It's about time!

I posted something similar to this recently and feel compelled to expound the virtue of it.

" we can't always be available, but we sure as heck can be reliable."

I've found myself feeling terribly alone at times and wanting so much to have companionship. Even just a little talk might relieve this sort of dread loneliness. But, truth is I cannot FORCE things to happen that just aren't going to happen - this minute anyway.

I am learning this however, when it seems that no one is available for me I must needs to remember people have busy lives and cares and concerns other than mine. Not everyone all the time could drop what they're doing and give me a little attention although that is what I dream of.

In that instant though, the instant I think about no one being available, I could change the dimension I'm in with one thought. I could think about people who are reliable instead of who isn't available? I could think of times when I needed someone to rely on AND the memories of those times when I was rescued fill my mind and settle my heart and soul. AND this whole process is about TIME.

Time is an illusion. Give yourself some time. Take time. In due time. How many times? What time is it? Which time are you talking about? Oh no not this time?

It's about time!

papajohn

excuse making - does it come natural or is it learned?

I was speaking with a disciple the other day about spiritual exercizing. We talked about the phrase often heard in 12 step recovery circles, " the program is a simple program for complicated people." Now I don't agree with that ( I know, you're not shocked LOL) because from my own personal exprience, from experience being an observer and by meditating about those things I heard and saw while observing I may conclude accurately that the 12 step program is " a simple program for LAZY people."

We live in an age, if you're connected overly with society and its current consciousness where folks almost always make an excuse for their behavior and/or look for an easier, softer way out of a situation even if that means being disloyal to the rest of the human race. We don't value values.

Study history and you'll notice that up to around 250 a.d. people sought wisdom and guidance from the wise ( sages, mystics, prophets) and from spiritual leaders. Not long after a.d. it was people and politics that co-erced, blackmailed, shang hai'd ,  manipulated and threatened the populations! What did we receive from that? Bribery!

We as people have been bribed - to do things we don't want to do , are bribed - into receiving gifts and rewards, do bribe - others as we force them to do things they know are wrong but if we're honest about it we bribe our damn selves.

This emotional black op's of hijacking others and ourselves can go on for years and decades unnoticed to the " untrained " eye. There are symptoms of this disease which strongly influences our desire to control others. Funny part of it, well, not so funny is the manipulation is so poisonous that our minds begin to manipulate themselves- hence the self-bribery. We have turned on others and the result is we turn on ourselves at some point.

The tell tale symptom that we've departed from realistic thinking about what to do and what not to do is dis-satisfaction. We become dis-satisfied and most solutions that normally would appeal to the mature man or woman seem foreign. Those steps we would need to take look to be well, way out of our way. And this is the second symptom, we don't feel we should " go out of our way" any more, at least not like we used to. If IT can't happen quickly for us- we dismiss it!

If something can't be solved in the proverbial micro-wave minute, we don't have the time for it. I'm NOT talking about someone talking NON SENSE. You don't have to have time for that but be available for as much as you can however, we can all learn something from each other.

What I'm talking about is that folks don't sit down anymore and have discussions. As soon as you approach another because of a disagreement or hurt feelings they tend to go on the defensive and what COULD have been a constructive conversation becomes a de- structive confrontation!

It's easier to " fly off " the handle rather than be patient and understandable. It's easier to ignore another person than it is to take time with them. It's easier to give up or give in or make excuses. The problem becomes the focus not the solution.

We've become lazy. It's much easier for some folks to act stupid, to be hateful, to make excuses and to blame someone else. 

We've become lazy about doing the right thing. Lazy about doing the best thing. Lazy about doing the legal thing. And we've become lazy about doing the LOVING thing!

papajohn

my quote

what a difference a difference makes.

Some Harley riders are saying " look at my feminine side"

Before I begin let me say I was there, I had 2 Harley motorcycles and I did the " femine " side thing as well but not quite as profound as some of my fellow riders.

