To the New Year...

By Vichara

The year is coming to an end and we have exchanged gifts with affection and gratitude. There has been joy and sadness with those that we reconnected with those that have left us. With the flipping over of the calendar we all have both excitement and apprehension. Use that space in between those two to plant the seeds of potential in compassion, love and patience. From here no matter where the road takes it will be well grounded. Let me give you one last gift for the holiday season to take with you to the New Year. “Death” is inescapable, it will come regardless but at the same time “Life” is inescapable as well. Don’t waste it on the past that cannot be changed, use it for the future and what you can do to change the world around you for the better.

The next wave...

By Vichara

We are swimming upwards in the last few feet towards the surface, to the light, to the air, to the New Year that awaits us all. What will happen when we reach the surface, the New Year? Will there be a tsunami that will force you down many leagues an initiate another struggle upwards again to break free or will you initiate the fortitude and resilience that has been lying dormant and finally kick it into high gear. It is up to you; no truly it is when it come down to it. Once on the surface the waves of challenge can be massive like those in our mighty oceans or the size of a ripple in a mud puddle. Every one of you out there has the height and the strength to overcome and to stand tall to what the New Year brings. The power comes from a renewable source that is charged by Love, Compassion and Patience. The more you put in the more resilient and inspired you will be. But again…it is up to you.

Happiness...

By Vichara

If you could be anywhere elsewhere would it be? Possibly what year would it be? Or even what universe? Regardless of where or when it may be I would bet good money that the common element that all of us share is that we want happiness. And I would double down on the bet that it would not be an ephemeral happiness but you all would want a much more longer lasting, deep happiness. We all know from the reminders in this forum that all is impermanent. It is after all, the first of the 4 Noble Truths. But there are ways to be happy but you will not find it in the acquisition of objects or in chemical or alcohol diversions. They after all are all again, impermanent. Unhappiness comes from our desire and craving for things that are well…impermanent. Because when they don’t last, which all things don’t, we are sad. End the unhappiness by eliminating the desires and craving you have for things impermanent and enjoy the moments of happiness as they pass by like clouds. Be “present” with openness for happiness to reach you, be felt by you and pass on its way to be felt by someone else.

Steps forward...

By Vichara

It seems even more so these days we need to reach out farther with our hearts. Perhaps it’s that the images and TV news can go deeper and retrieve that which has never been seen before or our cognitive abilities have grown more sensitive. Regardless of how it’s presence is brought to our attention it is there and we need to make a choice. We can process what we see through the lens of indignation and see the injustices but just be reactionary without results. Look through the lens of indifference and remain in a state of apathy and on the fence of indecision or process through the lens of inspiration “see” what is there and needed and make steps forward to help change happen for the good. Even if they are small steps of assistance at least they are steps forward…with a clearer vision.

The giving heart...

By Vichara

Today begins the final days of the year and with these days a number of altruistic activities become more abundant. We are asked, with the sub-text nature of this month, to be a little more mindful of those less fortunate. We are asked in the spirit of giving that has become mutated to donate time, money and various items to various groups and individuals that will somehow make up for the other 11 months of the year. While it is good to applaud any efforts to shift our self-indulgent mind to be cognizant of others it is always good to remind yourself that the same people that you help this single month of the year still need our empathy and help the other 11 months. One activity may provide a temporary salve in this month of giving but it may be good to remember the wound of need will always need assistance and not only in December.

Shedding the trivial...

By Vichara

The body regenerates 50 trillion cells everyday. Your body therefore in this process has changed into virtually a new person. Given this fact we all have an opportunity to use this similar process to shed those things unimportant and trivial just as our bodies shed unnecessary cells in it’s natural process of change. Change happens…it’s a good thing, embrace it.

This day...

By Vichara

We all assume tat 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 bird 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.

Searching for answers...

By Vichara

We are all searching for “answers”. What if there are none to be found? What if what we find is merely the “bread crumbs” on a path that is put there just to keep us moving forward. Moving forward to what? The answer? To some form of understanding? Some peace? I don’t know but I believe for the sake of keeping ones sanity it may be beneficial to have the faith to believe. Faith that this journey that has led us to this physical being of skin & bones that we inhabit was created for a reason. We may not be put here to find the perceived big answers but perhaps to help others to find it.

Something to remember...

By Vichara

Don’t wait until you are 90 to understand how life itself is the path.

Motivation...

By Vichara

“The fearless hero is a loving child”. Are there things right now in your life that is making you scared? Out of this fear you are projecting is there an exterior that is hard like armor? If we adapt, as the Koan suggests, a loving heart we will find the powers to overcome these changes. It is almost like if instead of you stand rigid and get bombarded by “life”, virtually being ground down, you become more fluid and resilient by being not motivated into action by love. You have heard of the extraordinary power people get being motivated by love? If you use powers of compassion and love the resources you need become more readily available to you. By having the ability to be more vulnerable you become stronger not motivated by fear but by love.

Try to remember...

By Vichara

There are others that feel just the way you do. Remember yesterday when you were waiting for the light to turn green or making your coffee at work. Or just before you drifted off to sleep and that good feeling came over you. Then there was last week and you remembered that person that you once thought you knew. With variances we share so many feelings but we sometimes don’t see them. While yes we are all unique individuals with unique life stories there are many commonalities that we do share that we may forget to remember through all of our frenetic activities. Try to remember as we approach this last part of the year and the holiday season that golden rule to treat others how you wish to be treated.

The step forward...

By Vichara

You can begin again. This could be the day, the hour, the minute, the right moment where, if you believe, the planets and stars align for you to make that decision you need, desire and is necessary. What is it your soul needs to make? That shift to get up and step forward. What will be the catalyst you need? You know you have been waiting for that sign for so very long and it is so needed you will recognize it in a heartbeat. Because it is in that one heartbeat is where the vista will rise up to meet you. What will you do with this moment when it arrives? Will you give it a casual glance and turn away? Will you hand over your ticket of acceptance and get on board for the ride? It is up to you. In this democracy of the heart, mind & spirit it will be your decision because it will you that will face the sunrise of tomorrow by making the decision of today.

Is this all there is?...

By Vichara

Are there days where it feels like you get up, push “play” and repeat? You get up, push “play” and repeat? You get up push “play” and repeat? It may seem that way which can raise questions and anxieties and is “this” all there is? While it may seem to have this repetitive nature to it there are fine subtleties that occur every moment that we may not recognize. When there is some feeling of the “same old” you have already raised your cognitive awareness, which brings you to the next step. Turn left, turn right, stop and take a moment to shift things. Take some time away from the conveyer belt of things…even for a few moments. This shift could break the repetitive nature and open the door to new discoveries. Open the door to new discoveries. Open the door to new discoveries.

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’ journey. The spark of creativity comes in many different forms but you can make it happen.

The step forward...

By Vichara

You can begin again. This could be the day, the hour, the minute, the right moment where, if you believe, the planets and stars align for you to make that decision you need, desire and is necessary. What is it your soul needs to make? That shift to get up and step forward. What will be the catalyst you need? You know you have been waiting for that sign for so very long and it is so needed you will recognize it in a heartbeat. Because it is in that one heartbeat is where the vista will rise up to meet you. What will you do with this moment when it arrives? Will you give it a casual glance and turn away? Will you hand over your ticket of acceptance and get on board for the ride? It is up to you. In this democracy of the heart, mind & spirit it will be your decision because it will you that will face the sunrise of tomorrow by making the decision of today.

