Simple Gifts

The harried pace at which we live our lives, the ever rising crush of growing human throngs, the slow erosion of human civility and the rise of religious fundamentalism sometimes despairs me.
Yet, recently, I watched a televised interview of Larry King and His Holiness, The Dalai Lama.
The striking and salient message I got from the Dalai Lama was that there is cause for optimism! He pointed out that in the last century many more have perished due to wars and disease, than is likely in the next 100 years, and beyond. Communications between people have improved; thanks to technology. It is astonishing that with a click of a button or the mouse, one can be instantly connected with millions of others around the world! And with communication begins better understanding; begins the bridging of the chasms of thought that separate people.
Can we not use this power to bring about positive change?
Recently I have discovered twitter, the social network of instant communication. I 'follow' Dr. Deepak Chopra  and Dr. Sanjay Gupta's 'tweets' amongst those of others. Dr. Chopra's tweets are amazing. He connects so well with others, even though the tweets are directed to his general followers for the most part.
Very inspirational ( though a bit exhausting to be inspired everyday, I admit, I read those tweets every 2-3 days).
Yes we have and can improve our world. We need to think more positively and advance.
Little by little. Each one of us can make improvements in the little sphere of life that we control. The sum total will almost certainly be a huge one.
What if it isn't? Our time in this life will have been justified, perhaps even in a little way.
What's there to lose?
I heard this lovely piece of music- which stirred me. The music is by Vangelis, whose background score for the Chariots of Fire remains one of my great favourites. The movie itself, based on reality, is also one of the most touching and inspirational movies of all time. There it is. Reality is often more interesting than fiction.
Enjoy the next offering:

There shines a light in the heart of man
That defies the dead of the night
A beam that glows within every soul
Like wings of hope taking flight

A sunny day, when a baby's born
The little things that we say
A special sparkle in someone's eye
Simple gifts, every day

Somewhere there's a paradise
Where everyone finds release
It's here on earth and between your eyes
A place we all find our peace

Come - open your heart
Reach for the stars
Believe your own power
Now, here in this place
Here on this earth
This is the hour
It's just a place we call paradise
Each of us has his own
It has no name, no, it has no price
It's just a place we call home
A dream that reaches beyond the stars
The endless blue of the skies
Forever wondering who we are?
Forever questioning why?

Come - open your heart
Reach for the stars
Believe your own power
Now, here in this place
Here on this earth
This is the hour

There shines a light in the heart of man
That defies the dead of the night
A beam that glows within every soul
Like wings of hope taking flight
Like wings of hope taking flight