Baring my soul as I talk about reflections brought on in a men's group where much of the conversation involved emotions. Understanding them, articulating them, and expressing them.
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Thursday, September 27, 2007
Monday, September 24, 2007
Love in the House | One Man Can
An entertaining perspective in reflection of love in the house when a dog and a cat were introduced. Hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed writing it.
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read more | digg story
Saturday, September 22, 2007
What are you going to do?
Dealing with the issues of life step-by-step to overcome obstacles and avoid worry, fear, and more problems.
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read more | digg story
Friday, August 17, 2007
"Do you suppose there is any rhyme or reason to any of this?" Dweedle-Ant posed.
"He He He! Of course, Mant! Of course! Just take a look at that cute little heiny and tell me that ain't no reason. That's a reason!" bellowed and guffawed Sext-Ant.
"Sure, if all that matters to you is thorax and antennae, Perv!" stated Iman-Ant. "Of course there is a point to it all, Dweedle-Ant."
"Each and every one of us is a piece of a larger whole. The whole is the colony. While a colony can continue without us, it is no longer the same colony. The whole keeps changing, and yet, it depends upon us for its own existence. It is the nature of Life. Before the flower came the bud, before the bud came the stem, before the stem-the roots, before the roots-the seed, and after all is said and done, all that was the flower is returned to multiple seeds. These seeds varying in the sum totality of the experiences in the journey of the flower's life."
"So, you see, we don't know and experience the future now. We pour ourselves into the now, knowing that a future self that is the sum of everything before (self-included), and aspires to even greater, will have more of the answers than we have now," finished Iman-Ant.
Sext-Ant yawns and exhales, "Well you mucks can do whatever you want, or believe whatever you want. Me? I'm just going for more T & A, baby, T & A!" And sauntered off with a howl that dwindled to a chuckle.
"He He He! Of course, Mant! Of course! Just take a look at that cute little heiny and tell me that ain't no reason. That's a reason!" bellowed and guffawed Sext-Ant.
"Sure, if all that matters to you is thorax and antennae, Perv!" stated Iman-Ant. "Of course there is a point to it all, Dweedle-Ant."
"Each and every one of us is a piece of a larger whole. The whole is the colony. While a colony can continue without us, it is no longer the same colony. The whole keeps changing, and yet, it depends upon us for its own existence. It is the nature of Life. Before the flower came the bud, before the bud came the stem, before the stem-the roots, before the roots-the seed, and after all is said and done, all that was the flower is returned to multiple seeds. These seeds varying in the sum totality of the experiences in the journey of the flower's life."
"So, you see, we don't know and experience the future now. We pour ourselves into the now, knowing that a future self that is the sum of everything before (self-included), and aspires to even greater, will have more of the answers than we have now," finished Iman-Ant.
Sext-Ant yawns and exhales, "Well you mucks can do whatever you want, or believe whatever you want. Me? I'm just going for more T & A, baby, T & A!" And sauntered off with a howl that dwindled to a chuckle.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
"It could just be heartburn," came the retort.
"No, I don't think so. I'm pretty sure this is much bigger than that." I was convinced my heart was growing bigger.
Imagine someone dear to you. Someone you can't imagine not breathing, that you can imagine the emotional volcano erupting deep within if they were lost. Whoa! That's some seriously deep loving.
In your heart's desire the best of the best is hoped for that person. Never would you dream of harming them, or even wish to see in any kind of pain or difficulty. Like a parent for a child, we wish them happiness, joy, friends, success, security, peace, satisfaction, and so on. And even so, we ache every time we hear the opposite, we cry inside every time we see their pain.
Be joyful, be happy, is often what I hear. While sad, I can't say that I am not grateful or unhappy. Being sad can contain joy too, albeit a little warped. (But I hear that helps around here.) I might be full of shit, but I don't think so.
I'm reading A Brief History of Everything by Ken Wilber and am discovering lingo and sound argument for the experiences I have and am incapable of explaining fully. Check this out:
Today, at this moment, I am every experience that went before, and so much more. The emotions, the dreams, the ideas and beliefs, all a unique concoction of metaphysical energy that shapes an unseen future. Depth is gained as the intensity and level of experiences lived pass by. You are not just this moment. You are all that went before this moment engaged powerfully in this moment. Chew on that identity for a while. Then open that heart. I'm sure it's not just indigestion.
"No, I don't think so. I'm pretty sure this is much bigger than that." I was convinced my heart was growing bigger.
Imagine someone dear to you. Someone you can't imagine not breathing, that you can imagine the emotional volcano erupting deep within if they were lost. Whoa! That's some seriously deep loving.
In your heart's desire the best of the best is hoped for that person. Never would you dream of harming them, or even wish to see in any kind of pain or difficulty. Like a parent for a child, we wish them happiness, joy, friends, success, security, peace, satisfaction, and so on. And even so, we ache every time we hear the opposite, we cry inside every time we see their pain.
Be joyful, be happy, is often what I hear. While sad, I can't say that I am not grateful or unhappy. Being sad can contain joy too, albeit a little warped. (But I hear that helps around here.) I might be full of shit, but I don't think so.
