A gift

Posted on by View from the ground

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“My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person, he believed in me.”
― Jim Valvano

“The manner of giving is worth more than the gift.” ― Pierre Corneille.

Thank you for been curious enough to open this blog. I am grateful that you have joined me. It is a gift to have the technology to reach out across the world to friends and strangers alike.

So, welcome to my latest grounded view. It’s been nearly a year since I came out of the shadows from These Wings Can Fly, the previous blog site that I was connected to. It has taken time to truly understand how much of my thinking and beliefs have developed in a different direction to other blogs that were published on that site. I guess my drive is to connect with the many, rather than the few, and in a language that the many can connect with.

I am certainly rooted firmly on the ground – for that I am grateful. The danger is, when you lose sight of the ground and you believe that you are operating in a higher world, it’s a massive thump back on to the ground when you realise you aren’t. However, if you allow your roots to grow, you can reach heights that you could only dream about.

Here we are, days away from Christmas. Celebrated by many, but the reasons for celebration are varied. Of course, it is a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ (although I dutifully respect all religions and beliefs + non-believers).

We then have the commercial version of Christmas which has a heavy focus on giving and receiving gifts and, my favourite part, eating and drinking excessively. To be able to that is a gift in itself and for that I am humbly grateful.

And, so to the subject of today’s observations and rambling – a gift. I was involved in a discussion this morning about a “gift”. I won’t go into detail to avoid being accused of being judgemental but, as a result of that discussion, I was interested in looking up the definition of the word “gift” – “A thing given willingly to someone without payment; a present.”

Thankfully, this confirmed my understanding.

A gift; a present. I always remember a quote that the Head Teacher at my son and daughter’s primary school used to use – “Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift of God, which is why we call it the present.” (Bill Keane).

That got me thinking about today; living the present, as it were. Do we celebrate on a daily basis the gift we have been granted – life. A good question. If I am to be honest, it’s definitely something I have lost sight of.

In previous blogs I have talked about such matters as depression, which is a challenge and something that is close to my heart. I guess, at times, that brings down a fog that stops you seeing the gift of life for what it truly is.

Once we have recognised and welcomed the gift of life that, hopefully, then allows us to consider how we can use that gift to help others. To give to others who are less fortunate – without being asked – so that they benefit.

I know I rattle on regularly about helping the homeless and I make no apology for that. For as long as I have a voice or a finger to type, I will continue talking about who we must do everything we can for homelessness to be a thing of the past. There are enough empty houses and under-used church halls for everyone sleeping on the streets to have a roof over their heads and to have a warm dry place to sleep. Those in authority have the gift NOW to make this happen.

I still look with amazement at the few who own some much and who have the gift to do so much more. I know that many of the wealth quietly contribute to charities and do give to support those less fortunate. But, equally, there are those who seek to give as little as possible, including seeking ways to reduce their tax payments, and who move their money off shore. They have the gift to do something in the present and, in turn, take away the mystery of tomorrow- making such yesterday truly is history. Am I making sense? It feels I have strayed into soap box ranting. Sorry.

“Being gifted doesn’t mean you’ve been given something. It means, you have something to give.”
― unknown.

So many people have a gift, and my dream is that they give that gift through helping others – without being asked. Giving unconditionally for the better of others. What greater gift could there be?

And, there you have it – we have been given the gift of life and I hope we can use that gift to help others. At a time of the year when so many millions of people celebrate, there are many millions more who are suffering – in the likes of Syria, Yemen, Africa, and so many places around the world. There are also so many people who live so close to us who are also suffering. Let’s use our gift to give to them. But let’s not make them ask for that gift. That’s just wrong.

And so to close, I would like to share the full lyrics to “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” – the John Lennon classic. Every year, the lyrics become more and more appropriate. A true prophecy to the mess the leaders and money men have created for the population. But, we can do something about it – together. Can’t we?

“So this is Christmas
And what have you done
Another year over
And a new one just begun
And so this is Christmas
I hope you have fun
The near and the dear one
The old and the young

A very Merry Christmas
And a happy New Year
Let’s hope it’s a good one
Without any fear

And so this is Christmas (war is over)
For weak and for strong (if you want it)
For rich and the poor ones (war is over)
The world is so wrong (if you want it)
And so happy Christmas (war is over)
For black and for white (if you want it)
For yellow and red ones (war is over)
Let’s stop all the fight (now)

A very Merry Christmas
And a happy New Year
Let’s hope it’s a good one
Without any fear

And so this is Christmas (war is over)
And what have we done (if you want it)
Another year over (war is over)
A new one just begun (if you want it)
And so happy Christmas (war is over)
We hope you have fun (if you want it)
The near and the dear one (war is over)
The old and the young (now)

A very Merry Christmas
And a happy New Year
Let’s hope it’s a good one
Without any fear

War is over, if you want it
War is over now

Happy Christmas”

 

Jon

1 5 10

Posted on by View from the ground

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“No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another.”
― Charles Dickens

Wonderful words from one of history’s greatest writers. Welcome to my latest view from the ground.

I don’t know about you but, what a month November has been. The USA elect a new President. I’ll say no more on that subject. The population has spoken and time will tell. A bit like in the UK where the electorate have chosen to leave the European Union. Time will tell. In South Korea there are protests against the President. Time will tell how that develops. What a wonderful world. That’s not a negative observation. Just my personal reflection on current affairs. I’m certainly not being judgemental. Perish the thought!

