A helping hand

Posted on by View from the ground

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Welcome to the latest in my grounded view of the life around us. I hope your world is one of love, laughter, friendship and trust.

As I have reflected recently, I have been blessed to be surrounded by all of the above – certainly of late at a time when trust has come under attack from an unexpected direction. Anyway, enough of that. The purpose of my blogs are to share the positive and to try and reach out, in the aim of joining us all together in a united voice of love and peace.

Following on from a recent blog – With a little help from my friends – I have been thinking about the whole subject of love and support. In essence, about holding out a hand to someone in need. As those who have read my blogs, I like to include the lyrics from an appropriate song. When search around for a song, I came across ‘Hands’ by Jewel and I’d like to share it with you. There are some very powerful words.

“If I could tell the world just one thing
It would be that we’re all OK
And not to worry ’cause worry is wasteful
And useless in times like these
I won’t be made useless
I won’t be idle with despair
I will gather myself around my faith
For light does the darkness most fear
My hands are small, I know
But they’re not yours, they are my own
But they’re not yours, they are my own
And I am never broken
Poverty stole your golden shoes
It didn’t steal your laughter
And heartache came to visit me
But I knew it wasn’t ever after
We’ll fight, not out of spite
For someone must stand up for what’s right
‘Cause where there’s a man who has no voice
There ours shall go singing
My hands are small I know
But they’re not yours, they are my own
But they’re not yours, they are my own
I am never broken
In the end only kindness matters
In the end only kindness matters
I will get down on my knees, and I will pray
I will get down on my knees, and I will pray
I will get down on my knees, and I will pray
My hands are small I know
But they’re not yours, they are my own
But they’re not yours, they are my own
And I am never broken
My hands are small I know
But they’re not yours, they are my own
But they’re not yours, they are my own
And I am never broken
We are never broken
We are God’s eyes
God’s hands
God’s mind
We are God’s eyes
God’s hands
God’s heart
We are God’s eyes
God’s hands
God’s eyes
We are God’s hands
We are God’s hands”

I am not sharing these lyrics as a religious statement. I share them in the spirit of unity and with the hope that we as a population can join together – regardless of religious views or beliefs.

I know I have talked before about taking the hand of someone in need and guiding them to a better place. But I have seen this at a personal level. At a time when I needed a hand to pull me up and guide me back onto my own path I was so lucky to have many hands offered. A true blessing. But through that it really hammered home the true depth of human kindness and how we all have it in us. But, it’s a question of how open we are to offering that support.

Not everyone you know fully opens about what is happening in their world / in their life. We don’t know what goes on behind closed doors. However, what I am finding that being open to people about life in general, that gives them the opportunity to be open back. As a result, that might just manifest as a call for help. Just imagine, through an open exchange of our life experiences, how we can touch people and as a consequence offer a hand of help.

Life at the moment for many, many people is a challenge. Some people, wrongly, see it as a weakness to reveal that they are struggling. However, if we talk to people about our life challenges that is an invitation for them to talk about theirs.

I know I sound like a stuck record, but I truly believe it is the responsibility of each and every one of us to help, support, and offer a helping hand to each and every human being who needs that help. Let us not forget that. Done people get too wrapped up in unachievable things to forget that, on the ground, there are hands that need to be held and people who need to be helped up.

Let us all pull together and hold out that helping hand. It’s the least we can all do.

Have a great week and take care.
Jon

Red raw wrist rides again

Posted on by View from the ground

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Welcome to my view from the ground.

My observation on this occasion has arise from a drive with a friend. As I hollowed at an irritating driver in front of me – or was it behind me – she reminded me of one of my first blogs. Red raw wrists. It was a very polite reminder that I was not practicing what I preached – which was probably 2 years ago. Some of you may remember the blog when it was first published on These Wings Can a Fly blog site. A lot has happened since then – some magnificent, some life changing.

Anyway, I thought I’d share an updated version of the blog. Partly, to reflect a changed view from the ground, and partly as a wake up to me and any other rather vocal drivers. That said, a message to the white van man who drove across me in the car park as I left the office – IT WAS MY RIGHT OF WAY!

