Wise Words for You

Contentment comes from appreciation. Knowing this I remain constantly grateful for all the things mother earth gives. Every day I say a heartfelt “thanks” for giving me the capacity to learn and exist meaningfully.

  Most of us are of sound mind, but many of us have trouble maintaining a note of harmony and peace. Most of us know how to think, but few of us are able to control our thoughts. We all have the capacity to be creative, to image new ideas, but few of us are able to do it together and co-create in harmony with each other. We could all do with some mental training so that we may use the most powerful energy in the universe, the mind, which is always at our instant disposal. We can begin with mindfulness. It’s a simple way to gently help our mind go where it is best to go, do what is the best thing to do. It begins by simply being fully aware of what you are doing. Mostly we are not fully aware, as our minds wander into the past and then into possible futures. We spend most of our time watching others and so rarely fully focus on what we are actually doing ourselves. Next time you sit down to a meal, watch your self. Be aware of only what you are eating. Every time your mind wants to ...

  The one who knows the art of connecting to others is successful. When someone is not behaving well, we tend to alter our attitude, response and behaviour toward that person. We wait for the other person to change, before changing ourselves. When I know the art of perceiving others’ specialities and connecting to them, I will always be successful. I am then not dependent on the other person’s behaviour for my own growth. I am able to see each person’s positive aspects and absorb them in myself too. Then I become richer with every interaction.

  Image caption,  Mae Muller (UK), Loreen (Sweden) and Iru Khechanovi (Georgia) are among this year's Eurovision hopefuls.  By Mark Savage BBC Music Correspondent The countdown has begun. This Friday marks 40 days until Eurovision week kicks off with a "turquoise carpet" opening ceremony in Liverpool. All 37 songs have now been submitted, with lyrics addressing everything from demonic possession to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. As always, the quality's about as consistent as a vat of jelly, but there are some gems amongst the inevitable onslaught of power ballads. What follows is a highly subjective attempt to rank them all. You'll undoubtedly disagree, and I've inevitably snubbed someone's favourite. But that's the beauty of Eurovision: Everyone gets a say, and my opinion is no more important than anyone else's. (Also, I have a terrible track record in predicting the winner, so there's that.) With that in mind, let's have some fun. You...