A question of giving...

By Vichara

Today begins the final days of this year and with these days a number of altruistic activities become more abundant. We are asked, with the sub textual nature of this month, to be a little more mindful of those less fortunate. We are asked in the spirit of giving that has become mutated to donate time, money and various items to various groups and individuals that will somehow make up for the other 11 months of the year. While it is good to applaud any efforts to shift our self-indulgent mind to be cognizant of others it is always good to remind yourself that the same people that you help in this single month of the year will still need our empathy and help the other 11 months. One activity may provide a temporary salve in this month of giving but it may be good to remember the wound of need will always need assistance and not only in December.

Transcendence...

By Vichara

What is it that will inspire you to reach beyond the barrier of conformity and step into the realm of transcendence? Will you find it in your sock drawer, on the #3 lane on the freeway, in the half-filled coffee mug in front of you? Where will it be? It’s out there in many places and you will find it when you are ready. When you lift your own resistance to the “possibilities” turn the corner of “complicacy” and desire more illumination. I don’t necessarily recommend conducting a search for it; it can be a slippery fellow. Instead if you have more presence in your step, a little more cognizant value to your vision things there will be a better chance of discovery. However, I wouldn’t necessarily count out finding it in your sock drawer.

Smile...

By Vichara

“You smile the world changes”. It is often said that the simplest things can be profound. What could be anymore than just that than a simple smile given out of compassion and love? One of the most basic human needs is to feel love. It is love that can lift us out of sense of separateness, which is the root of suffering. If we simply smile out of love we reach out across the separateness and connect with the world around us in profound ways. You may have been in a situation, maybe somewhere you didn’t know the language being spoken but with a shared smile you create a bridge of communication that transcends language. When we smile, others will smile. When we show compassion others will show compassion and what better place to start than with a simple smile? ☺

What are you thankful for?...

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.

Speak up...

By Vichara

If you have the answers, speak up. If they have manifested with innocence and purity they will have value. If they have risen through maliciousness and vengeance they will fall flat, as they should.

The search...

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.

Objects may appear larger...

By Vichara

Objects may appear larger is written on most of the rear view mirrors in the vehicles that we drive. Of course in this forum you know it is placed there to remind us to be cognizant of moving objects that are whizzing past all the time. Where this warning is not written in plain sight is in our daily lives. We encounter so many things in our day that will seem so much larger than they appear. Something somebody says in passing that is probably a whisper seems like a scream. An encounter with an issue you are dealing with that on the surface to others maybe small as a gnat but looms to you so large they appear like a monster from a silly “B” movie. Perhaps in these moments when distortion misaligns the actual truth we need to get up and walk away from the mirror for a moment until whatever you are dealing with reduces to it’s actual size. Then driving forward with clarity and equanimity the possible overwhelming presence of objects will be reduced to it’s actual manageable size. Don’t forget to use your turn signals.

Walking among the dead...

By Vichara

We walk among the dead even though they are breathing, walking and talking. The dead are mired in a self-possessed world where there is very little cognizant value that they give others beyond the perfunctory tasks they perform for the dead. The dead believe they are seeing but their vision is myopic at best and life’s peripheral existence does not even illuminate in their eyes to any great extent. The dead can hear but there is very little that registers other then their voices and maybe some of what the other dead are saying. There is some confusion for the dead when thing don’t go quite the way they want it to go but like an over-stimulated child they drop whatever it was and go on. In their wake the dead leave the debris of unfulfilled promises that they made to others to get what they wanted. The dead see only themselves. The question when you look in the mirror – are you alive or one of the dead?

Sitting around...

By Vichara

People who may think that when you sit in meditation is just sitting around and doing nothing but breathing are misinformed. On the surface a person sitting just seems to be just involved in some exercise of being still and not dealing with anything. While yes in the very obvious physical this is true and you are being still but inside things are moving along. With this exercise you give your body and mind a chance to re-engage and connect. It gives your entire system the opportunity to slow down for a period of time and set the controls of the body up once again to deal with the events of the day. While sitting the channels that need the vital sustaining elements have a chance to open up and fill. While those switches and gears are being set up for the day the time spent sitting clears the internal horizon. So when you do take that first step into your day your ability to “see” is greatly enhanced…even sometimes with the aid of caffeine.

Search for answers...

By Vichara

We all just want answers, all the time. Is this the right thing to do? Does this look ok? Will I be all right? Did I hurt their feelings? Do they like me? Reassurance of not only of your safety and well-being but safety and reassurance of your heart. For the most of us we need to know in to some degree, if in those that we invest our heart and spirit in do actually care for us. A very hard question to answer with true conviction. The caution here however is if there is a dependence on someone else’s measurement then you will always be in a flux and increase your need for reassurance and answers. Find comfort and confidence in you first. Build an identity of yourself with compassion and patience and you will gain a foundation where the search for answers and reassurance will decrease and a life with conviction and confidence will increase.

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.

A Monday Koan...

By Vichara

”The fearless hero is a loving child”. Compassion brings courage and the power to overcome fear. We often hear stories of fearlessness when individuals are motivated by love. Great feats of strength, resourcefulness from the most unlikely sources. We all have these qualities. While having an innocent and loving heart of a child we can have the resilience and stamina of a well trained athlete. The fear may never completely disappear but creating this resilient armor you can face most obstacles. Take the attitude of a compassionate heart and you can fearlessly meet the challenges you meet everyday. Do not succumb to cynicism or defensiveness but be polished by life rather then be ground down by it. You can raise up your armor when needed but remember a true hero’s strength lies in their compassion and openness, not in their armor.

Spread the news...

By Vichara

Bad news sells, good news sits waiting for the bus. Perhaps by watching all the negative news that it in a way lessons the severity of our own personal problems, but I think not. It is what the media wants you to believe but I do believe there is an alternative. While yes human tragedy and depravity will always exist, it is up to each one of us to try to tip the see-saw of negative news by contributing one good act a day. There are many people out there that are doing this as you read this but most will go unnoticed. It is of no fault of their own, just our cultural indulgence of the negative. How about when you encounter or are involved in a “good” thing that you spread the news and like that old commercial, they will tell 2 friends and they will 2 friends and so on and so on. The tide can turn away from most of the negative; one voice at a time…spread the news.

A myopic shift...

By Vichara

It is not the past that comes back to haunt you, it’s the present revealing the reality of the moment through the lens of accumulative events. Your life up to this moment is how you reflect and project how you perceive. It may be a bit selfish but there is an integral element of self preservation locked into our vision. Given the need to build a bridge of cooperation, even more so today, it would be advantageous to bring in a greater element of empathy into our lives. By incorporating this we can shift our myopic view of the world to a broader out reach of compassion and cooperation. While never really an easy task to incorporate another person’s views, it is imperative so we shift our isolationist vision to a more universal understanding.

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!

Search for answers...

By Vichara

We all just want answers, all the time. Is this the right thing to do? Does this look ok? Will I be all right? Did I hurt their feelings? Do they like me? Reassurance of not only of your safety and well-being but safety and reassurance of your heart. For the most of us we need to know in to some degree, if in those that we invest our heart and spirit in do actually care for us. A very hard question to answer with true conviction. The caution here however is if there is a dependence on someone else’s measurement then you will always be in a flux and increase your need for reassurance and answers. Find comfort and confidence in you first. Build an identity of yourself with compassion and patience and you will gain a foundation where the search for answers and reassurance will decrease and a life with conviction and confidence will increase.