However, I find it interesting when people say you’re being judgemental. So, I thought I’d have a look at the definition, and I found “Judgmental is a negative word to describe someone who often rushes to judgment without reason. The adjective judgmental describes someone who forms lots of opinions — usually harsh or critical ones — about lots of people. Judgmental types are not open-minded or easygoing.”

Here’s a question though – if someone accuses you of being judgemental and are therefore suggesting the that you not being open-minded, are they in turn being judgemental? Are they in fact not being open-minded in not accepting your right of expression? Please think about it.

I also hear / over hear the expression ‘unconditional love’. It seems like a buzz expression in certain circles. A bit like ‘blue sky thinking’ in the 90s. What is ‘unconditional love’?. Some will come up with wonderful words in support of such thinking. But they are just their opinions. So, in fact, by challenging this question are they being judgemental. Or, am I being judgemental by questioning ‘unconditional love’? Surely to love unconditionally is to love without condition. Not, on the condition that you agree with the other persons interpretation of unconditional love.

Alternatively, am I just trying to say we all have different interpretations of many things, so please don’t judge me. If we can agree on that, I love you. Unconditionally? Yes – on the condition that you agree with my judgement.

Anyway, moving on. It’s been a while still that last blog. I’ve reposted some previous blogs, as I felt their messages were important. Having read the opening of this blog, you must be wondering why you were lured to read this one. Sorry, those who have been with me for some time will know I like to wander off in different directions.

This brings me onto the title for this blog – ‘1 5 10’. I’ve been thinking – a lot – about what we as the masses can do to take hold of the negative changes in the world and start making positive inroads – a step at a time. Changes that we can make from our grounded position. Changes in our thinking. I’m not coming at this from a preachy, let’s heal the world sort of way. I’ll leave that to those handing out leaflets to commuters on the busy streets, or those who go on personal crusades, fuelled by ego.

No, I’m coming at this from the perspective of looking to our right or our left and seeing if the person right next to us is struggling and needed a hand or a few kind words. I’m talking about being there, in the moment, and being available to help our fellow human beings.

I still think of the Dalai Lama quote – If every 8 year old in the world is taught to meditate, we will eliminate violence from the world within one generation”.
What difference could we make to the community / the world by starting with a 1 percent shift in how we think; how we behave; how we treat each other? Clearly, teaching 8 year olds to meditate is next generational stuff, but why can’t schools do this? Think about it.

But, until then we all have a magnificent chance to make a difference. If tomorrow, you smiled at everyone you see. Accepting that there will be a small group of people who will think you are weird (definition – very strange and unusual, unexpected, or not natural), but the majority of people will walk away feeling a little bit happier. They in turn may then smile at people they see and, within minutes your act of happiness spreads throughout your community. That one act by you may cause a one percent shift in your community.

Now, those who know me will question when I last smiled at someone randomly. Well sceptics- a) stop judging me and give me unconditional love, because b) it was yesterday. Was she attractive? Well, okay, yes. Did I get her phone number? No! It was a random act because she looked down (and I don’t mean to avoid me looking at her). And, yes, she smiled in return. So, hopefully she felt a little better.

Joking apart, it’s all about taking progressive steps – start at a one percent shift, move to five percent (accepting that is a 500% increase in effort), and then step up to a ten percent short (and that is only a 200% increase).

It might sound fanciful – but think, in the next week you committed to just 2 acts of kindness a day – that could effect 14 people. If, through feeling good about your example, they then carried out 1 act of kindness a day the following week – that would be another 98 + your next 14 = 112 in week 2.

By the end of month 1 that could multiply to over 5,000 acts of kindness. And that is just from your own actions. If everyone who reads or shares this blog, that could mean …………… over 10,000. Okay, it could mean multiple thousand acts of kindness in just 1 month.

As the title suggests 1 to 5 to 10 and so on. I am a passionate believe that together we can be amazing. We need to be strong, resolute, and committed to making this planet better. But, this must, absolutely must, be together. In my humble opinion.

And, so, to close. Thank you for spending some time will me. I hope these words resonate with you. I wish you a happy and healthy rest of the day and beyond. If you need a hand, please let me know.
Jon

Depression. My view from the ground

Posted on by View from the ground

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“You are allowed to feel messed up and inside out. It doesn’t mean you’re defective – it just means you’re human.” – David Mitchell

Another day, and I feel blessed that I have woken up. I am healthy and, as I type this sentence, I am fortunate to be lying in a warm house with my cat resting against me. A lucky man indeed.

I try not to publish blogs for the sake of putting words online. I also try not to be personal- other than talking about things in the world that I observe and want to share.

But at the moment, depression is something that worries me. We are know someone who, right now, is gripped my depression. I certainly do and it is my duty to help them through it. I won’t go into the detail of who it involves but it’s personal.

I read a comment from someone who’s view is that depression doesn’t really exist. It’s all in the mind and can be overcome by how we think. All I can say is wow!

Having being diagnosed with depression 12 years ago, had I had that comment made to me then any chance of recovery would have been severely damaged. Dangerous words.

I fully understand and agree that we are all entitled to our opinions. However, given that depression is a medically diagnosed illness I really want to understand the deep impact it has on the person suffering.

It is worrying that many still either don’t believe depression existing or that there are others that see it as a weakness. Yet, of later more and more celebrities and sports stars are stepping forward and revealing their suffering.