Anyway, on with the blog.

Here’s a straight forward question – when is a complaint an observation? I don’t know about you, but my old persona was one of having natural propensity to complain. I would say it was a keen eye for being able to observe the shortcomings of others and to verbalise my views in a manner which would help them to see the righteous path forward. Is that such a bad thing? I accept, sometimes, those who needed that supportive observational assistance could not always hear what I had said, as they were not in the car with me as I established eye contact and commenced delivery of my observations, but surely they understood my helpful use of sign language.

I am sure there will be many who recognise this scenario. The blessed curse of road rage. But my observation skills saw no boundaries in my quest to help others – zig zag / vertical walkers, supermarket trolley pushers, queue jumpers, people in general and, the worse of the worse, trolley bags.

At this point, I need to let off some steam. This is not for my benefit, I promise (well ……………). This is on behalf of all normal commuters who have to practice foot work that would had made Michael Jackson proud in order to dodge people ambling along with their trolley bags. Why, oh why, can these things not be banned. Or, their owners go on a trolley bag proficiency course. I spend a lot of time in London and that has to be the worse place in the world. People come at you pulling 2 of these damned things. Two! One day, when Liv is the Prime Minister in the UK I will ensure she bans them. Now, here’s an update – add to that list any major city anywhere. Trolley suitcases, with trolley brained owners.

Rant over – but my wrist is red raw. Why? Well, that’s the whole purpose of the blog. Please read on. This is where I will bring in an updated version of the original blog because road rage is back and, looking at other drivers, I am not alone.

I’ve been out and a lot this week driving around and being driven round the bend. Driver one – didn’t indicate to pull out. Pillock! Driver 2 – almost touches my bumper he gets that close. Pillock! Driver 3 – clearly doesn’t understand that a green light means GO? P……… You get the idea.

So time to revisit the reading and strategy discovered first time with the blog.

I discovered a new strategy to deal with reducing – dramatically – the number of times I complain – and, in this case, deal with road rage.

Following a mail-shot email from John C Parkin of The F**k It Therapy fame, I picked up on a book he recommended – How Your Mind Can Heal Your Body by Doctor David Hamilton. Gone are the days of always absorbing myself in the latest crime thriller when I go to bed, where the last thing on my mind is murder. Sometimes, I still do that but, it’s good to mix it up with reading about positive thinking and well being.
Anyway, this latest book has a small section on how to stop complaining. This stopped me in my tracks (and stopped me complaining about something irrelevant – again!). Doctor Hamilton made reference to Will Bowen, whose genius idea is to wear a purple bracelet and every time you complain, you switch it to the other wrist. The idea being over a period of 21 days you stop complaining (as much anyway).

I don’t have a purple bracelet but, upon reading this suggestion, I ran out to buy one (4 actually) from the local Fat Face (other quality retailers also sell similar items). Now, as an update, I’ve lost them but am going to wear a replacement.

So, I ask friends and colleagues who see me resplendent this is not part of a wider mid-life crisis. It is intended to make me think every time I complain.

Will I stopped complaining? Of course not. But, it will dramatically reduce my complaining / road rage and I am committed to working on this and to encourage others to do likewise. Life is too short to be looking at things negatively. As I said, I am focussing on this recently highlighted sudden return of the propensity to highlight the deficiencies of other drivers. But, as I said earlier, I also have issues to overcome in supermarkets, in queues and at train stations – to name just a few places.

Why have I reposted / reworked an old blog. Well, the friendly reminder from a friend was a wake up call. Practice what you preached. And that stretches out to everything I discuss in the blogs – be that about loving yourself and loving others, mindfulness, being positive, and helping to protect our planet.

Right, to close this latest view from the ground, I want to share one of the daily thoughts for the day that I receive from the marvellous Richard Denny: –

“Writing down transforms wishes into wants, can’ts into can’s, dreams into plans and plans into reality.”

Don’t allow your wrists to become red raw.

Jon

With a little help from my friends

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Welcome to a very brief view from the ground. I hope your weekend has been filled with fun, laughter and love. I certainly feel lucky to have been touched by all three.