This writing is an observation - albeit an accurate one.

What is really behind all the glossy, bright paint? What else would you call the added GLAM - the eye catching shiny chrome and the leather with it's studs? What really is behind those glowing blue and red lights placed neatly under the gas tank to reflect off the engine at night?

It's no secret that men have a femine side and for me - I'm o.k. with it, but I woke up early this morning wondering about this whole idea to allure others with the " look at my lovely bike" MENTALITY. My neighbor bought a rather masculine type Harley a couple years ago, white pearl paint and nothing fancy or awkward and I say AWKWARD because once you agree with this girlish angle I'm proposing you'll notice that these schemes on Harley's with the added trinkets and gems are awkward to that motorcycle brand! So THEN my neighbor repainted his bike a pretty purple, added more chrome and has beautiful appealing saddle bags with " quite noticeable" studs. He MANICURES his machine but hardly rides it and when it is parked in front of his home after the usual pedicure ( careful wash, wax and buff) it screams " look at pretty me" and it is pretty no doubt!

And that's the other side of this story as well- the sexual shiver that overcomes one, the " chill " in the spine to the brain when that pulritudeness Harley passes you in the street!

I did the add on thing with my bikes, never changed the color of the tank and fenders. I put on the SUBSTITUTE earrings, bracelets, necklace and toe rings. They were different but not eye popping or stimulating. Well, the Sportster seemed to stimulate some being black with red wheels and a tan seat! And I have to admit now that the Electra Glide was abnoxious as a bar fly at 2 a.m.with it's blaring stereo sound. O.K. I can admit it! No offense to barflys- we love 'em.


What were I and what are my friends of the road really saying with the window rattling exhaust, the long protruding front ends, the weaving in and out and the speed? Why does someone purchase a motorcycle for $9,000.00 to $25,000.00 and add thousands $$$$$$ more? Not satisfied with it? Didn't like it in the first place? I don't have the full answer so maybe someone can procure a government grant to study this?


When it's all said and done friend, there's no doubt that owners have turned the masculine American machine into a lovley lady of the road! And there's nothing wrong with that.

" Truth is truth. Truth is not democratic, you don't vote on truth. If it's true, it's true. If it's not true, it's not true."

I heard this term used " truth is truth. Truth is not democratic, you don't vote on truth. If it's true, it's true. If it's not true, it's not true. "  Bob Bauval.

I'm writing this and  I have no intention to criticize a particluar religion or group of people for their beliefs. What people believe is their belief but how their beliefs affect others or affect me is another matter.

Ever think about STRONGLY where your ancestors came from? For decades no one in MY family ever questioned where beyond Europe did the maternal or paternal tribe travel from.

As a Christian I never questioned this, never thought about beyond Europe. Why?

I think I now have the answer.

As a Christian there is much focus on original sin, that is Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden and the serpent, the apples and the naked truth. The emphasis on original sin is man made and was made " official " by the church by VOTE and is known as " the original sin doctrine" which you may investigate yourself. http://www.gospeltruth.net/menbornsinners/mbs03.htm

" Truth is truth. Truth is not democratic, you don't vote on truth. If it's true, it's true. If it's not true, it's not true. "

I was indoctrinated Catholic and practiced the " born again " system of Christian religion for decades. When I wondered about my relatives, my ancestors I could only view in my mind those I had known personally or from pictures passed on by the family.

For an ODD reason, I never envisioned ancestor's other than what I described above, those I knew personally or from pictures I had seen passed down through the family.

For OBVIOUS reasons, the thought of a family lineage almost always seemed to point in another direction. The information I received from Catholic School and the other churches I attended over the years was that my blood
is " tainted " with original sin and I am a sinner wether I can help it or
not. I was told I am CURSED! The Adam and Eve story.

Why would anyone look back into their family history if they were told their family has been cursed? Why would you even think about exploring it? I came from a long line of heathens I imagined and WE ( folks born again and righteous ) don't bother with heathens.

