The journey ………. so far

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View From The Ground

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“I try to stay in a constant state of confusion just because of the expression it leaves on my face.”
― Johnny Depp

Welcome to the latest view from the ground. I hope you don’t mind, but this is personal.

There’s a lot of horrible stuff going on around us at the moment. War – senseless; murder – senseless; starvation – senseless; homeless refugees – senseless; homeless people on the streets – senseless. And that’s just the start. The world’s a mess, and it’s a mess created by the human race.

Why?

There’s a lot of people awakening to this mess and there is an awareness that something must be done. There’s a collective of people rising, and as a collective what we have is special. But I’m troubled. Deeply troubled. Something on a personal level is stuck.

I was lucky to have started my journey something like 2 1/2 years ago with Viv. As those who have read my blogs – probably 30+ blogs now – I was lucky enough to contribute to Viv’s book, These Wings Can Fly, and that’s where View From The Ground started.

Viv and I have always had a different view on our road of discovery – Viv from a deeper perspective, whereas I see things, as the blog page suggested, from the ground. It works.

Over the last 2 1/2 years, Viv has developed a strong understanding of her development and has grown incredibly – as a Shaman, a Reiki Master, and a healer, to name just a few. I’m proud of her and I know she will continue to grow.

My development is different. I know I have my own role to play, as an interpreter of what I see and hear. To seek to encourage others to find answers as to how we / they can heal our/themselves and in turn, heal each other, our communities, and the world.

I know that part of my role in life is to come out from behind the shadows of others and to make my own steps forward.

Through my blogs, I seek to connect with others, so that we can join hands and walk together. Through the blogs, I seek to reach out to as many as possible and encourage people to share their experiences and thus show we are not on our own. This is why I ask for the blogs to be shared. I would love to read posts from others.

For certain, as a collective, what we have – or is it, what we could have? – is special.

But, I am troubled. Maybe by the need to hear from others? Maybe by the question – is it just me? Maybe, and this is literally coming to me as I write, is it by the fact that I am looking to others? Maybe that’s just it, my belief that I need others.

In reality, I should be seeking to inspire others. To encourage others to find each other; to join hands with each other. Whereas I need to keep moving forward, interpreting what I see and hear, sharing that information and then moving on again. Not waiting for others to join me.

Maybe, that is the role of View From The Ground.

I’ve used this analogy with Viv. I need to see it that I’m in my boat on a river. There are people on the river bank. But I need to allow them to find their own boat and decide whether they want to follow me. Not wait to see if they want to get in my boat. We can all sail on the same river but we need to have the ability to sail at our own pace and maybe take a break every now and again.

And, again, this is coming to me as I type this blog and it is proving to be therapeutic, this is why I maybe shouldn’t be troubled. People have found their boats, and are sailing along. And that’s just great!

Maybe, just maybe, I shouldn’t be troubled. I should just celebrate that, as we all sail along in our own little boats, what we have really is special. And, at times maybe I just need to rest from my development. Maybe I expect too much of myself. Maybe I should just let it flow.

And there ends a rather personal blog. Thanks for bearing with me. I hope it makes a bit of sense. Just a confusing time for a lot of us.

Take care.

Jon

Where is the love?

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VIEW FROM THE GROUND

“Where Is The Love?” – Black Eyed Pea

For what is proving to be a very challenging, and at times, incredibly sad month, these lyrics feel so appropriate. A song for unity, not division. Surely it is better to be ONE?

“What’s wrong with the world, mama
People livin’ like they ain’t got no mamas
I think the whole world addicted to the drama
Only attracted to things that’ll bring you trauma

Overseas, yeah, we try to stop terrorism
But we still got terrorists here livin’
In the USA, the big CIA
The Bloods and The Crips and the KKK

But if you only have love for your own race
Then you only leave space to discriminate
And to discriminate only generates hate
And when you hate then you’re bound to get irate, yeah

Madness is what you demonstrate
And that’s exactly how anger works and operates
Man, you gotta have love just to set it straight
Take control of your mind and meditate
Let your soul gravitate to the love, y’all, y’all

People killin’, people dyin’
Children hurt and you hear them cryin’
Can you practice what you preach?
Or would you turn the other cheek?

