A "Paper Life"

Philosophers, psychologists, Positive Thinkers, and more, keep talking about the importance of "consciousness", about the fundamental role this mysterious 'essence' has in your life. Another word for consciousness is "awareness". Synonyms given by the dictionary include realization, understanding, knowledge. So, being conscious or aware means to be 'awake', to be present in the moment, to have full knowledge of what is going on. My favorite author Anthony de Mello, SJ, said that most of us live a "paper life". That's a strong statement! Paper is fragile, it has a very weak consistency, it can be easily torn, burnt, destroyed. It is all but strong and powerful. It has a touchable consistence all right, it is certainly useful in many instances, but it is not apt to face "challenges". Therefore, you lead a "paper life" when you are not aware of what you are doing and why you are doing it. When you follow your whims and don't reflect about the possible consequences of your actions or words, you are 'asleep'. When you allow your life to be made of 'paper', expect it to be easily torn or shattered.

Blissful Ignorance

You have a mind, so you can't help thinking practically all the time. Why? Because this is your mind's function. But, how necessary and positive is this never-ending mental wandering? Why do you experience this need to analyze whatever happens? Wouldn't it be better to just accept what is and things as thy are, without wanting to understand how and why? The fact is that - if you care to live an "examined life" (as the Greek philosopher Socrates called it) - you need to 'understand'. Socrates went as far as saying that "an un-examined life isn't worth living". This may not be true for everyone. There are plenty of people who are happy and satisfied with their un-examined lives. They just carry on day by day, without ever wondering about the meaning of what they do, about the impact that their actions and words have on others, as well as on their own 'self'. Blissful ignorance, some call it. Why not? But only if such ignorance can quench your desire to 'know'.

PEACE

“If there is to be peace in the world,

There must be peace in the nations.

If there is to be peace in the nations,

There must be peace in the cities.

If there is to be peace in the cities,

There must be peace between neighbors.

If there is to be peace between neighbors,

There must be peace in the home.

If there is to be peace in the home,

There must be peace in the heart.”



― Lao-tse

A Different Christmas Movie

Timeless "The Wizard of Oz" can be considered a Christmas movie because it pinpoints, underlines and stresses some of the most important principles that should guide the human behavior: 
* "friendship" (to have compassion, to be co-operative and available towards others)
* "courage" (to dare to face the unknown)
* "trust" (to believe that wishes can be fulfilled).
A wonderful lesson for all, if we only take the time to stop, examine ourselves, and reflect.

A Recipe For Serenity

Here are the ingredients:

* openness (to receive)
* availability (to do what needs to be done)  
* willingness (to do what must be done)
* lack of expectations (of what you believe you should have)
* acceptance (of whatever comes along)
* trust (that everything that happens is for the best)

The Importance of Experiencing

How important is the actual 'experience' of the world? Imagine that someone tells you that they love you, but in practice do nothing to show you such love. If you don't feel that you can count on them for support, for sharing, for presence, does their feeling have a real meaning for you? Does it have an impact on your life? Consider now a very rich person: they have money but they are reluctant to spend it, to enjoy it, to make good use of it. Does that wealth have an actual significance, does it produce a beneficial effect in their lives? They enjoy the feeling of 'owning', but this is totally useless in a practical way. So, you could say that experiencing the world is possibly the most essential feature of your life, because without it everything would just happen in your mind. You might be contented with it, and that is fine, too. As to the spiritual world, it certainly is enough. In the physical, material world, maybe... not so much.

Accepting Feelings

You are told that any feeling you experience depends only on yourself, i.e. on your reaction towards what happened. When something pleasant takes place, you are happy - so you experience a positive feeling. On the other hand, when something hurtful materializes in your life, you can't help feeling unhappy because your instinctive reaction is one of non-acceptance or resentment. The best attitude would be to understand the reason why it happened, and accept it willingly. But when someone hurt you, or disappointed you, in spite of your willingness to accept it, you can't help wondering about the position of the person who hurt or disappointed you. You have to be lenient all right, but... will the other ever realize that what they said or did had such an impact on your feelings? Of course, this is 'their' problem, still....