I'm reading A Brief History of Everything by Ken Wilber and am discovering lingo and sound argument for the experiences I have and am incapable of explaining fully. Check this out:
I'll tell you what I think. I think the sages are the growing tip of the secret impulse of evolution. I think they are the leading edge of the self-transcending drive that always goes beyond what before. I think they embody the very drive of the Kosmos toward greater depth and expanding consciousness. I think they are riding the edge of a light beam racing toward a rendez-vous with God.I understand transcend and enfold, transcend and embrace, or transcend and include now. Too often I have undermined myself, beating myself up over my failings, my shortcomings, and my mistakes. Judgement: judgement of what?
And I think they point to the same depth in you, and in me, and in all of us. I think they are plugged into the All, and the Kosmos sings through their voices, and Spirit shines through their eyes. And I think they disclose the face of tomorrow, they open us to the heart of our own destiny, which is also already right now in the timelessness of this very moment, and in that startling recognition the voice of the sage becomes your voice, the eyes of the sage become your eyes, you speak with the tongues of angels and are alight with the fire of a realization that never dawns nor ceases, you recognize your own true Face in the mirror of the Kosmos itself: your identity is indeed the All, and you are no longer part of that stream, you are that stream, with the All unfolding not around you but in you. The stars no longer shine out there, but in here. Surpernovas come into being within your heart, and the sun shines inside your awareness. Because you transcend all, you embrace all. There is no final Whole here, only an endless process, and you are the opening or the clearing or the pure Emptiness in which the entire process unfolds--ceaselessly, miraculously, everlastingly, lightly.
The whole game is undone, this nightmare of evolution, and you are exactly where you were prior to the beginning of the whole show. With a sudden shock of the utterly obvious, you recognize your own Original Face, the face you had prior to the Big Bang, the face of utter Emptiness that smiles as all creation and sings as the entire Kosmos--and it is all undone in that primal glance, and all that is left is the smile, and the reflection of the moon on a quiet pond, late on a crystal clear night.
Today, at this moment, I am every experience that went before, and so much more. The emotions, the dreams, the ideas and beliefs, all a unique concoction of metaphysical energy that shapes an unseen future. Depth is gained as the intensity and level of experiences lived pass by. You are not just this moment. You are all that went before this moment engaged powerfully in this moment. Chew on that identity for a while. Then open that heart. I'm sure it's not just indigestion.
Saturday, July 14, 2007
Top Dog: A Look at the Alpha Model
The dogs have it. Living together in packs, a hierarchy exists that ensures the cohesiveness, safety, and continuation of the group. The pack looks for the guidance of their leader, elders, and so on. Each step of the hierarchy has the protective gaze falling upon those above and below. The leader, Alpha Male, looks out for the pack: He's the Top Dog.
As I'm out walking the dogs, hanging out under the shade trees, I assume the alpha role. This brings a sense of safety and security to the dogs - two sisters - who are then able to relax, be more playful, and also obedient to my commands. Somtimes, I'll even grunt or yip like a dog to gather their attention back to me. They pay attention to my every move, follow and watch me as I wander, leaving them loose and able to follow - which they do.
It was while observing and enjoying the company and time spent with these two Boxers that I began to ponder the concept of the Alpha Male in our society. Reflecting back on conversations with others, what we see via channels of entertainment, repeated stories in the news media, in the workplace, out on the streets, and in the bars, I felt there exists a distorted and unhealthy belief and/or perspective as to what constitutes an Alpha Male.
The most common social comment is the choice and attraction to the typical bad-boy. In the bars it is typically the hot-shot with the deep pockets, power, and prestige - at the very least in his own mind - and he exudes a sense of power, or disinterest, and often looks about with a predatory stare, particularly when his eyes fall upon an object - person - of his desire. Walking through a gay neighborhood, even the alpha male stereotype might find himself the object of desire under the same predatory stare; I've experienced it myself.
Yet, while I'm with the dogs, considering the responsibility that comes with being the Alpha, I question whether our perception of these alpha characters in our society has become quite distorted, even corrupted from its purest intent. If the Alpha Male is the typical leader, the one with money, status, position, power, and prestige, then I wonder, when looking at the end result and their actions leading to the end results, why there is so much corruption and abuse? Of course, I'm thinking of business, politics, the bluttony for oil, the furthering of one's own agenda at the expense of others in society, and so on. I'm confidnet you see what I mean as we have all witnessed so much in our own brief history with oil, Enron, Iraq, sweat shops, devastated wildlife, environment, poverty and homelessness in our own backyards, and so on, and so forth.
What, then, is the the better model, or more accurate perspective on being an Alpha? While looking to nature, many in society seem to borrow the adage 'survival of the fittest' and use it as their excuse for running amok through society to further their gains regardless of the damage to others, the environment, or even to themselves. I think this single-minded approach is missing the mark. In the wild, the survival of the fittest keeps the food-chain working smoothly, a food-chain that we are no longer a part of other than to consume with very little awareness of the impact we have. In the pack, the survival of the fittest simply means that when an old dog's time has come, they walk away or are left behind to ensure the safety of the whole. Ancient human tribal traditions observed similar practices.
