Entertainment is a wonderful thing. Those who know me personally are aware of my fascination with massive televisions, movies, games and rollercoasters. But there needs to be a healthy equilibrium. Too easily can pastimes such as shopping or internet surfing take up the majority of an individual's attention. It is easier to notice the time killer addiction when it drains you of vital funds or creates sleep deprivation. But what about the more common symptoms, such as needing the television on while eating? Westerners especially are accustomed to using the television and internet to cure the "boredom" syndrome. But, what are the effects of this. Can sleeping in front of the television create issues in your life? Does compulsive internet surfing wear down on mental stability?

Indeed it does. Mental clarity is perhaps the most important aspect to a healthy day to day living but is sadly taken for granted. Worse, we are so juked up on entertainments that it is considered normal to walk around like a zombie in constant need of mental subduing. If you disagree with this, ask yourself what boredom really is and, more importantly, why you need to kill it so badly.

There are many concepts of freedom and the word's connotations. In this particular blog I am speaking in terms of freedom in regards to intimate relationships. This often chaotic situational circumstance results in higher stress, a bad attitude and an overall shift in perception (typically for the worse).

"Why?" one may ask.

As odd as it may seem, we try to trap people into the grasp of our mental pigeon-holds. We hold expectations, demands and, as I like to say, "should's and shouldn't's" with extreme judgment. This seems to be an attempt to hold another person within the confines of a "relationship", as if it is that concept (the concept of a relationship) that will keep a person with you. There are several issues with this. The first (and maybe it's just me), if you need this idea to keep your mate around (and faithful) isn't the structure of the relationship bound to fail? The same goes obviously with marriage. If the vows are the foundation of the relationship, if the "I do" is the standing root of a "blissful" union, separation is inevitable. Few people enjoy feeling confined and obligated and even fewer enjoy feeling policed and patrolled. It would seem, then, that the key ingredient to a successful relationship is allowance and freedom, even if this means allowing the individual to "leave" you. Of course, as with most things, this process is more mental than a part of reality.

Sleep apnea is a serious problem for many people, however, many suffer from a more common dilemma: they can't stop thinking. There are many who feel if they ceased to think (by thought I mean verbal mental chatter) they would cease to exist. Some even feel that demons or spirits are liable to sneak their way in and poses you if this were to happen. The truth is, people live in two different worlds. In one world, the world of ceaseless mental chatter, the world is scary. Things are constantly attacking you and you are constantly under threat. In the other world, the natural world of what we may call "reality" life flows with a balance of disruption and correction. Strangely, however, this world is usually calmer. Its moment to moment activity is far less chaotic and often supplies solutions to the problems that arise.

A great example of the comparison I am making would be a man who has a hard time sleeping at night. He is worried about the events of tomorrow and feels as if he is under threat. Perhaps the bills are due. Maybe he will be fired or let go from his job. Either way, he is safe and fine in his bed yet he feels vulnerable to an imminent attack and so suffers yet another grueling night laden with anxiety.

In this life we all will experience both worlds. But it seems that the older we get the more the mental chatter in our mind becomes problematic. But, is this inevitable or do we have a choice in the matter?

Along the long and brutal history of the human species, all "races" have suffered to some degree. In America, however, there are a few select whose cultures have been decimated and all but whipped from the face of the planet. The Native American tribes of North America, in particular, continue to battle the effects of such suffering. One of the ways in which the American government has attempted to counteract the atrocities committed is by providing free education the decedents with Native blood. Unfortunately, I must report that many students have been denied the Michigan Indian Tuition Waiver and so denied a chance to create a better future for themselves and their families. Yes, there many other people of different backgrounds who do not receive this funding, but the Native peoples, if any, deserve this waiver. Personally, I think several other cultural groups deserve this too. In fact, I believe that higher education is best a free (or cheaper) option, but for right now, why not help to empower those cultures that need it the most. The best way to counteract poverty and crime, after all, is to educate.

If you or someone you know have been denied for the Michigan Indian Tuition Waiver and have a letter stating that they were denied, we are asking that you please contact Faye Givens @ American Indian Services 313.388.4100.6

The drain of an emotional breakup; we've all been there. Most of us have had our hearts broken; even more have felt the pain of a mutual split. Either way this event is no thrill. What started out as a beautiful addiction of clingy attachment has now resulted in the energy draining, gut wrenching, chaotic cycle of negativity and passivity that feels like a rollercoaster ride after eating the entire menu at a buffet. Why do we go through these periods of torment? Why can't we simply move on without the sadness and frump? Does the situation even have anything to do with the individual you have just split from? Or, is this the result of yet another desire for security. Even in our miserable times with the "succubus" we so longed to be free of, there was a sense of security there. It was the "known", a blanket comfort for the mind. And our minds love what it knows. For, the known is easy to control while the unknown is a threat to our "survival". Cleary, this is untrue. However, your mind feels otherwise. How does one transcend this mode of living? We must be willing to dive into those depths to which we cannot see.

There are only two ways to alleviate the pressures of life. One way is to solve the issues. The second way is to resolve the pressure within. This is done through awareness, understanding, and acceptance. One must first become aware (and be honest) about the issue, the mental side of it anyways. There then must be a level of understanding about the problem both of the situation (why it happened, why you reacted the way you did, so on…). After this comes acceptance. A person must accept the reality of the issue and let it go internally. This seems to be the toughest part of the process for people. Many feel that accepting a problem is in many ways giving up and failing to rise beyond it. This isn't so. Acceptance is ceasing to fight internally. The result of this is an instant release of blockages stored within the body. If practiced often, a person's health is surely to improve, often in ways never thought possible.

