Category: Rant Less

Positive Attitude

I’ve noticed an uptick of negative thinking lately. Mine. Defensiveness too; going over and over a situation where I felt I was wronged. I knew it wouldn’t change anything, but I needed to confirm for myself, and repeat to myself, that I was in the right.

And, it seems like things have snowballed; a, when it rains it pours, thing. I’ve found myself more judgemental lately, and with less patience with others.

With awareness of my circumstances, and my thinking and behavior, I can only reason that letting go, and intentionally filling my brain with positive thoughts, is the way to go with this.

Mantras, to start the day off right, and to come back to and to use throughout the day.

I am thankful for this life, for my health, for my family and friends.

I am thankful for my home and for my employent.

I appreciate others, and understand that we’re all different and that we’re all experiencing different situations. Be compassionate, non judgemental, patient, and kind to others.

I choose to see the good in others and to see others in a positive light.

I will do my best to be my best today, and I will focus on my goals and the things that I can control. I will not be distracted from staying the course.

In The Moment

We’ve all heard the saying, Be in the moment.

Many of us have a grasp of what that means. To me, I consider my understanding of Buhdism of the concept of enlightenment; that there is this place or way to exist that is filled with peace and joy and an empty, open mind where one is connected with life in an ideal way.

However, being in the moment means something different to everyone. Can you be in the moment if you don’t know / understand the moment? Is perspective reality or is reality reality?

Of course, the answer is, reality is reality, and perspective gets in the way of reality.

Today, I’m thinking of this in terms of people getting in their own way. Do you know people that exaggerate and / or that don’t speak the truth? Do you know people that lack context in their rationalizations? People that have their own story about what’s happening, and you can’t help but ask, why is this person seeing things this way?

As I think of various examples I find common threads. There’s typically negativity. The perspective is often that, someone else is doing something I don’t like. Finger pointing, and this can completely cloud the person’s awareness.

So, awareness is a big part of knowing or of being in the moment. And, everyone will tell you that they think they’re self aware. So, does it come down to perspective? And, what about the idea of an empty mind? Can you be in the moment if you’re holding on to something? Holding something against someone(s)? Carrying weight from the past into the opportunity in front of you?

No. One can’t. I’ve experienced that evolved state of consciousness. The golden light. The empty, open mind. A state of being where I was living a more evolved existence.

It was temporary, but I was shown just how far We are from our potential. I was shown that heaven and hell exist on earth, and that it’s a matter of the mind; that our minds are getting in the way of a better way of living.

We’ve all got a story. Rather, stories. A past, and stories to ourselves about our circumstances; what’s happening to us right now, who we are, and what we’re doing; what our place is.

The truth is, we were never taught the right way to be. Our parents and theirs never understood the true nature of life. So, what is this life to you? What is your purpose? What are you trying to prove? For who? Why?

Do you believe in love? Do you believe in the idea of peace on earth? Are there certain questions like these that you ignore day in and day out? Is it your job to make a difference? Does it start with self?

As always, I hope my writing reaches someone(s), and that it has a positive affect. Food for thought if nothing else. My suggestion for you is to spend more time in meditation. No. Not necessarily on the floor, Indian style. But, with yourself, in a quiet place, where you can practice Not Thinking. Just be. With yourself and this beautiful life you have, just the way it is.

The Answer is Very Simple

We clearly don’t have the answer figured out, or we’d be investing much more in education; helping our youth as much as we can and teaching them how to be better than we are.

Think about it. It’s really that simple.

Massive change is needed. Educating the next generation the right way is the quickest path to meaningful, lasting change.

And, this starts with leaders, acknowledging on behalf of the people, that we’re all fucked up; our system, and the majority.

Think Less. Feel More.

I’m thinking about, Think less. Feel more. And, I’m thinking about this along with the idea of self awareness. Self awareness in terms of what comes out of our mouths.

In any given situation, work or home… think before you speak, and ask yourself, Can I find the answer on my own? Do I know the answer? Does this person want to hear what I have to say? Did they ask for my thoughts or opinion? And, are the words that I will speak coming from a good place? Am I seeing this person in a positive light? Are the words that I have in mind kind?

With these thoughts I surmise, there’s too much talking, and too much thinking. Too many unnecessary comments and conversations.

Think less. Feel more, and I believe we’ll find a better head space. Better perspective… and kinder words.

As Far as You Know

In and out of my head.
In and out of the past.
In and out of the moment.
Member of your cast.

If you want the best of me,
You’ve got to let me be.
You don’t know what you want,
But I can help you see.

But focus is on you.
You must adjust your sight.
It’s just a thing that happens,
For those who’re living right.

It comes with letting go,
Of control; that which you hold.
You’re wired but you don’t know it.
You do how you were told.

Taught to see a certain way,
But there’s much more to see.
Awareness has the answers.
Observation is the key.

Just noticing what is.
And, being thankful you are here.
Imagine you’re a captain.
You’ve a boat that you must steer.

And, the weather’s changing constantly.
Some days there will be storms.
Calm waters will not last.
Roses have their thorns.

He said that we are “Stiff Necked”,
Which is to say, we stare.
What is it that you’re minding?
Move on, That is my dare.

Move on.

Change Your Behavior

Unreal
How-far-apart
We-seem-to-be
In-our-minds.

Layers
And context
And stories
Of all kinds.

Perspectives
And focus;
Attention,
Here and there.

It’s when we focus
On others
That that we show
That we care.

So, try dropping your thinking,
And learn just to be.
With attention on others.
And just see what you see.

Observing’s the practice.
Non reaction’s the game.
If you try this, I promise,
You won’t be the same.

You’ll be growing awareness
Of what life reallly is;
A blessing to live.
You’re a child of His.

Ignorance

Better alone with my thoughts,
Than letting them fly.
So much to consider.
Plus, I’m a white guy.

Shit. That’s two strikes
In many a book.
Sucks we can’t all
Help he way that we look.

And, why should I say
What needs to be heard?
I’m not taking the blame.
That’d be absurd.

So many layers of bullshit
And money’s the tie.
Yet, most are confused
And are living a lie.

So, I’ll hold my tongue
It’s self preservation.
I’m not buying
That we’ve free speach in our Nation.

There’s always a cost;
A price to pay.
In a world filled with morons.
That I can say.

It Melts Away

Know that I’m Aware.
Where not, please know I Care.

The issues are so many.
Just so much I can see.

But, I walk, to take my Time.
I slow-down with a Rhyme.
Con si der ing
The life around me.
Thankful for this time.

I’ll often seek the Hawk.
I’ll sometimes find her Feather.
Just my time, just for a Walk.
Just me within the Weather.

Lovely is the sunshine.
I too enjoy the Rain.
Always tied to suffering
And managing our Pain.

And I’ve found that it’s O.K.
To just enjoy the Day.
To leave things as they are:
That Bullshit melts Away.