Soulday – 122224

Let us start with a pondery1: has impatience ever benefited you? For example, what if you checked this website daily for the last two weeks, expecting to see something new or different? I said thirteen days would be taken off, and thirteen days were taken off. It honestly feels like I lived an entire lifetime within that timespan. That is the beauty of patience. You can simply go with the flow and let things unfold as they will. In the end, that is all that will happen anyway. We can resist the flow with impatience/impertinence, or we can learn to simply swim patiently through each and every moment that we face.

When you wear the weed of impatience in your heart instead of the flower of Acceptance-with-Joy, you will always find your enemies get an advantage over you.

-Hannah Hurnard

Look at nature all around us. It has its different seasons for differing reasons. Do you see them? Can you explore them? We can mirror similar cycles in our own lives/lanes, if we so choose; we do not need to maintain a constant speed and style at all times; we can learn when to grow, and we can also accept when to let go of pieces that no longer serve us and our present needs. Not everything is a present. Even something that once was a present may have already served its full purpose and now no longer provides any value.

What was once wrapped up beautifully may now be warped badly. Patience can be powerful; you can listen and learn a lot amidst pristine periods of peaceful stillness. Timing is an essential element here. In order to live as optimally as possible, we should avoid doing the next best thing too early or too late. Otherwise, is it really the next best thing if it is not at the best time? Right on time is key. Timeliness is key, do you see? Some situations warrant rapid speediness. Other moments make us wait and practice patience.

Patience is power. Patience is not an absence of action; rather, it is “timing”; it waits on the right time to act, for the right principles and in the right way.

-Fulton J. Sheen

Your body and mind may resist those slower moments, at least initially, because we are conditioned to be constantly going and doing something. We have notifications popping up and sounds all around trying to grab our attention. Patience may easily be something that we are tested with most frequently. We craft and crave our ideas of how the world should work or how others should behave. How often do those crafts and cravings truly serve us and our innate nature, though? Should we wish for fantastical dreamscapes, or should we accept working with nature? Can we learn to flow with the current of life?

Adopt the pace of nature; her secret is patience.

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

Thank you for your patience; it is good to be back :) <3

I am thankful for my patience as I grow and improve it patiently.

May your holidays patiently proceed pleasantly.

Maybe it is wise. Maybe it is dumb. Time will tell.

 

  1. I consider a pondery to be like a quandary except, instead of considering a problem, it is simply something for you to curiously ponder upon some. ↩︎

Soulday – 120824

Good things come to those who wait. Approximately how many times have you heard that phrase throughout your life? If you are like me, then patience is difficult to practice at times (or almost always). As a way to help us all hone more patience, I am going to take the next thirteen days off from publishing any posts. For now, we can all patiently await this next cycle that will focus on my belief in cultivating and growing greater patience.

The two most powerful warriors are patience and time.

-Leo Tolstoy

Maybe it is wise. Maybe it is dumb. Time will tell. Please be patient, y’all :) <3

Freeday – 120624

In my experience and opinion, resilience can be easily underrated and overlooked. Similar to many prior cycles, I have gained even more appreciation and respect for this belief and virtue. I feel more steadfast and unperturbed at this point. While I know that feeling will ebb and flow with time, I also know what baseline can be established as I continue to work on maintaining awareness of key self-care habits and routines. These practices help me resiliently and resolutely remain on my best path possible within my own lane.

A wise man wavers;
a fool is fixed.

-Scottish proverb

How easily do you bounce back from adversity?

Can you work on your resilience?

Can you bend and sway without losing your way?

How will you deepen your roots to become even stronger?

Maybe it is wise. Maybe it is dumb. Time will tell.

Wondersday – 120424

Have you ever wondered… about wu wei? I have. The term is rooted in Confucianism as well as Taoism, the natural way of the universe. It is almost like doing nothing and letting the world come to you. It is not quite that simple, though. Ideally, we should still be doing the best next thing in as many moments as we can, but we should be mindful of how effortfully we exert ourselves. Are we attached to certain outcomes? Do we crave particular results? Those negative traits are points where we miss the point.

Happiness is the absence of the striving for happiness.

-Zhuangzi

Wu wei introduces resiliency as doing what we should do because it is what we should do. Marcus Aurelius talks about it as “the third thing”. If you wait for appreciation or recognition, then you did not do the thing for the right reason. Resilience allows us to remain strong in spite of no external acknowledgement beyond ourselves. We know what we have done, and that should be enough. We should not need to rely on peer pressure or crowd motivation to push on towards personal progress. As we build up and strengthen our own beliefs and virtues, then we can stand in self-assured resilience. We can sway and move as we need to without losing our roots and becoming ungrounded.

Flow with whatever may happen and let your mind be free. Stay centered by accepting whatever you are doing. This is the ultimate.

-Zhuangzi

Maybe it is wise. Maybe it is dumb. Time will tell. Stay wondrous, y’all.

Mournday – 120224

I mourn for suicide victims, those people who ran out of perceived resilience and saw no other way. I wish they could have gotten help before that final moment in order to not be lost, confused, and alone, thinking the only way forward was ending their precious life.

This story epitomizes a resilient football player. I honestly wonder whether that father-son pair was even real when he stood at the end of that pier. Regardless, though, I am thankful for them and that we still share this world with Grant Stuard. I believe that we can all be better because of his shared story. Please glean from it what you choose to.

I would be lying if I do not admit that I have struggled in my past with ideations at times. Life can get very challenging and difficult at points. Nowadays, though, I often remind myself that I would not face any tests if I could not handle them. That mindset renews my endurance and resilience to carry on with the burdens that have been placed upon me.

Behind one of my ears, I have a tattoo of a semicolon. I frequently enjoy writing with them; the meaning is even deeper, though. A sentence could be short and sweet; semicolons lengthen these sentences with an entire second half that would otherwise be separate. That is how I and many others view life now. My sentence could have ended many years ago, yet I have extended it beautifully as a result of creative punctuation. I avoided a firm and finite option, opting for an approach that still remains open-ended and unfolding before my very eyes; I feel quite blessed and thankful for the opportunity to soldier on. In addition, I do not want to hide this information out of shame or guilt for low points in my past; I wear this semi-colon on the side of my head proudly in the hope that sharing it amidst a random conversation may provide hope or solace to someone else who may be in need of some light during a dark spot in life. Resilience does not need to be a selfish solo act; we can and should share and support it lovingly among one another.

If you need help, please reach out to a loved one, a crisis center, or a support line. We are surrounded by caring angels who are ready and able to assist us, but sometimes we have to first be truly transparent and vulnerable about our needs to invoke and invite such aid.

Maybe it is wise. Maybe it is dumb. Time will tell.

Smarturday – 113024

elasticity (noun) – the state or quality of being capable of returning to original length, shape, etc., after being stretched, deformed, compressed, or expanded; flexibility; resilience; adaptability; ability to resist or overcome depression; buoyancy

Does your mind quickly snap to rubber bands, too? I believe that we can be extremely elastic individuals but only if we consistently and gradually work at it slowly. When we are more elastic, we are more flexible. We can avoid injuries more easily, and we can roll with the proverbial punches that life throws at us more efficiently. Here is a sugjestion:

Pause here for a moment to take stock of your current elastic clocks. Are they wound tight, or are they loose and ready to move in whatever direction is best? Consider your elasticity from a physical standpoint as well as emotional, mental/psychological, and spiritual aspects. I am now envisioning those walls that have many clocks side-by-side due to different cities across multiple time zones. Do you track them all well? Do you ever even look at them to check in well? Can you increase elasticity if you do not recognize it?

How often do we try to be too rigid and tough? How well do we see that work for trees? The most inflexible trees are the ones that break first when trying to sway in high winds and turbulent conditions. The tallest and oldest trees are the ones that can bend to the wind when they need to until resiliently returning to and resuming their original form.

Beauty in grace. Grace in beauty.

Elasticity can be easily underrated in my experience. It can be nice to go fast, but there is also beauty in going slowly. There are times when brute strength can be beneficial, but gentle softness also has its time and place. Shoring up and solidifying our resiliency leads to flexing our fluidity. We can move between various forms and speeds to best meet the need of each situation as it arises. Why do you think Bruce Lee encouraged us to be like water? Water fills whatever place we put it in. Are you filling the places that you are in?

Are you expanding and contracting accordingly? Elasticity encourages and enables best movement for each moment. Do you move in the same way because that is simply your engrained habit? Can you try to change it up a little to expand your elasticity? Personally, I find the variety to be far more exciting and fun. It allows me to sink deeper into each moment, presenting more presence with more active mindfulness in many more steps.

Maybe it is wise. Maybe it is dumb. Time will tell.

Thanksday – 112824

I am thankful for the respectable resilience of indigenous communities and cultures across the world. Imperialistic colonization caused more problems than solutions in my opinion. As a global society, I think those warmongering ways set us further back instead of aiding in advancements and ascensions. Therefore, I am extremely grateful for the fact that many ancient customs and traditions still do live on today because of the resilience of various suppressed minorities who persevered across time despite powerful pressures.

Reflecting on US history, the infamous Trail of Tears jumps quickly to mind as but only one of many atrocities committed against the original, local inhabitants of these lands.

As you may gather from the guardrails, I deeply treasure my thankfulness for the Toltecs. I am glad that their people, philosophy, and practices have maintained enough resilience to not be rended asunder. How many other groups, though, were far less fortunate? From what I have learned, the scientific and technological advancements of the Mayans were all but wiped out by Spanish invasions of cruel, corrupt, and conceited conquistadors.

As long as you remember what you have seen, then nothing is gone. As long as you remember, it is part of this story we have together.

-Leslie Marmon Silko

Do you know why Tai Chi was created? The authoritative and suppressive government in China had banned or forbidden all martial arts. They did not want their citizens to know how to properly defend themselves. So, what did the wise teachers do? They slowed it all down and still taught their art, right in front of everyone. This smooth and gracefully-flowing practice simply promotes healthy well-being wink wink ;) Nothing to see here…

History is full of people trampling people, and it can feel very frustrating very quickly. Fortunately, with adequate resilience, we can stare down the shameful past and plot a better path for the future. We can dance to a different drum and prove that there is a better way that can stay. If people trample people, then it is up to people to peacefully present polite possibilities, improving potentialities. Resilience restores our will and determination to not give up, to not back down. We can and should be better people. Else, why are we even here?

I do not think the measure of a civilization is how tall its buildings of concrete are, but rather how well its people have learned to relate to their environment and fellow man.

-Sun Bear

A thankful sugjestion for today: let us all work on being beautiful people. That is what I often see best among these resiliently-admirable indigenous populations… true beauty.

Maybe it is wise. Maybe it is dumb. Time will tell.

Soulday – 112424

It feels like a very humble act to step away from a frivolous fight, yet it does not seem sensible to ever take the fight out of our own self. We have to be able to keep bouncing back from struggles and adversities; we fight for and with our lives. Human perseverance is often due to resilience. I heard this word too many times last week to keep ignoring it, and I finally realized today that we need it now more than ever because many of us feel so beaten down as of late. We may consider throwing in the proverbial towel, but that is not why we are here. We are here to persevere, and we can rebuild based on resilience.

Run when you can,
walk if you have to,
crawl if you must,
just never give up.

-Dean Karnazes

Always aim high, work hard, and care deeply about what you believe in. And, when you stumble, keep faith. And, when you’re knocked down, get right back up and never listen to anyone who says you can’t or shouldn’t go on.

-Hillary Clinton

The secret of life, though, is to fall seven times and to get up eight times.

-Paulo Coelho

Resilience in its most basic definition is the power or ability to return to original form. Restoring one’s full shape and wholeness. We will get sick, we will deal with suffering, and we will face challenges and setbacks. How will we best bounce back amidst all those trials and tribulations, though? Can we continue to do it with a broken heart?

Some days will be extremely difficult, but, in eventual hindsight, we can look back on those days proudly because we know that we prevailed. We still captained our own ship, and onward it sailed. Resilience rebuilds our lane whenever it may crumble or weaken. We can always start anew. Each passing moment grants us a chance to begin again.

Each morning we are born again. What we do today is what matters most.

-Jack Kornfield

I really think a champion is defined not by their wins but by how they can recover when they fall. I have fallen several times. Each time I just get up and dust myself off and I pray, and I’m able to do better or I’m able to get back to the level that I want to be on.

-Serena Williams

Are you ready to return to your fullest and healthiest self? Do you remember a time when you were whole? I am not sure what that even means for me exactly, but I am excited to find out as I keep putting in the work and trending in that direction. Besides, I like the unknown thrill there. It motivates me to progress in order to discover even more.

Maybe it is wise. Maybe it is dumb. Time will tell.

Freeday – 112224

I am truly humbled by the opportunity to keep writing. I would be lying if I do not admit that it is hard at times to keep my nose to the grindstone. I grapple with an expectation of recognition from time to time, but then I remind myself of why I do this in the first place. I want to help; I want to be of service; I want to continue cleaning up my own actions and becoming as beautiful as possible, like a janitor persistently tidying up their environment.

We learned about gratitude and humility – that so many people had a hand in our success, from the teachers who inspired us to the janitors who kept our school clean … and we were taught to value everyone’s contribution and treat everyone with respect.

-Michelle Obama

I am adjusting to fully acknowledging and appreciating my apparent anonymity. After all, despite what society may often try to dictate and convey to us in the opposite way, there is nothing wrong with being little. I recently had the pleasure of observing the mightiest chihuahua I have ever seen; I used to think rather lowly of that dog breed; I am not proud to admit that past failure on my part, but doing so permits me to further learn and grow.

A great [person] is always willing to be little.

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

Rule #32 – enjoy the little things :)

Enjoy humbling yourself and learning to follow.

It feels foolish to ignore noble guidance.

Maybe it is wise. Maybe it is dumb. Time will tell.

Wondersday – 112024

Have you ever wondered… about unselfconsciousness? I have but only recently when the term was first introduced to me. I did not realize that such a cool concept existed until encountering it in a brief meditation practice; I am amazed and fascinated by this state of being. It can easily epitomize humility because your self is not even a part of the equation. It has exited this element entirely. What remains is essentially a state of effortless flow. No second-guessing, no hemming and hawing, and no what-ifs or shoulda coulda wouldas. Would that be nice? I certainly think so. Sign me up please! How about you?

Humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less.

-Rick Warren

For me, it strongly highlights the idea of how I can best be of service. How can I focus on becoming the best humble servant to those around me that I can possibly be? What can I do to help versus how will this affect me and make me look? What can I give instead of what will I get? These shifts are subtle yet superb as one settles into sincere serenity.

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.

-James 3:13 (Bible)

Feel the sparks.

Turn off your mind.

Tune into the flow.

If you know, then you know.

Stay wondrous, y’all :) <3

Maybe it is wise. Maybe it is dumb. Time will tell.

Mournday – 111824

Can I BE any sadder? That is how I feel whenever I process the fact that Matthew Perry is no longer with us. It takes a lot of courage and humility to fully and truly admit your struggles and shortcomings to those around you. Now magnify that pressure with the whole world watching. The life of an addict can be very harmful, but it can also be extremely humbling. The comeback story arc proves the potential of any and all humans.

It is no great thing to be humble when you are brought low; but to be humble when you are praised is a great and rare attainment.

-Bernard of Clairvaux

What do you think held him back from asking for help for so long? Pride? Shame? Guilt? A vicious collection or combo of those plus who knows what else? Humility can open the door to healing and wholeness. When we are humble, we can recall all of the similarities that we share with one another. After all, I believe we carry more similar characteristics and details among us than the few differences that we often tend to focus on. Might the words be different from time to time? Yes, but the friendly feelings are still the same.

God is everywhere – you just have to clear your channel, or you’ll miss it.

-Matthew Perry

Humility can help us ask others for help. We do not have to navigate all of life on our own; we thrive best collectively. Most people are not mind-readers, so they often simply support your system for your lane. Some may only help when asked. So, humbly, ask.

