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Christy Walters
Christy Walters
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rain falls
Translations available in: English (original) | French | Spanish | Italian | German | Portuguese | Swedish | Russian | Dutch | Arabic

on the window so ordinary,
yet so peculiar;
the potential for peace, or corruption
is in your eye
the perception of good, bad
is in your eye
and as the rain washes the land, the car, the soul
it complicates the air, the body, the mind
adding an element of danger;
of risk
but isn't that what it is all about, this life?
overcoming the so-called gloomy days,
seeing the reason behind the season;
the perfection in the storm
and acknowledging the light for what it is:
a portal to the great, the extraordinary things
that await,
when you see the sun in the eye of the storm,
when you dance in the rain
when the wind breathes peace upon your land
and paradise is waiting to break the horizon
life is good
even as the rain falls.

September 25, 2009 | 8:35 AM Comments  0 comments

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Simply, success.
Translations available in: English (original) | French | Spanish | Italian | German | Portuguese | Swedish | Russian | Dutch | Arabic

I've taken quite the hiatus from this venting venue. Rest assured I have been expanding my reservoir of knowledge as any other excuse just wouldn't be acceptable in my book. With many-a-learning opportunity this past summer swiftly behind me, I have a great deal to write about, so much so that it's hard to narrow the focus. When I started this blog way back when, I had a goal of reaching someone, and realizing that the views have now hit 50,000 is encouraging as I would never have dreamt it.

Limitation is in the mind. As I have said many times before, I like to surround myself with people who dream big. Perseverance is essential and without it you will be hard-pressed to go far. There is no room for pride as the prideful will boast of things which are fleeting, all the while losing ground in their own lives. Humility is the prize and being humble will bring you to new heights. My general perception is that often, humans have a tendency to overanalyze and think too much. While each of the aforementioned statements may seem monotonous and obvious, I kid you not when I say that they are some of the greatest lessons I've learned.

Success is a mentality, and while there may be proven attributes that go along with it, I'm finding that it has a lot to do with perceptions: perceptions of ourselves and our own capacity as well as perceptions about how others view us and how we view others in return. One thing I've learned, in the case of the latter, is that perceptions and preconceived notions are most often fatally flawed. They have the potential to be major stumbling blocks - if one does not keep them in check that is.

So I'll tell you a little secret to success from my experience. As it is given that we could never reach success on our own, it is evident that need to reach out to others in that position, leveraging knowledge and skill they have readily available. The only way to do that is to genuinely give respect where respect is due. From my standpoint, when talking to a superior, I acknowledge that they know more than I do. This is not by outright saying such, but rather I listen to what they say so intently that I could write a feature article on it if prompted to do so. I am sure to ask relevant questions. I network with people who have something to teach me and I find that they are more than willing to share of their knowledge.

People need to rid the mindset that we are all in a big competition for the top. Getting to the crux of the matter, it appears that we all just want respect. The 'big' CEOs, CFOs and CIOs of the world evidently want to see the thirst for knowledge in their employees, they don't want the perception that the employees know everything already, and they most certainly do not hire employees that appear that way. A multi-millionaire once gave me uncontended advice when he said that the only way to truly get to the top is to work your way there. The main roadblock will be pride as admitting that you still have things to learn and keeping the thirst for knowledge alive is the way to success.

Then again, the top may be fictitious; because it appears that in the end it has nothing to do with money and everything to do with personal satisfaction. The definition of satisfaction is purely up to the individual. So I say do what makes you happy, be dedicated to what you love, respect those with knowledge to share and wisdom to give, and realize that happiness is not ready made, it comes from ones actions. Finally, acknowledging that there will always be those greater and lesser than oneself is something I try to remind myself of every day. So I guess I'm back to the basics of success: simple thoughts, clear-cut visions and yes, hard work does pay off. Poetry in the works, stay tuned.

September 1, 2009 | 7:58 PM Comments  0 comments

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There's a time and a place...
Translations available in: English (original) | French | Spanish | Italian | German | Portuguese | Swedish | Russian | Dutch | Arabic

"Let there be spaces in your togetherness, And let the winds of the heavens dance between you. Love one another, but make not a bond of love: Let it rather be a moving sea between the shores of your souls. Fill each other's cup but drink not from one cup. Give one another of your bread but eat not from the same loaf. Sing and dance together and be joyous, but let each one of you be alone though they quiver with the same music. Give your hearts, but not into each other's keeping. For only the hand of Life can contain your hearts. And stand together yet not too near together: For the pillars of the temple stand apart, And the oak tree and the cypress grow not in each other's shadow." - Khalil Gibran


July 24, 2009 | 5:08 PM Comments  2 comments

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In the Words of a Wise Man
Translations available in: English (original) | French | Spanish | Italian | German | Portuguese | Swedish | Russian | Dutch | Arabic

This man is gold, pure gold:

"Advance, and never halt, for advancing is perfection. Advance and do not fear the thorns in the path, for they draw only corrupt blood."

"All our words are but crumbs that fall down from the feast of the mind."

"I prefer to be a dreamer among the humblest, with visions to be realized, than lord among those without dreams and desires. "

"Keep me away from the wisdom which does not cry, the philosophy which does not laugh and the greatness which does not bow before children."

"Knowledge of the self is the mother of all knowledge. So it is incumbent on me to know my self, to know it completely, to know its minutiae, its characteristics, its subtleties, and its very atoms."

"If life's two chief prizes, beauty and truth, I found the first in a loving heart and the second in a laborer's hand. "

"Poverty is a veil that obscures the face of greatness. An appeal is a mask covering the face of tribulation."

"The most pitiful among men is he who turns his dreams into silver and gold."

"The obvious is that which is never seen until someone expresses it simply."

"To understand the heart and mind of a person, look not at what he has already achieved, but at what he aspires to."

"Trust in dreams, for in them is hidden the gate to eternity."

"Where is the justice of political power if it executes the murderer and jails the plunderer, and then itself marches upon neighboring lands, killing thousands and pillaging the very hills? "

"Wisdom ceases to be wisdom when it becomes too proud to weep, too grave to laugh, and too selfish to seek other than itself."

"Work is love made visible. And if you cannot work with love but only with distaste, it is better that you should leave your work and sit at the gate of the temple and take alms of those who work with joy."

I live and breathe this man's words, thank you, Khalil Gibran. Sometimes, I wish to write and at other times, I just want to bring attention to the thoughts of others. After all, if this blog consisted of my thoughts alone, it would not serve its purpose. The only way to gain true insight into the world is to feast on the words and thoughts of others and to give praise where praise is due. In the case of this man, praise is due.


July 24, 2009 | 5:08 PM Comments  1 comments

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Dream on...
Translations available in: English (original) | French | Spanish | Italian | German | Portuguese | Swedish | Russian | Dutch | Arabic

"Small people talk about others, medium people talk about things, and big people talk about dreams."

I firmly believe that dreaming big is the ultimate way to success and satisfaction in life. This is why I aim to surround myself with people of the sort. With zeal and zest for life, they inspire me to do everything bigger and better.

