People Suck

 

“The one thing I have absolute faith in is mankind's capacity to make things worse. No matter how bad it gets, we're all happy to screw each other over. It's enough to make me wonder if we should have let the zombies win.”
― Mira Grant, Deadline

tags: faith, humanity, people-suck 

 

 

“Anybody who thinks there's nothing wrong with this world needs to have his head examined. Just when things are going all right, without fail someone or something will come along and spoil everything. Somebody should write that down as a fundamental law of the Universe. The principle of perpetual disappointment. If there is a God who created this world, he should scrap it and try again.”
― Athol Fugard, "Master Harold"...and the boys

tags: disappointment, god, law, laws-of-the-universe, life, life-lesson, people, people-suck, religion, universe        

          I like to periodically look back on my blogs and read them.  Contrary to some peoples opinions I do not blog because I need for everyone to think like me. AND its not vanity...well maybe a little. :P  I blog so I can help, and hopefully lend support, to anyone who thinks like me.  But mainly I blog because it helps me. Helps me stay focused.  Initially when I write it is because a topic, or idea stands out to me.  I believe that it is the universes way of making me aware of something that I need to change in my life, or pay special attention to.  These messages come in tidal waves of information which all relate to each other.  Lately the topic seems to be people suck.
          It started, as many things do, with a face book post that went something like," a little known Buddhist saying is: people suck."  This comment which I think was meant to be humorous was posted on a site known for all things Buddhist and was met with varying thoughts, and comments.  The comment that stood out to me the most shared," thanks for keeping it real."
          This prompted me to read back on some of my blogs on being kind and compassionate, which actually covers quite a few.  While reading it occurred to me that many of my blogs are written after listening to someone do nothing but berate human kind and everything associated with it.  I discovered something about my self.
          I do engage in this behavior.  Some one could perceive that this blog right now could be interpreted as technically engaging in negative behavior.  I'm not proud of it and am always disappointed when I find that I have done it.  I have blogged often on gossiping, using words with caution and respect, and many other topics that convey one basic message and truth. 
          Communication is important and how we communicate is even more so.  I also have shared that I believe that everyone has the right to share their thoughts, and ideas.  Balance comes from communicating, not from the lack of it.  Even if you do it wrong initially at least you tried.  Eventually if you keep trying you will get it right.  And no one is right all the time.
          Why do I, we as a society, feel the need, because I have decided it is so, to communicate with so much negativity?  I have blogged on this also.  Something occurred to me however that I had never really addressed, and if I have I haven't really given it a lot of thought.  Because its easier.  Its easier to speak and act like those around us in hopes of fitting in, making friends, and ultimately not being alone, than to stand alone, which is what happens if you are not bashing what ever topic of the day is being bashed.  This is kind of a form of bullying when you really think of it.  The fact of the matter is no one wants to be alone.  No one wants to have to fight for their beliefs.  No one wants to feel afraid.  Its sometimes much easier to just agree with who ever, what ever, and know inside that they are full of shit.
          Now don't get me wrong.  Some of these things and people deserve NOT be supported.  But there is a big difference between bashing and choosing to not support a person and/or point of view.  You can be unsupportive quietly.  Simply keep your mouth shut, turn your back on it, walk away, turn the channel, don't like it on Facebook, don't vote for it, etc., etc,.  
          You know how to tell if something is wrong?  Pay attention to the people who are screaming the loudest about it.  The ones who are quiet will more often than not, but not always, be the ones who are on the side of right.  Something to think about with a presidential election looming a head of us.
          I find myself being a hypocrite.  I will sometimes engage in gossip.  Even though I stand by the idea that it is only gossip if you don't eventually share your thoughts with the person you are talking about.  The problem with that idea is that if you vent off a frustration with someone concerning someone else the person who you are venting to, not about, usually gets to the person you are frustrated with before you do.  This is then misinterpreted as gossip because people do not realize that the person who turned around and shared confidential information is the one gossiping, not the person who was venting a frustration.  I once had a person say to me, "well did you specify that the information was confidential?"  Seriously?  No, but let me tell you that your inability to not distinguish what you should and should not share with some one else has just taken you out of my inner circle of friends.  Thanks for playing.
          In my head is that saying," if they'll talk to you they'll talk about you."  Not necessarily true.  Depends on the person.  I know whom I can safely share information with and not have it go any further and who I can plant information with and know it will find its way back to where I didn't want it to go.  Manipulative of me? Sure. I could sit back and just let whom ever think that they are getting the best of me, but my human nature has an issue with this.  There is nothing about compassion that states that we should let others take advantage of us.  IN fact it is in the art of not being taken advantage of and being compassionate at the same time that makes the difference.  In my experience it is very effective to lay some truth out there and let it circle around. 
           I feel a sadness when I realize that someone can not be trusted with my feelings and secrets.  My failure is in believing that everyone in my life should be able to be trusted.  That their respect for me is so great that they will only share what I gift them with my permission.  But this is, once again, vanity, and my frailty, not some one else's, and it is only me that deals with the consequences of knowing this about my self.
         Did you every notice that bad news travels much faster than good?  There are people out there whom will turn around and share something bad that you said faster then you can blink, but, if you share something good about someone...nothing...seriously?  I believe that this is a control issue.  These people feel a certain amount of power by creating chaos instead of spreading joy.  These same people will look at anyone who try's to be optimistic and compassionate like they have three heads.  Which brings me full circle to why we gossip and or engage in communication/behavior that we technically don't agree with.
          I could sit back and beat myself up every time I fail.  But I have lived long enough now to realize that every time I fail I am actually learning something.  In this particular instance it is that people do truly suck.  And I put myself in that category.  I am also a people.  And I do suck sometimes, my hubby can attest to that.  *Yes I know what I did there.   
          Here is the Pith of the Matter.  On that Facebook post about the little known saying there were some people who took the whole thing way too seriously.  For me they were the equivalent of Christian extremist's.  They went off saying, in so many words, that when teaching Buddhism everything that is said/taught should be done so with love, kindness, compassion, etc.  I kind of think that they are missing the point. 
          Buddha taught first, and for most, that we are human and subject to human frailty's.  In realizing this, and coming to peace with it, we realize that we will sometimes fail.  It is inevitable.  IN fact, we will mostly fail.  Which is why less than one percent of the population will ever truly attain Nirvana, and/or be enlightened.   Now many out there will say why even try to be Buddhist then?  Well I can only speak for myself. 
          They way Buddhism is set up, for me, makes me feel a little more confident about failure and the reasons for it.  The problem is not when I choose to engage in gossip, negativity, etc. It comes when I don't realize that that is what I just did.  AND it does not mean that oh gee I get it, I forgive myself for it, so I can do it again.  It means that I am self aware and strive continuously to not be that person that I don't want to be.  Do I go home and become depressed, angry with myself etc.?  No.  That would once again be going against the ideas of Buddhism.  It is simply acknowledging that sometimes people do suck, and when you realize this you are understanding that you are putting yourself in that category.  After this little enlightenment the next thing to do is laugh, shake your head, look to the universe, say thank you, and then get out there and try again.

