Compassionate Bloggers Circle

Sadly, there will be no more awards because my life is too hard just now...

2009-04-22T14:11:00.005-04:00

Dear Ones,

I believe in this project with my whole heart and soul just as I did when I started it over five months ago, but little could I see at the time the direction my own life would take, and now my mother is being taken off the last of her meds and her time is coming soon. I can barely breathe at times when I think about it. Also, I, like many others, am feeling a hard financial pinch and the hours upon hours it takes me to try to go through all of these blogs, now 150, I just do not have. I hated to see entrecard leave my life but even the hours I no longer have to spend dropping changed a lot of things for me, and it made me look across the board at my life.

After long thought I will leave this board up to see if it can still serve a number of people who are interested in connecting and building on this group of compassionate bloggers, which I always hope to be myself. I do not believe in throwing the baby out with the bathwater, so to speak, so in this way people can continue to join and from time to time I will go through the list to delete those that are no longer active and delete immediately, as I have in the past, those who have entered the list and either didn't meet our criteria or contained material that I think most of us wouldn't approve of which is the opposite of whatwe were trying to do.

Next, I don't have time to answer people on this board. I am thinking about having all boards removed except this one, for the time, simply because I hate to see lovely people writing in that I don't have time to answer. I've done dreadfully poorly of late answering and can't even handle the lovely comments after posts on my blogs. If I can't do something well then I simply won't do it. BUT, I am going to leave this one up so that you can communicate with each other. Perhaps band together for a greater good, or compliment each other on your own work. Give each other awards and tell why!

I am going, then, to leave this up for awhile to see if it gets used or falls flat. I hope so much that it can keep going in some form for the good of all, but I have to use my time, for the most part, on maintaining the other two blogs and then taking on more and more paid work online. I just started a new blog Daily Enchantments, the first of my paid blogs. I will also be doing other freelance work online as well as working seriously on my book. I really need the money now and so I must take care of the practical.

I wish you all love, success, blessings, joy, and strength to get through these hard times ahead. I will, most assuredly, be with you in spirit.

"Caregiving Daughter" is the 19th winner of The Compassionate Blog Award...

2009-04-07T21:16:00.013-04:00

Caregiving Daughter

I cannot begin to tell you how touched I was reading this beautiful blog about an adult daughter of a mother with Alzheimer's caring for her mother while raising her children, the pulls between the daughter that she is, and the mother as well. The exhaustion, the guilt, and every emotion one imagines they would feel under the circumstances, and more. And this is a beautifully written and executed blog as well.

Anyone who has ever cared for aging, ill, or dying parents or other loved ones knows what a heart-wrenching, difficult, and exhausting thing this is. Also, I think Alzheimer's is one of the most terrifying, heartbreaking, and feared diseases today because there are so many unknowns, and watching someone very close to you who has loved you dearly and you them, slip away into a land you cannot enter until finally they do not know you at all. My own mother has been fighting cancer for 4 years now and is getting closer and closer to the end, but we can talk and laugh and remember old times and talk about what is going on today when she is physically up to it. To not be able to have at least that would be so painful that I cannot imagine what "Caregiving Daughter" is going through, and as I wrote to her earlier, she will be helping more people with this blog than she will ever know.

She speaks of practical things as well -- the early signs of the disease, what is known about the disease today, and even how to communicate with someone with dementia -- and I have felt so close to her with every word, I will watch this blog closely for some time to come, and feel with her, and pray for her, and her mother, children and the rest of the family, and I will tell everyone I know about this beautiful blog. I know a few people who would be especially touched and helped with this blog right now.

It is my honor to give this 19th week's Compassionate Blogger Award to "Caregiving Daughter," and I know you will understand why when you read this blog. I know that you will cherish it as I do.

Blessings to you Dearheart, and much love, many prayers, and may your strength endure, as I know it will...

"Lotus Essence" is the 18th winner of The Compassionate Blog Award...

2009-03-30T11:42:00.017-04:00

Click on the lovely graphic

above to go to Lisa's site,
Lotus Essence...

I remember, so well, the first time I came upon Lisa's beautiful site. It is visually lovely, calming,. serene and the content is so well rounded and covers so many related topics of interest you could just sit back and read through the site for hours. I just adore this site.

