A gift

Posted on by View from the ground

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thankfully, this confirmed my understanding.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Happy Christmas”

 

Jon

1 5 10

Posted on by View from the ground

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Meditation mayhem

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

One Day – Kodaline

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

Until the next time.
Jon

 

True

Posted on by View from the ground

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Never be afraid to raise your voice for honesty and truth and compassion against injustice and lying and greed. If people all over the world…would do this, it would change the earth.”
― William Faulkner

As ever, welcome to my view from the ground. A few weeks have passed since the last blog, and during that time I have sought to concentrate on living in the moment, enjoying every day, and focussing on what is good. Sometimes it’s not so easy to see the good when your view gets blurred by some not so good stuff but it’s important to keep that focus. I hope we all have that special something to focus on.

I have recently been reposting previous blogs, mainly in the hope of reaching out to people and to, hopefully, help like minded people realise they are not on their own.

I hope the last few weeks have been great for you and that, somewhere along the way, you have been able to help someone else achieve the same.

It’s been a bit of a summer here on the ground and the view has certainly been challenging. But clarity is slowly being restored. I was interested last week to receive a tweet about a new blog site – www.danielle29coffey.com. I hope Danielle doesn’t mind but I want to share a few words from her home page – “We are forever growing, forever learning and forever seeking. This is what it is to be human. I truly believe if we allow ourselves to be present and open on our own journeys we will enjoy the time we spend on them much more”.

I found these words inspiring. I would strongly recommend visiting Danielle’s blog site. Her story is very moving and there are aspects that I can relate to. The key message though is to be positive and focus on getting the most out of life, even in the face of adversity. I know this much is true.

Why do I find it hard to write the next line? Well, in reality there is such to say, it’s more a case of where to start. But, ultimately, I have been focussing on standing in my truth – a previous subject – but I’m coming at it from a different angle. Circumstances have dictated a stronger focus has been needed on standing true and having a firm vision of positivity. But, that said, there’s also being a massive realisation of just what love there is out there. I am truly blessed to be surrounded by such wonderful family and friends.

But, and it’s a big but (not posterior references please), I know so many people are going through truly difficult times and not everyone has the good fortune to have family and friends to take their hand and pull them up.

So, this is the thrust of the blog because we are all there to be available to those who need hat help. I accept not everyone speaks up when they are down. But there are so, so many people who are suffering in silence. However, that silence is only verbal silence. Think about people you know or people you seen regularly where you see a chance in behaviour or a change in body language or a change in just physical appearance.

How many times do we just not see this because we’re not looking? How many of these people just want one person to say ‘hey, how are you?’? But when we ask this question, to mean it and to wait for the answer. And when we get the answer, to listen. How many times when we ask a question are we thinking about something completely different when to answer is being delivered?

Just imagine how that feels to that person who is feeling down and actually just wants to open up, maybe to cry, and realise their story? That moment could be a life changing moment – be that good or bad. Good, because it could be a starting point for them to move forward. Bad, because they might walk away wondering what the point is. Just think about it. True?

So, I guess, my request is that we all take a step back. Those of us who are lucky enough to have awesome family and friends need to recognise our blessings but also be awake to the fact that many others aren’t that fortunate.

We all have a duty to support all others in need. We need to look, listen, really listen, and hold out a hand to anyone who needs help. We should step away from our own needs and acknowledge the needs of others, at that exact moment, might be greater. We need to be true to ourselves and be there – always for our fellow man or woman. Do you think you can do that?

I’m going to close with a song I’ve used before – Hold My Hand by Hootie And The Blowfish. Rather than quote the lyrics, I’ve included a link to the song. I think it’s awesome, I hope you do.

Take care, and please look out for that person who needs your help. You never know, it might be me. If it is, please hold my hand. If I see you and you need that hand, I promise you I will be there for you. True!

I always say drop me an email and I mean it – jonlduke@icloud.com. I’m also all over Facebook and have the View From The Ground Facebook and Twitter sites.
Jon

From the heart

Posted on by View from the ground

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

From the heart

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

As I said, I love to learn.

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

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

Music was my first love

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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

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

Posted on by View from the ground

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

Posted on by View from the ground

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