Maybe I should let an expert speak on the matter.. You can skip to about 30 minutes in when he begins to speak.
Namaste!
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
What really makes us human
What is the basic component that makes us human? What separates us (in fact it does not separate us, but brings us closer to Nature) from what we consider species that are not 'homo sapien'?
To my humble observations, what makes us 'human' is our compassion for others; humans and others outside our own species alike. It has been argued that in early man, we gathered together simply for protection, and to survive. But what drives this? One may seek protection, but what makes 1 person more 'protective' than another? What does that 'protection' really mean? Does the one 'giving' protection, do it for their own 'protective' gain - what is their initiative to be a protector?
Compassion is obvious in every form of life outside the 'human' realm; Care given to the newly born, unconscious concern for the pack/mates. Concern for elderly (Elephants will stand for hours, even days it's been documented, around a member who has passed of old age), and even peers (most species of apes and gorillas 'groom' each other in a most expressive form of care that we humans can readily understand.) Dogs and Cats care for their youth, and eventually their pack members. Why??
This is Compassion. It exists in all beings, all creatures to one level or another. Concern for the well-being of others. Caring for another to enhance their well-being. Protection, for another's longevity. Providing nourishment for another, this is all compassion. It is a deeply rooted part of all organic life on this planet. It is the one component that does unite us all in this Oneness existence. Compassion and Concern for others - for all, for One.
How can we propagate Compassion even more? Certainly compassion exists in this world - however it oddly finds itself at the bottom of the list when governments meet, companies compete, and political parties speak.
We can propagate Compassion, by being the example; Many will say (and quote this line) ' an eye for an eye'. This thinking lacks compassion. however the parable 'do unto others as you would have them do unto you', this thought generates compassion and concern in the individual, allowing for the growth of compassion towards others.
How do we begin to be more compassionate in our lifes to others, to form a foundation of compassion for daily life? This begins with truthful Mindfulness of yourself, your life, your goals, your desires. Mindfulness is essential. What does this mean?
Mindfulness is the ever present awareness of self and also realization of lack of self through, the first breath of waking, to the last breath before sleep.
It is the awareness of everything around you, and at the same time, lack of self-concern while being completely Mindful and aware of all that is around you..
This is not something done overnight - for some it can take a lifetime, others, intense study and practicing instills this. For others (myself included) it is a daily ritual of remembering 'to' be Mindful of every thing, every being, every insect, animal, plant that I see. Every cloud - noticing the blueness of the sky! Noticing sadness in others around me - taking an active role to use this Mindfulness to assist where I may.
Complete mindfulness, is compassionate living.
Compassion, 'is' what makes us Human.
Namaste,
To my humble observations, what makes us 'human' is our compassion for others; humans and others outside our own species alike. It has been argued that in early man, we gathered together simply for protection, and to survive. But what drives this? One may seek protection, but what makes 1 person more 'protective' than another? What does that 'protection' really mean? Does the one 'giving' protection, do it for their own 'protective' gain - what is their initiative to be a protector?
Compassion is obvious in every form of life outside the 'human' realm; Care given to the newly born, unconscious concern for the pack/mates. Concern for elderly (Elephants will stand for hours, even days it's been documented, around a member who has passed of old age), and even peers (most species of apes and gorillas 'groom' each other in a most expressive form of care that we humans can readily understand.) Dogs and Cats care for their youth, and eventually their pack members. Why??
This is Compassion. It exists in all beings, all creatures to one level or another. Concern for the well-being of others. Caring for another to enhance their well-being. Protection, for another's longevity. Providing nourishment for another, this is all compassion. It is a deeply rooted part of all organic life on this planet. It is the one component that does unite us all in this Oneness existence. Compassion and Concern for others - for all, for One.
How can we propagate Compassion even more? Certainly compassion exists in this world - however it oddly finds itself at the bottom of the list when governments meet, companies compete, and political parties speak.
We can propagate Compassion, by being the example; Many will say (and quote this line) ' an eye for an eye'. This thinking lacks compassion. however the parable 'do unto others as you would have them do unto you', this thought generates compassion and concern in the individual, allowing for the growth of compassion towards others.