Lisa also has a wonderful forum accessed by one of the tabs at the top and it is lovely, a wonderful place to chat with like minded people. Lisa blogs often and the content is always uplifting. I find it a good place to go when I am finding myself all knotted up and just needing a diversion. It is like slipping into a pool of cool water and coming alive again.

I hope you will visit this site and tell your friends about it. What a wonderful place in cyberspace that Lisa has created. Congratulations dearheart for creating such a lovely place for us to come and reconnect with our center, calm down and find our breath, and let the topics that draw us expand into new ways of being, knowing, loving and finding our dreams.

Lisa, kuddos, you have done a beautiful job, and taught me much in the process. Congratulations dearheart...

Deepest Blessings and Love,

Before announcing this week's winner, I have something I wanted to share...

2009-03-18T22:25:00.014-04:00

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful,
committed citizens can change the world.
Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.

~ Margaret Mead ~

Dear Friends,

It has taken me three days to read roughly 130 blogs, and it is such a delightful job. It may take longer as time goes along, to give each blog its just due, to read with care, but in doing so, I have deleted three blogs from the list tonight. I have chosen this week's winner and will put it up tomorrow, but I wanted to put this little note up tonight.

Deleting a blog from the list is not something I do lightly and sometimes it is with sadness, but it is important to me that the blogs in our circle fulfill the tenets I set up, with care, when starting this list.

The things I cared about were that the blogs were blogs of compassion, that showed compassionate thought and/or acts, and had an overall message that would help and inspire others, and also that they be blogs that contained mainly original content, not blogs filled with ads and nothing else. Certainly I am not against ads as we have wonderful artists, mothers trying to make a little extra money for their families, and more, but some blogs are nothing more than ads for the most part, and that really doesn't fit what I was hoping to achieve. I take this seriously and spend quite awhile reading through the blogs, and almost every one of them fits the bill beautifully. And there is room for a vast expanse of differences in the type of blog. Cooking blogs nurture their families and readers; artists touch down on the soul of the infinite and share beauty and glory; writings that help others survive difficulties are a blessing, and some, from art to others, help support and promote charities, and so much more, but those that are for self-gain only and/or don't show compassion and non-judgment don't belong on this list.

It is not realistic, nor possible, nor necessary that everyone thinks/feels alike about all issues, but if we are compassionate people we can agree to disagree kindly, and not strike out against those, whether in words or deeds, that feel differently than we do. I celebrate diversity whether it is about gender identity, spiritual path, color of skin, country of origin, or any other. A kind person is a kind person and the expression of such on blogs can be a powerful message to those reading them.

To that end, I want everyone to understand that I will remove blogs that I deem inappropriate or not fitting with the intent of being a compassionate blogger, or simply being completely unrelated whatsoever. I do this with a heavy heart and not without giving it a great deal of thought. Others may disagree, as I am one person with good intent trying to preserve what I had in my heart when I started this list of blogs and I am sincere in my efforts. I feel that this is an important part of my ministry as it is an outreach ministry that can touch others around the world, and our positive loving messages send waves of compassion around the world. We've all been surprised by receiving comments from someone on the other side of the world who has been touched by something on our blogs. Our words carry great weight and the content of our blogs has great impact. With that in mind I will carry forward all that I have said here each week as I choose the blog that moves me the most in the moment, after reading it carefully. I hope that I can do service to all.

Again, all winners will have a full week even if it takes me awhile to read through the blogs which starts to put us off the beginning schedule, because if I am to do justice to everyone's blogs, I have to take time to really do that. I'm sure you can all understand.

So happy blogging, and again, I want to thank you so much for being here, and sharing from your heart your lives and thoughts and the things that are important to you. It is a feast of riches here and I consider myself blessed to be among you. Thank you so much for being here.

Each One, Reach One, as we continue on...

With Love, Warmth, Gratitude, and Admiration,

My religion is simple.
My religion is kindness...

~ The Dalai Lama ~

A Very Touching Honor From Someone Whom I've Come To Trust and Hold Dear...

2009-02-07T15:40:00.000-05:00

SlogBite “Featured Sites”

February 7, 2009

"This time, SlogBite is featuring two sites from the same author. Many of you probably know her. Her message is so important and so critical in today’s world that I strongly suggest visiting. She is known as the “Compassionate Blogger”, Reverend Maitri Libellule. I also encourage you to sign her visitor’s list for compassionate bloggers. If you are on her list, then I will approve you if you want to join SlogBite’s “Compassion” category."

