First of all let me say that I am not a psychologist nor am I versed in psychotherapy so take my discussion with a grain of salt. However, I have seen many instances of codependency, including some within my own life, that have hindered individual expression and spiritual growth. I am extremely interested in my spiritual growth and, through implication others, so hopefully this blog entry will create some thought. Note that the blog entry on Sacrifice and Service on April 9, 2009 is related.
The following statement is drawn from the Mental Health America website ( http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/go/codependency ) I have shortened their statement somewhat in order to focus on the title of this blog entry. Am I supportive or am I a codependent?
“Co-dependency is an emotional and behavioral condition that affects an individual’s ability to have a healthy, mutually satisfying relationship. People with codependency often form or maintain relationships that are one-sided or emotionally destructive. Co-dependents have low self-esteem and look for anything outside of themselves to make them feel better. They find it hard to “be themselves.” They have good intentions. They try to take care of a person who is experiencing difficulty, but the caretaking becomes compulsive and defeating. Co-dependents often take on a martyr’s role and become “benefactors” to an individual in need.”
Under the guise of support, a codependent will act and do things for another that inhibits both peoples growth. Codependence then becomes to a two way path of thwarted growth. Let me explain my thinking...
A person can experience limitations from two different origins or catalytic behaviors. Note that, independently of the origin, the limitation is almost always karmic. The two origins are:
Physical limitations such as a loss of hearing or a crippling accident.
With physical limitations there is a need to accept the limitation coupled with a willingness to not let it reduce the quality of their life.
Mental limitations such as laziness or wanting others to make their decisions.
With mental limitations there is a need to overcome the limitation through attitude, work and diligence.
Either limitation produces fertile ground for codependency.
It seems to me that the person with the karmic limitation must prevail over the limitation in order to balance the karma. A codependent relationship will only extend the karma of the one with the limitation. The other person suppresses their potential by spending time and energy on someone else, and in all likelihood creating karma. Attempting to ease the limitation of another through a codependent relationship will only extend the duration of the pain felt through the limitation. In the long run it will not relieve the pain, if anything, it will intensify it.
The answer is compassionate interaction by helping to overcome or balance the limitation. One person cannot solve another’s problem. They can help the other to clearly see it so it then can be overcome or balanced by the other. Compassion isn’t always doing something for another, it has to do with helping the other learn how to handle the situation.
Do you remember the wise saying? Teaching a person to fish rather than giving them fish solves the problem. In my thinking, that is certainly true for codependency. Codependency diverts, if not stops two peoples paths in their tracks...
What do you think?
Sam
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Monday, April 27, 2009
Some Thoughts About The Five Senses.
This entry represents a different perspective concerning healing. There is little evidence regarding its usefulness, let alone its appropriateness! However, here it is. After all the name of this blog is what do you think? By the way, I think that there is a lot of merit in the correspondences presented at the end of this blog.
Perhaps you remember from numerology that the number five has to do with the acceptance of the ability to shape and mold. (Note: I know that the number 5 has other numerical meanings but I’m choosing this one because it fits this blog entry best. :-) Five’s physical representation is analogous to bread dough before it is shaped into a loaf that is ready for the oven. From a spiritual perspective the number five has to do with energies that when experienced, result in the shape or the acceptance of the memory of the event. The shaping energy has five components that are represented by the five senses.
We all are aware of the senses. But how do they shape the mind? A good way to look at mental shaping is to draw an analogy with the ingredients of the earlier loaf of bread. However, instead of flower, milk, eggs, salt and butter, we have hearing, seeing, touching, smelling and tasting. Each ingredient enriches the experience. An ingredient or so can be left out but the relative experience, be it through eating or by the memory, diminishes. We basically yearn for the fullest experience.
In other words, the senses relate to corresponding human yearnings. Yearnings will ultimately stimulate some sort of action. However, if over an extended period of time, no action is taken to fulfill the yearn, the body becomes unbalanced. The senses provide a mechanism for bringing the body back into shape. The key is to recognize what unfilled yearn caused the original problem, and select a healing methodology that uses the corresponding sense. The result is a balanced body as long as action is then taken to fulfill the yearn in a reasonable amount of time.
The correspondence between the sense and the yearn is:
Foe example, if a person is experiencing loneliness, then aromatherapy would be a good method to be used in order to help restore balance.
What do you think?
Sam
Perhaps you remember from numerology that the number five has to do with the acceptance of the ability to shape and mold. (Note: I know that the number 5 has other numerical meanings but I’m choosing this one because it fits this blog entry best. :-) Five’s physical representation is analogous to bread dough before it is shaped into a loaf that is ready for the oven. From a spiritual perspective the number five has to do with energies that when experienced, result in the shape or the acceptance of the memory of the event. The shaping energy has five components that are represented by the five senses.