There are a lot of definitions or explanations around depression, so I have selected one that helped my understanding – “An illness that involves the body, mood, and thoughts and that affects the way a person eats, sleeps, feels about himself or herself, and thinks about things. Depression is not the same as a passing blue mood. It is not a sign of personal weakness or a condition that can be wished away. People with depression cannot merely ‘pull themselves together’ and get better. Without treatment, symptoms can last for weeks, months, or years. Appropriate treatment, however, can help most people with depression. The signs and symptoms of depression include loss of interest in activities that were once interesting or enjoyable, including sex; loss of appetite, with weight loss, or overeating, with weight gain; loss of emotional expression (flat affect); a persistently sad, anxious, or empty mood; feelings of hopelessness, pessimism, guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness; social withdrawal; unusual fatigue, low energy level, a feeling of being slowed down; sleep disturbance and insomnia, early-morning awakening or oversleeping; trouble concentrating, remembering, or making decisions; unusual restlessness or irritability; persistent physical problems such as headaches, digestive disorders, or chronic pain that do not respond to treatment, and thoughts of death or suicide or suicide attempts.”

Sorry if that is a long explanation but I think it captures a lot around what is a growing issue.

As I said above, I was diagnosed with depression 12 years ago. Before going to my doctor, I couldn’t work out what was wrong with me. Looking at the above, I can remember constant sadness and anxiety. But also anger and frustration. But perhaps the latter feelings were because I couldn’t work out what was wrong. I felt weak because I wasn’t coping with what I perceived was how life should be. However, one day, enough was enough, I went to the doctor, broke down and was diagnosed accordingly.

After that, I went through several months of coming to terms I was ill – yes, ill. My nearest and dearest at the time helped me to understand that my condition was an illness – not a weakness. I was convinced by her that the prescribed medication was essential to help me on my road to recovery. It was good advice and my chemical imbalance was balanced and eventually I could stop taking the medication. But, in reality, the depression never goes away. Like any deep seated illness, it remains. I’m just aware that it is there.

However, having had the illness helps me to understand that it is just that – an illness. So, why do some believe it is just a state of mind, and can be overcome through positive thinking? There is no doubt positive thinking can help you during your recovery. But, when depression takes hold, my belief is that you need professional help and, if prescribed through that professional help, medication to support the process of combating the illness.

I appreciate that there are the conspiracy theorists who believe that medication being prescribed is just filling the bank accounts of the pharmaceutical industry chiefs. That the media focus on depression being at epidemic levels, which sends us running to the nearest chemist for our medication. Why? Because they are all interlinked. Hell, I nearly bought into this. But, then, when i turned off the noise from the conspiracy theorists, I remembered ………. I was diagnosed with depression. It was diagnosed by a medical expert. I took medication to help fix my illness, and I’m glad I listened to the advice!

So, what’s the message? If you suffer from depression, please don’t hide. Please don’t be ashamed. Please don’t listen to the people who dare to suggest it’s all in your head. Please take about it. Please understand that you are not on your own. Please see that there is help. Please know that you can overcome it. Please keep the faith. Please. Xxx

To close, I’ve just heard “Love My Life” by Robbie Williams. Here’s the lyrics. I hope you can see why I thought they were appropriate.

“Tell your soul to me
I will never let go completely
One day our hands will be
Strong enough to hold me

I might not be there for all your battles
But you’ll win them eventually
I’ll pray that I’m giving you all that matters
So one day you’ll say to me

I love my life
I am powerful
I am beautiful
I am free
I love my life
I am wonderful
I am magical
I am me
I love my life

I am not my mistakes
And God knows I’ve made a few
I started to question the angels
And the answer they gave was you

I can not promise there won’t be sadness
I wish I could take it from you
But you’ll find the courage to face the madness
And see it because it’s true

I love my life
I am powerful
I am beautiful
I am free
I love my life
I am wonderful
I am magical
I am me
I love my life

Find the
Others
With hearts
Like yours
Run far
Run free
I’m with you

I love my life
I am powerful
I am beautiful
I am free
I love my life
I am wonderful
I am magical
I am me
I love my life
I am powerful
I am beautiful
I am free
I love my life
I am wonderful
I am magical
I am me
I love my life

And finally
I’m where I wanna be”
Take care.

 

 

Jon

One step beyond aka please don’t call it madness

Posted on by View from the ground

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“It is not the the bruises on the body that hurt. It is the wounds of the heart and the scars on the mind.” ― Aisha Mirza.

Welcome to the latest view from the ground blog. If this is the first time you have visited my place here, seated under a beautiful tree, observing the world, thank you for joining me as I watch the madness ensue. But, I don’t want to call it madness as that’s quite a rude expression and it is important that we go one step beyond and find better descriptions for the way we view things and observe people.

As you read through, I apologise for any typos. I don’t have the luxury of a prof reader anymore so I wing it. Write and right from the heart. Don’t worry, when the book, ‘Round the bend or turning a corner?’, is published it will be proof read and probably rewritten. The original purpose of the book was to be a self help book for anyone who could feel a change happening in their lives but couldn’t quite understand what. The first publication will still follow that footprint. The second version may be more of a personal reflection. Watch this pace, but don’t call it madness.

I read that the World Mental Health Day is next week. I day to highlight a growing illness, but still an illness that many, too many, hide from due to a perceived idea that others see it as a weakness, not an illness .