Find your balance...

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.

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.

Saddle up!...

By Vichara

Time to gird up your loins, take the spear of perception and hold it firmly in one hand and in the other, the shield of self-preservation. It is time to once again step out beyond the safety of your abode and face the myriad of concepts, ideas and a parade of personalities. Sounds like a description from a Grade B gladiator film eh? Well yes, but it is not too far from the truth. We can try to hide away and not face interactions but the funny thing is that they will always find us…no matter what. None of us are completely equipped to handle every situation, so then how do we at least attempt to? We can start by building a metaphorical foundation that is less reactionary and more porous & transparent. Wait you say, if it is porous we will be vulnerable. No, infused in this foundation is the netting of compassion. Anything that passes through will be filtered through and tempered by this crucial element and delivered with less reaction and more compassion. Saddle up Peace Warriors!

The cards that we play...

By Vichara

There are days when life seems like playing cards with everyone but the cards are blank and no one is sure of the rules. Sure you know that you are engaged in some kind of exercise and because there are cards there is something tangible but there is a missing part. What is the missing part? Is it understanding? Is it compassion? Is it empathy? Is it belief? Or is it just plain human decency? What is the goal of this game that we engage in for our waking hours? Is there some satisfying conclusion that we are aiming for? To some it may be small while others grand but we all will have some wish for the outcome. I know that this thought brings up more questions than answers but perhaps that is the goal. To put images on the cards that we play and to let us know that we are all playing a fair game.

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.

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.

Boooooooo!!!!

By Vichara

BOO! We’re you scared? Did you get frightened? Don’t worry it’s not a nasty ghoulish goblin here to make you shiver with fright; it’s something scarier it’s…YOU! Ooooooh no! Yes you creator of all the fearful things, the master of mayhem & macabre. Scarier than Chuckie, Jason & Freddy, it’s you. How do you stop being so scared? It’s not with a crucifix and garlic, it’s something more rare than exotic potions, lotions and incantations it’s with…compassion. Compassion for yourself and others around you. By adding a dollop of this magical property into your lives the walls of resistance and reticence begin to reduce themselves and your vision of existence starts to become clearer. And from clarity comes understanding and equanimity. But since it’s Halloween don’t forget a wooden stake in case you run into a vampire!...BOOOO!!!

Balance...

By Vichara

You can’t take care of things unless you are taking care of yourself. For the most part there is no AAA that can be used; it’s up to you. The methodology for the external is fairly simple. Eat well-balanced nutritious meals, keep yourself hydrated, enjoy some physical activity on a regular basis, try to refrain from excessive abuse in using alcohol or drugs and get enough rest. The maintenance of the internal can be far more rigorous and challenging. The corridors of the mind can be fraught with anxieties and frustration. It can run to the extreme ends of pure joy and love. The key to the maintenance for the internal is not as pragmatic as the external but their success is both based on balance, the middle way. We all know how we feel when we overindulge and for some of us we know when there is a complete void of both love and nutrition. This is not an avocation of an austere lifestyle but a promotion of leading a balanced life filled with exploration tempered with compassion. From this vista you will gain access to the tools that will not only engage you to take care of yourself successfully but also the world around you – internally and externally.

Lesson your suffering...

By Vichara

Right view, right resolve, right speech, right conduct, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness and right concentration. Some may recognize these from the Buddhist “eightfold path”. Guideposts that leads to the cessation of suffering. Regardless of where they come from they are powerful things to set in place to create a mindset that encourages and helps us lead better lives. Can we achieve all of these, yes. Will it be easy to achieve all of these, no. There are many temptations linked to desires that will be tempting. They are “smoke and mirrors” of Maya presenting itself daily in our lives. While in any culture the desires to obtain, own, hold and collect is difficult to overcome but in those with media manipulation it becomes even harder. Recognizing this fact is half the battle but from that perspective you can gain a better resolve and create a starting point where you can build the foundation of components of the eightfold path and lesson your individual suffering and of course lesson suffering globally.

Key to happiness?...

By Vichara

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

The same, but different...

By Vichara

There is an old Zen proverb that says “Before enlightenment, chop wood, carry water. After enlightenment, chop wood, carry water”. No matter how far we have gone or great things we have learned we still needs to attend to the same tasks as before. That’s not to say not to be happy and enjoy our accomplishments. We need to keep in perspective that life and time moves forward and we all must attend to those activities that are necessary. One thing however you may find with some deeper understanding (or enlightenment) that sometimes even the basic actvities take on a new light and could tranform themselves from menial to actual enjoyment. Who knows you may even enjoy cutting wood and hauling water, heaving the fish nets, setting the trap lines, tilling the soil and shoveling the cow dung…ok, those are old school. How about just going to work then.

Escapism...

By Vichara

Escapism is subjective. One man’s heaven can be another man’s hell. By various means we try to alleviate the turmoil that can sometimes spin out of control around us. For every person there is a means and a way. Drugs, booze, sex, spending, sports, gambling, etc. These are but a few means at our disposal. For every degree of turmoil there is perceived to be a degree of escapism that can soothe or temper what is invading our lives. There is no invasion, there is no personal attack, there is no vindictive cause, it is just “life” unfolding in all it’s colorful majesty. It is no escapism that will change things; it is equanimity in your acceptance of these events that will quell the storm clouds. Not a resigned acceptance, but one of pragmatism and resolve to see things as they are and accept the answers and solutions, no matter what they are

A shift...

By Vichara

There is so much manipulation that happens even in the smallest of communities. If in the larger corporate world if you find a chink in the armor of those you deal with it is seen as virtuous by some. On a small scale a child see the lack of ability in another and will make fun of that person. Either one is a reflection of their own inabilities to take a perceived deficiency and twist it to their own gain and amusement. Of course this type of activity goes on everyday and has been, without good merit, accepted human behavior. But what if we could change that paradigm, starting just each one of us and like a small stone tossed into a puddle ripple out to others changing manipulation to understanding and compassion.

Standing guard...

By Vichara

Tradition calls upon one self to react and feel specific ways to various events in life both happy and sad. Being somewhat dictated by these expected and pre-described reactions can only lead to confusion and self-deception. You need to trust in how you feel and what you feel and in reacting naturally to the situations your response will be honest and in the present. Try to be cognizant of the possible manipulation that may be used on you. Breathe and figuratively step back to check in with yourself. Allow you to gauge the best way to participate or step away from every situation. This will guard your heart, your mind and bolster your natural mechanism to deal with fools and manipulators.

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.

Saddle up!...

By Vichara

Time to gird up your loins, take the spear of perception and hold it firmly in one hand and in the other, the shield of self-preservation. It is time to once again step out beyond the safety of your abode and face the myriad of concepts, ideas and a parade of personalities. Sounds like a description from a Grade B gladiator film eh? Well yes, but it is not too far from the truth. We can try to hide away and not face interactions but the funny thing is that they will always find us…no matter what. None of us are completely equipped to handle every situation, so then how do we at least attempt to? We can start by building a metaphorical foundation that is less reactionary and more porous & transparent. Wait you say, if it is porous we will be vulnerable. No, infused in this foundation is the netting of compassion. Anything that passes through will be filtered through and tempered by this crucial element and delivered with less reaction and more compassion. Saddle up Peace Warriors!

Quick to judge...

