I watched a few minutes of TV this evening, and it was long enough to see an ad for a drug that works in addition to your “regular” anti-depression pills, if they’re not working well enough. Twice mentioned before the ad was done was the side-effect of death. How is this acceptable?

Lies and half-truths are commonplace (primarily from parents/guardians, teachers, etc., etc.), gossip is second-nature, and ranting about someone behind their back is pretty much expected. It doesn’t matter whether you consider yourself spiritual, religious, or otherwise saintly. I’ve seen the worst of this from the self-proclaimed “best” of them. If we do have core values, clearly there is an imbalance between actions, and beliefs.

Business executives hide behind corporate practices and titles, and sit ready and willing to call foul. But they’re even more prepared to fabricate justifications for lawsuits, and most frequently against those who cannot afford to defend themselves in the chosen arena.

It’s about image and profit, not what’s best for everyone, or humanity.

Law – suit. Hadn’t noticed that before.

Accountants for huge companies are now called “creative” accountants, as they’ve earned a new title that goes beyond simply being “certified” because that simply isn’t good enough when you’re looking to cook the books, take advantage of loopholes, or manipulate terms of contracts and maximize “losses”. In the entertainment business, in both music and film, this is done every day. I’m sure you might be aware of similar practices, in varying degree, closer to home.

The term “corporation” has become synonymous with “coward” to me. The spillover of this is seen in most everything pop-culture and mainstream media. Strange and unbecoming behaviour is “OK” because it’s so frequently seen on TV, in film, in music, in magazines, by political leaders, by community leaders, and well just about everyone. That nagging voice of consciousness is relegated to a mere annoying whisper, that is shunned, silenced, and beaten down. We can’t handle the truth!

Marketing and public relations (image / false-front) firms are disgusting, and so are those odd animals that work for the powers-that-be, who need endless distractions to keep the general population numb, dumb, and stupid. It’s easy to hold hundreds of millions of minds in a lower vibration when you know which buttons to push, having derived a system (from infant, to adult) of self-denigration, subservience, countless limitations and illusion. WAKE UP! MOST OF IT IS NOTHING BUT NOISE! Look beyond the big, bold letters on the front page and find the real story therein.

On the one hand, it’s good to see that some things are being shaken up, by those who are willing to stand up. But I’d wager that most people who complain about something, stop there. Being a slave to a kind of lifestyle, paycheque, belief system, or social status is hindering, no? We’re petrified of perceived repercussions. But what price do you pay for continued silence or status quo?

Truth is, it doesn’t have to be this way. In your own personal bubble, and in the global community bubble, it really doesn’t. But if constructive, forward-thinking and unifying changes are going to constantly be counterbalanced with morons-in-suits upon high, humanity is never going to get it together – not without some catastrophic consequences.

But it starts with you, and with me. It starts within, as I’m sure you’ve heard before. The challenge in front of you is to step up. Petty interpersonal indifference and malignments echo into the world, as much as fake wars and made-up headlines do. If you’re afraid of confrontation, shut up! Deal with YOUR issues, and quit projecting your nuisance and noise upon others.

For now, concern yourself with your own bubble, and let your countenance reverberate out into the greater consciousness and let it be. No matter what, love still rules the day.

Manic Times with the High Riders

There is power in your voice.

In fact, some would boldly state that your voice is the vibration of your soul.

So, considering this, is it any wonder why it hurts you physically and emotionally when you don’t express your truth? Even in the simplest of conversations – which may at the time seem banal, redundant, or ridiculous – this awareness arms you with the knowledge that what you choose to speak can change your world. In truth, what you choose to avoid speaking is just the same.

Notice how often you have to clear your throat. Notice, perhaps, how often it is sore, dry, raspy or otherwise congested. Your body is manifesting physically what it’s like to hold it in; to stifle your own personal song, and to squash your spirit, again and again.