In looking into things in advance of putting some words together for this blog I read a quote from David Levithan with interest: –

“I think the idea of a ‘mental health day’ is something completely invented by people who have no clue what it’s like to have bad mental health. The idea that your mind can be aired out in twenty-four hours is kind of like saying heart disease can be cured if you eat the right breakfast cereal. Mental health days only exist for people who have the luxury of saying ‘I don’t want to deal with things today’ and then can take the whole day off, while the rest of us are stuck fighting the fights we always fight, with no one really caring one way or another, unless we choose to bring a gun to school or ruin the morning announcements with a suicide.”

I was really interested in this view and can really see what David means. Those who suffer with mental illness are in that condition 24/7, it’s not a badge, it’s an illness. I know those who suffer from on mental health issues may see the World Mental Health Day as quite patronising. If that’s the case, it must be some difficult.

However, I personally see the World Mental Health Day as a really important chance for people to say that we care. But, and it’s another big but, we have to carry that care into the every other day of the year.

I see this year’s theme set by the World Federation for Mental Health is psychological first aid and the support people can provide to those in distress. This has to be taken up by every government in every country and action MUST be taken. Stop bitch fighting, stop dropping bombs, stop talking about building walls and start taking action to help cure this hidden but growing illness.

Here’s a revelation – 12 years ago I walked into se my doctor in tears and proclaimed I couldn’t cope any more. I wasn’t suicidal, that’s not what I’m saying. But, I was ill. I had a stress related illness and I needed help. It was the best thing I every did. I needed a bit of time away from my day to day routine and I was subscribed medication. At first, I didn’t want the medication but I was pursued to take it and over a period of time, things improved and here I am writing blogs.

I wouldn’t say I am completed cured. It’s always there and some things have happened that could trigger the condition again. But, the key things for me are 1) recognising it is an illness; 2) being honest to me and others; and 3) talking (and writing) about it. I am not ashamed, I am not embarrassed about it and if I can help others I will – 24/7.

For those who are told medication is bad and that you are falling into the hands of the pharmaceutical giants. Make your own decisions. Ask yourself, if it fixed the illness, why deprive yourself of the cure just because some say otherwise. I’ll stop at that to avoid insulting anyone, as we are all, of course, entitled to our own opinions.

So, I for one will be supporting the World Mental Health Day. But at the same time I will always be aware of David Levithan’s views. He has a strong point and we should all be supporting and highlighting mental health every day.

To conclude, and to refer back to the title of the blog – the next time you hear someone talk about mental health or if you see someone suffering, please don’t say ‘are they mad’. It’s an illness and to give it such a badge is cruel and hurtful. Please think about the words. Please go one step beyond and please don’t call it madness.

And to close. I’d like to end with a song. Ta Dah! But, this time it’s personal.

Following a significant change in my life recently, times have been / are quite tough. But, when I look a what is going on in the world – particularly in Haiti – what have I got to complain about? And, at some stage, I’ll finish the book, although it will have a different conclusion. Anyway, I just wanted to say, in the words of Green Day, I’m “still breathing”. Take care and enjoy every minute and don’t even think about what the next minute will bring.

“I’m like a child looking off in the horizon
I’m like an ambulance that’s turning on the sirens
Oh, I’m still alive
I’m like a soldier coming home for the first time
I dodged a bullet and I walked across a landmind
Oh, I’m still alive

Am I bleeding? Am I bleeding from the storm?
Just shine a line into the wreckage, so far away, away

Cause I’m still breathing
Cause I’m still breathing on my own
My head’s above the rain and roses
Making my way, my way
Cause I’m still breathing
Cause I’m still breathing on my own
My head’s above the rain and roses
Making my way, my way
My way to you

I’m like a junkie tying off for the last time
I’m like a loser that’s betting on his last dime
Oh, I’m still alive
I’m like a son that was raised without a father
I’m like a mother barely keeping it together
Oh, I’m still alive

Am I bleeding? Am I bleeding from the storm?
Just shine a line into the wreckage, so far away, away

Cause I’m still breathing
Cause I’m still breathing on my own
My head’s above the rain and roses
Making my way, my way
Cause I’m still breathing
Cause I’m still breathing on my own
My head’s above the rain and roses
Making my way, my way, my way…

As I walked out on the ledge
Are you scared to dance to live?
I been running all my life
Just to find a home that’s for the restless
And the truth that’s in the message
Making my way, away, away

Cause I’m still breathing
Cause I’m still breathing on my own
My head’s above the rain and roses
Making my way, my way
Cause I’m still breathing
Cause I’m still breathing on my own
My head’s above the rain and roses
Making my way, my way, my way…
Cause I’m still breathing
Cause I’m still breathing on my own
My head’s above the rain and roses
Making my way, my way
My way to you”
Jon

Meditation mayhem

Posted on by View from the ground

 

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“Meditation is all about the pursuit of nothingness. It’s like the ultimate rest. It’s better than the best sleep you’ve ever had. It’s a quieting of the mind. It sharpens everything, especially your appreciation of your surroundings. It keeps life fresh.” – Hugh Jackman

Well, come to my view from the ground. See that play on words? Don’t you just love the English language! Anyway, welcome to, well, come on in to my little place on this wonderful planet.

It’s been a few months now since the stand alone View From The Ground blog site was launched. I would like to thank everyone for joining me on my path through the chaos better known as life. I would be truly delighted if you could recommend the site to people who you know that might enjoy reading my rambling but heart felt words.

Anyway, onwards and word wards. Strange expression ‘words wards’. I don’t know if it is an expression but, given there should be no rules when creating words, I chose to designate it as an expression from this day on. In fact, I hereby crash a bottle of champagne against the expression ‘words wards’ and wish it well as it sets sail through this blog and onwards into the ocean of words.