Dear Ones,

Much to my surprise and delight, Mel, at Slogbite, wrote to tell me that I was the featured "sites" of the day. He usually only lists one. Today he listed both of mine. I am so touched and humbled by this award I barely know what to say.

I am very shy about awards and really don't put them on my site anymore, NOT because I don't appreciate them enormously, but because I don't want it to feel like I'm tooting my own horn by putting them up. However, this particular double-honor has the potential to help others. I am not a joiner, don't care for ads, and even took the donations info. off of my site because it just didn't feel right for me. But any of you who join Slogbite because of the above award will be put in the Compassion category (And any other ones you choose that fit the scope of your blog.) and you can get a lot of exposure. He is growing very fast and doing amazing things. Here's the button I have on my this page, and you can use it to click over to join Slogbite if you'd like. You won't regret it. I love it!

Thanks so much Mel. I'm pink-cheeked and grinning and very touched, more than I can say, for these awards. God Bless you...

As A Community Grows.

2009-01-16T00:22:00.024-05:00

I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the

community, and as long as I live it is my
privilege to do for it whatever I can.

~ George Bernard Shaw ~

Dear Friends,

Watching this community grow is one of the deepest delights I have yet to experience. People from all walks of life, men, women, gay, straight, people of every color, people following every spiritual path imaginable from all over the world have come together on this list and in six weeks or so we are almost at 100. I decided that periodically I will need/want to move the list sign-up to the top again so we can all see how our community has grown and is growing, and be close to the list so that we can easily access the many wonderful blogs that have signed up.

I cannot tell you how much it means to me that all of you are taking part in this, that we are holding hands around the world, and sometimes a single heart in our very hands. So much has happened to and with so many of the wonderful bloggers on this list since we began, well it is touching, awe-inspiring, it is life.

As my ministry grows, and this list along with it, our circle widens, and I simply want to say I feel humbled to be in your presence, I am cheering you all on, and I am doing what I can from where I am.

Each One, Reach One, as we continue on...

With Love, Warmth, Gratitude, and Admiration,

My religion is simple.
My religion is kindness...

~ The Dalai Lama ~

Comments since last sign-up list was posted:

46 Comments
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Blogger Sandi said...

wonderful blog you have here. I was given the link by someone else and decided to come check it out.

November 29, 2008 11:54 AM

Blogger Nancy said...

Such a great idea!!

November 30, 2008 3:21 PM

Blogger Periwinkle Studio said...

I LOVE what you are doing! Thank you so much because this kind of community is just what we need especially on the net. :)
Suzanne

November 30, 2008 10:08 PM

Anonymous Jennifer said...

I love this idea, Maitri! Thank you.

December 1, 2008 1:03 AM

Blogger Kerrie Slade said...

A very worthy first winner Maitri! Sandy is most definitely an inspiration to us all x

December 1, 2008 5:07 AM

Blogger Shinade said...

What a wonderful soul you have. In your time of hardship and yes grief you choose to give.

You are most special indeed and I am very blessed to have come to know you.

Blessings my friend,
Jackie

December 2, 2008 3:12 PM

Blogger Grr, Midnight & Cocoa said...

What a lovely thing to do! Purrs & love from all of us kitties!

December 2, 2008 4:54 PM

Blogger Daisy said...

Well, in my humble opinion, at least one (well-mannered) hell raiser should be included. :)

No justice, no peace.

But if my blog is too confrontational for your sensibilities, I can dig it. No worries, let a hundred flowers bloom! I will always visit yours for some peace of mind, and to remind me that positive change can be slower-paced, methodical and peaceful, and doesn't always have to be rowdy, in-your-face and loud! :D

Many ways, many paths.

Love ya. (((kisses)))

December 3, 2008 1:38 PM

Blogger Lola said...

Great idea Maitri!

December 4, 2008 12:37 AM

Blogger Signs of Life said...

You reaching us, one at a time... I feel blessed just having found this blog family! Such encouragement and positive energy!

Warmest regards,
Monica
My Signs of Life

December 5, 2008 4:47 AM

Blogger Angel said...

This is such a wonderful idea. Also praying for Henry's safe return!
Take care:)

December 5, 2008 5:09 PM

Blogger Carol said...

I SO enjoy your other blog, Maitri. This is a wonderful idea I would be honored to be a part of!!

December 5, 2008 8:10 PM

Blogger A Progressive Girl said...