Father, Father, Father help us
Send some guidance from above
‘Cause people got me, got me questionin’
Where is the love (Love)

Where is the love (The love)
Where is the love (The love)
Where is the love, the love, the love

It just ain’t the same, old ways have changed
New days are strange, is the world insane?
If love and peace are so strong
Why are there pieces of love that don’t belong?

Nations droppin’ bombs
Chemical gasses fillin’ lungs of little ones
With ongoin’ sufferin’ as the youth die young
So ask yourself is the lovin’ really gone

So I could ask myself really what is goin’ wrong
In this world that we livin’ in people keep on givin’ in
Makin’ wrong decisions, only visions of them dividends
Not respectin’ each other, deny thy brother
A war is goin’ on but the reason’s undercover

The truth is kept secret, it’s swept under the rug
If you never know truth then you never know love
Where’s the love, y’all, come on (I don’t know)
Where’s the truth, y’all, come on (I don’t know)
Where’s the love, y’all

People killin’, people dyin’
Children hurt and you hear them cryin’
Can you practice what you preach?
Or would you turn the other cheek?

Father, Father, Father help us
Send some guidance from above
‘Cause people got me, got me questionin’
Where is the love (Love)

Where is the love (The love)?
Where is the love (The love)?
Where is the love (The love)?
Where is the love (The love)?
Where is the love (The love)?
Where is the love (The love)?
Where is the love, the love, the love?

I feel the weight of the world on my shoulder
As I’m gettin’ older, y’all, people gets colder
Most of us only care about money makin’
Selfishness got us followin’ the wrong direction

Wrong information always shown by the media
Negative images is the main criteria
Infecting the young minds faster than bacteria
Kids wanna act like what they see in the cinema

Yo’, whatever happened to the values of humanity
Whatever happened to the fairness and equality
Instead of spreading love we’re spreading animosity
Lack of understanding, leading us away from unity

That’s the reason why sometimes I’m feelin’ under
That’s the reason why sometimes I’m feelin’ down
There’s no wonder why sometimes I’m feelin’ under
Gotta keep my faith alive ’til love is found
Now ask yourself

Where is the love?
Where is the love?
Where is the love?
Where is the love?

Father, Father, Father, help us
Send some guidance from above
‘Cause people got me, got me questionin’
Where is the love?

Sing with me y’all:
One world, one world (We only got)
One world, one world (That’s all we got)
One world, one world
And something’s wrong with it (Yeah)
Something’s wrong with it (Yeah)
Something’s wrong with the wo-wo-world, yeah
We only got
(One world, one world)
That’s all we got
(One world, one world)”

Shining lights

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“Imagine there’s no heaven
It’s easy if you try
No hell below us
Above us only sky
Imagine all the people
Living for today… Aha-ah…

Imagine there’s no countries
It isn’t hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion too
Imagine all the people
Living life in peace… You,..

You may say I’m a dreamer
But I’m not the only one
I hope someday you’ll join us
And the world will be as one

Imagine no possessions
I wonder if you can
No need for greed or hunger
A brotherhood of man
Imagine all the people
Sharing all the world… You,..

You may say I’m a dreamer
But I’m not the only one
I hope someday you’ll join us
And the world will be as one”

Imagine – John Lennon

A deep, unrelenting feeling of sadness has swept the world over the last few days. 49 people murdered in Orlando in a terrorist attack against those who stand true to themselves and their sexuality. Then, a Member of Parliament in Great Britain is murdered on the streets of her constituency in a terrorist attack against an individual standing in her truth in wanting unity in Great Britain, in Europe but, more importantly, the world.

But, at a moment of true, heart wrenching loss, Brendan Cox – the husband of the brutally murdered Jo Cox MP (who I have heard described beautifully as a 21st century Good Samaritan) – stood up and posted the most stunning tribute to his late wife.