There are times when you realise how fortunate you are, and I would like to dedicate this song to the family and friends that are there for us and bring that fun, laughter, and love. My hope this that we can then all share the fun, laughter, and love with others that need it. Share it so it touches people’s hearts so they can then help others. Let’s share it and let people know we really mean it. It’s about helping them.

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

What are you waiting for?

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Welcome to the latest view from the ground. Times are changing, the world continues to throw forward further examples of why the masses must stand tall and be united as one – a real force from the ground. But, as they say, the show must go on.

“Empty spaces – what are we living for
Abandoned places – I guess we know the score
On and on, does anybody know what we are looking for…
Another hero, another mindless crime
Behind the curtain, in the pantomime
Hold the line, does anybody want to take it anymore
The show must go on,
The show must go on
Inside my heart is breaking
My make-up may be flaking
But my smile still stays on.
Whatever happens, I’ll leave it all to chance
Another heartache, another failed romance
On and on, does anybody know what we are living for?
I guess I’m learning, I must be warmer now
I’ll soon be turning, round the corner now
Outside the dawn is breaking
But inside in the dark I’m aching to be free
The show must go on
The show must go on
Inside my heart is breaking
My make-up may be flaking
But my smile still stays on
My soul is painted like the wings of butterflies
Fairytales of yesterday will grow but never die
I can fly – my friends
The show must go on
The show must go on
I’ll face it with a grin
I’m never giving in
On – with the show –
I’ll top the bill, I’ll overkill
I have to find the will to carry on
On with the –
On with the show –
The show must go on” – The show must go on – Queen.

Wonderful words from the master wordsmith. A look into the future or a reflection on the times as they were.

I feel a heavy sadness as I look at the world today. When I look at our planet, from the top down as it were, that heaviness can be overwhelming.

I look at what has recently being happening in Turkey with confusion. Who was trying to achieve what? Was the the attempted coup in the name of love or driven by ego and power? But then, how many people disguise their attempts to change things as doing so in the name of love, but reality is ego and power are the motivation?

I know I talk a lot about One World and I will continue to write about my desire for just that. But my vision of One World is one where each person has the freedom to chose their own ‘beliefs’. Extremism does not have a home in that One World, but the power to follow your own beliefs does.

The atrocity in Nice on 14 July left the world heartbroken. An event in the name of extremism; an action driven by hate. The love of the world was directed to Nice in their time of need and this is another atrocity which screams out that we must heal this wound in the planet, lance out the poison and work together for a planetary recovery. We should look to find a way to gather together as one.

And then there have been the events in Germany. A world being challenged to live in fear, whereas we should gather together to raise the levels of love.

Let us to forget the consistent atrocities occurring in the Middle East and further afield. The global media focuses on attacks close to home as that coverage increases viewer statistics and sells copies, but the reality is pure evil is being seen on a daily basis in many countries which we do not hear about. OR in fact here who the potential perpetrators are. Ever wonder why?

But then, if I analyse further other divisions exist. In the UK we continue to see the destruction of our political system, all in the name of ego? They talk about it being for the good of the political party, and for the people. But, reality is that we should be questioning whether this is ego driven and, if so, why should we, the people, sit back and watch this going on? Surely, is it for us to say NO – enough. We want politicians in place who represent us the people. Not politicians who represent self and self growth, with a little bit of business sponsorship thrown in.

So, what are we waiting for?

In relation to politics in the UK, the Labour Party is going through a process of selecting their leader – even though they already have a democratically elected leader. A leader who was elected my the members of the party. However, the Labour Party MPs have decided that they have a louder voice than the members. Democracy or ego? Alternatively, for the love of the party or fear of a leader who speaks openly and honestly? Interestingly, circa 150,000 people have joined the Labour Party in time to participate in the leadership election. They are now waiting to have their say.

And then we have the Conservative Party – the government. Their leader, responsible for taking the UK to a referendum to decide as to whether remain or leave the European Union. He canvassed to remain, the U.K. Voted to leader. He stands down as Prime Minister. It could be argued because he didn’t have a clue how to exit the U.K. from the EU. It could be argued that he realised his mistake. It could be argued ………..