The Top Dog in the pack fights for the position. This fight is not one of one-upmanship, it is a natural order to ensure that the fittest animal is able to lead the group. The challenge to the Top Dog continually tests and keeps him sharp. And the packs knowing responds with challenges if a weakness in the Alpha is felt. The pack also is committed to their survival and having the best Alpha in position. Along with the position comes some perks, naturally. However, that Top Dog is on the lookout and is willing to die to defend the lowest of the low in the pack. I can't say this is true of most human Alphas.
As a human being, I see the Alpha role quite differently. We're not the animals without all the games. We're the animals with all the games - social games. We have a level of intelligence, communication, and social structure that defies almost everything in the animal kingdom. Chances are, our social structures tend to be more cancerous than useful. Were an authentic Alpha to arrive on the scene, the fitness of mind - intelligent - and the strength of heart - compassion - would be the driving force that would see the rise to the top. It is the combination of intelligence and wisdom at work while providing for the vision of the whole of society rather than simply glorifying his or her own goals.
Responsibility is an important word that was introduced earlier. To be an Alpha isn't all about being Top Dog. I believe it is more accurately about being the most capable of caring for the well-being of the pack - of others. Logic even supports the idea: Without the pack, the Alpha isn't Top Dog, he's just another Stray Mutt. So why destroy the foundation of what provides the structure to become Top Dog? A good question for the wannabe Top Dog's running rampant in our society today. Being a Top Dog does come with a lot of perks and benefits. Nurturing that position and the relationship of self to personal and communal goals is key to maintaining the healthy balance that solidifies the whole of all, rather than glorifyuing one's own gains.
So I say 'go for it!' Be the Top Dog. Just remember that Top Dog looks out for the pack and that pack will honor and respect your role. Then you won't have to worry about just becoming another Stray Mutt.
As I'm out walking the dogs, hanging out under the shade trees, I assume the alpha role. This brings a sense of safety and security to the dogs - two sisters - who are then able to relax, be more playful, and also obedient to my commands. Somtimes, I'll even grunt or yip like a dog to gather their attention back to me. They pay attention to my every move, follow and watch me as I wander, leaving them loose and able to follow - which they do.
It was while observing and enjoying the company and time spent with these two Boxers that I began to ponder the concept of the Alpha Male in our society. Reflecting back on conversations with others, what we see via channels of entertainment, repeated stories in the news media, in the workplace, out on the streets, and in the bars, I felt there exists a distorted and unhealthy belief and/or perspective as to what constitutes an Alpha Male.
The most common social comment is the choice and attraction to the typical bad-boy. In the bars it is typically the hot-shot with the deep pockets, power, and prestige - at the very least in his own mind - and he exudes a sense of power, or disinterest, and often looks about with a predatory stare, particularly when his eyes fall upon an object - person - of his desire. Walking through a gay neighborhood, even the alpha male stereotype might find himself the object of desire under the same predatory stare; I've experienced it myself.
Yet, while I'm with the dogs, considering the responsibility that comes with being the Alpha, I question whether our perception of these alpha characters in our society has become quite distorted, even corrupted from its purest intent. If the Alpha Male is the typical leader, the one with money, status, position, power, and prestige, then I wonder, when looking at the end result and their actions leading to the end results, why there is so much corruption and abuse? Of course, I'm thinking of business, politics, the bluttony for oil, the furthering of one's own agenda at the expense of others in society, and so on. I'm confidnet you see what I mean as we have all witnessed so much in our own brief history with oil, Enron, Iraq, sweat shops, devastated wildlife, environment, poverty and homelessness in our own backyards, and so on, and so forth.
What, then, is the the better model, or more accurate perspective on being an Alpha? While looking to nature, many in society seem to borrow the adage 'survival of the fittest' and use it as their excuse for running amok through society to further their gains regardless of the damage to others, the environment, or even to themselves. I think this single-minded approach is missing the mark. In the wild, the survival of the fittest keeps the food-chain working smoothly, a food-chain that we are no longer a part of other than to consume with very little awareness of the impact we have. In the pack, the survival of the fittest simply means that when an old dog's time has come, they walk away or are left behind to ensure the safety of the whole. Ancient human tribal traditions observed similar practices.
The Top Dog in the pack fights for the position. This fight is not one of one-upmanship, it is a natural order to ensure that the fittest animal is able to lead the group. The challenge to the Top Dog continually tests and keeps him sharp. And the packs knowing responds with challenges if a weakness in the Alpha is felt. The pack also is committed to their survival and having the best Alpha in position. Along with the position comes some perks, naturally. However, that Top Dog is on the lookout and is willing to die to defend the lowest of the low in the pack. I can't say this is true of most human Alphas.
As a human being, I see the Alpha role quite differently. We're not the animals without all the games. We're the animals with all the games - social games. We have a level of intelligence, communication, and social structure that defies almost everything in the animal kingdom. Chances are, our social structures tend to be more cancerous than useful. Were an authentic Alpha to arrive on the scene, the fitness of mind - intelligent - and the strength of heart - compassion - would be the driving force that would see the rise to the top. It is the combination of intelligence and wisdom at work while providing for the vision of the whole of society rather than simply glorifying his or her own goals.