Trust vs. Fear

You may be acquainted with the well-known affirmation, "Love is letting go of fear". I certainly don't deny it. But, reflecting upon it, I feel that the word "love" is correctly used for a situation where you are interacting with the world outside, with other human beings. When you can love them, your fear disappears. But when you are dealing with your own 'self', I would replace the word 'love' with the word 'trust'. If you are afraid of disease, of the future, of loss, even of death, trust can help you analyze your feeling from a different perspective. It can help you realize that you have the ability to face challenges, that you will know how to deal with difficulties when they present themselves, it rekindles the hope that everything will be well. To trust means to believe in your capability to cope with any struggle you encounter on your life path. It's the conviction that "You Can"!

Knowing & Feeling

Is there a gap between 'knowing' and 'feeling'? As counter-intuitive as it sounds, such gap might not be actually real. These two functions of your body coexist but they also seem to be clearly separated. 'Knowing' is of the mind, "feeling' is of the heart. Knowing means to have a clear knowledge that something is the way it is (or has been). You know that it is daytime  when the sun shines because you see and perceive such physical fact. You know that Julius Caesar was a Roman leader because you studied it in history books. But may also believe you 'know' that a spiritual wold exists because you 'feel' it. So, knowing can be connected with feeling. These two seemingly different facets of your 'being' are not so different, after all. It depends on what you are taking into consideration. In the physical world, to know means to experience it with your physical senses, in the spiritual world it means to experience it in the deepest part of your "self".

Uncertainty

A Renaissance leader, art patron and poet - Florentine Lorenzo de' Medici (called "The Magnificent") wrote in one of his most famous poems, "If you want to be happy, be (now), as there is no certainty about tomorrow". How true! One of the greatest challenges that mankind faces on a daily basis is exactly this: uncertainty. You can only know for sure what you are - and what is - in this very instant, but no more. You cannot "know" what will happen. You can only "guess" or "forecast". Therefore, it's advisable to learn how to live in the present moment, without counting on what might happen. Is this a negative attitude? I don't think so. It's rather a realistic one. It encourages you to live as well as you can "now",  appreciate what you have and what you are. As to tomorrow, you can only do your best and then...trust.

Sharing

Sharing is a good thing. To a certain extent. Not indiscriminately.  They say it's a synonym for caring. Not always. When you have something to offer, it's better for you to know more about the person you would like to offer it to. If you are not careful, you might be bitterly disappointed. If you like a piece of jewelry, for example, not necessarily does your friend like it, too. Let's say you are planning to give a pair of vintage ear-rings you own and love to your friend as a special gift. Before you do, check out if she likes vintage jewelry as much as you do. When you hear about a new spiritual insight - that you consider highly valuable - don't share it with "everybody". Your intent is good, but they might not be interested in hearing what you have to say. People are different, and what looks charming or sounds interesting to you, may appear even the opposite to someone else. 

Forgetting

Aren't you fully satisfied with the way your life is going? Do you believe that you deserve something better? Are you resentful for not feeling happier? Finally, are you looking for "the Answer" outside yourself? The truth is that you already know how to lead a more serene and fulfilling life because your intuition (the deepest part of your Self that knows best) can give you the answer you need to any of your problems and worry. What you lack is simply a greater awareness. On a general level, you know what it would be better for you to think, say and do in every moment of your day, but you do not realize it because such awareness has been covered up by several layers of conditionings – both external and internal – that seem to have erased some truths from your mind. It is as if you knew a certain thing but, having forgotten it, you are now convinced that you have never known it.

Like the Romans

A well-known saying advises that, when you are in Rome, you should do as the Romans do. Beside the superficial meaning, i.e. while visiting a foreign land, you should respect its customs and adapt to them as long as you stay there, such a phrase has a deeper meaning. Human beings in general tend to be a little self-righteous, they can't help believing that their way is the best, if not the only, way. It is not so. Everybody's "way" is the best...for them. It's neither right not wise to judge others because they think, act and behave differently from you. Therefore, when you have to deal with "Romans", try to understand them and endeavor to accomodate your behavior accordingly. Does this mean that, in doing so, you give up who you are? Absolutely not. You remain who you are, while showing flexibility of mind as well as appreciation for another's beliefs and habits. Is this just kindness? You can say so.

