On the high seas...

By Vichara

The day should not be determined by the collection of anxieties brewing internally and churring the waters of your voyage. Use the rudder of clarity to guide you through these rough seas and back to calmer waters. And while our sails may be listless for a time we will find the resolve to fill them with the energies of compassion and love to ply the waters once again. Here ends the (life) nautical lesson of the day. Sail away my fellow pirates of possibilities…arrrrrrgh!

Did you hear?...

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 answer the question.

Answered prayers?...

By Vichara

“Les anges punissent en repondant aux prier.” (The gods / angels punish us by answering our prayers) Whenever we would eat too much as kids my dad would say, “your eyes are much bigger than your belly”. Of course when at that early age we would run to the mirror to see if this was true. Confused we would shake our heads and come back for another scoop of ice cream. We get older, we dream, we wish and pray but much the grander things we desire have replaced the simple request for an extra scoop of ice cream. We believe that obtaining these grander things that it will change our lives, make it better and be the answer to our prayers. So we push and pray and then either out of he universe being exhausted or clicking of the tumblers you get what you prayed for. But wait this is not exactly what you thought it would be. There is suddenly much more to be responsible for, more people to answer and more things to deal with than before. You desire less but it’s too late, this is not just an extra scoop of ice cream. Be careful what you wish for. Unless the resolve is there it will be a burden, not a blessing.

Sorbet of the mind...

By Vichara

Like having a sorbet between courses in a fancy restaurant to cleanse our palates, I think we sometimes need a sorbet for the mind. Some way to cleanse the mind, to refresh and get a clearer perspective. Some may be thinking right now – yes it’s called alcohol and drugs…didn’t you? Yes that is the obvious but they are just temporary clouds that just pass by. I’m thinking of some other way. Something that is not so hazardous to health and well-being. Perhaps it is a piece of inspirational literature, some music, a painting, place or just a single photographic image. Maybe it is a combination of a couple things that can be like tumblers in a lock clicking together. I am not sure but I am open to suggestions. Maybe there is a Rosetta Stone that can refresh our perspective. I’m just thinking…

The same, but slightly different?...

By Vichara

Is it linear lines of fate that brings some of us together, pre-destined karma or just plain stupid luck? After meeting someone for the first time do you walk away and think wow that was interesting it was like we knew each other. Or gee that person seemed to know and push all my buttons. Is there a purpose to the interconnectivity of our daily lives? Sure in our work life we are thrown together with people, in what may not be an organic way, but I’m thinking of what may seem random. Why yesterday I met this gentleman and from the ease of the encounter it would seem that we had known each other for years. Could that be that in what people consider past lives that we have been set up again with the same set of encounters (but with different bodies) to reveal and revise the path of our lives once again? Pardon me do I know you?

Walking a mile in different shoes...

By Vichara

Challenge the past by standing up to the future with integrity. We all have encounters and experiences that have left the residue of doubt in our paths. This doubt can take many forms and at times feel like that uncomfortable pebble that gets stuck in your shoe. You shift your foot. You try to wiggle it to the side so you can keep walking but it keeps reminding you that it is there with it’s persistent jabbing. The obvious thing to do is to stop, sit down, take the shoe off and shake it free but we try to ignore it. When you finally do this annoyance can sometimes be so small you can’t imagine how it caused so much pain and bother. But here is an even more radical idea. Maybe you need to unload the whole shoe! Perhaps it would be beneficial for your well being to unburden your toes and get a new perspective. Of course it is up to you.

Leave the driving to the Present...

By Vichara

The Future does not rest for one moment. Like an impatient child pacing back and forth, waiting to jump in the car to go – it is there. It does not matter if you are reluctant or receptive it will be relentless. Meanwhile our old friend the Past stands by the door with a quiet face of acceptance in recognizing and acknowledging this fidgety entity. It observes and accepts the fragments left behind by the Future. However next to you with jacket on, keys in hand is the confidant persona of the Present. You may not notice it standing there but it has never left or will ever leave without you. While the impatient Future shifts around with ants in its pants the Present with a complacent smile looks over at the Future with the understanding of a wise parent. It is a difficult choice wanting to run off with the Future but I recommend giving the keys to the car to the Present. Be patient with the Future while it fidgets’ in the car seat next to you but sit back, relax and let the Present drive. The drive will be much easier and much more scenic.