I have shared these words at the head of this blog. I have read them over and over again. These words are a message to the world; a message to the power brokers who weld such control over the world; a message to the political leaders who expound their arrogant, hypocritical nonsense; but, more importantly, a message to the masses to stand up and as one be counted.

“Today is the beginning of a new chapter in our lives.” I pray that the lives of Jo’s family can be strong in the memory of what an incredible person she clearly was. It is sad but, in equally measures, inspiring that it is only in her being taken so tragically early that the majority of us learn what an inspiration Jo clearly was. The work that she did globally – through Oxfam, in Syria to name just two – and locally in uniting the diverse community that Jo represented in the Government.

But, this has to be a new chapter for us all. We, the global population, MUST learn that hatred achieves nothing. Actually, that’s wrong! It achieves something incredible. It achieves a uniting if right minded people to stand up and shout NO! We will not allow hatred to rule us. We will not allow hatred to bring fear into our lives. We WILL use this hatred to unite us in love for humanity.

But, this can not be a short lived unity. This has to be the start of a new chapter of unified understanding that we are all one – regardless of beliefs, gender, colour, sexuality, origin, ‘class’ (horrible word / concept), status, so on and so forth.

We need to look to our political leaders to learn from Jo Cox MP; to look at what she stood for, and to look at what she believed in and represented. Again, it is only now that the majority learn about her values and objectives. But it is my firm belief, if more of her fellow MPs in Great Britain but, equally, the equivalent around the world, stood true to why they were elected, we could be somewhat closer to the unified planet that both Jo and many, many others strife for and dream of.

“Jo believed in a better world and she fought for it every day of her life with an energy, and a zest for life that would exhaust most people”.

We can not let that energy and zest for life go to waste. A path has been laid; roots have been planted and that path must be trod by the masses to ensure that the hard work and those beliefs grow in our hearts and we stand up and be counted. Jo Cox must now be firmly planted in all of our hearts and we must unite.

I have talked regularly in previous blogs at the need for the population to stand alongside each other, to join hands, to to walk forward together – as one. Now is that time.

The push to unite must now be relentless and we must be unbreakable in our drive to be one. In our desire to pick up those who have fallen; to heal those who are broken; to love those who are in fear; and to challenge those who seek to divide; to show those who seek to inspire fear that they will not be victorious. The winners will be the masses who unite to be ONE in the name of Jo Cox and all others who gave been taken too early through the hatred of the few.

“… We all unite to fight against the hatred that killed her. Hate does not have a creed, race or religion, it is poisonous.”
It is the global community’s responsibility to join in the name of Jo Cox, and those who were murdered in Orlando, and to unite in love to overcome fear and hatred. We are one, and as one we can overcome anything.

I have included the beautiful words from Brendan Cox about their children and family because I feel they are such a powerful message for us all. But, we must respect their need for privacy and to channel love to them at this dreadfully difficult time for them.

The final words of Brendan’s tribute says it all – “Jo would have no regrets about her life, she lived every day of it to the full”. We must all be inspired by these words and to grow and be strong through the life of a beautiful woman and inspirational soul.
And to close, I include in all of these words my love to those in Orlando who tragically lost their lives through an attack driven through hatred. These were lives cruelly taken, of people standing in their truth, and living life as it should be. We must all stand as one, unite with the gay community and all communities to state that we will not be divided. We are the same, we are the people, and love will conquer all. The global community must join hands with EVERYONE.

As John Lennon said “You may say I’m a dreamer. But I’m not the only one. I hope someday you’ll join us. And the world will be as one”

Love to all.
Jon

All for one and one for all

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View from the ground

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“Be the change you wish to see reflected in the world.” — Mahatma Gandhi

The above quote was the chosen start for my latest blog. I’d started to shape a view ideas about the random things on my mind. But then, to paraphrase the words of The Beatles – I read the news today ……. oh boy!

Thank you for joining me on this latest step on my road of understanding. Be the change you wish to see reflected in the world? Oh boy. As I have reflected before, I read the news a lot. But today, wow!