We all are aware of the senses. But how do they shape the mind? A good way to look at mental shaping is to draw an analogy with the ingredients of the earlier loaf of bread. However, instead of flower, milk, eggs, salt and butter, we have hearing, seeing, touching, smelling and tasting. Each ingredient enriches the experience. An ingredient or so can be left out but the relative experience, be it through eating or by the memory, diminishes. We basically yearn for the fullest experience.
In other words, the senses relate to corresponding human yearnings. Yearnings will ultimately stimulate some sort of action. However, if over an extended period of time, no action is taken to fulfill the yearn, the body becomes unbalanced. The senses provide a mechanism for bringing the body back into shape. The key is to recognize what unfilled yearn caused the original problem, and select a healing methodology that uses the corresponding sense. The result is a balanced body as long as action is then taken to fulfill the yearn in a reasonable amount of time.
The correspondence between the sense and the yearn is:
- Smelling - Belonging
- Tasting - Creativity
- Seeing - Recognition
- Touching - Understanding
- Hearing - Interaction
Foe example, if a person is experiencing loneliness, then aromatherapy would be a good method to be used in order to help restore balance.
What do you think?
Sam
Friday, April 24, 2009
How to meditate
Meditation is easy. If you feel the need, just do the following:
Take a deep breath letting the physical body relax.
Take a 2nd deep breath letting the mind focus.
Take a 3rd deep breath letting the mind elevate.
Thats it. Don’t worry about posture or where the mind goes. In time, those things will sort themselves out. Yes, I know that many meditative disciplines involve more than three breaths. However, all meditations will eventually produce relaxation, focus and elevation, either through their process or as a result of their process. Note that there are as many ways to meditate as there are people so don’t get bogged down with the process. I prefer going straight to the horses mouth and then let your unique nature express itself without getting stuck in the details.
In this time of high energy and change it isn’t a mystery that there are more and more people meditating. Meditation has a tendency to smooth things out, making what might be seem as untenable, tolerable or even acceptable. Why is this?
Meditation results in an elevation in consciousness. I have found that this is not only evident during my process of meditation but, given the chance, in my daly life. Now, that doesn’t mean that through meditation I’ve become a know it all. But it has allowed me to see situations from a more universal point of view. The universe is non-personal so it helps me to become less judgemental. It has been the judgemental attitude that gets me into trouble. You know, the what goes around comes around, thing.
So meditation has allowed me to become more tolerant of personal surprises but also world events. This hasn’t made me more complacent, but it has helped me to see a broader picture. When the broad picture is seen, it is easer to either accept events as Inevitable, or change them, or to just let them go. That attitude creates a more balanced Sam. The more balanced Sam is less apt to increase world chaos and more apt to create world balance.
What do you think?
Sam
Take a deep breath letting the physical body relax.
Take a 2nd deep breath letting the mind focus.
Take a 3rd deep breath letting the mind elevate.
Thats it. Don’t worry about posture or where the mind goes. In time, those things will sort themselves out. Yes, I know that many meditative disciplines involve more than three breaths. However, all meditations will eventually produce relaxation, focus and elevation, either through their process or as a result of their process. Note that there are as many ways to meditate as there are people so don’t get bogged down with the process. I prefer going straight to the horses mouth and then let your unique nature express itself without getting stuck in the details.
In this time of high energy and change it isn’t a mystery that there are more and more people meditating. Meditation has a tendency to smooth things out, making what might be seem as untenable, tolerable or even acceptable. Why is this?
Meditation results in an elevation in consciousness. I have found that this is not only evident during my process of meditation but, given the chance, in my daly life. Now, that doesn’t mean that through meditation I’ve become a know it all. But it has allowed me to see situations from a more universal point of view. The universe is non-personal so it helps me to become less judgemental. It has been the judgemental attitude that gets me into trouble. You know, the what goes around comes around, thing.
So meditation has allowed me to become more tolerant of personal surprises but also world events. This hasn’t made me more complacent, but it has helped me to see a broader picture. When the broad picture is seen, it is easer to either accept events as Inevitable, or change them, or to just let them go. That attitude creates a more balanced Sam. The more balanced Sam is less apt to increase world chaos and more apt to create world balance.
What do you think?
Sam
Monday, April 20, 2009
What is the purpose of obsession?
How often have you experiences obsession? If you are like me you will answer that question from a non-personal perspective. You will think in terms of when you have seen obsession in others. So lets rephrase the question. When have you obsessed about something? Now be honest...
