想法
I’m stumbling through the morning mental fog. Coffee isn’t helping today. My system is full of the pain from pushing my body too far during yard work on Sunday and cyclobenzaprine in an effort to relax the cinched muscles.
Tales of the fatality of tornados come to me through a direct digital connection broadcast in HD. Homes are missing, people and pets are dead. Some have to start over. Others still have nothing to live for any longer. My heart breaks for them.
An incredible sense of smallness overwhelms me when I see things like this. My trials seem so insignificant when so many people are now doing without because of a random act of nature. I’m grateful to have my home and my family. I’m grateful that the smallest complaint that I have is my soreness and drug-induced haze.
I can’t help but wonder what I would do in a situation like what happened in Oklahoma. What would I do without my medication? How would I survive without my family? The instant poverty and helplessness in a situation like that could push even the sanest person over the edge, let alone someone like me.
Today is a different maelstrom. I now have to reconcile my own personal successes and failures in the scope of what has happened to so many others. I feel like there is no sense in my complaining because others have been exposed to such upheaval.
I know that there are others like me who had to deal with that devastation. I’m sure that there are diabetics in Moore, OK. I’m sure that in the terror of the moment, they didn’t have extra medications in a go bag. I’m sure that they are more concerned about finding their family rather than keeping a strict regimental control of their blood sugar.
They are literally sacrificing their lives for others.
In comparison, I have done nothing so brave.
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Wrinkles
皱纹
As I look upon my face, I see the wrinkles in my skin.
I’ve earned every one of them. All of the smiles, frowns, tragedy and comedy that have taken place in my life have put them into place. It is a sign of me and my life. They are badges of survival. They mark my presence in this world.
If nothing else, my wrinkles tell me that I have lived a life that has worth.
For more thoughts on this (and other topics), visit my brother from another mother, Berin Kinsman at his personal blog at http://berinkinsman.com.
As I look upon my face, I see the wrinkles in my skin.
I’ve earned every one of them. All of the smiles, frowns, tragedy and comedy that have taken place in my life have put them into place. It is a sign of me and my life. They are badges of survival. They mark my presence in this world.
If nothing else, my wrinkles tell me that I have lived a life that has worth.
Monday, May 20, 2013
Dissent
异议
As each of us is walking our own path, there is bound to be disagreement. This is not necessarily a bad thing. Healthy discussion can bring about new ideas or viewpoints that were not apparent before.
Of course, in order for dissent to be useful, one has to be open for the discussion. If one is set in their ways, akin to an aged oak tree planted firmly in the ground, the winds of change bringing in new ideas can break not only the body, but the spirit as well.
For more thoughts on this (and other topics), visit my brother from another mother, Berin Kinsman at his personal blog at http://berinkinsman.com.
As each of us is walking our own path, there is bound to be disagreement. This is not necessarily a bad thing. Healthy discussion can bring about new ideas or viewpoints that were not apparent before.
Of course, in order for dissent to be useful, one has to be open for the discussion. If one is set in their ways, akin to an aged oak tree planted firmly in the ground, the winds of change bringing in new ideas can break not only the body, but the spirit as well.
Sunday, May 19, 2013
Marriage
婚姻
Taoists preach that partnerships are temporary.
For those of us lucky enough to be on a path with a partner that we love and trust, we want that to last as long as possible. When the partnership diverges, for whatever reason, we tend to lament and almost immediately hop into another partnership without having spent the time to sort through the emotional entanglements (if any) that caused the partnership to dissolve in the first place.
Marriage should not define who you are. Marriage is a union of thought and ideas. Two (or more in some cases) partners coming together to be more than either would be alone.
This is not to say that at the divergence of paths the relationship is over. Quite often I find myself with differing opinions from my wife. We are walking on different paths, but we are still together. We share and grow with each other even though she and I approach enlightenment and self-cultivation from different angles and beliefs.
Oftentimes, differences that come together make the strongest marriage. Each fills in the gaps that the other has. Each complements the other in such a way to strengthen the partnership. Even when the partners are walking on different paths, the marriage between them can stretch, connecting them in ways that is beyond explanation.
It is simply Tao.
