A Quiet Mind

Transform Part 1

jacksonart_2000@yahoo.com (Robert Jackson) — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 19:39:28 -0700

In this episode we begin a series which will delve deeply into transformation and also the exploration of Zen Buddhism. I'm working on a longer post that will follow in about a week. Stay tuned.

Fast and clenase into the New Year!

jacksonart_2000@yahoo.com (Robert Jackson) — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 16:41:58 -0800

Hello All!

Not much to report today on the fast and cleanse but a nasty coat on my tongue that feels like a slick and tacky everglades born moss - ewe. And a little athlete’s foot (not on the tongue thankfully but the foot). I've had a few skin break-outs but nothing too horrific. I'm still passing some things (sorry to mention that but hey, we’re all grown ups, right?) and I can't believe it! You would think after almost a full week of not eating that you would be pretty much emptied out. Apparently that's not the case for yours truly. I have taken a picture of what I've been consuming over the last six days not including the salt water flush that I drink in the morning (10 ounces of filtered water and 1/2 a teaspoon of sea salt)

The drink consists of filtered water that I'm getting from our neighborhood Whole Foods and a truly delicious grade B maple syrup that I received as a Christmas present from my brother-in-law Aron (thank you Aron!). Now I must warn you if you want to try this out, though you may be tempted to use that old bottle of Aunt Jemima with the crusted screw off top, don't do it. You really need this grade B syrup for this fast because it's not as processed as grade A syrup and not all corn syrup as Aunty's is. Therefore it has more of the good stuff like minerals and vitamins that you really need while on this fast. I'm also using organic California grown lemons as I can acquire them (some recently stolen from a friend’s house - thanks Tak!) and a good pinch of cayenne pepper to turn up the heat and get the old furnaces blowing nicely. No doubt some of you may find this recipe very familiar and know it by it's name "Master Cleanse". (I wholeheartedly recommend getting the book and doing a little research on your own to get a better feel for what happens when you cleanse.) It's been around for years and as a matter of fact, this was my first introduction to cleansing about fifteen years ago. But that is not where I had first heard about fasting. My Dad had done it years ago when he had been inspired by Werner Erhard's "The Hunger Project". I know the guy got tons of bad press but that was one thing that made a very lasting impression on a young kid. Not so much Werner but seeing my Dad go without food so that he could better relate to those that had no choice and went without food because they had none to eat. Thanks Dad. I remember.

So getting back to my first fast. At the time I was living in Sedona, Arizona and I was reading a fantastic book about Frank Fools Crow that inspired me to do my first sweat lodge ceremony (more on that in a later post). As I researched more and began to meet people that did these ceremonies, I found out that much of the ceremony is in the preparation. It includes a fast of three days (not the same with all tribes ) and a bit of reflection on what you can release. I thought long and hard about this commitment to starve myself willingly and many things surfaced around that. One thought that kept coming up for me was how can I possibly go without eating for one day, let alone three. I'm going to go crazy and lose my mind, I'll never make it, and, can you die from fasting? Well I had proof of that being false because my Dad was still very much alive. I had gone without food before but never of my own free will. Unfortunately for me, poverty had forced me to go without food at times. I therefore had empathy and understanding for those who had to go without unwillingly (not nice). A close friend at the time recommend the Master Cleanse and promised me that I would not perish and that I had plenty of fat store to hold me through the lean times. So in my naivety that has so many times led me into the most amazing and memorable times in my life, I leapt in with both feet and began the fast.

Again I notice I'm carrying on a bit so I must steer myself back to the present moment which brings me to the big question some of you may be asking: Why fast now? Well I learned many things from that first fast and if or when you read the latest post to the blog "Happy New Year"you will already know the why. If you have not attempted to read what I have named the longest post yet, I will paraphrase here. Basically I just need to un-cloud my head and get centered and fasting is a great way to do that. I can highly recommend fasting if you see yourself as stuck or constipated (bad joke) in your life. It's a fantastic way of ridding yourself of mind, body and spirit toxins and getting things moving and flowing again.

I'm going to try and post about this as much as I can over the next few days as I expect the fast to last at least that long. I will also work on getting more details on the effects it's having with my type II diabetes as well if folks are interested in that. So far so good. I must say I'm not checking my glucose level as often as I should be on this fast so knowing that it can help you out if you have type II, I’ll start checking more often to see the results. Happy fasting and remember; be careful and use common sense when starting a fast or cleanse. Do your research and check forums for what to expect along the way.