  • 50 dead in an Orlando gay club shooting.
  • Shanghai airport blast wounds 4.
  • English, Russian, and French football ‘followers’ fighting
  • David Cameron, Boris Johnson, Michael Gove, and Nigel Farage trading blows over whether Great Britain should be in or out of the European Union. Most people don’t realise their arguments are self motivated and I do not believe for the benefit of the working person.
  • Desperate people drowning whilst trying to escape war ravaged countries.
  • The forthcoming USA presidential election. I won’t express a comment here and will just leave that thought about what could happen.

And that’s just the start. Of course, we have also lost a true legend in the shape of Muhammad Ali.

I had the privilege of watching a speech from Rabbi Michael Lerner and I would encourage everyone to watch, listen, and learn from his wise words at the Muhammad Ali memorial. Effectively, he managed to capture the incredible inspiration that Muhammad Ali was, and how he tried to bring the world together as one.

But, the Rabbi does more. He points a wise finger at world leaders and speaks some uncomfortable truths.

Here’s the link for the speech by Rabbi Michael Lerner – although there may be some out there who want to remove the video so, if you haven’t seen it already, please watch quickly.

The speech brings the following quote to mind – “I consider myself a Hindu, Christian, Moslem, Jew, Buddhist and Confucian.” — Mahatma Gandhi.

We need to stop this division in the world right now. Can one person do that? Actually, just think about it – what was Muhammad Ali doing? One man, standing up and uniting religions, breaking down ethnic misunderstandings, and saying war should stop.

Makes you think! Martin Luther King – one man. Nelson Mandella – one man. Get the picture? These are people who stood up against the machine and told it how it could be – if you unite are understand that we are all one. “In union there is strength.” — Aesop.

So, I’m sure you are thinking, we are not these men. No, but we can be. If we truly believe; if, in our hearts we truly understand that we are ONE.

It takes one person to stand up and say NO, I’m not going to let racial, religious, gender, sexuality, xenophobic hatred any more. I’m not going to turn a blind eye to the hate filled actions of leaders and would be leaders. I’m not going to pretend I didn’t hear those hate filled words of those who claim to speak for the people. With that ONE person, then another one joins and then a group starts to form. Once a group – better still, a union – starts to form, then we can start making a difference.

Well, I’ll stick my hand up to be a person who will use social media, use my blogs, use my gift of speech to make my feeling know. Yes, I’m just little old me in Great Britain – in Europe! But I want others to do the same. Make some noise. Stand up against the wrong and shout about what is right. A nation, continent, world united.

It starts with one, it can grow to all being ONE! All for one and one for all.

So, to close, a Chinese proverb – “If you want happiness…
For an hour — take a nap.
For a day — go fishing.
For a month — get married.
For a year — inherit a fortune.
For a lifetime — help someone else.”

Sorry for the rant, but we could be so magnificent. Rabbi Michael Lerner captured the true spirit of Muhammad Ali. Please watch, listen and spread the word. Please.

Jon

Mum’s the word

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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

You are not alone

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View from the ground

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“What we are today comes from our thoughts of yesterday, and our present thoughts build our life of tomorrow. Our life is the creation of our mind.” – Buddha

“When we are mindful, deeply in touch with the present moment, our understanding of what is going on deepens, and we begin to be filled with acceptance, joy, peace and love.”

I dedicate this blog to anyone who, by living in the present moment, is wondering what the hell is going on? Thinking, where has the energy, motivation, positivity gone? Thinking, why are so many people blaming each and everyone else for what ever is going on?

Rest assured, you are not alone.

As with last week, when I started to think about a blog, I had set out on a different direction. In fact, I had intended to complete the blog I started last week, but, for many, many reasons, I have not drive to finish that blog – yet. It actually feels quite sacred and, I feel, some clearing needs to be completed before I finish it. Watch this space. There is a lot of clutter to throw out first.

Do you find yourself questioning everything? Well, it would appear something amazing is happening. Really? Well, having read an article on http://www.collectivelyconscious.net it would appear so.