Then this past 12 months I came to look at things differently - less judgemental, less predjudical and less self-righteous. My mind was WIDE OPEN!


" Truth is truth. Truth is not democratic, you don't vote on truth. If it's true, it's true. If it's not true, it's not true. "


After much research years ago I came to doubt the theory of original sin based solely on this statement- Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground." The book of Genisis Chapter One verse 26- the Holy Bible.

Take what you want from that. ( ME;  since God is good and pure and all knowing AND we were ( are ) created in His image then we are ( were ) good and pure and all knowing - then how were WE duped by the devil AND didn't he see it coming? )

Anyway, now that I believe that I am a good person and I make mistakes based upon my upbringing and other influences not to forget my own blunders, I can ask the question " who are my true ancestor's?"

Who lived since the beginning of civilization to my great great grandparents in Europe? Fossils tell one side of the story but now tribes can be traced through DNA.  http://www.genebase.com/

My ancestoral line goes from Europe back to Egypt and I am excited about it! I suddenly have a picture of my ancestor's, those folks I never saw personally or in pictures. And they are not the heathens and devil worshippers I envisioned as a result of religious indoctrination or religious Hollywood movies!

" Truth is truth. Truth is not democratic, you don't vote on truth. If it's true, it's true. If it's not true, it's not true. "


Just for the record, before the arguement starts I saw another oddity. In the Bible God created the earth in 6 days then rested on the 7th - this isn't odd but;

in the Book of Genesis, Chapter One verse 3; " God said let there be light then there was light."  (day one )

In the Book of Genesis, Chapter one verse 16; God made two great lights--the greater light to govern the day and the lesser light to govern the night. He also made the stars.(  day four )

Since the sun and the moon and the stars weren't created until the 4th day - what was the light in the first day about?


" Truth is truth. Truth is not democratic, you don't vote on truth. If it's true, it's true. If it's not true, it's not true. "

If you didn't improve

If you didn't improve even just a little bit since yesterday then you owe that day another try.

papajohn

a bee

- a bee flew in my vest and stung me on the chest-
I felt the sting and didn't scream and continued on my quest.

papajohn "tales from the road"

Not all trees that bend break.

I want to write my OWN story. I'm referring to what it is I would like to do and where it is I'd like to go- in life.

Now, if you're attitude toward me is that I'm off my rocker, a kook , then let me be the first to inform you that you're unaware and maybe even untaught where life matters are concerned.

You may feel I'm being egotistical but the fact is, if you're ignorant about people's dreams and goals then it is you who is egotistical while I become realisitic. You who are jealous while I become ambitous. You who shake your head while I hold mine up high!

I would hope that you support people in their dreams and goals and not co-erce, blackmail or manipulate them into following the path you did in life.

You see, if it comes down to co-ercion, blackmail and manipulation then one would be most certain to conclude that something is DEFINITELY wrong with your state. If it comes down to co-ercion, blackmail and manipulation on your part then one can only conclude the course you've taken has been regrettable for you.

Understand that where there are attempts to control another human being, like under the circumstances I suggested above, where someone is charting out a life path and you're not happy about what you see maybe it has nothing to do with the other person's happiness and more about your unhappiness.

Maybe co-ercion, blackmail and manipulation are tools you use to " bring down " another person. Maybe co-ercion, blackmail and manipulation are a style you use so that another will not succeed. Maybe co-ercion, blackmail and manipulation is what was used on you at one point?

Things aren't always " exactly " this way or that way.

The sun rises, goes across the sky and then each evening it sets. Rain comes quickly, lightly or heavily and then it stops. The wind blows or it breezes and then the wind calms down. Life is like that, changing, twisting and turning, on - off.

Not all trees that bend break.

A tree that isn't broken makes great shade and would you change the shape and circumference of a tree to give you shade at a certain point during the day as the sun moves overhead? No, you move under the tree and trust that where you move next there will be shade.