Humility, I have learned, must never be confused with meekness. Humility is being open to the ideas of others.

-Simone Sinek

Matthew carried such weight on his shoulders for so long. His struggle showcases how often we look for answers outside, seeking a simple solution beyond ourselves to “make it all better” or “make it go away.” That is not how life works, though. Life humbles us as we learn to put in the challenging and difficult yet very rewarding work of introspection. By correcting and improving our past mistakes and prior errors, we figure out how to be of greater service. As such, I do not believe that seeking another substance is the way.

All the suffering, stress, and addiction comes from not realizing you already are what you are looking for.

-Jon Kabat-Zinn

We all need a strong support system. It is one of the central perks of humanity. Regardless of how often we meet at the same coffee shop or not, we need Friends.

Maybe it is wise. Maybe it is dumb. Time will tell.

Smarturday – 111624

self-effacing (adjective) – tending to make oneself, one’s actions, etc, inconspicuous, especially because of humility or timidity; modest

“Humility is an emotion that arises when we recognize our limitations, imperfections, and interdependence with others. It can manifest as a sense of openness, curiosity, or gratitude. Humility can be a powerful emotion, helping us to learn from others, connect with them, and grow as individuals.”

What if we all simply started doing more of the right things because they are the right things for us to be doing? I think that would be nice. We do not need credit or recognition to continue completing our best next steps. We can embrace and enjoy our personal, humble lifestyles because we can rest easier knowing that we are giving each day our all. How humble are you being if you seek a reward as a result of each of your actions? Strengthening your own self-esteem can enable you to become more self-effacing.

Maybe it is wise. Maybe it is dumb. Time will tell.

Thanksday – 111424

This Thanksday, I want to recognize my thankfulness for all of the truly authentic and real people out there in the world. It is easy for us to get swept away in the latest look or trend that we feel compelled to adhere to. It is frequently comfortable to blend in, but does that make us truly happy? Are we being our best selves, living our best lives? The flip side here to watch out for is being too vocal about your individuality. Be your true self while keeping your head down at the same time. Do your best in your lane while avoiding distracting others. Chase your dreams, and remember to stay humble along the way, too.

When the dreams you’re dreamin’ come to you/
When the work you put in is realized/
Let yourself feel the pride but/
Always stay humble and kind.

-Tim McGraw

Power can and often does corrupt easily and quickly. That is why it is so refreshing to see those famous stars who do not let all of that attention and light go to their heads poorly. People who can remain authentically and unapologetically themselves are increasingly rare in this world. When you discover those unique individuals, I think it is best to be quite thankful for them. I sugjest treasuring their one-of-a-kind persona, helping uplift one another even further. In doing so, you can begin to count more blessings than curses.

With pride, there are many curses. With humility, there come many blessings.

-Ezra Taft Benson

For those that adapt and compromise to fit in, please ask yourself if you are really happy. Can you tap into and feel how your inner child is suffering? What can you change to become more alive and real? Why keep faking artificialities? Be you, and stay humble.

Pride makes us artificial, and humility makes us real.

-Thomas Merton

With the right amount of humility, you can ignore a lot of the outside noise. You can learn to slowly become content with your own best lane. When you pause periodically to get in touch with yourself, you figure out what is best for you. No one else can tell you that. Similarly, do not try to tell others what is best for them. You can humbly offer sugjestions if they welcome them, but the final choices for their lane should always rest with them.

Maybe it is wise. Maybe it is dumb. Time will tell.

Soulday – 111024

Once restorative and rejuvenating rest has been established, it becomes far easier to begin to strengthen humility. Pride can sweep in quickly if you are not careful and cautious. Humility often felt like a soft or weak skill to me, but I now realize that it is the opposite, at least for me. Humility is a strong counterweight to our ego. It supports a special steadfastness that surrounds you in safe and serene security. You can feel at peace knowing that you are doing your best. Be proud of your own actions if you are building your lane well and abiding by the guardrails. You do not need to hear the outside encouragement to know you are doing well. Remind your own self that you are doing so well. Many will not see it, but it does not matter. You see it, and that can be enough, y’all.

Humility is perfect quietness of heart… it is to expect nothing, to wonder at nothing that is done to me, to feel no resentment when anything is done against me. It is to be at rest when nobody praises me.

-Andrew Murray

To build a balanced bridge in your lane, humility can be an amazing anchor. Some may argue that it is the best first starting point possible. Otherwise, either too much recognition or utter lack of it can prove to be quite destabilizing for a person.

Humility can be one of your greatest assets, allies.

Humility is the foundation of all the other virtues, hence, in the soul in which this virtue does not exist, there cannot be any other virtue except in mere appearance.

-Augustine of Hippo

How great can you be? Not for others necessarily, but for your own self, you see?

Can you progress positively, doing the next best thing, for yourself? Whatever else happens, like benefits or rewards, is only a bonus. They are not the main product or purpose; in fact, they could even prove to be distractions. Use discernment to your advantage as you grow your greatness. Alice had her muchness. Do you, too? :)

We come nearest to the great when we are great in humility.

-Rabindranath Tagore

Maybe it is wise. Maybe it is dumb. Time will tell.

Freeday – 110824

Rest. I ain’t giving up on you :)

We need society, and we need solitude also, as we need summer and winter, day and night, exercise and rest.

-Philip Gilbert Hamerton

We cannot always be there for everyone else. Else, when are we here for ourselves? When do we have a chance to check in and see how we are doing? When did you last slow down to inspect the status of your systems? Last week, the tire pressure sensor went off in my car. I was shocked to see the pressure in the mid-twenties for all four tires. Reading the outside wall of the tires, they can support a maximum of 51 PSI. That means my car was still doing its job at halfway. How often are we living our lives only halfway?

Do not shy away from saying no when others constantly ask for more from you. Balance your own pressure out first. You can handle the random bumps and curves in your lane much better when you are nearing optimal energy and peak performance. Might this strategy upset some people? Sure, but we cannot always be there for everyone else.

Rest satisfied with doing well, and leave others to talk of you as they please.

-Pythagoras

Consider all the aspects of your life that may need rest as well. For example, physical rest requires a different strategy or approach than emotional rest. Consider crop rotation. If a farmer only plants the same crop in the same field all of the time, then the ground never has a chance to build back and balance out. Instead, it is continuously depleted of the same nutrients and resources. Just like the field, we do better by changing things up, by seeking out the right rest that is best for us in each and every moment. Listen to what your body needs. Respect it in order to reap better fruit. Share with others as you can.

Take rest; a field that has rested gives a bountiful crop.

-Ovid

How has this cycle been for you?

Have you begun to schedule downtime to rest?

Can you use this time to balance out your body and better yourself?

Can you back off on the overtime? Treat yo self :)

Maybe it is wise. Maybe it is dumb. Time will tell.

Wondersday – 110624

Have you ever wondered… about rectangular breathing? I have. It is one of my favorite breathing techniques. While square breathing has been widely popularized in recent years, I do not enjoy that method as much. The key to rectangular breathing is to make your exhales longer than your inhales. I like to visualize a tall rectangle in front of me, so the shorter, horizontal lines are the inhales, and the longer, vertical lines are the exhales.

Sometimes, the most important thing in a whole day is the rest we take between two deep breaths, or the turning inwards in prayer for five short minutes.

-Etty Hillesum

The benefit to this practice of rectangular breathing is that you help your brain switch systems internally. While riled up due to anxiety, fear, or nervousness as a few examples, your sympathetic system, or fight or flight response, is currently in control. By settling into a pattern of rectangular breathing, you begin to prioritize your parasympathetic nervous system. This system is commonly referred to as rest and digest. You prompt relaxation within your body by extending lengthier exhales compared to briefer inhales.

Our breath is also like a wave, gently rocking us into a deep peace. In this state of rest, our body and mind can release their burdens. A lot of healing happens just by letting go and sinking into this state of total relaxation.

-Thích Nhât Hanh

How amazing is it that we can help our internal systems by consciously practicing a certain type of breathing? I am in awe of this ability, and it has already helped me numerous times; I hope you try it because I know how truly beneficial it can be.

I wonder if you will take it out for a spin… stay wondrous, y’all :) <3

Maybe it is wise. Maybe it is dumb. Time will tell.

Mournday – 110424

I mourn for all the workaholics out there. Burnout is a very real deal, and many people suffer from it due to their inability to reliably regulate their rest. What is left when you are nothing but a husk? How productive can you perpetually prove to be without rest?

When we’re burned out, sometimes we simply need to rest.
But other times, instead of just unplugging, we actually need to find a different power source to help us recharge.

-Jay Shetty

You cannot continuously pour from a glass that is already empty. How can you refill it first? Do you work so much to avoid something else? Is it your hope to stay so busy that you do not have to face some fact? Run all you like, but the messy, internal work will still be there, ready and waiting. Harmonize with it when you are ready. Learn from it, and grow through it. It is not easy, but it is worth it. Be careful; rest can be quite powerful.

We have to face the pain we have been running from. In fact, we need to learn to rest in it and let its searing power transform us.

-Charlotte Joko Beck

Maybe you say you are too busy. There is too much to get done, and you do not have the time. We can make plenty of these excuses, or we can carve out the time to prioritize our own well-being in order to be as effective as possible for as long as possible. If you are feeling very stressed or overwhelmed, then that is when rest is critical. Ideally before.

The time to relax is when you don’t have time for it.

-Sydney J. Harris

Our time sheets will not be checked in the afterlife.

Rest, relax, and avoid some of the business strife.

Burnout can cut through you quicker than a knife.

Countless options are out there; the world is rife.

you are not helping well
if you are doing so to the point
of exhaustion and burnout

love doesn’t mean giving
until you have nothing left

if you are taking it this far,
that’s a sign that self-love is lacking

tend to your own needs
and return to balance

-yung pueblo

Maybe it is wise. Maybe it is dumb. Time will tell.

Smarturday – 110224

rejuvenate vs. enervate

rejuvenate (verb) – to restore to youthful vigor, appearance, etc.; to make fresh or new again

enervate (verb) – to deprive of force or strength; to destroy the vigor of; to weaken

We naturally enervate throughout each day. Random issues and stressors pop up as we go about our lives. If we choose to, we can carve out time in our days to reverse that process and rejuvenate our energy levels. No one should be forced to work constantly. Reasonable hours and shifts exist for this reason. We are more than our jobs. Time to rest helps us reflect and remember that fact. Do you choose to consciously rejuvenate daily?

Everyone has the right to rest and leisure, including reasonable limitations of working hours and periodic holidays with pay.

-Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Do not constantly enervate 

Plan daily time to rejuvenate

Learn to listen to your body

If you want to avoid bedrotty

That does not feel like rest

More of a depression test

What activity brings you joy?

Plan downtime for that toy

Slow down, pause, and breathe

Peaceful, quiet, gentle ease

In those moments, listen deep

Unlock secrets that you keep

The world whispers all around

Yet too busily we often abound 

Do not constantly enervate

Plan daily time to rejuvenate

Stop saying rest is a luxury or a privilege. It is not – it’s a human right… it gives us the space to embody and live in divinity.

-Tricia Hersey

You should not feel guilty for taking time to rest. It may take some getting used to if it is new for you, but you can show up better in others areas of your life if you prioritize effective, loving self-care. Rest may just be the next best thing awaiting you.

Maybe it is wise. Maybe it is dumb. Time will tell.

Thanksday – 103124

I am very thankful for all of the mindfulness and meditation practitioners and teachers out there in the world. Like I mentioned recently, I listen to the Calm app a lot. Jay Shetty is one of my favorites, but I still enjoy listening along to the others on occasion as well. They have all taught me so much, and I will continue to learn plenty more from them.

Shift your perspective on boredom. See if you can approach it as an opportunity for your body to rest and your mind to wander to wondrous places.

-Jay Shetty

Accepting guidance from others can be quite helpful. We do not need to constantly chart our own path forward in a lonely bubble. We can relax and rest as we listen to someone else guide us through a mindfulness practice or a meditation exercise. These activities can be especially beneficial if you recently finished something stressful or need to take a break from an intense event. There will always be another mountain in the future waiting to be climbed, so pause and take respite while down in the valleys. Savor the sweetness.

Rest is sweet after strife.

-Owen Meredith

Our minds can do some wonderful things for us. We should respect them in return by giving our brains the aid they need to continue functioning at their best. We take cars in for maintenance. Knives and blades need sharpening, and racquets and bows need to be restrung. The same applies to our mental faculties. Find the balance to the give and take process in order to approach optimal growth. Embrace daily moments to rest and restore.

Straining breaks the bow, and relaxation relieves the mind.

-Syrus

Welcome assistance from people who make it their life’s work to provide us with wise counsel. Ignore their sage advice to your own detriment and deterioration. If you do not look under the hood from time to time, then you are sure to break down. Thankfully, we can all choose to build ourselves up instead. When have you last rested? How recently have you listened to a guided meditation or a mindfulness exercise? Try this example :)

Maybe it is wise. Maybe it is dumb. Time will tell.

Soulday – 102724

Sometimes, to reharmonize internally, we simply need to take a break and enjoy some well-deserved rest. After all, if you do not take care of yourself, then how can you truly expect others to pick up the slack or carry your weight? Can you really help others to the best of your full potential and abilities if you are not resting well? I do not think so.

I still need more healthy rest in order to work at my best. My health is the main capital I have, and I want to administer it intelligently.

-Ernest Hemingway

I find that rest is frequently very underrated; I know how bad I am at budgeting time for it a lot of the time. Given my personality, I feel the need to constantly push myself. To consciously and meaningfully pull back and slow down from time to time is a significant effort and struggle for me. I hope this cycle will help me get better at resting regularly.

The flip side is laziness, and that may be what I fear, prompting my proclivity to push for productivity persistently. Rest can also often be perceived by many as selfish. However, that is not true. None of us are self-subsisting. We all require relaxation and recovery.

Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under trees on a summer’s day, listening to the murmur of the water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is by no means a waste of time.

-John Lubbock

Take some time to slow down this week. Look around and appreciate the natural, harmonious environment that envelops our existence. Walk in the woods. Lay in a field. Smell some flowers. Enjoy the downtime. Recharge with some rejuvenating rest. Investing in yourself today allows you to show up for everyone even better tomorrow.

Sitting is an art.
The art of resting first.
It’s very important that we learn how to rest.

-Thích Nhất Hanh

When I want to rest some each day, I will silently practice some mindfulness and/or meditation. I enjoy using the Calm app in particular when listening along to guided lessons. One of their notifications says that sometimes rest is the most productive thing you can do. Welcome some quality sleep. An email from Calm earlier this year pointed out that we are meant to rest before we are exhausted, not after. If you are lucky, then your life is a long journey. No one can remain active constantly. Be wise; rest for a spell.

Maybe it is wise. Maybe it is dumb. Time will tell.

Freeday – 102524

How well are you harmonizing with your surroundings? Today yielded insightful reflections for me. I felt my harmonies ebbing and flowing throughout the day. I enjoyed the good parts and reflected on the difficult aspects. Those reflections helped me in recognizing what I can adjust within my perspective to smooth out those difficulties in the future. After all, I do not want to create more dissonances; I choose to harmonize more.

Faith makes the discords of the present the harmonies of the future.

-Robert Collyer

Work smarter, not harder is a common expression. The same should be applied to life in general, too. Live smarter, not harder. As a result, you can begin to relax and rest some, savoring moments of joy. It opens up space for you to harmonize more. Embrace it fully.

Happiness exists on earth, and it is won through prudent exercise of reason, knowledge of the harmony of the universe, and constant practice of generosity.

-José Martí

Whenever we feel down, if we learn to wait long enough, then we can all soak up more sunshine eventually. Learn to harmonize with the environment and people all around you.

