Waves of time and light...

By Vichara


The days roll on like giant waves of time and light. The illuminated wave crests and folds into the dark wave that rolls back and opens back to light and so on. Within these waves, the souls, the dreams, the love, the anguish and the energies of billions of beings riding these waves all in an effort not to be pulled into the riptide of negativity. Common fact, we all struggle in various in various degrees, some more than others but we all need to keep trying or we can get sucked under. Our efforts in riding these waves may seem futile at times but it is only with some effort will you at least be able to survive. The key is not blind optimism but in a steady resolve with a kind and compassionate heart. We are all expert surfer dudes and dudettes but at times we may be a bit shaky riding these waves. That is where as fellow compassionate surfers we keep a peripheral watch with our wave companions and lend our support when needed and warranted. Be careful out there today and cowabunga!

Giving to you...

By Vichara


In this time of giving to others you will be encouraged and berated to give as much as you can. While of course admirable to do so be also cognizant of giving to you. Not necessarily in physical objects but give you those moments needed to reflect. Give yourself the opportunity to meditate on what has transpired in this year and how you would like to approach the coming year. Don’t be so critical of what has transpired to the point of immobility to move forward but take what you believe to be a sticking point as another step in growing and as a catalyst to move forward. Remember when the pace of the season may become frenetic give you the time to step away from the torrent to breathe and observe. Through these moments you give yourself an opportunity to learn and understand motivation. It may not seem like a lot to give these moments to yourself but in the long run it will help your sanity and understanding the season around you.

Where you go next...

By Vichara


Shhh, come over here. Look they left the door open and we can see what’s been going on in there. It’s hard to believe that someone was so lax in the security department and left it open but since they did let’s go in. As you go down this first hallway watch your step. The light is not very good in here because they want you to believe there really isn’t much here to see so you turn back, but push on. When you reach the corner you will come to a large room with a lot of shiny, glittery things. These are put here to distract and trick you to stay in this room. If this interests you and makes you fee comfortable then stay but I recommend pushing forward. This next area may be a bit tricky to maneuver through. There are things left behind, forgotten and put somewhat haphazardly on shelves that may not be that level. Don’t worry they will stay there and you can always come back to retrieve those things that interest you. At the next turn there will be a fork in the road, this is the toughest part of the journey because both ways look exactly the same. You would swear that they are carbon copies of each other but there are subtle differences. Don’t rush forward, stand here for a moment and engage your intuitive nature to guide your steps. Where you go next will be up to you…

The pillars of the season...

By Vichara


Here we are again folks at the “thankful” part of the year. As the sands of the year trickle out in anticipation of the new one we reach those two pillars that stand as the gate to a supposed new start. Thanksgiving, the first pillar, is apparently to mark the anniversary of the first settlers sitting down with the natives of this land (U.S.A) and giving thanks that in the act of unity and kindness they had enough food supplies to make it through the harsh winter season. Yes kids before Wal-Mart and the somewhat endless supplies of Mac and cheese and ding-dongs. But over the decades the Rockwellian scene of families coming together has morphed for some into football, food and falling down. The second pillar of the season for the majority of Christians and others is Christmas. The one day in the year that there is a free-for-all in giving gifts to each other that marks the birth of a baby named Jesus, who would later become a great teacher of peace and be considered by Christians to be the son of god, with a capitol “G”. As the years have gone by this calendar date has been warped from the goodwill towards all, peace to your brothers and sisters to a competition of the number and magnitude of gifts that we can stuff under an evergreen tree that has bee sacrificed to be used as an interior decorating piece anointed with shredded silver paper, lights and an impaled angel. Why are we compelled by this commercialism of these calendar dates? Have we drifted too far away from the original intent of these dates in order to not suffer from guilt and peer pressure? We can shrug, say whatever and just follow along like everyone else or start little by little to bring back moments of the original intent. The intent of communion with others is to learn from each other, encourage each other and help each other. And with this communion of supportive dialogue we give each other something far more valuable than any gift. We give each other love and respect.