Emaho
Namaste
Peace out

“Just remember that sometimes, the way you think about a person isn't the way they actually are.”
― John Green, Paper Towns

tags: brillent, live-lessons, people-suck, people-will-hurt-you

 

The Energy of Stars

“I like the night. Without the dark, we'd never see the stars.”
― Stephenie Meyer, Twilight

tags: bella-swan, dreams, edward, hope, night, stars

         
           Ever notice how doing something as simple as looking up into the night sky and star gazing can make you feel energized?  Such a simple thing when you think about it. It brings us a kind of energy.  Something, no matter what your age, station in life, race, color, creed, faith, etc. we all think about and strive for.  When your younger you have a ton of it.  When your older you wish you had more of it.  AND let me share that no matter what good shape your in, as you get older, your physical energy will deplete, but your mental energy, your core energy does not have to.  The universe has recently enlightened me to energy and its importance.  Let me share with you my journey.
          I start many journeys with a simple definition.

en·er·gy

ˈenərjē/

noun

noun: energy

1.

the strength and vitality required for sustained physical or mental activity.

"changes in the levels of vitamins can affect energy and well-being"

synonyms:

vitality, vigor, life, liveliness, animation, vivacity, spirit, spiritedness, verve, enthusiasm, zest, vibrancy, spark, sparkle, effervescence, ebullience, exuberance, buoyancy, sprightliness; More strength, stamina, forcefulness, power, dynamism, drive; fire, passion, ardor, zeal; informalzip, zing, pep, pizzazz, punch, bounce, oomph, moxie, mojo, go, get-up-and-go, vim and vigor, feistiness "a good night's sleep will restore their energy"

• a person's physical and mental powers, typically as applied to a particular task or activity.

  plural noun: energies

2.

power derived from the utilization of physical or chemical resources, especially to provide light and heat or to work machines.