Yours in service,

robert

Technorati Tags:
self help, spirituality, peace, meditation, happiness, cleanse, fast

Five ways to embrace the one you love

jacksonart_2000@yahoo.com (Robert Jackson) — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 16:03:07 -0800

In this episode we are going to relaaaaaaaax and embrace everything with love!

Five ways to embrace.

What do we mean by embrace? The easiest way to explain embrace is to describe a hug. When we hug someone there is no space between us. Our hearts are close and our bodies are pressed together tightly. If we really have done the job of hugging properly, our breathing and heartbeats will sync up and it feels as if we are one with each other. The next time you hug a loved one, try to become conscience of your breathing by just being aware of the rise and fall of your chest and the rise and fall of your hugging partners chest. Just watch this then follow these steps.

1. Close your eyes: We are so visual that we are distracted easily by things in our eyes' path. Closing your eyes allows you to focus better on the embrace.

2. Don't grasp: When we try to hold on too tightly we can make our partner feel trapped and uncomfortable. A light yet firm embrace is the key.

3. Avoid the slap: The action of slapping the back is jarring and a bit disturbing to some. Try not to get over zealous.

4. Breath: Remember to focus on the breath and feel the sensation of your chest rise and fall as the breath moves in and out. There is no need to try and control your breath.

5. Acceptance: While you have this person so close it's a great time to embrace with your mind as well as your arms. Try saying this as you watch your breath: "I accept you just as you are right now."

This exercise can be used not only with a partner but on your self! Try the same method but hug yourself this time. You may also use these steps when your are faced with a difficult scenario or even with a difficult person. They don't have to be literally hugged (though that would be ideal). You can practice with your imagination. So hug your enemy today and relieve some of that pain you may be carrying around.

Technorati Tags:

self help, spirituality, peace, meditation, happiness, inspirational words

Happy New Year

jacksonart_2000@yahoo.com (Robert Jackson) — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 15:55:30 -0800

Well I see by the old clock on the wall that I have been doing this podcast for two years now. Wow has it really been two years? I can't believe it's been that long! I must say that I'm very happy that all of you out there like what you are hearing and continue to listen, learn and share. I want to take this time to thank each and every one of you for all of your support, love and kindness over these last two wonderful years. I know that "A Quiet Mind" would not be here without you and your support. I'm very grateful to all of you and I'm honored to have this gift in my life. I thank you with all my heart and so does little Crucita.

I'm writing this post on the second day of a fast so I'm feeling rather lucid and sentimental. I don't know how long the fast is going to be; as long as it takes I guess. Why am I fasting you ask? Well I wanted to do the fast for a few different reasons, number one being holiday over-indulgence and number two being the cheating. No not that kind of cheating - the other kind. For those of you who didn't know I'm diabetic (type II) and vegan (type IV "the cheating type"). Oh cheese you are a devil and a temptress. That being said, I also wanted to fast because it brings me clarity when I'm having difficulty with something and can't seem to get my head around it. Even when the usual means of walking meditation, quieting the mind, breathing, etc. have little or no effect, there's nothing like a little self imposed starvation to inspire clarity I always say. So the result is what you see before you. I've been inspired to write the longest post in AQM history. Hold on, here it goes...

I was reflecting back on the podcast today and I realized that many of you might not know the history of AQM and how it came about. So if you are interested, read on. One evening about two years ago, a co-worker of mine (that at the time of this posting shall remain anonymous) was in need of a good listener and confidant. I received a phone call from him and he began to confide in me with some of the difficulties he was facing in his life. I was simply there for him and listened intently. I gave him a few things to try out that I thought would hopefully ease his pain and suffering a bit like breathing, forgiving himself, and accepting what is so. We said good-bye and I thought nothing of it.

The next day he called and told me that he had not felt better in years and that his depression was gone! Not only that, he said he felt fantastic! As we spoke further, he related to me more information about his present "condition" and mentioned that the tools and suggestions I had shared with him that previous night had worked better and more effectively than the drugs and therapy he had been receiving for most of his life. I was amazed and in utter disbelief. As far as I was concerned we had just had a simple conversation between friends and I had mentioned very casually a few things that I thought may help him . I had no idea these few simple things I shared with him could have such a powerful and life changing impact on him and myself.

