The three essentials...

By Vichara

We all just want to be love, honored and respected. Love, to feel an emotional connection and actually know that someone cares. Honored, to know that our presence here is not taken frivolously. And respected that our words and deeds have merit, not for self-glory but for the benefit of others. Of course these three cornerstones will not be present unless you are engaged outside yourself with the world and not hidden both emotionally and physically. While one of these is possible the other is difficult considering where the majority of us live. Take this fact that you must physically engage as the first step and with each interaction temper all that you do with a deep sense of compassion. The results will be what we all seek love, honor and respect.

And now a commercial message from our sponsor...

By Vichara

And now a commercial message from our sponsor…Not feeling good about yourself? You don’t feel like you are fitting in with the rest? Well our product will make you look good, feel good and give you all that you need. Sounds familiar? The majority of commercials that bombard us are meant to make you feel like if you don’t have this thing that you are not good enough and missing out. You need to buy this thing they are pushing at you or else. By the time they graduate from high school an average child will have seen 360,000 commercials. 360,000 times they are told they are not good enough. Let’s have our own non-televised message to each other, broadcasting 24 / 7, that you are good enough and between us we have everything we need…and you don’t need to make a call in the next 10 minutes or send three easy payments!

Dear World,...

By Vichara

Dear World, I’m tired of you tripping over the obvious. Most of the time you need to be reminded of what good there is around us at any given moment. There are times yes you might shine but for the most part you like to wallow in the tragedies of the day. You do this because it allows you to avoid the reality that there is indeed more good things in the world than bad. The only reason you don’t see this is because that illuminated box that you turn on in the morning in your living room or the one on your desk likes to only focus on the bad news. They do this and it dampens any hope that may exist at the nucleolus of the day. Please stop doing this and give the little lights of hope and compassion a chance to shine a little brighter or we will all force you to have a “time-out” until you realize your bad behavior.

Tick, Tock...

By Vichara

Tick tock, tick tock, there goes another part of your day. Tick tock, tick tock, there goes the time you were hoping to spend in a worthwhile activity only to be sidetracked with some “busy” work. It is getting to the point that you can’t even enjoy a good cup of coffee because that is used to compliment even more activity. You are not even given a moment to stare out at the world in front of you, unfocused, without nattering, using those moments to feel the warmth of the fluid inside of you and to taste the smoky flavor and smooth texture. Perhaps we need to allow ourselves say, one afternoon, to do one activity at a time until finished. To move away for a moment from the uber hyper multi-tasking ball that we spin most everyday and regain the sense of accomplishment in place of numerous things in various stages, like spinning plates that are on the verge of crashing. Tick, one thing done, tock, another thing done, tick, that’s finished, tock (breathe) done.

Living a posh life...

By Vichara

We should all strive to live a posh life! I’m not necessarily meaning in the traditionally ostentatious meaning of the word posh, but posh in our outlook. My dear friend, Dr. O once regaled me with the origin of the word posh. It seems that back in the day when British aristocrats where travelling by sea to the Mediterranean, the best choice for views toward land was Port Out, Starboard Home. POSH! I think in the same way that these upper crust travelers of yesterday positioned themselves to get the best view that we, align our hearts and minds as we rise today and everyday and position ourselves to meet, greet, live and view life in a posh fashion. Oh and don’t forget to raise your pinky finger as you sip your tea.

Did you hear it?...

By Vichara

The world is expecting an answer from you today. Wait, you didn’t hear the question? Of course you should have, it was early this morning and has been repeated over and over again. You were asked when your eyes first cracked open. You were asked when that first sip of coffee / tea slid down your throat. You were asked when that cool breeze touched your face. You were asked when you laughed out loud so hard with a friend. You were asked when that sad moment reflected back at you again. You were asked when your furry friend was happy when you walked in the door and you will be asked once again when sleep takes you in it’s arms. The question is direct and to the point – Are you happy to be alive? Before you react, whine, piss and moan, think about this for a moment. If you have the ability to react this way, you have the ability to change. It is up to you. Now go and answer the question!

The abuse of words...

