Ever feel like you are chasing your dreams but never are able to catch them? Perhaps there is something you've been working so hard for, but for whatever reason, the satisfaction has yet to come. Or, perhaps there is that special someone who seems to be the perfect match but, you cannot seem to catch them in your grasp. In my observation, this is the effect of chasing something. Chasing is different from having a goal and setting out to accomplish. By chasing, I mean feeling as if something or someone is beyond our reach and so we put forth massive amounts of energy towards following it. The underlining thought is that one day "I will grab what I am after". However, rarely does the satisfaction come and if it does, rarely if ever is the satisfaction. It is usually more of feeling of depletion of let down. For, what you were after was most likely not the object or person, it was probably the thrill of chasing and the desire to dominate (dominate can be used in many ways here). In other words, if you are chasing after something or someone it might behoove you to investigate what you are really after.

Negativity is like that of an infectious disease. It's often waiting to spread its vile arms onto another host as to keep itself alive. Yes, even emotions have parasitic-like characteristics. I was privy to witness this firsthand during a recent trip to one of Michigan's lovely state penitentiaries (no, I was not an inmate). But I did feel the tone that seemed to permeate even the walls of this sterile yet emotionally filthy facility. Everyone, the prisoners, the guards and even other visitors seemed to bear the weight of the world around them. And this stirred my brain a bit. Taking notice to other situations surrounded by less noticeable inclinations, I easily detected how the strongest mood in the room spread like vines on a brick wall. Now, of course, negativity receives most of the attention because the energy or mood is heavier than positive output. But, do not feel dismayed, for indeed a strong projection of positive feelings can and will change the atmosphere around you. This realization leads one to wonder:

How much of this positive projection would it take to seriously impact the planet?

As cliché as the quote has become, there is so much to learn from "Those who do not learn from their mistakes are doomed to repeat them." We have a tendency to repeat our actions hoping that somehow the outcome will become different. Often, one hears "I wish we could go back to the way things used to be." However, what is commonly forgotten is that the old way didn't work out for a reason. The old ways brought about the new or current situation that "needs fixing". Often, in addition to the lack of learning, there is an element of denial; something that is overlooked or avoided that is likely to manifest a repeating problem.

Again, I am an advocate of awareness, and bringing awareness within (as much as POSSIBLE) can and will help to prevent a repeat problem from manifesting a potentially negative event in the future.

There are many aspects to a personal life. But there are only two ends to the spectrum of balance: too much and too little. Balance is the essential component that we all inherently seek out. It is the root causal factor for all of our actions, even those of us who seem nuts. An example of this would be an animal, any animal, stuck inside or caged up for too long. It doesn't take long before neurotic issues are formed. Those issues, issues many of us have and can attest to, are the response to a lack of balance. More often than not, if not all the time, the response is an unconscious act to regain balance. Too much energy built up will result in the desire to unleash pressure, like that of an explosion. The way to prevent this state (which can only be intentionally done if you are cognizant of your inner state of being) is to allow for the pressure to expel. Sometimes, ironically, the only way to expel the momentum of the mind is by not doing anything. In other words, providing space and time for the mind to settle is overactive state is the way in which it will come to a calm.

Oh, and before some perfectionist comes along and writes a comment about the fictitious word I used within the title, stop: I already know!

I am a man of simple tastes. Well, okay, maybe not always. But I certainly appreciate the small things in life. One of my favorites is the outcome or result of my patience. I know firsthand the power of craving. Sadly, I also know, firsthand, the power of satisfying that craving. Oh, yes, a craving can be a splendorous sensation. Every ounce of juice in your bones is calling for action. Your mouth is salivating for more. Reason seems to bear little significance. And then, finally, you sink your jaws into that manifestation of desire, satisfying a seemingly uncontrollable urge.

But then, it hits you, like an anchor that's just pulled the ship down with it. You are drowning in the waters of regret. Remorse moves in like cancerous disease. It's too late. You've done it. You've satisfied that urge but there's nothing left, except a realization. You realize that everything you wanted was really just in your mind. You realize that swelling of intensity was only due to the pressures of wanting and now, you are stuck with your actions. There is no turning back. The deed was done and now you're left to clean up the mess.