Greetings Maitri,

AWOP is in for this idea.

Excellent project.

kim

December 6, 2008 5:25 PM

Blogger Dori said...

This is a wonderful idea. You are a beautiful person :)

December 8, 2008 2:57 PM

Blogger Shinade said...

oh Maitri what a wonderful choice you made.

I simply love Kathy to death. This is an amazing project.

I would love to meet you some day. You are truly amazing to me.

I am so honored to be featured here today on the day Kathy gets the award.

Blessings my friend,
Jackie:-)

December 8, 2008 8:19 PM

Blogger kml said...

My dearest Maitri,

I am so honored to receive this beautiful award. There are many great blogs on this list and to be a part of this compassionate community gives one a most beautiful feeling inside.

The words at the top of this blog are perfect ones to live by as we visit each other around the world with our blogs.

I thank you so very much for this honor and I will proudly display it on my blog.

Your generous heart touches me deeply and a heartfelt hug is sent to you through my thoughts.

take care, my friend,
Kathy

December 9, 2008 7:32 PM

Anonymous Sheta said...

Nice idea, and nice automated system. I like that. :)

December 10, 2008 10:04 PM

Blogger Mountain Woman said...

Great idea. I try so hard to focus on the good in humanity on my blog. We need more people like you in the world.

December 11, 2008 3:48 PM

Blogger Stiletto Sports Jen said...

I am in the process of making my next blog, about dealing with the passing of my mother and would love to join as soon as it is up. I don't think my other sites: about sports and my kitten are quite right but I will be back when the other one is done. great site!

December 12, 2008 3:37 PM

Blogger Kimmy said...

I am blessed to know you dear soul.

December 13, 2008 9:50 AM

Anonymous Demyelinated not Destroyed said...

I love the idea of having a link of blogs that all hold up the ideals of compassionate living. The world can be so negative at times, it's nice to be reminded there is really far more good and wonderful things than bad.

December 14, 2008 12:55 PM

Blogger PinkLady said...

I have become an ardent follower of yours the moment I read your blog "maitri's Heart." Thank you for the inspiring and empowering words.

God bless!

PinkLady Bing ;)

December 14, 2008 8:54 PM

Blogger Julieanne Paige said...

Hi Maitri

This is a beautiful idea! I am looking forward to checking out the blogs on this list.

Happy Manifesting!

Julieanne

December 16, 2008 10:24 AM

Blogger Beadwright said...

Maitri, this is a great way to spread joy, happiness, and compassion. I am honored to be a part of it. Thank you for thinking of this.
Nicole Campanella/Beadwright
http://beadwright.blogspot.com

December 17, 2008 9:04 AM

Blogger The Frugal Angel-Guided Psychic said...

After seening your drop in my inbox I thought I'd like to check out your blog....how wonderful! What a wonderful service. Thank you and Blessings! Kara

December 20, 2008 12:30 PM

Blogger MamaFlo said...

Maitri - you have one of the best spirits I have ever come across, just having contact with you makes me a better person.

December 21, 2008 6:28 PM

Blogger Lily Arbee said...

Dearest Maitri,

It's better to be late and not never, I was supposed to comment after joining this wonderful site of yours. You might be wondering why I did not post any comments. At last, here I am with the comments you deserved.

To me you are truly a person I admire and like to be and I must admit "Maitri's Heart" will bring all the goodness to us with the reminders to have good heart and you spread the goodness with good deeds towards those in need of help, especially the strayed and abandoned animals.

God bless you for your kindness and good heart to care enough to remind people around the world to do goodness and show love.

I will try to get your widget to add it on my blog.

December 23, 2008 10:18 AM

Blogger Lola said...

Hope you have a happy and safe holiday. I have given you an award. Please feel free to stop by my blog and pick it up.

http://lolasdiner.blogspot.com/2008/12/sharing-more-love.html

December 24, 2008 1:39 PM

Blogger Jael said...

Great idea! I feel the same way!

Jael

December 26, 2008 7:43 PM

Blogger Dolly's Diary said...

Hi Maitri,
I am so glad to find this blog, I found it through Kimmy. I appreciate blogs that are all about the human heart and compassion.
Take Care,
Janet :)

December 26, 2008 9:03 PM

Blogger EastCoastLife said...

This is a wonderful way of linking all the lovely blogs all over the world! There are some truly deserving blogs that should be highlighted. I myself have a list of great blogs that I read regularly.

