lightspikes

An Occasional Muse

noreply@blogger.com (M and S) — Wed, 06 Aug 2014 22:45:00 +0000

Doing 'it' right. Getting 'it' done. Just do 'it' -- on and on. 'It' becomes paramount, never mind the energy, time and effort required. Sometimes it seems reasonable to simply muse -- meditate, consider, contemplate.

Renewal of resources, mental and physical, is necessary for optimal health and well-being. Excess 'busyness' can derail the most dedicated forward motion. Take time to be . . . with no urgency pulsing like an insistent drumbeat around the ears. Disconnect with outside distractions, travel inward for a welcome change.

Create something colorful and beautiful. Read an entertaining novel. Do nothing. Gaze placidly at familiar surroundings. Pet the cat. Have a nice steamy cup of tea. Feel the breeze, welcome a rainstorm.

Cancel tension, angst or fretfulness. Renew calm, quiet acceptance and repose.

Self-immolation -- fretting's fire

noreply@blogger.com (M and S) — Sun, 24 Mar 2013 15:21:00 +0000

So . . . go ahead, burn yourself out. That would be lapsing into constant, frenetic fretting. In some circles called 'worrying' -- it's generally much more than that.

Going over negative experiences and ideas, letting those thoughts circle inside your mind over and over, replaying themselves as they gain notoriety (not to mention undeserved importance) each lap; gathering dangerous speed, acquiring indignation and righteous fury all the while. Suddenly you, the real you, the important one, is relegated to a helpless vessel of boiling anger. Meaning -- you've lost control, and power, and you-central is all but shut down.

Lashing out, building a fallacious tower of wounds and pain, forging on, applying emotional, irrational applications to validate our perceived victim-martyr status. What exactly is going on here?

Fretting is addictive behavior, pure and simple. Just learn to let go and be in the present moment sans telling any lies to create adrenalin rush -- others will behave deficiently, defiantly, defectively, deceptively, and perform dastardly deeds for sure.

Effective reactions are keys to health, longevity and credibility; simply move through a crisis, look carefully at the situation, and relegate it to bad experience, which teaches its lesson - always. If we have gathered it to us, we have just as much power to throw it away.

Dreaming

noreply@blogger.com (M and S) — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 17:05:00 +0000

Dreaming is faith or hope; it is, within the mind, queen of the night, supreme ruler of any life's reality. Living a dream can enhance, imbue, lend magic and sparkle to the waking brain -- or quickly become tarnished, crumbling away before the eyes.

Crafting or forming dreams seems random, scattered among the winking, blinking dendrites behind various masks shown to the world outside. An endless well of possibilities, a playground perfectly formed.

Imagery enhances, playing up beauty wherever it can be found; it is useful at those inevitable points of seemingly complete darkness. A ready supplier of new ideas, an endless, soothing pool ready to cure and repair, dreaming remains that indomitable, versatile secret weapon, undiscoverable and powerfully prepared to assist in any human endeavor.

Essence of Need

noreply@blogger.com (M and S) — Sat, 15 Sep 2012 16:19:00 +0000

Sit in total quiet with the fall season beginning . . . air cooler, earth settling into gradual rest. Most people have temperature alignments, acknowledged or not; artificial manipulation of outside temps affects physiological function in ways which frequently are not noticed. Humans seem programmed at a cellular level for optimal adaptation to certain climates. Our bodies need comfortable environments in order to thrive.

Similarly, frequent/constant necessity to suppress our own needs in order to responsibly meet those of others can morph into a deadly game when it comes to one's health and well-being. Employing techniques including transference or projection; using lots of labels, temporary ‘fixes’ and little awareness of a real problem while it is happening; stumbling along through life, reacting to 'markers' acquired along the stony, littered, wild and wooly way, we just . . . do whatever it takes. And yet, there's a (sometimes, maybe often) subtle voice around, always, saying truth, often going unnoticed, unheard.

And so it goes. The minute by minute, day to day propping, shoring, nurturing, aligning, upholding, trying process we must fuel ourselves to continue. But wherever we’ve landed, what we know, how it was for us, each day, along our way, determines to a great extent what we continue to do.