Responsibility is an important word that was introduced earlier. To be an Alpha isn't all about being Top Dog. I believe it is more accurately about being the most capable of caring for the well-being of the pack - of others. Logic even supports the idea: Without the pack, the Alpha isn't Top Dog, he's just another Stray Mutt. So why destroy the foundation of what provides the structure to become Top Dog? A good question for the wannabe Top Dog's running rampant in our society today. Being a Top Dog does come with a lot of perks and benefits. Nurturing that position and the relationship of self to personal and communal goals is key to maintaining the healthy balance that solidifies the whole of all, rather than glorifyuing one's own gains.
So I say 'go for it!' Be the Top Dog. Just remember that Top Dog looks out for the pack and that pack will honor and respect your role. Then you won't have to worry about just becoming another Stray Mutt.
Sunday, February 25, 2007
The God Delusion
I heard about a #1 seller on the book-list titled "The God Delusion"
Anyone else heard about it? Read it? If you haven't, you can catch a glimpse here:
http://richarddawkins.net/godDelusion where you can get a glimpse of chapter 1
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_God_Delusion where you can see other reviews and summaries.
Share your thoughts.
Here are mine:
My initial observation witnesses a stronger case against religion versus God, although I'm lead to believe through additional reading of summaries that he does state a stronger case against God as the book progresses.
A strong element of his ideology would then suggest that natural selection is a significant factor in the evolution of life and the world. Were this true, then that would mean that some of us on this planet are useless to the progression of the human race. And yet, in our world we care for and support what we judge as lesser beings who may be afflicted with illness and/or handicaps. In doing so, those of us closest to the experience with these supposed lesser beings discover immense value in lessons of life, humanity, and the intrinsic value present.
In the same way that the existence of God cannot be proven, so too can the existence of God not be proven. Proving God is a personal journey, a personal relationship, and non-denominational. It is not something to be scientifically debated, and nor can it be empirically proven; it must be experienced. Yet the struggle remains: How to prove or experience God?
Before unequivocally discounting or disproving God, I believe any person would be best served to first question and seek an experience of God before making any determination. Seeking that experience of God would also be best served time and again, much in the same way a scientist will devote a lifetime researching a particular field of study. How many times is a scientific study met with failure after failure before a breakthrough is experienced?
Time and time again, in my own journey, I have denied God, found God, railed against God, wrestled with God, doubted religion, hated religion, loved religion, and every possible variation. Test and prove, test and prove, test and prove and why, time and time again? Could this not be a simple aspect of human design, left unexplainable in the same way science cannot specifically pinpoint consciousness, emotions, etc?
In the times I came close to God, were times when I would suggest I've been at my most vulnerable. Ironically, many of those times were also the most vocal against God as I lamented my circumstances. And yet, there was something there, even so far as to have an actual experience of an otherwise unexplainable event that included a presence in my room, embracing my body, touching my own spirit, consciousness, emotions, and physical body. I've never been able to forget that experience that occurred at about the age of 33 or 34.
Religion on the other hand has also been my biggest enemy at coming closer to God. Our history books offer enough evidence, as I'm sure many experiences some of us may have had with religious fanatics. These instances would eventually drive me away from religion, and on more than one occasion, away from the pursuit of God; or any sort of spirituality for that matter. And yet, something would always draw me back -- not to religion necessarily, but certainly toward an idea that God is real.
I can also assure you that I didn't always seek this out. Yes, sometimes I did, though on many occasions I railed against the possibility and insisted that whatever this internal disturbance was to please just go away and leave me alone! Let me get on with my life. Yet, this thing persisted. Does this then make me weak as part of the evolutionary process of natural selection? Given the book, it might be concluded that this is so.
This world, this creation, this universe, etc., is pretty magnificent and amazing, of that there is no doubt. Can everything be explained from this context alone? I'm not so certain, and given my field of study, I'm not likely to find that out. People like Richard Dawkins, the author of "The God Delusion" spend a great deal of time in the scientific world, as do many other scientists, and they may find a good many answers. And yet, even so I will experience questions that go beyond the answers provided. So who is right and who is wrong? Where some science tries to disprove God, I've got to tell you, it was science that brought me back to a belief in God.
I'd like to suggest that each individual embark upon their own satisfactory quest to have their own questions answered. In time, those answers may come. There may be periods of absence, periods of discovery, periods of doubt, and periods of certainty. But seriously, do you really want to take someone else's word for it? If you do, then let me sell you some land just West of Vancouver Island right on the Pacific Ocean. The scenery is gorgeous.
Anyone else heard about it? Read it? If you haven't, you can catch a glimpse here:
http://richarddawkins.net/godDelusion where you can get a glimpse of chapter 1
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_God_Delusion where you can see other reviews and summaries.
Share your thoughts.
Here are mine:
My initial observation witnesses a stronger case against religion versus God, although I'm lead to believe through additional reading of summaries that he does state a stronger case against God as the book progresses.
A strong element of his ideology would then suggest that natural selection is a significant factor in the evolution of life and the world. Were this true, then that would mean that some of us on this planet are useless to the progression of the human race. And yet, in our world we care for and support what we judge as lesser beings who may be afflicted with illness and/or handicaps. In doing so, those of us closest to the experience with these supposed lesser beings discover immense value in lessons of life, humanity, and the intrinsic value present.
In the same way that the existence of God cannot be proven, so too can the existence of God not be proven. Proving God is a personal journey, a personal relationship, and non-denominational. It is not something to be scientifically debated, and nor can it be empirically proven; it must be experienced. Yet the struggle remains: How to prove or experience God?