How do we begin to be more compassionate in our lifes to others, to form a foundation of compassion for daily life? This begins with truthful Mindfulness of yourself, your life, your goals, your desires. Mindfulness is essential. What does this mean?
Mindfulness is the ever present awareness of self and also realization of lack of self through, the first breath of waking, to the last breath before sleep.
It is the awareness of everything around you, and at the same time, lack of self-concern while being completely Mindful and aware of all that is around you..
This is not something done overnight - for some it can take a lifetime, others, intense study and practicing instills this. For others (myself included) it is a daily ritual of remembering 'to' be Mindful of every thing, every being, every insect, animal, plant that I see. Every cloud - noticing the blueness of the sky! Noticing sadness in others around me - taking an active role to use this Mindfulness to assist where I may.
Complete mindfulness, is compassionate living.
Compassion, 'is' what makes us Human.
Namaste,
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Road Rage is a Mental Illness?
I found an article that I can't verify it's truth or it's original publication of, but the topic itself was interesting enough for me to want to talk about. The topic was, Road Rage being classified as a 'mental illness'.
I feel that 'road rage' being labeled as a mental
illness is another poor job by our Medical community, and I hope is
not being accepted as 'the end all truth' for what causes Road
Rage... Road Rage, is nothing more than loss of control of Self - we
all get into these cars and 'forget' who we are and become someone
else because 'no one can see us', our car's 'skin' becomes the drivers
physical presence. Road Rage, is Anger, Competition, Frustration,
and.. Loss of Control of Self, and likely many other things that
fits' for each persons unique situation, each unique moment of the
day.
Some people - have no problem whatsoever of distinguishing themselves
while in a car. Many however, do take on another 'personality' while
behind the wheel. Completely fine people can have a bad day and have
a fit, and have road rage. this is not sudden 'mental illness', now
is it?
For that point, I feel 'Mental Illness's' are good internal practices,
that are turned up a notch too high (in some cases, maybe many
notches!). The person with OCD? The greatest organizer in the world
if they recognize it and put it to practice and use. ADD - some of
the brightest minds and thinkers, creators and inventive people out
there have been labeled with ADD.
When we begin to label people's abilities or 'momentary loss of self'
as illnesses - I think we need to step back (before we take a step
back) and really examine 'what' is going on, and how what one
individual is doing or causing, can be explained with a closer,
intimate look at an person's Self.
To that end - I fully admit, I have had moments of Road Rage.
Completely my fault, and lack of self control in those instances.
Certainly, no mental illness going on that 'caused' me to Rage. 'I'
accept FULL responsibility for myself. I have not had an instance
like this in years, and feel I have found my 'Self', which does not want
any part of loss of control of 'My'Self.
If everyone did this, 'own yourself' instead of wanting a 'label' for whatever makes
them different - maybe we'd get to 'know' each other better, than just
reading labels and making associations based on those labels - labels
no matter how long, are not descriptive enough to explain the
uniqueness of EACH of us. :)
Namaste,
I feel that 'road rage' being labeled as a mental
illness is another poor job by our Medical community, and I hope is
not being accepted as 'the end all truth' for what causes Road
Rage... Road Rage, is nothing more than loss of control of Self - we
all get into these cars and 'forget' who we are and become someone
else because 'no one can see us', our car's 'skin' becomes the drivers
physical presence. Road Rage, is Anger, Competition, Frustration,
and.. Loss of Control of Self, and likely many other things that
fits' for each persons unique situation, each unique moment of the
day.
Some people - have no problem whatsoever of distinguishing themselves
while in a car. Many however, do take on another 'personality' while
behind the wheel. Completely fine people can have a bad day and have
a fit, and have road rage. this is not sudden 'mental illness', now
is it?
For that point, I feel 'Mental Illness's' are good internal practices,
that are turned up a notch too high (in some cases, maybe many
notches!). The person with OCD? The greatest organizer in the world
if they recognize it and put it to practice and use. ADD - some of
the brightest minds and thinkers, creators and inventive people out
there have been labeled with ADD.
When we begin to label people's abilities or 'momentary loss of self'
as illnesses - I think we need to step back (before we take a step
back) and really examine 'what' is going on, and how what one
individual is doing or causing, can be explained with a closer,
intimate look at an person's Self.