We then had the process of 5 people standing for leadership. One round of votes by Conservative MPs eliminated one; another stood down, and then there were three. Another round of votes by Conservative MPs eliminated another; another one stood down. And then there was one – who is now Prime Minister, without the Conservative Party members not having a say in who their leader is.

This is not a political rant or statement but just an observation on what I see and on what I think w could look to effect. What are you waiting for? We all have a voice, we all have the ability to raise that voice. But how many are will to? It could be through social media, it could be through joining a group of like minded, forward thinking people, it could be through writing a blog.

The important thing is to stand up and to be yourself. Not to follow blindly. But to stand true with your fellow citizens.

Yes, the show must go on but, perhaps, we can write a better next act to the show. One where we are one.

What are you waiting for?
Jon

Mindful of the power of love

Posted on by View from the ground

View from the ground

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Welcome to the latest view from the ground. As we march through summer I, like many others, long for sunshine to fill our bodies with warmth. Warm weather is definitely good for the soul.

As I have discussed in many blogs, the world is a changing place and the pressures that people experience can feel very heavy. Around the world, different pressures are experienced and every time I look at the news there is another crisis, or atrocity around the world impacting on innocent people.

Every individual has their own challenges to address and those challenges to that individual will feel, at times, insurmountable. There are different levels of challenge.

A family in Syria watching their city being destroyed face a cataclysmic challenge of an unthinkable scale. But then, look at what’s happening at every corner of the world. Dreadful. Our leaders seem incapable of curing the poison that courses through the veins of the world. It could be questioned where that poison originated. In reality, only an uprising of the masses on a scale never seen before will shake the apathy and greed of those that control the world. That IS the only chance we have.

I can only write about what I see and feel and to try and appeal to right minded people to gather to do something real, as a united force. We can make our voices heard, but only if multiple thousands shout out with one voiceBut, that is on a global level.

What about those suffering on an individual level. A person waking up in the morning dreading getting out of bed to go to a job that makes them feel difficult levels of stress has their own challenge to cope with. A person living in poverty, living on the streets, or just living on their own – feeling empty. At times, it’s a bloody challenging place to be.

But again, on an individual and on a collective basis, we can lift those and every person to a better place of self worth. Lift them off the ground, on to their feet. The answer? Love! Am I going soppy? No. Well, yes. No! I guess I’m trying to reach out and open awareness at maybe something I have had to open my eyes to.

Sometimes, we don’t realise the importance of reaching out to someone. We don’t appreciate that just through a simple act of talking to someone and, more importantly, listening to them, that simple act could just be the hand they need to lift them off the ground.

Now, don’t get me wrong, I have a very powerful view from the ground, but someone that you see in the street, work with, live next door to, cross the street to avoid may just need that helping hand. That offering of love at a moment of need that you may not realise is so important at that specific moment in time.

I saw one definition of love as being a feeling of warm personal attachment or deep affection. In cases of helping others, I would suggest it could be broadened to being a deep affection of your fellow human beings.

And, for me, this is an offering of love without condition – in other words love offered without the expectation of anything in return, with it being for self gratification purposes.

It is incredible how kind people are, and can be. But there needs to be a rising of people to do this simple act of kindness.

When we see someone who clearly lives on the street not to turn a blind, but to offer a hand; to talk and allow them to talk and feel love and respect. This isn’t judging someone, it’s allowing them to feel better about themselves.

The power of listening is incredible.

When we someone who is having a hard time at work, to stop ask how they are and to listen to the response. Don’t do it as lip serve, do it because you care. You don’t know what might be happening in their lives.

It’s these simple things. It’s being mindful of the power of your love. When you have seen and felt the true power of love, you realise what you could really do for others.

Give it a go – please.

So, let’s end with a song. Mmmmmmm, what can it be……………….. Only joking. Let’s just get out there and help our fellow men, women, and children. We have the power of love. I know. Do you?
Jon

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

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

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

You are not alone

Posted on by View from the ground

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