Sorry, I’m rambling. So, meditation and mayhem – 2 words which you would not expect alongside each other. Let’s look at the definition of both before I expand on what is going through my mind as I form this blog.

Meditation is a nice easy definition – “the act of giving your attention to only one thing, either as a religious activity or as a way of becoming calm and relaxed”.

Mayhem becomes more interesting – “a situation in which there is little or no order or control”. To be fair, there were many definitions but this one feels quite ‘calm’ when compared to some.

Okay – the big question is, how am I going to link ‘calm and relaxed ‘ with ‘no order or control’? It’s a good question and, by the end of the blog, I hope I find the answer.

Meditation is still a great mystery to many and, as a result, there is a misconception that those who meditate are either hippies or weirdos. Wrong! I suspect may who read this blog so, to an extent, I am preaching to the converted.

However, I am looking to this blog as a request to all to spread the word. I remain worried / concerned at the state of the world. As a resident of the U.K. I am seriously worried. The number of people suffering from stress and depression continues to rise. And this rise is not confined to one age group – it’s right across all ages and all parts of society. So I am worried.

However, meditation undoubtedly offers a route to look for inner peace and relaxation and if more people just gave it a go, imagine the possibilities.

Anyone who has read the View From The Ground blogs since the started over 2 years ago will know that I been interested in the power of meditation for some time. Before I gave it a go though I was one of those who thought it was a practice confined to hippy tree huggers, who sat on the ground, crossed legs, chanted ‘omm omm omm’ – or a sound similar to that.

For 2 years I have meditated – not prescriptively but in a way when I need to ‘rest’ my mind and just zone, meditate is the answer. And this is the challenge that those of us who understand the power of meditation must take up. To talk to others who may be struggling with life – be it at work or in their personal life, and just advise on how meditation may help them.

But, then, their us the challenge someone may ask – ‘how do I meditate’. This is where the mayhem can creep in because, as we know, there are so many different methods of achieving a meditative state. And if you listen to everyone, it can feel like there’s no order and you’re out of control.
I found that you can look too deeply into the different ways to meditate – guided, to music, in silence, as a group, and so on. But, I believe, once we have opened up someone’s mind to the idea of meditation it is then you them to decide what form of meditation works best for them.

Nobody could or should tell you what is the best method and we should think about how we landed at the way we meditate. My preference? Guided meditation works for me. It helps maintain that focus on achieving the right state as it were. But, that might not be for everyone.

What we should do, though, is avoid creating that meditation mayhem. Let us guide those who might be helped by it to the power of meditation. But once they want to go for it, let them find what works best for them.

Am I making sense? I thought not. I think I need to meditate – omm, omm, omm.

I hope you enjoyed my last ramblings. I’ll finish with a quote and a song. I sound like a 70’s entertainment show.

The quote – “Consider how hard it is to change oneself and you will understand why it is so hard to change others.” One to think about and may be the subject of a future blog.

And, the song. It’s just one that has meaning and I hope you’ll look up the video on You Tube.

“One day it’s here and then it’s gone
How are you still holding on?
How are you still holding on?
You’ve felt this way for far too long
Waiting for a change to come
You know you’re not the only one
And life passes you by
Don’t be wasting your time
On your own
You always try to see yourself
Through the eyes of someone else
Through the eyes of someone else
Too shy to say that you need help
You and everybody else
You and everybody else
Oh, life passes you by
Don’t waste your time
On your own
Yeah life passes you by
Don’t be wasting your time
All alone
As your heart gets bigger
And you try to figure out
What’s it all about
And your skin gets thicker
As you try to figure out
What’s it all about
Yeah life passes you by
Don’t waste your time
On your own
One day it’s here and then it’s gone
How are you still holding on?
How are you still holding on?”

One Day – Kodaline

I’ll leave that with you. Enjoy life and live and love the day, because you never know what is round the corner. And if you’re feeling the pressure, meditation is a solution but watch out for the mayhem.

Until the next time.
Jon

 

From the heart

Posted on by View from the ground

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I would like to share a blog that I posted earlier in the year when View From The Ground was published on a separate blog site. I have been in a reflective mood of Kate and this blog means a lot to me. I hope you enjoy it.

From the heart

“There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.” – Albert Einstein

A quote I love, and something I feel we could all learn from.

I always write from the heart and my hope / desire / mission is to reach out to as many people as possible. As I’ve already talked about in earlier blogs, I am exploring self love and self belief this year and I would love as many people as possible to join me on this mission.

Part of this work though is looking at where I feel we as a collective need to focus effort to help as many as we can. The last blog followed an article I saw about how too many young people are being prescribed anti-depressants. It could be argued that too many people are being prescribed them – full stop! Who benefits? Clearly, the medication numbs the depression of the person. This isn’t an ill informed comment. Having being prescribed anti-depressants 12 years ago, I am fully aware of their effects, have used them for a period of time. I talk about this in more detail in the book, View From The Ground, which continues to take shape.

But, who else benefits? The global pharmaceutical industry of course. I’ll avoid going off on a rant, on this occasion at least.

Of course, there are alternative solutions. But where will the money come from the implement a fully effect, alternative solution? Will a government be brave enough? I’ll let you decide.