As the conversation continued, my friend mentioned that I should share these concepts and tools with others. He said that these concepts could really help people out like himself tremendously. Then he asked if I had ever heard of a thing called a podcast. "What's a podcast?" I said, "Sounds like a 70's Sci-Fi movie that I remember. Didn't it star Donald Sutherland?" Needless to say he patiently explained podcasting and blogging to me in great detail and of course, I was overwhelmed with all the techy stuff. After all, I was a visual web designer and back then we didn't do all that coding stuff. As I told him this he said something truly amazing, "Hey you helped me Robert so I'll help you. I'll set up a podcast for you and teach you how to do it." "Wow!" I said, "That's so cool!" So this wonderful new friend who just happened to be a very savvy web guy set up the AQM blog and podcast in a couple of days! Not only that, he mentored me for months thereafter in the ways of The Techy Warrior.

He taught me how to do everything that was involved from creating the podcast itself, to uploading the files, images and podcasts. He also taught me about blogging and how to post and tag things so that I could be found by people. He also set up the Itunes account as well. Every time I think back to that moment I'm forever grateful for his help and feel indebted to him always for his generosity and inspiration. I don't think he really has any idea of the impact that he made on me and what has become you, our listeners as well. One other thing that will always leave me in awe was the snowball affect that occurred after we launched. I can still vividly remember being blown away at being in the Itunes top 100 in Religion and Spirituality shortly after the blog was created. What a moment. Especially since I didn't even know this list existed and received the news one day from this same friend. It was also a real thrill to see my subscriber base rise and rise from hundreds to finally thousands of listeners in a few short months. What an amazing journey this has been.

As I look back over the last two years as host of A Quiet Mind, I can't help but think about the truly amazing miracles and many wonderful people not mentioned here that have led to its creation and success. It has brought me not only some of the most touching, personal and special moments in my life but has allowed me the gift of sharing and being of service to all of you. It's been my humble honor to be here for you and to be a part of your lives in my own small way. I will continue to help you in any way I can along your journey of awakening and enlightenment as long as I'm able.

On that note I must say that I have found out a truth in my life recently that has come about by hosting this podcast. I have discovered that this is my only wish; that I can be of service to those in need and help bring joy and peace where I can. I now realize that hosting AQM is not only my life's dream, it's my true purpose and passion as well and there isn't anything else I'd rather do in the world than be here for you right now in this way. I have seen that I have abilities that can help people that are in pain and I feel it's my duty and honor to continue to share these. The path that has been given to me is to serve. I know that I must share from my own personal experiences, traumas and triumphs the tools that have helped me to overcome my own pain and realize a more peaceful and happy life. I can see that when I do this it helps people to heal and it fills me with joy to see that happen for you. Not only that but I know that when I do this for you, you will do the same for someone else when they are in need. This is magical, miraculous and liberating. I love it! I love being a part of that magic.

The magic works a bit like this. When a person is in pain they can't function and can only think about and feel their own suffering. They become like an island unto themselves blinded by the aching misery from within. They are no good to anyone else or themselves. This causes a feeling of great sorrow in me to see this because I know that this pain can be lifted from us very easily and we can be free from our heartache. When a person is in this state there is only the pain and the primal need to escape or simply put an end to it forever. Without the necessary tools to make that escape, misery takes over. But once they posses the tools they need for transformation, they are free almost instantly. In this state of freedom they express joy instead of sorrow, courage instead of fear. Now that they have the tools for overcoming their agony, they can help others escape from their own self imposed prisons. This spreads joy from one person to the next. As others are relived of their pain and suffering they are filled with joy and pass it on. We are doing that with AQM; we are spreading joy. So as I see it, the more joy-spreading the better!

That's a good segway into the next part of this post. (I can't believe I just used the word "segway"!)

At this time I'm working on creating new and helpful content and more in-depth articles that deal in greater detail with the topics that are discussed on the podcasts. As you can see, the site has a new look and I have added some Amazon and Google links in the right hand rail and within the context of the blog. Some of you may wonder why these changes have been made. I'm glad you asked. Some of this has been added due to your requests for book recommendations and related content. Some of this has also been added in an effort to enable me to respond to the many requests I receive in comments and by email. Many of you who write are truly suffering and in need. I want to reach out to each and everyone and ease the sorrows right away and provide more in depth help but I simply can't find the time in my busy life. In order to be able to help all of you that are in need and do this full time I must put some ads on the site and make a few changes. I'm sure this will have little or no effect on the quality and content on the site and as a matter of fact, may actually help boost it.