Obsession has a wide range of influence from getting up at the same time every morning to washing your hands 100 times a day. Obsession has to do with the control it exercises in you life. Getting up at the same time gets you to work. Washing your hands 100 times controls much of your life. So lets rephrase the question again. When have you formed a pattern about something that went beyond realistic expectations? Now be honest...
We form patterns or habits because we don’t want to lose something. We ask for the same flavor of ice cream because we know that we like it. But is the pattern serving us? Is there a more likable flavor out there? So lets rephrase the question again. When have you missed an opportunity because of an old habit? Now be honest...
Fear of going backwards plays a big part. If I get the same ice cream every time at least I’ll be happy. But how happy? Does doing the same thing increase my happiness or does it just freeze my happiness? There is nothing wrong with fearing a loss of happiness, but does the fear stick you into a place that ultimately brings unhappiness? So lets rephrase the question again. What is it that you fear about changing the habit? Now be honest...
Well, the biggest fear of all is the fear of change. If something changes we step into an unknown situation that may actually be worse. If we could see the result of the change before experiencing the change, would the fear go away? The answer depends upon how we adjust to the change. Its an internal thing. It has nothing to do with the obsession. It has to do with reluctance about seeing the world within us. So lets rephrase the question again. What is it about yourself that you don’t want to look at? Now be honest...
That’s the end of the questions. Now, take a deep breath... Obsession was invented so we form habits in order to realize that we are missing opportunities so we can overcome a fear of changing something about ourself that we don’t want to see. Now, don’t forget to let the breath out...
The bottom line is that obsession provides a catalyst for interpersonal change. The way out is simple. I’ve found that the following affirmation helps a lot...
Oops, ran out of time - perhaps you could create an affirmation that would be helpful.
What do you think?
Sam
Obsession has a wide range of influence from getting up at the same time every morning to washing your hands 100 times a day. Obsession has to do with the control it exercises in you life. Getting up at the same time gets you to work. Washing your hands 100 times controls much of your life. So lets rephrase the question again. When have you formed a pattern about something that went beyond realistic expectations? Now be honest...
We form patterns or habits because we don’t want to lose something. We ask for the same flavor of ice cream because we know that we like it. But is the pattern serving us? Is there a more likable flavor out there? So lets rephrase the question again. When have you missed an opportunity because of an old habit? Now be honest...
Fear of going backwards plays a big part. If I get the same ice cream every time at least I’ll be happy. But how happy? Does doing the same thing increase my happiness or does it just freeze my happiness? There is nothing wrong with fearing a loss of happiness, but does the fear stick you into a place that ultimately brings unhappiness? So lets rephrase the question again. What is it that you fear about changing the habit? Now be honest...
Well, the biggest fear of all is the fear of change. If something changes we step into an unknown situation that may actually be worse. If we could see the result of the change before experiencing the change, would the fear go away? The answer depends upon how we adjust to the change. Its an internal thing. It has nothing to do with the obsession. It has to do with reluctance about seeing the world within us. So lets rephrase the question again. What is it about yourself that you don’t want to look at? Now be honest...
That’s the end of the questions. Now, take a deep breath... Obsession was invented so we form habits in order to realize that we are missing opportunities so we can overcome a fear of changing something about ourself that we don’t want to see. Now, don’t forget to let the breath out...
The bottom line is that obsession provides a catalyst for interpersonal change. The way out is simple. I’ve found that the following affirmation helps a lot...
Oops, ran out of time - perhaps you could create an affirmation that would be helpful.
What do you think?
Sam
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Dutch bicycle karma
I spent almost half the last 15 years in the Netherlands because my Dutch partner, Anne Claire ( http://anneclaires.blogspot.com ) has a house there. Over that period of time I have come to the conclusion that I have Dutch bicycle karma. Let me explain...
The bicycle is king in the Netherlands. They have absolute right of way over anything else that moves, save trains and others of their own kind. This includes autos, trucks. busses and certainly people. The Dutch bicycle driver has, since childhood, cultivated the ability to charge ahead without making eye contact. They are seemingly oblivious to the destructive power of the moving beasts in or about to invade their path. The amazing thing is that it is not a demonstration of the famous Dutch tolerance, it is simply the way it is. Another thing is that there seems to be as many Dutch bicycles as there are cars in California. They are everywhere and they mostly travel in packs.
My karmic situation was pointed out right before I began writing this blog entry. Anne Claire and I were about to cross a busy street, close to her house, when a pack of bicycles approached us. The pack split around Anne Claire but headed straight toward me. I called upon my 15 years of learned bike invasion skills and got out of the way in time. There wasn’t the jingling of handlebar bells or “Dank u wel” (Dutch for thanks a lot) or sighs of frustration at my slow reaction time or, even for that matter, smiles at my plight. Eyes were straight ahead, seemingly oblivious to my reaction. Yep, they went straight for me but evaded Anne Claire.