It's Magic!

Have you ever wondered how it is possible for you to "experience" a sensory, physical reality in your mind? If you just think about seeing a scenery or a person, hearing a sound or some music, tasting pizza or drinking coffee, smelling a scent, touching or being touched... well, you really feel it! It's like magic. Nothing is there - in the physical world - to cause your sensation but, by simply "willing" it, you are practically able to create it. Not in the material sense, of course, but the sensation you perceive is real. No big deal, you might say. This is how the mind works. Of course. You are so used to imagining things that you probably never thought of - or were interested in - the miracle of such a capability that your "self" has. Now ask yourself this question: Who is the  originator of such skill: your body/brain/mind/heart? Something else that guides it all? Cool conundrum!

Either...Or

Do you believe that things are already determined, “written”? On one hand, your answer may be yes. In this case you may also be convinced that it’s useless to try to change anything, to strive to achieve a goal, to make a real effort. On the other hand, you may believe that life is like a blank page and you are completely and totally free to fill it with your own story, create events and outcomes according to your decision, determination and willpower. So, are you sure about your answer to the above question? If you are not, dig inside yourself and discover if you feel to be somewhat able to mold your own existence or if your conclusion is that you have control over nothing.  It's one ... or the other!

Choose "Your" Road

If all the roads led in the same direction, the traffic would be awful, as well as monotonous. Therefore, the roads are many, the destinations different, the journey interesting. In life, everyone can move as they like, according to their aspirations and talents. A problem arises when one wants wants to go in the same direction as another only because he/she is either an emulator or simply lazy. If you attempt to behave in a way that is not according to your character, you will fail. When you follow your deepest intuition, you know what is the best goal to aim at, the one that is the most suitable to your true nature and to the highest aspirations of your spirit.

Let Us Never Forget To Be Grateful.

Let us never forget to be grateful.

Gratitude is a feeling that gives you the certainty that you are taken care of, always. In spite of circumstances that may be difficult, "all shall pass" and, in the end, everything is going to be all right. Provided you believe it. Provided you keep a positive attitude. Provided you show courage in front of any challenge. Nothing happens by chance, so it's up to us (and to you, too!) to recognize the hidden wisdom in any apparently hard situation. Gratitude is the recognition of a wider, although mysterious energy that guides (as Dante would say) "the sun and the other stars". Happy Thanksgiving.

Choose!

What would you really do if you could make choices in total freedom? It seems an easy question but, actually, it is not. You are used to saying that you would just love to do this or that – without being really convinced. Human beings , in fact, tend to be rather superficial when they express their preferences because they are conditioned by the opinions of others, by peer pressure, by the current fad, by the need to “keep up with the Joneses”. Therefore, more often than not you - like most of us, for that matter - limit yourself to live a life that doesn't totally fulfill your innermost desires and aspirations. Maybe you don't feel up to it, maybe you consider your dream impossible to realize, maybe... Too many "maybes" prevent you from choosing to dare and go for it! The good news is that it's never too late to choose to...choose!

Need for Fantasy

Fairy tales and myths have existed since... always! Their existence expresses the need of the human mind to believe in something that is not totally "human", something that goes beyond our normal knowledge and understanding. Imagination of the mind and wishful feeling of the heart create characters and situations that seem unreal to a normal assessment. But... what is 'normal'? The dictionary defines it as "conforming to a standard, usual, typical or expected". Yes, that's it. It is something that respects certain rules, that can be experienced daily, that doesn't hold any surprising aspect. It is life in its commonness, in its flatness. Any thought or feeling that creates even the slightest excitement has an element of imagination, something that goes beyond the regular 'conforming standard' of living. Hence, the forever successful stories that bring the domain of fantasy alive, that show you the possibility of realms that go beyond the box created by human conventions.