To that end - I fully admit, I have had moments of Road Rage.
Completely my fault, and lack of self control in those instances.
Certainly, no mental illness going on that 'caused' me to Rage. 'I'
accept FULL responsibility for myself. I have not had an instance
like this in years, and feel I have found my 'Self', which does not want
any part of loss of control of 'My'Self.
If everyone did this, 'own yourself' instead of wanting a 'label' for whatever makes
them different - maybe we'd get to 'know' each other better, than just
reading labels and making associations based on those labels - labels
no matter how long, are not descriptive enough to explain the
uniqueness of EACH of us. :)
Namaste,
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Tides of Change
What really is Change?
Change is Living life, and not growing stale.
Change is taking a step into a new frontier, and Loving the Experience as you do it.
Change is what you make of it - But it is always the presentation of a new, different Reality for you, and possibly others who wish to share this Reality.
Life on this planet is a shared existance, it is a shared Reality; We can't just step off the planet, or step through a wormhole and be elsewhere in the universe! (Or can we?)
When someone makes a Change - they are reflecting back growth energy into this 3D/Time existance, as well as a 'framework' into Oneness, that closely parodies the actual 3D existance we actually find ourselves in. 'Change' gives the option of a 'new' reality, 'a new beginning'. With Change, comes the option of using the tools of Love, or Fear. Will Fear keep you from ever making that Change you are aching for? Or will you find the Passion of Love, to go forward fearlessly and encounter a new, different experience - a new different Reality?
In this shared Reality we are creating (and ever growing!) - our options are endless, even so far as removing our ability to create intentful Change. This can already be seen now in some societies, where options are more and more removed, leaving a worn, often followed path of 'quickness' to an end goal being more the 'experience' encountered, than the 'experience' of the actual journey!
We can have our technology,and our spirituality as well - but first we must meld them honestly, into a new Path. With no Fear, built on the Frameworks of Love and driven with Passion. The times of the next Tide approaches Quickly now upon our world and all of humanity. Do not Fear! This tide has lapped our shores multitudes of times in our mutually shared Reality we call Earth. It will continue to ebb and flow, and with it as tides do upon the sands of the beaches, it will wash over and help expose, Loving Change.
Embrace this Change you are feeling. Embrace your experience - it is happening and it is ours, as it has always been, but now it is exposed with this current Tide. Our time of Change is Now.
Namaste,
Change is Living life, and not growing stale.
Change is taking a step into a new frontier, and Loving the Experience as you do it.
Change is what you make of it - But it is always the presentation of a new, different Reality for you, and possibly others who wish to share this Reality.
Life on this planet is a shared existance, it is a shared Reality; We can't just step off the planet, or step through a wormhole and be elsewhere in the universe! (Or can we?)
When someone makes a Change - they are reflecting back growth energy into this 3D/Time existance, as well as a 'framework' into Oneness, that closely parodies the actual 3D existance we actually find ourselves in. 'Change' gives the option of a 'new' reality, 'a new beginning'. With Change, comes the option of using the tools of Love, or Fear. Will Fear keep you from ever making that Change you are aching for? Or will you find the Passion of Love, to go forward fearlessly and encounter a new, different experience - a new different Reality?
In this shared Reality we are creating (and ever growing!) - our options are endless, even so far as removing our ability to create intentful Change. This can already be seen now in some societies, where options are more and more removed, leaving a worn, often followed path of 'quickness' to an end goal being more the 'experience' encountered, than the 'experience' of the actual journey!
We can have our technology,and our spirituality as well - but first we must meld them honestly, into a new Path. With no Fear, built on the Frameworks of Love and driven with Passion. The times of the next Tide approaches Quickly now upon our world and all of humanity. Do not Fear! This tide has lapped our shores multitudes of times in our mutually shared Reality we call Earth. It will continue to ebb and flow, and with it as tides do upon the sands of the beaches, it will wash over and help expose, Loving Change.
Embrace this Change you are feeling. Embrace your experience - it is happening and it is ours, as it has always been, but now it is exposed with this current Tide. Our time of Change is Now.