Anyway, I’ve been reading, again. I saw an article advising that there have been calls for mindfulness training to be introduced in schools in the UK. In October, a Mindfulness All-Party Parliamentary Group said the practice should be made more widely available and recommended the Department for Education designate three schools to “pioneer mindfulness teaching and disseminate best practice”. Only three? Surely this rather important initiative warrants being ‘pioneered’ in a broader range of schools – a selection of schools spanning the whole of the U.K., and a selection of schools spanning the different socio economic groups + ensuring that it touches the incredible range of our diverse cultures.

Political author and former head of Wellington College Anthony Seldon has called for daily “stillness sessions” in schools.

I’m not sure the name,”stillness sessions” will necessarily grab the attention of the desired audience, but in theory this could be awesome.

The Dalai Lama was absolutely right when he said “If every 8 year old in the world is taught meditation, we will eliminate violence from the world within one generation.”

So can mindfulness meditation really help pupils concentrate amid the distractions of 21st Century living?

In my humble opinion, it absolutely could. If delivered correctly, and with appropriate time being given to the programme (or program to our American friends). We are blessed to have in our midst some friends who are already working with young children on such a concept, but if that could be taken into schools and colleges to older students, it could be incredible.

Now, considering the concerns raised in my last blog – as detailed above – if mindfulness was rolled out, and given the attention that it deserves, this could really help young people clear their heads, even if it is just a bit at a time. Just image the effect. In this crazy world that we have created, with 24/7 news blasting people with negativity – war, debt, death, Trump, Cameron, North Korea, bombs, etc – it’s no wonder people are fed up.

In all honesty, mindfulness to the corporate world would be a massive step forwards. I hear, see, read about so many people struggling with the pressures that they face in life (including when I look in the mirror), if businesses allowed time for employees to attend mindfulness sessions, or meditation groups, the results could be amazing. I know some companies already do this, but with a bit of encouragement from the governments, surely this could be launched on a much bigger scale. I would certainly attend!

These, of course, are just my observations but it feels like we could all benefit from a bit of mindfulness. It could be good for the heart, for the age of the heart.

And talking of the heart, I would like to end this short blog with a story from the weekend.

As is my Saturday routine, I undertake the weekly grocery shop at our local supermarket. Being a creature of habit, I always look to see if my favourite person is working the checkout. She is a beautiful soul, so friendly, and always willing to talk and help me to understand about her Sikh religion. I love learning about other cultures and we are blessed in the UK to have such a diverse population.

I was sad to learn that the lady’s sister had recently passed away, but she talked about how she praises and still talks to her sister. She also told be that her sister had left her the words for several songs, that she now sings so that she feels that her sister is with her.

At that point, whilst helping to pack my bags, she started to sing to me – holding regular eye contact, and it was as if she was in another world. That’s when it sunk in, she probably was. In a serene place where her sister’s spirit exists, whilst also being with me, and the hundreds of others in the supermarket. Incredible, beautiful, magically, inspirational. A lesion in love and true belief. A lesson in having unconditional belief that her sister was in her heart.

As I said, I love to learn.

And, so another short blog draws to an end. A slightly different format but, as always, written from the heart. I hope it resonates. In this messed up world, we all need to feel some love. Apologies for any occasional typos. It makes the blogs real. Not editorial support at this stage.

Take care. Keep the faith, and spread the word.
Jon

Music was my first love

Posted on by View from the ground

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View from the ground

“Music was my first love
And it will be my last.
Music of the future
And music of the past.

To live without my music
Would be impossible to do.
In this world of troubles,
My music pulls me through.

Music was my first love
And it will be last.
Music of the future
And music of the past
And music of the past
And music of the past.

Music was my first love
And it will be my last.
Music of the future
And music of the past.

To live without my music
Would be impossible to do.
In this world of troubles,
My music pulls me through.” – Music by John Miles

Welcome to a spontaneous view from the ground. As I was sitting on the bus this morning, listening to a particular track that always invokes an image of people suddenly bursting into a collective dance of joy, my mind wandered to thinking about the joy and availability of music. Like an old friend, ready to touch your life with hope and joy. Music can of course have the opposite effect – but for this blog I want to focus on its positive effects.

I think I have used the lyrics to Music by John Miles in a previous blog, but the words really resonate – particularly “To live without my music, would be impossible to do. In this world of troubles, my music pulls me through”. I hope music is helping so many people around the world at their time of need. What ever form of music, I hope it lifts the hearts of people who need that lift – along with everyone else, of course, who just love music.

Music is always there – it can reflect a mood, a moment. Lyrics can inspire and can create a memory.

I have so many songs that immediately invoke a happy memory – of a concert, a holiday, an event, and so on. I am sure it is the same with you. I ask that you join me me in a moment of relaxation, where we think about those songs, those moments, that create that special feeling of joy, warmth, happiness. Just think.

As I’ve said, I have a particular song that when I hear it, I just think about people getting up and dancing for no reason at all. Well, there is a reason. Letting go, and just going with the music. It’s strange, as I have the moves of an antique wardrobe but I love watching people dance freely and without an concern for what people think. I wish I could. Well (that word again) I do – when I have drained 2 bottles of wine. The I dance and spin like a whirling dervish. And, I don’t care who watches. My ambition – which, I WILL achieve – is to dance like like without a drop of alcohol in my system. Watch this space or, better still, watch YouTube. It will be called something like ‘Fat Boy Spin’ (think about it).

Just think about the power of music. It’s therapeutic quality; its ability to connect people; the joy it brings; the escapism it brings.