 

          Pretty straight forward.  For our purposes, however, we are going to focus on the first definition, although if you think about it we are all technically organic machines and the second definition does apply to us.

          We all know that in order to function as optimum human beings, what ever that individual definition is, we should be taking care of ourselves.  There is a TON of information out there on what to eat, how much to eat, what NOT to eat, how much water to drink, how much exercise we should have, etc., etc., blah, blah, in order to keep our organic machine well oiled and functioning at peak levels. 
          I have met, known, and talked to, over my life time, at length, many people who choose to make these ideas, and truths by the way, nothing less then an art form. 

art¹

ärt/

noun

noun: art; plural noun: arts; plural noun: the arts

1.

the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination, typically in a visual form such as painting or sculpture, producing works to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power.

"the art of the Renaissance"

synonyms:

fine art, artwork "he studied art"

• works produced by human creative skill and imagination.

  "his collection of modern art"
  
  

  synonyms:

  fine art, artwork "he studied art"

• creative activity resulting in the production of paintings, drawings, or sculpture.

  "she's good at art"

  
  

2.

the various branches of creative activity, such as painting, music, literature, and dance.

"the visual arts"

 

          While I believe and support that having your body in good working order is important I do not think that it is the sole means of having good energy. 

           I recently started a new job.  Not a career.  I had a couple of those.  I am content knowing that I was successful at both of them and will be leaving the world a better place.  What I have now is a job, and I can share that it is AWESOME! 
          I like the idea of going to work and just...working!  Working hard!  Over the last month or so of working I have met a few people, all around my age, who are also in my place in life.  We have had multiple conversations about who are the hard workers, who are not, and why?  Interestingly enough the consensus seems to be that most, but not all, of the hard workers are over the age of 40.  Most of the non- hard workers are in their 20s or under. 
          Now I, being always a child/human development advocate, have pointed out to the complainers that all of us, at some point in life, have found ourselves in a non working phase of life for one reason or another.  Usually when we are younger, still figuring out life, and enjoying it.  Some one pointed out that it is the generation today.  In my head I thought which generation of today? 
          Having been a social worker I can tell you for a fact that there are far more persons over the age of 30 taking advantage of the system and choosing hard to not work... at any aspect of life.  These people, by the way, are  the ones who teach the next generation how not to have a good work ethic; more importantly they teach them bad energy habits.   
          What I believe, is this.  My sons have a good work ethic.  YES hubby and I tried hard to teach this to them.  But behind a good work ethic is a kind of energy that must be learned by each individual. You can, as a parent, care giver, teacher, role model, etc., try to teach good energy,(or attitude) but energy is an internal motivator, not an external one and must be experienced. 

          I recently had a conversation, on line, with one of my gamer chums.  I am a nerd of the old school.  Everyone who knows me knows this.  I have, and always will game, either on the computer, with board games, role playing games, or what ever stimulates, and increases, my intellect and imagination.  I was not surprised to find many people around my age gaming; although I have learned that many younger energy's are uncomfortable with older energy's..  We experienced energies band together in guilds, factions, etc. and discuss not only gaming, but life in general.  Once again one of the topics that comes up, when there is dissention in the world, and even if there isn't, is the generation gap.

 

gen·er·a·tion gap

noun

noun: generation gap; plural noun: generation gaps

differences of outlook or opinion between people of different generations.

 

          An older energy was sharing that some "whipper snapper" was telling him to retire and get out of gaming because his views on the game were out dated.  pffft (wiping off monitor hold on) Seriously?  Here's my thoughts on that.  We older energy's started gaming before the younger energy's even started twinkling.  With out a real appreciation of where energy began how can you truly understand what it is now and why? 
          While it is good energy to live in the moment, you must also understand why you are in that moment, not dwelling in the past, but having an appreciation for it.  With out the past there would be no present or future.  AND while understanding that past sometimes means understanding that things should change it does not mean that energy shifts are, or should be, for the better.   The perception(s) of whether the way thing are now, then, or in the future, better, worse, or some where in between, are exactly that...perception.  Subject to individuality. TO many examples to list so I will just let you mull that thought around a bit

 