If that experience was my first it would have been something else, but it wasn’t. I can relate many other similar instances. The only thing I can add is that Dutch cyclists have unreal reaction times. I haven’t been plowed into yet. Of course, my name being Holland does help!
Now, granted I am a foreigner and the Dutch have an uncanny way of spotting foreigners, but that’s a different blog entry. However, would the pack have split around me if I indeed was Dutch? I don’t think so. I think that it is my karma, pure and simple.
What do you think?
Sam
The bicycle is king in the Netherlands. They have absolute right of way over anything else that moves, save trains and others of their own kind. This includes autos, trucks. busses and certainly people. The Dutch bicycle driver has, since childhood, cultivated the ability to charge ahead without making eye contact. They are seemingly oblivious to the destructive power of the moving beasts in or about to invade their path. The amazing thing is that it is not a demonstration of the famous Dutch tolerance, it is simply the way it is. Another thing is that there seems to be as many Dutch bicycles as there are cars in California. They are everywhere and they mostly travel in packs.
My karmic situation was pointed out right before I began writing this blog entry. Anne Claire and I were about to cross a busy street, close to her house, when a pack of bicycles approached us. The pack split around Anne Claire but headed straight toward me. I called upon my 15 years of learned bike invasion skills and got out of the way in time. There wasn’t the jingling of handlebar bells or “Dank u wel” (Dutch for thanks a lot) or sighs of frustration at my slow reaction time or, even for that matter, smiles at my plight. Eyes were straight ahead, seemingly oblivious to my reaction. Yep, they went straight for me but evaded Anne Claire.
If that experience was my first it would have been something else, but it wasn’t. I can relate many other similar instances. The only thing I can add is that Dutch cyclists have unreal reaction times. I haven’t been plowed into yet. Of course, my name being Holland does help!
Now, granted I am a foreigner and the Dutch have an uncanny way of spotting foreigners, but that’s a different blog entry. However, would the pack have split around me if I indeed was Dutch? I don’t think so. I think that it is my karma, pure and simple.
What do you think?
Sam
Monday, April 13, 2009
A thought about the mystic’s journey
The mystic works with the invisible or spiritual world in order to bring about beneficial changes in the physical world. In essence, that statement becomes the most general goal of the mystic. The goal then starts a series of events and discoveries that become the mystic’s journey.
An important part of the mystic’s journey is the realization that we are part of, and equal to, all things. It is not long before the journey turns out to be more significant than the goals that are set along the way. For it is along the journey where adventures occur that are beyond the mystic’s experience.
In order to handle the adventures, spiritual partnerships are formed that bridge the spiritual world with the physical. Even though the mystic’s physical path is a solitary journey, these partnerships form an integral part of the journey. The purpose of these partnerships is to keep the adventures from turning into stumbling blocks. The partnerships change or expand the mystic’s perspective, for it is old perspectives that hold the mystic back from the goals.
As the mystic’s perspective changes and expands, the mystic becomes more and more aware. Eventually it becomes clear to the mystic that the awareness, resulting from the inner personal transformations, is even more important than the journey. The mystic then realizes that the transformations is the real goal.
The transformations always result in greater awareness and it is through awareness that a greater ability to bridge the two worlds forms. Wisdom is also found through the greater awareness, not the other way around. That new awareness drives a cycle of yet greater awareness through service.
So the mystic’s journey is an adventure in innerpersonal transformation.
The adventures are balanced through expanded perspectives.
The expanded perspectives come through spiritual partnerships.
The expanded perspectives increase the mystic’s awareness.
The expanded awareness leads to wisdom.
The mystic’s journey leads to wisdom.
What do you think?
Sam
An important part of the mystic’s journey is the realization that we are part of, and equal to, all things. It is not long before the journey turns out to be more significant than the goals that are set along the way. For it is along the journey where adventures occur that are beyond the mystic’s experience.
In order to handle the adventures, spiritual partnerships are formed that bridge the spiritual world with the physical. Even though the mystic’s physical path is a solitary journey, these partnerships form an integral part of the journey. The purpose of these partnerships is to keep the adventures from turning into stumbling blocks. The partnerships change or expand the mystic’s perspective, for it is old perspectives that hold the mystic back from the goals.
As the mystic’s perspective changes and expands, the mystic becomes more and more aware. Eventually it becomes clear to the mystic that the awareness, resulting from the inner personal transformations, is even more important than the journey. The mystic then realizes that the transformations is the real goal.
The transformations always result in greater awareness and it is through awareness that a greater ability to bridge the two worlds forms. Wisdom is also found through the greater awareness, not the other way around. That new awareness drives a cycle of yet greater awareness through service.
