It seems an inherent human trait to want to blame someone or something for a "misfortune." Be it as simple as running late, waiting in line, spilling coffee on our pants---something other than oneself is usually the "culprit." I want to share with you that I have discovered the source...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yUCWczTg4WE
That's right! Blame it on the Bossa Nova. Starting now, whenever you encounter someone or something that allows you to move towards anger or exasperation, simply blame it on the Bossa Nova. This technique (however silly) will provide an opportunity for you to recalibrate your emotional state. A chance to review how pointless it is to "point a finger." That you expend a great deal of energy explaining away that which is, ultimately, unimportant. You might even want to consider how appealing self-effacing humor can be.
If you can't bring yourself to laugh at the world, you have misplaced your sense of humor. Self-importance has crept in and skewered your sense of proportion. We are what we are and we do what we do; embracing our actions and holding ourselves accountable produces a sense of self that is truly liberating. Until you are ready for that type of freedom however, you can always blame it on the Bossa Nova.
Friday, August 9, 2013
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
ENLIGHTENMENT
A story told in pictures...
http://indulgy.com/post/gfUTosaLD1/petrified-sand-dunes-reflection-paria-canyo
http://indulgy.com/post/gfUTosaLD1/petrified-sand-dunes-reflection-paria-canyo
Monday, August 5, 2013
Choices
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Re1vH9k2z0I
I can hear you now---its a film Pat. Pure Hollywood. And I say yeah, your right...but what do we make of this? Isn't this even more far fetched?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xh78iSg_ZvU
Be the man or woman you always dreamed you could be. Do this in the hundred different ways you are called on to be heroic daily.
http://wpgrogan.blogspot.com/2013/02/mount-up.html
What is it you have always wished to say? To be? To do? Your answers are your road map. The choices you make reveal who you are. Simple really. Complicated only when we allow outside influences to alter the course in our hearts we know to be true. Or we despair and indulge in self-inflicted wounds. Trust yourself and your dream.
I can hear you now---its a film Pat. Pure Hollywood. And I say yeah, your right...but what do we make of this? Isn't this even more far fetched?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xh78iSg_ZvU
Be the man or woman you always dreamed you could be. Do this in the hundred different ways you are called on to be heroic daily.
http://wpgrogan.blogspot.com/2013/02/mount-up.html
What is it you have always wished to say? To be? To do? Your answers are your road map. The choices you make reveal who you are. Simple really. Complicated only when we allow outside influences to alter the course in our hearts we know to be true. Or we despair and indulge in self-inflicted wounds. Trust yourself and your dream.
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
Addendum
Yesterday I spoke of "alchemy" and employing it so don't we become nihilistic. Here is an example of what I meant.
When love beckons to you, follow him,
Though his ways are hard and steep.
And when his wings enfold you yield to him,
Though the sword hidden among his pinions may wound you.
And when he speaks to you believe in him,
Though his voice may shatter your dreams as the north
wind lays waste your garden.
For even as love crowns you so shall he crucify you.
~Kahlil Gibran The Prophet
To insist on a predetermined outcome lies outside our province. So we develop abilities to meet, react and integrate our experiences. We learn to say yes knowing all the while it may mean heartbreak. We say yes to our inherent right to say no---I don't wish to participate, despite appearing uncharitable or anti-social. We say yes to our heart, our instinct, our intuition, our dream. We say yes to Life on its terms. We say yes to loving ourselves so that our love for others becomes authentic. We say yes to honoring ourselves so that we understand what it means to respect others. We say yes to honesty because we've experienced the pain and confusion of being lied to. We say yes to being gentle because we have learned clarity through patience with our errant self. We say yes so that we are transformed from what we are to what we wish to be.
When love beckons to you, follow him,
Though his ways are hard and steep.
And when his wings enfold you yield to him,
Though the sword hidden among his pinions may wound you.
And when he speaks to you believe in him,
Though his voice may shatter your dreams as the north
wind lays waste your garden.
For even as love crowns you so shall he crucify you.