While one person may achieve success on their own, when two are in agreement, it is then that a vision may be spun into reality – and this is a powerful thing. This is why it is important to realize the power of our own words (of encouragement or discouragement of someone’s dream). When a dreamer enlightens someone with their vision, it is that person’s words that may be the match lighting the flame of that idea (contrastingly, negative words may bring the vision to an end).

It was Michelangelo who said, "The greater danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high and we miss it, but that it is too low and we reach it." Big ideas and big dreams are essential to being successful in life. The power of a dream is undisputed. So why not reach for the sky? (as the saying goes, even if you fall, you’ll still be among the stars).

Take Martin Luther King, who in 1963 led the March on Washington to give one of the most powerful messages of the times: the "I have a dream" speech. It moved the nation and the world and his vision is now a reality as fully evidenced in January of this year with Obama’s inauguration.

It is visionaries who see the world, not as it is, but as it could be. They inspire greatness and positive change. The imagination is an important element of this. It can be said that having an imagination is far more important than having knowledge for, while knowledge defines all we currently know and understand, imagination points to all we may yet discover and create - it points to the road of potential.

So why is it that most people often do not dream big dreams or even dream at all? Because it is all too easy to take the safe road. Most will choose the path of least resistance. They feel safe when there are as few things as possible to go wrong – sitting in the comfort zone of minimal risk. In short, they are often afraid of failure or of what others might say.

Looking at the economy of Newfoundland for instance, it is evident that there is great potential in our waters - uncharted territory, pardon the pun. Right now, we need people who will see and inspire vision(s) and who will capitalize on dreams. There are numerous viable business opportunities waiting to be explored, and with a few big dreamers, I believe there is great potential for success.

To end, I love the selected lyric to Celine Dion’s song ‘Power of a Dream’, they embody my intended message:

Deep within each heart
There lies a magic spark
That lights the fire of our imagination
And since the dawn of man
The strength of just "I can"
Has brought together people of all nations

Your mind will take you far
The rest is just pure heart
You’ll find your fate is all your own creation
Every boy and girl
As they come into this world
They bring the gift of hope and inspiration

Feel the flame forever burn
Teaching lessons we must learn
To bring us closer to the power of the dream
The world unites in hope and peace
We pray that it will always be
It is the power of the dream that brings us here

The power of the dream
The faith in things unseen
The courage to embrace your fear
No matter where you are
To reach for your own star
To realize the power of the dream

July 20, 2009 | 9:07 AM Comments  0 comments

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Freedom of Choice?
Translations available in: English (original) | French | Spanish | Italian | German | Portuguese | Swedish | Russian | Dutch | Arabic

Satisfaction is hard to find in a world where there are so many options. So what's the categorical issue? It's that things are no longer simple and true - they are complicated. In this life, it is evident that everyone desires more. I guess we all want personal freedom (leading to happiness), yet currently, with all this supposed freedom of choice we appear not, in effect, freer, but rather more constrained and limited. And for what reason would I make such an oxymoronic statement? Because I believe it to be fact. There is logic behind this presumption. Historically, even up to as little as 50 years ago, before we were as economically and technologically advanced, there were fewer choices. Hence, most would argue that we had less personal freedom then than we do now. However, I believe the opposite - that people had more freedom back then and consequently, more of a chance to be happy. I will apply this to life and love.

Examining daily life back then and the economic limitations which lead to a much less materialistic culture, within the marketplace, there were evidently very few consumer choices. From an economic standpoint, one could argue that the opportunity cost was therefore, much lower as in choosing one (maybe even the only) option (take for example, a pair of shoes), one does not have as much to lose. That person would depart from the transaction feeling (most likely more) content with their decision with the added confidence that there were no other better alternatives. Fast-forard to the present, in our highly revolutionized and materialistic(sick)culture: when one has 30 different options to choose from, one thus has a much higher expected standard, placed both upon the shoes and upon themselves (more pressure to make the "correct, best" decision). Ultimately though, no matter what the outcome, the individual will inevitably be more dissatisfied with their choice today as their expectations are higher.

So what is wrong with high expectations and more choice? A couple of things. High expectations are good, but with today's standard more increasingly reaching infinitely high proportions, our culture, as a consequence, finds it much harder to be pleased. Very little can shock or amaze anymore, as we expect to be presented with only the options that are "outstanding". Accordingly, the more choices one has, the more blame one places on themselves for making the wrong choice, as there are so many options they think, "I surely should purchase an option that is 'perfection'". That's it. More increasingly, the blame for the consumption decision falls not on the marketplace, but on ourselves, which leads to an increased precipitation of self-blame and less happiness. Thus, freedom of choice may limited ones happiness. Not only that but how much more time does one spend going through all of the options now as opposed to then? Much more, only to reach an end result of "less satisfied" than they would have been had there been less options (opportunity cost is higher).

This flows over to a relationship standpoint. With our interconnectedness and increasingly more "global world" there are many more options. Nocicably, the world appears to be going for the "perfection standard" which leads to dissatisfaction (as evidenced by the current state of marriages i.e., more divorce). No matter what, people want to reach higher, to obtain more, more, more, but this is a revolving cycle that will only end with the realization that more does not bring happiness, and perfection is impossible. Relationships appear to be about connection, similarity of values, commitment, the potential for individual growth and mutual sacrifice which is a rarity. Sadly, most realize this at the end of life as they are preoccupied with the better, better, better standard. So what has life become, a game of chance? A testing of all the options? A quest for perfection? I guess it's what you make it.

I agree that our society is progressed and that this is to some extent, inevitable. Because one cannot alter the economic and technological predicament, all there is left to do is to alter ones thinking and try to be satisfied - if it feels like the right decision, it probably is. Life is a journey and I cannot answer for the world around me, but I want to be happy, which is why I choose to live a simple life and surround myself with people that I believe care. Time will tell if I made the right decisions. Then again, is there even such thing as a "right" decision? Live. Learn. Remember. Cherish.

Honesty
Integrity
Satisfaction...

...are easy to find if you just look in front of you.



July 14, 2009 | 11:46 AM Comments  0 comments

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Thanks for the 45
Translations available in: English (original) | French | Spanish | Italian | German | Portuguese | Swedish | Russian | Dutch | Arabic

thousand views. Poetry coming soon.

July 2, 2009 | 12:30 PM Comments  0 comments

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Oh, Canada.
Translations available in: English (original) | French | Spanish | Italian | German | Portuguese | Swedish | Russian | Dutch | Arabic

I had the great opportunity of leading in the singing of the national anthem at a Canada Day concert yesterday so over the past couple of days I've been religiously singing the lyric. It struck me that, up to this point, they were just words that I would sing annually in a monontonous fashion. So I just thought I'd take the opportunity to say that I have true patriot love for the true north strong and free, just because.

Now getting into lyrics. Words may be powerful but when they become lyric, that power appears amplified times ten. Lyrics strike a chord (pardon the pun) beyond vocal expression: they connect sound, melody, rhythm and meaning to surpass the lexicon of mere dialect, extending into a whole other realm of feeling. I've said it numerous times, but music is my lifeboat; continuously reviving my soul. I love it on a whole other level.