If only… you had waited.

Perhaps you are opening your eyes right now and breathing because the choice was made to be patient. Right now you realize, "Thank the heavens, I could have woken up next to…"

Many people desire to live a life devoid of problems. We all seek to end whatever problems may occur. That is only natural. However, often the desire for perfection or even happiness can lead to further dysfunction/negativity. This is because perfection is already among us. The world is in a way, always perfect (though not always balanced). This is also so with our lives. In a way, and I am sure many will have a rebuttal to this, our lives are perfect. We, more often than not, receive what we are ready for. Life is an external extension of our inner being; it is a reflection, a mirror if you will. Often we react to life as if it is our enemy and so find ourselves in adverse or opposing situations. Much of this is self created. However, not all of it is. And even the parts that are, are a sort of blessing in disguise. For, these adverse situations challenge us in ways that allow for growth and transcendence. Often, these life situations allow for a growth or expansion in awareness.

Awareness of everything is impossible. Our journey in this life, in my opinion, is to live pure and simple. However, bringing more awareness into your life I find to be a healthy practice. And if you discover something that you find to be a great truth, relative or not, sharing that with others can be truly rewarding.

In many ways, we always speak the truth and we never speak the truth, or truth is relative to the perceiver. Does this mean one should not speak it when he sees it? Does this mean one truth is wrong and another is right? Clearly there are certain observations that stand as true from all of our perspectives, such as light traveling faster than sound. A study of the weather can show you this. So, once more, in my opinion, it is highly beneficial to become aware of everything you can. That will only broaden your awareness (how is that a bad thing).

Also, I would like to thank those readers who have seriously contributed to this blog with their comments, even those who do not agree with my opinion. To those who write a quick blurb such as "wow, this is nonsense", clearly this is not the blog for you. But, if posting an anonymous statement gets your jollies rocked, have at it.

As stated in previous writings, it is only natural to run from death. Death often implies the end of survival, and we all want to survive, in some form or another. However, death is inescapable. It cannot be outrun. It cannot be outlasted. Death is a part of who we are. Throughout our lives we build so much, we accumulate so many things; we often forget that release of all that stuff is inevitable. Like those things, every relationship will dissolve eventually. Every idea must fade. And, therein lays the most profound truth. Death is not the end of life but the revealing of truth. Death is the release of an idea. All of the pain and suffering we go through is not because a loved one has faded, but because our ideas about that loved one no longer hold the same reality. We can no longer hold that person. We can no longer touch them, laugh with them, and call them when lonely. And while the release of such a relationship can seem dreadful, I implore you to listen: Allow for death to unfold. Do not fight reality. When that loved one has passed, when that relationship has faded, allow for death to take its course.

All of life is like that of the weather. We love the days when they are bright and sunny. Most of us, pray for the good times that come with warm summer day at the beach. But those cloudy, rainy days are just as important. For, they release pressure from the sky. They nourish the land with vital elements. Death is like that of a rainy day. Though it might not be what you wanted, it is indeed the release you need.

We all want to better ourselves, even those of us who do not cognitively say so. Every action taken, every emotion felt is an attempt to rebalance the offset pendulum within. We run into problems because our thinking mind is so developed. While this has been the key to our triumphant awakening as a species, it is also a puzzle that needs to be solved.

In order to find the balance our animal kin seem to capture so easily, we must listen within. We must listen not only attentively, but with the most genuine intention. You must want to know what it is you are truly feeling, to be able to understand your own emotions.

You do have a choice in the matter. You may not be able to change the feeling, but you can alter the perception that causes it to stir. To do this, you must listen to every fiber of your body. For, within that intricate and splendorous biomechanical object is a world of energy waiting you're awareness. It is there, at your command, wanting you to take charge and lead into the uncharted territory of the unseen dimensions of evolution.

The time is now!