          It has been the habit of western civilization to infer that some how getting older is bad energy.  Being younger, and everything that mass media associate's with being younger, is good energy.  When you watch TV, and I include cable, and any streaming, you will notice that very few shows, advertising, etc. has to do with persons over the age of 50.  EVEN though the majority of people out there running the country, world, and making decisions that effect all of us are over the age of 50. 
          The reason mass media is directed towards persons mainly under the age of 40 is because those are the ages that can be mostly influenced by what, and whom ever is doing the advertising, and trying to sell what ever it is they are trying to sell.  Whether it is a meal, a car, a location, or an IDEA..  Persons over the age of 40 have , for the most part, formed their opinions on life and the energy in it. 
          Now I don't assume that the problem of bad energy is mainly directed towards younger generations.  Let me point out to others of my generation that in order to get MUCH done today energy that only younger people have is needed to get some things done.  Thank goodness for my youngest still living at home who has the energy to lift what I cannot not.  In order for the world to change new ideas, new energy MUST be included. Little kids can move bad energy around a house with just a laugh.  AND there is something about watching younger generations figure out the things that you have already done.  Starting family's, starting homes, careers, etc.   Just watching and knowing that it is a never ending cycle is some how reassuring.  Good energy.  So why do we as a society have a tendency to want to steal and shoot down each others good energy? 

          Our culture promotes competition for one, and not the healthy kind.  The "American Dream"

 

A·mer·i·can dream

noun

noun: American dream; plural noun: American dreams

the ideal that every US citizen should have an equal opportunity to achieve success and prosperity through hard work, determination, and initiative.

"he could achieve the American dream only by hard work"

 

states that we all have the opportunity for...well what that definition says.  :P  However, honestly, there are quite a few people out there these days that believe that they are entitled to this with out the hard work. 
          I remember my grandfather, an immigrant by the way, sharing all his stories about how he worked hard and how America provided what he and his family would never, could never, have had if he hadn't come to America.  I wonder if some of the people who are screaming about immigrants coming to our country are concerned that they might have to work harder? 
          These bad energy's are the same people who allowed companies to be shut down because they wanted more pay for less work.  NOW I am not assuming that every one thinks this way.  I know quite a few people who deserve more pay because they are extremely hard workers.  BUT blaming people coming from another country looking to have a dream that many of us take advantage of is NOT solving the problem and is honestly putting more bad energy out there than I personally am comfortable with .  This thought process of mine also does not cover allowing persons who may contribute to illegal, harmful behavior in our country, which is a whole other topic.

          Self preservation can be another reason for bad energy.  We all have our comfort zones.  Most people will live in the same city, same state, stay in the same job, home etc., most ,if not all, of their lives.  Some never travel out of the country or will only travel as far as the next state.  For those of us who have been many places, met all kinds of people, seen all kinds of life, good and bad, this idea of being stationary, and I am speaking from experience,  is an unusual, even alien if you will, concept. 
          The Ignorance is bliss saying?  Not necessarily a good thing.  It simply means that not knowing something is considered by some to be preferable to knowing.  I believe that when someone chooses ignorance someone else, some where, suffers because of it.  Just think about that for awhile in connection to something that most of use have experienced in one form or another...bullying.

          The last idea I have for bad energy is identity.  When we get in our comfort zones, when we are influenced by out side ideas, like the American dream, we start to believe that some how our identity depends on keeping, even fighting, for these ideas.  Whether the idea is right or wrong.  Especially if that idea is all we have ever known. 
          If we have grown up with the idea that there should be a generation gap that does not encourage unity then that is exactly what we will identify with.  Simple.  AND if we are not taught, shown, exposed to anything different than we will never believe that there is any difference; more importantly we will not learn, KNOW, that differences are ok.  We will be ignorant to the fact that it is possible to keep our identity while having differences, and the energy will not change.

          The Pith of the Matter is this.  Good energy does not come simply from eating right, exercising often, believing in God, going to church regularly, and sitting around complaining about everything, and everyone, who has prevented you from having what YOU think you deserve.  It does not come from stating that the reason the world is the way it is, is because everyone doesn't work as hard as you do. 
          It comes from simply understanding the simple fact that we have exactly what we deserve.  The universe makes sure of it based on the energy we put out there. 
      Simply be teaching some one that if they want more this is how to deserve it.  Work hard using compassion, a smile, kindness, patience. etc.  Sometimes it doesn't require anyone saying anything, maybe its just getting out there and doing, role modeling, showing people what good energy feels like, looks like.  When you role model with a smile, with compassion, with acceptance, self assurance, you make a difference no matter what you choose to do in life because you are simply putting good energy out there.  That my friends is what its all about in the end.  The energy. 
          When life is said and done we leave our energy behind to enter the stream of life.  I sometimes wonder how many people are dying alone, sad, angry, with bad energy?  Then I wonder how many people know about the people dying alone and choose to do nothing about it.  May be it can be changed simply by helping other more.  Smiling at others more.  Assuming that we all have challenges. 