By Vichara

Words can divide and conquer but their biggest asset is unite. Everyday we have been hearing disparaging and negative words being used to discredit or to misalign what others have done or said. The numbing effect of these words to some, results in a shrug and turning away. Instead of calling on those who speak dismissively to account and give justification for the destructive things they say, we walk away. We need to collectively stop the abuse of words and to build a foundation of positive and supportive language that will inspire each other daily. Not just in small ways, but in small compassionate ways as well.

Time for maintenance?...

By Vichara

Do you need new spark plugs for your mind? As they say, “back in the day”, there was sometimes the need when your car was running rough to check the spark plugs. Those important little items in the mechanism of the car that provides the electrical charge to ensure all of the cylinders that propel your vehicle forward are all firing together. If one of these little guys had some material build-up and prevented it from igniting the whole system of the car would be sluggish and stall out. In much the same way if there are mental hindrances, things in your own mind that are having a stalling effect in your movement forward then perhaps it may be time to clean your own mental spark plugs or replace them. But where do you find a mechanic for that you may ask? It’s basically you! You may get “technical” assistance from some life “manuals” like literature, spiritual writings, conversations and meditation but it’s really up to you to clean the bodily spark plug heads and gain clarity to propel you forward.

The "fulcrum" point...

By Vichara

“Gaze at the stars but walk on the earth”. Of course this Koan has an obvious message in remembering that even though we can dream it is always good to have some realistic stability in our everyday lives. But that of course assumes that we recognize these two fields of existence. We have perhaps seen some people who seem to live life in grand jesters and are at times oblivious to the world around them. Then there are those whose gaze seems to be figuratively cast downwards as if tied to every object around them. In so many ways we are like both of these teeter-tottering to both extremes. What this Koan of course is saying is to find the fulcrum point between these. Find a path of balance where we can retain the vision of dreams to accelerate of “hearts” while wearing really comfortable shoes.

Working together...

By Vichara

Geese fly in a “V” formation not only because it conserves energy it is also because no single bird has memorized the whole route that they are traveling. This example of collective leadership is much more common in the animal kingdom that in the human realm. If we were to apply this methodology in our world we would find that in utilizing rotating leadership in many realms that there would be greater initiative and agility than with those groups that are led by one executive. Because none of us have all the answers and by reaching out to each other in a supportive, non-judgmental manner we will able to grow stronger not only as a team but as individuals as well.

Changing the landscape...

By Vichara

We are all grasping at straws of humanity in a desperate need to make sense of lives that sometimes intersect with such indifference it leaves us little strength and resolve to move forward. And even if we literally close our eyes to the events around us we still see images with our eyelids closed. We need to change our vision. Change what is out “there” and what inside our hearts as well. Easier said than done, as most would say right now, but there are ways. As I have stated in other times, it will not be the grandiose actions that will necessarily make the difference in the world around us. It will be in the small gestures, initiated by the heart, which will have the most profound effect. Try to do something very small for someone else today to try to help change the human landscape out “there” and in your own heart.

Gratitude...

By Vichara

If we were to be literally given the same imagined 9 lives that cats are granted I’m afraid we would waste them as well. I know that may seem harsh and pessimistic but I’m sure you have witnessed, as I have, the number of chances, reprieves and literal stays of execution from this life some individuals receive. Face it today; the majority of us are wasteful. We are wasteful with time, energy, thoughts and possessions. Without a defined set of parameters we believe the “well” will never run dry but given this life, underscored with the definite sense of impermanence, there is finality to everything. As they say, “nothing lasts forever”, the key is to enjoy the moment, what has been given to you and temper all of this with a deep sense of gratitude. Embrace all that will given to you today, do not fritter it frivolously.

The "see-saw"...

By Vichara

From the biggest to the smallest, from the weakest to the strong, we all share the same DNA that makes us these humanoid beings that are capable of so much pain and yet so much beauty. Where is that line that divides the choice to contribute, support and celebrate our fellow human achievements and the demarcation point that manipulates, destroys and abuses that what makes us unique. And once we identify this catalyst point how do we maintain the see-saw of events in a positive way. Perhaps it is in those states I refer to all the time that will keep the see-saw positive. Love – to retain a sense of support. Patience – to be able to wait and help each other and Compassion – to remember how we all feel in similar situations and circle back to the beginning – Love.

The marathon...