Obviously, I enjoy reading and I like to use the blog to share things I find. Hopefully, it helps others who may be experiencing the same feels but, equally, with the passion to arrive at that Utopia place of self belief and self love.
This article was written by Gustavo Tanaka of http://www.medium.com and I intend to reflect on some of it for this blog.

Gustavo has clearly had an awakening and broken free from the rules that bind most of us to our day to day ‘routine’. His has allowed him the freedom to look at things from a different perspective and it’s that which I find fascinating.

Now, at this point, if Viv is reading this, she will be screaming that this is exactly what she has been talking about for months. I know but, as Viv also understands (to her frustration 😀) I like things to be validated through my own readings. So, here I am, some months later, acknowledging that I get it.

The world is changing it’s just most of us maybe haven’t been aware.

Gustavo has highlighted 8 reasons that lead him to believe the world is changing and I would like to share some of them with you. To see all 8 please visit the above shown website.

I share these in the spirit of information share. I’ll just put them out there and you decide on whether you can relate to them.

 
1. No one can stand the employment model any longer. Now, I think this is a sweeping statement from Gustavo and would question whether that the observation extends to everyone. However, there is no doubt that there are a growing number of people employed in the corporate work who are disillusioned and struggling to exist within a very strained environment.

Stress at work has been a problem for a long time and statistics suggest it remains. Gustavo also that people are feeling a growing lack of purpose. I’ll let you decide from your own experiences whether he is right but, it makes you think. I think the important thing for anyone feeling like this is to be aware that you are not alone.

2. The rise of collaboration. This is a refreshing observation by Gustavo although the world of collaboration is not new to me. This is the world Viv lives in. If you want to find out more please have a look at www.emeraldfield.org. Gustavo observes that many people have come to the conclusion that it doesn’t make any sense to go on by yourself. Many people have awakened from the “every man for himself” state of mind. He also, quite rightly, reflects that the human race seem to be drifting apart from each other.

I personally link this very much to the above comments about the corporate world. I sadly believe that, despite all of the technology, the ability to communicate, the ability to travel, we have grown apart and that we look at each other with suspicion. Sad!

However, things are changing. Sharing, collaborative economy concepts are being implemented, and it points towards a new direction. The direction of collaborating, of sharing, of helping, of togetherness. Again, I ask that you visit www.emeraldfield.org to have a look at the sharing economy society that Viv and her associates are driving towards. It’s a new world for many to grasp, but it can and it will be THE new world for us all. We just need to embrace it.

3. We are finally figuring out what the Internet is. Now, this observation is an interesting one. Gustavo reflects that the major media groups, who have controlled news by how it best serves the message that they want to get out, are no longer the sole owners of information. We go after the information we want and we look for that information where we want.

I would question, however, who controls the Internet and do we truly have the freedom of information? Certainly, things are more free flowing and we have AN ability to find information but I question whether that it total ability.

That said, as Gustavo states, nations saw true revolutions that used the Internet as the primary catalyst, such as the Arab Spring. And, of course, with the Internet, the small are no longer speechless. There is a voice. I use it for these blogs. I’ll use it to get View From The Ground – the book – out as an e-book. So, the Internet is bring the world together and, I hope, it can help us unite.

4. The awakening of spirituality. The ‘S’ word! I’ve written about this before but I truly believe that, at last, there really is an awakening towards spirituality. Spiritual people are not these weird, tree hugging, daisy chain wearing characters that many believe. How many people do we know who use yoga to get in touch with their inner peace? How many people do we know who mediate?

As many readers will know, spirituality  is, in general, a sense of connection to something bigger than ourselves, and it typically involves a search for meaning in life.

Attitudes are changing and people are talking openly about spirituality, as they can see the link to meditation and to the search for something bigger; something unexplained.

I also agree with Gustavo’s observation that people want to understand how many things work — how life operates, what happens after death, what is this energy thing people talk about so much, what is quantum physics, how thoughts can be materialised and create our sense of reality, what is coincidence and synchronicity, why meditation works, how it’s possible to cure some ailments using nothing but bare hands, how those alternative therapies not always approved by regular medicine can actually work sometimes.