Wishing you a Happy Year 2009!

December 28, 2008 8:17 AM

Blogger manamoon said...

What a beautiful blog and wonderful cause! I'm so delighted I found your through Nicole of Beadwright's blog. I wish there was a way to "Follow" your blog but I will definitely add you to my list and check back often. There are so many lovely souls I already know who's names I see on your list. I'm looking forward to visiting the others. All the best to you ~ Sharon

December 29, 2008 3:37 PM

Blogger Maitri Libellule said...

My Dear, Dear Friends,

I am so sorry to be so remiss in responding to your lovely and loving comments, but with this, our last Christmas with my mother in endstage cancer, and just the crush of the holidays, I'm trying to basically get what work I can done, keep an eye on all of the blogs that link here to our community, and keep my head above water.

But I did want to tell you how very much it means to me, each and every comment, everyone who signs up on the list. I feel a glowing radiance, a blanket of loving-kindness descending on us all.

I don't know if some of you have seen it, but I created the blue/bird Compassionate Blogger graphic so that everyone on the list/in the community, would have something to put on their blog showing support for one another and our effort. There can only be one winner each week, but all are so worthy. I send my warmest, most heartfelt wishes to each and every one of you.

May love always prevail, may compassion be the path we walk.

Tenderly,

Maitri

December 29, 2008 6:58 PM

Blogger manamoon said...

I finally figured out how to sign up and will work on figuring out the Mr. Linky addition to my blog. Thank you again for creating this beautiful cause.

Maitri, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Wishing you all the blessings that life can bring.
~Sharon

December 29, 2008 10:47 PM

Blogger Maitri Libellule said...

Thank you so much for joining our circle Manamoon! :o) And as to Mr. Linky, this particular one is for this blog only. You can start any kind of Mr. Linky list, but this one can't be put on another blog or site. It keeps us all together in one place and helps build community. Thanks so much for thinking of it though.

Blessings to you,

Maitri

December 29, 2008 11:40 PM

Blogger manamoon said...

Thank you so much for explaining about the Mr. Linky Maitri. I wasn't sure if it was one of the steps to joining and wanted to make sure I did everything correctly. All the best to you ~ Sharon

December 30, 2008 1:48 AM

Anonymous Heidi said...

What a wonderful idea! I saw this on Kimmy Sharing Light and had to check it out.

I love to spread the meme of compassion.

December 30, 2008 6:35 PM

Blogger Scott McQueen said...

I like this idea! Hope this site grows exponentially! God Bless

December 30, 2008 9:33 PM

Blogger Daisy said...

Happy New Year, my friend!

December 31, 2008 2:30 PM

Blogger confused said...

all the best in the coming year..:)

December 31, 2008 4:01 PM

Blogger Laane said...

Happy new year!!!

I'm one of your entrecarddroppers and I'm sending you my best wishes.

May many dreams come true.

January 1, 2009 5:54 PM

Blogger A Progressive Girl said...

Greetings Maitri,

I had already posted about passing this award onto you and why at A World Of Progress when I realized the person who sent it to me had already sent it to you too.
Guess you just must deserve to get it twice.

kim

January 3, 2009 4:47 PM

Blogger The Mind of a Mom said...

Thank you for giving us a chance to share. I am a mom and my hope is just to make one person laugh or smile today. Thanks for sharing my crazy world

January 5, 2009 11:45 PM

Blogger VirusHead said...

This is such a wonderful idea, and I love exploring the sites on the list. I've started a new blog called Beam Me On for posting the things that lift me up and fill me with smiles and cosmic sparkles. Maybe we share a few, or perhaps it will remind you of the things that uniquely beam *you* on!

Enjoy!

January 10, 2009 3:53 PM

Blogger KAT said...

Thank you so much for creating this, what a wonderful place to come, and join with all the others on the list! I would feel honored to be along-side them!

Take Care
Kat

January 11, 2009 7:59 AM

Blogger Tomas Karkalas said...

Thank you for you are - for the compassionate bloggers give a hand one to other for we all could fly higher on the wings of gratitude and thus the love of light could enlighten even the darkest sides of the soul.

January 13, 2009 5:13 PM

Due to illness the Blogger Award will be up tomorrow, BUT, the new Maitri Ministry blog is up!