July 2, 2009 | 12:16 PM Comments  0 comments

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20 years
Translations available in: English (original) | French | Spanish | Italian | German | Portuguese | Swedish | Russian | Dutch | Arabic

I'm not a self-professed Pearl Jam fan, however, I've been paying attention to some of their lyric recently. I was reading an interview with Eddie Vedder commenting on the meaning behind their single "Indifference" and I thought the following passage profound:

"On average, we have maybe 50 to 60 years on the planet. And we probably have 20 years when we're a vital presence, when you can actually do something with your life.
So what are you going to do with that time?
Are you gonna enjoy it, not get involved? Or are you gonna try and do something to make some other peoples' lives better than they are? Even if those people don't even appreciate what you're trying to do. Even if you're not sure yourself that what you're doing is going to make any bit of difference."

It speaks for itself, my thoughts exactly (although I'm hoping your vital presence can outlast 20 years).

July 2, 2009 | 12:10 PM Comments  0 comments

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Pieces of my thought train...
Translations available in: English (original) | French | Spanish | Italian | German | Portuguese | Swedish | Russian | Dutch | Arabic

Lately I have been living by the philosophy of simple thinking. "Real world" time is of the essence this day in age as more and more of our moments on earth are spent in "cyber world". I do not want to worry myself about the "big picture", as Dad would say, worrying is like a rocking chair, it gets you nowhere, however, it's inevitable - I have to think / write about it. While the www has its advantages, I'm a little scared to acknowledge the amount of time I've spent online over the past year - time that I have probably wished away at work and the like. Which brings me to the subject of time, many of my co-workers all-to-often bring up how fast time flies and numerously mention that life is short. I don't think it has been "drilled" into my head like this before, which gets me to thinking, I am not the kind of person that can stay in one job too long - much less a job where I remain stagnant. Life is about learning and growth, but it's questionable what proportion should be technical, and what personal (and interpersonal).

Some argue acquiring knowledge is of the essence, yet once one reaches a certain level of knowledge acquirement, there are often limited few one can relate to. I guess the question is what is the proper mix? Does gaining technical knowledge help individual people as much as forging valuable relationships? What truly makes one happy? Of course it's all individual, for me, I think it's connections, and the realization of growth. Mutual growth (between individuals) is imperative, for as they say, if a tree (person) falls (grows) in the woods and no one is there to witness it, does it make a sound? (do him / her grow?). Another way to measure growth? Nelson Mandela said it best in A Long Walk to Freedom: "There is nothing like returning to a place that remains unchanged to find the ways in which you yourself have altered."

Satisfaction is the ultimate goal for me, I need to be satisfied with my life and my efforts towards the common good - if I wasn't, I don't think I'd be a happy person. A co-worker was telling me today how one could spend their time complaining about the work they have to do, but this gets them nowhere ("no one cares" were her words). It's better just to do it, don't stress, there are so many worse situations one could be in - once again, simple words of wisdom, it all comes down to doing what one has to do to get to where they want to be and reaching for the top of every mountain.

Another co-worker in a separate conversation mentioned that people shouldn't spend their time "being crooked" (upset; holding grudges), and once again referred back to the fact that life is short. In a cute statement, she said, "as long as their not crooked enough to stomp on rose" which I thought very insightful. People can make the choice to bring themselves down, but when they bring others down, that's when there's a problem. It appears to be a choice. I have friends that live in the moment, and friends that think ahead to the big picture, and some that do a little of both. While living in the moment is all fine and good, it often defers their vision from the things that really matter; they are too caught up in the here and now - the little things. Living for the big picture similarly alters their visions to bypass the present and it's gift. I think a mixture of both is the best bet - living with one eye on the moment and one eye on the prize (the future).

Back to cyber world, I brought it up because I think there should be balance in life, and I always like to remind myself not to get too caught up in my "online shenanigans" for soon and very soon many of these "connections ' will amount to nothing, as people will inevitably come to the correct realization that they are often very fluid, transparent, and dispensable. The people that matter are the people that I set time aside for and spend time with, it's not realistic to rely on the online "image" of others for, in my experience, it amounts to little when ascertaining their true character. So, there is a little of what I've been contemplating lately: a piece of my thought train I will say. To end, I think life is a gift and people are a gift and I am a happy person to have come across so many genuinely amazing people to spend my (real, in-person) time with - people that teach me more and more about this game of living, and in my humble opinion, I think they are helping me win, then again, I think we all have the potential to be winners, it's all in the thought process (no cheesiness intended).



June 16, 2009 | 2:04 PM Comments  0 comments

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Knowledge
Translations available in: English (original) | French | Spanish | Italian | German | Portuguese | Swedish | Russian | Dutch | Arabic

They thirst for it, yet push it away.
It is the key to the future,
sometimes fleeting,
always waiting
for a life to pick up on it.

It is the passageway to wisdom;
the exit from innocence.
With it comes responsibility;
for it is a right of way
and passing the torch, an obligation.

Growth is the essence of victory,
for in it lies freedom
from caring about the lesser things,
as it reveals true importance;
obliterating the oppression of naivety.

For it is all about others,
connecting and caring, feeling and giving,
sharing the thirst and impressing the drive.
The present has knowledge knocking at its door,
waiting to break down every mould, stereotype and assumption

that held them back then,
but now; pero ahora; aber jetzt; mais maintenant;
the door is open
and knowledge [cognition: the psychological result of perception and learning and reasoning]
just walked in.

June 3, 2009 | 7:56 AM Comments  0 comments

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Anhelo
Translations available in: English (original) | French | Spanish | Italian | German | Portuguese | Swedish | Russian | Dutch | Arabic

Time is not enough
to separate mind from body and soul;
The heart skipping a beat
to the rhythmic pattern of a voice;
Impressing the key
deeper and deeper.

Life sleeps and she awakens to recall
His fleeting image captured in dreamworld.
As it fades to reality
memories become the lifeline.

Then anhelo overtakes like fire,
imagination awakens and
revolutionizes absense
with empty fantasies,
fufilled and exceeded every time they are realized

Superceding boundaries of the mind,
words are volatile to contain
the intuition and passion, vigour and intelligence,
touch, taste, scent, and his light

It burns within; her blood boils,
and distance cannot control the flame:
he is fertilizer to her growth.
Only extremes can feel this deep,
and anhelo this powerful;
igniting the fire when they meet.

May 29, 2009 | 10:33 AM Comments  0 comments

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Beyond
Translations available in: English (original) | French | Spanish | Italian | German | Portuguese | Swedish | Russian | Dutch | Arabic

I see beyond borders,
limitations are on the inside.
I see beyond face value,
the surface is fleeting and inconsistent.