So the mystic’s journey is an adventure in innerpersonal transformation.
The adventures are balanced through expanded perspectives.
The expanded perspectives come through spiritual partnerships.
The expanded perspectives increase the mystic’s awareness.
The expanded awareness leads to wisdom.
The mystic’s journey leads to wisdom.
What do you think?
Sam
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Sacrifice and Service
I have seen a lot of people who assume that in order to be of service, some sort of sacrifice is necessary or, at the least, personal sacrifice is OK. The puzzling part to me is that sometimes service oriented people place themself in a position of sacrifice without realizing it. They only see the service that they think is needed.
I’m not sure I can relate to service with unintentional or implied sacrifice. In fact, I believe that the most powerful expression of service does not need sacrifice. Sacrifice ultimately creates stress. If stress isn’t handled something happens that hurts. When something hurts the universe is telling us that things are a bit wacky. Service should not create wackiness, it should create balance. Let me explain a bit further...
I’m not saying that service is bad. On the contrary, service is an ultimate aim of the human condition. However, if service is an ultimate aim, how can we do something for another without sacrifice? The answer lies in the expression of power.
My teachers June and Julian, said time after time that power is not domination, it is expression. To me, this implies that personal power is the uninhibited expression of ourself. Now, this does not mean that we can do anything we want to anyone we please. The what goes around comes around part of life keeps us on a path that is not selfish. Through the school of hard knocks we ultimately learn how self expression is accomplished in a way where no one else is taken off their path. Sooner or later we learn that uninhibited expression does not hurt a fly, let alone another person. Does that make us inhibited? Of course not. We don’t, in our constrained inhibition, become inhibited, we learn that powerful expression does not come back to haunt us, it comes back in support of us. That becomes a powerful expression of inhibition.
We can indeed be of service without sacrifice. In fact, all that is necessary is the expression of our personal power. If our expression doesn’t ultimately result in personal pain then we are being supported by the universe. In fact everyone, even if there are complaints, are being supported by the universe.
The bottom line is that sacrifice hurts. So why would we want to hurt ourself? Why do we not want to include ourself in our aim to be of service to humanity? Aren’t we a human being also? Service with pain just doesn’t cut it.
Answers lie in how we view our personal path. It has to do with self worth and in a thinking pattern where others matter more than ourself. The self worth issue is a biggie. It is certainly too big to fit in this blog entry. However, it would be interesting to peck away at it in future blogs. But for now...
What do you think?
Sam
I’m not sure I can relate to service with unintentional or implied sacrifice. In fact, I believe that the most powerful expression of service does not need sacrifice. Sacrifice ultimately creates stress. If stress isn’t handled something happens that hurts. When something hurts the universe is telling us that things are a bit wacky. Service should not create wackiness, it should create balance. Let me explain a bit further...
I’m not saying that service is bad. On the contrary, service is an ultimate aim of the human condition. However, if service is an ultimate aim, how can we do something for another without sacrifice? The answer lies in the expression of power.
My teachers June and Julian, said time after time that power is not domination, it is expression. To me, this implies that personal power is the uninhibited expression of ourself. Now, this does not mean that we can do anything we want to anyone we please. The what goes around comes around part of life keeps us on a path that is not selfish. Through the school of hard knocks we ultimately learn how self expression is accomplished in a way where no one else is taken off their path. Sooner or later we learn that uninhibited expression does not hurt a fly, let alone another person. Does that make us inhibited? Of course not. We don’t, in our constrained inhibition, become inhibited, we learn that powerful expression does not come back to haunt us, it comes back in support of us. That becomes a powerful expression of inhibition.
We can indeed be of service without sacrifice. In fact, all that is necessary is the expression of our personal power. If our expression doesn’t ultimately result in personal pain then we are being supported by the universe. In fact everyone, even if there are complaints, are being supported by the universe.
The bottom line is that sacrifice hurts. So why would we want to hurt ourself? Why do we not want to include ourself in our aim to be of service to humanity? Aren’t we a human being also? Service with pain just doesn’t cut it.
Answers lie in how we view our personal path. It has to do with self worth and in a thinking pattern where others matter more than ourself. The self worth issue is a biggie. It is certainly too big to fit in this blog entry. However, it would be interesting to peck away at it in future blogs. But for now...
What do you think?
Sam
Sunday, April 5, 2009
How random is random?
I really enjoy writing Computer software. A good portion of my Silicon Valley career(s) involved the development and management of software on everything from supercomputers to personal computers to video games. Most of the development was system software like operating systems and compilers. However, what I’ve enjoyed most is developing application software.