Down the 'Rabbit Hole'

The historical well "Pozzo di San Patrizio" in Orvieto (Italy) is so deep that it inspired the Italian expression "To be like Saint Patrick's well" to indicate something practically bottomless. I believe we can say that the human mind is like St.Patrick's well, too. It seems that there is no end to any kind of thought, wandering, musing, considering, arguing... Like any sequence of numbers, the mind can go on and on and on without ever reaching a final boundary. Such awareness is interesting. It can be comforting, as it assures you that you can be as creative and deep-thinking as you like. But it can also be dangerous, if you persist in diving into the 'rabbit hole' to the extreme, down into the unknown, into confusion and chaos. As usual, discrimination, prudence and balance are the best choice. Even (and - maybe - especially) in dealing with your own mind.

Masters of Feelings

Are you, or are you not, the master of your feelings? It may be interesting to investigate this matter. The feelings you experience, either positive or negative, are caused by external circumstances. You love someone because they arise beautiful sensations in your soul. You resent someone because they did you wrong. Can you stop (or start) loving a person by relying on your will power? Can you change resentment into forgiveness in your heart by just "willing"it? Think about it. We are told that happiness (i.e. a blissful state of inner peace) should not depend on outer situations. We want to believe it and we might even succeed in believing it. Is putting such belief into practice easy? Is it even possible?

Prudence

Do you sometime wonder, "Am I loved, cared for, and supported by others, or can I count only on myself?". The feeling of being loved, cared for and supported by someone else is a very comforting experience. You relax, you stop worrying because you know that there is another human being ready to look after you, to provide for your needs. But this may not always be the case. Such person may become unavailable, or unable to give you the help you need. Better explore other possibilities, too. If the weather is uncertain - as Life always is - better take an umbrella even if at present it isn't raining. 

Feeling Safe

Feeling safe is a need that everyone shares with the rest of mankind.  Every human being knows that safety, i.e. the preservation of one's own physical and mental integrity, is indispensable to live well. The problem arises when such need is jeopardized by some possible circumstances. What to do? There is no definite answer. Many steps can be taken in securing one's own personal affairs, but sometimes settling "things" might not be enough. The feeling of safety goes beyond material stuff. Having enough money to live comfortably is a good starting point. But a deeper inner feeling is necessary to make you relax, and stop worrying about the future. Such feeling can be fostered by the intuition of a greater 'plan' that exists beyond your physical perception. A plan that makes everything 'be well' in the end. For each of us. Thus, for you, too.

Attitudes

Some believe in always keeping a relaxed attitude, so they tend to take everything easy. They don't worry, they willingly accept whatever or whoever comes along. They certainly are pleasant to be with. On the other hand, others choose to be vigilant, keeping a careful watch for danger or difficulties. The former are more optimist, the latter much less so. Which attitude is the best? No definite choice, here. It mainly depends on one's own nature because certain innate characteristics cannot be ignored in anyone's personality. Being relaxed certainly makes you live more cheerfully, less stressed. But it can also lead you towards laziness and carelessness. Being constantly alert will keep you busy and active, paying attention to and keeping updated with everything that is going on. But it may also make you apprehensive and strung up. The best way is always the middle one. Don't over-worry and take time to smell the roses, while keeping your eyes and ears wisely open.

Comparing

Probably no-one has escaped asking him/herself, "Am I good enough? Am I smart enough?". Different circumstances or situations define your thoughts and beliefs. The input given to you by your parents, teachers, social / religious / political environment, i.e. the "education" you received since a very early age has definitely influenced not only what you think about the world and people in general, but also - and mainly - what you think about yourself. You tend to judge your skills and capabilities making reference to a set of outside models that may not reflect your true 'self'. As a consequence, you keep comparing yourself to the "models" that are repeatedly shoved under your eyes. If you believe you are not up to them, your self-esteem plummets, your self-worth plunges. Not a pretty feeling. And not a truthful one.

What To Expect?

One rather puzzling question: Should I expect the best or prepare for the worst? The answer depends on how you perceive the world. If you have convinced yourself that it is a dangerous place, where everybody 'out there' is always ready to harm, betray or cheat on you, then you had better prepare for the worst because this may be what you will actually experience. Your belief makes you behave in a way that will probably attract negative outcomes. On the other hand, if you perceive the world as a friendly place, your attitude is more open, accepting, welcoming, so the response you get has more chances of matching your conviction. Naturally, even if you are 'negative', you might get some good results and, if you are 'positive' you might get bad results. The most logical attitude? Expect the best but, deep inside, be prepared to accept "any" outcome.