For more thoughts on this (and other topics), visit my brother from another mother, Berin Kinsman at his personal blog at http://berinkinsman.com.
Taoists preach that partnerships are temporary.
For those of us lucky enough to be on a path with a partner that we love and trust, we want that to last as long as possible. When the partnership diverges, for whatever reason, we tend to lament and almost immediately hop into another partnership without having spent the time to sort through the emotional entanglements (if any) that caused the partnership to dissolve in the first place.
Marriage should not define who you are. Marriage is a union of thought and ideas. Two (or more in some cases) partners coming together to be more than either would be alone.
This is not to say that at the divergence of paths the relationship is over. Quite often I find myself with differing opinions from my wife. We are walking on different paths, but we are still together. We share and grow with each other even though she and I approach enlightenment and self-cultivation from different angles and beliefs.
Oftentimes, differences that come together make the strongest marriage. Each fills in the gaps that the other has. Each complements the other in such a way to strengthen the partnership. Even when the partners are walking on different paths, the marriage between them can stretch, connecting them in ways that is beyond explanation.
It is simply Tao.
Saturday, May 18, 2013
Scholasticism
墨守成规
Such an obtuse word.
Balancing what is learned from scholastic endeavors with spiritual endeavors is the key to understanding. Understanding coupled with being helps us on our way.
Faith should always be navigated with fact. The opposite is also true. One cannot be complete without both sides working towards a common goal.
If all that is sought is knowledge and not the spiritual aspects and practices, one can never truly know Tao or themselves. They will be incomplete and forever without true understanding of what their potential could truly be.
For more thoughts on this (and other topics), visit my brother from another mother, Berin Kinsman at his personal blog at http://berinkinsman.com.
Such an obtuse word.
Balancing what is learned from scholastic endeavors with spiritual endeavors is the key to understanding. Understanding coupled with being helps us on our way.
Faith should always be navigated with fact. The opposite is also true. One cannot be complete without both sides working towards a common goal.
If all that is sought is knowledge and not the spiritual aspects and practices, one can never truly know Tao or themselves. They will be incomplete and forever without true understanding of what their potential could truly be.
Friday, May 17, 2013
Vulnerabilities
漏洞
Combating our vulnerabilities is self-defeating. We can try to isolate ourselves so no one can damage our psyche, but that causes other detrimental effects.
The trick then is to find a way to deal with the vulnerabilities that we have. Somehow we need to turn them into strengths.
In this way, we are still soft yet strong. We can still feel and be human and still be untouchable to a degree. Without the vulnerabilities that we have, we would only be stone. Unyielding, unfeeling, and unloved.
For more thoughts on this (and other topics), visit my brother from another mother, Berin Kinsman at his personal blog at http://berinkinsman.com.
Combating our vulnerabilities is self-defeating. We can try to isolate ourselves so no one can damage our psyche, but that causes other detrimental effects.
The trick then is to find a way to deal with the vulnerabilities that we have. Somehow we need to turn them into strengths.
In this way, we are still soft yet strong. We can still feel and be human and still be untouchable to a degree. Without the vulnerabilities that we have, we would only be stone. Unyielding, unfeeling, and unloved.
Thursday, May 16, 2013
Judgment
判断
Tao does not judge. It cannot.
People judge. They cannot help it based on the constraints of society.
Each of us judge right and wrong based on what we have learned, what we have been taught, and what is expected of us at the moment.
Within a societal group, there is a collective set of rules in judgment. The group and placement we hold within that group further defines how we are to judge. In a strict and lawful society, our actions can be judged harshly. In a chaotic society, the judgment may be ill matched towards the action taken.
In the end, when we are coming to the end of our natural path, we are our own judge. It may be fair or disproportionate based on how we feel that we have performed. Judgment of ourselves is always subjective.
For more thoughts on this (and other topics), visit my brother from another mother, Berin Kinsman at his personal blog at http://berinkinsman.com.
Tao does not judge. It cannot.
People judge. They cannot help it based on the constraints of society.
Each of us judge right and wrong based on what we have learned, what we have been taught, and what is expected of us at the moment.
