Finding some answers...

By Vichara

Where do we find the answers we need when we have been consistently manipulated and berated from multiple sources and find it difficult to trust the footing we are on? Who can you trust when it may seem like the many have ulterior motives or are biased by less than credible sources. Where to search, where to find, where to seek safe refuge? I don’t have an answer that I can give; I only raise this as a catalyst to further the search for the “truth”. You may have the answer or part of the answer but raising these questions and others like them I am only trying to ignite that, which is in all of us with the “search”. But many our altruistic searches can get clouded by many unnecessary diversions. Give yourselves the time, the space and the encouragement to poke at the darkness until it bleeds daylight and know that there are others out there that are “thinking” and you are not alone.

For a better world...

By Vichara

Down with screaming chefs, manipulative talk show people, demeaning stunt-like programs and anything that belittles and makes people feel foolish and helpless. I supposed there is some that believe that this is “entertainment”. Seeing programs like these that in some voyeuristic way will make some feel superior, think again. It only further erodes any steps we have made to unify the myriad of cultures and people. By yelling at someone for something as trivial as misplaced basil leaf or how a slice of fish is placed on a dish is both simply ridiculous and stupid! There are millions of hungry people out there that wouldn’t care which way it was presented to them, just feed them. It’s irreprehensible with the coercion of people to expose their frailties just for the sake of entertainment. Why not sense the suffering and support a new helpful direction. Make people feel less in a maze of stunts that belittles their tenuous need to be accepted and laugh at them when they cry. We do nothing to further the growth of people or enrich the foundation of society through manipulative means. It’s time to see the emperor has no clothes and provide a new wardrobe that is supportive, compassionate an uplifting.

Terms of acceptability...

By Vichara

On numerous levels our lives come down to terms of acceptability. How much emotional or physical pain, how much incompetency, how much information, how much nourishment and yes even how much love. At what level will you be able to feel a sense of accomplishment with yourself and others. There are some yes that more or less just shade in the day in an attempt to do what is acceptable and while this may be acceptable for one they forget a crucial element – nothing is isolated. There is an interconnection of all things and as hard as that may be to fathom, it is a solid fact. You and you alone will set the level of acceptability for yourself of course but how much will you be able to live with and how does that affect the world around you? In a world that is gauged by the accomplishments of one’s actions and deeds what will be your terms?

Fear...

By Vichara

Everyone is scared. No matter how much confidence one shows. No matter what bravado is brandished about in order to retain some alpha-male or alpha-female position, they are all scared…just like you. In our working pods of life there will always be those individuals that will be compelled to be in control in varying degrees of success. It is unfortunate for those individuals that are in control fail to recognize the basic commonalities that we all share and work from a position of frenetic unfocused degrees. With these somewhat ingrained methods it is difficult to change with force from the outside. One of the keys is for us all is to step back, recognize fears (which by the way are mostly based in our impermanence) and attempt to make that connection based in calm understanding & compassion and find answers together. Calm rivers carry great weight and strength without constant churning.

Tick, Tock, 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.

A reminder...

By Vichara

I heard an artist yesterday talk about creativity. He said there is a need to be reminded that big things come from small beginnings. There are some that possibly believe that of Beethoven’s symphonies just magically appeared fully realized and he just wrote them down. When of course as with most things there is great toiling to reach the finished end. It is something just to remind ourselves when we feel overwhelmed and discouraged the we all, and I repeat this, we all have the potential to realize that what which we dream. Be it big or small, nurture the “spark” and be patient with it’s journey. The spark of creativity comes in many different forms but you can make it happen.

Our 3 pound wonder...

By Vichara

A typical brain contains about 100 billion neurons, consumes a quarter of the body’s oxygen and spends most of the body’s calories even though it only weighs about three pounds. For something so little it uses a lot doesn’t it? The question is are you getting your money’s worth. Are you engaging your brain enough besides the general YouTubing, texting while walking and indulging in watching endless hours of American Idol auditions? Sure you need a perceived balance to justify and believe you need these activities but are you reaching out and stretching the capabilities of this 3-pound wonder? Are you pushing little guy into warp drive? We are all guilty of not pushing our super computers enough but we could all do better. Take a flashlight of curiosity and investigation and give the grey matter a little more of a workout with something new. Light up a path of new knowledge and wonder and get those neurons all fired up!

Raising the levels...

By Vichara

We all at one point in time or in our everyday activities have this irresistible urge just to run away from “it” all. The urge to escape whatever is whirling about in front of us and impacting us directly or indirectly. We believe that if we change our physical location, our job, and our relationships or even as drastic at it seem our physical appearance, that it will change everything in our minds for the better. In the end however the only thing that really changes is the scenery. What we need to encourage with each other is our perception and help each other deal with things internally in a rational compassionate manner. If you have a “safe harbor” where you can talk with someone to help you each other, treasure that. If not connect with someone who can safely. Perhaps even someone in our little group here reading these “thoughts”. We are put here to help each other out and raise the levels of Love, Hope and Compassion.

The garden...