Go forth in every direction – for the happiness, the harmony, the welfare of the many. Offer your heart, the seeds of understanding, like a lamp overturned and re-lit, illuminating the darkness.

-Gautama Buddha

Are you illuminating the darkness?

Are you helping or hindering universal harmony?

How can you begin to add more light?

Maybe it is wise. Maybe it is dumb. Time will tell.

Wondersday – 102324

Have you ever wondered… about phi? I have. Phi has many names, like the golden ratio or the divine proportion. Mathematically, if you break something up into two parts, then the ratio between the whole and the bigger part should be the same as the ratio between the bigger part and the smaller one. That is phi put simply. Between two people in love, it reflects a harmonious relationship. Phi represents unity and pure beauty, a oneness or nothingness and yet everything all at once. It encompasses perfect harmonies. While phi itself is an irrational, or unending, number, it is commonly represented as 1.618. The idea of the golden ratio dates back more than 2,200 years. It exists all around and within us.

You can see examples of this golden principle applied in practical science throughout history. Egypt’s Great Pyramid harmonizes with the ratio. How about the Mona Lisa painting? Also golden. Countless examples exist across the universe. In the natural world, leaves and nautilus shells are common references that exemplify this idea.

We live and grow in a spiral universe, where, like the nautilus, growth is a radial and linear series of expansions and connections. This universal concept is known as the golden ratio.

-LeAura Alderson

This concept has even been applied to measure the harmonies of facial structures and body composition. How proportional are all of your parts? The bigger takeaway should be focusing on and measuring internal harmony. Do you feel like all of your bodily systems are functioning in harmony? Recognizing imbalances serves as a first sign of areas where you can grow and improve to better harmonize with all of your surroundings.

Are you spiraling upward or downward?

Are your spirals expanding or contracting?

Do you feel golden or olden?

One famous Swiss architect, Le Corbusier, applied these harmonic principles to his various designs. He believed in the mathematical order of the universe, once detailing it all as “rhythms apparent to the eye and clear in their relations with one another. And these rhythms are at the very root of human activities. They resound in man by an organic inevitability, the same fine inevitability which causes the tracing out of the Golden Section by children, old men, savages, and the learned.” It is something that we can all agree on.

Phi is closely tied to the Fibonacci sequence, but I will leave that exciting topic alone for a future post. I wonder when that will be. Maybe it is wise. Maybe it is dumb. Time will tell.

Stay wondrous, y’all :)

Mournday – 102124

My heart broke last week as I read about the tragic incident involving Liam Payne. My sympathies only strengthened as I learned more about some of the underlying details. Growing up with fame at an early age rarely sets you up for success. It was disheartening to learn that the easiest strategy to secure a popular boy band was to keep them in their hotel rooms. What did lonely teenagers discover inside? Mini-bars full of alcoholic drinks.

Hatred and bitterness can never cure the disease of fear;
only love can do that.
Hatred paralyzes life;
love harmonies it.
Hatred darkens life;
love illuminates it.

-Martin Luther King, Jr.

What truly harmonizes with you? What masks your current dissonances? I loved reading about how generous and active Liam was with various philanthropies. His creative spark feels genuine and real, his sense of caring for humanity authentic and true. What was his support system like? What all spurred him to spiral downward so badly and suddenly?

Harmony does not happen alone. If you need help, please reach out. There are resources readily available to help you on your journey towards rejuvenation and reharmonization. Maybe you lost the tune for a bit. Perhaps a friend, loved one, or professional can nudge you back on track, reminding you of what is important and worth fighting for. Unless I choose to give in, nobody can drag me down. Remember, many people care about you.

What makes you beautiful? Please remember these things. Regardless of what happened last week, in our memories, Liam Payne will continue to live forever.

Maybe it is wise. Maybe it is dumb. Time will tell.

Smarturday – 101924

rapprochement vs. encroachment

rapprochement (noun) – an establishment or reestablishment of harmonious relations

encroachment (noun) – an act or instance of advancing beyond proper, established, or usual limits; trespassing

Being in tune vs. out of touch

Are you establishing harmony?

It may not always be much

Build your symphony.

Being a solo artist can get old.

Resisting many urges to fold.

Remembering to be bold.

More warmth, less cold.

Consider the emphasis in the first definition above on also being able to reestablish or restore harmonious relations. How often do we lose sight of this opportunity? We may stick to an old tune that does not harmonize well with all that surrounds us. Can we control the things we should be harmonizing with, or can we change our own tune to better flow and vibe with everything else? What new tune best harmonizes you soon?

Only by learning to live in harmony with your contradictions can you keep it all afloat.

-Audre Lorde

Are you encroaching on your own existence?

Do you encroach on others,

stepping on or in their lanes,

without invitation or permission?

How has that worked out for you?

Is it time to try something new by changing your tune to bring harmony finally?

Rapprochement.

Recommendation.

What will you lose?

Maybe it is wise. Maybe it is dumb. Time will tell.

Thanksday – 101724

With harmony in mind, I want to express a general thankfulness for all music. I have yet to discover a style of it that I cannot appreciate on at least some level. While all music may not resonate on the same plane or in a similar fashion, it is a pure form of creation. We collaborate and collect through various vibrations. We can create many harmonies.

We are the music makers and we are the dreamers of dreams.

-Roald Dahl

Music serves as an easy entrypoint to encouraging harmony. Do you want to deal with dissonance, or do you prefer harmonious melody? The choice is simple for me; it entices me to expand my exploration of the concept. What other areas of my life are currently dissonant? How can I better harmonize with my surroundings, both internally and externally? How well am I listening to my own body as well as to those around me? Some things we hear will not be relevant to us, at least on a literal level; we have the choice to determine which harmonies best resonate with us. We can feel what flows.

My heart, which is so full to overflowing, has often been solaced and refreshed by music when sick and weary.

-Martin Luther

Similarly, life ebbs and flows. We have happy moments and sad moments, joyous occasions and upsetting events. Music serves as a sounding board for me; I want to dance to upbeat jams when I feel good, and I prefer soothing instrumental tracks when I am trying to relax. The reinforcements allow me to tune back in to better and fuller harmonies with all that I am, do, and interact with. Are you aware of your harmonies? Do you stack them atop one another, or is it all in disarray? It is hard to harmonize when discombobulated and frayed. Slow down, step back, and tune in more. Maybe even pray.

Music is one of the healthiest forms of transcendence and magic.

-Moby

I am very thankful for music.

It could be the first human art.

Listen to the music.

Hone your harmonies.

Maybe it is wise. Maybe it is dumb. Time will tell.

Soulday – 101324

As you grow your view of the world and accept it compassionately, the rhythm and resonance of your surroundings strengthen to your senses. Or, rather, an increase in your senses improves your perception of identifying and immersing yourself in flow. Vibing. Harmonizing. I like considering that there is not only one way to harmonize. Instead, different and multiple ways to find and strike harmony exist. What works for you?

Man, far from being the overlord of all creation, is himself part of nature, subject to the same cosmic forces that control all other life. Man’s future welfare and probably even his survival depend upon his learning to live in harmony, rather than in combat, with these forces.

-Rachel Carson

The pace can vary. The degrees will fluctuate. When you start finding and feeling the natural harmony surrounding you, next steps may feel easier or look clearer. By living more moments in harmony within your lane and in sync with those around you, you harmonize more. Embrace those immersions in the moments. Feel the happiness fully.

Happiness is not a matter of intensity but of balance and order and rhythm and harmony.

-Thomas Merton

To harmonize well, the first step is typically to listen. Else, how do you know what sound to build off of? If you do not register what you hear first before making your own noise, then the probable dissonance can be jarring. This skill takes practice. Grow it slowly over time, and appreciate improvements here, too. Exploring harmony is a lifelong journey.

Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.

-Mahatma Gandhi

Talk the talk.

Walk the walk.

Do not balk.

Living a fulfilling, true life involves being in harmony with your habitat. Harmony has a peaceful quiet to it, a gentle stillness that promotes calm and compassion towards all.

All lives in harmony could eventually yield unity.

When there is harmony between the mind, heart, and resolution, then nothing is impossible.

-Rig Veda

How can you grow more harmonious this week?

What flows of the world around you do you see?

Maybe it is wise. Maybe it is dumb. Time will tell.

Freeday – 101124

One of the biggest or best ways that you can grow is by apologizing for any missteps in your past, whenever you overreached beyond your lane and negatively impacted the lane of another. You can (and probably should) apologize for your past action. There is no need to go into detail if you do not want to. However, do not seek a certain response. Your own apology recognizes your own growth. You have come to realize an error upon reasonable rumination. Responsibly reconcile your rationale to rid yourself of ridiculous repetitions of unruly reactions in order to rightfully renew you. It is not easy to own up to something in your past that you are not proud of, but if it is still on your mind from time to time, then why not grow beyond or past it finally? Even though it is not easy… it is worth it :)

every time someone
loves themselves better,
builds their self-awareness,
understands their patterns,
improves their ability to communicate,
and expands their compassion for others,
the future of humanity grows brighter.
your healing impacts the world
by bringing in new peace.

-yung pueblo

Such an apologetic action can be well beyond our starting comfort zone. I have practiced this skill a number of times at this point, and I can easily say that it gradually grew easier with each outreach and exchange. The emotional equalization that it emitted within me expands exponentially. I am eagerly enthused to educate and elucidate on this exercise.

As your comfort zone enlarges, you have more room to grow in.

Your roots can extend further. Your fruits may multiply or ripen.

Trust your gut. Let it guide you on a way to healing and growth.

your intuition will lead you outside your comfort
zone so that you can grow

-yung pueblo

What have you last created? Perhaps an email, a text message, or a meal? Have you ever stopped to consider that these things are all creations? It is an interesting insight that I certainly had not slowed down enough to appreciate and reflect upon in this way til now. This shift in perspective makes me value the consideration and effort that I pour into all of these acts. I seek to create as much beauty as I can, in what I write or type; in what I cook or do. All of life can be our art form if we but only choose to see it in such a light like I do.

Practicing an art,
no matter how well or badly, is a way to make your soul grow,
for heaven’s sake.
Sing in the shower.
Dance to the radio.
Tell stories.
Write a poem to a friend, even a lousy poem.
Do it as well as you possibly can.
You will get an enormous reward. You will have created something.

-Kurt Vonnegut

Creating something new can definitely feel awkward and uncomfortable at first. You may fumble and fail, but you can choose to not stay defeated. Try til you die. Perhaps that is my philosophy on growth. I can confidently say that I am proud of who and how I am now compared to in the past. I did the best that I knew how before, but I do better now for sure. The world around me is livelier now, too. It grows alongside me as my inner light brightens. Will I ever finish, maximize, or peak at a point on my personal growth journey? Time will tell :) I happily welcome this adventure, though, and do not tire of trying more.

Things do not
grow better;
they remain as they are.
It is we who grow better, by the changes we make in ourselves.

-Swami Vivekananda

I wish you success on your personal growth path.

My final sugjestion this cycle is to make your lane

as bright and beautiful as possible. Grow it :) <3

Maybe it is wise. Maybe it is dumb. Time will tell.

Wondersday – 100924

Have you ever wondered… about oubaitori? I have. This Japanese word represents the idea that we all grow and blossom at our own rate and time. Flowers are not all in sync. There is no one-size-fits-all, cookie cutter style to living life. We each learn and develop individually. All of it is beautiful. Fast. Slow. Early. Late. It all works well. It is productive growth at the end of the day, even if your growth looks different than that of all those around you. Focus on growing your lane. Do not inhibit others from growing theirs. Watch the beauty bloom. Take delight in the sight of all the growing wonder.

In the middle of the night, things well up from the past that are not always cause for rejoicing — the unsolved, the painful encounters, the mistakes, the reasons for shame or woe. But all, good or bad, give me food for thought, food to grow on.

-May Sarton

We nurture the nutrients. The fruit is a byproduct of the work we put in. Growth can be difficult to grapple with because it frequently invites more change. Adjusting, replacing, or upgrading an old habit. Setting an effective boundary. Increasing mindfulness. Steps outside of comfort into yet more unknown. If it is a comfort zone, though, then it can be expanded. There are limits and ranges to it that can be flexed wider over time. We can extrapolate excitement, planning what our goals and next steps are for healthier, wiser growth. We can begin to judge ourselves less and understand our inner workings more.

Through judging, we separate.
Through understanding, we grow.

-Doe Zantamata

Who knows what the end goal is or even will be. We have here and now to keep on growing towards that or another direction. What steps are you taking today to grow? Surrounding us, we witness so much growth in nature and technological innovations. Especially in this day and age, we have so many possibilities for improving ourselves.

Set aside a fixed amount of time to learn something each day. Within fifteen to twenty minutes, you can listen to most guided meditations or book summaries. You can read a news article or two. Study another language1. The options abound. Perhaps best early in the morning or at a fixed time not too close to bedtime, set a timer for that short span of time (15-20 minutes), then set yourself to a bit of growth. Congratulate yourself after :)

You only struggle because you’re ready to grow but aren’t willing to let go.

-Drew Gerald

What can you let go of today?

Can you stop taking yourself so seriously?

Are you dragging along emotional baggage, letting it trail behind you in your lane?

Has it done you any good yet? Might it be time to let it go?

Are you resisting the forward momentum in your lane?

Can you stop dragging your feet along?

There is no true need to feel bad about any of this exercise. Reflecting and realizing where growth can now happen is a righteous responsibility. Be proud of recognizing areas for improvement, and please feel free to laugh at any past silliness in hindsight.

You grow up the day you have your first real laugh at yourself.

-Ethel Barrymore

Oubaitori reminds us to remember our reasons for being.

What roots feed us, and what fruits do we grow?

It is not a race, and it does not need to be a comparison.

What if we helped each other? How much more growth can we all see?

That last thought fills me with lots of glee. Oubaitori.

Maybe it is wise. Maybe it is dumb. Time will tell.

  1. I forgot to mention two days ago that Dikembe Mutombo excelled in personal growth at spoken languages. It is reported that he knew up to nine languages! ↩︎

Mournday – 100724

When I see and hear about Dikembe Mutombo and his career in the NBA, I often think about an immovable wall. A strong defender who is ready to wag a finger your way in dismissal. The second best ever for all-time blocks in the league.  There are not many people out there who have done more physical growing than Dikembe Mutombo. At seven feet and two inches tall, he is not even among the top twenty of tallest basketball players ever, despite how far ahead on the growth curve he is compared to averages.

In order to grow, you need diversity – of experience, opinion, and perspective. Diversity will always be at the core of change. It’s the only way people will find new opportunities, surmount new challenges, and gain new insights.

-Frans Johansson

Dikembe did not immediately sprout into such a stalwart defender, though. No, countless hours, months, and years of effort, planning, and work were poured into growing himself into the formidable force that many of us knew and love. Some of his family might even be surprised, given their thoughts when he was little. Dikembe himself said, “I was not very strong growing up, and my uncle used to look at me, like, ‘This kid is not growing up, he is growing tall but he can be broken like a banana.’ The banana in Congo is called ‘Dikembe.’ So my uncle start calling me ‘Dikembe, Dikembe, look at you Dikembe, you cannot even stand up.’ It took a long time for me to walk.” On his own timeline, we see what growing was accomplished as many in the league were known to fear his elbows.

Dikembe Mutombo was only the third player from Africa to be recruited to the NBA. That number is higher now, at least in part due to Mutombo’s efforts to pay it forward to future generations. He saw the possibility, actively advocating to grow the sport internationally.

"If I had not played basketball and made the millions of dollars that I made, I would never have been able to build a hospital in Congo. It started in 1997, and 10 years later I was able to unveil the Biamba Marie Mutombo Hospital, named after my mother, in my hometown outside of Kinshasa. It was such a blessing." -Dikembe Mutombo

He did not even play college basketball initially during his first year at Georgetown. He had planned on becoming a doctor before being recruited to play ball. In the short-term, such a shift could be seen as selfish or frivolous. Why give up a selfless service in the name of the greater good for the sake of a sport? Rather than being a doctor himself, his years in the NBA enabled Dikembe to be wealthy enough to set up his own fund which now supports an entire hospital back in Congo, his home country. Being one doctor versus funding an entire hospital system. Such stunningly staggering growth.