By Vichara

“Water is one essence: but drunk by a cow it becomes milk, while drunk by a snake it becomes poison”. When something sp pure and simple is given to two different people the results and proceeds can be completely opposite to each other. Yes simple and self-evident it is interesting to see this example in our daily lives. You may hear how someone has worked hard on something and is reaping the rewards of this and someone may see this hard work as a means to be greedy and manipulative. One simple act consumed by two people and two different results. One observation is milk, the other poison. In our frenetic pace we can be quick to pass judgment on someone and what they do. We can all take a moment before our personal gavel strikes down in judgment to insure that we are not creating more unnecessary poison in the world.

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.

Landscaping...

By Vichara

While there is a certain degree of disregard to those who tend to look at the world through “rose-colored glasses”, there is some need for a daily fresh outlook for everyone. Yes, while it can seem a bit naïve and simple with a cheery outlook by elevating (either naturally or with a little encouraging push) oneself out of the daily negative aspects, could change the whole landscape that you and those around you walk upon. It all changes with one decision…and you.

Embracing change...

By Vichara

If there were ways to reassure ourselves that things on a daily basis would be ok I am confident most of us would seize the opportunity. However the undercurrent impermanence of everything has domain over every aspect of every moment of every day and creates challenges for us. We can choose an erratic existence and be troubled by everything or we can be strong like water, flowing along, embracing and learning from change.

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.

The bus is waiting...

By Vichara

Reflect for just a moment on how you are feeling right now, this very minute…don’t drift over to something you need to do next or what happened yesterday, stay here, right now, without drifting. Happy? sad? anxious? peaceful?...it doesn’t matter as long as it is right now. Far too much time is spent in the abstracts of past and future. Yes we do learn from our past and we plan for the concept of the future but by not being here, cognizant of this moment is like waiting at the bus stop and missing the bus. It only stops “now” for you. Get your ticket and don’t miss the bus, there is always a seat waiting for you…now.

Change can happen...

By Vichara

With a new day can there be a new change? An obvious question that, considering the exposed fragilities and conflicts, seems to be on the minds of many. I don’t believe that this could be answered in one easy way. Instead of looking out there (T.V., newspapers, internet) for the answers I think that using a figurative mirror on our selves will begin to help. By only reflecting on how we incorporate the world in our lives will be able to help initiate change. Yes it is obvious that the world issues are very large and overwhelming. Do not be discouraged, change can and will come but only if we change ourselves, one small piece at a time. You are not alone, we are not alone, they are not alone, everything is interconnected so if we change, the whole world changes.

Change the world...

By Vichara

There are many out there that feel the compulsion to be constantly informed with the latest news stories from around the globe. Most of them reported are negative. The need to know becomes an obsession to see the suffering of the world. Do we need to be informed of the suffering of the world? Do you not believe the world is suffering? Are you not clear with this concept? There is one thing to be informed but there is another thing to have this constant parade of suffering on your TV or radio all day long. Are you going to do anything to improve it? If not, stop watching it. You are not helping the situation for you or anyone else. Find one small way to change things around you for the better. Build on this foundation and the world will be transformed before your eyes.

Complaint Chain Reaction...

By Vichara

There are so many happy things in our lives and yet it seems easier to NOT be happy at times. Problem is not being happy can grind the beauty of the day into fine grains that will blow away with the next slightest breeze. It is tough not to complain. Complaining can sometimes be the valve to release tensions and anxiety into the universe and get it out of your system. Of course by releasing it, it needs to go somewhere and that could be a problem because it will reach someone else (either orally or visually) and possibly create a CCR. No, not the famous rock band but a Complaint Chain Reaction (CCR). So how do we ease the world from too much complaining and create chain reactions? We get ourselves a big glass Mason Jar, the kind that your Grandma would put her famous strawberry jam in. We shall call it our CCR Jar and when we find ourselves wanting to complain we take the lid off the jar, release all of the complaints into it, put the lid back on tightly, hold it up in front of us and notice something. Notice that sometimes its just a lot of hot air that appears to be nothing.

A new vision...

By Vichara

Gandhi once said, “an eye for an eye, makes the whole world blind”. Let’s say now, today, as we wake up and meet the world – “a heart for a heart makes the whole world see”. By engaging in one simple act of kindness rooted in a compassionate heart, we can make a difference. On simple act will inspire another to another to another until it becomes a force and not a tiny voice as some perceive it to be. By bucking the system of negativity we can take control of a world with a vision of love, patience and compassion.

The truth...

By Vichara

The truth does not lay in the facts but in the intuitive ability to recognize the truth. The truth as we tend to know it can be a collection of words, concepts and syllables and subject to deception by the person who wants to convince you of something. It is only when you gain the intuitive ability to feel and recognize the truth being projected with words will you know the honest truth.

A dynamic reaction...

By Vichara

We may find it difficult to achieve over certain aspects of our lives but that is the simple existence played out in the roles granted to us. The grant should not be perceived as preordained but lead to us trough the dynamic interaction by the divine spirit in us all. As the circumstances are lead to us, so to will the answers and solutions be given to us.

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.

Grateful...

By Vichara

There are those that even if you were to put everything they need right in their hands there would always be a desire for what “else” is out there. An obsessive desire to acquire and to have more than is necessary. Yes it is nice to be comfortable but in excess it is obscene, especially in our current world and it’s troubles. There are those even in this fast paced electronic world that are thankful for a single pencil and a piece of paper. A single vital meal and the ability to stand on two legs and walk. While yes the element of guilt lays in this message it is only set there to try to have us all be a little more grateful today.

Compassion footprint...

By Vichara

These days there is a great deal of emphasis in recognizing our “carbon footprint” in this world and try to reduce it. I think the same kind of principles can be applied to increase our “compassion footprint” in the world. As we do little things to lesson the carbon footprint (i.e. using reusable water bottles, fluorescent light bulbs, etc) likewise we can do little things to increase our compassion footprint. Like be more forgiving of yourself and others, telling someone you love and care about them for no apparent reason, help someone that looks lost and discover the answer together, hold the door for one more person, make a phone call to someone just to tell them how much they mean to you. You get the picture. Reduce carbon, increase compassion.

Embracing change...

By Vichara

If there were ways to reassure ourselves that tings on a daily basis would be ok I am confident most of us would seize the opportunity. However the undercurrent impermanence of everything has domain over every aspect of every moment of every day and creates challenges for us. We can choose an erratic existence and be troubled by everything or we can be strong like water, flowing along, embracing and learning from change.

Your wake...

By Vichara

Be cognizant of your own wake, both internally and externally. Internally in your thoughts that you do not create deceptive and negative thoughts that will impede the growth of your heart and keep it from compassionate actions. Externally with your voice and actions so that words and deeds will not hinder another's growth. You have a choice, your wake can create a malicious intent or it can ply the waters of life with grace tempered by love, patience and compassion. It's up to you, you're in control.

Waves of emotions...

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?

Portals of realization....