Trust IN others then.

Move WITH them.

Enjoy the way they ARE.

A tree supports itself, no? When you are enjoying the shade of the tree do you constantly remind the tree to do this or that to suit you? Under its shade do you not rest and relax as life around you continues?

Not all trees that bend break.

Not all humans that TRY fail.

papajohn

If your head is a bad neighborhood-

In meetings we hear this said " I don't go up into my head without adult supervision, my mind is a bad neighborhood."

But " I " tell you that this statement is destructive and self-defeating!

If your head is a " bad neighborhood " use the tools you've been given;

1. Discuss the situation with my advisor, teacher or guru and follow guidance.

2. Meditate.

3. Pray.

4. Get into the solution.

If your head is a bad neighborhood- get your tools together, you're ( mind ) cleaning supplies and go back up there and clean it out!

papajohn

Why to we become so destructive that way as we get older?

When I was a kid growing up I listened to different music artists, groups. My eight track collection included Creedence Clearwater revival, Led Zeppelin, Cheech and Chong and Neil Diamond and comedy tracks like Bill Cosby.

My friends, say at cage 12, 13 and 14 shared the same taste in music and if they didn't it was no big deal. As I grew older I became ware that what I mlistened to ( among other things) rally made an impression on people around me. Matter of fact, there were bands I wouldn't listen to because it was taboo in certain circles. I also stopped listening to certain artists lest I became an outcast - a " cream puff" .

Why?

Why to we become so  destructive that way as we get older? Why so abnoxious? Why so cruel?  Worst of all now, we spread these poisonous principles to our children!

Why?

Why do we destroy precious, loving, non-judgemental minds?

Unless you live in a monastery you can't hide forever. ( I don't live in fear I deal with it.)

I don't live " in fear " - I live in this suit which is known as the human body. I reside in a home located in a town. Yes it is in " a state " and yes I live in  a country - on and on and on and on and on.

But I DON'T live in fear!

There are occasions that I become afraid.

As fear manifests itself in my mind I feel danger, dread or maybe even evil. I become uneasy and anxious. There is concern. Some people get frightened, alarmed and terrified!

I DON'T live in fear!

In our mind we may become unsure, uneasy and doubtful. We might think of loss or seperation. Our outlook might trigger a " painful " view of the future. You may get tired, fatigued and withdrawn. One might become solitary. Surely you'll be upset.

You are REACTING!

We are RESPONDING!
These things, these issues, these emotions, notions, conclusions and ideas are nothing! They are nothing.

Why?

They haven't happened and probably will not happen and most likely none of them will ever happen - become reality!

How is that?

Because what we are thinking is based on past experiences in our life. How we are feeling is based on past experiences. What we think we see is based on past experience.

We enter the mind of  " ILLUSION". It is not real, its appearance is misleading, it gives us a false impression, idea or belief. You may consider yourself at this point, self-deceived!

No person, place or thing will save you. We might find release and comfort from a specific person, place or thing but the security is transitional. Unless you live in a monastery you can't hide forever.

Why are you afraid? I didn't ask you " what happeened ? " I asked, " why are YOU afraid? "

You can't answer it can you? Even if someone told you there is a mad man coming to your house to kill you, why be afraid? It hasn't happened yet? Will it happen? Maybe he'll be run over by the noon bus! Maybe he'll knock on your door and notice a sweet aroma of a Lilac tree nearby or see the beautiful rose bush in the yard or he might be overcome by a food you cooked this morning the smell of which is still ingering and his disposition will change- no? Can this happen?

I don't live in fear.

To live in a frightened state is not helpful at all. In fact when you become overwhelmed by it you not only raise a white flag of surrender and dispense all hope, you create a bullseye - a target on your chest or back and exclaim "here I am, please make me a victim." Are you? Can you be a victim if nothing happened to you yet?

