Parts of the Whole

Mornin' (good people)

I wanted to address this issue today in hopes of exposing the fallacy that many problems and challengers are just too hard or complex for us to handle. This does not seem to be the case when we break down the sometimes monstrous challenges into bite size, more manageable pieces. All issues or tasks in life can all be broken down into smaller, more manageable 'chunks' if you will. These chunks can be solved more easily and assembled together to create a finished product. It is easier to educate ourselves on the smaller components of a challenge because they typically are not as complex and baffling as the 'big picture'.

When you come face to face with a challenge or anything else you either choose or have to do, think of it as comprised of smaller, more manageable parts. Intimidation and fear will slip away so you can get down to the task at hand. You will certainly find you are more adept at solving and doing more things you had previously avoided.

Peace

A Touch of Spring Today

Mornin'

Depending on where you are at in the states or the world today, think Spring! In the northeastern section of the United States, we will be experiencing above average, springlike temperatures today; a moment to catch our breath from suffering a brutal winter. But does it end with exteriors. I think not.

I believe it is important to remember that we can always have our own Spring, or rebirth, within ourselves at any moment and on any given day. That moment when we can stop, breathe, and rejuvenate our minds and souls is necessary for any healthy lifestyle. It is in those times when I get frustrated or angry with self and others that I need this the most. I usually need it in times of indecision as well.

This strategy of taking time out for ourselves to rebirth our thoughts gives all of us stability; a better platform from which we can reason. I have lived at both ends of the spectrum and realize that living in the grey area is far better than living at one pole. Actually, I strive to live closer to the pole at which peace and serenity reside. To hover there is impossible so I think the best all or us can do is work diligently to get close.

If you take one thing away from my blog entry today, I hope it is this: Just as the spring brings forth new life and beginnings for flora and fauna, so can it do the same for us humans in at least two ways. It can happen literally or metaphorically. Although many creatures' brains are not evolved enough to reasons like us humans, they seem to be able to live a life less burdened with cares and concerns. On the flip side of the coin, we humans can use our ability to reason to not only detect when our thoughts and emotions go awry, but also devise schemes whereby we can change the variables and alleviate the consequences of these issues. The other animals in our world live so simply that they never stray too far from the beaten path.

We as humans tend to use our gifts of intelligence and all the other traits unique to our species to sometimes get us into difficult emotional spaces. Knowing that a) we will always stray from our balanced center at times and b) that we have the gift of reason and many other traits, we can always get back on track the have our rebirth of the mind and soul whenever we choose. Happy "Spring" in advance.

Peace

Contempt Prior to Investigation

Mornin'

I experienced something yesterday that I believe is quite common in society today. It was something so seemingly insignificant but profound nonetheless. I misplaced a pair of gloves and when I returned to the location at which I believed I had left them, they were gone. I automatically assumed one of the people at that location took the gloves. I had a few choice words with the group and went on my way. Later that day, I discovered the gloves in another location; the location at which I dropped them. I felt so ashamed and embarrassed by assuming that someone stole the gloves and giving the group an earful.

I behave in this fashion from time to time and am usually always wrong with my accusations. I may perform silently - in my mind - or physically in something I say or do. Regardless, it is not only wrong but unfair as well. I would not like anyone else to accuse me of something when I did not do what I am accused of. I think that is where the embarrassment and shame come into the picture.

Contempt prior to investigation does the most damage in my mind. I may assume someone or something is a certain way with certain motives just by the way they look or for a myriad of other reasons. It does not happen too often anymore but it happens. This not only blocks potential friends ans support for my journey, but this behavior also gives me a poor reputation.

I believe this type of behavior affects more people than we think and is the root of more interpersonal problems than any of us care to admit. My challenge to myself and to all of you is to be mindful of how we think. I know I need to trust that goodness is more prevalent than I may think at times. My mission is to be okay regardless or what happens around me. I am always the captain of my vessel and it is my responsibility to process any thoughts, regardless of toxicity, correctly so I can draw the most reasonable conclusions. This will allow me to live more peacefully among my fellow human beings.

The interesting things about this topic is that I really don't have to worry about what other say or do because when it is all said and done, I believe in Karma and that people who have malicious intent will receive negative consequences in return. I have seen it time and time again both in my life and the lives of people around me. My concern is my side of the street but that doesn't mean I will not regress at times. Those times are the moments in which I am jolted back to reality and reminded that I may have made progress on my journey but there is still plenty of work to do.

Peace

Treat jealousy and anger with happiness

Mornin'

Ever notice how the unhappy people - either in your circle of acquaintances or not (typically not) - who make it their job to change your mood from glad to sad or, better yet, attempt to anger you so their misery will enjoy your company? They are all over the place just waiting for you and I to add fuel to their fire. Their cancer needs you and others to flourish and devour everything in its path.

Stop! You do not have to feed the fire. Instead, be nice to these people and happy when you are around them. Do not flaunt your happiness with any particular agenda in mind. Just be happy because you are a happy individual. What other emotion are we suppose to feel when we take stock of all the blessings the Great Spirit has bestowed upon us?

At first, the miserable, angry individuals will resent you for being 'happy'. After they are exposed to you more often, their anger softens and they learn that being happy is okay. Some nuts are harder to crack than others and there are many whose anger is so deeply rooted that they may very well carry it to their grave. It may ever be the thing that kills them. Nonetheless, enjoy each day be especially happy towards those who seem to be the angriest.

Peace