Before unequivocally discounting or disproving God, I believe any person would be best served to first question and seek an experience of God before making any determination. Seeking that experience of God would also be best served time and again, much in the same way a scientist will devote a lifetime researching a particular field of study. How many times is a scientific study met with failure after failure before a breakthrough is experienced?
Time and time again, in my own journey, I have denied God, found God, railed against God, wrestled with God, doubted religion, hated religion, loved religion, and every possible variation. Test and prove, test and prove, test and prove and why, time and time again? Could this not be a simple aspect of human design, left unexplainable in the same way science cannot specifically pinpoint consciousness, emotions, etc?
In the times I came close to God, were times when I would suggest I've been at my most vulnerable. Ironically, many of those times were also the most vocal against God as I lamented my circumstances. And yet, there was something there, even so far as to have an actual experience of an otherwise unexplainable event that included a presence in my room, embracing my body, touching my own spirit, consciousness, emotions, and physical body. I've never been able to forget that experience that occurred at about the age of 33 or 34.
Religion on the other hand has also been my biggest enemy at coming closer to God. Our history books offer enough evidence, as I'm sure many experiences some of us may have had with religious fanatics. These instances would eventually drive me away from religion, and on more than one occasion, away from the pursuit of God; or any sort of spirituality for that matter. And yet, something would always draw me back -- not to religion necessarily, but certainly toward an idea that God is real.
I can also assure you that I didn't always seek this out. Yes, sometimes I did, though on many occasions I railed against the possibility and insisted that whatever this internal disturbance was to please just go away and leave me alone! Let me get on with my life. Yet, this thing persisted. Does this then make me weak as part of the evolutionary process of natural selection? Given the book, it might be concluded that this is so.
This world, this creation, this universe, etc., is pretty magnificent and amazing, of that there is no doubt. Can everything be explained from this context alone? I'm not so certain, and given my field of study, I'm not likely to find that out. People like Richard Dawkins, the author of "The God Delusion" spend a great deal of time in the scientific world, as do many other scientists, and they may find a good many answers. And yet, even so I will experience questions that go beyond the answers provided. So who is right and who is wrong? Where some science tries to disprove God, I've got to tell you, it was science that brought me back to a belief in God.
I'd like to suggest that each individual embark upon their own satisfactory quest to have their own questions answered. In time, those answers may come. There may be periods of absence, periods of discovery, periods of doubt, and periods of certainty. But seriously, do you really want to take someone else's word for it? If you do, then let me sell you some land just West of Vancouver Island right on the Pacific Ocean. The scenery is gorgeous.
Saturday, February 03, 2007
Courage Prevails
Weary to the bones, feeling the heaviness and despair, the fatigue demands you to sit and breathe awhile. As you sit and withdraw within the burdened mind and heart, you pant for breath, for life to return. A gust of wind stirs and refreshes you momentarily, clearing away the dark thoughts of the day, the months, and the years, and you raise your head and eyes to observe.
"How did I not notice this?" you ask. Two paths open before you. One appears to lead down the same path life has been handing you the past 10 years. It doesn't feel right, it feels like a lie, like all smoke and mirrors. The other road is shrouded in mist, within a dark forest. Even so, off in the distance you see a speck of light, like a promise, of something that appeals to a deeper part of yourself.
You look again, at the foreboding dark forest, the mist, and wonder what lurks in the dark. Its’ eeriness sends shivers and goose bumps crawling across your skin and through your bones. What surprises you is that the bones know, they know that this is your road, and one that you've passed many times before.
Finally, tired of the same repetitious path of life, the path that has lulled you into a slumber of pity, self-loathing, even longing, you find a spark within the heart that ignites a tiny spark in the belly, and then the head, and you know the adventure begins: The life you were born to live. All that needs to happen now is to turn towards the ominous and hopeful path of rightness, not familiarity, and to strike out on foot with courage.
For many, the piercing arrow of fear strikes to heart with its' ghost-like quality. The transparent, smoky, frail, and temporal arrow of fear relies on illusion to fool them and their ever-so intelligent mind that can never be wrong. As they turn away from the path of rightness, of their true life that they were born to live, fear returns to the dark woods as a whispery haunting laugh follows the blind back to the illusion of familiarity and security.
You remember this, how many times you glanced and walked on; how many times you stopped and longed; and you even have a vague recollection of having passed it without even noticing. No, the time has come, the pain of familiarity has made you too numb, and you long for life to seize your heart and start beating again with the joy of promise given to you as a child in the arms of the Supreme.
Checking in one more time, you feel the excitement build in the bones as the pilot lights sparked earlier fuel the passion to be alive and ride life. With nary a look back your heel strikes out and into the gloom of the dark forest, and the promise of that light off in the distant future. Inside the forest, you find the familiar surround you again, as the denseness of this familiar place brings memories, mistakes, missed opportunities, and the healing to let go.
This dark forest is love and loves you. The embrace is firm, cold, and yet bold. Welcoming each error of past misjudgment transforms you, empowers you, fuels you, heals you, and the forest urges you on as each barb yields to the beautiful rose. And one day, in the unknown distance of time, you step out fully into the brilliance of your authentic life upon the meadow of gaiety.