Even though most all of my time is now involved in metaphysical pursuits, I still find time do do some application software development. I find this is not only mentally balancing, but therapeutic as well. To date I’ve developed an astrology program and a divination program. I’m not really selling them commercially but I do use them in counseling sessions. However, my son and I have started an iPhone application company where we are developing apps, some of them having a metaphysical twist.
Well, to get to the point of that long winded introduction, in order for a divination program to work it needs a way to select the right card for the proper perspective that will help to answer our question. For us human’s that's an easy task. We tune in to the question, affirm that the proper card will be selected and pick one. This works great as long as there is respect and belief in what we are doing. However, for the deterministic and predictable workings of a computer it’s another matter!
The computer’s way of breaking its natural predictability, is to use what is called a random number generator. The generator produces a number that is dutifully random and cannot be predicted without a huge amount of effort. The random number generator gives the software a fighting chance for picking a card that does not follow a predictable pattern. Thats a good start but how can the computer pick the right card?
Ha! Here is where the rubber of the deterministic world meets the road of metaphysics. The rest of the explanation may be a bit of a stretch unless you have personally experienced it. In addition, the rest of this blog entry is easier to understand if you know nothing about computers and think that engineers drive trains.
What the computer needs is a way for the universe to force the random number generator to produce a useful number. This is entirely possible when some time basis is used for the generator. Then all the universe needs to do is to help the person deal a card by clicking on the select card button at exactly the right time. All the computer needs to do, is to do its predictable thing. After all computers don’t think. (Or do they?)
Beyond a time based random number generator, the Universe needs two additional items in order to select the proper cards. The first is a set of card images or icons that have been created with the pictorial representations needed in the divination process. The second is for the user to muster up enough respect to give the Universe a chance. The image part is easy. The images are supposedly created by an artist that knows the relationship between the picture and its energy. That energy infuses the image throughout all of its uses. This includes the images as they are stored in the computer.
So, through proper timing, the Universe matches the card image with the question(ers) need. This is simple if you are the Universe. I have no argument with the Universe’s wisdom. I have seen computers produce really enlightened answers to difficult questions using properly created divination software. There is a whole lot of empirical evidence showing that the process works!
The second Universal need has to do with respect, and that is a different matter. Our free will choice lets us use divination software independently of the amount of respect that we have. I know, through experience, that the Universe’s answer is indirect if the questioners respect isn’t there. Yep, the answers are helpful, but not necessarily in the area of the question. The answer will be more directed toward the person gaining respect.
So how does all of this actually work? I really don’t know. It is clear to me that random isn’t random. After all it’s called metaphysics for a reason. The biggie question is; How does the Universe connect the question, the questioner and the computer together? When I figure that one out I’ll pass it on through this blog. Don’t hold your breath. I think that the point is that the Universe is wise enough to work with computers if you give it half a chance.
What do you think?
Sam
Even though most all of my time is now involved in metaphysical pursuits, I still find time do do some application software development. I find this is not only mentally balancing, but therapeutic as well. To date I’ve developed an astrology program and a divination program. I’m not really selling them commercially but I do use them in counseling sessions. However, my son and I have started an iPhone application company where we are developing apps, some of them having a metaphysical twist.
Well, to get to the point of that long winded introduction, in order for a divination program to work it needs a way to select the right card for the proper perspective that will help to answer our question. For us human’s that's an easy task. We tune in to the question, affirm that the proper card will be selected and pick one. This works great as long as there is respect and belief in what we are doing. However, for the deterministic and predictable workings of a computer it’s another matter!
The computer’s way of breaking its natural predictability, is to use what is called a random number generator. The generator produces a number that is dutifully random and cannot be predicted without a huge amount of effort. The random number generator gives the software a fighting chance for picking a card that does not follow a predictable pattern. Thats a good start but how can the computer pick the right card?
Ha! Here is where the rubber of the deterministic world meets the road of metaphysics. The rest of the explanation may be a bit of a stretch unless you have personally experienced it. In addition, the rest of this blog entry is easier to understand if you know nothing about computers and think that engineers drive trains.
What the computer needs is a way for the universe to force the random number generator to produce a useful number. This is entirely possible when some time basis is used for the generator. Then all the universe needs to do is to help the person deal a card by clicking on the select card button at exactly the right time. All the computer needs to do, is to do its predictable thing. After all computers don’t think. (Or do they?)
Beyond a time based random number generator, the Universe needs two additional items in order to select the proper cards. The first is a set of card images or icons that have been created with the pictorial representations needed in the divination process. The second is for the user to muster up enough respect to give the Universe a chance. The image part is easy. The images are supposedly created by an artist that knows the relationship between the picture and its energy. That energy infuses the image throughout all of its uses. This includes the images as they are stored in the computer.