Imagine – listening to a song or a piece of music and everyone dances together. Regardless of colour, origin, religion, gender, age, financial position etc. One mass dance. Picture it, thousands of people bouncing together. Able bodied people helping disabled people enjoy the music, the feel of the vibration. For that period of time, no one cares. Just joy. But – there’s always a but – that joy continues after the music stops. That lifted state of joy and love continues. The connection between people remains. The desire to be together, as one, remains in everyone’s hearts and minds.

Imagine – here’s an even better one – a simultaneously timed playing of a song or a piece music around the world where people gathers to dance, to jump, and just have fun. The energy release through that simple act of joy that everyone can connect with and enjoy with each other. No need for anything but fun, energy and love. And they take that joy away and spread the love and peace with all that they come into contact with.

Just think – how easy would that be to arrange. So – a request – if you know someone who can help in manifesting this – my email is jonlduke@icloud.com. I’d love to do it. I even know the song. What is it? Time will tell.

So, to finish, it feels like another song – and a dance – is in order. I suggest that you brush yourself down, give yourself a knowing smile in the mirror, have a quick swig of your favourite tipple and, as the song goes – Let’s Face The Music And Dance.

“There may be trouble ahead
But while there’s music and moonlight (moonlight and music) and love and
romance
Let’s face the music and dance
Before the fiddlers have fled
Before they ask us to pay the bill, and while we still have that chance
Let’s face the music and dance
Soon, we’ll be without the moon
Humming a different tune – and then…
There may be teardrops to shed
So (But) while there’s music and moonlight (moonlight and music) and love and
romance
(Let’s face the music and dance, dance)
(Let’s face the music – let’s here that music)
Let’s face the music and dance”

Enjoy the music. It was my first love and it will be my last.
Jon

Mum’s the word

Posted on by View from the ground

View from the ground

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“I’m gonna make a change, for once in my life. It’s gonna feel real good. Gonna make a difference. Gonna make it right.” – Man In The Mirror by Michael Jackson.

Words are good, but unless they are accompanied by actions they can, at times, be worthless. There is a lot of talk on social media about the need for people to make a change and I am not short of desire to change my path. But are we doing it?

Across the globe there are significant decisions that people need to make this year – as a collective. A couple of examples are the presidential election in the USA and the referendum in the UK as to whether to stay in the European Union or whether to go it only and return to being little islanders. The outcome of these events could result in significant change. Maybe, just maybe, sometimes change might not always be a good thing.

So, welcome to the latest view from the ground. It’s taken a bit of time to put this blog together. I started a few weeks ago but it’s not being easy. I’m not sure why as, like a lot of my thinking, the core theme is mindfulness. What? Again! Yes, indeed. There are 2 reasons. 1) It’s a subject I have a true passion for; and 2) The more people I talk to; people who are really struggling with where they are at the moment; the more I truly believe mindfulness is an answer to a lot. Perhaps, it could be said, it is THE answer.

As usual, I’ve been looking at various definitions of mindfulness. Here’s the latest one: –

“Mindfulness is the practice of bringing one’s attention to the internal and external experiences occurring in the present moment, which can be developed through the practice of meditation. The term “mindfulness” is a translation of the Pali-term sati, which is a significant element of some Buddhist traditions.”

Interesting, in that this definition suggests mindfulness can be developed through meditation. I can see that and meditation is a wonderful practice and something I enjoy. However, is it essential in order to achieve a state of mindfulness? Could the thought of meditation – certainly in the first stages of achieving mindfulness – be something that could prevent those who truly NEED to find a state of mindfulness?

I talk to so many people these days who are stressed / anxious / depressed and who struggle to achieve that place of being able to live in the moment, because of events from yesterday or worries about tomorrow. There is no one group of people – it could be men or women who are under considerable and, it could be argued, unreasonable pressure at work, it could be teenagers under considerable and, there’s no argument about this, unreasonable pressure to achieve at school or college. There are a whole range of situations that cause us to struggle with what life throws at us.

This all got me thinking. Think back to your childhood. Who would you turn to when you were struggling, or upset about something. Mum! Those of us lucky enough to have a loving, caring mum always knew she was there. Mum’s definitely the word.

And then, that got my thinking about linking our reliance on mum when we were young, or maybe not so young, and on achieving that state of mindfulness – on achieving a state of living in the present. On always having a trigger, when we are feeling low or vulnerable.

Make Use (of) Mindfulness – MUM.

To be fair, this started out as being called My Understanding (of) Mindfulness. As I’ve talked about above, I’ve looked at a lot of definitions of mindfulness. Ultimately, they are other people’s definitions. This should be about what mindfulness means to you and how you can use it to help you. How you can live for today, to live in the present moment without feeling the pressures of what happened yesterday and without worrying about what you think might happen tomorrow.

Now, those who know me will look with some scepticism about me talking about not getting wound up about what happened yesterday and not worrying about what might happen tomorrow. However, I would question whether those same people actually know me. Whether they know the battle that I am winning in my personal plight to use mindfulness in its full glory to focus on living for today. That is why I write these blogs, to share my experiences and to hopefully help others realise that they are not on their own.

It’s now 11 1/2 years since I accepted that my state of stress and anxiety was an illness and needed to be fixed. I have spent too long worrying about events from years previous and how they could be repeated in future. Basically, not living in the moment. I will talk about this in more, candid, depth in the View From The Ground book. The book now has a name ‘Round The Bend Or Turning The Corner’. The book has 64,000 words. I just need my balcony in Spain to create the final version of the magic.

Ultimately, we all need to decide on how mindfulness works best for us on an individual level and then to share that learning with others.