By Vichara

We are all given stewardship of many important things in our lifetime; thoughts, the environment, love, wisdom, the tangible and the intangible. And like the marathon runner with the baton we must safeguard that which has been given to us and reverently pass it off to the next generation / runner. If we happen to drop the baton we need to find the strength and resources to pick it up once again and rise to the occasion until our segment of this race is done. Realize and be cognizant that you are not alone. There are many other runners, some in front, some behind and some right next to you. Cheer and encourage those all around for this is not a race to be won, but a race to survive.

All that glitters...

By Vichara

There are times that we can feel like one of those greyhound dogs racing around a track trying to catch that elusive, artificial rabbit. In the mind of the greyhound the rabbit is real, the object of desire and fulfillment. But because of the deceptive and short-term memory with the nature of these attempts for fulfillment, the greyhound forgets that the rabbit is not real in as much the same way we fall prey to the smoke and mirrors of desire. We see the glitter and perceived charm of something desirable that has been dangled in front of us but once acquired it holds little emotional value. The attachment to things keeps us prisoners of our own desires. Like the old adage, all that glitters is not gold, holds true as those things that have great value are those things that can’t be acquired by monetary means, but by the heart.

This could be the day...

By Vichara

This could be the moment of change. This could be the day of revelations. This could be time for that one epiphany you have been waiting for makes it's appearance. All of the thoughts, feelings and experiences could gather together, stand up in front of you and SMILE. Are you ready? Because they are ready for you. Open up your heart and let them be a force of good change and act as the catalyst that you have been waiting for a long to happen.

Just by walking around...

By Vichara

Just by walking around, we change the world. Our presence here is the culmination of a billion factors that has resulted in this living human being that can have thoughts and inspire the many. Take a hand and support those in need. Make some laugh and turn around their day. Hold that one that is sad and make them feel wanted. So much riding on simple gestures but as you have heard, the simple can also be so profound. In our compassionate wake we can change the world just by walking around.

The moving masterpiece...

By Vichara

As resilient as some hearts can be they still need patience, love & compassion. The fight that we have internally over decisions that seem unsolvable can all be reconciled by recognizing that the answers are not completely "out there" but within and out there. They can be only be found by recognizing the everything is inter-connected. Of every movement, every thought, every expression and every act of compassion not only to ourselves but to others at the same time. Even though we are all unique individuals we are still part of a much larger ever-changing canvas. A continuously moving masterpiece.

Just a reminder...

By Vichara

We all assume that when we lay down to sleep that we will reach the other shore and wake to a new day. What if this was not guaranteed? How would you approach the day that you just met? The coffee that you are drinking will be your last. The round of early morning birds singing will never be heard again. The warmth of the shower you had, never felt again. The embrace from your partner never will happen again. How will your eyes see this that has been given to you? Will, if you knew this fact, spend the day frenetically screaming and running around or would you breathe in, breathe out consume the moments with equanimity and reverence? This is not a “thought” created to scare you but to remind us all that this impermanence is a basic truth. Be conscious that this treadmill that can sometimes distract us and remember the importance of our lives we share together.

They are your "waves"...

By Vichara

Emotions and thoughts can be like large waves crashing in succession all around you. A wave of worry followed by a wave of remorse followed by a wave of obligation and concern. It never seems to stop, they gather strength from what is churning in our heads and perpetually keep rolling one after another after another until you feel that the storm never seems to stop. While it may seem that there is no way to stop these waves there may be ways to quell the intensity of them. After all, your mind is creating these waves so our mind should be able to control them, right?

Being thankful #14...

By Vichara

Tcb hlqp pg Om Apuutr Bturddsop bbwojkdh. Ohgt gaferk ga kkaol nrathy ggaqu hjira ha. Lrteamko garj jjurat lpio. Hfart jyago gajs hayu he was. Tfarp ngai nfatke bgai jagsuy ooartmb nagsyok. No this is not some code or secret language, it is how 2 million people on this planet see words on a page. These 2 million people can’t read. This is not just in some third world countries; this is how it is for those even in our own backyard. Consider how fortunate we all are that we can read and explore the beauty of words. We have the ability not to just share this with friends and family and to be able to read stories to our kids. Just another thing to be thankful for today.