There is a horrible myth circulating within our culture. That myth is: Fear is the most effective motivating factor for the citizens of our society. This myth has been in circulation for some time and persists well into our current day and age. But is it the best way to motivate citizens? Is fear the optimal moving force to build a better society?

History tells us a bold no! Fear as a motivator is in fact detrimental to the stability of a nation. Fear breeds distrust and manipulation. Fear creates anger and animosity.

Why then do we continue to use fear in nearly all levels of society? We tell our children they will be of less use than a three legged greyhound lest they achieve high GPA's in school. We tell each other that we must save, save, save and make tons money because when you are old no one will help you out. We most definitely use fear as a means of keeping our streets "safe".

"Commit a crime and we as a society will vindictively punish you with harsh forms of treatment."

"Have sex too early, and you are likely to die!"

The above statements are most certainly paraphrases of the assumed attitude of the nation, but indeed, there is a negative doom-like tune to which we convey our messages to the population.

The better solution would be to educate people into motivation. If people knew what they were getting involved in they would understand their choices more clearly. Education is a far more power motivator and far better suited to stabilize the mind.

To be continued…

Faith is a funny thing. It spans throughout more than just religion. Faith is often the cornerstone of motivation. However, it is also often the keystone to ignorance. We humans cling to it when we need support and guidance and we also cling to it to serve as the foundation of our beliefs, even if a belief is proven wrong. I know that there are a few who will read this and instantly think that I am referring only to religion, but that is but one of the many referrals. The often sad truth is that people will ignore the truth even when they know it to be correct simply because being wrong can feel like dying. A belief serves as the roots of identity and humans cling to that identity as if it were who they were.

But is it? Could you live without your identity?

Of course you can. An identity is only a mental construct. And as we all know, those constructs are often challenged and defeated. The question is how much resistance are you willing to push forth before you take a look at what is right in front of your face?

Ever wonder why you love your dog or cat so much? Ever wonder why they seem to lift your spirits even if they are as wild as a Tasmanian Devil? If I had to guess, I would say that it is because they give us unconditional love and acceptance. It's what we all want. The feeling fuels people's lives; it can even save a soul from suicide. You've got to wonder then, why it is ingrained into the human psyche to judge relentlessly. Aside from it being easier than making the choice to rise beyond that often uncontrollable urge (to judge), there is an addictive quality. Judging others is a form of dominance (mentally), especially if done in large groups of the same opinion. The simple truth is, when we judge we feel powerful over the victim. This feeble act of mental control can feel like a shot of heroine, with each act fueling the need for more.

Perhaps, the next time you feel the desire to judge (not all cases are the addictive sort) ask yourself why you are criticizing the individual(s). Is it relevant? Is it helpful? Are you feeling better than the other person while doing it?

"What is real? How do you define real?" Morpheus asked in that iconic scene of The Matrix. And he was right, what we consider real is what we can feel and interact with. But if that is the case, if reality is only a shared experience of sensory perception then any and all experiences are real. Our dreams are real. Our visions are real. Our ideas are real.

Reality exists on different dimensions or realms. What we may call the tangible real is the realm in which we all share. But how funny is it to see the seriousness the inhabitants dwell in. Our lives here are so frail and easily swept away but the people get lost into their identities of illusion as if they were permanent. Perhaps I find it funny because when you think about it, when you realize that life is comprised of far more than the tangible realm, you begin to see the "world" in a different light; a light that makes you wonder how much more is out there.

I know that it is Father's day, however, I did not write a blog specified for our mother's. So, I would like to give my appreciation to all parents out there. To those who muster the courage to take care of their defenseless children. And to those who give aid to those of us who are well and capable, but need your wisdom and assistance from time to time. But that is not it, there are parents in this world who run scared, parents who mother or father children and flee due to fear. I say to you, do not blame yourself or feel guilty for what you have done (or what was done to you), but understand that you indeed have a responsibility. For, your part in the action was just that: your part. And this world thrives not on the weight of one shoulder, but on two. There is a reason why there are two halves to the species. There is a reason why children seek guidance from both sexes. As a species, we are completed by both halves, and children need those halves more than anyone else.

Let's face it, our streets are unsafe. Murderers roam the night looking for prey. And, sometime soon, you are going to die.

A bit extreme?

Indeed.

But, people operate as if they are constantly under threat, even if they are strolling through the grocery store in an isle full of ten year olds. Does anyone else find it odd that it is normal for the people to walk around with pseudo scowls on their faces? Walk up and talk to a total stranger and you might get a look of disgust. If you are lucky, the person will shoot you a disingenuous smile and keep walking. What happened to the notion of a more perfect union? Our society is so disjointed some people find it odd to be waved at.

"Why is he waving at me?" "Why is she saying hello?"

The attitude of our society has become so paranoid, one of the first questions in someone's mind (upon encounter) is: what does this person want from me and how much of myself do I have to give?

Is this sane?

Psychologist will tell you, that most of the problems we humans go through are self created and self inflicted. We often act out our habits unconsciously until the world creates an opposing reaction that we find unbearable. This cycle is typically repeated throughout a persons' life, often unrecognized that the issue was create within. This inner battle is the cause of much of the stress in the world. Humans battle themselves on a daily basis with issues ranging from addictions, anger, sadness, fear and so on. Rarely, however, does one hear of success stories, of people conquering this inner demon and being rid of it. I suspect the reason for this ongoing monster is that most of us don't realize that they are not only the creators of their issues, but that they also have the power to make a change. It takes true inner and cognitive investigation to discover this truth. It also takes dedication and motivation. Finding out the truth about yourself can be scary, but fear not, it is the most relieving thing a person can do in his or her life.