Namaste,
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Humanity Revolution, our right to exist
Over the ages various beings in the annals of History have stood forth and offered us a glimpse of greatness - the possibilities that are One - Humanity's One. Sometimes we've created villians of them; often times they become the focus of a 'movement' and as such, many have passed from Reality into the context of Religion. An even larger portion have no 'name' written down in history for us to discuss - because they did not wish it, or led most humble lives - imparting their wisdom as they deemed right.
However we 'remember' them, their message have always been the same put forth by these beings into the context of their surroundings and their own existance. That message has always been one of Love. Love oneself, Love others, Love thy Neighbor, love your children, love your village, love Everyone.
How do we, how can we, why do we - continue to brush aside these messages? When do the hermits, saints, shamen, holy women and men from all walks of life, come down from their mountain retreats and begin teaching us again, what we continue to forget as a species?
It's all too easy to write something off as 'human nature'. Human Nature is the ability to inflect thoughtful, Mindful Change around us. As someone wiser than me once said 'Be the Change you want to See'. And so these Mindful Beings before us have done so, yet how much of it is taken literally, or just used as pomp and circumstance of some religions for 'other' purposes?
The assortment and uniqueness of these Mindful Beings is without end; they have come from all branches of life; Poor, Rich, Man, Woman.. They have come from a myriad of backgrounds, they 'are' a reflection of Humanity, at our very Best. There to serve as guides to any that come after that seek this same Oneness, or 'enlightenment'. Offered in an endless list of tongues, hidden within many of today's Religions, others lost in time, but their impression on those around them was the message itself that they came with. These messages are strewn across our entire globe, in communities and religions so far flung, as to not even have an idea of each other's existance. The 'One' message is there, when do the Many decide to answer it's call?
When do we all 'wake up' and find our own messages, awaiting us? Is it possible for 'everyone' to wake to an internal resolution to be 'more' than they are now? What would have to happen to cause the rich to not horde, the poor to not lose hope and determination, the angry to find Love, the Hateful to find Peace within.. What 'would' it take?
I'm not here to offer up conclusions, or ideas about the future, rather I'm seeking the answer to this question for my own knowledge - and maybe if I knew this answer, I could help produce it, place it into motion in other's Reality, allow it to breathe and have a life of it's own.
Or maybe that has 'already' been done, and the conclusion awaits our United grasp?
However we 'remember' them, their message have always been the same put forth by these beings into the context of their surroundings and their own existance. That message has always been one of Love. Love oneself, Love others, Love thy Neighbor, love your children, love your village, love Everyone.
How do we, how can we, why do we - continue to brush aside these messages? When do the hermits, saints, shamen, holy women and men from all walks of life, come down from their mountain retreats and begin teaching us again, what we continue to forget as a species?
It's all too easy to write something off as 'human nature'. Human Nature is the ability to inflect thoughtful, Mindful Change around us. As someone wiser than me once said 'Be the Change you want to See'. And so these Mindful Beings before us have done so, yet how much of it is taken literally, or just used as pomp and circumstance of some religions for 'other' purposes?
The assortment and uniqueness of these Mindful Beings is without end; they have come from all branches of life; Poor, Rich, Man, Woman.. They have come from a myriad of backgrounds, they 'are' a reflection of Humanity, at our very Best. There to serve as guides to any that come after that seek this same Oneness, or 'enlightenment'. Offered in an endless list of tongues, hidden within many of today's Religions, others lost in time, but their impression on those around them was the message itself that they came with. These messages are strewn across our entire globe, in communities and religions so far flung, as to not even have an idea of each other's existance. The 'One' message is there, when do the Many decide to answer it's call?
When do we all 'wake up' and find our own messages, awaiting us? Is it possible for 'everyone' to wake to an internal resolution to be 'more' than they are now? What would have to happen to cause the rich to not horde, the poor to not lose hope and determination, the angry to find Love, the Hateful to find Peace within.. What 'would' it take?
I'm not here to offer up conclusions, or ideas about the future, rather I'm seeking the answer to this question for my own knowledge - and maybe if I knew this answer, I could help produce it, place it into motion in other's Reality, allow it to breathe and have a life of it's own.
Or maybe that has 'already' been done, and the conclusion awaits our United grasp?
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