So, through proper timing, the Universe matches the card image with the question(ers) need. This is simple if you are the Universe. I have no argument with the Universe’s wisdom. I have seen computers produce really enlightened answers to difficult questions using properly created divination software. There is a whole lot of empirical evidence showing that the process works!
The second Universal need has to do with respect, and that is a different matter. Our free will choice lets us use divination software independently of the amount of respect that we have. I know, through experience, that the Universe’s answer is indirect if the questioners respect isn’t there. Yep, the answers are helpful, but not necessarily in the area of the question. The answer will be more directed toward the person gaining respect.
So how does all of this actually work? I really don’t know. It is clear to me that random isn’t random. After all it’s called metaphysics for a reason. The biggie question is; How does the Universe connect the question, the questioner and the computer together? When I figure that one out I’ll pass it on through this blog. Don’t hold your breath. I think that the point is that the Universe is wise enough to work with computers if you give it half a chance.
What do you think?
Sam
Friday, April 3, 2009
arrogant: Having or revealing an exaggerated sense of one's own importance or abilities
Recently I have been faced with what seems to me as bouts of arrogance. Not only in other people but in myself. I’ve thought about this at some length and would like to share with you some of those thoughts. I can’t say that my thoughts are finalized, but, at least for me, it is a good step along the way. I know that each of the following thoughts are fodder for it’s own blog entry or even a book, but here they are in condensed form:
Thought 1: A good listener has cultivated the ability to look at discussions from the other persons perspective. Then, using that perspective, the listener modifies their perception and thinking pattern so that further discussion is balanced and productive. When I take a really close look at a group conversation it becomes apparent to me that the number of different perspectives are as real as the number of people involved in the interaction. The interaction bears fruit when the concept of better and worse are put aside. Arguing only from your perspective is certainly arrogant. In addition, self centered listening creates self centered interaction. Listening only from your perspective, is arrogant.
Thought 2: One of the eventual discoveries in everyones life path is that it you need to take responsibility for everything that comes into your life. This especially includes events that bring different perspectives into your thinking patterns. Through the universal law of cause and effect, what goes around comes around. If blame is consistently placed on others, we get consistently blamed. If someone disagrees with you it is not their fault, it is yours. Blaming others is arrogant.
Thought 3: I’ve found, through the school of hard knocks, a problem persists until I honestly pursued the root cause of the problem. When the root cause is found then I can transform it into something more balanced. Transforming the symptom, or reaction to a cause doesn’t work, the hard knock effects still occurs because I am only fooling myself. Yes, transforming a symptom gives some relief, but it is short lived. The same problem will eventually crops up again. Brutal honesty is necessary in order for me to transform the problems root cause. The result is a happy, painless Sam person. You can’t fool the universe. The universe wants the problem permanently solved. Fooling yourself is arrogant.
Thought 4: Each person is responsible for their own balanced path through life. (See thought 2 above.) This implies that it is your problem when you do things for others in a way that creates imbalance. This includes the continuation of codependency's and lack of self worth as well as a whole host of related issues. As self confidence is lost there is a tendency for reliance upon others. This creates dependencies that actually place you in a more dominate position. Relying upon others for decisions is arrogant.
Thought 5: The way to peace is to become peaceful. A domineering path to peace is arrogant.
Thought 6: Humbleness seems to place the humble person in a submissive position. This creates an imbalance that actually places them in a dominant position through a controlling need to be supported. Support works for everybody including the supporters as long as mutual respect is honored. (Note that the word humble could be replaced by sickly.) Humbleness, without respect is arrogant.
Hopefully, one or more of these thoughts will create some disagreement. If that is so, then you have started a process in which you will gain new perspectives. Thats good, as long as they are your perspectives aren’t arrogant! Hmmm, now lets see, is this blog entry arrogant?
What do you think?
Sam
Thought 1: A good listener has cultivated the ability to look at discussions from the other persons perspective. Then, using that perspective, the listener modifies their perception and thinking pattern so that further discussion is balanced and productive. When I take a really close look at a group conversation it becomes apparent to me that the number of different perspectives are as real as the number of people involved in the interaction. The interaction bears fruit when the concept of better and worse are put aside. Arguing only from your perspective is certainly arrogant. In addition, self centered listening creates self centered interaction. Listening only from your perspective, is arrogant.
Thought 2: One of the eventual discoveries in everyones life path is that it you need to take responsibility for everything that comes into your life. This especially includes events that bring different perspectives into your thinking patterns. Through the universal law of cause and effect, what goes around comes around. If blame is consistently placed on others, we get consistently blamed. If someone disagrees with you it is not their fault, it is yours. Blaming others is arrogant.