By Vichara

For most of us we rarely get time to contemplate and reflect with our daily busy schedules but sometimes here are small windows along the way. Portals of realization. Like when I'm sitting in traffic that is not really moving and one of the voices in a podcasts says something intriguing and it lifts the bottom of the big circus tent just enough where you might be able to see / feel something...then the light changes. However there was this one broadcast the other night that was taking about the sense of meaning to it all...and I mean to IT all. He referenced Nietzsche and something he posed called the "most difficult question". You may have heard this but it is not something inherently we all deep down think about too much. What if all of "this" is meaningless and is all just a complete waste of time? Not a comforting thought to have whilst driving the freeway and trying to battle my way over 3 lanes to get to the correct lane to get home right? But while it is a tough nugget to bite on it does (at least for me at this time) act as a catalyst to react in a different way. Don't let it gnaw on you in a nihilistic way and to submission but rather find the impetus and look for that sometimes illusive portal to find meaning. Be it in something creative, musical, writing, painting, something that uses the hands with the earth, uses the hands to build a cabinet, uses the hands to help others. It does sound a bit Pollyanna-like but I think we do face and see way too much nihilistic behavior everyday and if we can all try to turn the "boats" around against this current we would realize that the current is actually going the other way. Well that's the way I see it anyway.

The parade...

By Vichara

Again the day breaks and awakens from whatever part of the globe you live in, today’s parade of events. At any given time there are millions of parades, some trumpeting quietly, some acknowledging themselves with the not so subtlety of clanging metal of tanks and bullets. We will all participate in one of more of these parades in a day and join others in celebration and communication of unfolding events around us all. We are at times drawn into a parade somewhat unwillingly but once we are there we do all have a choice, to follow along with that parade or guide that parade with others in a new direction based in love, compassion and patience.

The bus is waiting...

By Vichara

Reflect for just a moment on how you are feeling right now, this very minute…don’t drift over to something you need to do next or what happened yesterday, stay here, right now, without drifting. Happy? sad? anxious? peaceful?...it doesn’t matter as long as it is right now. Far too much time is spent in the abstracts of past and future. Yes we do learn from our past and we plan for the concept of the future but by not being here, cognizant of this moment is like waiting at the bus stop and missing the bus. It only stops “now” for you. Get your ticket and don’t miss the bus, there is always a seat waiting for you…now.

More than a scratch...

By Vichara

Look into the eyes of those you meet. Ask them really how they are doing without judgment and know that they just want the same things that you want. Perhaps you can help; perhaps you have some words of encouragement. Maybe they have words to help you. Extend that “hand” with all that surrounds it. Change the world around you, even if it is just a little bit. The playwright George Bernard Shaw said that he wanted to leave a mark in the world, even if it was just a scratch. I think we can all do better than just a simple scratch.

On guard...

By Vichara

Tradition calls upon one self to react and feel specific ways to various events in life both happy and sad. Being somewhat dictated by these expected and pre-described reactions can only lead to confusion and self-deception. You need to trust in how you feel and what you feel and in reacting naturally to the situations your response will be honest and in the present. Try to be cognizant of the possible manipulation that may be used on you. Breathe and figuratively step back to check in with yourself. Allow you to gauge the best way to participate or step away from every situation. This will guard your heart, your mind and bolster your natural mechanism to deal with fools and manipulators.

Smoother sailing...

By Vichara

A boat without a rudder or proper steering mechanism will aimlessly and recklessly travel in all directions and create conflict and havoc with other boaters. There are some boats that even have a rudder but in their organic elements is self-centeredness, anger and an isolationist attitude whish creates a disruptive wake. But out on the horizon are those boats that have rudders created in compassion, courage and confidence. Instinctively you will know when you crossed into their calming wake. Decorate your boat with bright colors and unique personality, turn the rudder and join others in the calming waters of compassion.

A change...

By Vichara

If there is acknowledgment within yourself with a desire for change, you are half way there. If your awareness of the world around is heightened, the seed has been planted. If you find yourself talking about social and moral values, the shift has already happened. Sooner or later and hopefully sooner awareness arises inside you and creates the catalyst for change and moves your dialogue from internal to external. From this point you will be drawn to other voices that will encourage your steps and like kindred souls finally meeting, will set down the demarcation point for change. Not only for you but the world around you. But please remember this, be kind to yourself and move forward with patience, love and compassion.

Lighten the load...

By Vichara

The “road” stretches out in front of us and we question which way to go. We seek guidance of direction for this journey from many sources in hope that whatever advice we have been given or follow will be right. It won’t be some of the time but that is just part of the plan. Mistakes will be made but it is wise not to discard them as they benefit you as much as the triumphs, in fact maybe even more. Sounds simple enough right? Sounds a bit remedial but we will sometimes forget this and fall again over the same “rock” in the road. Pick it up, put it in your “satchel of lessons learned” and take it with you. By having it’s figurative presence with you will raise the cognizant attention you will pay to similar situations and with the other lessons you have learned, lead to the most efficient and logical answers you need. The satchel will not get heavier but lighter. Simple yes, but good things to remember.

The hidden road...

By Vichara

I look at the moon nestled in a bed of stars floating out there, calmly passing through the night sky and think; I will never go there. But I think of where I have been and what I have seen and I believe that lay out, end-to-end, I would probably reach that illuminated orb that has beckoned many. We all regardless of the physical miles, 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 of course the moments when we stand stalled, not seeing the next step from these dead ends, we need to take a moment and breathe. Allow the vista to unfold that hidden road and soon you will be on your way…maybe to the moon

Waiting for Godot...

By Vichara

I find in a number of ways we are all like the characters in the Samuel Beckett play “Waiting For Godot”. We at times are anticipating the arrival of “something” but it fails to show. We bicker and pass time in an endless round of self-deception and mindless viewing while a cast of characters mill in and out filling the canvas of life with muted colors and incomprehensible conjectures. What to do, what to do…nothing. Nothing can be done, we must wait for Godot. What is Godot anyway, God, a wish unfulfilled, an answer to a life puzzle? And as we wait, sitting in just one place taunting our existence with self pity and delusions of grandeur we miss out what may be just pass that Tree and around the corner. Get up Vladimir; put your boots on Estragon, Godot is not coming. You must go to it. Get up it’s around the corner for all of us.

One red light at a time...

By Vichara

Keep your eyes & ears open as much as you can folks because what you see and hear in this second, this minute, this hour will never, ever happen again…ever. It is just part of he wonderful kaleidoscopic ephemeral universe that we all and I mean all, live in. At the core and the key to all of this and the basic element is to be cognizant of this with the simple act of mindfulness with each minute and hour. I know, I know easier said than done right? But even driving we can practice mindfulness and try to arrive peacefully. The wonderful meditation teacher Thich Nhat Hanah suggests that even at a red light we can practice. The red light can be used as a signal, a reminder that there is tension in your body from possibly needing to get somewhere. Use the 10 seconds at the red light to practice some mindful breathing and release the tension in your body. And with the number of red lights we face we might even arrive peacefully.

A better understanding...

By Vichara

It’s one thing to acknowledge another one’s existence on the external level without too much fanfare; it is to acknowledge that person’s internal existence without judgment is where the challenge exists. The physical form is just a collection of bones, skin and blood adorned with fabrics but what that person believes in, dreams about and feel can seem as vast and large as looking out into the ocean. Some things people believe in we will not totally understand because each of our personal experiences and how they are personally interpret them. But here is the tripping point and if we stop, listen and try to understand we can find the commonalities that we could share. From there will be a starting point that will ignite the conversation not to argument and disagreement but to understanding and compassion.

Setting your sails...