By Vichara

Trying to find your place in the world is yes very difficult. We believe that when we find that “one thing” that all will settle down and be all right. The thing is however everything is in a constant change and never remains the same. Impermanence underscores every movement of everything and there is no way to escape this fact. Given that you may ask when I find that one thing it will be gone. No the one thing that you have reached for is still there but it will be evolving with each movement. The key is to wrap your heart around it and with openness celebrate, learn and explore this one thing that makes you happy. From this one “seed” other things will grow and the garden that is your life will be abundant and fulfilling.

The possibilities...

By Vichara

Drink from the cup of today as if every drop would be the difference between life and death, pain and pleasure, knowing and not knowing. Breathe and fill your lungs with possibilities. Listen to the rustling of ideas that vibrate all around. See as if each blink of your eyes you are given an infinite number of different lens to see the world…it’s up to you.

Your own light switch...

By Vichara

When you turn the light on in a room it is of course to allow you to see your way so you won’t trip and fall. The action of flipping the switch is so habitual it is almost second nature. The same sort of switch exists within ourselves to help us see our way through difficulties and challenges. But for some reason we may not have developed this second nature trigger movement within ourselves like we have with the physical light switch. We all have this internal mechanism but of course the key is that we need to recognize and develop it. How do we do this? Many ways but the gate as far as I can see is to be of course cognizant that you have it and take at least 5 minutes a day, breathe and observe your body’s reaction to thoughts and allow them to find the switch, the answer, the illuminated path.

The new hunter / gatherer...

By Vichara

Today let’s be like our ancient forefathers and be hunter / gatherer types. Let’s not gather anything that is physically tangible but gatherers of our experience with the world around us. Stop from rushing and take 5 minutes to sit and watch without judgment. Listen without expectation and feel without attachment. Place these in a mental basket each day and watch how the colors grow and the sounds get sweeter.

The key to happiness...

By Vichara

Is there a key to true happiness? So many books, TV shows and magazines all of them claiming to know the key to happiness that will change all our lives forever. While admirable in their attempt this topic has been investigated by hundreds and hundreds of people, both young and old for centuries. And here I believe as simple and naïve as it may seems, is the key. There is no one key to happiness. With every individual person there is an individual key, unique to that person. As much as their may be commonalities that we may all share in one way or another, when we try to apply one measurement to all it will fail. The one thing that I do believe we all can agree on is the foundation where happiness can flourish is when each person can maintain love, hope and compassion for all others seeking their key to happiness.

Traveling farther...

By Vichara

I look at the moon nestled in a bed of stars, floating out there calmly passing through the night sky and I think, “I will never go there”. But I do think of where I have been and what I have seen and I believe that if laid out, end-to-end, all of them would probably reach that illuminated orb. We all, regardless of the physical miles, have traveled so far in our lives that a conventional map would not adequately translate the twists and turns, the peaks and valleys and of course the lost roads and dead ends. But when we stand, stalled not seeing the next step from these dead ends, we need to take a moment, breathe and allow the vista to unfold that hidden road and soon you will be on your way. Maybe to the moon.

Each step, each deed...

By Vichara

All our daily actions are tempered by knowledge and guidance given to us from what we have read or seen and from those who have helped or hindered us. All of our senses ingesting and digesting the best and the worst of humanity. If one is given only violence, one would only know violence. If one is given only compassion, one would only know compassion. The world does not work that way. It is a collection of competing contrasts that present themselves to us and ask us yo judge and act accordingly. How we act will be how the world sees us. How do you want to be 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.

Boredom!

By Vichara

Death to boredom! If you are bored you have your eyes closed both literally and figuratively. The “tapestry” that is unfolded to us everyday is so rich and dense that unless you see this someone has blinded you. Through repetition of our daily actions, some of them quite mundane, we can loose track of the simple beauty that ordinary things have! In the shower, the steady stream of water reflecting in the morning light can be a shower of feather weight diamonds cascading all around. The coolness of the morning air can hold nuances of fragrances that could unlock memories. Observing a couple people in a crosswalk ignites the imagination in that you wonder what secret plans they are talking about. A flock of pigeons that sweeps repeatedly in a pattern only known to them. Open you senses up to the cavalcade, it’s worth the price of admission.

Re-focus our steps...

By Vichara

The impermanence of this existence underscores the value of the time we have been given. When you take death seriously, you take your life and the value of life more seriously. There is no re-boot button, no re-start, no re-charge; this is it for all we know. There has not been any scientific empirical proof of the existence of an after life. I know to some that words like this stab like a cold knife into reality but that is not totally the intent. The intention is to bring the attention into focus, hopefully act as a catalyst and shake all of our collective vision into acknowledging that regardless of what may be going on we are here and in many ways are truly blessed. Building on this resolve is not only good for yourself but for others around you that we encounter everyday. By having our vision a little more focused we can not just only take but give back as well with a renewed spirit infused with love and most importantly compassion.

Re-focus our steps...

