Life is Great, Life is Fun, Life Should Be for Everyone; How ‘bout You?
Posted: Monday, February 22, 2010
by Jeff Brown
Inner Projection
Over time, I have written brief statements of insight that the muse has hit me with that usually occur on my weekly walks. These have been posted on Facebook and Twitter, and over time, I have received considerable positive response, some that have turned into guest appearances on various radio shows. I thought it would be interesting to list many of them here in one place. I haven't collected them until now. Here is the first installment. Over time, I will get them all into one book. In recent years, I have discovered that the Internet is a great place to write books a piece at a time. I have written several in this manor over the last three years, four to be exact.
I hope you enjoy and are able to pull something of value from these statements.
(Point of note: Most of the following I have written. Those that are not mine are noted as such.)
To Achieve is to Break the Silence of Ignorance and the Undone . . .
"Rarely do we find men who willingly engage in hard, solid thinking. There is an almost universal quest for easy answers and half-baked solutions. Nothing pains some people more than having to think." Martin Luther King, Jr.
Success lies in exploiting strengths, limiting weaknesses, building character, understanding success principles. As you bravely step into this laboratory life, out of your comfort zone you grow. Within this growth, this shaping of the mortal clay, your greatness is revealed. But be vigilant. All are called but few choose the difficult path. Do & your joy is unbound, eternal even in the greatness you have found.
To achieve success mainly entails doing what you need to do on a regular, ongoing, dealing with failure, boredom, and pain basis. And most of the time it's just on the other side of "I can't take it any more."
Faith in any venture is simply stepping into the dark knowing the light will recede not based on things seen but the truth of conviction making itself evident in your heart.
Spock: You have failed to define the purpose of the test. James T. Kirk: Enlighten me again. Spock: The purpose is to experience fear, fear in the face of certain death, to accept that fear, and maintain control of oneself and one's crew. This is the quality expected in every Starfleet captain. Startrek , the movie (2009).
"A man who won't die for something is not fit to live." Marting Luther King, Jr.
To achieve success, to find contentment, you must go forth in your imperfection, in your limitless ignorance and not be afraid to fail. To do otherwise is to emotionally and spiritually remain a child, forever full of doubt and fear and ignorant of the great power and wonder available to the fearless and strong.
"When one possesses the strength of Thick Face, one can ignore the criticism and disapproval of the masses. This same strength is also the source of the Black Heart; it allows one to effectively use the power of the spear to cut through the ignorant and preconceived ideas of the masses." Chin-Ning Chu
Self-help experts teach how to be "a more effective executive, better salesperson, & a generally happier, more dynamic individual." What they ignore is the building of an "inward state that must be achieved in order for words and actions to be effective." Chin-Ning Chu
"Character is not made out of sunshine & roses. Like steel, it is forged in fire, between the hammer & the anvil." Chin-Ning Chu; Thick Face Black Heart
"Most people are so completely obsessed with the pursuit of false euphoria that they attempt to deny the existence of life's difficulties. Positive attitude is important, but it's only part of the story. Understanding how to surmount pain, doubt, & failure is a vital component in winning the game of life. We so concern...ed with what makes us feel good that we forget what makes us great." Chin-Ning Chu
Inner Success . . .
If your happiness is defined by a need for attention, power, & fame, then when it's not there, what are you? Seek internal happiness 1st
Are you happy when alone? Do you have a goal that entails helping others? Enthralled and enraptured in your projects of giving? Begin here and find life's contentment and joy.
Seeking that of the self, the best body, most money, greatest power is limited. Seek things eternal, things of the heart. Here is your riches.
Humans were born to grow eternally. To never stop. Don't believe me? Like boredom? I didn't think so. It's innate. So why compromise or cop out in doing something that will only make money or provide good benefits. Sooner than you know you'll be dying inside, bored, discrediting yourself in the process. Do what you love or be of the living dead.
Needing others for advice, intimacy, giving, occasional aid is critical. However, an excessive need for others and inability to spend time alone consistently to discover your truth and common truths eternal leads to despair and sorrow.
Physical growth is inevitable. Spiritual growth only happens by making the oft difficult choice that requires great strength and consistency of high character to help us move beyond spiritual infancy.
The universe functions on logical, rewarding principles that if adhered to provide happiness. You may choose to disagree or rail against them, but your unhappiness remains.
A positive perspective if coming from a point of ignoring all that is wrong is not positive at all but avoidance.
Why do we always look to the self to define us? "I was born to win" "For me, every day is a great day." "I don't give in until I get what I want" on and on. Let us begin our day, rather, with "I was born to give" "I will make another smile" "I will focus on helping others" By reaching out, you inadvertently will obtain... all you desire with less effort and ease.
Sadness & sorrow is the great teacher. Ignore it not. For within pain great understanding, compassion, and passion for those outside the self spring. Spring into action and embrace the tempering pace of the downside of life.
Self-control and the management of fear and doing that which is of high character and merit over the base and self-serving is not only a quality of leaders and achievers but of those who experience greatest personal joy and self-actualization. Give into control.