Dancing, singing, rejoicing you spin and turn and tumble with joy. After moments or hours, as time is no longer the prison it once was, you stand, exhausted with joy and delight and turn slowly absorbing the beauty that surrounds you. Gazing back along the road less traveled you see the path from the forest to discover the beauty in the tragedies and pain, as majestic Oaks, Maples, Firs, and so many more, tower to the sky with a firm strength that stands the test of time.
Bending to knee, falling forward, embracing the earth, and all your self-worth, you give thanks with tears and sobbing that releases the fullest joy imaginable. And the quiet voice of Love speaks into your heart, clearing your mind once again, and says, "Sweet child. I honor you. It was you who seized upon Courage and found Strength where I reside. It was you, My Delight, and you bring great Joy to My Heart, knowing that you have claimed this Gift of Life fully."
The bones speak again as the flesh is crawled with goose bumps and the rightness of the words sink into the flesh. Rolling over and sitting up, you lean back on your hands for a moment to gaze up into the blue wonder to ponder thanks. "My dear God," you say, "I have fought you, misunderstood you, and even abused you, yet you call me your delight. Thank-you for acknowledging that which is in me as you, and never, ever, giving up on me."
Regaining your feet, you feel the ground firmly beneath you like you've never felt it before. You feel the blood course through your veins with a fury of life that will never lay down again. You feel the gratitude and love of a heart that has swollen in proportion to ALL. And you forge on with a zest and appeal for experiencing joy that leaves your mouth watering, knowing that the path of rightness is your own and that goodness will always reign.
A ghost appears, ever so slightly, to pierce the truth with a nightmare of fear. And just as quickly, you turn one last time and remember what that forest has taught you. For all the mistakes, wrong turns, hurts of life, and damage caused to others, forgiveness and love have never left you, let you down, abandoned you, or held any grudges. It was you, it was fear, it can and has been let go, and firmly planted in the roots of majesty. You will prevail.
This, I just wrote, from heart and creative spirit.
© 2007 Lee Down, all rights reserved
"How did I not notice this?" you ask. Two paths open before you. One appears to lead down the same path life has been handing you the past 10 years. It doesn't feel right, it feels like a lie, like all smoke and mirrors. The other road is shrouded in mist, within a dark forest. Even so, off in the distance you see a speck of light, like a promise, of something that appeals to a deeper part of yourself.
You look again, at the foreboding dark forest, the mist, and wonder what lurks in the dark. Its’ eeriness sends shivers and goose bumps crawling across your skin and through your bones. What surprises you is that the bones know, they know that this is your road, and one that you've passed many times before.
Finally, tired of the same repetitious path of life, the path that has lulled you into a slumber of pity, self-loathing, even longing, you find a spark within the heart that ignites a tiny spark in the belly, and then the head, and you know the adventure begins: The life you were born to live. All that needs to happen now is to turn towards the ominous and hopeful path of rightness, not familiarity, and to strike out on foot with courage.
For many, the piercing arrow of fear strikes to heart with its' ghost-like quality. The transparent, smoky, frail, and temporal arrow of fear relies on illusion to fool them and their ever-so intelligent mind that can never be wrong. As they turn away from the path of rightness, of their true life that they were born to live, fear returns to the dark woods as a whispery haunting laugh follows the blind back to the illusion of familiarity and security.
You remember this, how many times you glanced and walked on; how many times you stopped and longed; and you even have a vague recollection of having passed it without even noticing. No, the time has come, the pain of familiarity has made you too numb, and you long for life to seize your heart and start beating again with the joy of promise given to you as a child in the arms of the Supreme.
Checking in one more time, you feel the excitement build in the bones as the pilot lights sparked earlier fuel the passion to be alive and ride life. With nary a look back your heel strikes out and into the gloom of the dark forest, and the promise of that light off in the distant future. Inside the forest, you find the familiar surround you again, as the denseness of this familiar place brings memories, mistakes, missed opportunities, and the healing to let go.
This dark forest is love and loves you. The embrace is firm, cold, and yet bold. Welcoming each error of past misjudgment transforms you, empowers you, fuels you, heals you, and the forest urges you on as each barb yields to the beautiful rose. And one day, in the unknown distance of time, you step out fully into the brilliance of your authentic life upon the meadow of gaiety.
Dancing, singing, rejoicing you spin and turn and tumble with joy. After moments or hours, as time is no longer the prison it once was, you stand, exhausted with joy and delight and turn slowly absorbing the beauty that surrounds you. Gazing back along the road less traveled you see the path from the forest to discover the beauty in the tragedies and pain, as majestic Oaks, Maples, Firs, and so many more, tower to the sky with a firm strength that stands the test of time.
Bending to knee, falling forward, embracing the earth, and all your self-worth, you give thanks with tears and sobbing that releases the fullest joy imaginable. And the quiet voice of Love speaks into your heart, clearing your mind once again, and says, "Sweet child. I honor you. It was you who seized upon Courage and found Strength where I reside. It was you, My Delight, and you bring great Joy to My Heart, knowing that you have claimed this Gift of Life fully."