In my experience, I know it’s easy to practice resistance of personal expression, and I know it well. But those who know me, know that I don’t often hold back an honest thought, because to do so, would do us both a disservice. Our society and culture puts an odd amount of power into the hands of this idea of “politeness”, and by extension “political correctness”. Thing is, filtering out an honest thought, based on what you believe someone else may interpret from it, is an exercise in head-against-wall-bashing, metaphorically speaking. How can you possibly know what someone will really think about what you’re about to say, especially if your intention is only to share your true thoughts? Even if you intend to humble someone with your verbal prowess, the sting may really be very short-lived, but the reverberating effect profound. (That being said, you may also realize that it was not they who needed the humbling, really…)

Let it “come out wrong” and in the same instant, laugh at how easily the tongue (read: language limitations) can betray you. Laugh at how strange the words sound, even though they were once stewing on the inside. Diffuse the bomb by negating its creation. But, instantly know as well, that the next time will be easier, as the mechanics of pure, simple and unfiltered expression refine and define themselves whenever you choose to become genuine. There is little to no effort required once you lose the need to cloak your meaning in pretty words or unripened emotions. Just say what you mean, and in the spirit of community, your listeners will understand.

Best of all, you’ll be one step closer to getting what you really wanted in the first place. –tb

= – = – = – =

Freeing Our Inner Desires
Using Our Outside Voice

Each of us has developed an internal filtering process that helps us choose which parts of our constant inner monologues get voiced outside of our heads. Sometimes the choice is based on what we consider to be polite or appropriate, using subtlety instead of directness to try to get our point across. Other times the choice is made based on our expectations of the other person and what we feel they should know about us, our feelings, and our needs. But our best chance of getting what we need is to communicate specifically by converting our inner voice to our outside voice.

Read more…

As I see it… Some good ways and means to suffering and shortening of the lifespan:

1. Believe everything other people say
2. Believe everything your mind/ego says
3. Hold a grudge
4. Try to be popular
5. Work hard
6. Fashion a mask for every occasion
7. Prejudge, categorize, belittle, demean others
8. Be and act cowardly
9. Dramatize the insignificant
10. Defend ignorance and limitations
11. Lie to yourself, silencing your inner voice
12. Avoid taking risks
13. Avoid falling in love (again)
14. Deny yourself the pursuit of your real passion/purpose
15. Stop growing intellectually, spiritually, or metaphysically
16. Believe that yours is the only way
17. Suffocate or ignore your inner child
18. Defend a country or property
19. Awaken each day with fear in your heart, or mind
20. Forget that you are one with all – “death” is a sure way back

Image: “Edgar Allen Poe – The Raven” by oddsock

The people that arrive in our lives are an amazing, dynamic resource for us.

If you’ve learned to not take anything personally (check don Miguel Ruiz’s book The Four Agreements), then the reactions of others toward you, their insights and thoughts about something that concerns you, or their opinions about you are very telling and powerful – given the right perspective.

Remember, that what people say, interpret and perceive is from a very unique perspective: theirs.

Everything and everyone around us is an indicator of some sort. More specifically – speaking in energetic and metaphysical terms – they are an indicator of your current vibrational level.

So, what does that mean, guru?

Well, consider that everything is energy, and that we, as our physical reality selves, are all vibrational beings; a multitude of universal energy, currently focused consciously into your individual self for this “life time”. So when we refer to a vibrational level (check Abraham-Hicks publications), this reflects our level of understanding, growth, harmony, and/or alignment with our higher (and deeper) selves – that which is ultimately inseparable from “all that is”.

The energy that binds and intertwines us, when you’re centered and silent, makes itself known. That’s the part of us that in a vibrational sense, indicates our level of distance or disharmony, based on how much we live (and limit our lives) in our minds and ego, as opposed to the knowing, graceful and completely-at-ease nature of our souls or spirits.

So back to your best friend. Also, consider your current “worst enemy” in the same regard…

We learn to trust (and/or hate) the opinions of those closest to us. Quite often, our friends will have a hard time saying anything that may put a strain on the relationship. Or, they may say something outright hurtful (to you) in a moment of random honesty. They may warn you about avoiding a certain course of action, being careful, or buying an item you’ve set in your mind as something you’d love to acquire or experience. They may offer an opinion about a person who has come into your life that you’ve taken a liking to. They will comment and critique something you’ve created or shared. Whatever it is, you can heed their words, but more importantly, heed your own emotions, reactions and feelings toward what was said and shared.

It’s all part of learning to listen to, and developing your intuition. Remember that?