So, sit down and dream . . . of beauty, serenity, peace . . . of an ocean, the tides, universal natural laws. Imagine absolute quiet, absence of urgency, drama, all that. Simply peace . . . the steady drumbeat of others' angst and flailing about forever absent from ears and mind. Drive, motivation and forward motion become severely damaged/tattered/dormant after years of frustration, need/necessities and/or crisis control. Leave everything except that which comes easily, smoothly, and be certain to welcome these with clear understanding, happy acceptance, and gratitude. Tolerate no exceptions cloaked as guilt, blame, or demands . . . expect rightness. That which comes around in the life space often openly assaults the senses, causing immediate, stressful launch into fabricated coping mechanisms – exhausting the soul, numbing the mind . . . generating reactions designed to exhaust and kill -- softly.

Real Time

noreply@blogger.com (M and S) — Tue, 24 Jul 2012 15:00:00 +0000

Distinguishing reality from fantasy seems simple to most of us . . . 'reality' being our personal view of the world. We align ourselves with the well-being of others in our societal framework by using familiar 'markers' such as habit, fitting into the ebb and flow of life while interacting with others as effectively as we can.

Aberrant behavior on the part of another person is more common than may be believed. Oppositional, argumentive, combative attitudes or actions happen frequently with many of our colleagues, relatives, or community members. We use social cues and skills to counter these conditions. Learning to de-fuse another's angst is fairly familiar to most of us.

A deranged 'loner' who enters a world contained only in his/her mind can wreak havoc, playing out a violent, predatory need born of a thought pattern alien to anyone else. Weapons of destruction are many and always obtainable; thoughtful observance of those around us seems to be prudent, as we move through life. Become aware of others . . . take nothing for granted. If a situation seems sinister or explosive, observe carefully and remain alert. Intuitive function is a must in these ever-changing, sometimes confusing times.

Lightening Up

noreply@blogger.com (M and S) — Sun, 24 Jun 2012 03:51:00 +0000

It seems impossible that changing habitual thought patterns we have unknowingly entertained as real can uplift the heart, change the mood, and improve any outlook. Circular thinking - going around and around the same tired subject with identical words and ideas - will ensure that the same old action will be taken, and after awhile, despair and depression can result.

It is somewhat like playing an old tape that is now boring and outdated. At some point some new music will be in order - it's progress, moving on. Choose a new idea, one which intrigues and interests you. Find out as much as you can about it, really get into learning about everything concerning the reasons you like it. If the old thought routines occur to you, simply reject them and think about your new interest.

Try this a time or two, practice it; enhance the way you think, become aware of that so that it can be modified. Tolerate no interruption from unpleasant or pointless intrusions -- you can control the process that tricks your mind into believing otherwise. Go ahead, acquire REAL power.

Assisting Others

noreply@blogger.com (M and S) — Fri, 22 Jun 2012 15:05:00 +0000

It often seems that we spend most of our lives helping others live theirs. Family, community, and even the culture in which we reside seem to relentlessly absorb our time, effort, energy and money. Most of us believe this is simply the way of it; that is, our expectations will naturally begin and end within an infrastructure which exists because another entity or entities constructed it.

A few adventurous souls widen their horizons by moving in and out of a few of these loosely defined frameworks - living in other countries, studying different languages, broadening abilities to communicate on many levels, traveling frequently, always learning and experiencing.

Charities, government agencies designed to assist others less fortunate, organizations which attempt to provide necessities of life and some luxuries where there is little comfort, or safety in life are numerous. Unselfish giving is socially acceptable, much admired. Altruistic behavior always seems beneficially placed. Losing touch with one simple fact, however, will interrupt and/or end an individual's ability to extend benevolent care anywhere else: that is, the health and well-being of the giver.

Concentrate on being healthy and strong. With givers who love to and must assist others, maintaining the ability to remain in that role provides assurance -- to the giver AND to recipients. Attention to the state of one's health and energy must come first.