By Vichara

Depending on when you read this “thought” your day may have either just started or maybe drawing to a close. If the curtain of the day has just been pulled back you have an opportunity to set your course with the right intent. Now here at this point many of us may get overwhelmed in the list we may mentally create. We may get all excited and the laundry list of actions we may want to follow backs us into a corner of inactivity. Stop! Before this happens breathe and focus on maybe just one for the day. Temper your persistence with patience. Be more open to things difficult to understand. Just something that can act as one guidepost in your journey. Something that will make the day more substantive rather than vacuous. And for those reading this at the end of the day, set your sails with honest reflection on what you can do tomorrow. Either way guide your intent with compassion.

Your energy...

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 but 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.

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?

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.

The whispers of today...

By Vichara

The whispers of today will become the voices of tomorrow. What may begin as a simple thought quietly sitting without great pomp and circumstance could blossom into a profound act or phonetic talisman to lead you (and others) through the mire of confusion. Whatever stages it may appear observe it in the light of brave honesty to see it clearly as it is. All of us are subjected to the delusion of what is forced upon us from outside forces; media, friends and others. So it is up to us individually to take responsibility of these thoughts. They may hold the answers you have needed or someone else has. Their durability and survival will be based on our ability to be honest not only to ourselves but with others around us and to plant these thoughts in love, compassion and patience.

The Present, is here, now...

By Vichara

Move aside “Future”, step to the back “Past”, make room the “Present” is here! For a limited time only…right now…and again…right now, the Present is here. It is jealous and yet indifferent. It wants you to experience its presence but will move forward if you insist in languishing with its siblings, Future and Past. They will indulge your ego by allowing you to think of what has happened and what may happen but the Present will not lure you with false pretenses. It gives you only now with all it’s vivid colors and sounds. So it’s up to you, you can retreat to a time that has already happened or flutter in a future that may not happen or hang out with the cool crowd that’s happening right now…in the Present.

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.

The self or you?...

By Vichara

What is more important; you or your self? The actual you with all the nooks and crannies of emotions or the self which you present to the world? You are probably thinking you can’t have one without the other, they are tied together right? Why yes they are but the self is the entity protected in many ways by the armor of defense mechanisms and projections that you want to show the world. While yes to show a whole you could be fraught with anxieties that if you were out there completely it would be open to possible manipulation by others. Sadly that could be true but not to be more of you, the self that is projected could consume who you truly are and get lost. Think of the self as a comfortable windbreaker jacket, while it can serve its function it is you that is more important.

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.

Escapism...

By Vichara

Escapism is subjective. One man’s heaven can be another man’s hell. By various means we can try to alleviate the turmoil that can sometimes spin out of control around us. For every person there is a means and a way, drugs, alcohol, sex, spending, sports, gambling, etc. These are but a few means at our disposal. For every degree of turmoil, there is perceived to be a degree of escapism that can soothe or temper what is invading our lives. There is no invasion, there is no personal attack, there is no vindictive cause, it is just “life” unfolding in all it’s colorful majesty. It is not escapism that will change things; it is equanimity in your acceptance of these events that will quell the storm clouds. Not a resigned acceptance but one of pragmatism and resolve to see things as they are and accept the answers and solutions no matter what they are.

Resolve with resolve...

By Vichara

While sometimes it may seem ill advised, you may need to loosen the grip you have on a situation in order for some circulation to return in an effort to get things to resolve. Of course I am not talking about a physical grip but a physiological grip where the perceived need to have complete control could deter the situation at hand from resolving. You know like, stepping on your own feet, getting in your own way, that kind of idea. But there is sometimes the need and the requirement to take a step back and allow some things to work themselves out on their own. There is some intuitive trust that you must have in this relinquishment but there is some times where this will be needed. So when things may get very tense you can try to remember that sometimes releasing some of your firm resolve could help with the resolution.

The grip...

By Vichara

While sometimes it may seem ill advised you may need to loosen the grip you have on a situation in order for some circulation to return in an effort to get things resolved. Of course I am not talking about a physical grip but a physiological grip where the perceived need to have complete control could deter the situation at hand from resolving. You know like, stepping on your own feet, getting in your own way, that kid of idea. But there are sometimes the need and the requirement to take a step back and allow some things to work themselves out on their own. There is some intuitive trust that you must have in this relinquishment but there is sometimes the need just to do that very thing. So when things may get very tense you can try to remember that sometimes releasing some of your firm resolve could help with the resolution.

Without attachment...

By Vichara

Breathe in the truth and exhale the lies. Pick up the determination; cast aside that which hinders movement forward. See the possibilities; turn your eyes away from the cyclical negativity. The reflection you see is just an illusion, a moment that is temporal and will always be changing. Once you understand that “secret”, your grasp will be open without attachment and life will flow to you, through you and past you with full engagement without possession tempered by love, patience and compassion.

The cards we play...

By Vichara

There are days when life seems like playing cards with everyone but the cards are blank and no one is sure of the rules. Sure you know that you are engaged in some kind of exercise and because there are cards there is something tangible but there is a missing part. What is the missing part? Is it understanding? Is it compassion? Is it empathy? Is it belief? Or is it just plain human decency? What is the goal of this game that we engage in for our waking hours? Is there some satisfying conclusion that we are aiming for? To some it may be small while others grand but we all will have some wish for the outcome. I know that this thought brings up more questions than answers but perhaps that is the goal. To put images on the cards that we play and to let us know that we are all playing a fair game.

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.

In the smallest ways...

By Vichara

Am I doing this right? We ask ourselves this all the time everyday. I do this when I write these thoughts. Is it validation of our existence? Do we count? Are we doing the right things? Well in asking these types of questions to ourselves we are. If we didn’t ask we would not care, but we do. Our presence in each other’s lives does have its place and you all make a difference, even in the smallest ways.

The grip...

By Vichara

While sometimes it may seem ill advised you may need to loosen the grip you have on a situation in order for some circulation to return in an effort to get things resolved. Of course I am not talking about a physical grip but a physiological grip where the perceived need to have complete control could deter the situation at hand from resolving. You know like, stepping on your own feet, getting in your own way, that kid of idea. But there are sometimes the need and the requirement to take a step back and allow some things to work themselves out on their own. There is some intuitive trust that you must have in this relinquishment but there is sometimes the need just to do that very thing. So when things may get very tense you can try to remember that sometimes releasing some of your firm resolve could help with the resolution.

Such stuff as dreams are made of...

By Vichara

The #1 ingredient in the cosmos is hydrogen, next is oxygen. We learn from school that our bodies are mostly water and is what is water? Oxygen and hydrogen. We are not simply in this universe; the universe is in us all. No matter how we feel, separate from others, alone or isolated, even on the basic level there is an interconnection that links us all. It is this primal element that acts as a base to begin the process to bring us together. We are not only such stuff as dreams are made of, as Shakespeare once said, but are a part of everyone’s dream to make the world we live in better.

Pass the baton...

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 indivertibly 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 one, but a race to survive.

Going 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.

Fear...

By Vichara

Perhaps you may feel like an island of sanity sometimes when some around you and the world behaves with a self-centered irrational manner. You are not alone. The revving and screaming tires of the car cutting you off today, the pompous self-entitlement look someone may give you and some erratic irrational act that has you shaking your head. All of these are based in fear. Fear that they have not being noticed, fear that they didn’t deserve things in life, fear that no one cares for them and numerous shades of fear. We all have fears in one way or another as the world spins in unpleasant and unpredictable ways. The antidote lies in first recognizing this fact and not over reacting when you witness acts of fear. Instead employ patience and compassion with yourself and others to help disperse fear. It will be with this engagement where the remedy and relief will be found.