A step...

By Vichara


The sun is up, you’re breathing and you are probably one of the lucky ones that will have some food this morning. What’s left to do? I’m not talking in the figurative sense but in the literal sense as well. Is there a somewhat unreachable thing you can start to take a few steps forward with? Is there an extra once of forgiveness you can give to yourself or someone else? Is there a step you can take to help improve the lives of others around you? It does not necessarily need to be grand, just a small step. From the small step forward…well you know.

Our actions...

By Vichara


All our daily actions are tempered by knowledge and guidance given to us by others who have helped or hindered us and of course what we have read and seen. All our senses ingesting and digesting the best and worst of humanity. If one were given only violence, one would only know violence. If one were only given compassion, one would only know compassion. Unfortunately and fortunately the world does not work that way. It is a collection of competing contrasts that present themselves to us and ask us to judge and act accordingly. How we act will be how the world sees us. How do you want to be seen and remembered? Our personal legacies may not be as large as people like Rosa Parks, Gandhi, Einstein and others but it is no less important. Each step, word and deed counts and will be counted.

Islands...

By Vichara


There are many times and points in the day where it truly feels like we are all isolated islands floating throughout the day without barely connecting to each other’s shorelines. There is even a feeling I get that if there was no pressing need to many would be quite content to just float on through the day until the reach the harbor of slumber land. Is it fear, apathy or through the many years of bumping and floating about that you feel that you are not going to be accepted as you are? Your island is unique as with the billions of other islands out there but we are connected by the ocean of communication that can be at times choppy, dark and difficult to maneuver. However there are ways to reach each other’s shorelines without too many shipwrecks. As quoted here before each one of us needs to be kind to each other because we are all dealing with our own battles. With that recognition there is a chance that you see the waters become clearer and less troublesome and opportunities are created to see another’s shoreline without judgment and expectation.

Connections...

By Vichara


When you consider me part of you, in the universal sense, you gain more respect for life for everyone. Me being part of you, you part of me. You wouldn’t consciously hurt yourself right? In the karmic sense whatever you inflict on someone else is ultimately to you as well. Be careful where you tread, what you say and the wake you create. This is not to be overreactive or oversensitive but to carry with you a sense that we are all connected in some way even if it may appear small. You will find that it is ultimately not so small.

Waves of compassion...

By Vichara


While you think the world is going on out there it is going on you as well. You are an integral part of the machinations of the world no matter how small it may be perceived. You are important and you do matter even if you don’t think so. As the result of the flapping of a butterfly’s wings in the rain forest creates a storm half way around the world so can a simple act of kindness create waves of change. Open up your heart, open up your wings and impact the world around you with compassion.

Engage...

By Vichara


How much are you willing to risk today? I’m not talking about partaking in skydiving or a similar activity. No, I’m thinking more along the lines of opening up more to the world around you and deepening the connection perhaps already established. We tend to reside mostly in our comfort zone of familiarity. The same people, same places, same roads we travel (with minor differences) and various similar repetitive activities. I bet there are even times that you even recognize these facts yourself. But you have created a zone of comfort that it would be scary to leave. Now I’m not suggesting extreme radical behavior. That would be uncomfortable for 99% of many of us. The risk I’m suggesting is slight deviations in our daily routines, perceptions and interactions that will crack open and create a different viewpoint. The person in line with you getting coffee is human like you and probably seeking the same answers. Try a new route, make new discoveries and explore. There are only a limited number of hours in a day. Don’t waste them sleeping or cowered in fear – engage.

Lanterns of wisdom...

By Vichara


As with everyday when I wake they stand silently on the shelf next to the bed. They are the Sherpas, the soldiers of truth, guideposts, lanterns of wisdom, stepping stones of knowledge, knaves, jests and they are probably the most dependable. Their names are sometimes recognizable and others are like kind old friends. Tolstoy, London, Marcus Aurelius, Huxley, Plato, Gandhi, Kierkegaard, Merton, Teresa Of Avila, Krishnamurti, Milarepa, Easwaran and Hildegard of Bingen. Like all good sentries and sages they await your approach, they do not actively solicit your attention. If you seek, they will provide but only when called upon. Their patience far exceeds anything you may have and if cared for will have great resilience. If you are seeking may I suggest amassing a few if these stalwarts of the printed page for your journey. If one does not provide all the answers they will lead you to one of its compatriots. The investment will be well worth the effort and you will be rewarded and guides to places…only read about.