Within a societal group, there is a collective set of rules in judgment. The group and placement we hold within that group further defines how we are to judge. In a strict and lawful society, our actions can be judged harshly. In a chaotic society, the judgment may be ill matched towards the action taken.
In the end, when we are coming to the end of our natural path, we are our own judge. It may be fair or disproportionate based on how we feel that we have performed. Judgment of ourselves is always subjective.
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Weekday Zombie
At the top of the hour on Wednesday morning. Sometimes I just have to wonder if this truly is the entire sum of what I'm supposed to be doing.
Questions.
Thoughts.
Curiosities.
Perniciousness.
A decaying shell composed of much scar tissue walks in human guise. The performance objectives is just to carry on and keep silent.
Questions.
Thoughts.
Curiosities.
Perniciousness.
A decaying shell composed of much scar tissue walks in human guise. The performance objectives is just to carry on and keep silent.
Visions
愿景
Colored flags on a hill.
Black and inky tethers bind.
A ray of light permeates the sky.
The perfect blue is marred with cold clouds.
Wind moves, straining.
Rocky ground.
Scant scrub ekes out a living.
Prayers in the guise of dyed cloth flutter.
Digital domains carry on.
Humanity withers.
For more thoughts on this (and other topics), visit my brother from another mother, Berin Kinsman at his personal blog at http://berinkinsman.com.
Colored flags on a hill.
Black and inky tethers bind.
A ray of light permeates the sky.
The perfect blue is marred with cold clouds.
Wind moves, straining.
Rocky ground.
Scant scrub ekes out a living.
Prayers in the guise of dyed cloth flutter.
Digital domains carry on.
Humanity withers.
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Relaxation
放松
We all long for it.
To sit and just be.
To close your eyes and just rest.
To push out the detritus building up throughout the day.
The thing of it is, we never seem to make time to relax. Sure we rest when the time comes, but it is a fitful thing full of the complications of the day and the next series of complications in the future. We’re working on streamlining ourselves to be the most productive machines trying to push out goals as if we were prolific insect queens creating a colony.
I’m quite certain that many of us do not know how to relax. Do we know how to unplug and let the world spin without our presence? Do we know how to let things take their course without our hand moving the various pieces?
I know for me, I have to learn how to schedule the time to relax.
It sounds like an exercise in control, but it is necessary. I have so many things I need to perform and keep track of. I have to find a way to let my brain and body and soul recharge so I can formulate plans to achieve my success.
Yes, I have to plan the time to let things be.
If I don’t, I’ll fiddle with them until my dreams collapse under the weight of a non-organic structure. I’ll ‘fix’ them until they break. I’ll put things into an odd priority to prevent natural growth and opportunity.
If I don’t make plans to relax, I will keep going, spinning my wheels without the possibility of true course correction.
In search of something that is easily put into place.
Lost.
Flailing.
Alone.
For more thoughts on this (and other topics), visit my brother from another mother, Berin Kinsman at his personal blog at http://berinkinsman.com.
We all long for it.
To sit and just be.
To close your eyes and just rest.
To push out the detritus building up throughout the day.
The thing of it is, we never seem to make time to relax. Sure we rest when the time comes, but it is a fitful thing full of the complications of the day and the next series of complications in the future. We’re working on streamlining ourselves to be the most productive machines trying to push out goals as if we were prolific insect queens creating a colony.
I’m quite certain that many of us do not know how to relax. Do we know how to unplug and let the world spin without our presence? Do we know how to let things take their course without our hand moving the various pieces?
I know for me, I have to learn how to schedule the time to relax.
It sounds like an exercise in control, but it is necessary. I have so many things I need to perform and keep track of. I have to find a way to let my brain and body and soul recharge so I can formulate plans to achieve my success.
Yes, I have to plan the time to let things be.
If I don’t, I’ll fiddle with them until my dreams collapse under the weight of a non-organic structure. I’ll ‘fix’ them until they break. I’ll put things into an odd priority to prevent natural growth and opportunity.
If I don’t make plans to relax, I will keep going, spinning my wheels without the possibility of true course correction.
In search of something that is easily put into place.
Lost.
Flailing.
Alone.
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