hanuman Chalisa ChanTTing here Hanuman Chalisa Chanting was led by His Holiness Sri Swamiji:

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The consecration of the Shiva Lingam and the Murti of Mother Durga at the Datta Shiva Ram Temple in Princes Town and the consecration of the Navgrahas at the Sri Sachchidananda Yoga Ashram in Penal were two more very memorable occasions and these will be shared in a later post. Here are some pictures from these events so you have a great idea of what those posts  will include:

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Many were sad to see Appaji leave but as Appaji says, “I am always here, I am always with you!”

Appaji we love You!  Appaji Thank You for giving us Your continued Darshan! Appaji Thank You for showering us with Your Love  and Thank You for taking care of us! We are proud members of the Datta family! We are proud and humbled to have You as our Appaji, our Swamiji, our Sadguru and so much more!

Sadguru Maharaj Ki Jai! Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Ki Jai! Jai Veer Hanuman! Karya Siddhi Hanuman Ki  Jai!

 

Posted in Uncategorized

Celebrating Mother’s Day 2016!

Posted on by rachaelathomasj

mothers day 2016Happy Mother’s Day to all Mothers the world over!

In commemoration of Mother’s Day 2016 this post is dedicated to our Mother (My Mom, Ria’s Mom and Ricky’s Mom)!

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Happy pic with my Mom, Mrs Doris Thomas!

She is patient, she is kind, she is loving and she is our Mom- Doris Thomas! More so, everyone who knows her will agree that she is devoted and committed not only to our family, but to everyone who has a place in her life! She always gives of her best and wears a beautiful smile! She listens and she is considerate of others!

As old as I am I call my Mom everyday (a couple times a day most times) and she never makes me think I am bothering her one bit, even though she might be busy! There are so many fond memories we have of Mom and as we look forward to the future, we look forward to more and more memories.

mummy

Today did not turn out the way I was hoping as I have been fighting a crappy virus for 2 weeks and my crazy schedule with assignments and final papers have not helped one bit. I so wanted to be home and see Mom, Dad and my sister but it didn’t turn out as I expected!

whats app status

Honestly I can’t afford to let anybody else get it from me as it’s one of the worst experiences I have had for a while- coughing, sneezing, being confined to bed. I’m sorry I did not get to see Mom but I will see her and the rest of our family as soon as I get better!

funlava.com

goodmorningquote.comI would always be grateful for every moment I have with my Mom! No amount of words can express my gratitude and my appreciation for everything my Mom has done but I always try to let Mom know I love her, I am thankful and appreciative.

Here are some things which can let us know about the Mom  we have been blessed with and I’m just using my experiences:

  • If I am not sure about something I can call and guides me or tells me what to do.
  • If she doesn’t hear from us (she knows when I call),  she would call to find out if we’re okay.
  • My degree will soon be over. I will be honest in saying some days have been easier than others. It’s been so crazy that sometimes it’s been difficult to say how far into the semester it’s been. Mom has been on a countdown with me throughout.
  • At one point I thought of taking a break as Mom said, “If you don’t start there will be no end, but if you do, you’ll see it.”
  • Like Dad, Mom has always given us her best! They have never shirked their responsibilities and have always urged us to be the best that we can be! They have been there for us!

I know that not all of us have the same experiences but all of our experiences teach us something, and essentially give us more to appreciate! In this video there must be something we can all identify with. Please have a look at it.

This next video tells a story of its own and it’s especially for this occasion. Indeed it encompasses different music genres but it reminds us and offers a lot we can relate to.

Hopefully there is a lot you can enjoy from this as it offers a lot! Have a look:

Once again, Happy Mother’s Day to all Mothers the world over! Enjoy your special day! We hope you have a great day!