As I’ve said in previous blogs, some forward thinking companies are providing meditation to their employees. I truly wish this could become the norm, not the exception. Some schools are teaching the young how to meditate. What a beautiful thing to do!

It’s a quiet revolution. There is an awakening, and through that awakening hopefully a peaceful revolution against the madness of modern society. I just ask that we spread the world and start building a true gathering.

So, there you have it. To learn more, visit Gustavo Tanaka on http://www.medium.com.

I hope this has been of interest. If you are asking yourself what the hell us going on, you are definitely not alone. But the world us changing so let’s get involved in that change.

Have a great week. If you’ve spotted a typo above, I do it on purpose really 😀.
Jon

Today I choose happiness

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View from the ground

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“Happiness does not depend on what you have or who you are. It solely relies on what you think.” – Buddha.

Welcome to a new day and to the latest View From The Ground blog.

Today’s thoughts have sprung to mind as a bit of a curve ball. I had set out some thoughts for a different blog, but then I read an article (yes, sorry, I’ve been reading again!) and it changed my thinking. Primarily, because of the way I’ve been thinking.

I don’t know about you but this last week has been a real struggle. Feelings of real despondency, nothing is good enough. Feelings of a lack of self worth have been abundant and days of worry, worry, worry. I’m sure I am not on my own, and I guess I am reaching out to others who may be feeling the same. In the main, to say that we know we can do something about it and that we need to move out of this state of mind. We have the power. We ARE the power to stop this and today is the day.

So, it was with interest that I came across this article this morning – at time when I was reflecting on things.

Bearing in mind I have focussed a lot of my recent blogs on living in the present and on the overall concept around mindfulness, why have I been fed up with yesterday (not literally, as yesterday was a day in the sun! My idea of bliss); worrying about tomorrow: so not really celebrating life today.

Bearing in mind over the last week, I have had some good times meeting friends for a catch up and there’s been some enjoyable family time, what’s the problem?

And then, when I was doing a ‘wide awake’ meditation, it came to me. Happiness!

Happiness? Yes, HAPPINESS!

Of course, I am a happy man. I am grateful and therefore I am happy. But, and here’s the big but (note, no picture included of a big butt for comedic effect). I have forgotten how to think happiness, to show happiness, and to share happiness. Am I on my own?

I look in the mirror and I see grumpy. I’m grateful, therefore I’m happy, but I look grumpy. How does that effect others? The answer is obvious. How many others are the same?

So, to see this article today has been a gift. I was hooked by the words ‘How to be happy’.

In reality, what I read and what I want to share is not rocket science. Nothing in life is. It’s about belief and application. It’s about not allowing that belief to be polluted by those whose interests are better served by you being in a state of lacking of self worth and self belief.

The key to happiness, latest research tells us, is knowing where to look. As it rightly reflects, from a young age it is programmed into us to aim high and to seek happiness in a better job, new achievement and further success. Think about it. How this programming occurs. What we read, what we see on TV, what we are told by ‘greater minds’.

But, these goals are more likely to make us miserable. Being driven may hold us back, says Dr Raj Raghunathan at the University of Texas.

The doctor’s research shows that supposedly successful and “intelligent” people don’t make life choices that lead to happiness. He saw that after a reunion with his PhD class, the more visible the achievements – be that success at work promotions, pay rises, fancy holidays and bigger homes – the more unfulfilled and distracted the group seemed overall.

Through his research, Dr Raj Raghunathan identified five key areas that can have a huge effect on our wellbeing – all of which are within our control. And, as I’ve said above, that’s the thing. We can control that state of mind.

So, let’s look at these areas and see how we can learn.

Don’t pursue happiness – the advice is to prioritise rather than chase happiness. An interesting balance here because a lot of well meaning advice is that we must pursue happiness, almost at all cost. But there is a big difference. Many of us believe, in theory, that to chase happiness – whatever it actually is – is important and place it above being intelligent and making money, and yet in reality we sacrifice happiness for other things.

