Author Archives: Laura Dobson

A story told by Faraduddin Attar, 12th Century, Persia, about the desert saint Rabia al-Adawiyya, 8th Century Iraq, “Once when Rabia al-Adawiyya was travelling on a pilgrimage to Mecca, she found herself alone in the desert for several days.She heard a voice saying, “Hey, holy woman, do you love the presence of the divine glory?”“IContinue reading “Thought for the day, Friday 29th April”

“You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view… Until you climb inside of his skin and walk around in it.” Harper Lee, author of To Kill a Mockingbird, born on this day in 1926

“In the woods a man casts off his years, as the snake his slough, and at whatever period of life, is always a child. In the woods, is perpetual youth. Within these plantations of God, a decorum and sanctity reign, a perennial festival is dressed, and the guest sees not how he should tire ofContinue reading “Thought for the day, Wednesday 27th April”

“Honour and revere the gods, treat human beings as they deserve, be tolerant with others and strict with yourself. Remember, nothing belongs to you but your flesh and blood – and nothing else is under your control.” Marcus Aurelius, born on this day in 121

“Just don’t give up trying to do what you really want to do. Where there is love and inspiration, I don’t think you can go wrong.” Ella Fitzgerald, born on this day in 1917

From The Earth Path by Starhawk, “May all the healers of the earth find their own healing. May they be fueled by passionate love for the earth.May they know their fear but not be stopped by fear. May they feel their anger and yet not be ruled by rage. May they honor their grief butContinue reading “Thought for the day, Sunday 24th April”

“This above all: to thine own self be true,And it must follow, as the night the day,Thou canst not then be false to any man.” William Shakespeare, born on this day in 1564, died on this day in 1616

Once, the Buddha was sitting in meditation, and someone came to him and asked: “Lord Buddha, you teach compassion, forgiveness, love and forbearance – from where did you learn all these wonderful qualities? Who is your teacher?” Pointing towards the soil, the Buddha said: “I learned my forgiveness, compassion, friendship, kindness and all the wonderfulContinue reading “Thought for the day, Friday 22nd April – Earth Day”

“All beneficent and creative power gathers itself together in silence, ere it issues out in might.” Unitarian minister and theologian James Martineau, born on this day in 1805

From The Rose Garden by Saadi Shirazi, 13th Century CE, Persia, “Someone asked a wise person, “Of the many celebrated trees that Allah has created, some are very lofty, some wonderfully shady or fruit-giving. But people call none of them azad or free, except for the cypress, which is none of these. Can you explainContinue reading “Thought for the day, Wednesday 20th April”