One would think that in this day and age sayings like the title of this blog would be a laughable joke. The truth, however, is not so funny. To be fair, more often these words are not heard but the attitude is projected. This truly is a shame. For one, as discussed before, we all come from the same source if history is traced back. Second, this country doesn't belong to anyone. So you pay taxes, does that entitle you to the land? Does that give you or anyone else the right to say who should come over and who should go? Of course not.

In general, those born in this American society are duped into believing that "this great nation of ours" was founded on high moral principle and respect for other people's property. This might have been true if you were an older white male, but for all others, there was no way. The natives and blacks weren't even human, so they didn't count and women were simply subservient to the "superiority" of their men. This is not to bash any race for matters long in the past (I for one am a mix of many "races") but it is a reminder that such ignorance like "my country" only serves to further the degradation of balance within society. Besides, who can a country belong to anyways?

Of all the adversary forces to combat the average person in this day and age, there is one person that's presents the toughest challenge. Yes, you guessed it: that would be you. What would the Zen masters of old referred to as "monkey mind" today still exist in much the same form. In fact, the activity of mental madness has proliferated. As we all know, there are a plethora of distractions to invest in. But the aspect of today's average mind that is, perhaps, most destructive is the insatiable need to look outside of ourselves for the root of our problems. Instantly, when problems are presented the question is asked, "Who else is responsible?"

However, all problems are within us. There are indeed issues to be solved in the outer world but it is within that the work must be done. And this is where the battlefield lies. Dealing with our habits, desires, mental dysfunctions is indeed our greatest challenge.

The field of psychology has many insights into the mind of human beings. But there is a fundamental flaw that I find in the effort to understand the true essence of what we are.

There is a chart that describes the nine personalities known to psychologist. In this chart and of these nine categories you are one of the listed. Now, if this seems rigid and short sighted, fear not, your "slot in life" branches to a few of the others (or you are a number 8, according to psychoanalyst).

If you are like me and felt dehumanized upon reading this, you are not that far from the truth. While the anagram can indeed assist in prediction, discovery and assessment of human behavior, it is crucial to remember that neither you nor your fellow humans are a category 5 or 1. While we mold our personalities along our journeys, we are still far more at the core of our beings than any chart can display.

The error of the anagram is that it limits our potential to the category listed and so leads to further identification with a "cast". It is imperative to remember that while personalities do shape our interactions, they do not determine who we are. For that, one must dig much deeper.

In short, "The Matrix cannot tell you who you are."

In general, people love to believe that their country of origin is the best. "America is the greatest nation in the world!" I recently heard from the mouth of a friend. Really? Who deemed this so? Where is the plaque of authenticity that qualifies a land conquered by pillage, rape and torture to be the grandest of all countries? Second, what fool would dare to declare this to be so. Indeed, the laws and ideals set forth in America are among the freest thinking, but only compared to the others that currently exist. And honestly, that is not saying much. There is much room for advancement.

A quick glance at recent history and current events will demonstrate the continual barbaric and tribal views "civilized people" still hold. Those imagined lines drawn upon the maps we look at are only official because the victors of a war say so. And to those who claim pride of that victory, please wallow in less ignorant waters. You did nothing for this "achievement". You have no idea what freedom is, nor do you have any clue as to what real value is.

There are people who indeed put forth the effort to investigate their ideas and beliefs. But sadly, most people just follow what they are told. Ask yourself the question with brutal honesty: "Would you hold the same ideas about greatness if you were born in a different land and culture?"

Among my many years on this planet (okay, not that many) there is a certain truth or as I like to say, awakening, that constantly shows its face, especially as I grow older. Friends, good friends even, will blame you for things that are not your fault, or your responsibility. Family will curse you for your actions in life. Random people will attack you, perhaps verbally or physically. You will be judged for things you are not responsible for and perhaps not even connected to. In short, things will happen between you and the people of this world, things that you feel shouldn't happen. And in the end you have two choices: get mad or let it go.

One of the greatest questions I can ask myself if, "Is it worth it?" Is it worth the worry, the frustration or the anger? Sure, you may be justified. It might be true that you are right in the situation. But, honestly, how many times does a person have to go through unjustified persecution to realize that other people will do things to them regardless of how nice they are? And really, what does that have to do with your emotions? Life is indeed short, and spending it worrying about the awful things that have been done or could be done to you is a waste of time and energy. Wouldn't you rather enjoy your time free of this burden?

The macho men of the world well attest to the strength of anger. That sudden rage, the increase of adrenaline, it seems to give so much power. But is this really strength or a mask for weakness. I've worked in bars, traveled many events and seen much of the male dance for dominance. Most of this is only a charade. If this were not true, beating your wife out of aggression would be a show of potent masculinity. Clearly, however, it is the greatest sign of inferiority. The show of dramatic egotism, is but a tell of an all too common form of fear, largely represented in the male species. Of course, the fairer sex can present the same, however, walking down the street, two men or more likely to butt heads than those of females. If you truly want to show how strong you are, let go of whatever aggression is building within. The strength to master and control one's own emotion is far more powerful than to sublet it onto another.

As Americans, most of us will never learn another language, visit a different country (aside from Canada or vacation spots in nearby tourist attractions such as Cancun, Mexico) or learn much of anything about any other culture. This isn't to say that people in other countries do exhibit the same behaviors. But, as someone born onto this land, I would love to see the change come about in this potentially wonderful nation. America has always represented possibilities in my eyes, possibilities that largely go untapped. The land is inherently a melting pot of multiple nationalities, yet those born here seem to forget not only the history of the nation but also their family lineage. Above all this is due to a lack of education, but let this be an excuse no more. With the world opening up to us (all) like that of a spider web the necessity to open up to and understand other cultures and backgrounds is no longer a luxury. We are all part of a large melting pot and all pieces to a puzzle must fit together, lest they be removed from a sustainable future.