But, when we are struggling with yesterday or worrying about tomorrow – we should Make Use (of) Mindfulness. Mum’s the word.

To close, as with the start, in the words of Michael Jackson, “Stand Up and lift yourself, now! ………………. Make that change”.

I hope this blog has helped. I dedicate it to all of those people who have just found things a little tough, a little overwhelming. When you struggle, it’s not because you are weak, it’s because something needs fixing. Keep strong, keep believing, and focus in living in the glorious moment of right now.

Take care. If you want to share your thoughts, please contact me through jonlduke@icloud.com.
Jon

What’s my age?

Posted on by View from the ground

View from the ground

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“I’m happy to report that my inner child is still ageless.” – James Broughton

Well, I’m happy to report it’s raining outside …….. again. When I say happy, I’m happy that I can report it’s raining outside. That means: –

* I woke up;
* I’m inside being able to look outside;
* I have vision to see the rain;
* I don’t have to go outside in the rain;
* I have the technology to report it’s raining; and
* I am very grateful that at least one person is reading this.

I am grateful / thankful for all of the above.

Welcome to my latest view from the ground. I sometimes wonder if I should call the blogs ‘view from the comfy chair’, as I tend to write the blogs whilst sitting in the living room (lounge). Usually there is music playing. Today, I have the delights of Ben playing FIFA on his Play Station 4. Love his company. I’m grateful. Maybe I’ll set up a new group. Who knows.

Those who have visited recent blogs will have observed that my current path has taken me to focus on living in the present. The last blog, ‘a view from the ground look at mindfulness‘ very much dealt with how looking at enjoying the present can help our mind not to regret yesterday or worry about tomorrow.

I guess I am focussing on how to just enjoy life. I’ve talked to a lot of people recently who are struggling with how they feel at present. They are full of regret, worry, and an overall heaviness. It’s the latter that causes the worry because, in many cases, they don’t know why they feel heavy / overwhelmed by a sense of darkness.

There’s no doubt, from a personal perspective, my moods have been, at best, erratic (I had to make sure that hadn’t spell checked as erotic. This blog site isn’t a place for sharing those thoughts. Please visit ………….. only joking!). Worry about past mistakes, worry about tomorrow’s events, worry full stop. I need to take my own advice. Live in the present.

Now, living in the present is, there is no doubt, the best place to be. But, then, even then, have you looked in the mirror and though ‘where did all that time go’? We suddenly feel our AGE.

Well, a recent blog by the great Dr. David Hamilton gave me a well timed slap in the face. The blog, How To Slow Ageing – was an excellent read. I love his books – very inspirational and last year’s ‘I ❤️ Me’ put me on my road towards understanding self belief and self love.

I was interested in the blog that Dr. David said that we have two ages. The chronological age, which is the number of years we have lived, and. the physiological age, which is the age of the body, and that depends to a large extent on diet, exercise and attitude. By doing the right things, the physiological age can go backwards.

With regards to the chronological age, I looked up one of many definitions of age – “the amount of time during which a person or animal has lived. Or, the amount of time during which a thing has existed. Or, the time of life when a person does something or becomes legally able to do something.”

Okay, simply put, not a great deal that we can do about that.

So, back to the physiological age. Dr. David quotes  a study that, in part, concluded that attitude was more influential on the ageing process than blood pressure, cholesterol levels, smoking, body weight and even exercise levels in how long a person lived.

This really resonated (one of my favourite words). As he say, attitude really counts, no matter what number we attached to ourselves from a chronological perspective. If we have a negative preconceived idea of limitations of age, then will just live in accordance to that thought process. If, however, we program ourselves with a positive attitude, with the right mindset and, in the words of another author I love, John C Parkin, shout F**K IT, we give ourselves every chance of slowing the ageing process.

Another suggestion – as written about by Vivienne Duke, in These Wings Can Fly – is to release that inner child. I’ve use the expression in an earlier blog about it being TIME TO DANCE. But, as it observes in the book, children have no inhibitions. They view the world almost with awe. They don’t allow themselves to be aged by worry, worry, worry.

Too many people worry about ‘getting old’. One thing’s for sure, if you think about / worry about getting old, guess what? You’ll start to feel like you’re getting old. It’s not rocket science. It’s a mind over matter process. Think young, act young, feel young!

I love being daft, teasing people and generally being what some would regard as being immature.

The definition of immature – “having or showing an emotional or intellectual development appropriate to someone younger.” Well, if that’s as bad as it gets bring it on!

The definitions of all words are created by us, to suit us. So, I’m going to recreate the definition for immature “a person willing to let go of life’s preconceived views of how they should behave and who wants to have fun with as many people as they can. A person who wants to bring sunshine into someone’s life when they might be having a cloudy day. A person who wants to life in the present”.

To use a quote featured in These Wings Can Fly and used in part in a previous blog: –

“Dance like there’s nobody watching you
Love like you’ll never be hurt
Sing like there’s nobody listening
And live like it’s heaven on earth”
William W Purkey

So, if you see me walking down the street, don’t walk on by. Don’t ask my age. Let’s have a little sing and dance.

And this is where I will close. I might just put a bit of lively music on for a quick jig in the kitchen. Come and join me. Let’s dance!

Take care of yourself. Take care of your family and friends. Take care of those who need a hand to hold. Take care of our beautiful planet.

As usual. Apologies for any typos. I’m open to applications for proof reading. Payment by means of gratitude.
Jon