I just love kids. As a kid, I grew up in a poor country with a poor family that had nothing. I loved anyone who could come into my life, in from the outside, and give me advice that could help me succeed. I believe that there are a lot of people who came into my life that made me
Dikembe Mutombo.

-Dikembe Mutombo

God put us here to prepare this place for the next generation.
That’s our job.
Raising children and helping the community, that’s preparing for the next generation.

-Dikembe Mutombo

Collective, community-wide growth.

Uplifting the whole for holistic growth.

I’m so glad I didn’t become a doctor, because I do more than any doctor can do. I am an administrator, a CEO, doctor, psychiatrist, an activist, a campaign funder. I think I did well.

-Dikembe Mutombo

Talk about personal growth while creatively flexing career tracks! Dikembe did not stop at being a basketball player. No, he leveraged that starting point to grow into so much more – an advocate, a humanitarian, a philanthropist. Like one of his apt nicknames, Dikembe Mutombo grew from a man into a mountain. As a result, his achievements allow us to now figuratively stand even taller upon his supportive summits of shoulders. Are you ready to grow, too, or are you tired or scared, fed up or frustrated? Stare at yourself in a mirror and smile as you wag a finger in front of your face and encouragingly say aloud, “no no nooo, not today.” Allow the levity of that moment to shed some light on your present. Focus on your next best step. Hone gradual growth. Chart your ascent. Do well.

Maybe it is wise. Maybe it is dumb. Time will tell.

Smarturday – 100524

accretion vs. depletion

accretion (noun) – an increase by natural growth or by gradual external addition; growth in size or extent; the growing together of separate parts into a single whole

depletion (noun) – a serious decrease; the exhaustion of abundance or supply

Are you growing or shrinking?

Expanding or compressing??

Accreting or depleting???

Prejudices,
it is well known,
are most difficult to eradicate from the heart whose soil has never been loosened or fertili[z]ed by education: they grow there, firm as weeds among stones.

-Charlotte Brontë

Natural growth vs. unnatural slowth

Birds flocking together. Bikers drafting together. Cohesion for a greater, stronger whole.

Parasites draining. Batteries depleting. Infections spreading against the holistic whole.

People grow through experience if they meet life honestly and courageously.
This is how character is built.

-Eleanor Roosevelt

Built. Grown. They both work.

When do you consider you are done building? Fixed mindset.

Will you continually tend to your personal growth? Growth mindset.

There is no instantaneous shift here.

Both work in increments over time.

Accreting here; depleting there.

Recognizing the difference.

Growing amidst them.

Accreting more;

depleting less.

Normality is a paved road. It’s comfortable to walk, but no flowers grow on it.

-Vincent Van Gogh

An Oath to Growth

Be

Me

Free

See

True

You

Clue

Who

All

Fall

Tall

Small

Grow

Flow

Show

Glow

We don’t stop playing because we grow old,
we grow old because
we stop playing.

-George Bernard Shaw

Have some fun with it. No need to be so serious when finding ways to grow and improve.

Enjoy your journey, time you spend working on yourself. Accretiate those good feelings :)

Maybe it is wise. Maybe it is dumb. Time will tell.

Thanksday – 100324

I am extremely thankful for all of the teachers out there. At the end of the day, this thankfulness can probably encompass all of us. Does anyone go through life without teaching, either yourself or others, and either directly or indirectly? Learning from your own mistakes; listening to others; all moments of teaching. The beauty is that growth becomes possible as a result. Once we figure something out, we can change course. We see what can be different in our lane. Without teachers, we do not know what is possible. 

The role of a teacher is to introduce you to your inner teacher.

-Loch Kelly

Teachable moments yielding potential growth exist everywhere. Are you actively paying attention? Are you waiting and watching for opportunities, or are you simply surviving, going through the motions? When did you last consider a different approach? What goals do you have for personal growth? Who is your favorite teacher? What lesson or nugget of wisdom from them can you chew on again to work on as a new goal if you need help?

History is a strange teacher. It never repeats itself exactly, but you ignore its general lessons at your peril.

-Madeleine Albright

You are the gatekeeper to your own growth. Are you prepared to proceed down that path? If you have not tended to it recently, then maybe it is overgrown and difficult to navigate. One careful, conscious step at a time, though, will reveal that there is nothing to fear but only to rediscover. Teachers can show you to your own gate, but, from there, your development, growth, and improvement are all up to you. Will you move forward or stay stuck? Do you choose static stagnation or gradual growth? What teaching rings true?

The teacher who is indeed wise does not bid you to enter the house of [their] wisdom but rather leads you to the threshold of your mind.

-Khalil Gibran

Teachers see the potential in populations.

Do you see your own potential?

I do, and I believe in you.

Whether we experience what happens to us as obstacle and enemy or as teacher and friend depends entirely on our perception of reality. It depends on our relationship with ourselves.

-Pema Chödrön

How is your relationship with yourself right now?

Are you working on self-improvement to grow,

focusing on self-acceptance and self-compassion?

Heeded my words not, did you?
Pass on what you have learned. Strength. Mastery. But weakness, folly, failure also. Yes, failure most of all. The greatest teacher, failure is. Luke, we are what they grow beyond.

-Yoda, GOAT (Greatest1 Of All [Fictional] Teachers)

Find the way. Your best display. Grow today.

Maybe it is wise. Maybe it is dumb. Time will tell.

  1. arguably perhaps :) ↩︎

Soulday – 092924

As you accept yourself and others better, you can begin to work on growth. You have a lot of new information that becomes available as you listen and learn more, and you can use it all to fuel inner and outer growth. Which soft skill can you sharpen some? What physical feature can you work on next? What new thing can you learn or read about today? When we look at the world around us, it is always expanding and constantly growing. We have a choice, unlike most else in nature, to not grow. Why would we exercise that choice, though? Fear. Comfort. Apathy. Regardless of the reasons, our choice is still there, so our growth is still possible. Perhaps that is purpose enough.

The purpose of life for [people] is growth, just as the purpose of life for trees and plants is growth.

-Wallace D. Wattles

Trees and plants grow in two directions. They establish strong roots while producing flowers and fruits. Are you firmly rooted in your values? Are you identifying ways to grow? What fruit have you been producing as of late? You can choose to germinate.

real growth is refraining from making assumptions
so you can focus on observing

getting more information
so that you can develop a well-rounded view
is always better than letting yourself
be dominated by an impulsive reaction

tame your ego to let yourself see more

-yung pueblo

The best way forward in your lane is not always clear. How and why we grow is not always known. I am learning that it is better to not ask so many questions. I sometimes lose focus of the moment due to trying to understand the why behind it. All things in their time. A path of growth will often be uncomfortable, but keeping it in mind can serve as reassurance when you start questioning some difference. Notice some of the slow and small victories along the way. Growth is very rarely an instant miracle. It is a daily effort of observing actions and reflecting on improvements. Growth can be a lifelong journey.

Growing into one’s personal power does not happen overnight. It is an evolutionary process.

-Cheryl A. Maloney

Grow or evolve into your best self. Slow down; appreciate moments and surroundings more. Feel into your body boldly, and reconnect with your senses. Notice extra details in what you see, feel, hear, smell, and taste. Growth can break us free of copy and paste.

The world is full of magic things, patiently waiting for our senses to grow sharper.

-W.B. Yeats

A beautiful aspect to consider here is that you do not need to plan out all of your personal development time for growth and self-improvement. At almost any point, you can identify something to work on for growth. Maybe a dirty spot to clean up in your environment this next week; maybe a better sleep schedule with the right amount of rest; maybe a quick stretch or two to loosen up a sore spot that has been in need of attention; maybe some more self-compassion to be more accepting and forgiving. You can grow in different ways, cultivating many offshoots. Remember your roots, then grow your fruits.

Maybe it is wise. Maybe it is dumb. Time will tell.

Freeday – 092724

Accept humbly:
let go easily.

-Marcus Aurelius

How often do you beat yourself up for what you have said, done, or even thought? I know I was guilty of this bad habit for far too long. I still slip and falter on occasion these days, but I am improving well in this area each day. It is a nice feeling that I happily welcome. The previous bar of expectation that I kept setting for myself accepted nothing short of flawless perfection. What an immature, unrealistic extreme; it feels a bit silly to admit. Conversely, I feel very proud of my improvement. I can almost laugh at the ridiculousness of my past self now. Acceptance allows me to move forward (better); it opens my life up to more; I no longer feel backed into a corner, thinking there is only one possible future.

Your emotions are natural. All of them.
So don’t judge your negative feelings, since that only exacerbates them. Accept them instead.

-Jay Shetty

Healing begins with the open, compassionate acknowledgement of these unpleasant aspects of our lives.

-Sharon Salzberg

We all have character flaws; we all have scrapes and scratches, literal and metaphorical. The beauty is that we can accept all that and plan a path forward. We can chart a way to work on being our best selves. Give yourself grace. Be realistic that you will still fail on occasion; accept those failures as lessons to learn more. Let them teach you new ways in order to continue growing and improving. Step beyond any corner; see more all around.

Accept right now that you are magnificent. Being your real, true, authentic self is what’s most awesome about you.

-Gabby Bernstein

As you accept yourself more, you feel more love. You reconnect with yourself more, acknowledging what works well and what could work better; you explore hidden depths within yourself, uncovering and unlocking your potential to spread even more love. Accepting more also means you can judge less. What if everyone is trying their best? Perhaps that is a concept that we have no choice but to radically accept as a precept.

Acceptance is simply love in practice.
When you love, you accept.
When you lack love, you judge.

-Abhijit Naskar

Will you accept control of your life for what actions and behaviors rest within your lane? It does not matter what you have or have not done in the past. Right here, and right now, accept the choice to redefine yourself. Show yourself your best self. Do the next best thing, each and every time. The future starts now. And now. And now. And now :)

You don’t need to earn your awakening;
you just need to put both feet in and remember to wake up. Now.
And now.
And now.

-Jessica Graham

Perchance

Acceptance

Benevolence

Maybe it is wise. Maybe it is dumb. Time will tell.

Wondersday – 092524

Have you ever wondered… about wabi-sabi? I have. It is a Japanese term that reminds us to accept the temporary and imperfect aspects of life. Wabi-sabi teaches us to appreciate simplicity and authenticity. If we slow down and think about it clearly, how often are situations truly perfect? Why do we strive for such an unrealistic goal then? If we relax and accept the status quo more, then we can embrace happier moments more frequently, making life in general much less of a chore. Wabi-sabi can be a key towards opening that door and accepting the present. Stop limiting yourself; do not hold back what is in store.

Wabi-sabi nurtures all that is authentic by acknowledging three simple realities:
nothing lasts,
nothing is finished, and
nothing is perfect.

-Richard Powell

Think about some of your favorite treasures:

Are they still pristine or perfect,

or do you still accept and appreciate them with scrapes and scratches?

Radical acceptance rests on letting go of the illusion of control and a willingness to notice and accept things as they are right now.

-Marsha M. Linehan

In the world of DBT, there is a term known as radical acceptance; it is a skill that can help here. Rather than fighting what is, radical acceptance teaches and trains us to acknowledge the current state of things. We have limited control in the grand scheme of life, so going with the flow is a helpful line to toe; resistance only hurts and slows.

If you find that you are constantly under pressure at work, or in life, stop for a moment and consider that you have a choice to accept pressure or not… Rather than waiting until you feel like a time bomb ready to explode, take steps today to lighten the load.

-Michael Atma

To close with one more term, you can improve your wabi-sabi by remembering one more Japanese phrase, uketamo, which means “I humbly accept with an open heart.” When your life begins to turn frustrating or overwhelming again, circle back to uketamo. Write it down as a note on your phone or in your wallet. Times will turn tough; you can humbly accept it all with an open heart. How accepting and freeing can it be? I hope we will see.

Maybe it is wise. Maybe it is dumb. Time will tell.

Mournday – 092324

I mourn for all of the “control freaks” out there. Therefore, in part, I mourn for myself, too. Accepting more is not always easy. Letting go of the controls for each and every action can be very challenging and difficult. We grow accustomed to calling all our own plays. In doing so, though, how much do we limit our own playbook? If we never or only rarely branch out, then how often do we miss out on new opportunities and random, teachable moments? How expansive could our playbooks truly be if we accepted more regularly?

How can you know what you’re capable of if you don’t embrace the unknown?

-Esmeralda Santiago

When we let go, we simply flow; we accept more and direct less. We do not have all the answers, so, personally, I plan on searching for as long as possible. I am excited by that thought. When I relax and embrace a more fluid lifestyle, I gain chances to experience and feel more of life. I break free from comfortable habits and explore new possibilities, previously unknown to me. My identity incrementally improves towards an individualized ideal. In addition, incredible insights insert itselves intermittently in interesting iterations.

We cannot think of being acceptable to others until we have first proven acceptable to ourselves.

-Malcolm X

I hope each of us can fully accept ourself. That feels like a good first step. Then, we can work on accepting others, too. We will not control it all, but we can certainly accept it all. It is not easy, but it is worth it. Why fight the current? If we accept the flow, moving with it, life can be easier and freer. By controlling too much, or trying to, we limit ourselves.

We are all afraid to say too much, to feel too deeply, to let people know what they mean to us.

-Bianca Sparacino

I acknowledge my fear and choose to move past it. I do not want to look back on my life with regret at not doing or saying enough. I do not want to bite my tongue for the sake of fitting in and going along with the masses. How can you let people know what they truly mean to you? We can make a difference by speaking our truths. Will you accept to control your life in such a way, and will you accept to let go of what all lies beyond your control?

Relax, and rock ‘n roll :)

Accept your role of limited control. Explore and adventure into the unknown.

“The unknown is where all outcomes are possible; enter it with grace.”

Maybe it is wise. Maybe it is dumb. Time will tell.

Smarturday – 092124

acknowledge vs. disparage

acknowledge (verb) – to admit to be real or true; recognize the existence, truth, or fact of; to show or express appreciation or gratitude for

disparage (verb) – to speak of or treat slightingly; depreciate; belittle; to bring reproach or discredit upon; lower the estimation of

Which do you do more of: do you acknowledge the current state of things, or do you disparage it all? Or: how often do you compassionately accept your own shortcomings,

or do you tend to disparage yourself and your actions? Is the latter helping? Doubtful.

I used to disparage a lot. I am not proud to admit it; I am proud to acknowledge and accept more of everything these days, though. I had what I consider to be a fascinating insight this past Monday. At a meeting, when I began to get distracted by others due to disruptive behavior, instead of singularly-focusing on that rude interjection and internally disparaging it, I randomly and spontaneously challenged myself to observe even more. I created a game of sorts to see what all I can see, hear, feel, smell, and maybe taste. In a way, I chose to consciously distract myself joyously instead of being distracted by others annoyingly. I like the difference; it is a subtle shift from a negative mindset to a positive one; it feels powerful. I was happy to accept that feeling, acknowledging and enjoying it.

The present moment is filled with joy and happiness. If you are attentive, you will see it.

-Thích Nhất Hanh

The random talking in the crowd had either stopped or drifted off to a point out of focus. I now look forward to more meetings and moments to mimic this method of mindfulness. Focus can be grabbed, or I can accept to maintain control of it. Even if I want to disparage, I do not have to. I can accept to control my actions, acknowledging that many other things lie well outside my lane. If I accept to control my actions, then I can continue to entertain this enthusiastic empathy in complete contrast to the dispirited disparagement. Ya dig?