One day I realized, I am living. In laymen's terms, I am a human being on the earth, no better or worst than the rest. Why then, are we so often divided? We were all on the road to happiness at one point. Some are indefinatly lost in the misinterpretation of what that term means for avenues like the media have thwarted it's meaning. I have learned that happiness is found in satisfaction with ones self and others. Freedom is found when one realizes that perfection is, in fact, imperfect. Perfection often lacks character, it is devoid of that existential quality of occupying space and time, and it is an impossibility, for in the constant struggle towards it, one eventually comes to the (unconscious or conscious) realization that it is fleeting, inconsistent, and wholly in the eye of the beholder. Since one cannot control what said 'other' eye envisions, one cannot reach perfection. Fear of rejection is often the embodiment of this perceived need to be perfect. I often term my perception odd, for when I see others, I see myself. It is apparent that we all generally want the same thing (to be happy), but some are sidetracked by what others think, this is what saddens me. It does not matter what the rest of the world thinks about someone, all that matters is what they think of themselves, and that should never be negative. It hurts me to see people who are unconfident, because I know that they had it in them at some point, they have just let someone else take it. Confidence is power. They have given their power away like a sacrificial lamb, and for what? To please others it appears. There is a vicious cycle in this world called the need to please. This is fine when one is working towards their own goals, but when it becomes for someone else, then they begin to lose themselves. It is all in the thought process though, and right now I want to go back to basics. Life should be simpler, easier. Respect each other and respect ourselves. In doing so, one naturally wants the best for everyone else, and that is true happiness. Life has the potential to hit us in so many different ways, it is all how we perceive it. I choose to look at the potential in others and aim to bring it out, because no matter who they are, I know they have something to teach me, and even if it is teaching me what I do not want out of life, it is teaching nonetheless and I am always looking to learn, grow and...

I move beyond limitations of knowledge,
for I will never know enough.
I move beyond doubt,
for I am the only one with the power to eliminate it.

May 25, 2009 | 7:51 PM Comments  0 comments

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37.5
Translations available in: English (original) | French | Spanish | Italian | German | Portuguese | Swedish | Russian | Dutch | Arabic

thousand. The ritualistic "thanks for reading all" ensues.


April 20, 2009 | 1:27 PM Comments  0 comments

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A Word in Retrospect: What is Love?
Translations available in: English (original) | French | Spanish | Italian | German | Portuguese | Swedish | Russian | Dutch | Arabic

It appears that meaning can be derived only through experience, and if this is a truism, then there follows the question, is it possible to form an objective definition of love? While Socrates and Plato argued that concepts such as love had universal, objective definitions, I do not believe so.

Love cannot be didactically spoken with words or, theoretically, described with language. It can only be read using the language of love (which has not, as yet, been linguistically delineated). Love is a universal feeling, not of gender, age, tribe or race (in other words, it is blind). If put in mathematical terms, it is subjective. Love is the + 1 on a scale, with the other end hate being - 1, and indifference is the null middle zero. If this were the case, insomuch as it is measured solely as a comparative scalar in any one volition, it is objectively a conceptual absolute - there can by definition be no evaluation higher. In other words, it is the highest possible evaluation.

And by what objective standard does one measure their own intriniscally subjective interpretations? Reality, it appears. More specifically, the reality of the mind, as perceived in comparison to past experiences and associations. Therefore, it is evidently impossible to truly measure and thus, contain, the extent of this reality of love until after it is experienced.

The only proper definition of "love" appears to be the one that is factually good for a person and what is factually good is in the "eye of the beholder", thus, it is a decision. However, finding something missing in a relationship is as easy as one, two, three. This is often an escape measure from the confines of media's idealized vision of love. It is a search for something else when there is little proof that the here and now is the best (or worst) ever had (or will have). Furthermore, it is a bordom with the status quo that may or may not be the "love" of ones life, with "ones life" being the key words, as it would take until the near-end of life to know with certainty.

Love is a gamble, and cannot be felt in the absense of pain, for as noted by Friedrich Nietzsche, "A life with love will have many thorns, but a life without love will have no roses." According to Erich Fromm, love isn't a thing, its an art. It is an activity that a person can master through theory and practice like any other art. Love is something one does and as such, it requires knowledge and effort.

And with regards to attraction and love? A physical, scientific definition of love is the only definition that will be anywhere close to an accurate description of what is really occuring in ones body when they are in "love". It may also be possible that evolution has a bit to do with ones physical attractions to another. For instance, science has proven that humans are naturally attracted to larger pupils, and that when one is attracted to another, their pupils become larger. The person they are attracted to sees the larger pupils and becomes more attracted to them, and that person's pupils, in turn, become larger. Then they see that the other person's pupils are larger and become even more attracted to the other person, etc.

As of late, there is the study of pheromones that has also brought much light upon the subject of love. It appears very likely that what really turns a person 'on' is a high level of pheromones and the reason individuals have their own tastes concerning visuals is because they develop mental associations between certain features of anatomy and specific levels of pheromone intensity. While these suppositions may be scientifically verifiable and objective, attraction does not necessary merit the definiton "love", which should be reserved for when it has meaning. Hence, the question remaining: when does it possess meaning?

A postulation: throughout history, love has been defined and redefined until many people have such an all-inclusive definition that they call it ineffable, or beyond mere words. As such, it follows that their decisions about their loves are indistinct, the product of an inconsitent and often outright contrary set of beliefs about the very thing they want most from life. Our individual definitions of the word love are so multifarious and environmentally influenced (on a global scale), that sending (encoding) the "I love you" message to someone, may be numerously intrepreted (decoded) by the reciever(s).

Moreover, from an individualistic perspective, if the true, subjective meaning of words can be defined only in (comparative) retrospect, it is evident that love, as it is percieved by the individual, may be in the absence of objective and subjective verbal definition until the very end (of one's life, love, happiness). That is not to discredit the intrisic feelings of love. That is to say that it probably should not be vocalized (IMHO).

To conclude, love appears to have no authoritative definition, but rather is reworked and revolutionized through individual experience (and future perception of that past experience). I've come to the realization that making this post longer will not further my current quest of "putting a finger" on love's meaning, and somehow, I do not think that I should try.



April 20, 2009 | 12:04 PM Comments  0 comments

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Hope Lives Here: 18 Lives Housing Project
Translations available in: English (original) | French | Spanish | Italian | German | Portuguese | Swedish | Russian | Dutch | Arabic

18 lives, 18 hopes and 18 dreams are becoming a reality through the work of Stella Burry Community Services (SPCS). Formally incorporated as a body of the United Church of Canada in 1995, it is a justice-seeking community-based organization dedicated to addressing the root causes of poverty, abuse and oppression. In late 2005, SBCS acquired property at 135 Military Road in downtown St. John’s with the objective of creating a mixed-use building that will provide office space as well as affordable housing for vulnerable populations and now, in 2009, that objective is being realized.

Stella Burry, a native of Greenspond, Bonavista Bay, is remembered as one who made an outstanding contribution to the community. Stella began her career teaching at the age of 17 and in 1922, she moved to Toronto to pursue studies in social work. Upon returning to Newfoundland (NL) in 1938, Stella began a life of work that characterizes her as a pioneer social worker in her homeland. In addition to the Emmanuel House, she initiated numerous community programs. Dr. Stella Burry died on January 13, 1991, at the age of 93, however her legacy of outstanding advocacy and concern for her fellow citizens lives on in the organization that bears her name.

SBCS provides opportunities to vulnerable populations for renewal and self-discovery through programs that affirm the individual’s strengths and abilities, restoring their sense of self-worth and capacity for change. It currently owns and leases 19 properties and employs over 90 staff. In addition to residential housing, the organization focuses on the creation of affordable housing, advocates for social policy change and develops programs that assist people to make sustainable connections with the workforce. “We see daily transformations taking place in people’s lives once they have the right balance of supports available to them. They need what we all need: a friend, a home and a job” says SBCS Executive Director Jocelyn Greene.