The universe wants nothing more than to manifest for you all of your heart’s desires. However, given that we live in amongst the influences of so many, a lifetime of learned filtration and mind manipulation, egoic bombardment, emotional turmoil and all of those fabulous inputs to our senses, it takes a little something extra to step outside the noise to gather your true inspiration, intention, and ultimate manifestation.

And really, it is all so very simple. Start by opening and listening with your heart. The brain/mind/intellect is excellent. But the real influence comes from a deeper, quieter (even non-physical) place. That’s the voice that really guides you.

It is so very easy to have a practiced, reflexive (often negative) reaction, even before someone utters a single word. This is something I’ve personally experienced, in varying degrees (as we all have I’m sure) and have learned to be more watchful of nowadays. There are lessons and guidance all around us, all the time. Use it to your advancement and solace in life.

Image: “Saint George’s Lights” by Jason Pratt

With eyes open, you can’t really swallow your own BS anymore.

You’ll notice, too, when others are trying to feed you some as well.

You can’t ignore the little voice, ’cause it starts to yell, and physically affect your body if you try block it out. You’ll have a new sense of honesty that invades your thoughts and actions, and that voice transforms into a guide and adviser, instead of a nag.

Things that used to be a focus or seem important suddenly fall to the ground, like a full glass of water. You may try desperately to scoop up the precious drops, now quickly finding their way back into the cold, hard earth, but you’ll just keep cutting up your hands if you do.

So now what? What do you really know? What do you really believe? What do you really need/want/desire?

You see that the search for joy in stuff, money, or a hot, naked body never lasts. You might try keep yourself distracted with such things, and it’ll work for a time. Maybe even until you are done with this life. Maybe you’ll want something more. Maybe, something less.

I’d rather make love because of it, not to try and feel it. To share it, not try to create it. To find that moment; the brief, but eternal look into “someone else” and realize, finally, what no words can ever express.

You’ll see how statements like “’til death do us part” are a touch ridiculous, for death has many forms, and may show itself long before your body is ready to give out. Life is dynamic, and change is the method to self-love and understanding.

You begin to see how short a lifespan really is, and how “time” has nothing to do with anything important. There are new questions now…

You’ll start hearing the words people use simply to fill up silence, because the quiet is terrifying.

You’ll start saying “I love you” to anyone you make eye contact with, without uttering a syllable. This may in turn make you avoid it like never before, because who wants that kind of responsibility?

A child’s cry will now make more sense. You may be inclined to cry out with them. And when they catch your eye, a kind of realization overcomes you in an instant; “I’m here for you”.

You’ll realize that most of your goals and ambitions will need to be reassessed. The “why” will negate and transmute your ideals.

You will feel fear. Really feel it. But now maybe you’ll be able to embrace it. Everything in your life changed the moment you learned to fear. Now, you have insights that will reshape your definitions of it. You’ll begin to realize that you have innate abilities to perceive your truth and that the concepts of fear, anger, shame, guilt and depression are simply flags in your system, telling you that you’re ignoring something; you are trying to ignore the real you. Awareness simply will not allow for it.

You may find yourself emotional at the sight of something in nature. It’ll make you cry, but only because you’ve participated blindly in damaging that which supports, feeds, and houses you in your brief moment of physical existence. Or, you’ll shed tears of joy in thanks and the sense of unity now becoming evident.

You’ll now also see that nature is without effort or struggle, and unendingly patient. A blade of grass doesn’t “try” to reach for the sun. A tree falling to the ground, or an entire forest going up in flames is not destructive. The creatures and beasts self-regulate; the intricate balance is maintained without need of intervention. These are simple cycles in an endless stream of energetic renewal.

You’ll realize that if one seed can in time spring an entire forest, that your thoughts and actions work in very much the same way.

You see now that humanity is the one, and the many. You are you, but you are also us. Your experience is a vast interplay of atoms, light and consciousness. You don’t need to “try” and love. You won’t even need to ask or interpret such things anymore.

So you can choose to use the awareness and take on the new challenges of release and renewal, discovery and revelation. Or, go back to ritual, repetition, ignorance and being numb. Either way is fine. It’s your life, your body, your experience, your story.

tb