Michelle's Way: Lessons In Buddhism From The First Lady

Tonight, for the first time in history, our First Lady will attend a Passover Seder in the white House with her two daughters, as the President honors the Jewish people. For the last week she has been electrifying Europe with her warmth and her fearlessness in showing that she cares. She is adored wherever she goes for one simple reason: She brings hope. The hope that the world can be a caring and compassionate place, and the hope anyone of any color or background can fulfill their dreams.

It brought tears to our eyes when the children at the school Michelle Obama visited in London jumped up and down and hugged and hugged her and she hugged them back. We could see in their faces that, because of her, they too felt they had a chance. Her charisma and confidence make others feel comfortable in her presence. Deb, being English, was delighted to finally see someone arm in arm with the Queen!

A generous heart, kind speech, and a life of service and compassion are the things that renew humanity. -Buddha

When we read this quote we thought Buddha could have been saying this about Michelle Obama! She is setting an extraordinary example by doing things her own way and being true to herself. From having bare arms, to serving lunch to the homeless in a soup kitchen, to planting a vegetable garden at the White House, she is making us take a fresh look at the role of the First Lady, and at our own prejudices and opinions about what we think is right and wrong.

A person who gives freely is loved by all. It's hard to understand, but it is in giving that we gain strength. But there is a proper time and a proper way to give, and the person who understands this is strong and wise. By giving with a feeling of reverence for life, envy and anger are banished. A path to happiness is found. Like one who plants a sapling and in due course receives back shade, flowers, and fruit, so the results of giving bring joy. Through continuous acts of kindness the heart is strengthened by compassion and giving. -Buddha

Michelle Obama's combination of honesty and kindness is the essence of maitri--a Sanskrit word that means unconditional friendship with oneself, and from there the feeling of unconditional friendship with all others. This is the basis for compassion, the feeling of being at home in your own mind and body so that you are at home with everyone. She expressed this in her interview with Oprah, when she said, "My happiness is tied to how I feel about myself."

A great shift has happened in the U.S., as if we have emerged from a dream (that for some was a nightmare). We all know we are living in trying times, but we also have great karma as we lucked out by electing a First Couple who are showing the world that America is again cool. Between them, the Obama's have brought down the barriers so that we are no longer an isolated nation. "We are now" as our friend Barry says, "a more humane country."

With all that Michelle Obama doing she is not without her critics, however, and dealing with criticism is one of the burdens she will have to bear if she is to stay true to herself, for there will always be those who disagree with her.

When people speak badly of you, you should respond in this way: Keep a steady heart and don't reply with harsh words. Practice letting go of resentment and accept that the other's hostility is the spur to your understanding. Be kind, adopt a generous standpoint, treat your enemy as a friend, and suffuse all your world with affectionate thoughts, far-reaching and widespread, limitless and free from hate. Buddha

Trusting and believing in ourselves is perhaps the greatest gift the First Lady could offer to each of us. When we don't then we belittle our own intelligence. By offering maitri -- compassionate friendship -- to ourselves, then we all get to live in a more caring and friendlier world.

So how do you feel about Michelle Obama? Does she make a difference in your life? Do you appreciate her example of living with compassionate friendship and generosity?

Do let us know how you feel by writing a comment below. You can receive notice of our blogs every Thursday by checking Become a Fan at the top.

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Ed and Deb Shapiro's new book, BE THE CHANGE, How Meditation Can Transform You And The World, foreword by the Dalai Lama and an introduction by Robert Thurman, with contributors such as Marianne Williamson, Michael Beckwith, Jon Kabat-Zinn, Jane Fonda, Greg Braden, Byron Katie, Ed Begley, Ram Dass, Ellen Burstyn, Dean Ornish, Seane Corn, Russell Bishop, KD and others, will be published in October 2009 by Sterling Ethos. Ed and Deb are the authors of over 15 books, and lead meditation retreats and workshops. Deb is the author of the award-winning book YOUR BODY SPEAKS YOUR MIND. They are corporate consultants, and the creators of Chillout daily inspirational text messages on Sprint cell phones. See their website: www.EdandDebShapiro.com.

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Comments

[Ed and Deb Shapiro - Huffpost Blogger]

Deb and I would like to thank all of the Huffington Post viewers for their warm and carig comments!

Our love,

Ed and Deb

May all people be happy!

[Akat1973]

I am just so moved and overwhelmed by Michelle Obama! The White House seems like it has a new aura around it,it is so full of life now. I am so PROUD of her and her Husband :)

[Ed and Deb Shapiro - Huffpost Blogger]

Aka1973- You have every reason to be-

We finally have a First Couple that represents the people and who truly care!

We all sem to fel that they will do us right in these times of great concern

Be happy,

Ed

[AndiG]

Michelle Obama is truly walking her talk...hav­ing a First Lady with so much compassion and the ability to share it so gracefully and easily is so refreshing. It's unbelievable that she is planting a garden at the White House, and hosting a Seder there for the very first time! wow! What a beautiful model she is providing for us all. Thanks for such an uplifting blog..I loved it!

[Ed and Deb Shapiro - Huffpost Blogger]

Hi AndiG- Your heart warming comment is much appreciated -

It is amazing that we have such an elegant First lady in the White House- she is unassuming and doesn't act like she needs applause- she just gets on with what is needed-

To have a family so united is supreme. To top it off the First granny is lovely as well.

Health in the White House is a message to everyone- We Can Do It- Yes We Can

Big Hugs,

Ed

[MarsAmbassador]

I support Michelle's right to bare arms!