Under the direction of Jocelyn Greene, one of this country’s leading social justice advocates, SBCS has enabled many hundreds of program participants to transform their lives. The creative and far-sighted strategies developed by Jocelyn enable individuals with mental health issues to become full participants in their communities. For the past 30 years, Jocelyn has put into practice a philosophy that challenges conventional notions of the ways in which to support and assist mental health consumers. As a result of her advocacy efforts, comprehensive policy changes have occurred at the national and provincial level that are now acknowledged across the country as best practices.

With the assistance of $172 500 of Service Canada’s Homeless Partnering Strategy (HPS) funding, SBCS is redeveloping the former O’Mara Martin building at Rawlins Cross in downtown St. John’s. The design of the new structure is intended to reflect the look of the original building when first constructed in the 1900s. The building will house 18 single, self-contained apartments on the two upper floors. There will also be a common space that tenants may use for social events and meetings. The main floor will provide additional space for administrative teams that run the organization’s housing programs. The Brian Martin Housing Resource Centre, as it will be called, will oversee close to 100 rental units now managed by SBCS. It will also provide referral services for others in need of affordable housing including community agencies who work with vulnerable populations.

In completing the project, SBCS undertook a branding strategy to generate awareness and interest in what is now known as the “18 Lives” Campaign – so named to reflect the impact that the project will have on the lives of the 18 individuals who will live in the finished building. Funds generated from the Campaign will be used to complete the interior finishes in each of the suites in the new building. “We have outstanding support from the community for this project. Eighteen corporations and individuals stepped up to provide funds that will enable us to put quality finishes into each suite,” adds Greene. “It is very gratifying.” St. John’s City Facilitator for Homelessness Robert Abbott commends Greene for the project’s success. “I take my hat off to Jocelyn Greene and the great staff she has working with her on this project. It is truly the result of dedication and partnerships by all those involved.”

The Stella Burry community knows that when safe, affordable housing, effective employment programs and appropriate supports are available, they can transform lives in extraordinary ways. They acknowledge the pride of living independently and making positive decisions in ones life. One of the core components of SBCS is to provide leadership in the development, management, and access to supportive housing for marginalized individuals and through this project, they are once again doing just that. On a final note, Abbott points out that “Stella Burry has formed partnerships with the private sector and all levels of government i.e. municipal, provincial and federal. This is an example of making things happen when all partners are willing to work together and be creative in order to help 18 lives.” It is evident that SBCS see the world not just as it is, but as it could be and that is why, as the project is nearing completion, they can proudly say hope lives here.


To find out more about Stella Burry Community Services, visit their website at http://www.stellaburry.ca/ or http://www.18lives.ca/ to donate.

(Article written for InSight internal newsletter, Service Canada, Government of Canada)

April 20, 2009 | 11:50 AM Comments  0 comments

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Journey
Translations available in: English (original) | French | Spanish | Italian | German | Portuguese | Swedish | Russian | Dutch | Arabic

More salient than perceptions of self
is the self in relation to another.
Reverberating through the mind;
Emotion wanders the senses,
feeling every minute, every acute second of passion.

And even here after the rains have brought life,
the rain spider creeps
like a second guess.
The pain in pleasure is as a pest to the land,
one will eventually consume the other.

Digging its way through the veins of existance
to find a home; A contentment.
They are a symbiotic pair,
for pain gives pleasure meaning and
pleasure gains value through pain.

One cannot exist in absense of the other,
for shielded from the light
the rain spider burrows itself deeper,
caves itself in, and is protected,
but this is not enough.

Breaking the surface,
It travels on the edge of freedom's risk;
Upon land that is meant to protect,
not knowing where the path will lead
yet sensing a purpose in the journey.





April 20, 2009 | 11:03 AM Comments  1 comments

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The Tide
Translations available in: English (original) | French | Spanish | Italian | German | Portuguese | Swedish | Russian | Dutch | Arabic

she wanders there
on the shores of the subliminal
aching to feel the wave of emotion
already encircling, yet distant.
it speaks danger and she hears
serene;
a breeze of illusion
that feels safe
and easy, yet fastidious.
she scans the surface
and dives in,
free flowing in the current
that may take her nowhere
or somewhere
she is meant to be
where fools rush out
and waves rush in
where the past moves on
and life begins.

April 15, 2009 | 12:28 PM Comments  0 comments

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The Candle
Translations available in: English (original) | French | Spanish | Italian | German | Portuguese | Swedish | Russian | Dutch | Arabic

Lighting a candle, I fan the flame
That burns it away over time
Time that lasts one minute, one hour, one month or two
I do not recall when it went out
Or when it ignited for that matter

It is a flame that bears a scent
I try to control it yet it desires to grow
I try to confine it to the mortal realm
To change its pace, I softly blow,
Savoring it, expecting the bottom of the holder before my eyes

Soon enough thought my mind
Yet it has a life of its own; a breath of its own
It is living at the moment when I draw close to the flame
I smell the scent again, it does not fade
It is everlasting is on my mind

This is peculiar is on my mind
The flame that does not burn?
The scent that does not fade?
The candle that gives light alone
Lighting my life





April 6, 2009 | 6:27 PM Comments  0 comments

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The Blind
Translations available in: English (original) | French | Spanish | Italian | German | Portuguese | Swedish | Russian | Dutch | Arabic

Silence as she watches the gaze
Waiting for the sudden turn of events
Or a signal to exit this war zone

Threats of mutual disaccord
And lust for substantial revenge
The wasting of precious time

Conflicts of culture shock
No empathy or sympathy
Internal battle meets external avenge

No desire for reconciliation
She abandons camp
Desperate to find her commarades

Eager to delve into the gossip pie
With a friend
After the bad date

(Piece chosen to be published the Paragon Creative writing journal; :))

March 18, 2009 | 10:41 AM Comments  0 comments

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Anti-definition
Translations available in: English (original) | French | Spanish | Italian | German | Portuguese | Swedish | Russian | Dutch | Arabic

To define is to lose
Some aspect of freedom
Available in the creation;
Manifested as indifferent

Until definition makes ordinary

Posits its place
Sitting on the throne of the accepted
It is stagnant; still
Unrefined and reckless

It eats at the heart and
Tugs on the mind
Conformity in the flesh;
The antithesis of unique

It is no longer an anomaly
It is no longer a dynasty
It is no longer an identity
It is it's own obstruction

To define is to lose some aspect of the real

That in life is fleeting; short
Span of time to think, not delimit
Experience, not mimic
Witness, achieve and

Weave ones own fabrication,
Real or imagined,
Yet unordinary and truthful
To ones self

The definition is the memory,
And the memory lives
Through constraint and limitation
In the light

Forgetting what they said
Forgetting what they did
Remembering how they made one feel,
Not to be defined in any sense

March 18, 2009 | 10:22 AM Comments  0 comments

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The Green Approach: Investing In NL Natural and Human Resources
Translations available in: English (original) | French | Spanish | Italian | German | Portuguese | Swedish | Russian | Dutch | Arabic

Financial initiatives and ideas for developing the province of Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) should focus on meeting the needs of the people, given the current state of the global economy. In the economic environment of the times, this includes the consideration of pressing concerns such as the ageing population and the out-migration of youth from the province. With advances in the globalization of trade and telecommunications and in the context of the environmental movement, NL, with its untouched wilderness areas, relatively unspoiled natural environment, and convenient proximity to Europe, has a competitive advantage to explore.