What is intuitively revealed...

By Vichara

Are we suffering from a lack of self-realization or have realizing the self, turned away from what is intuitively revealed? Next to me I have at least 8 – 4x3 little composition books where I manually write all these “thoughts”. I suspect I could easily scratch these thoughts out on scraps of paper and then once entered into my laptop and deposited on this web site throw them away – but I don’t. I prefer to have a physical reminder of the realizations intuitively given to me so I don’t turn away completely. There are discoveries we are all given every day that our self will refrain from listening to in what perhaps could be a fight or flight of self-preservation. What to keep in mind when faced with these is that each and every one of these is important and possibly holds a key to a discovery. While being protective do remember to remain to be open to realization. Here will be your catalyst for survival.

The Subtle Symphony #14, Opus 51

By Vichara

The day has its own melody that is sometimes so subtle we fail to hear it. What may seem frenetic are actually the components of an organic symphony being composed everyday. Outside my window now comes the percussive chattering of a squirrel. The polyrhythmic signature setting the timing of this section while the cooing of the mourning doves add a counter balance with their unique tone. The wind filters through the sycamore tree creating a subtle rustling that is then augmented by the purple and yellow finches that are feeding. Joining in with this passage is the long swoosh and hum of the tires of the traffic from the front of my house. Closing out this passage come the infrequent honk of a mallard duck in his path from east to west. The wind picks up a bit and rustles the wind chimes that once hung in my Mums garden and ends this section. The Mitred parrots begin the next section with shrilling squawk. Take time to listen, these symphonies are going on everyday, 24/7.

Your own channel...

By Vichara

Hello blue skies, good morning little birds, top of the morning to you Mr. Squirrel, how-de-do-dee little veggie plants…ooops, sorry I had the Polly-Anna channel tuned in. While yes we would like to believe and experience the world with the sweetness of a Disney film the reality is that it is not. What it is a cavalcade of programming that defies all FCC mandates. But you control the dial. You have a direct connection with the programming in your life and the out come of the stories is up to you. You are the head of programming, the writer, the director and the actor. Sure there will drifting of signals where other channels will fade into yours but you should not relinquish the control of your program but incorporate storylines with the integrity of your own vision. Retain what you believe in and direct with the confidence of your own heart.

A well-tempered path...

By Vichara

Our persistence can be our friend or enemy…depending how it is tempered. We can have the drive and desire but if we approach our intended goal like a bull in a china shop we will leave and unpleasant wake. With a clear demarcation point that is not physically or mentally cluttered and a sure steady confident stride that is cognizant will open up the path in front of you. Yes there will be distractions that try to throw you off but your persistence centered with a good heart will keep the momentum going. If you need to change course do so but always be cognizant that your steps are not based in delusion but with clarity of the heart.

Action / Reaction...

By Vichara

An action will have a re-action. That re-action will ignite another action. That action will inspire another re-action. From that re-action…while the action / re-action plays on let’s take a moment. While we ponder, muse and speculate the continuum toils on regardless. We may choose to believe that we can pull away and not be part of the fray but the fray will always find you. You may believe that some of life’s pageantry does not concern you but it will at some point. The action to extricate yourself from life is an action that is having a re-action, which is having another action (you get the picture). Every single molecule is interconnected so why not be a part of an action of change. Change that will improve and not tear down. Change that ignites the positive and not the negative. Of course you could turn away and close your door but of course that will have an action that causes a…

Just up ahead...