I dare not say that there are people in this world who are solely creative or technical as people. Meaning, everyone has a bit of both within. Creativity is what makes us humans special in contrast to other animals. However, along the course of a person's life (and yes, some do fluctuate or change) people are dominantly one or the other.

A technical outlook (in the way I am describing the term) tends to be more rigid. You see what is in front of you and often won't be open to ideas of the unknown. Chances are, the belief is what you see is what you get. A creative outlook is far more abstract. Creative people are open to the unknown and in fact pull power from the unknown; that is, in fact, the essence of creativity. When there are no options left, you create one. Creative people also tend to see life in a different manner. They tend to see beyond the visible world and imagine the possibilities beyond, whereas predominantly technical people, again, see the world only as what's in front of them.

Which is better? Which has the potential to further the timeline of the human race? I would say the answer hides within artwork. Like the people that draw such things, there are both technical artists and creative. However, the masterpieces I have seen are those that incorporate both worlds into one.

I often speak about our nature as pack animals relative to current society. It plays so much into what we do every day, and more importantly, how we treat other people. However, it is still a shocker to see that primal behavior kick in from people we consider to be "enlightened" or masters of "spirituality". Perhaps it is the image they portray, or even what we are used to seeing from them. Still, it is important to remember that all humans are relatively the same at the bottom level. We all have the potential to turn into judgmental egos that use not forgiveness and compassion but arrogance and poor discretion. It is important to remember that, no matter the reputation, we all will fluctuate in mood and temperament. We all will change our outlook on the world around us depending on the world within. For, as we all know, inside is the greatest challenge of all. And it is inside that we must all deal with.

Cities today are often like clogged arteries. Cars are jam-packed on the road, smog is filling your lungs, and you can't turn your head without being attacked by an advertisement. It's no wonder our minds are overloaded, overworked and ready to pop. Even when we wish to take a break, there are few retreats away from the madness. The best way I find to detoxify my mind and body is to shut off everything (especially the phone) and do absolutely nothing. Doing nothing is often overlooked as a vital remedy because it's filled with, well, nothing. But this space you create allows for everything you've recently gone through to not only be processed but also let go so that a sense of newness will return to your daily living. For a good solid functioning in life, I find that doing nothing is vital. Strangely, in our brave new world, doing nothing is often the hardest thing to "do".

My solution: treat boredom like an addiction that needs to be overcome.

For those of you feeling like you're failing on your endeavors to be a more spiritual individual, fear no more! The list of things to do is here. And best of all, it's free! (at least the first ten are)

 

1. Never crave the opposite sex (even while having sex)
   
2. Never look at the opposite sex in areas that might arouse you sexually
   
3. Whatever your belief, make sure to pray at least twice, if you are not religious but spiritual meditate at this time, if atheist, be sure to reassure your possession of the truth
   
4. Your prayer or meditation must be done in a quiet place while not moving, without any noise (noise will disconnect you from the source)
   
5. Stop making crude jokes
   
6. Stop thinking negative thoughts
   
7. Never lie, not even to yourself
   
8. If you smoke, quit, if you drink give it up, if you do drugs… well, you're already screwed so you might as well keep it up
   
9. If you see someone who isn't part of your click you must prove that their concept of the world is wrong (atheists, you're not out on this one, start proving you're right too)
   
10. Remember that you hold the key to salvation or at least the right way to live life, snicker within at all others as they tell you their silly traditions and beliefs (those idiots, you know everything, science, god or the mystical universe is on your side, right?)

There is much debate these days over the desensitization of our youth in regards to violence. There are too many violent video games. Today's music has too much violence. And, of course, movies are teaching children that violence is the answer. My argument is not that any of the above is incorrect, but rather that kids are not exposed to issues like violence and death properly. The simple fact of the matter is, no parent can keep their child away from violent entertainment for long, and if they do, chances are the kid will find an outlet in a different way. Besides, is keeping kids away from violent entertainment truly the answer? It is important to remember that violence is rooted (in a certain sense) into our DNA. We are a predator species that craves the meet of prey. Regardless if you are a vegetarian or PETA member, our ancestors loved the taste of near raw buffalo drizzled in blood. Which brings me to my next point; we were once exposed to death on a regular basis. Our meat was not packaged without eyes and a coat of skin to be removed. Honestly, the only form of real death children are exposed to is the rare occurrence of a family member dying (in which they are made to look alive before buried). It is no wonder kids and adults have a perverted sense of violence when our only teachers are cartoons like Snow White and films like Die Hard (which I loved).

There is in Western culture a problem that plagues our films. Nearly all portrayals of great men and woman from non-westernized ancient cultures have British accents. Even worse, all of the actors who play the important people are not even from that country, nor do they have blood that descends from it. A perfect example of recent films that carries this problem is The Prince of Persia. Not only were more than half the cast and crew white in origin, but they spoke in mixes of British, English and American accents. It is safe to say that Persians did not have this accent, nor did the Greeks, nor did the Romans, nor did anyone from that region of the globe (Mediterranean or Middle East). Why are filmmakers so adamant about presenting history or anything that pertains to it with this horrible slant? Are they assuming Westerners can't handle it? Are they in fear of a bad review? Or, worse, are they afraid of painting anyone with a Middle Eastern accent in a positive light? It seems about time that we learn about other countries and their practices rather than filtering it for our eyes.