If you are in the NYC area and plan to occupy Wall Street, make sure you have the phone number for the National Lawyer's Guild. Call 212-679-5100 if you find yourself in a position where you will be arrested for demonstrating. Write it. Wear it. Tattoo it if you choose.
I stand in solidarity with all the protesters demonstrating on Wall Street as we speak. Politicians have been putting profits before people for ages. However, I am overwrought with joy that the frustration is finally reaching a fever pitch. What is shameful is that the NYPD officers are taking as many liberties as possible to end this protest, even by bellicose procedures against otherwise peaceful demonstrators. We've had enough, America. We are tired of the corporate power structure taking precedence over the legitimate needs of the people. I have been waiting for this type of revolution to take place for some time now. We can not afford to have spineless jellyfish or vindictive sharks left in charge of what has become the paradigm of greed. We as a nation have become an easily influenced group of sheeple who have blindly roamed with the flock as we get herded to the slaughterhouse. All the while, the media outlets like the Faux News Cabal are programming us with the propaganda that the only way to shape this nation is for you to say no to everything like you are toddlers refusing to take a nap. Somehow, the political careers of Tea Party Republicans are more important than actually trying to take us out of this economic catastrophe. I have been on Facebook for a countless amount of time over the past week. People have been sharing photographs of Occupy Wall Street, displaying how peaceful the protesters are, as well as how much belligerence the New World Vultures possess. Liberate your minds, people! If you have a single brain cell that will allow you to think critically and think for yourself, by all means use it. We are mad as Hell, and we're not gonna take this anymore! The foolishness on Capitol Hill has gone entirely too far. I encourage you to act. It doesn't pay to lean left. It doesn't pay to lean right. Stand on your own two feet and move forward and smash this infrastructure that is holding us all back from pursuing the happiness we rightfully deserve. SOLIDARITY FOREVER!
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Desiderata
This is by far one of my favorite pieces of writing ever. Credit is given to Max Ehrmann for writing a piece so profound, it has inspired people for generations. In fact, I am going to attempt to write this from memory and use the honor system by letting you know if I forgot some parts:
Go placidly amid the noise and haste and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender, be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant. They too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons. They are vexatious to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter, for always, there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble. It is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time. Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is. Many persons strive for high ideals and everywhere, life is full of heroism. Be yourself, especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love, for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment, it is as perennial as the grass. Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But, do not distress yourself with imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars. You have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore, be at peace with God, whatever you conceive him to be. And whatever your labors and aspirations in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace with your soul. With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.
No joke, I did not copy this. I am surprised. Maybe the punctuation is a little off, but I got it word for word. Les Crane narrates this poem extremely well. I also edited this because I realized that I left out a line. These things happen at 4:45AM. Below is a video mock-up of images set to a song made in 1972 based on this extremely influential poem.
Go placidly amid the noise and haste and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender, be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant. They too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons. They are vexatious to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter, for always, there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble. It is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time. Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is. Many persons strive for high ideals and everywhere, life is full of heroism. Be yourself, especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love, for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment, it is as perennial as the grass. Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But, do not distress yourself with imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars. You have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore, be at peace with God, whatever you conceive him to be. And whatever your labors and aspirations in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace with your soul. With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.
No joke, I did not copy this. I am surprised. Maybe the punctuation is a little off, but I got it word for word. Les Crane narrates this poem extremely well. I also edited this because I realized that I left out a line. These things happen at 4:45AM. Below is a video mock-up of images set to a song made in 1972 based on this extremely influential poem.
Saturday, September 24, 2011
5 Principles Of Reiki
One of the first aspects of Reiki that people who want to get attuned learn are the five principles. They are as follows:
1. Just for today, I will not worry.
2. Just for today, I will not be angry.
3. Just for today, I will be grateful.
4. Just for today, I will do my work honestly.
5. Just for today, I will be kind to every living thing.
Understand that worrying serves no purpose. We as humans need to accept that there are certain absolute truths. One absolute truth is that there are things we have absolutely no control over in life. To worry over that which we have no control over is fruitless labor. To live in a shadow of insecurity may be safe for some, but it is counterproductive to all. Give yourself the ease of knowing that the more you accept as inevitabilities, the stronger your sanity will be.
To say that anger is not healthy can sometimes be misleading. It is reacting in anger that often leads people away from the promised land of serenity. Anger can be either destructive or constructive. The only constructive way to handle anger is to not live in the symptoms of rage. You owe it to yourself to be proactive in handling these feelings of rage and to not wallow in it. When feelings of madness overcome you, try your best to practice this principle and not let yourself succumb to acting out hateful or vengeful fantasies.