Friday...

By Vichara


Another week has slid off the table and on to the floor. I found pieces of it scurrying over near the door in anticipation of a couple days off. Then there were a few fragments that weren’t quite sure of themselves and they huddled together in part because of fear of what to do next and in longing just to go back to the confines of the 9 – 5 work day world. I know that may seem a bit odd and most of us relish the time we are away from work spaces but for some they find comfort inside the walls where they work. Within our work areas there are opportunities to get stuck in the mundane but there is also opportunities to discover new things and ideas about us. While there is an element of distain held by some people about where they work we should also entertain the possibility that those environs can also reveal areas of discovery about ourselves.

Sustainable strength...

By Vichara


I think therefore I believe. I believe therefore I act and I act when I believe it’s the right thing to do. Like Atticus Finch (from To Kill A Mockingbird) you strip away the absurdities and intolerance and expose the facts. These facts become the tools you use to pull back the curtain to the truth. If there is any lack of confidence or doubt preserve your strength until you gain the fortitude and knowledge that what you hold has merit and weight. I know that this may seem daunting and unobtainable but like any athlete you use patient methodical training using the pyramid points of power, Love, Patience and Compassion and you will achieve the strength and perception you need. Strength based in compassion will always have more sustainable power then strength with intolerance.

Three wishes...

By Vichara


Do you remember the story of Aladdin, the magic lamp and the granting of the three wishes? I think the Genie was a very wise being in only granting three wishes. I’m sure that the genie could have given Aladdin as many wishes as the Genie wanted to give but it certainly wouldn’t have made the three chosen that special or important. In a grand way he was making Aladdin define what was important and to make wise decisions. In a way and if we have been lucky we have Genies in our own lives in the form of parents, grandparents, teachers, friends and even brothers and sisters. While not magically appearing out of a lamp they do appear and help us re-define and define what we wish for in our lives. Aladdin was only granted three wishes and Genie complied but the results and proceeds of the wishes were totally Aladdin’s responsibility to deal with on his own. You can have as many wishes as you want and can handle but perhaps you could be your own Genie and try to define a little clearer what is truly important to you and your heart.

Measurements of existence...

By Vichara


Does a certain degree of accomplishments elevate the existence of this flesh and bones to a level where they will not be soon forgotten? Is there a level of these acts where your mortal existence will be remembered? Is being remembered a needed element to exist? In our western culture much is placed on the justification of our existence. How many units did you finish? How much farther did you go in getting what was assigned to you done? How many miles did you travel? How many songs have you written? How many awards, accolades and areas of accomplishment have you received? The amount of accomplishments seems to further deepen our place in society and garners much esteem. So what about that proud farmer in a small African village, the cobbler in an eastern European town, the only doctor for miles in Patagonia or that inspired teacher in a small town here in America. Does not the number of things that they have accomplished just as important? To those close to these examples I would think even more so. With the interconnection of beings all of what we do for each other is important, it is just a different degree of measurement. So even more that the statues and pieces of paper the most important measurement in how we will be remembered is by the measurement of the heart.

Behind the slipcover...

By Vichara


It has been said that sometimes people judge a book by its cover. I know that this means in the figurative sense but when I was younger I thought it meant in the literal. You are in a bookstore and you are glancing at the rows of new books with their captivating colors, designs and images that are used to draw your eyes and hands. For some reason I have always been compelled to slide the slip cover off to see the actual book underneath. Did they use the same typeface? What color is the hardback? Is there some other image beyond the splashes of color that was used on the slipcover? A desire to see what was originally intended before the other designer came up with the fancy slipcover. I envision a quiet designer behind the scenes choosing colors, typefaces and constructing what the general public may never see unless the slipcover gets torn and needs to be discarded. In similar ways we sometimes fail to see behind the surface with those we encounter and even with those that we love. In some cases it can be either lack of patience or lack of time but in the end it is still a loss. Taking the slipcover off can be a challenge but it can be so worth it. What could be behind the façade of color and casual conversation could reveal a truly remarkable life.