If you find yourself constantly at struggle, life is a continual series of difficulties and downs, please, be kind to yourself and turn inward for comfort, solace, then deliver that peace to the world.
Lemuel Gulliver: "The moments I have had, the marvels I have witnessed, the wonderful truths I have seen. You see, when night falls and you close your eyes to sleep and dream, I have seen the things that you can only dream about. I have been there. I was lost at sea for a long time. But I have been there. Oh yes. All the way and back."
Are you Lemuel? taking on your fears, confronting them, living your dreams? Or have you stayed safe at home in comfort with the familiar all you life? If so, growth awaits. Don't die with regrets. Other than family and loved ones, they're the only thing you'll leave behind that you wish you hadn't.
Lemuel Gulliver: "The bestial Yahoos fight for no reason all. While we on the other hand fight for very good reasons, such as, well, our enemies are weaker than us or we desire all their land."
Ah, another week in the pride and vanity of the world. Solitude now, and I go deep, allowing eons to flush the temporal, transitory want of the world. I am refreshed, renewed, empowered. Bring on another week, I am eternal again.
Full of your money, titles, letters, degrees, "friends" and hangers-on, you revel in your pride. Yet when the net is taken away and you fall, you are not buffeted nor ready for the horrific, stinging darts born of the complete emptiness inside.
Life is difficult. Be forgiving. Begin with yourself, for how can one forgive others without beginning here? It's like trying to be an excellent coach before learning how to play. And play you must.
I have taken on demons, surpassed and made fear a friend. I have run from many, now stand toe to toe with any and all. I have gone from silence to tender, firm sincere expression, so that on my death bed I will be able to say "I have loved and been loved. All is well. All is well."
Let's Think and Learn and Love . . .
Love and humility is strong and eternal. Indifference and aggression weak and fleeting. Give into the eternal.
If you rely on school / college for your education, what do you do after those 16 years?
Education is individual not institutional
Ever have your college survey you on usefulness and quality of education? I didn't think so.
Your arbitrary education in school and college is so unfocused and unsound it's actually hurting more than helping. Education is only good if you understand its limitations, are accountable for its use as an end product, and even if a school is accredited there's no promise that what you'll learn is practical and necessary in the real world. Not only is most education forgotten and wasted, it's unfocused, unspecific to you, the consumer, and accepted with little thought as to its use or overall worth.
"I want to reconcile the violence in your heart / I want to recognize your beauty's not just a mask / I want to exorcise the demons from your past / I want to satisfy the undisclosed desires in your heart. " Muse, "Undisclosed Desires"
Where do you begin on your path to success? Success being the maximizing of your unique talents, abilities, and gifts. Begin with books, for they are the light to the world of humankind. But like a child you must leave their comfort zone at some point to practice what they preach in the world--your greatest and often most harrowing experiences, but put into practice bear fruits of temporal and eternal worth.
It's easy to know what to do, but difficult to "do" when confronted with the difficulties and trials of life.
Random ponderings . . .
It is the self-focus of humankind that we all must wake up to; unfortunately for most, unless tragedy hits home, few if any ever consider the great misfortunes of the greater part of the world. The limitation or abundance of your outward focus determines how successful you'll be in life, meaning the finding of true joy.
NLP, affirmations, & other oddities are superficial & aid one minimally. First you must develop character. Go deep. Find time to meditate, pray, & be alone. Here is where the true individual is found. No amount of intelligence, talent, hope, desire or gift can compensate for the self-sabotage of poor character. Look to the headlines for examples of the mighty who have fallen as such.
"During the struggle they will pull us down. But please, please let's use this chance to turn things around. And tonight we can surely say that together we are invincible." Muse, "Invincible"
Want to be a leader? Spend the time preparing yourself: character, success principles, knowing yourself and humankind, etc. Then your time will come. Don't have $$ for a marketer to get you there? Tried to position yourself but nothings come yet? This is a part of the trial, test of a leader. What you do in the worst of times builds your presence for the best of times.
Be careful of hucksters who are merely good marketers, taking your money and leavening you no better off than before you took advantage of their "unique, divine gift."
No one cares how much you've accomplished, how awesome, tough, or amazing you are. Learn humility & give. You'll get more than you need here, attention seekers.
Now, the children away, I luxuriate in the solitude. Yet hours pass and the solitude turns to confinement . . . and I want. Upon their return, showered with kisses and stories of adventure and discovery . . . I luxuriate in the commotion. Yet hours pass and the joy turns to petty confrontations of selfish want . . . and ...I step in. Now, I wish for the children to be away. Ah, parenthood!
Great sadness and trials abound around the world. It is difficult to manage your own, never mind that of others. Yet this is our purpose for being. To lift others in time of need, for what lasts? Only those deeds eternal from the heart. Begin here. This is your eternal heart start.