Anew more; diss less

Accept more; discount less

Acknowledge more; disparage less

Fear keeps us focused on the past or worried about the future. If we can acknowledge our fear, we can realize that right now we are OK.
Right now, today, we are still alive, and our bodies are working marvelously. Our eyes can still see the beautiful sky. Our ears can still hear the voices of our loved ones.

-Thích Nhất Hanh

Is something bothering you right now that you may want to disparage?

Can you simply acknowledge it before noticing other things?

Will you accept to control your actions?

We are OK.

You are loved.

Maybe it is wise. Maybe it is dumb. Time will tell.

Thanksday – 091924

It can be difficult to accept life sometimes. On occasion, the challenges we face can feel insurmountable. I am thankful for Michael J. Fox. He has lived with Parkinson’s disease for over three decades; at this point, he has lived with it longer than his years prior without it. He did not accept the diagnosis immediately; he fought it and hid behind a lot of alcohol. However, since recognizing and accepting his situation, Michael has transformed his outlook and proceeded to make the most of it. Humankind is better off now because of his work with his foundation. Research on Parkinson’s has progressed significantly as a result of his funding. He accepted his lot in life, proceeding to pour all of his heart into it.

Accept the things to which fate binds you, and love the people with whom fate brings you together, but do so with all your heart.

-Marcus Aurelius

Did you know that Michael was not the original Marty McFly? Another actor was initially cast in that role, but the director did not accept those performances as the best fit for the character. We therefore have the dynamic pair, Michael and Christopher Lloyd, that we know and love due to someone recognizing a problem and accepting control within their power to change and improve it for the better. What can you recognize and accept to control within your power? What will you change and improve for the better today?

On a personal level, I have respect for and feel a connection with Michael J. Fox because we both chose to insert a j into the middle of our pseudonyms to make it work best for us. J is a fictional middle name he chose in order to complete a successful SAG application.

Accept your insecurities, live life through them, and be happy with who you are.

-Mikaela Shiffrin

I suppose it also exemplifies that you can choose to change your life whenever you want. Probably not in any and all ways, but you can accept the ability to adjust what is within your control. Maybe there is a better middle name that you have in mind, or maybe you want to sugjest instead of suggest. The choice and the power is yours if you accept it.

The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am,
then I can change.

-Carl Rogers

Accept your present.

Plan future presents.

Avoid attaching to plans.

Accept whatever unfolds.

While others can help, only you can Fix You.

Are you ready to accept that fact and work on it?

Maybe it is wise. Maybe it is dumb. Time will tell.

Soulday – 091524

My happiness grows in direct proportion to my acceptance,
and in inverse proportions to my expectations.

-Michael J. Fox

Be here. Now. In this moment.

There can be such quiet and peace.

Acceptance is the key; being okay with what currently is.

Learning to ease off on the need to control every. minute. detail.

Like one point last week, do not get in your own way; else, you will derail.

We will all do that from time to time. Accept that fact, then learn from it. Grow because of it. Acceptance is not complacence; it is acknowledgement to align appropriate action.

I am amused by how many recent cycles focus on work for oneself as much as work with others. Self-acceptance could arguably be more important than working on accepting others. We struggle enough to control our own lives, so why waste precious minutes wishing how another would act? I guess we want the break from working on ourselves for a bit. What a neat thought to recognize and then work on accepting. When starting to compare or attempting to direct others, spin it back. What can you adapt to do better here? How can you improve this moment now? Accept what is, and adjust accordingly.

Acceptance can stop the constant dialogue that may be running in your mind. Instead of mulling over multiple what-ifs, recognize what is here and now. As you begin to accept the current state, you can plan and play out your next actions. You can step beyond the individual and move with the mind for the masses. The difference is that your mind is in this moment. It is not elsewhere, uninvested from the present. Accept being here, now.

What’s important to us remains the same. It’s that inside stuff: the need for love and acceptance, and getting to know yourself and your place in the world.

-unknown

Being here now helps you identify where you are. That is the first true step before beginning to ask yourself where you want to go. You have your lane. Where will you point it? What will you do with it? Like me, will you work on more acceptance? :)

If you are up for it, stop and give yourself a hug.

Take this moment to be kind to yourself.

When did that last happen?

Work on it more this week :)

Maybe it is wise. Maybe it is dumb. Time will tell.

Freeday – 091324

Compassion and tolerance are not a sign of weakness, but a sign of strength.

-Dalai Lama

I appreciate this cycle immensely; it reminds me to focus on the good in life. With modern media and all the news that we get inundated with, it can be easy to distract oneself amidst so much negativity and fear-mongering. As I filtered my thoughts and actions better over these past two weeks, I felt so much better. I was able to calmly navigate through stressful situations that would have upset me a lot in the past. I improved how easily I could move on from trivial nuisances, and I extended so much more compassion towards myself and others. It feels great; I plan on maintaining compassionate practices moving forward. I think it would be very foolish of me to abandon such a beneficial skill.

After all, I do not wish to be a fool;

I only seek to be a sugjester in all :)

The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

Watching the most recent US presidential debate on Tuesday night was relieving and uplifting for me. Sure, towards the end, I started muting the TV whenever he was talking (or interrupting because it was inconceivable to not ALWAYS have the last word) because I no longer wanted to hear the same canned bologna over and over again. Watching and listening to Kamala, though, was a breath of fresh air. Her demeanor and the way she delivered examples with specifics was educational and inspiring. At this point, I feel encouraged and reinvigorated by the idea that we could see a possible improvement in the near future. I will acknowledge that I am probably being at least a little naive to expect too much, but Kamala can be the first true presidential presence since Obama. We can have an elite leader representing our country again. A bold, confident, and eloquent woman who refuses to be belittled or overshadowed by brash and belligerent old men.

The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.

-Coretta Scott King

What stood out to me was Kamala’s compassion; in my opinion, one of her classiest moves throughout the evening was making pledges to the voters. She pledged to serve all Americans, and she discussed not turning a blind eye to suffering. Kamala Harris seems to seek out genuine connection; I believe in her potential; I strongly believe that she is a much better option than the alternative. I would love to move on from the doom and gloom projections that are being proffered by the past. Compassion starts with you.

Replace your fear with compassion.

We can delineate some Kampassion.

Compassion is the greatest form of love humans have to offer.

-Rachel Joy Scott

For me, forgiveness and compassion are always linked: How do we hold people accountable for wrongdoing and yet at the same time remain in touch with their humanity enough to believe in their capacity to be transformed?

-bell hooks

Have you started extending more compassion towards yourself and others?

If so, great!

If not, what are you afraid of?

Why not try?

I believe in your capacity to transform.

Maybe it is wise. Maybe it is dumb. Time will tell.

Wondersday – 091124

Have you ever wondered… about Tonglen? I have. Tonglen is a style of Buddhist meditation that cultivates compassion in one’s life. It stands for giving and taking or sending and receiving. Tonglen gives you a chance to do your part to help those around you, and it only takes a bit of your time. It provides you with an opportunity to send some love to selflessly care for others. You can receive the practice at a dedicated time or ad hoc whenever a need for it arises. Be flexible with it; practice Tonglen compassionately.

The main focus of this practice is to breathe in the pain, suffering, and troubles of others before breathing out compassion for that person or people. You transform that negativity within your soul fire. By burning up the burdens and recycling it into repaid positivity, you provide nonverbal, compassionate company for those in need. We notice those around us and their struggles, so we feel part of the struggles as a way to ease the weight off their back and as a way to reassure them that they are not alone. We are all in this together.

True compassion means not only feeling another’s pain but also being moved to help relieve it.

-Daniel Goleman

Tonglen meditation reminds us of that fact as we compassionately care for those in need. If you are in need at a particular time, then channel the focus inward. That approach may be the best way to start this practice if your current compassion compartment is compact.

Allow your breath work to convert the heaviness into lightness. We each face this choice – will you stew in your sewer thoughts, or will you burn them away and revel in revealed joy? On each inhale, take in something bothersome; build it back better with each exhale.

I had an insight recently when noticing my mood darken one evening. I was having a very good day, so what changed? My own thoughts and how they began to distract me from the present moment. I started paying attention to frivolous, futuristic what-if scenarios that had no business playing out in my head. I bottled those thoughts together, burnt them up, and backtracked to the generally-positive vibe that I had been holding. After stopping those unnecessary thoughts in their tracks, I switched my focus back to what appreciations I was holding that day. I practiced Tonglen without even realizing it at first.

Compassion for others begins with kindness to ourselves.

-Pema Chödrön

Compassion goes both ways. Care for yourself, and care for others. Find balance here.

Share your love with yourself and with all around.

Stop comparing; start equating. We are all equal.

Compassion is not a relationship between the healer and the wounded. It’s a relationship between equals.

-Pema Chödrön

We can form a Love Generation. 

Start with some Good Vibrations.

Maybe it is wise. Maybe it is dumb. Time will tell.

Mournday – 090924

I mourn for two students and two teachers today:

Christian Angulo

Mason Schermerhorn

Cristina Irimie

Richard Aspinwall

Last week, a fourteen-year-old in Georgia decided to discompassionately step well outside of his lane. As someone who yearns to understand the world and its workings, I would like to determine why that student exercised such an extreme. Was there bullying involved? Was there a lack of love? Did he feel unseen or unheard at home or at school?

I suppose, in a way, I am practicing compassion for the aggressor here. Wow. Well, how else can we figure out what to fix in order to move on from these psychotic cycles?

How many more gross missteps must we continue to endure? We are averaging more than one school shooting per week in America this year. Will we notice improvements as more parents are held accountable for their child’s actions? I wonder if that change will drive any new progress forward. I do not want all of my eggs in that basket, though.

Ultimately, it is the guns. Say what you want and choose to stay blind, but it is tough to have more shootings if there are fewer firearms. While this topic is heavy, I am briefly amused by an aside of imagining an iron throne made out of many melted-down guns.

I applaud the students who stepped up during this shocking crisis as first responders. One student ran to close their classroom door, getting shot in the process. When Mr. Aspinwall, the assistant football coach and math teacher, heroically placed himself in the way of danger to protect his students, those students repaid him by trying to do their best to save his life. Instead of understandably giving into fear and cowering in a corner, students courageously stepped up. They applied the skills at their disposal to compassionately care for him, though his valiant action cost him the sacrifice of his life.

Four lives lost because of one reckless teenager.

Did he not get out enough to appreciate his life?

Yes, I am still trying to understand; it is what I do.

I try to walk outside daily; I also try to be as observant as possible. I like to soak in my surroundings, appreciating each passing moment to the best of my abilities. It brings me joy to learn more about birds and butterflies, two animals I often see during these walks.

I experienced some of that joy earlier today while watching one white butterfly and one yellow butterfly. They engaged in a fun dance together that twisted and turned all around my periphery. In the past, I had only observed such behavior among multiple white butterflies. In this one fleeting moment of two butterflies gracefully interacting with one another, I felt so much calm insight course through me. We get in our own way.

We construct boxes for “other” people.

We set up our own limits and constraints.

What if we could all be saints?

If we each start to practice more compassion,

then how graceful can our collective dance truly be?

I hope we can see, eventually.

Compassion collaborates; discompassion denigrates.

Compassion constructs; discompassion destructs.

Compassion cares; discompassion disrepairs.

Maybe it is wise. Maybe it is dumb. Time will tell.

Smarturday – 090724

self-compassion vs. self-contempt

self-compassion (noun)- the practice of being kind and understanding with oneself, rather than being harshly self-critical when faced with failure, mistakes, or feelings of inadequacy

self-contempt (noun)- contempt or loathing for oneself or one’s actions; a strong feeling of disliking and having no respect for oneself

If your compassion does not include yourself, it is incomplete.

-Jack Kornfield

I think these two terms are mutually exclusive.

They exist opposite one another on a scale.

On which side of it do you currently live?

Can you reflect and shift your scale?

Self-compassion- stop computing comparisons.

Self-contempt- start contemplating contentedness.

Self-compassion- no more competing combatively.

Self-contempt- more conscientious concentration.

Self-compassion feels so much better.

Self-contempt only makes you suffer.

Self-forgiveness can help a lot here.

Build yourself up, back to a cheer.

Not every moment will be perfect.

Relax and give yourself grace.

Do your best, finding your purpose.

Relax and give yourself grace.

Compassionately devise. Avoid staying numb. Let love compel.

Maybe it is wise. Maybe it is dumb. Time will tell.

Thanksday – 090524

This Thanksday, I choose to recognize Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi. As a shorter nickname, she is often referred to simply as Amma, or “mother.” Amma is known as the hugging saint; she has spent decades of her life hugging millions of humans. She chooses to freely and willingly share her gift with the world. Her warm embrace can help you recognize that you are not alone; her friendly touch can share sympathy and strengthen your own compassion as she leads by example. We should follow in her footsteps.

Compassion is the greatest form of love humans have to offer.

-Rachel Joy Scott

Amma authored a book titled Compassion: the Only Way to Peace. You can view a documentary about her, The Science of Compassion, for free on YouTube. Given the details included there, I will not write much more here. Compassion does not require lengthy discourse; it often requires more quiet and patient presence than anything else. Lend an ear to listen and a shoulder to lean or cry on when those around you are in need.

You must work in the present to make your future happy and blissful.

-Amma

Choose to show up and care; choose to work with those around you to pave a path to a future that we can all be proud of. Cultivate and circulate comprehensive compassion.

Love is the only medicine that can heal the wounds of the world.

-Amma

I hope to one day share a spectacular hug with Amma. My yoga teacher mentioned that many think that Amma vibrates higher than anyone else here. Who would not want to investigate such a claim? To feel such compassion must be so inspiring. I would happily welcome the help as I yearn to improve in this area, both with myself and with others.

Maybe it is wise. Maybe it is dumb. Time will tell.

Soulday – 090124

Compassion is choosing to care. You want to express concern and sympathy for someone, even yourself, and their struggle. You want to help. If you are happy, then others can be happy. Similarly, if others are happy, then you can be happy. We can all work more on extending more compassion, both inwardly for ourselves and outwardly for others.

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

-Dalai Lama

When phrased like that, it almost seems too simple and straightforward to be true, right? Yet, compassion generates lots of happiness, both for ourselves as well as for all others around us. It is essentially our positive presence and attention. By investing our energy and focus in the present moment around us, we show that we are here and that we care.

I try to treat whoever I meet as an old friend. This gives me a genuine feeling of happiness. It is the practice of compassion.

-Dalai Lama

What a fascinating strategy to consider if you want to practice more compassion. Can you imagine thinking about everyone you see for the next day as long-lost childhood friends? They lived down the street, and it is so neat to see them again after quite a few beats. It may take some time to get used to a significant shift in setup, but think of this mindset management. Compassion cultivates centeredness, a conscious caring for yourself as well as for those around you. Even if someone upset you for some reason last week, it is better to feel excited about reuniting with them after all these “years”. It starts to push the limits of radical compassion which is honestly a worthwhile goal for us to strive for. 

Be generous with yourself. Do not waste all of that built-up gratitude. Compassion is another one of those beautiful, limitless resources. Make sure to spend time directing it towards yourself as well as towards all others please. You deserve your compassion.

My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.

-Maya Angelou

Maybe it is wise. Maybe it is dumb. Time will tell.

Freeday – 083024

I was not sure how to culminate this cycle. Then, it dawned on me. Why not show some examples of what all I express gratitude for? Before I proceed, though, please understand that I only offer the following as a guide. If it stirs up any jealousy or resentment within you, then I am sorry.

Why do you feel that way?

What can you be grateful for and work on to fix such a state?

It is not joy that makes us grateful;
it is gratitude that makes us joyful.