          I remember sitting in my astronomy class and my professor talking about stars, and how they are born and how they die.  http://naasbeginners.co.uk/AbsoluteBeginners/Life_of_star.htm 
I know I wasn't, and will not be the first person to think, "wow just like us." 
          There is one huge difference between us and the stars however, distance.  Stars, that we are aware of, don't get caught up in all the drama of life.  All those little things that add to the bad energy.  There has to be a balance in order for things to work properly.  The next time you want to contribute to bad energy simply ask yourself, "will adding to the bad energy bring balance?  Or is this an opportunity to add some good energy and bring balance?"   We can change the energy be closing the distance.  Changing the energy, closing the distance buys us time.
          Whether we have the energy of a young star just being born, the energy of the star some where in the middle of its existence, or the energy of a star who's been developing for ages the point is that it should all be positive energy.  To shed light, compassion, kindness, and make us feel good at the end of our day.  At the end of time.

Emaho
Namaste
Peace out

“When he shall die,
Take him and cut him out in little stars,
And he will make the face of heaven so fine
That all the world will be in love with night
And pay no worship to the garish sun.”
― William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet (Shakespeare Collection)

tags: death, light, stars

 

“What Is Love? I have met in the streets a very poor young man who was in love. His hat was old, his coat worn, the water passed through his shoes and the stars through his soul”
― Victor Hugo

tags: love, soul, stars

Chasing Happy

         


          When I try to visualize what happy is suppose to look like what immediately comes to mind is Happy from Snow White and the Seven Dwarves.  When I was very young my grandmother got my brother and I mugs for hot chocolate.  My brother got a Grumpy Mug and I got Snow White.  Those mugs defined for me what that era in our lives was all about.  I tried to tell my grandmother, who didn't listen, that I wanted a Dopey or Happy mug.  But her perception, and the perception of that time, defined that I should have a princess mug. 

adjective dopey 

1. Stuporous, esp from narcotic intoxication : I was dopy after they gave me the shot
2. Stupid; idiotic : Most movies are written for women in their 20s and 30s, and these are sort of dopey parts

 