Be a light on the path...

By Vichara


We may speak in many languages but we all know compassion. Our skin may have many different pigments but we all feel pain. There may be many miles that separate us but love draws us closer and a simple smile will connect our hearts. We may call it many things in each of our cultures but at the core we are seeking understanding and enlightenment. The frenetic energy that can encompass us will act as a deterrent and a diversion but it is only temporal. Once the heart calls for a truce amongst the senses that path to understanding and enlightenment becomes a little easier. There will always be little holes and stones that will be strewn on the path but with conviction of the heart tempered by compassion you won’t stub your toes that much. We are all on the same path so hold up the light a little bit higher and together we will find the understanding.

A matter of perception...

By Vichara


One person’s salvation can be another person’s dilemma; it’s all a matter of perception. In fact all that we see is all a matter of perception. Two people could be standing right next to each other overlooking a rolling landscape with large trees, colorful flowers and in the center a pond teeming with life. One could be in awe of the beauty and the cavalcade of little beings while the other person could be apprehensive about being surrounded by that mush nature and scared for their lives. It’s all a matter of perception. From the mundane to the greatest of tasks if you are observant of others you can see from their eyes and body movements their perception and primal reaction. There may be similarities but each of us sees things in our own unique way. Plato said “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle”. As you go through your day try to be a little more cognizant of others and their perceptions. You may be in the same room but their battlefield could be a meadow or a storm.

The cycle...

By Vichara


Eventually each cycle of existence will turn on its intended revolution and move on to its next level, season, destination and demarcation point. It has always been engaged just as your life continues to be. It is in our humanoid form where we have the conscious ability to assist in the cycle with moral and ethical decisions. They may not be easy but it is in these choices where the cycle will either glide along with little effort or wobble with our erratic and unethical choices. The cyclical movement may need to correct itself from time to time from circumstances and conditions that will alter its course but in the end it always right itself on its intended path. And as the revolutions turn you will acquire souvenirs of life along the way. Of these the ones with weight and merit will be retained for dispersion to their intended audiences. This is one of the reasons of our existence. The accumulation of experience and knowledge to be shared with the next cycle of existence and the next and the next…

And over here is...

By Vichara


You can’t argue with the Past, it’s just the way it is with everyone. The Past thinks it knows everything and will border on being truly rude to make that point. Sometimes the Past is even smug and will take every chance it can get to bring up things that you want to forget and that were painful. Oh there can be moments when the Past will allow some good things to slip past the radar but this is only at the insistence of the Future. Even though the Future may seem docile it can be confused and even antagonistic. The Future just can’t help itself because the ground is constantly changing below its feet. Over in the window seat in the café observing this ping-pong match of energies is the Present. Yes there is a serene nature the Present has and you find yourself gravitating to it for some reason. It knows that the Past exists and that the Future will be soon but for right now it is quite content to be full engaged in what is going on right now.

Measurements of love...

By Vichara


Is there a measuring device that will give you a tangible measurement of how much you love another individual? A system of weights and measures where you could place the degree of affection a on balanced instrument and it would detail back the proof of how much? When you tell a loved one how much you love them is there a degree in the pitch and timbre that assures them how much you do? What degree of conviction will ensure that the strength of your love is felt and understood? Perhaps the only way that can be achieved is a unified consistency regardless of incidents and circumstances. We all know that there will be times when things happen that will make you and others question the degrees of love but all of those are temporary. When it comes down to it I guess the only way to measure love is knowing that you can. Great gestures of love are obvious but even what may be perceived as a small gesture can turn the world of one heart.