-David Steindl-Rast

I have varying degrees of gratitude for:

A higher power

This life

This breath

This moment

These words 

This moment (alright, no more of these)

Parents

Partners over the years 

Children

Departed grandparents

Ancestors

Friends

The sun

This planet

This solar system

This universe

Clouds

Water

Tea

Coffee

Kombucha

Plenty of other beverages 

Apples

Bananas

Blueberries

Cheese

Dark chocolate

Guacamole

Hot sauces

Sushi

Many other foods

Sleep

Rest

Relaxation

Recovery

Rejuvenation 

Healing

Books 

Music

Movies

Video games

Cats

Dogs 

Other pets and animals 

Friendly smiles in passing

Courteous nods and gestures 

Wholesome jokes

Heartfelt exchanges 

Considerate check-ins

Exercise

Stretches

Massages

Self-improvement

Learning

Growth

Meditation

Mindfulness

Prayer

Art

Beauty

Consciousness

Desserts

Equanimity

Fragrances

Gratitude 

Happiness

Individuation

Jesters

Knowledge

Love

Moons

Nostalgia

Oils

Peace

Questions

Relationships

Stoicism

Trust

Unity

Values/Virtues

Wisdom

X-rays

You

Zoos

Yes, I became playful with that exercise by the end, but I have gratitude for that playfulness as well. I watched this TED talk yesterday and thought it provided some worthwhile perspective to consider. It helps detail and highlight how much we often take for granted. Perhaps this viewpoint can help you grow your gratitude more gratefully. Approach it playfully.

It is one quick list of potential examples of what all one can be grateful for. I spent maybe a few minutes max on it. The beauty here is that I could be much more detailed and expansive with it, strengthening gratitude more. Perhaps you were excited for Frosted Flakes this morning. If Tony the Tiger were a philosopher, I would love to hear him talk about grrratitude. Platony? That would be grrreat. In cultivating effective gratitude, instead of being disappointed by the world’s imperfections, consciously give up false hopes. Relish life here and now, finding perspective for the grateful aspects in the lane.

realize how short the walk is from gratitude to happiness

-yung pueblo

Maybe it is wise. Maybe it is dumb. Time will tell.

Wondersday – 082824

Have you ever wondered… about nostalgia? I have. I find nostalgia to be one of those magical practices where balance of its use is key; else, it becomes too easy to abuse. Think of it like candy – a little bit here and there as a reward or a treat can be good, but if you make candy your entire diet, then it becomes more harmful or hurtful than helpful.

love can be tough to navigate
when the mind is constantly
craving more

craving often blocks us from seeing
the incredible person standing
right in front of us

craving also disconnects us from gratitude

-yung pueblo

Y’all, I am in awe of and so grateful for how life often unfolds when you simply go with the flow. After enjoying a nice dinner with a friend last night, they mention a surprise idea. After a short drive across town, we arrive at a retro arcade. I had never visited one of these places before. After we pay the entry fee, every game inside is free. That means we played some classic arcade games from my childhood like X-Men and Time Crisis all the way through to the end. I experienced the entire storyline of entertainment that had enthralled me from an early age. There was so much less stress involved, too, because I had no concerns there about running out of tokens or money. It was such an unexpected yet wholly welcomed stroll down memory lane. I was reveling in all the pure nostalgia.

Nostalgia is a file that removes the rough edges from the good old days.

-Doug Larson

I even made a fool of myself with DDR (Dance Dance Revolution), a game that I had not played in who knows how long. Now, was this night out at a retro arcade what I had in mind or planned for my Tuesday evening? No, not at all, and yet, it was an absolutely delightful, impromptu outing, and I am beyond grateful for the opportunity. By being flexible and nimble in the moment, I now possess so much newfound gratitude for nostalgic games that bring back many fond memories of an easier and simpler time.

Nostalgia is a sweet place for a poet and writer to be in. But it’s an indulgence; a distraction. You can’t live in a distraction.

-Gulzar

I do not delude myself, though, by diluting my current experience if I were to only reflect forlornly. By being grateful for both then and now, I can keep moving forward with my present personal progress. I can acknowledge those parts of my past while continuing to work on all my current goals and plans. I will not live there now, but I can appreciate it.

Nostalgia is the only friend that stays with you forever.

-Damien Echols

What a nice thought that you can always have at least this one friend with you forever. It motivates me to recognize more of the grateful spots in my past. By identifying all those moments of gratitude, I store a wealth of information within my memory bank; it is one account that will never run out. Those friendly treasures can be carried with me forever.

Reminisce nostalgically.

Express gratitude for all the good.

Allow it to drive and motivate you forward.

Maybe it is wise. Maybe it is dumb. Time will tell.

Mournday – 082624

I mourn for the loss of loved ones.

Will any of us fully and truly avoid these experiences?

I doubt it; grief is one of the toughest battles we each face.

How we rise to those challenges says so much about our values.

Do we honor their memories well,

or do we selfishly fight against time?

Losing a loved one is so difficult. Looking back, though, and reflecting on happy moments and meaningful memories is how we can still express gratitude for the time we did have. Do we often want more? Sure, but will we always get what we want? No. So, as per the theme this cycle, count your blessings and cherish the minutes that we do share here.

I still miss those I loved who are no longer with me but I find I am grateful for having loved them.
The gratitude has finally conquered the loss.

-Rita Mae Brown

Life presents us with a series of difficulties. We can balk at the parts that we do not like, or we can look for lessons that are resting and waiting within; we can learn how to excel beyond and exceed our own expectations, or we can continue to complain about all the mundane. When handled appropriately, the adversities and struggles that you face can make you into a better and more balanced person. What if you could not know your full potential otherwise? Maybe you do not care now, but the world wants to see your best.

You can’t have a rainbow without a little rain.

-Dolly Parton

Gratitude grants a grotto (or a garden) of gratefulness within each of us. Adorn and decorate your grotto with all the things in your life that you are thankful for. Whenever you begin to feel particularly worked up or overwhelmed, retreat to and graze within your grotto for a bit. Let it calm and soothe you, reminding you that this, too, shall pass.

Each passing second is always brand-new. Our emotions and feelings will be up and down; the thankful things in our life, though, do not need to change. We can express gratitude for parents, partners, children, siblings, guardians, teachers, pets, and more even if they are no longer with us. We honor their memory and make them proud by doing our best. As a result, we can then be further grateful for our own actions, too.

If we slip or falter on occasion, that is alright. We can be grateful for the opportunity to get back on track; we can also appreciate the chance to right our wrongs; we can keep our eye on the prize, embracing and enjoying existence. Welcome it with open arms, and accept its warm embrace. Feel the love, and spread the love, fueled fully by gratitude.

Don’t cry because it’s over.
Smile because it happened.

-Dr. Seuss

Please know that you have my sympathy as you grapple with grief.

Allow grace and space to grow from it gradually.

Gravitate towards gratitude.

Maybe it is wise. Maybe it is dumb. Time will tell.

Smarturday – 082424

avid vs. vapid

avid (adjective) – showing great enthusiasm for or interest in; eager

vapid (adjective) – without liveliness or spirit; dull or tedious; flat

Gratitude energizes appreciation for life. It helps you feel avid instead of vapid.

The change can be quite rapid if you shift your mindset and count your blessings.

Gratitude enlivens you.

Joy is the simplest form of gratitude.


-Karl Barth

By focusing on what you have as opposed to what you want, you can capture joy at any point in this present moment. With that upbeat perspective, you can plan goals and work on next steps; you can figure out how to build up a better life in your lane, something that you can then express even more gratitude for daily. Each day, if you make at least one thing better, whether that be a habit or skill you improve or a chore you complete, then you maintain momentum in a positive direction. You allow the inertia of gratitude to build by the day. It is not something that will ever run out; it is an infinitely renewable resource.

If the idea of creating a gratitude jar did not appeal to you, then how about considering a gratitude journal instead? By reflecting on your days in writing, you can begin to assess your attitude. Is your spirit showing in the scratches and script with an avid demeanor or a vapid vexation? How can you adjust your tone to focus on the positive aspects around?

Gratitude is riches.
Complaint is poverty.


-Doris Day

There are many ways to look at things. There is often an initial, surface-level reaction as well as a deeper, more well-thought-out reflection. Well, which already sounds better – snap reactions or thorough reflections? If we find what we can be thankful for, then we identify joyful thoughts. With those encouraging feelings in mind, we can enjoy what we choose to focus on and feel grateful for. Allow the beauty that is available everywhere to spark wonder and invigorate gratitude within you. Feel your soul come alive as you begin to thrive. Not all minutes will be full of bliss; search for grateful moments to not miss. Stand tall and revel in an avid atmosphere that is full of cheer. Vapid? What sapped it?

We can complain because rose bushes have thorns, or rejoice because thorn bushes have roses.


-Abraham Lincoln

I avidly hope to heal vapidity.

So, what prompts proclivity?

I try my best; it falls to the rest.

It is not a test; I do not say in jest.

I have gratitude nonetheless.

Maybe it is wise. Maybe it is dumb. Time will tell.

Thanksday – 082224

I choose to diffuse the topic for Thanksday this cycle. After all, gratitude is all about being thankful for everything that you do have, so I will steep that idea for a greater degree of flexibilitea this time. I am thankful for tea. It is an easy pleasure that I can look forward to enjoying each and every day. Therefore, I have a significant amount of grateatude for tea.

Something as simple and ordinary as drinking a cup of tea can bring us great joy and help us feel our connection to the Earth … Drinking a cup of tea is a pleasure we can give ourselves every day.


-Thích Nhất Hanh

Tea has been made available to us in so many healthy and beneficial ways. There are caffeinated varieteas as well as caffeine free types. The ranges of caffeine in tea even varies, so I can choose what I want to drink based on what I think I need for a particular day – green teas for lighter days and black teas for heavier days. Prettea neat, right? :)

Tea is available in many different colors and blends, too. Within one tea bag, you may discover a dozen types of flowers and herbs. Then, if you mix and match combinations of different teas per brew, the complexity of possibilities further expands and multeaplies.

The benefits or purposes behind different teas run quite the gamut as well. Do you want to give your immune system a boost? Well, there are teas for that! Do you want to work on your digestive or respiratory health? Different teas can help you with those needs! Are you feeling overwhelmed or stressed lately? You are probably beginning to understand; some strains of tea will help calm you down or get you ready for a restful night of sleep.

You can enjoy the smells of the aroma as well as the warmth or coolness of the tea’s temperature. Watching the tea work its magic can even provide its own level and avenue of delight if you are willing to take the time to soak in the experience. I often make it a game of swirling the brew around. Allow your senses to be immersed in the moment.

Eight ounces or one cup of tea is also less than I usually expect. Therefore, I often drink probably ten to twelve ounces of fluids for each mug of tea that I brew. That consumption helps me maintain healthy daily hydration levels which is yet another aspect of my life for me to be grateful for. When you start practicing gratitude, it becomes hard to stop. What another great trait to be grateful for, right? Besides, why stop increasing your gratitude?

Self-reflection is a much kinder teacher than regret is.


-Andrena Sawyer

You can teach yourself each day. Gratitude does not grow overnight. It benefits best from a concerted effort to shift your focus to the positive parts. As you fill your life with more recognition of what all you are truly grateful for, you can also visualize the act with a gratitude jar if that is your figurative cup of tea. Diligently write down at least one of your gratitudes daily and deposit it inside the jar. Delight in the development of endearing details defining your dedicated devotions. If you feel dour, draw upon them as desired.

How sweet is your life right now? Is it too sour because you steep and stew too much? Can you soften your tone as you sip on some tea? I hope you choose to begin practicing and appreciating gratitude. My life is much better now thanks to gratitude, and I know it can do the same for anyone else willing to attempt this art. What have you got to lose?

You either get bitter or you get better. It’s that simple. You either take what has been dealt to you and allow it to make you a better person, or you allow it to tear you down.
The choice does not belong to fate;
the choice belongs to you.


-Josh Shipp

Maybe it is wise. Maybe it is dumb. Tea time will tell.

Soulday – 081824

Let gratitude be the pillow upon which you kneel to say your nightly prayer.


-Maya Angelou

How often do you slow down or stop to appreciate everything around you? “Moment to pause” is another DBT skill that can be valuable here1. When you go to sleep, do you think about all of the things that went well that day, or are you engrossed in upsetting parts or worried about unknowns for tomorrow? Pause peacefully, and reflect rightly. 

If you want to take this nightly practice one step further, a respected leader in my life taught me the following acronym. Before bedtime or as you are settling down for the evening, think through what all from that day you are GLAD for. What is at least one thing from today that you are Grateful for, at least one thing from today that you Learned, at least one thing from today that you Achieved, and, lastly, what Delighted you today? :)

Count your blessings! :)

In the end, I believe we should learn to be grateful for everything in our life. Uplifting moments are easy, but downtrodden experiences can be difficult to grapple with and truly express gratitude for. Reflecting on those tough times, though, can yield positive lessons and results if we are willing to put in work. If we improve our ability to practice gratitude for all of it, then we can figure out how to live our best lives. What a valuable first step to begin a journey towards feeling and valuing gratitude. Good job; good luck.

Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues,
but the parent of all the others.


-Cicero

Gratitude can provide a sturdy foundation for your bridge in your lane. Trust it. As you incrementally increase your feelings of appreciation, you will begin to see and value the importance of other virtues, too. Take a step in this direction. How does it make you feel? Can you establish more contentment and acceptance for your current circumstances?

Here is one sugjestion that you can try – replace “I’m sorry” with “thank you.” Instead of saying “sorry I’m late”, substitute “thank you for waiting for me.” This shift in approach and mindset can begin the building of more gratitude in your life. Another sugjestion – how often do some take their hot showers for granted? When did you last try a cold shower? If you try one, then it can remind you of something that you may have started taking for granted quite some time ago. You can find or rediscover joy and appreciation in some, if not all, of the small things. Begin to see the brighter side of life; it is there if you look. It can be difficult to find at times, but I promise you that it is there. Care, and share.

Gratitude wakes us up to the goodness and beauty in life.
But we have to choose it.


-Tamara Levitt

Choo-choo-choose gratitu-u-uude :) <3

Maybe it is wise. Maybe it is dumb. Time will tell.

  1. One online reference ↩︎

Freeday – 081624

We often talk about resting in peace once we pass on from this world or earthly life. What about LIP? Live in peace, right here and right now. You can do it if you so choose – prioritize, possess, and spread peaceful power.

When we have peace in our hearts and minds, we draw peace into our lives.


-Iyanla Vanzant

I like this thought of having peace in both your heart and mind. It is not just one or the other; it is a peaceful and harmonious balance between the two. When synced well, the body experiences peace, too. A three-for-one (well, three-for-two, I guess?) deal right there that is in your own best interest. Something to hold onto? Toy around with it.

Are you wondering where to begin? When I slow down enough and fully appreciate life, it often starts with one thing, my breath – the constant flow of life that keeps me here. When I express some simple appreciation or gratitude for this small wonder, I cannot help but smile. After those two actions alone, I begin to feel warmth radiate outward.

Peace begins with a smile.


-Mother Teresa

If we all smile more1, could we share more peace? We do not need to start wandering around with wide, Cheshire grins. There is a technique in DBT known as a half smile. That alone would be enough to kickstart a difference. Try it out at home some. I only sugjest it peacefully, not in some awkward or upsetting way. Enjoy your own smile. :)

If you see someone without a smile, give ’em yours!


-Dolly Parton

I was listening to a book summary earlier this week which mentioned at least a couple times that the key ingredient to happy and healthy families is that peace reigns in the home. How is your home today? Is peace reigning there, or is grief or strife raining? I sugjest thinking of at least one thing that you can fix or improve right now or within the next twenty-four hours. Hold yourself accountable. Over the next day, put in a piece of work towards peace, whether that be with your own self or with someone your lane runs close to. How can you best reduce some of the friction there? Pacify your fractiousness.

If you are distressed by anything, the pain is not due to the thing itself but to your own estimate of it; and this you have the power to revoke at any moment. [Think and choose peace.]