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/princess?s=t

           Happy and Dopey were partners in crime.  I think they were misunderstood by many people.  That misconception comes out today in memes that define, "I'm with stupid" or any meme on stupid people for that matter. Who are we to judge what stupid is?  What we perceive as stupid, or even intelligence for that matter, could be perceived as the complete opposite by some one else.  Any whoo back to Happy. 
          Happy is content to stand next to Dopey, not because he is, well, dopey, but because he is...Dopey.  Dopey may do silly things, perceived by many as being dopey, inane, slow, or stupid, but in my perception he did dopey things because he was an innocent.  Happy stood along side him enjoying the innocence of Dopey.  This train of thought got me to thinking about happy and how we spend much of life chasing it.
          I would not define my youth as happy; I think most people when asked about their childhood would say it sucked.  We look back on everything we missed; what we each perceive as our childhood is defined by whom ever , and/or what ever, took it away.  Which when you think about it is kind of funny because, well, we all have to grow up sometime.  Unfortunately it is much, much, sooner for some of us then for others. 
          I think for those people who feel like their childhood wasn't long enough, for what ever reason, some of them will have a tendency to prolong adolescence for longer then necessary in an attempt to find more happy. It doesn't mean that someone is afraid to grow up. Its just that they have made a choice to hold on to something they feel they didn't have for awhile longer. 
          I really don't personally have an issue with anyone who chooses to enjoy the benefits of youth while an adult.  Unless they are being self destructive about it, or hurting others. Eventually the universe says enough is enough and pushes us to the next phase of life.  Personally I feel that if the universe is making it possible for us to enjoy youth just a little bit longer then may be we should. 
          Its our own internal voice, and/or the voice of the universe we should really pay attention to, not that of society, the norm, after all.  No one else can really decide what is best for us.  They can try to share wisdom, experience etc., and we should let them and listen to them, but in the end we have to live with our own choices.
          In my experience when time is spent trying to fit in with the norm it brings more grief, hardship, confusion, exasperation, etc., then just trying to do what feels right.  When I say feels right this is assuming that while addictions may feel good, they do not feel right.  There is a difference.  Standing out, being different, is what will get you noticed, and being noticed is what will help you to succeed, and ultimately give you a greater sense of self. 
          When we don't listen to our selves.  When we don't listen to reason, the rightness of someone else, or the universe, we put ourselves in the position to chase happy.  Happy will, under these circumstances, always be just beyond our reach for the simple reason that we are not suppose to catch happiness that is not meant for us.  Happiness defined by someone else is meant for someone else, not us.  Happiness defined for us is, well, for us. 
          I know this sounds confusing and I am not suggesting that we should listen to everyone, or never listen to anyone.  What I am saying is to listen and know when what we are listening to is actually for us and not for who ever is sharing their experience(s).  There are many people who think they are trying to help by suggesting a path of less resistance for you.  Some one who genuinely cares for you will not suggest making it easier by doing something else.  They will give you tools to make your current path feel easier just by helping you be successful at what you want to do.  They will share wisdom based on their own particular experiences and how it made them successful.  Basically beware of people who give you advice that pushes you into something that you feel is not right for you, this is a sure way to unhappiness, and will make you feel that you are chasing happy instead of holding its hand and standing side by side with it.
          I look back on my youth in wonder now that I am older.  All those mistakes I thought, or were even told to me by others, that I was making?  Well it turns out they were not mistakes after all.  Everything happened just the way it was suppose to happen for a reason.  I would not be the person I am today with out everything that happened.  Over time it has become increasingly easier, because I've had plenty of practice at it, to just do what I like to do.  If you don't practice anything however, how will you get good at it? 
          I wish someone had clued me in on this fact earlier in life.  The only regret I have looking back is wishing that I had had more confidence, more self esteem.  That there was someone, anyone behind me telling me to be an artist and parent at the same time, that it was possible.  Although if I had made that choice I would not have touched so many lives in child development, and social work.  Makes you think huh.  ;) I felt as if much of my life was spent chasing happy.  Happy was always just out of reach for me while I was doing dopey stuff.  Now I realize that everyone does dopey stuff.  Everyone!  Being dopey is how we learn.  Being dopey is simply not understanding that where you are right now is exactly where you are suppose to be.  Anyone who tells you other wise is the distraction.          
          When I look back on life I come to an understanding, a wisdom, of things that I should have been supplied with to make my life feel more successful.  I think about all the people who had an opportunity to give me guidance, information, share wisdom, give self confidence, help me feel more successful and for what ever reason opted not to.  I could narrow this down to just a lack of role models in my family but over time I have found this not to be true. 
          The Pith of the Matter is this. If you are simply a member of the human race you are in the position to share your experience and learn from someone else's experiences.  I also feel with great conviction that if you are a parent, a care giver, you have a special obligation, a role, given to you as a gift by the universe, to pass along your self confidence gained through experience, wisdom gained, to the next generation.  To NOT reincarnate your suffering, to ease it, and let the next generation learn from their own individual, particular kind of suffering.  Karma.  I could fill in the gaps here and share my perspectives on why I think so many of us choose not to listen, not to share, not to help each other, but I think that perspective will change from person to person so Ill just let you mull over your reasons.  The only thing I want to pass on is this.  There are obvious wrongs and rights, don't kill, don't engage in addictions, etc. but everything in between the extremes are obvious neutrals, there to be picked and chosen by each individual.  There is one simple rule.  Be a Dopey and be Happy about it!  Simple as that.  Your only regret will be choosing not to  learn from being dopey and happy.

Namaste http://www.wakingtimes.com/2014/11/08/meaning-namaste-many-translations-one-universal-intention/

Emaho  Emaho! or e-ma-ho! Tibetan ›  Interjection expressive of compassion for all living creatures. [203n].


Peace out  Peace Out

1. Goodbye
2. (intransitive verb) to leave or retire
3. (transitive verb) to kill

Note: I only heard the third meaning recently, but I thought it was pretty funny so I've included it.

1. "Yeah, see you then, peace out."
2. "Yo I gotta peace out, I'm tired."
3. "I just peaced out that spider with my shoe."