Death to boredom...

By Vichara

Death to boredom! If you are bored you have your eyes closed both literally and figuratively. The “tapestry” that unfolds everyday is so rich and dense that unless you see this someone has blinded you. Through the 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 reflects in the morning light can be a shower of featherweight diamonds cascading all around. The coolness of the morning air can hold nuances of fragrances that could unlock memories. Observing a couple of people in a crosswalk ignites the imagination and you wonder what they are talking about. Watching a flock of pigeons sweeping repeatedly in a pattern only known to them. Open your senses up to the cavalcade. It’s worth the price of admission

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.

A shift...

By Vichara

There is so much manipulation that happens even in the smallest of communities. If in the larger corporate world if you find a chink in the armor of those you deal with it is seen as virtuous by some. On a small scale a child see the lack of ability in another and will make fun of that person. Either one is a reflection of their own inabilities to take a perceived deficiency and twist it to their own gain and amusement. Of course this type of activity goes on everyday and has been, without good merit, accepted human behavior. But what if we could change that paradigm, starting just each one of us and like a small stone tossed into a puddle ripple out to others changing manipulation to understanding and compassion.

Just for you...

By Vichara

There is certainly enough to read in this world and you should dive in at any opportunity into the great writers and thinkers throughout history. However, as important is for you to write yourself on a daily basis. Just a note or two, a passing thought or perhaps a small epiphany that may arise in a quiet moment. Keep a small journal, just for yourself. These will record, just for you, the guideposts and stepping stones that will shape where you want and like to go. You will be surprised that when you give yourself a compassionate moment what will be born from your thoughts. The biggest mistake you can make is thinking that your life is ordinary.

Take a break...

By Vichara

At various points in the day when things can get a bit crazy and frenetic we all must take a few minutes to step back, breathe and just take a moment. Get off the “ride” for a few minutes and remind ourselves that this is just not some random ride but we all have a purpose here. A wise man once said “Ooogaleee boogalee bim bop swaheelee snobbaluu bop walla walla floopeee butt”. Which means, “Think and act with the foundation of compassion”.

The resolve...

By Vichara

To even look at the future without the balance of understanding and compassion is a foolish venture. Without the foundation that will guide each other’s hearts on a steady course, the journey can be fraught with insecurities. Unless we resolve collectively that the course of action that lies in front of each one of us is based on compassionate cooperation and fearless understanding we will wander aimlessly without direction in life.

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.

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.

Knock, Knock?...

By Vichara

Knock, Knock? Who’s there? Today. Today who? Today, who knows where we are going but let’s try not to engage in discursive conversation and vengeful actions and at least do one thing that encourages not, discourages another person. Let’s do one single thing that will take us one step farther in building a better foundation of support for each other. In a world currently pointing a lot of fingers let’s use them to point us in a better direction than to point out blame.

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.

Checking in...

By Vichara

Schopenhauer was out walking one evening, deep in thought. A passing suspicious policeman approached him 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 so true, no matter how many ways we are identified the majority of them are external. The clothing style we wear, the care we drive, the voice, the laugh, how we adorn our home or office. All out worldly personality markers. But we are much, 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.

A moral compass...

By Vichara

“What the outstanding person does, others will try to do. The standards such people create will be followed by the whole world”. Taken from the Hindu sacred text called the Bhagavad Gita that dates back between the 5th and 2nd century BC, these words have even more relevance considering the moral and political changes we are witnessing. There is a need and cry to cut away the obese malignant weeds of greed and excess and to form a new standard of fairness and compassion. “The ignorant work for their own profit, the wise work for the welfare of the world, without thought for themselves”. Again from the Gita. The short 18 chapters of this document was used as a moral compass by Gandhi for most of his life and even today still can be one of the many texts to guide our lives. “Perform all work carefully, guided by compassion”.

The greatest wealth...

By Vichara

”Immersed in water, you stretch out your hands for a drink”. No matter what part of the world you are reading this I believe that you are surrounded by all that we could ever wish for either physically or spiritually (sometimes without knowing it). The greatest of these is just being alive. There are some belief systems that will say that reaching a human life has taken many lifetimes in other forms. This is the pinnacle. But as usual we humans desire so much more when we have so much and this causes so much suffering. The message here today of course is to develop a little more appreciation for what we have. It’s all relative but to others we would be considered very rich but I believe the greatest wealth we posess is the ability to love with a compassionate heart.

You smile...

By Vichara

“You smile the world changes”. It is often said that the simplest things can be profound. What could be anymore than just that than a simple smile given out of compassion and love? One of the most basic human needs is to feel love. It is love that can lift us out of sense of separateness, which is the root of suffering. If we simply smile out of love we reach out across the separateness and connect with the world around us in profound ways. You may have been in a situation, maybe somewhere you didn’t know the language being spoken but with a shared smile you create a bridge of communication that transcends language. When we smile, others will smile. When we show compassion others will show compassion and what better place to start than with a simple smile? ☺

Many rivers to cross...

By Vichara

I woke up this morning with the song “Many Rivers to Cross” as sung by Harry Nilsson in my brain. One line says “And it’s only my will that keeps me alive” and that line became reflected in all of our daily journeys. Perhaps not so dramatic some days but we all have “bridges” that we cross everyday. Decisions that need to be made in a few seconds and others that will percolate and resolve with some patience and time. Regardless of their complexity we all have many rivers to cross and it is how we get to the other side that will matter. We could use harsh deceptive ways to cross over but more than likely some karmic residue will be brought over with you and to the next bridge. This residual karmic baggage will accumulate and increase the weight of your load for each bridge to cross. Try to travel unencumbered by jettisoning the excess before you cross and make the journey with honesty and integrity not only for your own heart but for the world around you. See you on the other side.

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.

Less poison in the world...

By Vichara

There is a Zen koan that says, “Water is one essence: but drunk by a cow it becomes milk, while drunk by a snake it becomes poison”. When something so pure and simple is given to two different people the results and proceeds can be completely opposite to each other. Yes simple and self-evident it is interesting to see this example in our daily lives. You may hear how someone has worked hard on something and is reaping the rewards of this and someone may see this hard work as a means to be greedy and manipulative. One simple act consumed by two people and two different results. One observation is milk, the other poison. In our frenetic pace we can be quick to pass judgment on someone and what they do. We can all take a moment before our personal gavel strikes down in judgment to insure that we are not creating more unnecessary poison in the world

The difference...

By Vichara

There is no automatic entitlement in this life. Even the act of or first breath is dependent on our sheer instinctual will to live and draw in the air that will initiate this life outside the womb. From that point on your developed skills, knowledge and tenacity will function as the catalyst for change and growth until your last breath. With every inhale there is an exhale and every thought there is a conscious decision made for each circumstance, unlike animals which act out of primarily from instinct and survival. Hopefully the decisions made each day by you are tempered by love and compassion.

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.

The marathon...

By Vichara

We are all given stewardship of many and important things in our lifetime, our thoughts, the environment, love, wisdom, the tangible and the intangible. And like a marathon runner with this “baton”, we must safeguard that which has been given to us and safely pass it off to the next generation / runner. If we inadvertently drop the baton we need to find the strength and resources to pick it up 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 all that are around you for this is not a race to be won, but to survive.

Plop!!...