What is an identity? The way I am using the word describes all the factors that your mind believes is what you are. In other words, your identity is all the things you believe make you, you. But, is your identity who you are? Or, is an identity merely an outer shell, a hologram that depicts a collection of ideas that can be changed and rearranged? Many people in this world live as if who they are is their identity. Sadly, this entity called an identity is often little more than a collection of other people's creations (music, clothing style, behavior pattern and so on). We have become so shallow as a society. We have come to understand so little of ourselves. When people feel lost they seek to discover themselves through movies and music; through various forms of culture and roles. But these things are not internal truths. They are expressions of someone else's passion. It is one thing to appreciate a piece of art and resonate with it, but when you take the world outside of you to be an internal truth, you are likely to be manipulated by another's motive.

There are two types of energy: weak and strong. Some of us are more often stronger than weak and vice versa. Society's structure has twisted the natural process. Often people attempt to gain a sense of power by using emotional manipulation to get what they want. This does two things. The first is to create a drain of energy in both parties (the manipulator and the manipulatee). The second is to create a worse outcome than intended. Most people do this to each other without realizing it. It is one thing to want something from someone else, but it is another to want, not receive and turn vindictive. This vindictive behavior manifests a spiral of emotional hell until, finally, someone breaks free of the madness and chooses to walk a different path. It is that path that leads to peace and a transformative reality. There is a Chinese proverb that states (a rough translation): If we do not change the path we are on, we will end up where we are headed!

I noticed something rather amusing recently. I was watching Planet Earth the other night and saw the most adorable creature on the screen. They were an exotic form of geese. Nestled in their temporary home, content with their lives, the little ones were as happy as can be. But, lo and behold, there comes a dastardly fox, looking for a meal. I found myself a little emotional. Most of you know what I mean; you see the little birdie, cute as can be, and then some big bad predator comes in and snatches up the poor little helpless creatures. I mean this fox loaded as many in his mouth as he could, while alive! While ready to leap through the screen and kill the thing, I soon stood back. For I saw another set of creatures that captured my heart; a bundle of baby foxes waiting for their mother to bring a much needed meal. Otherwise they would have starved to death. At this point I wanted the fox to go back and scoop up as many baby geese as her little mouth could hold.

It's funny how life works. Sometimes, and I do mean sometimes, the result isn't as bad as the action portrays. All the time however, patience is not only a virtue but also eye opener.

Human beings are by nature empathetic creatures. We feel for those in need. Most of us try not to hurt others intentionally. And, we also have a tendency to over analyze the feelings we have about other people. With this tendency is an accompanying repression of emotions; people attempt to hide their emotions or feelings even from themselves as to prevent the negative judgment from others. What this does is create a buildup of internal pressure, pressure that becomes so volatile it can release a reaction much worse of the original emotion. But why deny the feeling in the first place. How can a feeling be wrong? It is a feeling. It is already there. It is not wrong to feel a certain way, nor is it right. It simply is. If a particular feeling is harmful or detrimental to your health then it might be prudent to investigate the cause of the feeling, but certainly do not try to eliminate something you cannot control. This seems to be the reason for many people's guilt, especially in a religious sense. Many of us fellow humans feel guilty for harboring feelings of sexual attraction towards another human. Some feel as if "their" god will judge them for thinking "impurely". Married people would be another great example; many feel as if their attraction to another person should cease once they have entered a serious relationship. This sort of functioning is not shut off by a switch, and honestly, would you want it to be? You would be shutting off part of what makes you human.

So ask yourself this question: Which is worse, being judged by external sources (other humans, religious deities, etc…) or trying to eliminate a part of your natural being?

So much of the modern human's time is spent thinking about the past or anticipating the future. So little of the modern human's mind is focused within the present moment. Of course, past and future thought have their benefits, but they have come to run our lives. However, trying to stop this from happening is like curing a hangover with another drink. You cannot try to stop your thoughts by thinking about them; you must allow the wheel to cease its spinning cycle.

Many people feel regret or remorse from past actions, while many others feel that other people should feel this emotional pain in order to enact some form of retribution. But is this the way to learn from a mistake? Or is the lesson "do what you can to look good in the eyes of those judging." The best remedy to past pain and even future fear is allowing the pain to be there. Accept that your mind is running rampant. Accept that what happened has happened and you cannot change the past. Your real power lies in your understanding. Know that in order to create change you must understand your own behavior and you can only understand what you did by observing it clearly, without the refusal of the truth (what already happened).