Thought 3: I’ve found, through the school of hard knocks, a problem persists until I honestly pursued the root cause of the problem. When the root cause is found then I can transform it into something more balanced. Transforming the symptom, or reaction to a cause doesn’t work, the hard knock effects still occurs because I am only fooling myself. Yes, transforming a symptom gives some relief, but it is short lived. The same problem will eventually crops up again. Brutal honesty is necessary in order for me to transform the problems root cause. The result is a happy, painless Sam person. You can’t fool the universe. The universe wants the problem permanently solved. Fooling yourself is arrogant.
Thought 4: Each person is responsible for their own balanced path through life. (See thought 2 above.) This implies that it is your problem when you do things for others in a way that creates imbalance. This includes the continuation of codependency's and lack of self worth as well as a whole host of related issues. As self confidence is lost there is a tendency for reliance upon others. This creates dependencies that actually place you in a more dominate position. Relying upon others for decisions is arrogant.
Thought 5: The way to peace is to become peaceful. A domineering path to peace is arrogant.
Thought 6: Humbleness seems to place the humble person in a submissive position. This creates an imbalance that actually places them in a dominant position through a controlling need to be supported. Support works for everybody including the supporters as long as mutual respect is honored. (Note that the word humble could be replaced by sickly.) Humbleness, without respect is arrogant.
Hopefully, one or more of these thoughts will create some disagreement. If that is so, then you have started a process in which you will gain new perspectives. Thats good, as long as they are your perspectives aren’t arrogant! Hmmm, now lets see, is this blog entry arrogant?
What do you think?
Sam
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Some thoughts about different cultures
My partner of 15 years, Anne Claire, is Dutch and I’m American. She has a great house in the central part of the Netherlands and I have a comfortable motor home, named Matilda, that is currently parked in the back yard of a friend In Portland Oregon. When we are in the Netherlands we naturally stay in Anne Claire’s home. When we are in the U.S. we naturally stay and travel in Matilda. This naturally creates what may seem like an unnatural dichotomy in life styles.
Nothing could be further from the natural truth.
When our partnership was young, the excitement of our different cultures kept things really moving. I was teaching classes in the U.S. and England and Anne Claire was teaching in the Netherlands. Both of us wanted to expand our reach into the others part of the world. Those early years were spent in constant travel in our respective areas. Matilda made at least 30 trips across the U.S. and, because of the size of the Netherlands, I discovered many introspective aspects about the Dutch culture.
As time grew on it seemed as if I was becoming more Dutch and Anne Claire was becoming more American. We found that we were adopting that part of the others culture that we admired. In short, when we were in the U.S. we did things that we enjoyed about the American culture and when we were in the Netherlands we did enjoyable things we liked about the Netherlands.
We found that our lives were doubly blessed due to the doubling of our cultural experience. We were having double the fun without doubling (splitting) our personalities.
The key, from my point of view, lies in the acceptance of what culturally works for us as individuals, independently of the resident country. By merging what we deemed best of the two cultures we created, within ourselves, a richer cultural experience. It had nothing to do with competition, politics or economic differences. It has everything to do with enriching our lives and expanding our perspectives.
By the way, as long as you are wondering, I’m writing this blog entry sitting comfortably in Anne Claire’s living room in the Netherlands. Also, and by the way, she has a great blog called “Thinking out loud” at http://anneclaires.blogspot.com/
So, Is there anything holding you back from a multi-cultural experience?
What do you think?
Sam
Nothing could be further from the natural truth.
When our partnership was young, the excitement of our different cultures kept things really moving. I was teaching classes in the U.S. and England and Anne Claire was teaching in the Netherlands. Both of us wanted to expand our reach into the others part of the world. Those early years were spent in constant travel in our respective areas. Matilda made at least 30 trips across the U.S. and, because of the size of the Netherlands, I discovered many introspective aspects about the Dutch culture.
As time grew on it seemed as if I was becoming more Dutch and Anne Claire was becoming more American. We found that we were adopting that part of the others culture that we admired. In short, when we were in the U.S. we did things that we enjoyed about the American culture and when we were in the Netherlands we did enjoyable things we liked about the Netherlands.
We found that our lives were doubly blessed due to the doubling of our cultural experience. We were having double the fun without doubling (splitting) our personalities.
The key, from my point of view, lies in the acceptance of what culturally works for us as individuals, independently of the resident country. By merging what we deemed best of the two cultures we created, within ourselves, a richer cultural experience. It had nothing to do with competition, politics or economic differences. It has everything to do with enriching our lives and expanding our perspectives.
By the way, as long as you are wondering, I’m writing this blog entry sitting comfortably in Anne Claire’s living room in the Netherlands. Also, and by the way, she has a great blog called “Thinking out loud” at http://anneclaires.blogspot.com/
So, Is there anything holding you back from a multi-cultural experience?
What do you think?
Sam
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