It is especially paramount to embrace that which you possess not only physically, but also spiritually, mentally, and emotionally. These are your true assets. You need to hold on to the people who help you make your life worth living, even when you feel that you have been at a loss. If you are reading this right now, you can also be grateful that you are alive to read these words. Your life is a gift by your Creator and/or Creatrix. Make the most out of what you have while you can. Your life is your greatest possession.
As a Reiki practitioner, I understand the need to stay focused and keep pure intentions while giving treatments. It is these intentions that make the craft effective. With that said, keeping yourself honest is of the utmost importance. Keeping a clear view of how you want to exhibit compassion towards another person is also something to meditate upon intently. The relationships you foster need to be built upon the foundation of honesty, and the stronger that honesty is, the stronger the bond will be.
The compassion you exhibit towards others will provide you with a greater sense of kindness in your heart. Although the world is not always kind, you must do your best to make it kinder by altering your perception. In reality, the world can only be kind if you make a concerted effort to exhibit the kindness and deference you would like to experience from others. This is a cycle, and we all revolve around it. Hindering your own growth with cynicism is the only way the orbit will stagnate. Stay in motion.
1. Just for today, I will not worry.
2. Just for today, I will not be angry.
3. Just for today, I will be grateful.
4. Just for today, I will do my work honestly.
5. Just for today, I will be kind to every living thing.
Understand that worrying serves no purpose. We as humans need to accept that there are certain absolute truths. One absolute truth is that there are things we have absolutely no control over in life. To worry over that which we have no control over is fruitless labor. To live in a shadow of insecurity may be safe for some, but it is counterproductive to all. Give yourself the ease of knowing that the more you accept as inevitabilities, the stronger your sanity will be.
To say that anger is not healthy can sometimes be misleading. It is reacting in anger that often leads people away from the promised land of serenity. Anger can be either destructive or constructive. The only constructive way to handle anger is to not live in the symptoms of rage. You owe it to yourself to be proactive in handling these feelings of rage and to not wallow in it. When feelings of madness overcome you, try your best to practice this principle and not let yourself succumb to acting out hateful or vengeful fantasies.
It is especially paramount to embrace that which you possess not only physically, but also spiritually, mentally, and emotionally. These are your true assets. You need to hold on to the people who help you make your life worth living, even when you feel that you have been at a loss. If you are reading this right now, you can also be grateful that you are alive to read these words. Your life is a gift by your Creator and/or Creatrix. Make the most out of what you have while you can. Your life is your greatest possession.
As a Reiki practitioner, I understand the need to stay focused and keep pure intentions while giving treatments. It is these intentions that make the craft effective. With that said, keeping yourself honest is of the utmost importance. Keeping a clear view of how you want to exhibit compassion towards another person is also something to meditate upon intently. The relationships you foster need to be built upon the foundation of honesty, and the stronger that honesty is, the stronger the bond will be.
The compassion you exhibit towards others will provide you with a greater sense of kindness in your heart. Although the world is not always kind, you must do your best to make it kinder by altering your perception. In reality, the world can only be kind if you make a concerted effort to exhibit the kindness and deference you would like to experience from others. This is a cycle, and we all revolve around it. Hindering your own growth with cynicism is the only way the orbit will stagnate. Stay in motion.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Ten Years After
I wrote this three years after 9/11/01. Now that the 10th "anniversary" is here, the message needs to be reinforced.
One night
My eyes saw the glory
Of the memory
Of what was once commerce
And prosperity.
It was protected
By gates,
Chain-linked and accessible
To tears and air
Huffing from mourners
And visitors.
My head was weakened by images
Only an outdated television set could portray.
Pardonnez mon français,
But déjà vu
Made a bon voyage
Through my brain.
It took a scenic route
Through the ancient grounds
Of Jerusalem,
Namely the Western Wall,
The only reminder
Of what was once
A fortress of faith.
At both locations,
We do cry,
But when one monument collapsed,
It was not just the people who died.
The souls
Of those still alive
Turned bitter and black.
Humans killed off part of their souls that day.
A day
Originally intended
To be a day like any other.
What should be a day of remembrance
Now represents the retirement of reason,
Only to be replaced by racism.
Materialism mated with the masses
To form pseudo-badasses
On radio and screen.
All of this emanates
From the horrific explosion.
9/11
Two numbers
Three digits
Replacing the identities of the towers.
Reduced to emergency
Torn apart diagonally.
Now the earth is bare.
Ground Zero.
Abuse of life.
Materials.
Values.
Ethics.
On this day,
I mourn for more than people.
On this day,
I mourn for humanity
While men play chess in the background.
Our souls are in check.
Diplomacy fails to mate.
This bullshit is getting stale.
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