~Kahlil Gibran The Prophet
To insist on a predetermined outcome lies outside our province. So we develop abilities to meet, react and integrate our experiences. We learn to say yes knowing all the while it may mean heartbreak. We say yes to our inherent right to say no---I don't wish to participate, despite appearing uncharitable or anti-social. We say yes to our heart, our instinct, our intuition, our dream. We say yes to Life on its terms. We say yes to loving ourselves so that our love for others becomes authentic. We say yes to honoring ourselves so that we understand what it means to respect others. We say yes to honesty because we've experienced the pain and confusion of being lied to. We say yes to being gentle because we have learned clarity through patience with our errant self. We say yes so that we are transformed from what we are to what we wish to be.
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
Eli, Eli, Lama Sabachthani
"My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?"
Some religious scholar's can't embrace the image of Jesus (God) being in such extremity. They suggest that Jesus is quoting Psalm 22 with the entire Psalm in mind rather than (just) the first verse. I don't agree. Be it Mark relating "My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death," as Jesus reaction in the Garden of Gethsemane or Luke having an angel come to strengthen him because, "being in agony.. his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling to the ground," the picture drawn is "if it be your will, remove this cup from me." Jesus is in crisis.
Are we to take these events "literally?" What difference does it make? What is important is whether or not you can relate to it on a personal level. Have you ever been tested to the point you have declared that there is no God? That if there were, this couldn't possibly be happening to you? That the senseless loss, tragedy, anguish or death is empirical truth that there couldn't possibly be a God? Then I say, fine. How you feel and where it takes you is where you need to go. What I would ask of you is this; don't stop there. Don't quit in the middle of the dynamic. Because there is one element I haven't discussed with you yet---"not MY will but YOURS be done."
Think on this: every culture in recorded history has resurrection stories. Every single one! Why is it that this is intrinsic to the human experience? Do we simply dismiss it as wishful thinking? Or does it suggest something more profound? Do we sink into nihilism and declare that "nothing that then existed found favor in their (our) eyes?" ("Nihilism" Douglas Harper Online Etymology Dictionary) Or can we imagine a response of embracing Life as it is, and not what we insist it be? ("A nihilist is a man who judges of the world as it is that it ought not to be, and of the world as it ought to be that it does not exist." Nietzsche)
The are a number of links on this site that speak of "tragedy turned to triumph." There are countless stories in our everyday life that demonstrate the same. What is the "alchemy" that one employs that avoids Blaise Pascal's dread? (When I see the blind and wretched state of men, when I survey the whole universe in its deadness and man left to himself with no light, as though lost in this corner of the universe without knowing who put him there, what he has to do, what will become of him when he dies, incapable of knowing anything, I am moved to terror...) The answer is apparent, we choose a different course. We trust Life. We accept events. We define ourselves by that which moves us, compels us, demands of us a reaction, and we demonstrate our values. I am _____. Pascal was terrified. I on the other hand, I am persistent--I am fearless--I am courageous--and, I AM ETERNAL.
Ask any scientist how many atoms existed after the big bang and how many atoms in the universe now? The only answer I've found is; the same amount. How can that be? I don't know. I just know that is the scientific answer. Assuredly atoms change form. It is only when a star goes nova that other elements than hydrogen and helium (carbon and oxygen et.al.) are created. But there would be no life if not for the death of a star. Think of that...and then observe nature itself. What death doesn't promulgate life? All of existence speaks in accord.
So where does that leave us? Always and ever, you'll be the judge of that. Your experience is going to determine what you do, how you do it, and who you become. How do you see yourself? Whatever that may be, trust your vision. Despite all (apparent) evidence to the contrary, what you are going through is exactly what you need to experience to enable you to achieve that vision. Though strangely wrapped it is a gift, and once you can perceive it in gratitude, its inherent nature will start to emerge. Even death is not exempt.
http://www.personalgrowthcourses.net/video/reincarnation_boy_pilot_wwii
Some religious scholar's can't embrace the image of Jesus (God) being in such extremity. They suggest that Jesus is quoting Psalm 22 with the entire Psalm in mind rather than (just) the first verse. I don't agree. Be it Mark relating "My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death," as Jesus reaction in the Garden of Gethsemane or Luke having an angel come to strengthen him because, "being in agony.. his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling to the ground," the picture drawn is "if it be your will, remove this cup from me." Jesus is in crisis.
