I knock on doors, a lot.
Sometimes no one’s home.
Often, someone’s home, but doesn’t hear me knocking.
Often too, someone’s home, but chooses not to open the door. I wonder about these people and their reasons for not opening the door, and I move on wondering about the missed window of opportunity for myself and for those who chose not to open the door.
Opposing positions.
Both sides are right.
It is what it is.
May it all come to light.
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May we each learn and grow.
With Greater Good, top of mind.
Proper focus brings change.
Self improvement, we find.
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So, don’t point your finger.
Rather, seek to understand.
Your opponent’s within.
Your next step’ in your hand(s).
I don’t need your approval.
i don’t care what you think.
You’re a bit like a fly.
You won’t make me blink.
___
You’re welcome to hate me,
But deep down you know,
I’m not you’re problem.
I’m just little ol’ Joe.
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And, I know why you’re angry.
I’ve called you out.
You’ve been living in shadows.
We both know your doubt(s). And, you know…
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You guys have a choice,
And a decision to make.
Will you grow and improve,
Or remain weak and fake?
___
It’s fine. No hard feelings.
i wish you all well.
But, from where I stand
You’re living in hell.
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Self preservation.
You said it yourself.
Survival mode,
Much like your health.
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Gotta feed-family
And keep the lights on.
But, it’s you who is suspect,
And your dealings are wrong….
If you’re pretending to be something your not,
And selling others while hiding the truth.
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Funny that you want to point the finger at me, but I get it. No problem.
Just consider and remember, for your own sake… You’re your own problem. You have the choice to improve. When / if you do, you’ll have nothing to hide from.
I cherish the time, in-between-things.
The space without, all the bull-shit life brings.
Just space to breath, and the time to unwind;
A Stepping-Back. A need to remind….. myself…. that things are ok. That I can handle the stuff that’s coming my way.
I just wish I had more time, away from Selling; non-alignment with others, pushing and defending what I believe in, and dealing with people.
If I’m being honest with myself, I believe my happy place is a day to day, where I’m not having to answer to others. Rather, I’m producing art, what I want, how I want, and when I want.
Perhaps it’s doable. That my work would be appreciated and bought, such that I’d be more than a starving artist.
It begs the question… is the starving artist happier, or equally tortured?
I suppose the logical path is to begin the dream on the side.
How many of us will never get there?
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.
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.
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.
I’m working, while taking a break.
You may call it, Joe Time. It’s when I’m out by the lake.
It’s-where I-wrote-this. It’s my space, my way.
My outlet. For me. Meditation I’d say.
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.
Is it Rude to Conclude, you’re-unwilling-to-change?
That your head’s very-much-in-the-Sand?
If not, may we talk? I’m talking simple debate.
I’m just wanting to Understand.
Can’t you see that I care? In your interest, I’m here.
I can see that you’re set in your Way.
But, give me a chance. I’m suggesting, more-time;
A gift for the taking, Today.
NOT FOR RANT 