ENLIGHTENMENT

A story told in pictures...

http://www.healingdao.com/js/openwysiwyg/uploads/BlackHole.Bridge.jpg

(This is the last in a series--there were 14 others)

Emphasis on an Echo

Sound is nothing more than vibrations. In Sound Off I tried to impart how sound affects us. I wish to make clear that language is simply sound units (or sequences) that are related to specific meanings.

http://www.sfgate.com/health/article/UCSF-study-shows-how-the-brain-sorts-sound-to-5190015.php

The importance of this is my use of the term, "resonate." A number of entries on this blog have recommended that you find that which you resonate with. Resonance is the tendency of a system to oscillate (vibrate) with greater amplitude at some frequencies than others. (amplitude is: the maximum extent of vibration measured from a position of equilibrium)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IUFZznShv_c

Your internal dialogue is "heard" as well, and the point being emphasized today. When you go through your day that "little voice " in your head is exactly that--a VOICE that emits sound.

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/263428.php

That being the case, it is crucial the frequency at which you vibrate is tuned to that which serves you best. You must be vigilant of what and how you think. What you think is the "dial" (vibration) that determines what "radio station" (frequency) you tune into. The radio station that provides the greatest amplitude is where we wish to reside (resonate). That station has the "call letters," G-G-G.

Gratitude is not only the greatest virtue, but the parent of all others. ~Cicero

http://happierhuman.com/benefits-of-gratitude/

We Are Alive

Shake off all of your sins and give them to me...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rccbhr56nMk

Whatever you've done that fell short of your true intent, acknowledge it. Where you can, atone for it. Life will present opportunities for you to do so. Speak your truth and accept the events that follow. Accountability and acceptance are blood brothers. That done, open yourself to what happens in your life as an Instruction Manuel. You are not a finished product. You will continue to be honed and refined throughout your life. This can be an exciting prospect--expansion is inherent in your DNA. Life's continuous expansion manifests in change. Be alert to the opportunities change offers.

One possible change you can weigh is your current approach. If it doesn't include astonishment that you are alive, experiencing the inexplicable reality of your own existence, you may want to ponder your direction.

Acceptance

You have to come to terms with how you operate. The simple fact is, through evolution, you have a built-in "negativity bias." Here is an article explaining it.

http://dealbook.nytimes.com/2013/06/14/overcoming-your-negativity-bias/?_php=true&_type=blogs&_r=0

You have to start accepting Life on it's own terms. "It is what it is." People spend an inordinate amount of time resisting what is. How often do you hear or speak phrases like, "I don't believe it. Why did he/she/they DO that? This is bullshit." And you know what? You may be right. It is unbelievable, or inconceivable, or down right nonsense. But it is what it is--and you are going to have to come to grips with the reality of the moment. You must also realize you are going to have a predisposition to interpret it as bad or a threat. You brain is wired for just such a reaction.

The truth is, we honestly don't know that it is bad. And if you can bring yourself to accepting it as a gift of unknown potency, power, or possibility, you will have changed the dynamic. It is what it is...but not what it is going to be. Like a magician, you have the power to transform what it is, to what it is GOING to be.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jpuDyGgIeh0

Carl Jung said, "what you resists, persists." I want you to fully understand that, and why acceptance is so important. If you deny the reality of the moment, you empower it. You dwell on it. You gnaw on it like a bone. You play and replay the unfairness, the betrayal, the selfishness, or the violence in your head, saying all the while--it cannot be. Yet, it has already taken place! The resulting pain, sadness,  disappointment, or heartache, will still be waiting at the end of your denial. Though we may not wish a  particular situation unfold, it is the emotions (reactions) to that event that create the components that determine how the next event in our life will be understood. If we can develop a technique where all life is seen as a gift, we rewire our neurons and create a self-sustaining "operating system."

Just Breathe

Every moment is an opportunity to come to awareness. By far the easiest way to do this is to focus on your breathing. While breathing is part of the Autonomic Nervous System, (ANS) we have the ability to purposely, mindfully, take control of this function. The benefits can be enormous. Here is a short article by UCI that covers the basics. (you can find countless articles on-line to fit your level of interest)

http://www.healtheducation.uci.edu/stress/breath.aspx

You nervous system is divided into three parts: the sympathetic--parasympathetic--and the enteric (which regulates your gastrointestinal system and isn't going to play any further part). The SNS (sympathetic nervous system) is the "flight or fight" aspect of the system while the parasympathetic
(PNS) regulates the "rest and digest" response. If you are like most people these days, you have been unconsciously victimized by your SNS while paying little, to no attention, of your ability to actively engage your PNS. View the world at large to come to your own conclusion as to how this is working out. (know also that VOLUMES have been written on this subject and I am giving you the briefest overview)

Activating the SNS releases stress hormones (epinephrine and cortisol) into your blood stream. In dire situations, or where passion is needed, these hormones are wonderful. Reacting to routine daily occurrences that are minor (road rage--personal slight--long wait in line) in a similar fashion (with fear, anger, anxiety, or even saying "no;" see linked Psychology Today article in yesterdays post) sends these hormones coursing through your body. This causes a lower production of dopamine and serotonin. Over extended periods of time this is extremely detrimental to your well being.

Finding yourself angry is a gift. It immediately informs you that something is amiss. How do you react? Is it life-threatening? Or has somebody pissed you off? If you are simply pissed off, don't compound the situation by doing damage to yourself! Calm yourself through controlled breathing. Here's how: first, give the offending party "Godzilla Atomic Breath." Purse you lips and blow out, all the while imaging you are Godzilla destroying Tokyo. Really empty your diaphragm. Incinerate the offending party. Incinerate their ashes! Now, take a normal breath. Next, clench your butt cheeks and take a normal breath. Third, trace the outside of your lips with your index finger while taking a long slow breath through your nose. Hold for a count of two. Exhale through your mouth. Last, think of the one person in the whole world you care for most. That's it! You're back on good footing. (I won't bore you with all the scientific explanations for what we just did--you either trust me or you don't)

Responding to negative situations with controlled breathing is your "go to guy." It is your "trump card." It is your "solution that never fails." Try it and see.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FAlWxZK-ps4

Sound Off

Understanding sound.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oElbMctAVlY

Why is this important?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wvJAgrUBF4w

Sound is a form of energy, just like electricity and light. As I have posted several times, you are similar to a radio station with both a transmitter and receiver. Combining yesterday's post with today's, lets examine some mental reactions we experience regarding language. (sound)

http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/words-can-change-your-brain/201207/the-most-dangerous-word-in-the-world

Now go to the Home page and look at the message at the bottom of the bridge by Dag Hammarskold.

Realizing most all came here through the blog, I can only hope (at some point) you looked over the entire web site. Seeing the Home page began a process you may not have been aware of. Specifically, and metaphorically, you CROSSED that bridge and "tripped" Dag's message. I absolutely assure you your subconscious mind saw and recorded that message. It has been germinating. These last few weeks will be spent tending and nurturing that seed (message) so it fully sprouts in your conscious mind.

ADVANCED STUDY: http://edge.org/conversation/how-does-our-language-shape-the-way-we-think

Back to the Basics

With Gift-Gratitude-God coming to an end July 3rd, I figure it is a good time to go back over the basics. Lets review so as to leave no doubt about my claims. (be sure to hit the link at the bottom to see the second page)

http://www.thethinkingbusiness.com/brain_zone/brain-tour/thinking-process