Are we to take these events "literally?" What difference does it make? What is important is whether or not you can relate to it on a personal level. Have you ever been tested to the point you have declared that there is no God? That if there were, this couldn't possibly be happening to you? That the senseless loss, tragedy, anguish or death is empirical truth that there couldn't possibly be a God? Then I say, fine. How you feel and where it takes you is where you need to go. What I would ask of you is this; don't stop there. Don't quit in the middle of the dynamic. Because there is one element I haven't discussed with you yet---"not MY will but YOURS be done."
Think on this: every culture in recorded history has resurrection stories. Every single one! Why is it that this is intrinsic to the human experience? Do we simply dismiss it as wishful thinking? Or does it suggest something more profound? Do we sink into nihilism and declare that "nothing that then existed found favor in their (our) eyes?" ("Nihilism" Douglas Harper Online Etymology Dictionary) Or can we imagine a response of embracing Life as it is, and not what we insist it be? ("A nihilist is a man who judges of the world as it is that it ought not to be, and of the world as it ought to be that it does not exist." Nietzsche)
The are a number of links on this site that speak of "tragedy turned to triumph." There are countless stories in our everyday life that demonstrate the same. What is the "alchemy" that one employs that avoids Blaise Pascal's dread? (When I see the blind and wretched state of men, when I survey the whole universe in its deadness and man left to himself with no light, as though lost in this corner of the universe without knowing who put him there, what he has to do, what will become of him when he dies, incapable of knowing anything, I am moved to terror...) The answer is apparent, we choose a different course. We trust Life. We accept events. We define ourselves by that which moves us, compels us, demands of us a reaction, and we demonstrate our values. I am _____. Pascal was terrified. I on the other hand, I am persistent--I am fearless--I am courageous--and, I AM ETERNAL.
Ask any scientist how many atoms existed after the big bang and how many atoms in the universe now? The only answer I've found is; the same amount. How can that be? I don't know. I just know that is the scientific answer. Assuredly atoms change form. It is only when a star goes nova that other elements than hydrogen and helium (carbon and oxygen et.al.) are created. But there would be no life if not for the death of a star. Think of that...and then observe nature itself. What death doesn't promulgate life? All of existence speaks in accord.
So where does that leave us? Always and ever, you'll be the judge of that. Your experience is going to determine what you do, how you do it, and who you become. How do you see yourself? Whatever that may be, trust your vision. Despite all (apparent) evidence to the contrary, what you are going through is exactly what you need to experience to enable you to achieve that vision. Though strangely wrapped it is a gift, and once you can perceive it in gratitude, its inherent nature will start to emerge. Even death is not exempt.
http://www.personalgrowthcourses.net/video/reincarnation_boy_pilot_wwii
Sunday, July 28, 2013
As A Muslim
This happened Friday July 26th, 2013 on a MAJOR news station.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/07/27/reza-aslan-fox-zealot_n_3665211.html
The show was Spirited Debate and the host was Lauren Green. This is the level of "debate" that goes on from the conservative right in America. If you like, pick it up at the 8:02 mark where Lauren says; "...you are quoting yourself as a scholar" and winds up (8:18) by declaring he (Reza) is "not being honest."
As the Irish would say: Jaysus, Mary and Joseph! I guess he can quote himself as a scholar. He has BA in Religion from Santa Clara University; a Master of Theological Studies from Harvard Divinity; and a Doctorate in Sociology of Religions from UC Santa Barbara. (He also holds a Master of Fine Arts from the University Iowa but what the hell does that have to do with religion, right?) This took me ALL of 10 seconds to google on Wikipedia. It (Wikipedia) also states he is a Muslim (Shia) but looking into this fellow I found he resonates more with Sufism.