From a global perspective, the current economic crisis is a relatively short-term issue when compared to the long-term issue of greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, it would be advantageous for government to focus on initiatives and build on existing projects that will promote growth, sustainability and most importantly, long-term profitability in the energy sector. These opportunities should provide new employment in an effort to lower the high unemployment rate.

While employment in the fishery, forestry and mining industries is on the decline, the province is strategically positioning itself as an internationally competitive energy producer. There are an abundance of energy resources ready for production. Placing funds into the provision of a sustainable energy supply such as the Lower Churchill Project is a viable solution to the problem of unemployment. This project is a significant source of renewable, clean electrical energy with mass potential for future benefits. Investing in the project will ensure a long-term energy supply for the province. Moreover, through the development of oil and gas, hydroelectricity and alternative energies, the province has significant potential for growth. Financial incentives should also include investing into the development of alternative energy sources such as solar power and windmill generators. Ultimately, a financial initiative that puts funds into developing the energy sector, while simultaneously being environmentally sustainable, is a good idea.

Although the energy sector should be of first priority for developing the province of NL into the future, there exists another avenue to explore. There are specific populations that need attention and a more focused analysis. Two subsequent ways to develop the economy of NL focus on the most pertinent demographic trends: the ageing population and the out-migration of youth.

The trend towards out-migration of youth has left rural NL with an ageing and shrinking population. As one witnesses the populations of communities in rural NL shrink, there is an alternative that may help improve the situation: The province’s unique history, culture and lifestyle provide opportunities for growth in the tourism industry. The scenic beauty and renowned talents of the people of rural NL in particular constitute an underdeveloped resource. With more focused promotion on its rich, traditional culture and history, the tourism industry has potential to flourish. Well known for its unique and dynamic people and places, NL is suitable for both business and vacation travel. Money may be invested into the improvement of tourism facilities (particularly adventure tourism) and services. The tourism industry provides work for the ageing population and may be an optional source of income particularly for seniors who could start up businesses such as Bed and Breakfasts and craft stores.

Furthermore, the government and private sector could work together to ensure rural NL is 'put on the map'. This would involve heavy promotion and a strategic effort to capitalize on one of the main assets of visiting rural NL: The fact that it is a relaxing getaway from the increasingly fast paced industrialized world. Encouraging major movie producers to film in NL is yet another way to boost the tourism industry. The Random Passage film site in Trinity Bight, NL has become a very popular tourist destination as evidence of this claim. NL as a whole is a cultural gem and a scenic masterpiece. One of its biggest assets is the fact that it is unique. An investment in tourism will bring economic returns into the future. Moreover, unlike investing in other industries, the tourism industry does not harm the environment but rather works to conserve, protect and promote its natural beauty.

In addition, while advances in the energy sector will undoubtedly retain youth in the province, in many cases, this will not suffice. There needs to be more incentive to stay in NL. If companies in the province offered to pay for university undergraduate or graduate studies in return for a commitment to work for the companies for a couple of years after graduation, this may be a good option.

At a more individualistic level, it is critical during this time of high stress and economic uncertainty that there is a work-life balance, all the while encouraging growth in the knowledge and skill set of our workforce. In this day and age, productivity is paramount. Increasing the incentive for workers in the service industries to obtain new skills such as French language training or computer related training in order to boost productivity has often brought about little response. There is a need for an initiative that will encourage workers to apply new skills to their positions by increasing the presence of training programs and the number of employees availing of their services. Programs that focus on training NL workers to work in the energy sector would also be beneficial. There should be more incentives for training. Establishing a system whereby workers who complete training will receive small reward items may boost participation rates.

The environmental revolution should be at the forefront of efforts to improve and develop the economy of NL. Concerns such as the ageing population, the out-migration of workers and high unemployment rates of the present time can be addressed with the help of strategic financial investments. The province has great potential in both natural and human resources, many of which lie untapped. It is up to the government to pursue strategies that ensure they use these assets to the best of their ability. If they pursue the energy resources in an efficient way, there is potential for vast financial gains as well as an overall bright future.


(A recent scholarship essay of mine, while this essay may focus on my homeland, I believe these initiatives are relevant on a global scale).

March 13, 2009 | 9:08 AM Comments  2 comments

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Agape
Translations available in: English (original) | French | Spanish | Italian | German | Portuguese | Swedish | Russian | Dutch | Arabic

I am long overdue for a post regarding the Agape home.

"Located in Chiang Mai Thailand, the Agape Home for babies with HIV/AIDS opened in May 1996 as a response to the plight of children impacted by the spread of HIV/AIDS across Thailand. All of the children who come to the Agape Home to live are, or are at risk of being, HIV positive. Many of them have already lost their parents to AIDS, and there are no other options for their care..."

Friends of my family, Roy and Avis Rideout, started the home back in 1996 and it is still growing. Search YouTube for a video of recent additions. One of my longer term goals is to volunteer there in the future. To find out more, visit: http://www.nikkisplace.org/about.htm



March 4, 2009 | 2:27 PM Comments  0 comments

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I Am Humbled.
Translations available in: English (original) | French | Spanish | Italian | German | Portuguese | Swedish | Russian | Dutch | Arabic


March 2, 2009 | 7:03 PM Comments  0 comments

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It’s About PRESENSE, Not Position: Words of Wisdom in Leadership from David Irvine
Translations available in: English (original) | French | Spanish | Italian | German | Portuguese | Swedish | Russian | Dutch | Arabic

Again, article written for Service Canada,Government of Canada but with universal significance IMO.

Newfoundlanders and Labradorians have leadership in their bones according to internationally acclaimed author, speaker and workshop leader David Irvine. Tackling the bottom line issues in his opening keynote presentation at the 2009 Leadership Forum on February 19, it is easy to say that no one engages and inspires an audience like him. With profound insight, passion and humour, David brought a sense of vitality to the topic of leadership, both inspiring minds and warming hearts. David is a connector and a communicator, and his business is people. He is an internationally recognized authority on the topics of accountability, authentic leadership and balanced living. With over twenty-five years of experience in the fields of family therapy and organizational effectiveness, he offers a unique, personal and practical approach to transforming leaders.

According to David, “leadership is not a position – it’s a presence.” He educated about the importance of building a strong culture within the public service saying “we need to build cultures that attract, retain and unleash greatness.” Paying tribute to his gymnastics-champion-walking-around-the-house-on-his-hands father who additionally worked in the public service, David admits that the roots of the public service run deep within him. His father taught him that the purpose of having a dream is not to achieve it, but rather to inspire him to be the kind of person that it takes to achieve it. “This was the greatest success of all.”

His presentation illustrated the importance of life force (the trilogy of energy, passion and focus) to being an effective leader. He often set time aside for audience members to discuss thoughts and reflect on experiences with those around them. David memorably pointed out a quote that he had observed while visiting the site of the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing’s Survivor Tree, an eighty-year-old elm that had miraculously survived the blast, which stated: “You can kill people, but you cannot kill the life force.”