Why do you?

Because we haven't learned NEW ways to cope with life and its events, because we don't understand how to pause and relax, we rely on old information when dealing with new situations. The old ways didn't work yet we still RE-ACT that way!

To pause and relax is the key. Even if you don't " act " on what it is that's bothering you for days at a time- so what? Better to do nothing and go about your day that start trouble. Yes? Take a week or a month if you have to to sort it out. So what? It's better than being a victim. pleading with the world to have pity on you for something that hasn't happened yet!

I don't live in fear I deal with it.

you do it- I do it!

Religious misconceptions; "Hindus worship hundreds and thousands of different Gods!"
DEITIES in the Hindu religion stand for many different things- love, beauty, good health to name a few. I say they "stand for" because some people believe Hindus worship " false god's " this way.
Truth - There is only ONE God in the Hindu religion! This ONE God has MANY FACES! The many faces have names. The names are associated with its appropriate deity.
To look for hope and strength in a deity isn't blasphemy against your God or my God, as a matter of fact millions of people every day around the world turn to people, places and things of divine nature for hope and strength! You do it, I do it!
BELOW ARE THE MANY FACES OF GOD! ADD YOURS AS WELL!

Heck, go a step further and do something for a stranger!

As Americans we tend to not " moderate " as much as we can or should, everything seems to have to be bigger or more is better is a popular flavor.

It's not hard to understand how the rest of the world views us and why, especially less developed countries or as we're witnessing now from the Middle East, leaders who have amassed great amounts of wealth while keeping the people in poverty. Protests of outrage continue.

I've been re-training myself to live simply and think more of others. I've cut the unnecessary spending on things like expensive cable tv, which by the way no matter how many channels you have you may only watch one at a time but you PAY for all of them! It's a gimmick out of control.

One day I looked around my home and said to myself, " this isn't a home - a place of refuge and shelter. This is a damn museum!" It wasn't until I cut off the " stimulating " cable tv that my mind settled and I began to see things as they really are. Without tv and commercials I'm not emotionally strong armed, co-erced or tempted to buy into the silly ideas they  call " something we can't live without." I am also not made to feel less than or guilty because I don't have this product or that new gadget most of which don't make life any easier.

I am also much more satisfied with what I have left after giving away or selling rather cheap most of my household items and toys, as a matter of fact I made up my mind to downsize in ALL areas of my life where material things are concerned and I've settled for PRACTICAL instead of clever, fancy and namebrands.

I also GIVE more and do so spontaneously. We always have an opportunity if we're listening and paying attention to what is going on around us to help another or just plain old dig in your pocket and say "here, have a nice day."

AND because the stress to keep up or stay ahead or stay on top of the rising bills is gone I smile more often and smiles are contagious. Pay it forward as a lady remarked to me today at Avalon.

Our time and money should be precious and of concern to us. If we respect time and money then we won't waste it. If we're not wasting it there's more to go around. If there's more to go around there's less greed, with less greed more people have what they need. And when we have what we need and less what we want, we appreciate what we have.Value becomes part of our vocabulary. And when we place value on what we have instead of what we need we're happy and satisfied, grateful or we should be.

Here's a word you don't hear often in this country of ours when it comes to unnecessary spending- stingy.

Do you know why?

Because if people became stingy the unnecessary spending would stop and when the unnecessary spending stops those people who are stealing your hard earned cash will have to find a new line of business!

When we get off our duffs from in front of the tv and actually go outside perhaps we might see where we could invest our time more wisely. We might even see for the first time in a long time that our neighbor could use a hand. We might even volunteer time to a charity or organization.

We should celebrate a day called "unlpug your house day " where for one day (maybe more) we unplug everything in our homes and use alternatives methods or do activities where WE actually entertain our friends, relatives or neighbors! Heck, go a step further and do something for a stranger!

new- daily meditations blog

http://tat2guru.blogspot.com/

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