A drop of change...

By Vichara

Who among us is willing to take bold steps to change life for the good of all people? I bet you thought of a few as your read this. Probably ones like Jesus, Gandhi, Mohammed, Mother Teresa, Buddha, Moses, Rosa Parks and Dr. King. Amongst these giants of change there are many others that may not get the recognition like Beethoven, Saladin, Hildegard Of Bingen, St. Teresa Of Avila, Yogananda and including you! Yes you! We all have the capacity and the strength to change things in the world. You may diminish what you are capable of but each one of us has this ability. We may feel like just a tiny drop of water in the ocean, but each tiny drop is needed to make the ocean mighty with the capacity to make a change in the world.

Thanksgiving...

By Vichara

What are you thankful for? This is the day we are to set aside to give thanks for what we have. To put aside the frenetic daily activities, stop and reflect with those around us of the gratitude we have for the things we have and can share. The family that has gathered physically and in our hearts and all the wonderful opportunities we have had and what will be. Whatever stories we have heard as children about Indians, pilgrims, the cold, the hardships and corn at the core of this day we put aside. This month is the transitions of the seasons. The rural celebration of having completed the harvesting of foodstuffs for the winter months and gathering our families and friends who toiled together with the collective harvest no being represented on the table. While for the most of us that type of lifestyle barely exists personally so try to take a moment away from the mutated gorging, excessive football watching, tryptophan coma afternoon to find one thing to be thankful of and one thing you could do to make things better for you and those around. Think about it like planting a “seed of potentiality” that could reap a harvest of blessings for you and those around you at this time next year.

Gratitude...

By Vichara

If even given the brightest light would there be enough illumination to see? In most cases no. This is not to be negative but a statement of fact. Even if one were given what they need right in their own hands there would always be a desire for what “else” is out there. Of course this could be said as human nature but I believe this could be but only in certain geographic areas of the world. There are those in this modern fast paced electronic world that are thankful for a single pencil and a piece of paper, a single vital meal, the ability to stand on two legs and walk and having someone to talk with. Let’s be a little more grateful today.

The demarkation point...

By Vichara

From the biggest to the smallest, 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 which makes us unique. And once we identify the catalyst point how do we maintain the seesaw of events in a positive way to move us forward and not backward in a constant primordial state. Perhaps it is in those 3 Things I refer to all of the time; Love – to retain a sense of support. Patience – to be able to wait and help each other along the way and Compassion – to remember how we all feel in similar situations and circle back to the beginning – Love.

Even in a small way...

By Vichara

Regardless of your position in life, your status amongst the rich and famous, the powerful and the meek, we are all comprised of the exact same chemical combination to produce this breathing, thinking, talking humanoid being. Some will abuse this presence while in their lifetime and others will ignite the compassionate element and try to leave this world a little bit better. Face it, we will all die at some point, wouldn’t you want to use this small amount of time that has been given to you to make a difference in the world? Even in a small unselfish way, it’s up to you.

A new course...

By Vichara

We are tempted everyday through the prism of deception. Our view and desires are shaped by the sense of inadequacy every which way we turn during the course of the day. You are not cool enough unless you have this thing or you will never shine and be noticed unless you have that. The latest toys, gadgets and doohickeys all to support this supposed sense of inadequacy. If there is one thing our current financial crisis has been teaching us is there are many things we truly do not need when it really comes down to it. The phoenix that should rise from these ashes of gluttony and greed is the essentials and a clearer vision of how to sustain a life without the excess. A GPS with a moral and ethical guidance system that will unify and not divide.

Walking through a minefield...

By Vichara

The human face can make more than ten thousand expressions. Ten thousand! It is no wonder that human relationships can be like walking through a minefield. We are needed on a daily basis to deal with many people and the myriad of emotions generated. Unless we temper these encounters with patience and compassion we will surely trip up our reactions in these interactions. But given the frenetic energy that is commonly forced upon us we all need to take great pains to elements of this pace down. This will help enable us to recognize the commonalities of expressions shared, the roots of these emotions shared and how we can work together more effectively to resolve differences with yes, Patience and Compassion.

You go first...

By Vichara

“You go first!” “No, you go first” A lot of people don’t like being first, being the first in line, maybe even you…but you are going first. You may not think you so but you are right at the head of the line by just being you. You are first because there is only one of you. You are first with very unique qualities and things you do. You are first in the way you talk, walk and react. You may think that you are the same as others but even with what you perceive as the same, in the variations there will never, ever be another you…ever. So while you think you follow in step with others you blaze new trails, even in small ways, by just being you. Don’t discard this thought, use this to bolster the confidence you have and enhance the unique individuality you possess to step out first, like we do everyday.

Escapism...

By Vichara

You cannot escape with escapism. Just when you believe that you have left “whatever” behind, perhaps by some distractions you think will chase it away, it always comes back. You truly cannot escape from things because once a question, incident or task manifests itself within your path it needs to be resolved. The circumstance of events creates things especially for you and others to facilitate growth and understanding. Once it has presented itself it is there for a reason to be addressed. It is not just “bad” things but “good” things as well. It is all of them because ultimately they all have value and worth. Don’t try to escape, shake hands with it, learn and grow.

What you create...

By Vichara

You will burn yourself with the fire you create. You will cut yourself with razor words you flail about and you diminish yourself with the limitations you place yourself. It is your choice what path you choose. In the creation of one’s actions also comes responsibility of accepting the consequences. We will all develop defense mechanisms that try to justify the results and proceeds of what we do but if our actions stand on their own, without excuses, the path will be clearer. Yes we all will falter from time to time but in the mere act of conducting your words and deeds with the foundation of compassion, love and patience you steps moving forward will be unencumbered and instilled a clearer confidence and vision.