By Vichara

There is this beautiful roadside rest stop that I just visited that I want to recommend. I was needing a break from a long drive on the 101; no I think it was the 5. Anyway I thought to myself that the next rest area no matter how it looked or far I would just pull in. Of course the moment I was thinking this a sign appeared that a rest stop was just ahead. Well my friends the moment I exited I was met with all of the elements that would be needed for a “rest”. The trees were tall and so full of leaves that they provided ample shade. The flowers were so colorful. Whoever was the greens keeper did a wonderful job with the selection of flowers bordering the walkways. I think it was the 210 freeway…maybe not. Anyway as I wandered along the walkway I spotted a picnic table where I could rest with a snack. Well friends as I was just to sit down and I looked to my right and there was this majestic waterfall. At the bottom was a pool of clear water with all kinds of birds swooping in and around. Ah, it was so amazing and I thought I would need to come back here again very soon. Well fellow travelers you can guess by now that this rest area was not on any freeway but right here where I “sit” writing these “thoughts”. But the rest stop is available to you too. You have the power to create this sense of peace and instill some calm for yourself at anytime and anyplace. Just take the next exit.

NOT! seen on TV...

By Vichara

We live in a day where there is an insatiable need to stay connected by electronic devices. Blackberry, crackberry, i-This, i-That, Palm, Sole, Cranium – whatever they may be called. We type and talk while we drive, sit on the toilet, have dinner, even when we are sitting with other people. Then there are some who can send messages while walking at break neck speeds, which I’m sure will be an Olympic sport very soon. Regardless of the etiquette issues related to some of these styles there seems to be a deeper for some for this compulsion to be in constant communication. Deep down we all want to know and feel that we are wanted, accepted and loved so we seek this from others. Even if you are the most cynical there is still a desire for this at some level. But in order to fully connect with others we must be connected with ourselves. Fortunately for us we have a device to communicate with ourselves that does not need batteries, wires, buttons or Internet connection. It is called-reflection (or if you want to be fancy, i-Reflection). Take any thought, idea, concern or something you are pondering and process this through i-Reflection to seek illumination and direction. It is sometimes best to use i-Reflection in quieter and solitary places to get the best results. What you will find after diligent use of i-Reflection is a decrease in obsessive communication, a reduction of the superfluous and a clarity of thought. The best thing is that i-Reflection is available to you right now for the low, low price of FREE!

Leaving the driving to the Present...

By Vichara

The Future does not rest for one moment. Like an impatient child pacing back and forth, waiting to jump in the car to go – it is there. It does not matter if you are reluctant or receptive it will be relentless. Meanwhile our old friend the Past stands by the door with a quiet face of acceptance in recognizing and acknowledging this fidgety entity. It observes and accepts the fragments left behind by the Future. However next to you with jacket on, keys in hand is the confidant persona of the Present. You may not notice it standing there but it has never left or will ever leave without you. While the impatient Future shifts around with ants in its pants the Present with a complacent smile looks over at the Future with the understanding of a wise parent. It is a difficult choice wanting to run off with the Future but I recommend giving the keys to the car to the Present. Be patient with the Future while it fidgets’ in the car seat next to you but sit back, relax and let the Present drive. The drive will be much easier and much more scenic.

Mirror, mirror...

By Vichara

We reflect what we are taught in the mirror of understanding. If your mirror is clouded and streaked with uncertainty it will be hard to have a clear vision of your intent. If you are too close the heat will fog your viewpoint and your vision will be myopic. Where you stand will determine the clarity, the understanding and the direction you will take and how others will view you. There will be a need at times to grab a big roll of paper towels and window cleaner to clear off the residue of misunderstanding and uncertainty. This process can take some time at first but it will become much easier over time with equanimity and self-realization. There will be even times when there will be little need to say “mirror, mirror on the wall, where the hell am I going" (I know that doesn’t rhyme) because what we reflect will not be isolated but be encompassing and unencumbered by doubt or misunderstanding.

Act II, Scenes 2, 43, 14 & 166

By Vichara

The lights go dim, you close your eyes and the curtain rises on another nocturnal production. Which series of scenes will be illuminated on this stage of reflection? What characters will enter from stage left and steer the scene with cryptic prose. Why was this dark turn of events juxtaposed with the nonsensical? Were the pages for this script dropped and scattered on the floor and then gathered without notice of the numerical sequence? Who is directing this production, Jung, Escher, Capra or David Lean? Is there truly any hidden messages contained in the slumber scenes or are thy just fragments of unused thoughts that are finally being released in relaxation like the leftover compressed air in a tank. The assemblage of images and messages can sometimes not make much sense but perhaps that is their purpose. Perhaps their intent is to halt us upon rising, make us focus on some fragment that will act as a catalyst to a revelation that we need to be exposed to and help us on our “journey”. I don’t know…it’s just a thought.