2009-01-12T00:19:00.005-05:00

Dear Ones,

I'm pretty sick still and my computer is in the shop and I'm having a bit of trouble with this borrowed one, but the new award winner will be up by tomorrow AND you can click on the graphic link below to go to the new home for The Maitri Ministry. This new blog is just up with the first entry and has miles to go, but it's been such a lovely time, and as soon as I get to feeling better things will move more swiftly.

I hope you are all having blessed and peaceful days and a wonderful start to the new year. Call anytime and leave me a message and the first Compassion Line message will be up in the next couple of days as soon as I get my voice back!

Gentle Hugs and Warm Blessings,

A Little Piece of News, and My Deep Commitment To The Compassionate Blogs...

2009-01-06T10:47:00.022-05:00

Dear Ones,

Last weekend, after long preparation, I was ordained and am now Reverend Maitri Libellule (though I still expect everyone to call me Maitri!) The ordination furthers and deepens my ministry work. I knew this was coming when I started The Compassionate Blog Award, because The Maitri Ministry, (and this is NOT Maitri, my name, it is the Buddhist teaching of maitri, of spreading loving-kindness and compassion...) is a goal that has been a very long time in the works. When I took the name "Maitri" legally in 2005, I did so not because I felt I had achieved maitri in my every day life, but as a mantle I would wear for all the rest of my days. I wanted to let everyone know in light of my ordination, that this commitment to celebrating bloggers whose blogs give to the world a seed of compassionate, loving-kindness through their words and their deeds deserve recognition, and in so doing, inspire others to follow suit. My ministry is non-denominational and celebrates people of all faiths and all walks of life. The Maitri Ministry works alongside any other spiritual path that you follow, an enrichment perhaps, a widening of our vision of how we might spread compassion in the world.

The ministry will be expanding greatly over the next year. There will be a new blog coming soon for The Maitri Ministry and it is of course on the Dragonfly Cottage website. One of my goals, as an artist myself, is to encourage artists to donate even a small percentage of their sales to a cause they believe in. Each one, reach one. We take care of one another other. Right now I have a shawl on my knitting needles. It is called "The Maitri Shawl" for the name of the ministry, and will be donated to the church that ordained me. I will be sending these, free of charge, to those in need in many areas, and will also have some on the website and blogs for a suggested donation. All monies donated go back into the ministry, partly to buy supplies at low cost for all of the things I make and give away, partly to keep the office going and the books and booklets published which will be offered, again, for a donation, but no one who really wants one will ever be turned away. This is where the Free Will/Love donations help. Not necessary, but appreciated if they come. I want my work to always be accessible to those who need it. There is a much longer explanation on the Dragonfly Cottage main page.

Coming up shawls will go to the Battered Women's shelter, a Homeless organization, and an elderly person in a nursing home who has no family or visitors. I will be making visits to these places as part of my ministry as well as counseling, and teaching my journal-writing classes at churches in the area. Eventually I will begin to teach online again. Everything I do will be by donation only, no one ever turned away if they can't pay, everything I do is given deeply from my heart. My church, my temple, if you will, is in my heart, not in a building. It is, as I said, an outreach ministry, and it will be my path for the rest of my life. I have been preparing myself for this for many years. Now it is time, now it has begun.

I want to thank each and every one of you for being part of this part of my ministry. Please encourage others to join. There will never be any fees or charges, and again, the weekly winners will be, after their week of celebration, put on the Dragonfly Cottage website for a full year. This will be a lot of free advertising for you and I am very excited about this and wish you well. We spread the word about compassion and loving-kindness by words and deeds. We spread it however we can...

Thank you so much for your giving hearts and loving gentle spirits,

And so a new community of friends joins hands around the world...

2008-11-28T19:31:00.010-05:00

"If you want others to be happy, practice compassion.
If you want to be happy, practice compassion."

~ His Holiness, The Dalai Lama ~

Dear Friends,

I have been doing my 300 drops a day on entrecard and some are very random as I try to drop back on everyone who drops on me but sometimes they are not blogs that fit with my philosophies so I thought, "Why not start my own Mr. Linky List to gather together in one place all of the wonderful blogs that are dedicated to Compassionate Living. This may take many shapes and forms. Maybe you are an "artist with heart." Perhaps you are dedicated to animal welfare, or have a cause that you support that is rooted in compassion and loving-kindness. There are so many possibilities, the spectrum is wide and as many colors of the rainbow.