The bones speak again as the flesh is crawled with goose bumps and the rightness of the words sink into the flesh. Rolling over and sitting up, you lean back on your hands for a moment to gaze up into the blue wonder to ponder thanks. "My dear God," you say, "I have fought you, misunderstood you, and even abused you, yet you call me your delight. Thank-you for acknowledging that which is in me as you, and never, ever, giving up on me."
Regaining your feet, you feel the ground firmly beneath you like you've never felt it before. You feel the blood course through your veins with a fury of life that will never lay down again. You feel the gratitude and love of a heart that has swollen in proportion to ALL. And you forge on with a zest and appeal for experiencing joy that leaves your mouth watering, knowing that the path of rightness is your own and that goodness will always reign.
A ghost appears, ever so slightly, to pierce the truth with a nightmare of fear. And just as quickly, you turn one last time and remember what that forest has taught you. For all the mistakes, wrong turns, hurts of life, and damage caused to others, forgiveness and love have never left you, let you down, abandoned you, or held any grudges. It was you, it was fear, it can and has been let go, and firmly planted in the roots of majesty. You will prevail.
This, I just wrote, from heart and creative spirit.
© 2007 Lee Down, all rights reserved
Monday, January 29, 2007
Cheeky - Yes, I said it
I wish we could all hear with our heart and
stop smelling the dogma we stepped in.
stop smelling the dogma we stepped in.
Thursday, January 25, 2007
What's Hard To Be With?
When I took my coaches training, a particular subject area related to "What's hard to be with?" Often times, we human-beings in our need to be right, or loved, or even simply liked all the time means that we fail to stick-to-it when the going gets tough. I, too, have often been guilty of the same behavior in my life. One place you often find yourself not doing that though, is in a relationship that you've already invested a lot of emotional energy into. So what about the rest of life and other relationships?
Are human-beings meant to be pleasant, unoffensive, and perfect - in your eyes - all the time? It just isn't possible, is it? I know that people rub me the wrong way sometimes, and even so I have stuck with it for a time - actually much longer in some cases than was healthy. Yet, giving other people a chance and allowing friction and conflict to exist is also a way to open my eyes to my own shortcomings and to then allow them theirs. As well, it also offers me an opportunity to develop my patience and perseverance in relating to others around sticky-issues. So what if I hit a rough spot? I'll speak my mind, I'll be passionate - quite simply, I'll be who I am. After all, isn't that what friendship is about?
If there is a continual butting of heads and a totally polarized perspective on life and values, then by all means, I feel free to go - I've often come to that place of understanding myself. However, if there is an opportunity to learn and gain insight about what makes someone tick, then I'll stick around and keep communicating. It's interesting that on one item a rawness will be exposed, and then just as quickly the conversation can turn to another subject matter and the conversation carries on like the first one never existed. Oh, but wait - that only happens within the animal kingdom; humans carry judgment, grudges, and expectation in their hearts. Or do they?
In my own imperfection, I hope that is not the case.
Are human-beings meant to be pleasant, unoffensive, and perfect - in your eyes - all the time? It just isn't possible, is it? I know that people rub me the wrong way sometimes, and even so I have stuck with it for a time - actually much longer in some cases than was healthy. Yet, giving other people a chance and allowing friction and conflict to exist is also a way to open my eyes to my own shortcomings and to then allow them theirs. As well, it also offers me an opportunity to develop my patience and perseverance in relating to others around sticky-issues. So what if I hit a rough spot? I'll speak my mind, I'll be passionate - quite simply, I'll be who I am. After all, isn't that what friendship is about?
If there is a continual butting of heads and a totally polarized perspective on life and values, then by all means, I feel free to go - I've often come to that place of understanding myself. However, if there is an opportunity to learn and gain insight about what makes someone tick, then I'll stick around and keep communicating. It's interesting that on one item a rawness will be exposed, and then just as quickly the conversation can turn to another subject matter and the conversation carries on like the first one never existed. Oh, but wait - that only happens within the animal kingdom; humans carry judgment, grudges, and expectation in their hearts. Or do they?
In my own imperfection, I hope that is not the case.
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
The Union Address: Asked, I Responded
What are my thoughts?
You know, I did read it and thanks for posting it by the way. I had heard some disturbing things and wanted to give it a once over. I confess, I didn't give it my fullest attention as I did a lot of skimming. Skimming in itself denotes a lot of bullshit to wade through, I would think - or at least not the kind of substance that I'd like to hear.
On the surface, it appears to say a lot of good and valuable things: Social responsibility, medicaid, not leaving children behind, and therein lies his argument for "staying the course." This is where he segues gradually into the war on terror. I don't doubt that there are extremists, after all, North American churches are full of them too. So there may be some valid points to the threats that exist to the advancement of freedom and democracy in the middle-east. We've certainly seen enough evidence of that in both of our lifetimes.
This is where there is a fundamental flaw though. Terrorists and extremists alike, are simply misinformed, brainwashed, socially conditioned beasts themselves - tied up in the prison of their own beliefs.Sure we can fight them, and in fighting them we can continue to reinforce their beliefs. It's hard to see how there is a win-win in that given scenario. So then, how to bring about change?