David challenged the audience to reflect on what it takes to be a good leader. He contrasted a transactional boss who manages, enforces and dictates with the transformational leader who mentors, coaches and influences. The leader inspires through love and a strong vision. He noted that while bosses are focused on knowing, producing and controlling, leaders should be concerned with growing, learning, and unleashing potential in others. If one is committed to the practise of leadership, David advised seeking out role models and studying them. His personal role models included Washington, Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, Ernie Coombs, Terry Fox, his parents and Norris, his family’s farmhand who taught him that “happiness is a method of travel, not a destination.”

A master storyteller and teacher, David took the audience in search of the authentic journey, encouraging everyone to look inside themselves for what brings their personal “sweet satisfaction”. David noted that in order to get to the heart of the public service renewal, there needs to be an alignment with our authentic culture, however, it should be an easier task for us as “Newfoundlanders and Labradorians have a different response to authenticity; there is something special here.”

A prominent message to end an enlightening presentation, David quoted Gary Zukav’s widely acclaimed bestseller Seat of the Soul saying: “When the deepest part of you becomes engaged in what you are doing…when what you do serves both yourself and others, when you do not tire on the inside…but seek the sweet satisfaction of your life and your work. What then? Then you know you are doing what you are meant to be doing.” Words of wisdom, indeed.

March 2, 2009 | 2:06 PM Comments  0 comments

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Building a Home: Choices for Youth's Train for Trades Project
Translations available in: English (original) | French | Spanish | Italian | German | Portuguese | Swedish | Russian | Dutch | Arabic

An article I recently published for Service Canada:

Empowering youth to take responsibility and make a positive change in their lives is what Choices for Youth is all about. It is a dynamic, progressive organization that works with youth who have experienced, and continue to experience, substantial barriers and trauma in their lives. As a non-profit charitable, community-based agency, Choices has a 17-year history of providing housing and lifestyle development supports to youth in the St. John’s metropolitan area. The organization has several core programs which focus on addressing the youth’s emergency and long-term housing needs, as well as their social, educational and economic needs.

With the aid of 1.69 million in capital funding from the National Homelessness Initiative (NHI), Choices opened the doors of a brand new Youth Services Centre located on Carter’s Hill Place in the heart of downtown St. John’s back in 2003. They currently offer several homelessness service programs including a Supportive Housing Program, a Shelter for Young Men and an Outreach and Youth engagement Program. As a one-stop service centre for youth in crisis, the Youth Services Centre is additionally home to The Community Youth Network, the Day Break Parent / Child Centre and Youth and Family Services. Building on its success, Choices has a new and exciting project in the works which will further assist at-risk youth.

Service Canada’s Homelessness Partnering Strategy (HPS) is a program aimed at preventing and reducing homelessness in Canada by providing funding and direct support to more than 60 communities across Canada. With the help of $550,000 in HPS funding, Choices has purchased and is in the process of renovating the former A. Lilly and Co. Building on Bond Street in downtown St. John’s to create affordable housing for youth. When operational, the building will be home to 14 youth in one- and two-bedroom apartments. It will also provide on-site support including a pre-employment program and Youth at Promise, a basic math and literacy skills program.

In completing the project, Choices has taken a dynamic and empowering approach. With the introduction of the Train for Trades Program, ten local youth referred to Choices by various programs throughout the city, are working alongside contractors and trades people to build the home. This program was accessed through the St. John’s SCC’s Skills Link program which assists youth facing barriers to employment. The goal is to give youth who are homeless or at risk of homelessness a valuable opportunity to develop skills necessary for a successful transition to employment-focused training and educational pursuits. “Through this new skilled-trades employment project we are endeavouring to meet the needs of an extremely vulnerable population of youth who require support and opportunities to make sustainable long-term changes in their lives” says Sheldon Pollett, Executive Director of Choices for Youth Inc.

This proactive program is well underway with the help of $98,000 of additional HPS funding through its Horizontal Pilot Project program, which provides funds to prevent and reduce homelessness. After receiving safety and basic construction training, the youth have been put to work on the site. They are receiving valuable hands-on training as well as basic literary and math skills. Homelessness File Consultant Robert Abbott said it was a great pleasure to see these young people succeed. “Everyone has potential and everyone has a dream and the youth involved with this program have certainly proven that to be true. Choices for Youth and their staff deserve a round of applause for providing these young people a home that will enable them to begin the process of rebuilding their lives.”

It can be said that employment and educational opportunities are vital to escaping cycles of homelessness, and youth are a target population. Through the Train for Trades program, youth are empowered to take responsibility for their lives and meet their individual goals. By combining safe, affordable housing with educational and employment training, Choices will provide a continuum of supports for 14 youth who have struggled to maintain healthy, independent living. With the help of this project, slated to be finished in the near future, youth have been given a chance to make a difference while making a positive change in their lives. As the project is near completion it is safe to say, a little empowerment goes a long way.

To find out more visit: http://www.choicesforyouth.ca/TFT/index.php


February 28, 2009 | 10:59 AM Comments  0 comments

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The Good Ache
Translations available in: English (original) | French | Spanish | Italian | German | Portuguese | Swedish | Russian | Dutch | Arabic

I recently went indoor rock climbing and my body is aching all over the day after. I can't really describe it, but it's a good ache. It's the kind of ache you have when you know you are accomplishing something good and when you know the day is going to come when you won't ache, it will be a reality. Akin to a dream, I think it's important to both recognize the ache and love the ache on the way to achieving it. It's what makes it sweet. I love this ache, and for some reason I find pleasure in the muscle pain. If I am strange is yet to be decided. Traditionally, the ache has lead me to greater things, it has proven that I'm going in the right direction, I think everyone needs a good ache. So I thought I'd put that out there, strive for the ache my friends, it'll make you strong (literally in my case I know :)

February 23, 2009 | 3:31 PM Comments  0 comments

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Astounded
Translations available in: English (original) | French | Spanish | Italian | German | Portuguese | Swedish | Russian | Dutch | Arabic

I'm astounded at the number of people who have made their way to my TIGBlog. 31,500 views and I'm wondering just what makes my writing interesting? I'm nothing special, really, just like everyone who has an opinion and wants to share knowledge with the world. I've been travelling quite a bit lately and work has had me attend a Leadership Conference. It is here I was introduced to a new philosophy on life. But that's not all, I've met someone who has bountifully enhanced my life with their own wisdom. I learn everything I know from others, really.

I think no matter how esteemed one believes they are, there are always those greater. Keeping level-headed is the name of the game. I think the most important advice that I've been given as of late is to seek out mentors: those leaders that will inspire you. Of course everyone has potential and it's all in your mind to decide what you can achieve.

I think it begins with small steps and most importantly, surrounding oneself with good people. For instance, while I'd like to think I'm a healthy person, I recently met someone who challenged me to become even more physically fit and eat even better. Before meeting them, I really wasn't aware of the reality that I ate an abnormally high amount of sugar. I've decided to test it out and cut out sugar for a week to see where it takes me. It's all about making small steps towards improvement.

