Power & Preying

Power is experienced in different ways . . . it is both admired and feared. Powerful animals literally consume weaker members of theirs and/or other species. Humans symbolically consume others during the hungry march toward top echelons of importance, and literally do it with warlike precision, applying varied mindlessly accepted endeavors, while making efficient use of brutally enforced, punitive methods of control.

Perhaps a certain level of assimilation is unavoidable -- even necessary. Misuse of power incites defensiveness, anger . . . unless this capability is to the advantage of the observer.

Putting it succintly . . . while misapplied and abused often, power is furiously, constantly sought . . . desirable and seductive, it will absolutely corrupt absent highly aware, constant monitoring.

Recognize and support no source of power which annihilates or causes harm to any living thing - human, animal, plant, a living, life-sustaining body of water. The broad view is one of destruction for ambition's sake.

Resurrection

A powerful word, resurrection - possessing strong spiritual connotations for the Christian world, especially during specific time periods such as Easter and Christmas. The word is also defined accurately as renaissance, rebirth, revival, recovery, reappearance. . . bringing back, renewing, surviving. Many myths and legends contain dramatic, uplifting accounts and images of coming back again after seeming destruction . . . the Phoenix bursting into flames and arising from the ashes, beginning anew.

This is metaphor for changing, morphing into a different application. Death is one vehicle for absolute change; fire is symbolic for purely, completely losing the old so that the new can emerge cleanly and perfectly.

Mentally resurrecting ourselves is possible . . . changing bad habits, being kind to others, losing greed and avarice, acquiring characteristics better suited to becoming the sort of human being we may wish we were - or want to become.

Think through this simple concept carefully, and just do it.

Creativity

One of the most wonderful conditions of humanity is often viewed with unfamiliar wonderment -- as if creativity is some sort of other-worldly ability reserved for a select few, artists, musicians, writers or the like.

Creative endeavors are all around us. Gardeners, cooks, parents, community leaders, counselors, engineers, builders, animal trainers, business owners of every type. Creating a workable, beautiful, functional experience happens in so many venues we become unaware -- of the gorgeously woven tapestry that life becomes because of the creativity of those around us.

Dread & Necessity

Dreading anything is the bane of existence. Dreading necessary things is far more intensely brutal. Setting life up so that nothing is pleasurable or fun results in a dead zone which will ultimately destroy any life.

Honestly take inventory . . . of reasons to be awake, to proceed to the next step, out the door, into the vehicle, down the street (check that street, who and what may be there also), food & drink consumed, eyes and ears, the weather.

Each seemingly small stimulation adds to a total at the end of the day, month or year. Does that very essential sum look good, beneficial? Is it an asset or a liability? If an answer to these simple questions seems nebulous, impossibly abstract, just sit quietly without conscious thought for a moment and listen to your own mind.

It is NOT necessary to remain among miserable circumstances. Nothing dreadful is actually necessary. This condition requires personal compliance, understand this completely. There is always a choice . . . to continue or to change.

No Regrets

One day, somewhere in life, intensity begins to wane . . . gradually at first, melting into inactivity, morphing toward a creature who simply doesn't feel like getting up or going anymore. Just sliding along quietly, doing what is required, little more.

Any exciting thought passes through quickly, is gone. The feeling once so important seems light years away . . . contained within some mental time capsule carelessly stashed for unearthing at the right time. Partly physical, largely mental, this letting go of want & need. Motivation stems from both.

The sudden knowledge that we have carried out far fewer wild & crazy acts than originally desired can be daunting . . . even debilitating . . . however, it is never too late. Each day, do something joyous and risky; ride into a sunset, meet life halfway, or get in reality's face - damn the torpedoes, do it. That minor shot of adrenalin can provide a high glow of satisfaction.

Holding On

Never give up . . . beloved mantra of do-gooders everywhere, all across society, containing elements of discipline, self-immolation, want & need and a host of damaging life performances. Muster the courage to call a halt to abuse. Even better, diligently learn to recognize it.

When another person -- relative (especially and including mates or children), friend, acquaintance or stranger -- continues to cause pain or dish unpleasantness, simply cut all of it away from the fabric of your existence. Arguments are futile. Attacking you likely provides pleasurable payback to them, obviously undermining any meaningful negotiation. Understand that exiting a hostile environment is life-saving, nourishing . . . frequently ensuring actual survival.

Ascertain whether another person derives pleasure or satisfaction from your discomfort, and if the answer to this is affirmative, get out. Let go. Freefall into independence, serenity. Abuse requires a perpetrator AND a target who in the absence of self-protective, rational thought, continues 'holding on' grimly.

Pride

Is it possible to understand pride? Subtly divisive, this state of heart and mind is known to serious students of the Bible as one of the 'seven deadliest' . . . encouraging comparison, illusion, isolation, duplicity. A lonely, endlessly needy life space which can consume even the strongest. Silent and stealthy, it seeps into the psyche wearing masks so as not to be immediately recognized, wreaking havoc while becoming entrenched within and around a now-modified being. Difficult to face down and excise, that siren song of excellence gained from materialistic behavior is joyous and exciting to hear, the results very comfortable for the body. So when the soul attempts to speak with its whispery small voice, the deafening roar of pride's accoutrements overcomes reason's last gasp . . . survival is then relegated to shaky dependence . . . on beautiful baubles, brightly designed to entice, to assuage conscience.

Invest in compassion, love, kindness, consideration, trust, honor. Employ respect tempered with modesty, quietly understanding that reckless arrogance has its price. Greed operates on many physical levels. True wisdom recognizes pride.