I tried with all my might to find the quote(s) attributed to William Craig Lane but could not. Here though, is the Op Ed piece by John Dickerson that Ms. Green referred to.
http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2013/07/22/liberal-media-love-new-jesus-book-zealot-fail-to-mention-author-is-muslim/
Both Mr. Dickerson and Ms. Green seem to have a problem that Reza Aslan is being disingenuous and hiding his Islamic background. They keep hammering the point home. Apparently in their mind this invalidates any "scholarly" work done by Mr. Aslan (at least regarding Christianity and Jesus). The next link is from March 26th, 2011; two years and four months before the interview.
http://tedxtalks.ted.com/video/TEDxConejo-Reza-Aslan-Unity-in
Reza sure goes out of his way to hide his religious affiliation, doesn't he?
Update 7-31
http://www.today.com/books/jesus-book-best-seller-wake-viral-fox-news-interview-6C10805955
Note, beginning at the 2:57 mark, that a "conservative" (unknown) wants to shift the conversation to Reza not being a "historian." An insightful example of cognitive dissonance.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/07/27/reza-aslan-fox-zealot_n_3665211.html
The show was Spirited Debate and the host was Lauren Green. This is the level of "debate" that goes on from the conservative right in America. If you like, pick it up at the 8:02 mark where Lauren says; "...you are quoting yourself as a scholar" and winds up (8:18) by declaring he (Reza) is "not being honest."
As the Irish would say: Jaysus, Mary and Joseph! I guess he can quote himself as a scholar. He has BA in Religion from Santa Clara University; a Master of Theological Studies from Harvard Divinity; and a Doctorate in Sociology of Religions from UC Santa Barbara. (He also holds a Master of Fine Arts from the University Iowa but what the hell does that have to do with religion, right?) This took me ALL of 10 seconds to google on Wikipedia. It (Wikipedia) also states he is a Muslim (Shia) but looking into this fellow I found he resonates more with Sufism.
I tried with all my might to find the quote(s) attributed to William Craig Lane but could not. Here though, is the Op Ed piece by John Dickerson that Ms. Green referred to.
http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2013/07/22/liberal-media-love-new-jesus-book-zealot-fail-to-mention-author-is-muslim/
Both Mr. Dickerson and Ms. Green seem to have a problem that Reza Aslan is being disingenuous and hiding his Islamic background. They keep hammering the point home. Apparently in their mind this invalidates any "scholarly" work done by Mr. Aslan (at least regarding Christianity and Jesus). The next link is from March 26th, 2011; two years and four months before the interview.
http://tedxtalks.ted.com/video/TEDxConejo-Reza-Aslan-Unity-in
Reza sure goes out of his way to hide his religious affiliation, doesn't he?
Update 7-31
http://www.today.com/books/jesus-book-best-seller-wake-viral-fox-news-interview-6C10805955
Note, beginning at the 2:57 mark, that a "conservative" (unknown) wants to shift the conversation to Reza not being a "historian." An insightful example of cognitive dissonance.
Thursday, July 25, 2013
Sacred Feminine
BEK
There's a nova in her eyes
Ageless suns in an infant sky
Penetrating innocence on her two lips
Clarifications that literally rip
The cosmic dust off life-worn hearts
Shattering heavens while epiphanies start
To cascade lovingly on all around
Till you're enveloped in her sweet sound
O Goddess of passion and purity
Dual zenith of the mysteries maturity
On my horizon you ever loom
My heart and soul you have consumed
Split-tailed comet of Divine intercession
The galaxies march behind your procession
Of fiery head and tail of pure snow
In awed adoration of your perfect halo
Lady in passing, Queen of the Dawn
Ever forward I find myself drawn
Lady in waiting, Queen of the Night
Frozen, suspended; I worship your light
~WPG
There's a nova in her eyes
Ageless suns in an infant sky
Penetrating innocence on her two lips
Clarifications that literally rip
The cosmic dust off life-worn hearts
Shattering heavens while epiphanies start
To cascade lovingly on all around
Till you're enveloped in her sweet sound
O Goddess of passion and purity
Dual zenith of the mysteries maturity
On my horizon you ever loom
My heart and soul you have consumed
Split-tailed comet of Divine intercession
The galaxies march behind your procession
Of fiery head and tail of pure snow
In awed adoration of your perfect halo
Lady in passing, Queen of the Dawn
Ever forward I find myself drawn
Lady in waiting, Queen of the Night
Frozen, suspended; I worship your light
~WPG
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