I think the key lies in first, finding your passion and secondly, knowing that you are doing all you can to be the best person you can be. Many people have told me they are drawn to my confidence, of this I aim not to boast. I've said many times that it's all in the mindset and confidence really comes from having that in order. You can't find confidence in other people, you have to find it in yourself, because of course it's there. As Michaelangelo said, "I didn't do anything. God put Pieta and David and Pieta in the marble. They were already there. I only had to carve away the parts that kept you from seeing them:" such is confidence, it's already there, it's just a matter of how you view the world.

One of the biggest ways to learn about and love oneself is to help others, therefore; I advocate volunteering. People sometimes wonder why they should invest their time to help others, in my opinion, volunteering helps them more than they know. I would say that investing time in others is the only way to truly live. I am a firm beliver that a person chooses how others treat and act towards them via their own actions; demand respect and you will recieve in return, no major dogma here. No matter what though, humilty is the prize and one can go virtually nowhere without it. That's my opinion. End of rant :)

February 23, 2009 | 1:08 PM Comments  0 comments

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Cheese Please
Translations available in: English (original) | French | Spanish | Italian | German | Portuguese | Swedish | Russian | Dutch | Arabic

I fully understand that anyone reading my previous blog would likely be hesitant due to the largly obvious cheese factor involved. I face it, you don't want to be preached to and you probably feel like you've heard this a hundred times. But if you can make it past the cheesy slur, I seriously recommend it. I've observed that taking it back to the simple (and yes, sometimes cheesy) things in life makes it that much richer. While the Lama himself would proabably not be the first person you would read (I know because I was hesitant as well), it's really something worth giving a shot. It took quite a bit of convicing from a friend to get me on this bandwagon. Once here though, I am falling in love with the simple and sheerly genious "non-philosophies" of the Buddah, Lama and Gahndi himself. While I don't proclaim myself to be a Buddist, I really believe the words of these leaders can work wonders in your life, if you let them. It's some of the most rewarding stuff I've come by in a while and it really fills a void. It's truth as best I've seen to date, and a whole lot of wisdom. My poetry is below, and I will resume at a later date on that note. I just thought these words were too good not to post. Enjoy if you decide to. Peace.

February 19, 2009 | 2:00 PM Comments  0 comments

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In Search of the Truth
Translations available in: English (original) | French | Spanish | Italian | German | Portuguese | Swedish | Russian | Dutch | Arabic

In the words of the Dalai Lama:

All major religious traditions carry basically the same message, that is love, compassion and forgiveness. The important thing is they should be part of our daily lives.

Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions.

Old friends pass away, new friends appear. It is just like the days. An old day passes, a new day arrives. The important thing is to make it meaningful: a meaningful friend - or a meaningful day.

There is no need for temples, no need for complicated philosophies. My brain and my heart are my temples; my philosophy is kindness.

With realization of one's own potential and self-confidence in one's ability, one can build a better world.

I believe that the very purpose of life is to be happy. From the very core of our being, we desire contentment. In my own limited experience I have found that the more we care for the happiness of others, the greater is our own sense of well-being. Cultivating a close, warmhearted feeling for others automatically puts the mind at ease. It helps remove whatever fears or insecurities we may have and gives us the strength to cope with any obstacles we encounter. It is the principal source of success in life. Since we are not solely material creatures, it is a mistake to place all our hopes for happiness on external development alone. The key is to develop inner peace.

If the love within your mind is lost and you see other beings as enemies, then no matter how much knowledge or education or material comfort you have, only suffering and confusion will ensue.

I have found that the greatest degree of inner tranquility comes from the development of love and compassion. The more we care for the happiness of others, the greater is our own sense of well-being. Cultivating a close, warm-hearted feeling for others automatically puts the mind at ease. It is the ultimate source of success in life.

My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness.

When you think everything is someone else´s fault, you will suffer a lot. When you realize that everything springs only from yourself, you will learn both peace and joy. Pride leads to violence and evil. The truly good gaze upon everything with love and understanding.

One who is caught in thought loses one´s original nature. All he knows are words and descriptions, when he sees the actual thing, he fails to perceive it.

First one must change.
I first watch myself, check myself, then expect changes from others.

Our beautiful world is facing many crises.... It is not a time to pretend everything´s good.

We are all here on this planet, as it were, as tourists. None of us can live here forever. The longest we might live is a hundred years. So while we are here we should try to have a good heart and to make something positive and useful of our lives. Whether we live just a few years or a whole century, it would be truly regrettable and sad if we were to spend that time aggravating the problems that afflict other people, animals, and the environment. The most important thing is to be a good human being.

Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you can't help them, at least don't hurt them.

In our struggle for freedom, truth is the only weapon we possess.

...I could never say it better.

February 17, 2009 | 8:06 AM Comments  0 comments

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approaching the big 30
Translations available in: English (original) | French | Spanish | Italian | German | Portuguese | Swedish | Russian | Dutch | Arabic

30 thousand views that is, alas; i must thank all,
keep reading and writing my loves,
you inspire.

January 13, 2009 | 7:27 PM Comments  2 comments

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i wait, wait i
Translations available in: English (original) | French | Spanish | Italian | German | Portuguese | Swedish | Russian | Dutch | Arabic

somewhere fleeting; real,
the taste of ginger, pangs
of thunder as, long lost i lay,
lay i,
frightened by the light,
enamored by the others, that might,
why does time chase me;
race me, it is winning now i see,
see i,
getting in gear; dreading the
fear that will come, come what will,
time never can tell, it just passes by,
and i awake
awake i,
to life, the smell of ginger
that touches my tongue, sitting
in the space between what is
wanted and what is, for
moment enough to leave
a memory on my palate,
and fire in my eyes, as i continue,
continue i,
waiting, for the
irreversable,
zest that makes it all worthwhile

January 13, 2009 | 7:17 PM Comments  0 comments

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Hide and Seek
Translations available in: English (original) | French | Spanish | Italian | German | Portuguese | Swedish | Russian | Dutch | Arabic

I used to chase him around the garden,
young and free in our hide and seek world
Falling down into the dirt of the earth;
the mudfights of my youth
Now, I seek to find innocence once again
I connect-by-number the thoughts I'm afraid to remember
The dots I fear to join

Memories relive the time when, swinging high in my garden
his little boot flew off
hitting me between the eyes;
A bruise I somehow feel once again
after the years have passed on

We saw each other every day
His smile somehow arched my smile
His laugh reached the heavens and spoke to the angels
that would somehow take him away

Day after day I wonder why the dance of his,
full of energy and sheer joy
gave everyone renewed passion for life,
gave himself a name as the "Mony Mony" entertainer

Now blinded by the bruise I cannot bear;
the pain from the eye of the tiger
running off to the Westcoast for
the silver dollar that cannot buy back time

Touching the newspaper page as if reading braille,
I read the news
It was an accident,
the lines are coming together now
Drawing a picture of his life,
speaking good of him as he did of everyone

Before the day his helmet flew off,
and hitting himself between the eyes
he met the angel; one of his own
leaving us here on this placid, cold winter day
Before we lowered him back to the dirt of the earth
I was innocent,
he is forever hiding and I am forever seeking

For Jeffery (1989 - 2008) ~ I will always love you