Of Tigers and Eagles

Have you ever read the stories of the tiger who was raised among sheep and the eagle who was raised among chickens? At the beginning they are similar: both grow up believing to be - respectively - a sheep and a chicken. The ending is quite different, though. While confronted with the truth of their real nature, the tiger trusted the evidence and started to behave like a tiger, while the eagle didn't accept to take such idea into consideration and went on believing she was a chicken. The symbolism of such stories is evidently referred to all human beings: them, me, "you"! Can you accept the idea, or even just the possibility, that you are much more than you believe you are? Can you perceive the beauty, the goodness, the love that exist in the depth of your being? Worth thinking it over!

Good & Evil

The question about 'good' and 'evil' is most certainly among those that have puzzled the human mind since the birth of consciousness. Why do they exist? How do they coexist? Which one will prevail? Will 'one' ever prevail? No-one really knows. You can only make suppositions, according to your your personal way of interpreting Life and the World. When everything goes well, you tend to see your environment as a Garden of Eden. When things don't go well,  when you see or experience 'evil', such garden becomes a thorny wood, with no way out. Apparently. A way out can be found - through your attitude. You don't ignore or deny the presence of the thorns, because you can't. They are there, and there is a reason for them to be there. The same is for "evil", bad situations or  wicked circumstances. The balance they provide to the human existence must be accepted and dealt with, in spite of the fact that you may not understand their hidden wisdom.

Higher Power

A question that almost certainly every single human being has asked him/herself is, "Is there a higher Power in the Universe?". Well, is there? No one knows, because no one has ever seen "It". In our world you are used to perceiving - by means of your senses - the actual cause of whatever effect, or result, you see  or experience. As to a higher Power (whatever you may choose to call it) the situation is different. You see what "is" in your reality, but you cannot "see" what the first origin is. Many answers have been given throughout the millennia. Some are totally intellectual, others are spiritual, according to the kind of individual who is asking. Yes, there is a Source, say the believers. No, there is no Source, rebut the non-believers. There may be "something" but it's not sure, say the skeptical. Everyone has their own answer, according to who they are, or who they 'think' they are. What is 'your' answer (if you have one)?

Fair or Unfair?

One very important question that you might have asked yourself concerns the fairness of Life. When you find yourself facing a difficult situation, it's only natural that you feel perplexed, as you can't understand why it happened "to you". You believe you don't deserve it, you are certain it is not your fault, you can't detect any reason for the predicament to have occurred. Let's see. If you look at a puzzle, you realize that the shapes of the pieces are all different. Some are prettier that others, some have brighter colors than others, some are easier to fit in the pattern than others. Would you discard any of them? Could you? Not really. Each is indispensable for the completion of the picture - in order to carry out your project. Your task is to find the right place for each piece. Similarly, your life's job is to become aware of the meaning each experience you encounter has for you (i.e. for your spiritual progress). Refusing to acknowledge any occurrence, ignoring it,  criticizing it, be unwilling to learn from it, even hating it, will only make you miss your "goal" as a human being.

The Unexpected

Ask yourself: “How do I face the unexpected?”. Here there is some deep ‘digging up’ to do. On a superficial level, you will immediately answer that you are ready to face the new, that you are able to deal with any unexpected fact because you are totally open-minded and you don't have pre-conceived ideas. Are you really?  Do you really? Dare to search inside yourself and see if you find any little fear lurking from the deep. If you do, try to understand where this fear comes from, why it is there, who or what might be its cause. On the other hand, you may be the brave type who can truly face any unexpected circumstance with courage. Where does such strength come from? Who or what gave it to you?

Power

Many different definitions of the word "power" can be given.

In the dictionary, I found these:

"The ability to do something or act in a particular way, especially as a faculty or quality. (the power of speech)"

And:

"The capacity or ability to direct or influence the behavior of others or the course of events. (She had me under her power)". 