I am not looking for SEO blogs, or blogs that are nothing but ads, or who have a high ad content and almost no real heartfelt blog posts for the simple joy of connection with others. It is in this spirit that I am creating this list so that I can drop on you and support blogs that I really believe in. In addition to this I am designing a "Compassionate Living Blog Award" and every Sunday I will review the blogs that have signed up so far and on Sundays I will put their widget up as high as possible in the sidebar in a little section called, "Compassionate Living Blog Of The Week." A free week of advertising as a thank you for your kind and gentle efforts in the world.

IN ADDITION TO THIS: I will be creating, this week, a new page on my newly designed nine year old website, Dragonfly Cottage, that will house, forever after (as long as the blogs are live), all of the widgets of all of the winners of the awards.

My heartfelt thanks to one and all. I hope you will join soon, and you must leave a comment after your link goes up. That's the way the Mr. Linky links work! I will be keeping a close eye on the list and any inappropriate links will be removed.

Blessings and Love, I can't wait to hear from you, and the first award will go out next Sunday!

How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving and tolerant of the weak and strong. Because someday in life you will have been all of these.

~George Washington Carver ~

24 Comments Received Before List Was Moved To This Blog...

2008-11-28T19:27:00.004-05:00

Judy said...

What a GRAND idea, Maitri! You are SO clever to think of it. I am so technologically challenged I even hesitated to start a blog but I am glad that I did because I have met so many wonderful people!

I am still praying for you and Henry and my hope for his safe return is still strong! I also keep your dear Mother in my thoughts and prayers as well.

God Bless.

November 23, 2008 5:36 PM

MsRay said...

Kudos to Maitri for coming up with this wonderful idea.

November 23, 2008 5:43 PM

S. A. Hart said...

This is a wonderful idea! I am keeping you, your mother, and Henry in my prayers.

You might also enjoy checking out my friend Caroline's blog "Dom Care Dragon"http://domcaredragon.blogspot.com/
She's not on EC, doesn't advertise, but is one of the most compassionate souls on the face of the earth. I think you'll enjoy what she offers.

November 24, 2008 1:47 AM

Jackie said...

I am so sorry to hear about Henry and just hope that you get news soon.

What a lovely idea of having compassionate living blogs that we can then easily visit. Have added my blog.

I do not know how , with all you do, manage to visit the 300 blogs a day. I think time is going faster as my time management totally haywire these days and I rarely manage to get that many done and keep falling behind in reading my favorite blogs like yours and my posts are not that often these days LOL.

November 24, 2008 3:54 AM

BK said...

Thank you for creating this list to share with all wonderful blogs that are dedicated to Compassionate Living. My site was started more than two year ago to share with people the wisdom in love quotes and the blog was set up about two years to continue to share with people love and inspiration.

There are many areas which I need to improve on and I will continue to do so.

November 24, 2008 8:18 AM

Doug said...

Maitri, I would like to invite you to explore the contents of my Retired and Restless blog which features new content each day. The url is http://gruggersway.today.com

I hope that I contribute to compassionate living.

November 24, 2008 11:14 AM

Kerrie Slade said...

What a wonderful idea Maitri! I have taken the liberty of adding my blog. Although the topic is beadwork, I like to think I am a compassionate person and have recently used my beadwork to raise funds for various charities.

I often think of you and the handsome Henry and do so hope he returns safe and well to your side.

Kerrie :)

November 24, 2008 1:03 PM

Lori said...

Lovely post, Maitri. I agree - blogs that are littered with ads, while I understand the reasons, miss the point I'm trying to make with my own blog. I'm about connecting with people and developing friendships along the way.

I appreciate that you've dropped in on my blog and have commented. My goal is to create a dialogue. Every time someone comments, I've done my part in building connections. :)

November 24, 2008 1:15 PM

A. said...

I had hoped that by blogging I could spread at least some understanding for those less fortunate than ourselves, and by that I mean in developing countries. Of late, since my mother died, I've struggled a little to keep going and I confess that more and more "filler" posts have been creeping in.

And yet, my mother's death has shown me the compassion of bloggers. Such an incredible number came by to offer their sympathy, I was moved. Nevertheless, I'm not convinced that I fit your criteria, so please feel free to delete my entry to your list.

November 24, 2008 3:07 PM

Roxy's Best Of... said...