We should therefore take steps to increase the chances of FEELING happy rather than obsessing about whether or not you feel happy. We should take steps to prioritise by recognising what makes us happy – going to the pub with friends, countryside walks, holidays, time with the family etc, and then build around those things.

Make a list, prioritise that list, and take action.

I hope that makes sense.

Take responsibility for your happiness – don’t blame others for your unhappiness. Tell yourself it’s in your own hands, whatever the outcome – because it is.

I definitely find this so relevant because, when I’m unhappy, I have a tendency to blame others or circumstances created by others. But, don’t most of us do that?

But, we do have the power and ability to control our own thoughts and feelings, regardless of what is happening to us externally. Feeling in control internally is highly liberating and will make you feel happier.

As is recommended in the article, an easier way to take some control is to look at our lifestyle. Now,here’s where I add my own spin on things as I am the last one to preach about what to eat and drink. As those that know me would confirm, I love a glass of wine and am partial to a regular Indian take away.

However, I also love a long walk, I enjoy fruit and veg and, of late, have sought to increase my intake. Little changes like that can make a difference..

Don’t compare – in the words of the late, great Prince ‘nothing compares to you’ so why place any importance whatsoever to feeling superior to others, you’ll end up being frustrated a lot of the time.

Even if you think you’re doing better than your peers, sooner or later someone will overtake you. And, why is it important? Why can we not just be happy being who we are, what we are, and how we are?

For some comparisons can be tempting – they are used as a way to try to motivate ourselves.

We can strive to be the best at what we do – but surely that should be to DO the best at what we do? If we do the best and that in turn is THE best – in the world, in the Company, in the team – great! But, as long as we do our best at anything that we do, surely that should give us the happiness that we deserve. The less you compare, the happier you will be.

Follow the flow – for some of us the starting point is to get on the flow. But once we are in the flow, we need to follow it and just go with it. Most of us have experienced it, maybe not even realising it, where we experience something where we get lost in what we are doing and time just doesn’t matter. For me, that is when I am writing. Once I get started, I could write for what feels like 30 minutes but 3 hours later I wonder where has that time gone.

Personally, apart from time with family and friends, I am at my truest state of happiness when I am writing. Now, I accept, I am not a trained writer. I have got a qualification in relation to writing. But, do you know what? I don’t care! I love writing. I haven’t got a qualification in the consumption of Indian food but that doesn’t stop me eating it.

So, here’s the challenge for you. Think about what you truly love; what makes you come alive; where you lose track of time. Hopefully, there’s a few things. But make a list, prioritise and get in the flow. Imagine how magnificent you will feel.

Trust strangers – now, this is a really interesting one and it’s the one where I raised an eyebrow of suspicion. But, I read on so please bear with me because the theory present is quite simple in hat the more we perceive we can trust people we don’t know, the happier we’ll be.

Dr Raj Raghunathan has written that the happiest countries and communities are those that feel they can trust the citizens around them. Simply put, if you can’t trust your taxi driver to give you the right change, or the bank clerk to count out the right money, you’ll lose sleep and you won’t be happy. It’s one thing to trust friends and family, but having faith in strangers is an indication of how much you’ll trust life in general.

So, here’s another challenge – and this is definitely one for me as well – try being more open; talk to one stranger each day – in a shop, at work. Focus on the positive aspect of talking to people you don’t know; not the fear that you can’t trust them. Try it, and tell me how you get on. Email address: jonlduke@icloud.com.

It’s quite simple. But, from a personal perspective, this will be one day at a time. I definitely choose happiness and I am so grateful hat I have identified what is causing my state of mind. I be happy is one this, but to FEEL happy is another.

It’s up to me, no one else. In the words of Michael Jackson, “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.

Thank you for letting me share this ‘awakening’ with you. If it’s helped you in any way, I feel blessed to have achieved that.