 

What If

 

“You only lose what you cling to.”
― Gautama Buddha

tags: buddhism, insightful

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Gx1Pv02w3Q         

          Its not often we are gifted with insight into how our lives could be if.  I call them what if scenarios.  What if we didn't have kids,  If we didn't get married.  If I was an only child.  What if I hadn't lost that job or if I had gotten that job. If we hadn't moved, if we would only move.  What if we had more money, nicer cars, could get my nails done instead of doing them my self.  What if I could drop 30 pounds.  What if we hadn't made that mistake. what if I died.  What if you died.  What if...
http://ctzen.org/sunnyvale/enUS/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=70&Itemid=83

Last night I was given a gift.  
Some insight.  
A what if.   
A dream. 
A glimpse into the future. 
 https://www.quora.com/What-do-Buddhists-mean-when-they-say-life-is-an-illusion

          This glimpse into the future was not something that could be changed, it was a certainty.  It wasn't a what if.  It was just a matter of when. 
You died. 
          The dream was very real.  I felt everything as if it had actually happened. The remorse, anguish, hurt, loss.  The sorrow I felt at this loss was more than I could bear.  In my dream I couldn't take care of my self, I stopped taking care of myself, all I could do was curl up into a ball and cry.  Not just cry, sob.  Alone, wandering aimlessly in my home, looking out windows, seeing nothing.
           A faceless friend stepped in. came to my rescue, led me around.  She took me home.  It was a nice home full of all ages of people, bright colors, warm feelings.  This friend was loving, patient, compassionate, and calm.
           While the friend, and other faceless entity's, were putting me into a bed that was soft and had a granny square blanket, three boys came in and were happily running around me; they all stopped and wondered why I was not responding to their happiness, they wanted me to play with them.  One reached out his hand to me with a look of compassion that I have never experienced before.  I reached out and took his small hand. The small hand seemed to fill mine completely.  I momentarily felt joy, warmth, love. 

As instantly as those happy feelings came they disappeared and I remembered you were gone and started crying again. 
 
          The sorrow was all at once replaced with a wave of anger. I wondered if you really ever loved me, if our relationship meant anything; if you did how could you have left me all alone.  As quickly as those feelings came on they vanished and I was left with a deep sorrow of loss again. 

I woke up.  Tears still in my eyes.

          In my dream I know who died in my dream.  I purposely don't name it here.  
 I know who the friend was who helped me.  I purposely don't name it here.  I feel, while very comforting to me, putting names to the faces, is not the point.
          The face, of either of these people, could be me, it could be you.  It could be a loved one, it could be a stranger.  While some of the details of my dream were important, I think the core message is far more important.  Life is truly too short to hold on to anger, resentment, and any and all of the bad aspects of life that are pretty good at distracting us from what is truly important.  Life is too short to hate ourselves or anyone for what if's.

“Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned.”
― Gautama Buddha

    

          In everyone's life we all have someone, or someone's, whom we don't associate with anymore, and sometimes for good reasons.  Some of these people come back around as we travel the path of life, some do not. 
          There will always be some people who will always be in your life.  Always, whether you want them to be or not.  These people stay for a reason.  Whether it is because you are related, by blood or marriage, or you are just friends and some thing else binds your lives together.  These precious few people will bring out the very best and very worst in you and you will love each other for that. 
          The Pith of the Matter is this.  Take nothing for granted.  Let some of the anger go.  Say I love you often and when ever you can.  Let the people you know, who know you, who you feel with, that you value their life and you are grateful to be a part of it. 
          Appreciate who you are now.  What you have to offer.  You are special and life is too short to dwell on the what ifs.   You will never be in this place doing the exact same thing in the same way with the same people ever again.  Even if some of those people choose not to stay they will play some importance in your life in the now.  Be mindful.

Last night I was given a gift.  
Some insight.  
A what if.   
A dream. 
A glimpse into the future. 

 http://www.religionfacts.com/buddhism/meaning-of-life

“Man suffers only because he takes seriously what the gods made for fun.”
― Alan W. Watts

tags: buddhism, metaphysics, philosophy, religion, tao, taoism, theology, zen

 

“Letting go gives us freedom, and freedom is the only condition for happiness. If, in our heart, we still cling to anything - anger, anxiety, or possessions - we cannot be free.”
― Thích Nhất Hạnh, The Heart of the Buddha's Teaching: Transforming Suffering into Peace, Joy, and Liberation

tags: anger, buddhism, freedom, happiness, peace