Service as a Path to Self-Realization and Awakening
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Every year, summer comes to an end with the Labor Day weekend holiday. This year, this transition of seasons arrived as the country memorialized and bid farewell to Senator John McCain. I was struck by the many services, speeches and remembrances of his life and legacy. This man lived a vivid life characterized by courage, service and sacrifice. Regardless of politics, his passion for public service was exemplified by these words from his acceptance speech on September 4, 2008, for the Republican nomination for President,
"If you find faults with our country, make it a better one. If you're disappointed with the mistakes of government, join its ranks and work to correct them. Enlist in our Armed Forces. Become a teacher. Enter the ministry. Run for public office. Feed a hungry child. Teach an illiterate adult to read. Comfort the afflicted. Defend the rights of the oppressed. Our country will be the better, and you will be the happier. Because nothing brings greater happiness in life than to serve a cause greater than yourself."
A similar sentiment was echoed in his farewell letter to America,
"To be connected to America's causes - liberty, equal justice, respect for the dignity of all people - brings happiness more sublime than life's fleeting pleasures. Our identities and sense of worth are not circumscribed but enlarged by serving good causes bigger than ourselves."
These inspiring comments are very similar to the wisdom and practices from the Eastern spiritual teachings of Yoga and Buddhism. In both of these practices, we are encouraged to find meaning and contentment in life by the work we choose to do in the world, and particularly through service to others.
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The yogic path of Karma Yoga, selfless service, leads to self-realization. And Right Livelihood, is part of the eight-fold path of Buddhism that leads to spiritual awakening. Both involve serving a cause greater than oneself and participating in selfless action that contribute to the welfare of others.
Gandhi, Martin Luther King and Mother Teresa were examples of great karma yogis, acting with pure intention for the benefit of others without seeking anything in return, renouncing the fruits of one's action.
Right livelihood is the fifth of the eight factors of the noble eight-fold path of Buddhism. Right Livelihood means engaging in a way of earning a living that is compassionate, does not cause harm to others and is ethically positive. It dictates that each person should follow an honest occupation which fully respects other people and the natural world with an awareness of the consequences for what we do.
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I am blessed to have found work, right livelihood, that is of service and benefit to others. My chosen vocation gives my life meaning and purpose. It brings me great happiness to serve a cause greater than myself.
As we celebrate labor day, may you find purpose and happiness in your work.
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"The true meaning of life is to plant trees under whose shade you do not expect to sit."
~ Nelson Henderson
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"I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands. You need to be able to throw something back."
~
Maya Angelou
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Paul Epstein, ND
Mindful Healing: Mind-Body Integrative Medicine
(203) 226-3923
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Make sure and check my
event calendar
regularly for details on all my upcoming classes, lectures, workshops and Webinars.
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Patient Appointments Available via Skype
In addition to my local, private practice in Westport, CT, I also see patients from all over the world via Skype.
Distance and time zone differences don't need to be a barrier to getting the help you need to facilitate your healing journey!
Take the first step towards your optimum health and healing: Call today to set up a Skype appointment!
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Mentoring Sessions Available via Skype
An important part of my work is to Mentor health care practitioners, students and physicians to become more fully Integrative in their approach to caring for their patients and clients.
Skype is a wonderful way to hold these sessions - convenient and easy!
If you are interested in learning life changing Mind-Body Therapies to add to your practice, call today to discuss a mentoring session, or mentoring program!
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Serenity is not freedom from the storm,
but peace amidst the storm...
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About Dr. Paul Epstein
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Paul Epstein, ND is a graduate of the National College of Natural Medicine (NCNM), specializing in Mindful Healing and Mind-Body Integrative Medicine.
He has more than 30 years experience in private practice successfully treating patients with powerful, life changing therapies.
Dr. Epstein is currently accepting new patients into his practice. He also works with healing professionals as a Professional Mentor to teach practitioners how to work in a truly integrative fashion in their own practice.
He is a pioneer and leading voice in Mind-Body Integrative Medicine lecturing internationally to both general and professional audiences.
Dr. Epstein is an extraordinary teacher who presents compelling topics that inform, educate, motivate and inspire. His work is helping create a much needed paradigm shift in the practice of medicine and the healing arts.
Don't ever miss the opportunity to experience Dr. Epstein!
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42 Richmondville Ave
Westport, CT 06880
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"Connecting the cell and the self"
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