[Ed and Deb Shapiro - Huffpost Blogger]

MarsAmbassador

Spot on!

sounds like you are in the right direction

Life is a gas keep breathing,

Ed

[livinlife]

Also want to add to previous comment. It is not just President Obama. It is both the Obamas who are transforming the US image to the world. I also love the way Michelle is promoting family and health to our country.

[Ed and Deb Shapiro - Huffpost Blogger]

livinlife- You are my ski guru and I want you to know that you have taught me so much on the slopes

Your comment is spot on - the Obama's look so happy - their gorgeous girls are great role models for other young girls

Big Love,

Ed

[gladys46]

Her Black is Beautiful !

[Ed and Deb Shapiro - Huffpost Blogger]

gladys46

Her Light SHINES!

Her Heart is OPEN

Her Mind is RADIANT

Her HUMANITY is REAL

OmBama-

Ed

[livinlife]

It is so nice to have the world view us not as pure evil but see us as a caring and compassionate people. Some say that President Obama did not come away with a lot of commitments from the European countries. I think he achieved so much more than getting economic and militaristic support. He changed the way we are perceived to the world, its been a long time coming.

[Ed and Deb Shapiro - Huffpost Blogger]

heeeyyyyy - livinlife great comment

Wonderful clear observation - I agree with you.

I am sure the world leaders were able to see and realize that it is night and day from where we were in the past 8 years - from the DECIDER to the LISTENER

LIFE IS GREAT,

ED

[LaDonnarenee]

I really appreciate Michelle's authenticity. It inspires me.

[Ed and Deb Shapiro - Huffpost Blogger]

LaDonnarenee- Short and sweet I wholeheartedly agree with you

It is wonderful and good for a country when the First lady is authentic as it makes you trust the decisions that are made that affect so many millions of people.

Treasure yourself,

ed

[Pavel Somov, Ph.D. - Huffpost Blogger]

MIndfulness + Politics = Visionary Leadership

Pavel Somov, Ph.D.

[Ed and Deb Shapiro - Huffpost Blogger]

Hi Pavel- thanks for your math

Wisdom + Loving kindness + Compassion = Obama

Joyfully,

Ed

[mzrecycle]

Such a delight to see our First Lady is someone very comfortable in her own skin. To see how comfortably she moves from meeting with world leaders to planting a garden with school children to encourage them and the nation to eat healthy foods is very telling. Her parents did a wonderful job of raising both their children to achieve, and to value family relationships above that achievement. The way she focuses on her two daughters shows that. Now she gets to do all this under the microscope of all that press coverage. If Obama is reelected for a 2nd term, their oldest daughter will be 18 when they leave. Parenting a girl as she goes thru her teen years in the pressure cooker of the White House is likely to be tricky. She may not do it perfectly (and the press will be only too happy to point any missteps out), but guessing Michelle will do it beautifully.

[Ed and Deb Shapiro - Huffpost Blogger]

mzrecycle- Thanks for your comment- great observation

Yes we have finally through the grace of good fortune elected a First Couple we all could be proud of

Going beyond Democrat & Republican- we have brought into the White House 2 people who are deserving and will do the necessary job - already the American people feel comfortable and know they are being told what's happening and treated with dignity and respect.

The people are not being talked down to- They are looked up to- YES

Ed

[rsprags]

Correcton.­.. show everyone..­.

[rsprags]

Michelle is displayng the nature and charisma of Jesus; happy to know Buddha has some of the same principles as well as hindu and other religions. It just goes to shoe wveryone wants to claim the Obamas and their principles!

[Ed and Deb Shapiro - Huffpost Blogger]

rsprags Thanks for your comment

Jesus ROCKS! Buddha ROCKS! Krishna ROCKS! Michelle and Barack ROCK!

All good people ROCK!

May all people be HAPPY and enjoy this gift of life,

Ed

[Deadgnome]

She and her husband make me smile quite often. It's just the most refreshing sight to see two people, that care about the world they live in, their family, and their country. Nice article.

[Ed and Deb Shapiro - Huffpost Blogger]

Deadgnome- Thank you for you endearing comment-

I think our world is in a better place since the Obama's moved into the white House
People seem to be so pleased and it is only just about 3 months- I look forward to when they feel more at home.
The world is enjoying the shift- it is beginning to fel like the world is coming together.

Enjoy the journey,

Ed

[truelie]

Who needs religions when everyone can learn and practice the great teaching of the Buddha. As far as I know, and maybe with the exception of Hinduism, all the other religions, past and present, have been involved in the taking of innocent lives in their names. Thus, they have failed humanity. Their followers are selfish and narrow-minded fanatics and maniacs. Let's all become Buddhists and the world will be a much better place.

[Ed and Deb Shapiro - Huffpost Blogger]

truelie- Now Now - let us find out who we are without becoming anything

What the Buddha said was to find out what is real for yourself- to open our hearts and become compassionate- to wake up-- as Buddha mans to wake up to our authentic selves

The Dalai Lama said it best when he said, "my religion is kindness"

We are hear to do good and to respect others

Ed

[Dr. Cara Barker - Huffpost Blogger]

Thank you, Ed and Deb, for the quote from Buddha. It fits beautifully! As you know from my past few blogs, I, too, am one of Michelle's fans for all that she reflects that brings renewed hope, grounding, consciousness and loving outreach.

So do you!

A blessed weekend, whatever the tradition and celebration,
Cara

[Ed and Deb Shapiro - Huffpost Blogger]

Hello Cara - Great to hear from you- it looks like people feel so good having the Obama's in the White House-
they do make the world feel sane- they are the most powerful couple- you know you can sleep at night

We are fortunate and I believe the best is yet to come- let's take a deep breathe and enjoy

Life is a gift, enjoy the journey,

Ed