An old adage for a new purpose...

By Vichara

We replay the scene in our heads to confirm the action and reaction but no matter what, it is done. I believe, at least to my knowledge, we are the only species that has the ability and the compunction to even do this. Some of what we recall is to remember and relive happy moments – an act to confirm we have a good life. The majority however seems to be of the moments where something troubling or wrong has occurred and for some reason we believe that replaying them over and over in our head that it will possibly change. The sound of crushing metal, breaking glass and the smell of acrid smoke cannot be reversed. I know sitting here that I do not need to hammer this point to far. This is just a reminder to me and to you of the ever-present ephemeral element of life. This minute, this moment is now a memory. It is intuitively how we approach the moment that will gauge its impact. Perhaps the old carpenter’s adage would be appropriate in how we infuse each moment – measure twice, cut once.

Mirror of reason...

By Vichara

The mirror of reason reflects back direction. It does not want to hear excuses. There will be no “mirror, mirror on the wall” when you reflect through this, there will only be truth and clarity. We do have a choice however. If you wish to reflect into the muddy waters of delusion and not seek clarity in your path, that is up to you. All of the answers, all of the paths and all of the direction are anticipating your arrival. You need to do nothing but show up with a willing mind and heart to take the steps forward. Again if you do wish to sit and remain where you are that is up to you. There is no competition in moving forward. You, your heart and your mind set the demarcation point. The journey begins with you.

The wind...

By Vichara

It’s funny the things you think of when you were little kids. When there was little or no wind I was happy. I believed that the wind made the earth move faster. If there was no wind the day would be longer and there would be more time to play. The of course you get older as a teenager you believe a lot of things you are told only to find out later the secrets of deception and manipulation. As the years go by the wind gets stronger and before you know it the world has spun so fast that you are much older. From this vantage point the colors seem different, your skin feels more sensitive in different ways and the words you hear sound different in tome and timbre. At times I feel with the quantity of stimuli that fissures are needed to be created to release these new sensations. Some do it with singing, others with painting or other visual arts and then some with the written word. However it gets manifested we should seek a peaceful, compassionate method to release the things we believe. By the way I have found that it’s not wind that makes the world turn, it is love.

Do________...

By Vichara

Is all of this_________worth it? Is the frustration of _________really necessary? Can there be a better way of doing________? How much more of _________can go on? Is there a way to alter__________? Questions with holes. Vacancies where logic has been disgarded because of laziness to develop and implement a prudent alternative. There is only so many hours, minutes, seconds that are delivered to us on a silver plate everyday. If we choose to abandon them to do nothing we have only ourselves to blame when nothing happens. Do you really want to say to yourself you have done nothing today? Tell that to the young kid who has been told he only has maybe 2 years left to live. Tell that to the little girl that has been told that education is not necessary for her. Tell that to yourself as you throw away good food while there is need. It doesn’t take much. Do a little something or just have___________________.

Levels of acceptance...

By Vichara

There are so many levels that we try to achieve every day. A level of acceptance of what we can withstand. Levels of understanding with each encounter. The levels of belief in what doctrine we immerse ourselves in. The levels of fortitude that will give us the strength we need to get through the day. The levels of hope that what we are doing will result in something worthwhile. The level of trust and how much we give of our hearts, mind and love. All a delicate balance without a completely unified gauging system. So how do we know at what level will work? While clearly there are some moral levels we should not cross the rest can sometimes feel like a vast open field. So at what level is right for you? I don’t have an answer. It is you that must retain your own pocket-guide of measurements to gauge what level is right for you. But I think you will intuitively learn and recognize the levels your heart will accept through this journey.