I'm sure that a few ads will not scare you away and after all; they may make it possible for me to be here more for you and create more helpful content. As always the content of this site will remain totally free of charge and you may share it with those you love in any way, shape or form. So I do hope that I have your continued support as we let AQM grow to its full potential in the coming years.

In closing this very long post I just wanted to mention the two blogs that inspired me to take this giant leap into the full time blogosphere. They are Zenhabits and Steve Pavlina. Thanks to you Steve and Leo! I highly recommend both of these blogs for your self-enrichment and inspiration. If you don't already read them I'm sure that you will find them a good addition to your life and practice.

Happy New Year!

Yours in service,

robert

Technorati Tags:

podcast, self help, spirituality, peace, meditation, happiness, ego

Embrace with love

jacksonart_2000@yahoo.com (Robert Jackson) — Sat, 29 Dec 2007 18:54:20 -0800

In this episode we are going to relaaaaaaax and embrace with love!

Receive, embrace, transform

jacksonart_2000@yahoo.com (Robert Jackson) — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 22:06:26 -0800

We clean out our mental closets and receive, embrace and transform our old dusty ways.

It's not my fault that I do drugs and alcohol!

jacksonart_2000@yahoo.com (Robert Jackson) — Sun, 23 Sep 2007 15:43:27 -0700

We look deeper into why we blame others for our addictions and habits.

Drugs and alchol Part2

jacksonart_2000@yahoo.com (Robert Jackson) — Sun, 29 Jul 2007 12:49:22 -0700

We look at raising our level of awareness and practicing observation.

Why do we use drugs and alcohol to feel good?

jacksonart_2000@yahoo.com (Robert Jackson) — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 15:05:25 -0400

We take a look at why we use substances to feel better.

Breeeeeeeathe

jacksonart_2000@yahoo.com (Robert Jackson) — Sun, 27 May 2007 13:03:08 -0400

Yes again with the breathing. I know that I'm sounding like an old Grandmother spinning out the same stuff over and over again, but hey somebody has to remind you guys right?

Again with the me, mine and I

jacksonart_2000@yahoo.com (Robert Jackson) — Fri, 18 May 2007 08:42:49 -0700

Another round with the ego. Who will win this time!

The noble art of mindful listening.

jacksonart_2000@yahoo.com (Robert Jackson) — Mon, 23 Apr 2007 18:14:51 -0700

How many times have you listened with all of your heart, deeply, silently and without judgement.

what to do with feeling lonely

jacksonart_2000@yahoo.com (Robert Jackson) — Sun, 18 Mar 2007 13:16:02 -0400

We look into being lonely and other fun stuff!

Dogs, breathing and a little bit about me.

jacksonart_2000@yahoo.com (Robert Jackson) — Sun, 04 Feb 2007 16:44:39 -0500

Breathing, dogs and juicy stuff about your host.

Breaking our bad habits is easy?

jacksonart_2000@yahoo.com (Robert Jackson) — Thu, 18 Jan 2007 15:05:33 -0500

We take a look at the habit of visualizing negative scenarios.

Breking habits part 2

jacksonart_2000@yahoo.com (Robert Jackson) — Mon, 08 Jan 2007 11:40:56 -0500

Part 2 of breaking habits.

The universe and everything in it.

jacksonart_2000@yahoo.com (Robert Jackson) — Fri, 05 Jan 2007 12:03:38 -0500

We take a look at unity.

Breaking Habits

jacksonart_2000@yahoo.com (Robert Jackson) — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 15:55:05 -0500

How to really break a habit for good part 1.

Materialism, why?

jacksonart_2000@yahoo.com (Robert Jackson) — Sat, 16 Dec 2006 12:41:04 -0500

Why do we constantly feel the need to have more in our lives? Why do we feel a void that needs to be filled?

Thinking is ok

jacksonart_2000@yahoo.com (Robert Jackson) — Sun, 12 Nov 2006 17:40:30 -0500

Why do we need to meditate? What good does it do us to sit and be quiet?