Taking Stock

noreply@blogger.com (M and S) — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 23:34:00 +0000

Widely considered a useful tool in effective function, 'taking stock' of a situation or series of events often clears the mind, providing new perceptions along with possible solutions. Persistence is an admirable trait -- dogged mindlessness is not.

While rushing headlong toward any goal, set aside a bit of quiet time to reflect on original ideas, being thoughtful about whether the present attainment methods remain current, beneficial, or even retain their value. It is somewhat like 'enjoying the trip' rather than obsessing about the destination.

In other words, just occasionally 'take a chill pill' and relax. The world will go on. Rest assured, no one has appointed you Manager of the Universe lately, so try going with the flow . . . the state of your health will radically improve, while the people in your life space will be relieved and grateful . . . believe it.

Unfamiliar Realms

noreply@blogger.com (M and S) — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 15:34:00 +0000

Occasionally a life event occurs which alters forever a favored, familiar state of reality. Providence offers many opportunites for growth while moving through what we believe to be 'our lives' . . . and not all of these are welcome, or pleasant.

Setting up 'who we are' is more complicated, and less autonomous, than might be noticed. Adapting to surroundings, meshing with other people who closely share our life space, providing and receiving support -- all these seemingly effortless actions are subject to nuance, to unacknowledged input.

Fate may plunge us into a state of change -- one from which any perception of control is absent . . . or hope for regaining conditions we thought were unassailable is effectively gone for good. In such times, moving through this unplanned phase of existence with dignity and grace, maintaining a demeanor of calm acceptance and willingness to love first and judge not, is preferable, if not essential.

Loving requires an open heart, a quiet mind. Endeavor to entertain pure and happy thoughts, preserve honor, and believe that this too -- no matter how dire the circumstances -- is a lesson in what it truly means to be human.

Being Liked

noreply@blogger.com (M and S) — Sun, 18 Mar 2012 15:06:00 +0000

That nemesis of most human lives . . . do you really like me? Caring deeply whether another person likes or approves of us can be a risky business which may provide numerous unbeatable opponents in life -- largely because a person who criticizes consistently in order to control is at base a bitter enemy with potential to harm and ruin a perfectly healthy life . . . a stealthy source of emotional harm who often cannot be vanquished except by discard.

Unless one is a proponent of deserved punishment -- that is, victimhood, or a martyr existence truly attracts and fulfills and even begins to seem reasonable, observe carefully all comments made by those who make up this particular life play in which we want to believe we are starring.

So in this spirit of becoming whole, listen up: concerning any aspect of personal appearance (hairdo also, if that applies), attitude, station in life, residence, vehicle, life accoutrements (pets, idiosyncrasies, reading preferences) . . . any opinion, judgment, idea, or reaction, if other than positive and appreciative, is unwelcome to the point of dismissal immediately upon observance. This applies to each human or animal within view, hearing, space of life, daily comings and goings, up to and including checkout personnel in convenience stores. Hear me clearly, this is thoughtfully stated with pointed emphasis: I DO NOT CARE.

All happy, considerate and polite offerings, verbal or otherwise, are welcome; if we can all LIKE and APPROVE unequivocally, and be happy that all around us are who we are, that's great, it is appreciated very much. However, beleaguering the happy aura in which I presently reside with dissatisfied observations, opinions, judgments, or needs is hereby dismissed, with prejudice. Just run up the road. We will all be much happier and more serene.

Eulogies

noreply@blogger.com (M and S) — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 17:32:00 +0000

Honoring a person for achievements in life obviously is a loaded business. So few humans are totally worthy of adulation . . . or admiration, or have uninterrupted credentials of fineness with few or no seams , , , whether or not they are showing.

The fact is that we have idols of different colors, strokes, idealistic fervors. What speaks to me of bravery or accomplishment may leave others completely cold. So many of the mom, apple pie and love for country myths have been shot through with disappointment, exposed as mostly marketing ploys to accomplish a political agenda . . . our rock-solid faith in the stellar character of our political leaders seems to be largely misplaced, a product of our own blinded imagery. We can no longer simply believe in what we are told . . . our survival depends on sifting through lies, misrepresentations, abominations of all kinds and deciding for ourselves if an action is valuable and right.