Searching for truth...

By Vichara

Don’t search for truth, simply stop having opinions. Think of how many opinions we have in one day. Too many to really recall I would speculate. When there are to many they can obscure the intuitive insight that we all have. Our consciousness is like a vast and limitless clear blue sky and our ideas and opinions are like clouds passing by. When we focus on the clouds we miss out on the empty vastness and the ability to gain insight. Sometimes you may want to stop frantically trying to have an opinion about what is going on and simply say, “don’t know”. By embracing the “don’t know” confusion will dissipate and your intuitive nature grows stronger. In Zen wisdom is not found by having ideas but experiencing life directly through not knowing.

Go the distance...

By Vichara

Where can you go tomorrow when you have not even “lived” this day yet? Yes there is some element of preparedness that would and prove to be useful but more than likely if you were cognizant in each moment the resolve and resources would be apparent. So let’s see if we can go the distance, just for today. No I’m not talking about lacing up your shoes for a 20K but lacing up the whole package, mind, body & soul. See if we can make a difference today even if it is in a minor, it’s still significant. As that sports company says, just do it! See you out on the track!

Silence needs you...

By Vichara

Silence needs you as much as you need silence. The cacophony has its friends and it’s place but our friend silence needs to be part of our frenetic lifestyle as well. Silence is needed as a place where we can weigh out the options presented to us, focus the signal of optimism, gratitude and compassion. Use the silence’s calming presence to energize the battery of forgiveness for oneself and for others. With silence all can be measured, weighed, evaluated and resolved with efficiency.

We will remember them...

By Vichara

…and with the going down of the sun, we will remember them. Today marks the day that around the country we take time to remember those family members and people that we know that served their country to defend the freedoms we now know. To some it is just a day off from school or work with little acknowledgment of the reasons why. And for some rightly so as they may not have a direct connection to those that an early age decided willingly that it was the noble thing to do to defend their country and others from threats to our lives and freedom. While not necessarily attractive to be proud of things our veterans did during the course of battle, we can honor their courage that they thought it was the right things to do and retain the freedoms that we sometimes take for granted. My father and 5 of my uncles did this in WWII and all came back and for that I thank them and remember them today.

Be hungry for life...

By Vichara

Be hungry for life. Look at what you are seeing like it will be the last time you see it. “Here” is where the colors will become more vivid, “here is where the sounds of nature more pronounced and sweeter, “here” is where the fragrance of tree, flowers and fruit will seem just a bit more enhanced. Of course it is your choice. You can reach for this deeper sense of connection with the world around you or keep rushing by with impatience that will never give you the quality you deserve and need. It can all start right now.

So much with so little...

By Vichara

We need so little, but want so much. We speak so much, but have so little to say. We can travel so far, but get much further just where we are. The pitfalls and pleasures of bring able to live in a time and place where opportunities and “things” are in abundance for those that can find the means and ways to obtain and can acquire. We revel in these items with their cleverness and ingenuity and even believe that we could not live without them. So many things, so much noise designed for a vision of someone we believe we are but this vision of ourselves is so far in the distance, we can never catch up with it. For those who want to, stop, pull back the reins a bit of perceived need and instead of using 10 things to get through a day, use 1 and use it well. Instead of speaking volumes without great substance, speak less but with clarity and compassion.

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.

The root...

By Vichara

So much time and energy is focused on the symptoms and side affects but there is sometimes a failure to look at the “root” of the situation. Is there an inability to understand the importance, an emotional disconnecting, a physical challenge, and a reluctance that would expose the inefficiencies of particular situations? We all dance around the causes in an effort not to be drawn into the turmoil but it is in the middle of the turmoil where the strong impetus will lay to initiate the change, the cure and the answers. If we do not address the root(s) of situations it will ultimately create more challenges that will compound on the existing ones and like a flock of sheep run away on you. Round up these sheep and shear them of these situational causes and effects and get to the root.

The spark...

By Vichara

You are probably not going to like this at all. Besides being Monday there is something else that you need to be concerned about that is very important. I’m not sure how to broach this and I’m not even sure I should. Perhaps in exposing this it could have a reaction in you and others and create a profound change. Ok, after all I have a responsibility to pass this that is given to me and let you judge. “So you breathe, so you live. So you create and from creation come inspiration. From inspiration is the spark you will share and help those around you.” Each and every one of us has this ability and it is stirring as you read this. Do not discount or diminish this ability because it has the power to transform even the smallest way. This ability to give and receive compassion is the key to unlocking the channels of perception. As when these are open the unification of the spirit we share grows stronger, you heart opens more and we transcend the disruptive and useless pettiness we encounter. Breathe and ignite this spark.

The ultimate power source...

By Vichara

You are one of the billions of un-tethered energy sources of the world. Within you is a power source that is immeasurable and renewable that can change the physical world around you. While yes this energy can do harm it is at it’s best and most effective when it is connected and unified with others to do well. There will be times when you think the amperage that is present within you is too low to be any good to anything or anyone. This is where your limitations are misguided. Every energy inch of what you embody is extremely powerful. Do not discount that. You have the complete ability to increase this internal energy at any given moment by the switch of love & compassion. This is the A/C and D/C of existence. Power up and use this and the world around you will be brighter and better. Not solar powered but soul powered.