Maitri,

Thanks for coming up with the great Mr. Linky idea. I am going to sign up with two of my blogs (Roxiticus Desperate Housewives and Roxy's Best Of...) and leave it to you to determine whether they qualify as compassionate living blogs...I try to write about my family's experiences in a way that helps others, whether it means finding a great birthday party venue for a child's special day, bringing a smile with music or creative experiences that I've enjoyed, or finding new ways to entertain my international friends from the blogosphere.

Thanks again!
Roxy

November 24, 2008 8:10 PM

Roxiticus Desperate Housewives said...

I'm also signing up with my Roxiticus Desperate Housewives blog... while I don't flatter myself to think I'm in your league of writing talent, I like to think my daily posts are fun...I try to stay cheerful and positive.

Roxy

November 24, 2008 8:12 PM

igoddess said...

Love youuuuuuuuuuuuuu Maitri! You're becoming a regular gadget goddess!

xx
Anita

November 25, 2008 7:53 AM

jakill said...

Great idea, Maitri. And very Maitri-like. I do hope Henry comes home to you soon. His name keeps popping up all over the place in the blogosphere. After having him in your family for ten and a half years, the shock and grief must be horrendous. When you feel up to it, perhaps you could share more of your happy memories of him and get even more vibes out into the ether to draw him back.

November 25, 2008 10:14 AM

Rose Works Jewelry said...

I love this idea! I submitted my blog - I try hard to promote other artists (in fact I'm going to be co-hosting a radio show dedicated to that!) and I also donate portions of my proceeds every month to different causes :) Right now - the local homeless shelter!

www.roseworksjewelry.etsy.com
www.roseworksjewelry.blogspot.com

November 25, 2008 1:09 PM

kml said...

Great idea! Do you mind if I add both of my blogs?

Photography by KML
and
Let's Jump Together

I try to be compassionate - if you feel they do not qualify I will not be offended in any way.

take care,
Kathy

November 25, 2008 2:42 PM

netta said...

What a lovely idea. We all need a light that shines -- thanks for being that to so many people.

Blessings to you and yours,

~n

November 25, 2008 3:56 PM

Nodin's Nest said...

What a lovely idea! You are always so thoughtful of others. I keep Henry in my thoughts everyday and I'm still wishing him home to you!

November 26, 2008 12:02 AM

t3ss4 said...

wow! this is a good idea.
I don't know if I could belong on such a list since most of my posts are very personal :D
do hope that the list will continue to grow.
...and I have invited a certain blogger to join the list since I really like her blog. her blog helps her readers understand themselves better. do hope she'll consider joining the list.

anyway, more power to the group.

have a nice day.

November 26, 2008 4:58 AM

Mystery Ranch said...

Yes great idea. Tried to leave a comment a moment ago and it turned off my browser completely. I have been reading your blogs for nearly a year. It sounds like you have made a big shift in the last few weeks. You were contracting for awhile and now you are expanding again. Blessings to you. I have heard of these birds going off for awhile on a 'walk-about' then returning like nothing happened.

November 26, 2008 3:38 PM

Bas - Istanbul Expat said...

Great idea! Hope you will like my blog :-)

Will start following yours too.

November 26, 2008 4:41 PM

Shinade said...

I am very honored to be counted among these other wonderful blogs.

I should say humbled because I am. I am very grateful to God that you think my blog worthy.

I just now got my first post up and I am trying so hard to get caught up.

Oh my I feel as if I have never blogged before in my life.

As always you have been and do remain in my thoughts and prayers constantly.

I am not a formal prayer. I simply talk with God and listen for him all the time.

Much love for you. I will remember you especially tomorrow. I know it is very difficult.

My mother's birthday is tomorrow. She died one week before her birthday 14 years ago tomorrow. I still cry. I miss my mother very much!!

I am at home by myself tomorrow. so I will be working very hard to get caught up with everyone!!

Love and God Bless Maitri...you are in my heart!!

November 26, 2008 8:47 PM

Shinade said...

Oh my goodness I could make it easier for you and leave my address. I do apologize.

http://shinade.blogspot.com

P.S. I wrote this evening and I thought of you as I was writing it. It is about an Oak, winter, and summer.

Namaste!

November 26, 2008 8:49 PM

rockcreekcreations said...

Good idea. I've thought about this but didn't know about the linky thing. I'll be back!

November 27, 2008 10:45 PM

christina said...

nice, nice! would love to join and use your list.

November 28, 2008 5:35 AM