Entertainers have existed since the dawn of time within the human race. Adored, reviled, envied, idealized, they are people - who spend their lives extending pleasure to many others . . . giving of themselves so that pleasure comes to people who may need reassurance, support, or just a song which seems to speak to their needs. It is also a public service, no matter how much some may want to discredit it. They are not drafted, not placed into servitude for others to use, not indentured servants who must pay out their passage into society, or serve a cause which they did not create.

Are we becoming a nation of predators? Angry attacks, denigration, name-calling, slandering - in order to judge and discredit any group of people who do not fit our ideas of rightness? A blues song entitled "What's Done in the Dark Will Come to the Light" sets out the danger of the double life -- not just to the perpetrator, but to those who believe in and support the deceit.

Realize that no matter what perceptions we may hold - someone else has different ones. Those are fully as important, as real, and likely as valid as any others. No act commited by someone with views different from our own will ever diminish acts of courage, valor and dedication by those we love and venerate. Believing otherwise is in itself dishonorable.

Staying Put

noreply@blogger.com (M and S) — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 05:02:00 +0000

Same place, city, street, neighborhood. For many years -- you know the postal worker, what time the paper will arrive, who leaves at what time for work, the people two doors down who retire early in the evening. Familiarity, sameness. The local grocery store is four blocks away . . . your long time dentist's office is less than one mile. You have worked at the same job for more than 15 years and expect to retire from there. The house will need a new roof in a year or so, and recently there was major plumbing repair which had to be done. Your Christmas present from your husband this year, you hope, will be a new living room suite, and you have already chosen what you want. Occasionally you purchase a new table or picture for your home, and you are struggling to keep the children happy when they want the newest games and electronic gadgets. You bowl on Friday nights and play Bunco pretty regularly with some friends.

You have now acquired the three M's . . . mortgage, maintenance, and moldering. Home ownership, settling, putting down roots, the American dream. You're there -- and that's pretty much it. Once per year, everyone coordinates a week and makes a trip somewhere . . . blowing the budget and exhausting everyone. Then it's back to 'reality' - but whose would that be?

This kind of life is, well, admirable. Or not. Those who live it will not really notice one way or another. Acceptable, expected, and definitely headed for extinction.

Allure

noreply@blogger.com (M and S) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 18:10:00 +0000

A life experience which some unfortunate souls have never known, allure is unadulterated power . . . to intrique, fascinate -- to attract. Simple planning, organizing, traveling can contain purpose, enjoyment, fun. Entertaining ourselves is easier today than ever before. Visiting restaurants, bars, festivals, parties, sparky 'happenings' of all kinds will provide pleasure . . . but it is that irresistible urge to return to something, to a place, necessity to feel again that difficult-to-define rightness effortlessly charming the heart and soul, which cannot be ignored.

Yearning will fade and then resurface at random moments, with a piece of music, a scent, the sound of a particular voice or glimpse of certain colors. A spirit of life, love and excitement floats soundlessly just out of reach. We know, however, because we have been there.

Deep and abiding allure is a gift that New Orleans casually bestows -- with or without acknowledgement of recipients. Cooperation is not required. Weaving in and through the mind, settling permanently in all pleasure centers, it will bring you back, over and over.

Southern & Northern

noreply@blogger.com (M and S) — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 14:09:00 +0000

And what it really means . . . that is, what personal characteristics distinguish a Southern person from a Northern person? Those born and nurtured below the Mason-Dixon line . . . and those who entered this world above it. Many lists of comical differences exist -- but there are fundamental points everyone should know before doing a comparison.

For starters, Southern boys love their mamas . . . and Southern girls adore their daddy. Not only while growing up . . . they are moving toward BECOMING their mama and daddy - or a close facsimile, all their lives. The best football teams are always in the South, and this fact is not lost on any of us.

Do not get in a fight with a Southern boy - even if you are in possession of a switchblade or a gun . . . he has both and will not hesitate to take you out. In fact, that is exactly what he plans going in, and unless you possess the same level of adrenalin and purpose, you are toast.

