Monday, September 21, 2015

Being Happy, the World Within


I've been thinking a lot lately.  About Hippy type things, like Peace and Happiness.  It seems that the more I study what it might mean to be alive, specifically how we perceive "reality" and where Consciousness stems from, I have realized that I know next to nothing.

And it has opened me up to the idea that maybe, just maybe, each and every one of us actually does have the power to make a difference in this world.

There is no world without, without the world within.  What you see in the world around you is really a reflection/projection of your reaction to what is happening around you.  And that you are in control of.  Most of us just don't know it or really believe it.  We live in a time where we have been brought up to think of ourselves as alone.  In our heads.  Separate. To find blame others or find fault for anything in our lives that is less than perfect.  That money brings happiness, so that is the only thing worth pursuing.

Because all we really want is to be happy.

Each and every one of us is connected.  Literally connected.  I don't mean by Facebook.  I'm not going to get into all the reasons why.  Read about Quantum Physics.  Read about Quantum Entanglement.  Read about the Holographic Universe Theory.  And, perhaps, listen to your heart.  At some level, most of us can feel it.  It's that thing that makes you feel good when you connect with a stranger.  Or makes you tear up when you watch a story about somebody in a tough situation and the community comes to their aid.  It is when we are at our best.

Here is a thought.  What would your day be like if everybody around you treated you like a well loved family member?  What if you knew that every person you encountered today would be pleasant and respectful towards you?   What if you were shopping for a car, and didn't have to worry about anybody taking advantage of your lack of knowledge?  What if people made decisions based on doing the right thing for others instead of monetary ones?

How much less stress would your life have?

"It's never going to happen" is most peoples first reaction.  "People are assholes"  I hear on a daily basis.  And I'm occasionally guilty of it as well.  But in studying a lot of metaphysical and religious topics, some of the same lessons repeat themselves over and over.  I'd like to focus on just one for this post.  Do unto others as you would have done to you.

The reason why the world is full of assholes is because everybody is waiting for the other guy to make the first move. 

Somebody has to start.  I have been working on doing this for the past few weeks.  And for whatever reasons I can't understand, it works!  I take it one person at a time, and try to practice as much as I can every day.  It is amazing what happens when you realize that you have the power to make the people around you happier.  And there are a million different ways to do it.  Don't wait for them to make you happy, you go first.  With no expectations of anything in return.  It feels awesome.  It feels like the way we are supposed to behave towards each other.

Does anybody else want to try this with me?   Do you have the courage to be nice to everybody around you?  If not nice, how about respectful?  How about the next time you want to yell at the waitress because your food isn't right, think about the fact that she could be your daughter.  Or sister.  Or mother.  Can you take the split second to put yourself in their shoes and try to be more understanding?  If nothing else, you will lower your daily stress and blood pressure when you realize that you don't have to be so upset all the time.


For real change you have to pay very close attention to how you actually feel about that person.  Being kind to somebody without actually caring isn't as powerful.  The change really comes when we can look at each other, every single one, and be open, loving and understanding to what we each are going through.  Because whether you know it or not, their struggles are yours.  And since that is the case, you have the power to make it better for everybody.  But it is a choice that has to start with you.  We are all connected.  

Please share your thoughts.

Nate

Thursday, September 10, 2015

Dear Running,

Dear Running,

I don't know how to say this gently, but I think I need a break.  It's not working for me anymore, and it is getting more apparent every day that you are trying to hurt me. 

Shhh..don't say anything yet.  Please, let me finish first.

The last 9 years have been wonderful.  You found me just when I really needed you.  My old love, Mountain Biking, and I had just broken up from a wounded knee.  I really wasn't ready to give her up, and now I think I need to go back. 

Even though you never said anything, I know you could feel that something was wrong after we finished the Vermont 100.  I've been fighting these feelings since then, and I just can't do it anymore.  I need to come clean.

I love Mountain Biking.  I'm sorry, but I don't think that I ever stopped loving it.  It's in my blood, and I have to go with my gut. 

I really hope that you and I can still be friends.  There would be nothing I would like more than to go out with you for a few hours and explore some new trails.  I hope you will still allow that once in a while.  The time we had together was special.  I'll always cherish it.  I will always love you.

Nate