What is your definition?

Mine is: The capacity to be yourself, to express who you are in total freedom.

Unconsciously Unaware

Certain days, throughout your life, happen without you realizing at first that they are going to change the whole arrangement of your existence. They start normally - as any other day. You go around behaving as usual. Then you do something, or something happens that will influence, affect, even determine what you will be experiencing, enjoying, suffering or bearing for the rest of your life. You may call it "destiny": a pondered choice that you made - being sufficiently aware of the consequences, thus 'creating' your life. On the other hand, you may also call it "fate", if you later realize that your life-changing choice has been completely independent from your conscious will because it simply 'had' to happen. The choice that you had thought to be free, was instead determined by mysterious forces that led you - unaware - in 'that' specific direction.

October 4th

Today a well-known, interesting as well as intriguing historical figure is remembered: Saint Francis of Assisi. He reminds me of another spiritual leader: Siddhartha (later named Buddha, the Awakened One). They both realized - at a certain point of their lives - that a "rich" existence is not the real goal of Life. Both the son of an Italian wealthy merchant (1181-1226) and the Indian prince (5th century BC) gave up all their comforts to embrace selflessness and poverty. So different as to time, place, culture and education as they were, yet they both reached the same conclusion: Life does not consist (only) in the pursuit of material satisfaction. You certainly do not need to do what they did. You do not need to leave your assets and become a beggar. But what you need to become aware of is that, as long as you don't look for, find and understand your spiritual needs, you will never experience true fulfillment.

Motion

Have you ever noticed how your spirit is never totally at rest? Even when you have no real preoccupations, there are always tiny little worries that keep you "on the go". As the sea water is continuously in movement, so are the human mind and heart. Your mind cannot survive without thinking and your heart is unable to experience complete peace. When the sea is calm, with no big waves, it is in a state of relaxation, but it still has a slow, never-ending motion. Your "self" is the same: it can experience a relative calm and serenity, but never total absence of worries. After all, such is the human nature. The still water is dead, in order to be vivifying it must flow. Similarly does our spirit need to revolve around thoughts and feelings in order to be "alive".

Meaning

If you take a moment to think deeply, you can't help wondering what Life is really about. Many answers have been given on this subject: to know one's self, to improve one's spirituality, to do good to others, to be creative, to follow one's heart, to follow one's mind,  to have a good time, to experience and overcome suffering,  to learn, to teach, to love unconditionally... So many, too many answers! Which one you believe to be right for you? Have you actually found one? You may even feel that none of these reflect your true sentiment. If it is so, what to do with such emptiness? Not finding "your" personal meaning may lead you towards the path of renunciation, of apathy, of lack of interest in what can still happen, of lack of enthusiasm in what can be still experienced. Therefore... Beware! 

Love & love

Can you discern a difference between "Love" (upper case) and "love" (lower case)? The first one can be interpreted as a kind of universal feeling, a sort of benevolence that every human being should naturally experience towards the whole creation. It is a desire for everybody and everything to be well, in good condition, possibly happy. The second kind, love, is directed towards a specific object (usually a person). In this instance, different feelings are involved. Some - such as kindness, dedication, availability etc. - are positive. Others - such as jealousy, possessiveness etc. - are negative. What is the meaning of this reflection? The meaning is that "Love" is always good because it is selfless. On the other hand, "love", if not managed in an intelligent way, can end up causing sorrowful outcomes.

Science Fiction

One topic some people disagree upon is certainly science fiction. Their opinions couldn't be more different: it's interesting, it's silly, it's boring, it's absurd etc. Could it be that those who see sci-fi under a negative light are the people who mistrust imagination? Thinking about a future that is totally unknown and possibly dangerous scares them. They pretend they find such wanderings silly, or boring, or absurd, but in fact they fear a reality they don't know. They don't like to "think" of possibilities, they prefer to always be here and now, letting the future fade in the haze. Yes, we don't know the future and cannot know it. But being able to let our imagination soar in a fictitious world where anything is possible... isn't that a marvelous gift? After all, what are the numberless fiction stories that have been written over the centuries? Also sci-fi is a novel but, instead of dealing with love or drama or history, it gives your mind the opportunity to travel into... "The Twilight Zone" or to go... on a "Star Trek".