By Vichara

”The old pond, A jumping frog – plop!” Here is a wonderfully simple Koan and Haiku poem at the same time illustrating being in the moment. With the flurry of future thoughts and past experiences rolling in our heads we tend to forget the moment we are in right now…no matter where we are. By bringing ourselves back to the moment we are you may see something, even common, like you have never seen it before. The rusty truck, the flower vendor – Honk! Write one yourself through your travels in a day to refocus your attention to being present in this moment. You cannot change the past and the future is an out of focus concept, but being and enjoying the moment right now is attainable. Plop!

A new approach...

By Vichara

Reach out, take another step forward, investigate a new theory, read from something you wouldn’t normally read from, see with your eyes closed, draw something even though you think you are not artistic, walk backwards…ok, maybe that one could be a bad idea, but I think you get the point. Today would be a good time to get a new perspective, a fresh approach, exercise your mind, body and soul with a new way of looking at things. You may find that amongst the push-ups and sit-ups you do with your mind that one nugget that will reveal a new and better understanding. Ok everybody, let’s go exploring!

A new direction...

By Vichara

There are days I’m sure that we feel like that fly circling around in front of a windowpane. It can see the outside but for some reason it keeps flitting about using the same methodology to try to find a way to get out but repeatedly bumps into the glass. We are much the same way when seeking answers. We keep circling around using methodology that seemed to work before but now for some reason we keep hitting dead ends with no results except frustration. There will be times like this where you will need a new direction. Don’t worry, the path has already been given to you…just look.

Today's mission...

By Vichara

Today’s mission is code named Barrier Buster. The objective is to open your eyes to the delusional aspects of what is being dictated to you and rise above being manipulated by the media. Call upon your independent, personal sense of value and be guided by this instead of what is being flashed at you on the screen. Start taking back what that was stolen from you. If you are and average TV watcher in America by the time you reach the age of 65 you will have spent 9 years watching TV. Start taking some of it back.

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.

Such stuff as dreams are made of...

By Vichara

The #1 ingredient in the cosmos is hydrogen, next is oxygen. We learn from school that our bodies are mostly water and is what is water? Oxygen and hydrogen. We are not simply in this universe; the universe is in us all. No matter how we feel, separate from others, alone or isolated, even on the basic level there is an interconnection that links us all. It is this primal element that acts as a base to begin the process to bring us together. We are not only such stuff as dreams are made of, as Shakespeare once said, but are a part of everyone’s dream to make the world we live in better.

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 short-term memory and repetitive nature of these attempts of fulfillment the greyhound forgets that the rabbit is not real in much the same way we as humans fall prey to the smoke and mirrors of desire. We see the glitter and perceived charm of something desirable that has been dangles in front of us but once acquired it tends to hold little emotional value. The attachment to things keeps us prisoners of our own desire. Like the old adage, all the glitters is not gold, holds true as those things that have great value are things that can’t be acquired by monetary means, but by the heart.

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.

Objects of desire...

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.

Keep curious!...

By Vichara

Keep curious! For the future of mankind do not be spoon-fed ideas, concepts and dreams. Remember the excitement when you would turn over a rock to see what was underneath? Use this same methodology everyday. The “Media” wants you to listen, buy, use and watch what they are showing you unconditionally. Don’t be a sucker to a travelling medicine show and be curious. Ask questions. Keep those sparks flying in your brain. Engage others, kids, friends and parents to use their brain for more than just a receptacle for someone else’s ideas, thoughts and stories.

A new light...

By Vichara

You can't move forward without reflecting on the past. Use the lessons learned from these experiences and illuminate them with the light of compassion and forgiveness. Transcend the pettiness that may exist in order to formulate a foundation, not of retribution, but a foundation of unification. Many new paths will become a reality in this new light. Step forward with confidence that together you and the person next to you, that you don't even know, can and will achieve both small and big victories...one small compassionate step at a time.

The journey...

By Vichara

We enter this world through our own private entrance. This entry is only given to each individual because beyond this entrance is the myriad of paths that we will encounter throughout our own personal lifetime. These paths are self-contained in this gigantic plane of existence with many twists and turns, peaks and valleys and of course many joys and disappointments. Throughout the years here you create memories that will be framed and hung throughout the corridors and will leave their visual and emotional mark. At the end of all of this you will find your own personal exit where you will be given your own scrapbook of this journey which you will carry through the exit, cross the threshold into the next room, the next plane of existence. Make the journey worth it. Don’t piss and moan, do something to make things better for many and not the one. As George Bernard Shaw said – leave a mark, even if it’s just a scratch.

It's in your pocket...

By Vichara

We all have the answers. Let that sink in for a while. Say it to yourself again…we all have the answers. There is the factual and those answers are easily obtainable these days by many means through books, video, teachers, the Internet, etc. Then there s the esoteric and the answers to those humanistic emotional variances that seem remote and unobtainable. All of the keys that will open the doors of understanding are in everyone’s pocket. Our reluctance to getting the “answers” is not based in ignorance but in reluctance of being patient enough to locate the key to each answer that resides in all of us. Sometimes it may take some time to get the answer but with patience you will get there.

It's in your pocket...

By Vichara

We all have the answers. Let that sink in for a while. Say it to yourself again…we all have the answers. There is the factual and those answers are easily obtainable these days by many means through books, video, teachers, the Internet, etc. Then there s the esoteric and the answers to those humanistic emotional variances that seem remote and unobtainable. All of the keys that will open the doors of understanding are in everyone’s pocket. Our reluctance to getting the “answers” is not based in ignorance but in reluctance of being patient enough to locate the key to each answer that resides in all of us. Sometimes it may take some time to get the answer but with patience you will get there.

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?

Not just ordinary...

By Vichara

The biggest mistake you can make is thinking that your life is ordinary. Just in the sheer accomplishment of being born, the chemical reactions to bring you into this world, as a human being is astounding. The hundreds of things you learn, the skills you gain and the multitude of sensory things you experience in just one single day…absolutely remarkable! Yes we do have troubles, there are worries and pain but with the communal resources we find the means to gain perspective and find the solutions. These are not ordinary things, you are not ordinary and this life of your is not ordinary.

Shhhhhhhhh...

By Vichara

There is an old Arabic proverb that goes, “Only speak when your words are better that your silence”. However there is great fear for many people to be just silent in general. For some silence just needs to be filled with noise to mask the fear of being alone with oneself. Don’t fear silence, from it can be born beautiful and wise thoughts. It’s ok to be quiet.

Lesson #14...

By Vichara

This morning I woke to persistent ringing of the front doorbell. Scraping off some of the sleep still clinging to me at that early hour I made my way downstairs to see who was insisting on making this A.M. appearance. As I opened the door I sighed with recognition of the two figures standing there. On the right with finger still jabbing at the button was Impatience. On the left, head lazily turning with cursory glances, Indifference. Impatience, always the first to speak up, said that he was in a hurry (of course) and that he wanted to spend the day with me. He added that Indifference was just bored and agreed to come along. Indifference just looked over, shrugged and rolled his eyes. I said to Impatience as he jingled the loose change in his pocket that I was sorry that I had no room in my car today. Compassion, Clarity and Patience stayed over and was riding in with me. Impatience’s eyes bugged out, his face turned red and a bead of sweat formed on his forehead. He stared and blurted out with some spittle “WHAT!! gotta go!!!! He ran off the porch. Indifference put his hands in his pockets deeper, turned and shuffled off with his flip-flops clapping on the sidewalk. Lesson learned today: Be careful whom you carpool with, it might not be good for the world.