This is where the UN and Canada have traditionally had fundamental differences in our approach from the US. Canada has sent (in the past anyway) more peace-keeping troops per capita to other parts of the world since the inception of the UN than any other nation. It's the role we're all intended to keep - Peace-keepers - not war-mongers. This is where I found the economic growth and job creation in the US mentioned in the Union Address to be rather interesting facts that he introduced.
War is apparently a great money-maker for business. Business does well, more jobs are available, unemployment is down (soldiers are dead though - an irony buried in there), even though government spending on military is up. Take a look at other intelligent responses by Democrat House Members, and the disparity between the growth of income for top-earners and the average American and you begin to see how radically this so-called boon to the economy is out of balance with reality. Good for business, sure, but not so good for the average Joe and Jane.
So, it is all a bit complex and over my head on many levels. Isn't that interesting too though? It seems that the "system" has been designed in such a way as to keep people in the dark. Heck, even Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton said as much when they wanted to find the truth about UFO's and the history of research within the government system. Both were apparently told "You don't want to go there." and they were not permitted to go there. The Presidents, not allowed access to information within their own government bureaucracy!
I've missed something I'm sure - in the point I was trying to get to as well. That word bureaucracy ties me up with getting the spelling right just as badly as the system of it ties people and freedoms in knots too.
So what should be done differently? Well, once your in the fire, I think the fire-fighting has to continue. You got in and stirred the pot, have done a lot of damage, so pulling out now would be like going to your neighbor's house and tearing the foundation to shreds while trying to get rid of rot. Then when you see how badly you've mucked it up, you back off and leave your neighbor to fend for himself. Not a good policy. Now I don't ascribe to taking it any further either. I say quell what is there now, establish peace, the rest of the world needs to get into the peace-keeping role, and someone please start building bridges of education, understanding, and diplomacy to the process again!
I still liked what Gandhi said once about Jesus' teaching about turning the other cheek. Gandhi said something to the effect, "I'm not sure he meant that we were to turn away. I believe he meant that we are to offer our other cheek. In that way, we earn the respect of our adversary and from there real progress can be made. To strike back simply affirms them in their wrongful convictions."
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
The Latest Newsletter
The Month of January summary of words, insights, messages, and happenings.
A Short Message
A Short Message
2007 is well underway and I hear many people speak about the great year ahead. It's as though you can taste the fruit on the vine and I, too, have had this sense of impending greatness. What a wonderful feeling to embrace!
Our feelings in our body that we create truly do act as a magnet, bringing to us the very joy we desire. In the same way, the bump in the road distracts you from that positive energy and the feeling transmutes into something more akin to fear and worry. I was recently surprised by a reaction someone had to all the good luck going their way.
"Something has got to give!" was the expectation voiced. Good luck like this doesn't come without a price! Or does it? Why is that not possible?
I immediately responded, "Then you better head off to your church or favorite charity and throw a little money into the bin!"
You see, right there, something had to give and I offered the way out. So, yes, there is a give and take to the experience of life and abundance. In giving we receive and with receiving we're able to give. They're not mutually exclusive. Additionally, the negative perspective can quickly shift the impending doom by taking matters into your own hands and making it an expression of gratitude. Giving to your favorite charity or church is a way to say thank-you for the abundance you may be experiencing. It needn't be monetary, and it needn't be a charitable group either. Who else can you gift with some of that abundance? What can you gift them with? Be creative and watch the abundance spill back into your cup.
In the News
- A client I coached last year emailed me recently with some fantastic news. Here's his success shared in his own words. Visit his sites:
- Canadian Corporate Soccer League, a great sport for BC and workplace wellness
- Onebridge Consulting, for overseas business strategy and success
- Work Overseas, a huge hit for talent with a bug to see the world
- VanCity has launched a community-powered site called Change Everything. I encourage you to check it out.
- Another local client has launched a web-hosting and web-development company.
- Initial Design, Setup, and Support costs $650 for your Website
- Hosting is $10/month and includes an online content management system: You be in control of your updates - no additional costs for changes.
- Email with robust features and flexible storage capacity for minimal surcharge depending upon your needs.
- Please direct initial inquries through me to determine your needs. - Another local client has a list-service specifically targeting Real Estate Investors with early-warning notice of foreclosures. The intent is to create win-win solutions for the homeowner and investor. I will forward your email enquiries directly to him for follow-up.
Time for Reading
Catch up on some recent blog-entries as time permits:
- Too Sensitve? Recent reading reveals another perspective upon what it is I do well.
- Wisdom of a Dream: A semi-conscious wakening moment offered rich perspective on values.
- Creation - Whose is it Anyway? Blog community question answered... sort of. Again, it's about freedom of choice.
Until next time, many blessings, love, and wonderful inspiring moments with family, friends, and colleagues. Together, we can do many amazing things.
Best wishes, Lee
Addendum: Not included in the newsletter is the creation of a new networking group that will begin towards the end of this month. The first session will be a discovery and it will grow from there. A group of inspired business people who are looking for a new way to live and work in harmony without compromised values. This is a local group in Vancouver, British Columbia and the clear intention requires by invitation only. If you are local and would like more information, please contact me at 778-862-1626.Lee Down is a professionaly trained Coach committed to the awakening and development of the human spirit. In this capacity, and as a Spiritual Teacher or Guide, One Man Can wants to inspire and empower your life, your relationships, and your world: It's about the way of life, living, and being.
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