Fanaticism

I have often wondered how and why so many people become "fanatics". When you use the word "fan", you usually refer it to someone who has a strong interest in or admiration for a particular person or thing (dictionary definition). But the entire word, "fanatic", has a different, much stronger meaning. It refers to a "person filled with excessive and single-minded zeal for an extreme (....) cause". How can an idea turn into a belief and then into a real obsession? For a true fanatic it's not enough to just 'believe': such conviction becomes a real lifestyle, it imbibes all aspects of life, it determines behaviors, it encourages judgments on - more often condemnation of - different ideas or beliefs. A fanatic is a slave. Their obsession does not allow them to see the world as it is, splendid in its versatility, and people as they are, magnificent in their own individuality, which makes them free originals and not mere brain-washed followers.

The Train Stops

Imagine you are on a train ride. Suddenly the train stops and doesn't move for quite some time. No-one says anything about the delay, so you are unable to know what is going on. What can you do? You may get curious and try to find out, but nobody seems to know. You become increasingly nervous, impatient, restless. But by allowing these negative feelings to own you, the only result you get is to be upset, while the train  remains motionless. On the other hand, you can choose to be patient and distract yourself with other thoughts. As you trust that, eventually, the train will resume moving, time passes in a faster, less distressing way. It happens the same in your life, when you feel bored, unfulfilled, when the whole world seems unresponsive, un-cooperative, dull. This, too, shall pass! You know that. Try to apply it, the next time the need arises.

Small Pleasures

When you can sit somewhere comfortably, you don't realize how lucky you are! The same happens when your shoes fit well or when you have a good hair day. You take these pleasant occurrences for granted. You don't usually stop to appreciate, enjoy and be grateful. Only when something doesn't go your way, do you suddenly "wake up". The chair is uncomfortable, (too hard, too small...) your new shoes hurt (too tight, possibly the wrong size, although you had hoped they would fit!). Bad hair day (Don't talk to me, I'm not in a good mood.) There are so many tiny pleasures to be acknowledged and enjoyed! They are a great part of your life, don't let them go unnoticed. And when some uncomfortable stuff happens (as it certainly will) don't focus on it and...think of something else.

Leaves On A Tree

As almost everything that is part of your world, also the leaves on a tree can give you insight about your own life. They are attached to branches that absorb life from the roots through the trunk. When the weather is windless, they stay still. If a gentle breeze blows, they move ever so slightly. But a strong wind mercilessly shakes them. The leaves have no control over the weather. Now think about yourself: your body is kept alive by the air you breath and the nutrients you ingest. The outcome is the life you live. Nevertheless, "stuff" happens either you like it or not. You know that this is the way it is. Now, check how you react to such stuff. Are you as resilient as the leaves and the branches of a tree? They respond to the outside stimuli (which are out of their control) in the most suitable way: with "acceptance". What about you?

Either Way

People walk all around you. Some go, others come. Some move, others stop. The motion is continuous, like the waves of the ocean. But you usually don't take any notice. You are too absorbed in your own thoughts, worries and concerns to pay attention to the "life" that unfolds around you. You are detached. On the other hand, you may be one of those who are constantly alert, who have a tendency to observe everything and everybody, who feel part of the 'whole'. The human spirit can express itself in different ways in its exterior appearance, in the way it manifests  itself in everyday occurrences. Detachment or participation? Being more an introvert or an extrovert? It's your choice. And it's always right ... "for you".

Your Personal 'Weather'

Look at the sky: what does it look like? It may be sunny and clear like your life in a particularly happy moment. It may be windy, like your life when you are shaken by unexpected events that rock your existence. It may be cloudy, like when you are sad. It may be stormy, like when you are prey of negative feelings. It may be rainy, like when your spirit feels the need for a change, for a cleansing, for renewal. It may gift you with a rainbow, when you are feeling grateful and appreciative. It may be snowy, like your mood when you feel calm and serene, when you don't rush as usual but take the time to relax and wait for the new "fruit" to manifest in your life. You can therefore see the weather - like everything else, for that matter - as a mirror of your inner experiences. How about that?