Take care. Happiness is beautiful. Until the next time.
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

A view from the ground look at mindfulness

Posted on by View from the ground

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“Be happy in the moment, that’s enough. Each moment is all we need, not more.” ― Mother Teresa.

At this moment, as I sit revving up for another great day ahead, I’m happy. Why? I woke up; it’s the weekend; we had a great time with friends last night; and I’m drinking a smoothie consisting of kale, 6 different fruits, almonds and goji berries – rather than a bacon and black pudding sandwich. Clearly, I chose the correct option for breakfast. To be fair, the decision was easy. I love smoothies and we don’t have any bacon or black pudding. But I still feel happy.

Welcome to a new blog. Welcome to a new day. Welcome to the moment.

Anyone who has read the last blog – Live for the moment ……….. but please throw my mouse – will already know that I working hard on living in the moment; the present. I’ve spent too much time worrying, worrying, worrying.

Worrying about yesterday. What could I have done better?

Worrying about tomorrow. What’s going to happen? Is it going to be good? What’s going to go wrong?

Worrying about what people think of me, of my blogs, of my personal development. Why have some people suddenly become invisible? Is it because I / we openly express our views, which may not be the same as others?

But, I’ve realised this has to stop. I’m understanding the importance of enjoying ‘the now’. And since I’ve start to enjoy the now, the yesterday and the tomorrow have started to fade. Of course, I still reflect on what has gone before but nothing like as much. I know I am at the early stages of my path towards purely focussing on living in the present but I’m enjoying it so far.

So – mindfulness. A subject that has been at the core of my thinking for a long time now. It’s a word that is becoming more common in every day language.

Mindfulness – “the quality or state of being conscious or aware of something.”

Or, putting it another way, mindfulness – “a mental state achieved by focusing one’s awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one’s feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations, used as a therapeutic technique.” Now we’re talking.

I read any article that the wonderful Jean Garrod shared on Facebook recently, called ‘A Mindful Day At Work, by Dr. Takesha Cox.

Dr. Cox is a school social worker at a high school in Washington DC. Many of the students at the school deal with neighbourhood violence, grief and loss, poverty, below average reading and math skills, abuse and neglect from their families, abandonment, teen pregnancy and parenting, and the lack of resources that they need to be successful socially, emotionally, and academically.

Dr. Cox is a mindfulness practitioner and she has delivered a lesson called “Heartfulness” to great effect.

There was another article recently about some Canadian police meditating.

Just thinking about all of this gave me real hope. Mindfulness, heartfulness, meditation – basically all practices that work towards a “a mental state achieved by focusing one’s awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one’s feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations”.

A lot of us want to achieve this basic awareness on the present moment, but we spend too much time working about yesterday and / or fretting about what might happen tomorrow. As I write this I am facing a battle to stop thinking about what tomorrow might bright. However, the great thing with writing is that it helps me to concentrate on the exact thing I am talking about – living in the now.

Here’s a broad statement. There’s too much anger in the world. In fact, there’s just too much anger – full stop. We spend too much time angry. When I say ‘we’, I am just speaking broadly. That anger comes out of worrying about yesterday and how that might develop into tomorrow. But, what about today? Today? If we could just grasp the concept of dealing with today – with a smile, a laugh, a dance, and a lot of gratitude, sure when tomorrow becomes today we can do the same all over again?

Am I simplifying things? I hope not. I’m just seeking a state of mind for me, and everyone else who wants to join me, where we just enjoy the now. And by practicing mindfulness, we can take a massive step towards that state of mind.

Of course, we could move on to talking about meditation. I’ve covered that in earlier blogs and do intend to re-explore the joy of meditation because I still love just zoning out and just disappearing into my peaceful place. That place when even living in the now feels a bit too much. I’ll leave it there for now, but am happy to discuss my views on meditation with anyone and everyone.

And that’s where I’ll close. A quick quote – “Life is a dance. Mindfulness is witnessing that dance.”
― Amit Ray,

Enjoy the dance.

Jon

Ps – sorry for the typos. I need a proof reader!