Southern girls love to look good. And they do -- they are among the most beautiful women in the world and they absolutely know it. Southern girls also love cheerleading, babies and old people, their men, and each other -- not necessarily in that order -- but think carefully before getting on a tennis court with one of them. Relentless will not even cover it and you could wind up shredded before you know it.

There is a playful, often casual exterior with both men and women of the South. Do not harbor any illusions about the seriousness with which these people live their lives, protect their personal liberty and their families, and safeguard their way of life.

As to Northern people, speaking to that way of living is less familiar . . . we are all humans who love our freedom and families, and want to protect our individual way of life. It's COLD in most of those places . . . no soft white sand beaches, hot balmy summers driving along the water, spring breaks spent in happy repose around a blazing fire on the sand.

While we love everyone . . . our infallible sources of wisdom tell us it is our spiritual duty . . . we want warmth, from weather to hot blood, all the way across the intensity scale.

Tame the Tongue

noreply@blogger.com (M and S) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 20:08:00 +0000

Bridling emotions . . . essential quality when conducting a relationship of any type. Unpleasant reactions seldom lead to positive progress - indeed, to any forward motion at all.

Prior to expressing a thought which has mean, trivial or negative import, spend a moment in silence within your own mind. Decide to avoid conflict, if only for a short period of time. Expressing an idea or opinion is never as important as the impact it has on another.

An animal which is uncontrollable is soon either trained differently or gone. Explosive, abusive words inflict lasting damage. Do remember that your judgments are yours alone . . . present them with modest consideration when possible . . . and with caution at all times.

Talk to yourself. It is the least you can do.

Jealousy and Envy

noreply@blogger.com (M and S) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 16:13:00 +0000

Two consuming conditions, resulting in much misunderstanding and deep angst. Different in nature, the most striking similarity is a consuming fire of illusion.

Jealousy connotes resenting that which another possesses. Anger, sense of loss, or resentment contribute strongly to emotional jealousy. Feeling 'less than' is a powerful detriment to rational thought.

Begrudging others good fortune or success is a hallmark of envy. It is a mean emotion which feeds on itself if allowed to remain in the mind.

In either feeling/emotion, dissecting its origins will accomplish much. Comparisons are futile. Learning to understand that personal failings or faults cannot be modified by projection of ill will or lack on another is the beginning of wisdom.

Stay within the sphere of that life you have been given. Appreciate those characteristics that are useful. Stay away from comparing - it is irrational and incendiary.

Learn to like yourself.

Rituals

noreply@blogger.com (M and S) — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 16:25:00 +0000

Seductively comforting, rituals can be essential in lulling participants into any zone directed toward following the light. Like a reassuring siren song, performances in ritualistic mode deliver those feelings of rightness, acceptance, safety.

Lucidly enter these periods of respite in life. Lift that filmy veil of illusion occasionally. Contact the individual soul for its understanding of any such routine. Communicate with truth during, before and after taking part in a prescribed or required activity.

Know the beliefs and/or needs of the heart and mind . . . willingness and compliance may not necessarily produce true enlightenment.

Power & Preying

noreply@blogger.com (M and S) — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 15:03:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (M and S) — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 15:34:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (M and S) — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 19:22:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (M and S) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 14:49:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (M and S) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 14:31:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (M and S) — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 15:10:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (M and S) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 14:50:00 +0000

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.

Regret

noreply@blogger.com (M and S) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 14:13:00 +0000

Memories which create sadness or shame, a conviction that wrong has occurred as a result of one's actions, can be assessed, then modified. Review, evaluate, resolve to make changes, and move on.

There is no restitution so long as wrongdoing remains merely in the mind. Regretting is pointless pain inflicted absent truly compassionate thought. Entertain no thoughts of blame or guilt, expect nothing to absolve discomfort stemming from a past occurrence.

Just see. Look and learn. Remain quiet inside the mind, accept the past, reside in the present moment with understanding; think only of creating a new, more acceptable future.