By Vichara

The impermanence of this existence underscores the value of the time we have been given. When you take death seriously, you take your life and the value of life more seriously. There is no re-boot button, no re-start, no re-charge; this is it for all we know. There has not been any scientific empirical proof of the existence of an after life. I know to some that words like this stab like a cold knife into reality but that is not totally the intent. The intention is to bring the attention into focus, hopefully act as a catalyst and shake all of our collective vision into acknowledging that regardless of what may be going on we are here and in many ways are truly blessed. Building on this resolve is not only good for yourself but for others around you that we encounter everyday. By having our vision a little more focused we can not just only take but give back as well with a renewed spirit infused with love and most importantly compassion.

Drivers education for your brain...

By Vichara

Some of us will remember the common sense rule of the road to always leave a safe distance between your car and the one in front of you. The same applies when it comes to our thoughts. In this crazed multi-tasking world it is wise to watch out for tailgating thoughts. Allowing no distance between thoughts, both work and personal, leads to crashes that could ignite anger and frustration. I have learned that inserting a moment of meditation or a moment to breathe and recite a mantra acts like a traffic cop to separate crashing thoughts. By taking these moments it will lead to a slowing down and create a safety zone and an opportunity for the answers you need to form more fluidly. So instead of wasting your time cleaning up nasty thought crashes you gain more time to think clearly and enjoy you time behind the wheel of your shiny ding-free mind

Taking the time...

By Vichara

Schopenhauer was out walking one night, deep in thought when a policeman, suspicious of him approached and asked, “May I know who you are?” Schopenhauer stood for a long time and then replied, “I wish I could tell you”. It is true; no matter how many ways we are identified the majority of them are external. The clothing style we wear, the car that we drive, the voice, the laugh, how we adorn our office or home, all outwardly personal markers. But we are much more than this collection of bones, blood and flesh and as long as we identify ourselves in the physical sense we will keep using all our energies to satisfy these needs. Try to take just 15 minutes a day, by yourself with no distractions to check in with you and your spirit and try to feed that instead of the external. The Upanishads, the classic Hindu text says, that the joy that comes when we discover who we are is a million times greater than all the pleasures the most advanced civilization could offer.

Many paths...

By Vichara

Do not listen to a single voice. Do not rely on the wisdom of one. Do not act in accordance with one authority. Do not follow one man or one woman’s doctrine just because they are “famous”. As there are many people in the world, there are that many voices. Your path, no matter where it leads, will encounter those voices, thoughts and revelations that are needed to move on to the next “stepping stone”. Do not walk a single path as one path will not contain all of the stepping-stones needed for the journey. No one doctrine has a single voice, they all have their prophets, wise men / women, thinkers, doers and guides. It is in this collected wisdom is where we define our own personal path built with the breadth of knowledge and wisdom of many, not just from the past but from today and the future.

Prisoners of time...

By Vichara

Prisoners of time. We are all subject to and part of this brother/sisterhood. Bound by the minutes, the seconds and the sands as they trickle down from an unseen personal timepiece. Our existence here on this plane is subject to some mystical biological clock that we have no choice of seeing or knowing. While pondering this may induce hyperventilation to some, let’s use this striking point and reinvent our days for a change. When the alarm rouses us from our slumbering state, envision that moment in your mind’s eye as a ticket for today’s ride. This is your ticket, purchased by your own personal thoughts and intent subject to the fine print on the back. Don’t bother turning the ticket over to read, everyone has the same terms and conditions – Keep a good heart, good thoughts, good speech, good actions and good intent and the ride will be good.

Hope...

By Vichara

A rather large bird floated through the sky near where I sat today. Its wingspan was possibly the largest I have ever seen in recent memory. The shadow it cast was almost equivalent to the size of a cloud passing in front of the sun and I almost mistook it for a small plane. As scary as that may seem there was no fear as it past over, in fact it was the complete opposite. It was almost like the shadow carried with it a sense of well being, contentment and a fortuitous feeling of optimism. I soon realized that this was not some ordinary winged creature but this was actually the wings of hope spreading it’s way across. As much as there is trouble and despair we need to still be vigilant and keep our eyes and heart open to ordinary and extraordinary hope. It is in this simple act and retaining the resolve to embrace hope with pragmatism can we all in our own way cultivate and nourish hope within our corporate, personal and figurative walls around us. Look up here it comes.

The evolutionary sidewalk...

By Vichara

A new year has started, have we moved any farther along the evolutionary sidewalk? Someone gets angry and tries to blow people up in a barbaric way. The other people get angry and attack the people from where that person lives and so on and so forth. I know that reducing it down simplistically in itself has it’s own pitfalls but even if we see both sides the sheer act of deliberately killing keeps all of us on the lower rungs of humanity. So what to do right? What are the answers? I don’t know but I think we all understand the killing is not one of them. This may be naïve but digging to the core is the first logical step. Like a skilled doctor find out the identity of the ailment. Do not just treat the symptoms but find; in the plain light of day without restrictions, what is the root. The arbitration and resolution is the mandate. I understand the frailties of all of this and there are possibilities of agendas but it would be good to try instead of throwing up our hands and walking away.