Servants Of Life

jacksonart_2000@yahoo.com (Robert Jackson) — Fri, 27 Oct 2006 15:58:38 -0400

Silence is necessary in order for us to be able to focus on our true objective in life.

Perfection in all

jacksonart_2000@yahoo.com (Robert Jackson) — Sun, 15 Oct 2006 21:22:15 -0400

There is absolute perfection in each and every moment that we experience.

Tuning into Your Higher Self

jacksonart_2000@yahoo.com (Robert Jackson) — Sun, 08 Oct 2006 21:22:15 -0400

In the heat of the moment can we be clear and quiet?.

Enlightenment now?

jacksonart_2000@yahoo.com (Robert Jackson) — Sun, 24 Sep 2006 12:35:03 -0400

This week we take a look at the conditions surrounding enlightenment.

Breathe and be present

jacksonart_2000@yahoo.com (Robert Jackson) — Sat, 09 Sep 2006 11:24:49 -0400

A focused meditation on being aware and allowing our thoughts to be.

Why, why, why?

jacksonart_2000@yahoo.com (Robert Jackson) — Sun, 06 Aug 2006 14:36:33 -0400

We look at why we are feeling futile.

Being Right

jacksonart_2000@yahoo.com (Robert Jackson) — Tue, 01 Aug 2006 19:38:35 -0400

The quiet mind looks at being right.

The true YOU

jacksonart_2000@yahoo.com (Robert Jackson) — Wed, 19 Jul 2006 20:51:38 -0400

See and feel the true YOU.

The Heart Breath

jacksonart_2000@yahoo.com (Robert Jackson) — Thu, 29 Jun 2006 22:46:35 -0400

We learn to breathe through our hearts.

The Breathless State

jacksonart_2000@yahoo.com (Robert Jackson) — Sun, 18 Jun 2006 14:02:41 -0400

A Quiet Mind Examines the breathless state.

Loosing the Me, Mine and I

jacksonart_2000@yahoo.com (Robert Jackson) — Sun, 04 Jun 2006 19:07:44 -0400

A Quiet Mind looks at loosing the Me, Mine and I.

Accept our own death and be free

jacksonart_2000@yahoo.com (Robert Jackson) — Mon, 22 May 2006 09:02:53 -0400

Part five of death and dying.

Death and dying

jacksonart_2000@yahoo.com (Robert Jackson) — Tue, 16 May 2006 22:46:31 -0400

We bring ourselves back into the present moment accepting our own demise right now.

After we are gone, then what?

jacksonart_2000@yahoo.com (Robert Jackson) — Sun, 07 May 2006 08:38:54 -0400

What will happen when we see our own death?

Let the guilt go.

jacksonart_2000@yahoo.com (Robert Jackson) — Sun, 30 Apr 2006 09:03:10 -0700

Let go of guilt that we may be holding over departed loved ones.

Fear of death is simply a fear of the unknown

jacksonart_2000@yahoo.com (Robert Jackson) — Sat, 22 Apr 2006 20:15:12 -0400

Fear of death is simply the fear of the unknown.

Disconnect from the drama

jacksonart_2000@yahoo.com (Robert Jackson) — Sun, 16 Apr 2006 10:46:14 -0400

Find freedom from the daily life dramas.

Daily drama

jacksonart_2000@yahoo.com (Robert Jackson) — Sun, 09 Apr 2006 10:34:49 -0400

Do our daily dramas run our life and control how we think and feel?

Is it normal to feel sadness?

jacksonart_2000@yahoo.com (Robert Jackson) — Fri, 31 Mar 2006 11:55:46 -0500

Is it normal to fel sadness when embarking on this path?

Anger4

jacksonart_2000@yahoo.com (Robert Jackson) — Fri, 07 Apr 2006 14:29:08 -0400

We go deeper into anger.

Anger3

jacksonart_2000@yahoo.com (Robert Jackson) — Fri, 07 Apr 2006 14:27:23 -0400

Part 3 of Anger.

Anger2

jacksonart_2000@yahoo.com (Robert Jackson) — Sun, 12 Mar 2006 11:21:08 -0400

Part two of anger.

Embrace 2

jacksonart_2000@yahoo.com (Robert Jackson) — Tue, 07 Mar 2006 11:36:40 -0500

We take a deeper look at embracing all that is.