-Marcus Aurelius

Are you resisting or supporting the flow? Are you dragging your feet, or are you embracing change fluidly? There is a serene peace in accepting the unknown, in acknowledging that we do not control all of this. There are so many factors and influences at play in the world all around us. Within us, though, we hold the home court advantage; our lane is a safe and sacred space. We should each preserve and safeguard our own well-being; we should not blame others if our life and our lane are out of control or unwieldy. Is someone else choosing your reactions for you? Are you playing with your emotions, or are they playing with you? Control or regulation of oneself is a key step towards inner peace. Clearly seeing the current state of your lane as it is instead of how you would like it to be. Plan goals, but, also, accept the present parameters at play. Then, you can feel the calm, quiet peace set in. Be playful with it all; embrace and enjoy peace.

Ego says, ‘Once everything falls into place, I’ll feel inner peace.’
Spirit says, ‘Find your inner peace and then everything will fall into place.


-Marianne Williamson

I wish there were easier ways for me to share my experiences and feelings with y’all. I know it is difficult to simply take someone at their word. Inner peace is so powerful; it creates a positive feedback loop with love. The more you love, the more peace you can have; the more you feel at peace, the more loving you can be. Pick-me-ups that build atop one another repeatedly. It is pleasant, and it is profound. Explore it more playfully.

Choose love and peace will follow.
Choose peace and love will follow.


-Mary Helen Doyle

I hope you work on extending more love to yourself in order to experience inner peace. Reflecting on my past allows me to figure out what I want to do better in the future, and it presents me with opportunities to identify helpful ideas to maintain or improve as well as hurtful ideas to adjust or improve. By being objective in my assessments, I do not have to beat myself up for prior mistakes. Instead, I work on being truly grateful for all of my life. “Bad” or challenging moments remind me of what to work on in order to do better in the future. “Good” or easy memories help me relax and feel at ease, simply being, ya see?

Gratitude makes sense of our past;
Gratitude brings peace for today;
Gratitude creates a vision for tomorrow.


-Melody Beattie [adapted]

I really enjoyed this peaceful cycle, and I am quite grateful to be able to write these posts. I appreciate and enjoy focusing on building and channeling more peace in my life, both for myself and for others. Therefore, in that way, from my lane, I wish all y’all nothing but the absolute best of luck in powering up your best inner peace possible in your lane, too. <3

Maybe it is wise. Maybe it is dumb. Time will tell. Peace, y’all :)

  1. I recognize that this is a frustrating and overused offering or suggestion towards women in particular, but I sugjest smiling for everyone; each and every one of us. Besides, do we really want to let quokkas show us up as happiest species here? ↩︎

Wondersday – 081424

Have you ever wondered… about hakuna matata? I have. This phrase, while widely well known now, has its origins rooted within Swahili. It means no worries, for the rest of your days. Literally, hakuna matata translates into English as “there are no worries.” How nice, pleasant, and wonderful, right? Do you know what it sounds like to me? Inner peace. By being calm, cool, and collected, your skillful, smooth, and steadfast self can remain unperturbed in the face of random pandemonium. You are in control, flowing along.

If you can solve your problem, then what is the need of worrying?
If you cannot solve it, then what is the use of worrying?


-Shantideva

Another word to approach this concept or idea is equanimity. Maintaining ownership of and responsibility for your inner self in spite of anything and everything outside your self. Being in tune with your body so as to avoid surprises. Being able to look back and reflect in order to improve. Do you want to prolong your problems, or will you pacify your past?

Oh yes, the past can hurt. But the way I see it, you can either run from it or learn from it.


-Rafiki in “The Lion King”

To control your own inner peace to the point that external circumstances and events will not impact your mental well-being. Steering your ship within your lane with a stoic steadfastness that supersedes your surroundings, allow suffering to subside from the forefront. Focus on the peace; you can tap into it when you are ready and willing.

You can’t calm the storm, so stop trying. What you can do is calm yourself. The storm will pass.


-Timber Hawkeye

You can relax and open up more when things are not as chaotic within and around you. When life does not pull you in too many directions all at once, you can take peaceful pauses and appreciate it all. At other times, you need to properly prioritize your peace. Otherwise, how effective and true can you be? Since we cannot always guarantee what all is going on around us, meditation and mindfulness strengthen our ability to control our inner self.

Inner peace is the key: If you have inner peace, the external problems do not affect your deep sense of peace and tranquility.


-Dalai Lama

“Equanimity holds it all. Peace is not about moving away from or transcending all the pain in order to travel to an easeful, spacious realm of relief: we cradle both the immense sorrow and the wondrousness of life at the same time. Being able to be fully present with both is the gift equanimity gives us—spacious stillness, radiant calm.

We can recognize what is true, even if painful, and also know peace. Equanimity does not mean we have no feeling about anything; it is not a state of blankness. Instead, it is the spaciousness that can relate to any feeling, any occurrence, any arising, and still be free.1“

If you have a problem and can fix it, why worry?

If you have a problem and cannot fix it, why worry?

Hakuna matata. Qué será, será.

Maybe it is wise. Maybe it is dumb. Time will tell.

  1. Source ↩︎

Mournday – 081224

I mourn for Thích Nhât Hanh; he is nicknamed the father of mindfulness, and he had many other labels and names attributed to him over the years, some good, some bad. No matter what others tried to say or do to him, though, he kept pushing for world peace. Shunned from his home country of Vietnam for decades, he persisted on a pacifistic path.

When life hands you plums, do not pummel others.

As I explore many facets and aspects of Buddhism, I feel a strong attachment to Engaged Buddhism, mindful, hands-on activism. Based on what I know, I do not think Thích Nhât Hanh wants us to mourn him. Instead, I think it is better to remember him by living life according to his teachings; make your existence a peaceful example of his edification.

Education breeds confidence.
Confidence breeds hope.
Hope breeds peace.


-Confucius

How often do we think about monks as being closed off from the world within their monasteries? That classic imagery is why I prefer the philosophy of Engaged Buddhism. Thích Nhât Hanh established this branch of Buddhism as a more aware approach to advocate for admirable actions and augment affirmative advancements in social care. He wants to reinforce proactive involvement in improving the world for all living beings.

Martin Luther King, Jr. nominated Thích Nhât Hanh for the 1967 Nobel Peace Prize. Within that nomination, MLK, Jr. wrote, “his ideas for peace, if applied, would build a monument to ecumenism, to world brotherhood, to humanity.” His ideas and teachings on mindfulness paved the way for how modern science approaches and practices it. His education enabled him to confidently convey esoteric wisdom in a format that many of us can now hopefully learn from and appreciate; his peace empowers our peaceful potential.

Do not confuse peace of mind with spaced-out insensitivity.
A truly peaceful mind is very sensitive, very aware.


-Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama

Being very sensitive and very aware is not always peaceful if you are not ready to handle that level of intense input from your surroundings. In fact, it can be very overwhelming when caught off guard by and unprepared for such a surprising discovery of sensations. That is why it is crucial and important to cultivate and implement a core set of healthy and peaceful habits and values or virtues. At present, how prepared do you feel in your lane? Are you ready to navigate around surprises waiting up ahead? Are you happy now?

True happiness comes from a sense of inner peace and contentment, which in turn must be achieved through the cultivation of altruism, love, and compassion and the elimination of ignorance, selfishness, and greed.


-Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama

Identify and evolve your true habits and values.

Learn, live, and love virtuously.

Eradicate ego.

I seemingly-randomly stumbled upon this final quote this morning when doing some light reading, and it shook me to my core because it is one of the more recent focuses in my life. At yoga yesterday, the teacher was even speaking about our different bodies or minds. She detailed how we all house a positive mindset, a negative mindset, and a neutral one. Embracing emotional control ensures an enduring inner peace; that is one of my goals. I find it enlivening, yet I must evaluate and even out my excitement for it.

Many people think excitement is happiness… but when you are excited, you are not peaceful.
True happiness is based on peace.


-Thích Nhât Hanh

With over one hundred publications to his name, Thích Nhât Hanh left behind plenty of his wisdom to reference for many years. He peacefully dedicated his life to everyone.

Find your balance, then build your peace, piece by piece.

Improve your parts until you depart.

Maybe it is wise. Maybe it is dumb.

Time will tell.

Smarturday – 081024

irenic vs. ironic

irenic (adjective) – tending to promote peace or reconciliation; peaceful or conciliatory

ironic (adjective) – using words to convey a meaning that is the opposite of its literal meaning; of, relating to, or tending to use irony or mockery; coincidental; unexpected

These two words do not contrast inherently; irenic and ironic can coexist peacefully.

Similarly, we do not need to contrast inherently; we, too, can all coexist peacefully.

Irony can often be abused when used for mockery. In those cases, its use is not irenic.

Ironic?

When given a mutually exclusive choice between them, I think it makes sense to lean towards ireny; it promotes peace in place of problems, solutions instead of subterfuge.

To experience peace does not mean that your life is always blissful. It means that you are capable of tapping into a blissful state of mind amidst the normal chaos of a hectic life.


-Jill Bolte Taylor

When I woke up this morning and saw what new TED talk was waiting for me to see, I found it ironic. By the time I finished fully watching it a second time through, I felt irenic. It served as such a pleasant reminder that not all Israelis and Palestinians are engaged in hate for one another. I find it impressively glorious that we can all hear them singing beautifully side-by-side. Why can we not all sing peacefully and pristinely in unison? I think we can if we make that collective choice; we can join together and unite as one.

In the symphony of peace, every voice counts, harmonizing the chorus of humanity.


-Unknown

We will not agree on everything, and that is to be expected and accepted. Rather than arguing aggressively, we can debate in healthy dialogue. We can discuss differences and discover common denominators. Deliberate discourse delivers digestible diamonds of development and diplomacy. Delving into the details delineates divine from demean. Dutiful discoveries dictate dreams and desires. Digging deeper drives determination.

They don’t need to know your side of the story, and you don’t need the last word. Seek healing and you’ll find peace in not proving your point.


-Morgan Richard Oliver

In which direction are you driving in your lane? Are you focused more on being ironic or irenic? Are you trying to drive wedges or forge bridges? Are you presenting peace or promoting problems? My sugjestion: please, let us all be part of an irenic solution.

Peace is its own reward.


-Mahatma Gandhi

Maybe it is wise. Maybe it is dumb. Time will tell. Peace, y’all. :) <3

Thanksday – 080824

I am thankful for they/them pronouns. To be fully truthful with y’all, I initially balked at the idea of the singular they when I first encountered this new concept. It was different and foreign from what I grew up with and was used to or familiar and comfortable with. However, once I accepted that initial learning curve and fear of the unknown and began to consider the why behind it, I actually grew to appreciate, adore, and even adopt them.

Why? I strive for peace.

Peace is the result of retraining your mind to process life as it is, rather than as you think it should be.


-Wayne Dyer

Gender equality issues run rampant across the world, impeding peace. I find it frustrating whenever I study a gendered language. Who truly cares if the table or map is masculine or feminine? It is a table or a map. Similarly, who cares if we are masculine or feminine? Plenty of us currently, but should we? Why do we busy ourselves so much with how others live life in their lane? What if we each focused instead on what we can control?

Let everyone sweep in front of [their] own door, and the whole world will be clean.


-Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Can you imagine a clean and gender-neutral world? I can; I think the idea could bring plenty of peace. How quickly might we eliminate wage gaps based on it? What if we balance out the roles of and responsibility for breadwinning, kinkeeping, and such? Everyone has their pluses and minuses; we each have natural gifts and traits. If we individualize identifications by peacefully passing up on preconceived notions and improving implicit bias, we can begin to break the cookie cutter molds. We can stop coloring collective groups in broad swaths; besides, that approach is lazy and untrue; it is rude and impersonal. Peace is personal. You find it yourself, and you share it individually with each person you come across. You can slowly begin to retrain your brain peacefully.

True peace with oneself and with the world around us can only be achieved through the development of mental peace.


-Dalai Lama

Consider the opposite. If you are not spreading peace, then what mental problems are you harboring? Why voluntarily carry suffering around with you? Does it do any good, or is it holding you back and limiting your full, peaceful potential? I prefer powerful peace.

I am a sugjester; I prefer they/them.

Maybe it is wise; maybe it is dumb; time will tell.

Truceday – 080624

We must seek, above all, a world of peace; a world in which peoples dwell together in mutual respect and work together in mutual regard.


-John F. Kennedy

We are two months and one day away from the first annual anniversary of the surprise attack on Israel by Hamas. That day was horrible. What Israel has done since is worse.

What fixes war – more war? No, peace – more peace and less war. What good has war caused this year? What good has it caused any year?

Pompous power plays by patriarchs? Papas please. Pivot plans; practice pacifism. Pilot peacefulness; position, pray, and prosper peacefully.

True peace is not merely the absence of tension; it is the presence of justice.


-Martin Luther King, Jr.

Justice does not equate to revenge. Justice yields to equity, and equity enables egalitarian environments. What is more peaceful than all of us simply coexisting together naturally? A collective lack of maturity is what contributes to this cesspool of needless bloodshed.

I identify immaturity internationally:

putin’s poo pilfering Ukraine

netanYahoo’s unhinged vendetta

prolonged civil war in Sudan

genocide in Myanmar

drug wars in Mexico

gang wars in Haiti

suppression of minorities globally

those are but a few…

When a thought of war comes, oppose it by a stronger thought of peace. A thought of hatred must be destroyed by a more powerful thought of love.
Thoughts of war bring destruction to all harmony, well-being, restfulness, and contentedness.
Thoughts of love are constructive for brotherhood, peace, friendship, and happiness.


-The Pitiful Causes of War, and the Duty of Everyone to Strive for Peace

Envious and/or insecure majorities clinging to some falsely misplaced ideal of superiority or comfort? We have it better than others so that is fine? No, that is not peace. That is a persistent problem. If the playing field is not even, then the odds will not be favorable. Find truth. Spread peace. Reflect, learn, and grow.

Peace is not the absence of conflict, but the presence of creative alternatives for responding to conflict.


-Dorothy Thompson

If we keep focusing on differences, then how can there ever be peace? We are all sharing this one planet; it is time to start acting like that. I strongly believe that we can tolerate everyone if we stop being so closed-minded and standoffish. We do not all have to be best friends, but we can all cease being worst enemies. It hurts my head and my heart to think that people are out there today (and every day) willingly ending lives, fighting for some silly, pseudo-patriotic meaning that is not true to their personal core. Did they grow up wanting to be a killer or someone who gets killed? I doubt it, especially for the latter. They probably wanted to pursue a peaceful and positive purpose. Instead, immature boys hiding within their imaginary borders brashly try to make themselves feel better at the cost of countless lives. Manipulating human experiences for war, humans being pointed away from peace by petty, pitiful powers posturing and pillaging populations deplorably.

What is the point?

Why is the point?

Who points?

The structure of world peace cannot be the work of one man, or one party, or one nation… it must be a peace which rests on the cooperative effort of the whole world.


-Franklin D. Roosevelt

We can each start by building up our own inner peace. Lay the foundation of your indomitable mental fortress. As that grows and strengthens, share it with others.

As peace spreads, so, too, does joy and contentment. We can stop combating and competing for more awards and prizes. We can simply be, happily and peacefully.

If there is to be any peace, it will come through being, not having.


-Henry Miller

More land will not matter in the long run.

Additional deaths will not cancel out wrongdoing.

Struggle and strife among egos will hurt all parties involved.

Live long, laugh heartily, and love hard.

Prosper and profit in peace, people, please.

Maybe it is wise. Maybe it is dumb. Time will tell.

Soulday – 080424

You find peace not by rearranging the circumstances of your life,
but by realizing who you are at the deepest level.


-Eckhart Tolle

Truth paves the way to peace. If you are not truthful with yourself, then how can you be at peace? You may think you can still be happy, but delusions deceive you. Your inside is in conflict if you deny your true nature. Why do some situations repeat themselves until you learn the lesson? Living more truthfully can unlock inner peace. If you evaluate your morals and listen to them better, then you can begin to reassimilate and reclaim yourself.