A Train Ride

Riding on a train, it's interesting to look out of the window. Nowadays not many people do that. They prefer to keep themselves busy with other things: checking their mobile phones (usually), sleeping (often), reading (seldom), talking to each other (sometimes). Not many take the time to enjoy the view. Looking at the scenery slide by, rushing away in an instant, you may feel dizzy. The speed is high, the panorama changes fast, and all of a sudden your destination is there. Doesn't this make you think of your life? It moves along without any possibility for you to stop it or just slow it down. You have no power over it. And suddenly you realize that most of it is gone, with or without your approval or just your consent. It's totally out of your control. But the comforting thought is that you arrived where you were supposed to be. It's up to you to enjoy the ride in full awareness or not.

What You Really Need

Picture yourself on a long trek: you start walking, carrying a backpack on your shoulders. It's fairly full because you thought of bringing as many 'useful' things you believe you might need. After walking a long distance, you start feeling the heaviness of your backpack. You are tired, your feet are aching, but you still want to walk. So you decide to discard some of the less 'useful' things to make your burden lighter. An so it is. Feeling relieved, you proceed on your path. As you now realize that there are many more items that you don't need, you drop them as well. Your step becomes faster and easier because your backpack has become lightweight. Now imagine such trek to be your life. Wouldn't such life be much lighter, easier, less stressful if you were willing to make a choice about what you really "need"? If you did, you might see that many worries, fears, negative feelings, superfluous assets and worthless relationships are perceived as unnecessary through the clear light of awareness. And you would probably want to make some adjustments.

Looking vs. Seeing

How often do you take the time to look around and actually see what surrounds you?  You may answer that, whenever you "look", you certainly "see". Not necessarily. To use an old, well-known image, if you have a glass with some water in front of you, you may see (=interpret) it as half full or half empty. When you look at a flower, you may miss its intrinsic beauty and only comment on its color or scent. Similarly, when you look at a person, you might "see" only their physical appearance and don't bother to detect their true nature. Just "looking" is interpreting and judging, "Seeing" is knowing and understanding.

A Youthful Attitude

Some say that age is just a number. It may be true. There are youngsters who are eager to experience too much, too soon. It seems that they cannot accept their young age, that they still need to learn and acquire more maturity in order to face and deal with certain situations. They believe they already know it all. On the other hand, some elders are able to keep feeling - as they say -young at heart. They enjoy every aspect of life, are grateful and playful, they still expect new wonderful things to happen. Most of all, they don't take themselves too seriously.  The body may undergo unstoppable changes, but the spirit retains a so-called 'youthful attitude', that some young folks unfortunately lose too soon.

Would You...?

When an older person looks at a teen-ager, a question my arise in their mind: If I could, would I go back in time and be a teen-ager again? "If" you were in such a situation, what would you answer? Some possible answers might be: Oh, yes! I'd like to start all over again, grasp new opportunities, live a different life. / I had a beautiful life. I'd love to live it all once more. / I had unpleasant experiences, I would be afraid of re-living them again. / No, I'm tired, I wouldn't want to go through all that hassle again. / If I could, I would try to improve it by behaving better.  Finally, you might also say, I've had  "a life", I did my best and I am grateful for the experience. Right now I am enjoying my present age and serenely await what lies ahead, whatever it is.

The Unexpected

Life is strange indeed. It's like a road you are walking on, but where you never know how you will be allowed to proceed. You can be aware only of the step you are taking in this very moment. The next step is uncertain. In spite of your will, choice, decision, an unexpected factor can materialize and compel you to deviate, diverge or swerve from your previously planned path. As this is a strong possibility, you have to accept it and be always prepared for a sudden change in direction. Is this negative? Not necessarily. Sometimes your "previously planned path" may not have been the best resolution, so a sudden shift, that at first you don't actually welcome, may end up yielding the best result for you. So? Be ready to accept whatever comes along and be wise enough to understand when it's better to give up any "stubborn" attitude.