Ultimately, we have just one moral duty: to reclaim large areas of peace in ourselves.


-Etty Hillesum

You hold the keys to your happiness; you can grant yourself peace if you so choose. How often do you slow down and reflect? When do you practice mindfulness or meditation? When is the last time that you felt truly at peace? Do you calmly center yourself a lot, or are you frantically running between this thing and that? Are you always at bat for the next task? When did you last simply sit, rest, and breathe? Stop and smell the roses.

To sit with a dog on a hillside on a glorious afternoon is to be back in Eden, where doing nothing was not boring – it was peace.


-Milan Kundera

Relax and go with the flow,

instead of trying to be a show.

If you knew, then you know.

Being still does not mean don’t move. It means move in peace.


-E’yen A. Gardner

It is good to slow down and do nothing sometimes. It is great to find your inner peace, when you can silence the chatter and stay still for a while, joyfully present here and now.

Truth paves the way to peace. Maybe it is wise. Maybe it is dumb. Time will tell.

Freeday – 080224

How much truth do you speak? Lately, I often circle back to how much I hate the greeting or opening phrase of “what’s up?” What is up? Probably the same for you as for me (the sky or ceiling above each of us), so what point does it truly serve? Instead of inane starts, let us start getting to the heart of the matter please. Let us skip the surface-level crap.

Embracing truthfulness here, I know how easy it is to mindlessly speak in this way. Since starting this post days ago, I caught myself saying that very phrase a number of times whenever I was not thinking well nor being present in the moment. Recognizing these occurrences serves as a reminder for me to reengage my senses and avoid reflexive responses. I would much rather respond consciously as I learn from my mistakes.

Mistakes are, after all, the foundations of truth, and if a man does not know what a thing is, it is at least an increase in knowledge if he knows what it is not.


-Carl Jung

I also take issue with “take it easy” as a farewell. Why should we try to tell others how to take their life? What if some of us do not wish to live life easily? To me, it feels lazy and sloppy if the focus is only on taking things easily. Whatever happened to simply saying farewell? Fare thee well. Someone said “peace” to me today in parting; I like that one.

Peace is a frequent farewell in Arabic; “with peace” is a common expression for goodbyes in that language. For me, I often bid people good luck at the end as I frequently hear about some current issue which I wish to wish them well on or with. Truth implies impeccability. If you say the same thing every time, are you truly living, or are you coasting or ghosting along on autopilot? Why repackage the same words in each and every situation? How much do you even process those same words and phrases?

The real art of conversation is not only to say the right thing at the right place but to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment.


-Dorothy Nevill

I will recognize that many may view my stance here as pedantic or trivial. Why do I care about these canned starters and finishers? Why should we talk if we cannot exchange an original conversation? Do we actually want to talk, or is it a societal standard that we are sustaining by saying the same stuff so much? I seek true connections, and I seek honest dialogue. I strive for a social circle that helps us consider as much of what we do as we possibly can. If we are not aware of our own actions, then how can we accurately assess our truth within? Once we flow, I think of it as natural truth. How do we transition to that?

Anyone who doesn’t take truth seriously in small matters cannot be trusted in large ones either.


-Albert Einstein

A couple weeks ago, while brewing some tea in a break room, a coworker walked in. I decided to ask him what his favorite part of the past weekend was. I had read an article with unique conversation starters that included this idea as a suggestion in it. He was genuinely surprised and delighted by such an authentic inquiry, and, as a result, I heard about a fun night of games with friends that he enjoyed recently. By curiously asking and actively listening, I learned about a new card game, too. What a true moment right there.

To seek truth requires one to ask the right questions. Those void of truth never ask about anything because their ego and arrogance prevent them from doing so. Therefore, they will always remain ignorant.


-Suzy Kassem

In an ideal world, in my opinion, each and every action and word would be imbued with absolute truth. Yes, it takes a lot of effort and conscious consideration, but what else is true life? I think it is a lot of effort and conscious consideration. Soak in your surroundings. Contemplate and choose your actions and words. I do not want to go through my day on autopilot. I want to live a full, truthful life. I think I owe it to myself and those around me as well as those who came before me, helping me be where I am today. That is how I choose to live, and it is the truth I choose to embody. How much truth do you live?

Live your truth boldly.
Others may decide to think less of you, but it isn’t your job to prove worth. It’s your job to live knowing your worth can never be defined by another’s assumptions.
Hold your head high,
be proud,
carry on.


-Rachel Marie Martin

Maybe it is wise.

Maybe it is dumb.

Time will tell.

Wondersday – 073124

Have you ever wondered… about sacca-kiriya (or saccha kiriya)? I have. It is an act of truth within the Hindu and Buddhist worlds. In fact, this concept exists across established and folk religions alike. I think of it as the equivalent of biblical miracles. After all, a parting of water shows up as an example within each, hence the similarity of them in my mind. The astonishing and miraculous power of truth is fully on display in these cases. I am well aware of how hard it is to believe; truthfully, I, too, am cautiously speculative currently.

Truth can never be told so as to be understood, and not be believed.


-William Blake

What do we truly know in the end? What does all of our knowledge add up to within the confines or constraints of the cosmos? What fractional drop of information or knowledge have we tried to define within the entire bucket? I am thrilled by the idea of being truthful and honoring one’s word so strongly that it grants you control of your surroundings. How swell would that be? How can we tap into such might? I do not think many of us will be able to due to lack of honest persistence in the true pursuit; I think the goal or prize will override the truth. The journey is the truth, not the destination. Are you working for a future goal or result, or are you working because it is the best thing for you now?

Rather than love, than money, than fame, give me truth.


-Henry David Thoreau

One example of sacca-kiriya that I read about recently referenced a bird who wanted to stop a wildfire from engulfing its forest home. Truth exists beyond spoken language; it exists in your actions and behaviors. Do you act and behave truthfully? Yes, those parts encompass what we say, but they comprise much more than simply that aspect alone.

Whatever human endeavor we choose, as long as we live our truth,
it is success.


-Kamal Ravikant

You have to be truthful with yourself in order to start living your true life. Only then can you begin to act truthfully, too; only then can we see how far our limits can be pushed. What is possible? Where does our potential max out? We truthfully do not know. I find that fact to be exciting and liberating. Do not put permanent limits on yourself; do not sell yourself short by discounting your whole truth. Be a better and truer you each day.

Truth is ever to be found in simplicity, and not in the multiplicity and confusion of things.


-Isaac Newton

There is no need to complicate matters unnecessarily. How often do we make situations worse by feeding the wrong fire? Live your life here and now; embrace your current and present truth. Go forth holding your truth tight within; save it for when you truly need it.

Maybe it is wise. Maybe it is dumb. Time will tell.

Mournday – 072924

When did fake news and alternative facts become a thing? When did we decide it was better to battle disbeliefs rather than rally our reality for real? There are many reasons why I choose to mourn for truth. You can find any answer or support online these days. Does that mean it is all right or wrong? It just is, but where is the truth amidst it all, hm? When do we stop searching outside across all the bars and start searching inside amidst all our barbs? We will prick ourselves on plenty of thorns, but, truthfully, there is a golden rose waiting within.

You cannot teach a man anything; you can only help him discover it in himself.


-Galileo Galilei

Do you know who I mourn for? Galileo. He lived during a time when the Catholic church wielded too much power IMO. Often referred to as the father of modern science, Galileo spearheaded revolutionary ideas within multiple scientific fields. What did he earn as a result? Imprisonment and house arrest. A forced denouncement or retraction of all his hard work. Little to no appreciation and countless ridicule, heckling, and chastisement.

It is dangerous to be right in matters where established men are wrong.


-Voltaire

People were up in arms about and in disagreement over the organizing principles of this universe. Is Earth at the center of all things, or are we only inhabiting but one of many orbs that revolve around a big ball of hot gas or plasma (Copernican heliocentrism)?

The pope at the time was evidently dealing with a similar situation to what Joe recently dealt with. Rather than bowing out gracefully, honoring the truth of the current time, that pope doubled down dumbly and redirected his delirium and doubts upon dear Galileo.

Who was right in the long run? Across how many periods have popes pivoted opinions and positions to prolong power? I hold no ill will towards a higher power. My problem pertains to pontiffs pointing out biblical interpretations as infallible and immovable. Yet what is an interpretation? It is not truth. It is a best guess; maybe it is an educated wish.

Believe in the power of truth… do not allow your mind to be imprisoned by majority thinking. Remember that the limits of science are not the limits of imagination.


-Dr. Patricia E. Bath

The separation of church and state feels very important to me. If you choose to adopt and practice a fixed and possibly antiquated belief system that proves to be too rigid and inflexible, then perhaps that should be done on your own. Leadership belongs to philosophers, people who study knowledge and diligently practice virtues.

We should stand behind and support those who wish to pioneer new perspectives. We should continue to challenge current beliefs and hold healthy debates with one another. We should not fear conflict, but we should avoid allowing it to degrade to the level of physical altercations. We are supposed to be the smartest species on Earth, right? If so, why do dolphins use more of their brain than we do? Why is a raven like a writing desk?

Maybe it is wise. Maybe it is dumb. Time will tell.

Smarturday – 072724

logic vs. logorrhea

logic (noun) – the science that investigates the principles governing correct or reliable inference; the system or principles of reasoning applicable to any branch of knowledge or study; reason or sound judgment, as in utterances or actions; convincing forcefulness; inexorable truth or persuasiveness

logorrhea (noun) – pathologically incoherent, repetitious speech; incessant or compulsive talkativeness; wearisome volubility

In which doth the truth lie?

How rapidly did you connect logorrhea’s low-hanging fruit of a runny rhyme? It is verbal diarrhea, quick and messy. I listened to one person recently talk about mental diarrhea when we entertain many untruths in our head (e.g. doubt, fear, worry). How impeccable with your word are you when you trend or tend towards being logorrheic? I think it is poor, wasted energy. What is the point or result of gossip – comparison? Competition?? Holier than thou, or misery loves company??? Where is the truth there? It is unnecessary.

Logic, on the other hand, can be taken in hand by inner reflection of whatever is currently on hand. If we handle it well, then it can hand off recognition as far as what is sound or unsound. Logic can let us hear or sense what is true versus false; it is a science or art. Should sciences be seen as really nerdy arts? What is so wrong with that? Logical? Perhaps.

The fact that a great many people believe something is no guarantee of its truth.


-W. Somerset Maugham

Are you figuring facts out for yourself, or are you listening to the general consensus or a trendy new fad? Are you possibly even prescribed to a prehistoric predilection that permanently postpones purpose and progress due to perpetuated, perturbed, preconceived, and preposterous poop of the past? Perhaps. Perchance.

Pepto Bismol – that can help with diarrhea.

Spiritual practice (e.g. meditation and mindfulness) – that can help with logorrhea.

Let no act be done without a purpose, nor otherwise than according to the perfect principles of art.


-Marcus Aurelius

Truth heals, right?

Art heals; art is truth.

Truth heals.

Logic leads to truth;

logic leads to healing.

Truth is often buried deep inside. If we apply sound logic to explore our being, peeling back layers of deceit, from others as well as ourselves, we can begin to see glimpses of what lies within or beyond. We can start to feel the warm glow of our inner golden light.

Truth, like gold, is to be obtained not by its growth, but by washing away from it all that is not gold.


-Leo Tolstoy

We can each have our own pot of gold. It is not what most of us think it is, yet how often does that turn out to be the hand we are dealt already? Not much is what it seems, right? Do not ask me; I am merely a sugjester. Maybe it is wise. Maybe it is dumb. Time will tell.

Thanksday – 072524

I am thankful for Queen Lear. Truthfully, it is Lear deBessonet who I am thankful for, but I did not want to pass up on that playful possibility. First, I believe, early on in her life, Lear predicted and persistently pursued her passion as a theater director. That is a wonderful truth in and of itself for her to discover and dedicate herself to. My mind is in awe of her. Truthfully, I grapple with a little jealousy, too, but I am mostly overjoyed for her. Who cares if it took me longer to warm up to my passion? I am here now, and that is truly enough. I want as many people as possible to point their passions out and pursue them persistently please. Perhaps a pivot will productively power up our people and planet.

It is a beautiful truth that all men contain something of the artist in them.


-Walt Whitman

Second, I believe there is a beautiful truth to art. Hearing the numerous stories of how people lived better and fuller lives as a result of acting in community theater astounds me. Connecting with others and exploring perspectives beyond your day-to-day norm expands your experience and expounds your potential. It is difficult to not be engaged while immersed in a role onstage. It supports active presence, known as mindfulness.

Art is truth.

Art heals.

Therefore,

according to the transitive property,

truth heals?

Very often, ‘what happened’ takes years to reveal itself. It takes courage to confront our actions, peel back the layers of trauma in our lives, and expose the raw truth of our past. But this is where healing begins.


-Oprah Winfrey

Maybe truth does not heal you in the short-term if it initially opens a wound you have avoided, but I believe it is better to work through any pain in order to work on improving yourself rather than covering up the truth and pretending to be peachy. Why hold on to unnecessary weight of the past if you can free yourself from those burdens and surpass?

It’s very important that we pursue truth in our artwork. You change the world by being yourself.


-Yoko Ono

Spend some time this week looking in the mirror, mainly figuratively but maybe literally. Are you living your true life? Are you being your best self? Is there something new that you want to try? What kind of art might you want to explore? Adult coloring books can be a good starting point. They are very relaxing and therapeutic if you want to try it out.

Want to explore music more? Instrument or voice?

How about checking out any local theater opportunities?

Can you be an extra in a movie or show being filmed nearby?

Want to visit a gallery or museum?

How about photography or videography?

Can you research digital art options? 

Do you have any interest in poetry or writing?

Do you want to move more with a style of dance?

There are many adventures awaiting you amidst available art forms.

Attempt any?

Attempt all?

Study and in general the pursuit of truth and beauty is a sphere of activity in which we are permitted to remain children all our lives.


-Albert Einstein

Rediscover the truth of your childlike nature.

Give yourself some lenient space to be silly and playful.

Allow the arts to heal you.

Pursue your passion(s).

Find inner truth(s).

Wise?

Dumb?

Time

will

tell.

Soulday – 072124

Truthfully, I did not know what this next cycle’s theme would entail as of the last post on Friday, so I could not allude to or foreshadow it like I prefer. I was honestly exhausted, mentally drained by a magnitude or two1. Delving into forgiveness was challenging and heavy for me. I still have plenty of hard work ahead of me in that area. Unashamedly, I truly and freely admit that fact to y’all. I am a perpetual work or person in progress.

Can you guess the next cycle theme now?

True or false – this next cycle will focus on truth?2

Of all the animals,
man is the only one that lies.


-Mark Twain

This Mark Twain quote both amuses and saddens me. How painfully true is it? All the other creatures on Earth act and behave naturally. Yet, humans do not always act and behave naturally. Why is that? What if we each behaved and controlled ourself better? What a wonderful world that would be.

Our truth is in our lane. It is ready and waiting to be discovered. How many lies are covering it up? Lies you tell yourself; lies you hear from others. If you begin to unearth those lies, if you begin to find your truth, then you can build a better bridge in your lane.

Fear is a natural reaction to moving closer to the truth.


-Pema Chödrön

It can be frightening to finally face our truth; it can be easier to remain deluded and false. Which feels better, though? Which unlocks greater potential? It takes time and effort to sit with yourself and put in the work, unpacking untruths. I know it is far easier to remain distracted by all the glamorous, shiny things fighting for your attention outside your lane.

The truth will set you free. Sounds nice, right? Can you handle the truth? Are you ready to put in the work? Are you ready to pursue your truth? What are you waiting for? You can choose to start something new and true. We only have here and now. No day but today.

Maybe it is wise. Maybe it is dumb. Time will tell.

  1. Would that then be a magnitwode? :) ↩︎
  2. True. :) ↩︎