You've read your books, paid your gurus and found success. Yet because of a sharing of equal, unlimited ignorance of humankind you eventually lose your money or even gain more, it matters not. For you still find no joy. You, like most, have followed the wide path and ignored the wisdom of the quiet, still voice within. Our only guru.
The Lightness of Being . . .
I'm not concerned about all hell breaking loose, but that a PART of hell will break loose... it'll be much harder to detect. George Carlin
She got her looks from her father. He's a plastic surgeon. Groucho Marx
I never forget a face, but in your case I'll be glad to make an exception. Groucho Marx
My education was dismal. I went to a series of schools for mentally disturbed teachers. Woody Allen
Money is better than poverty, if only for financial reasons. Woody Allen
I don't want to achieve immortality through my work... I want to achieve it through not dying. Woody Allen
I can't listen to that much Wagner. I start getting the urge to conquer Poland. Woody Allen
(Point of note: Most of the following I have written. Those that are not mine are noted as such.)
To Achieve is to Break the Silence of Ignorance and the Undone . . .
"Rarely do we find men who willingly engage in hard, solid thinking. There is an almost universal quest for easy answers and half-baked solutions. Nothing pains some people more than having to think." Martin Luther King, Jr.
Success lies in exploiting strengths, limiting weaknesses, building character, understanding success principles. As you bravely step into this laboratory life, out of your comfort zone you grow. Within this growth, this shaping of the mortal clay, your greatness is revealed. But be vigilant. All are called but few choose the difficult path. Do & your joy is unbound, eternal even in the greatness you have found.
To achieve success mainly entails doing what you need to do on a regular, ongoing, dealing with failure, boredom, and pain basis. And most of the time it's just on the other side of "I can't take it any more."
Faith in any venture is simply stepping into the dark knowing the light will recede not based on things seen but the truth of conviction making itself evident in your heart.
Spock: You have failed to define the purpose of the test. James T. Kirk: Enlighten me again. Spock: The purpose is to experience fear, fear in the face of certain death, to accept that fear, and maintain control of oneself and one's crew. This is the quality expected in every Starfleet captain. Startrek , the movie (2009).
"A man who won't die for something is not fit to live." Marting Luther King, Jr.
To achieve success, to find contentment, you must go forth in your imperfection, in your limitless ignorance and not be afraid to fail. To do otherwise is to emotionally and spiritually remain a child, forever full of doubt and fear and ignorant of the great power and wonder available to the fearless and strong.
"When one possesses the strength of Thick Face, one can ignore the criticism and disapproval of the masses. This same strength is also the source of the Black Heart; it allows one to effectively use the power of the spear to cut through the ignorant and preconceived ideas of the masses." Chin-Ning Chu
Self-help experts teach how to be "a more effective executive, better salesperson, & a generally happier, more dynamic individual." What they ignore is the building of an "inward state that must be achieved in order for words and actions to be effective." Chin-Ning Chu
"Character is not made out of sunshine & roses. Like steel, it is forged in fire, between the hammer & the anvil." Chin-Ning Chu; Thick Face Black Heart
"Most people are so completely obsessed with the pursuit of false euphoria that they attempt to deny the existence of life's difficulties. Positive attitude is important, but it's only part of the story. Understanding how to surmount pain, doubt, & failure is a vital component in winning the game of life. We so concern...ed with what makes us feel good that we forget what makes us great." Chin-Ning Chu
Inner Success . . .
If your happiness is defined by a need for attention, power, & fame, then when it's not there, what are you? Seek internal happiness 1st
Are you happy when alone? Do you have a goal that entails helping others? Enthralled and enraptured in your projects of giving? Begin here and find life's contentment and joy.
Seeking that of the self, the best body, most money, greatest power is limited. Seek things eternal, things of the heart. Here is your riches.
Humans were born to grow eternally. To never stop. Don't believe me? Like boredom? I didn't think so. It's innate. So why compromise or cop out in doing something that will only make money or provide good benefits. Sooner than you know you'll be dying inside, bored, discrediting yourself in the process. Do what you love or be of the living dead.
Needing others for advice, intimacy, giving, occasional aid is critical. However, an excessive need for others and inability to spend time alone consistently to discover your truth and common truths eternal leads to despair and sorrow.
Physical growth is inevitable. Spiritual growth only happens by making the oft difficult choice that requires great strength and consistency of high character to help us move beyond spiritual infancy.
The universe functions on logical, rewarding principles that if adhered to provide happiness. You may choose to disagree or rail against them, but your unhappiness remains.
A positive perspective if coming from a point of ignoring all that is wrong is not positive at all but avoidance.
Why do we always look to the self to define us? "I was born to win" "For me, every day is a great day." "I don't give in until I get what I want" on and on. Let us begin our day, rather, with "I was born to give" "I will make another smile" "I will focus on helping others" By reaching out, you inadvertently will obtain... all you desire with less effort and ease.
Sadness & sorrow is the great teacher. Ignore it not. For within pain great understanding, compassion, and passion for those outside the self spring. Spring into action and embrace the tempering pace of the downside of life.
Self-control and the management of fear and doing that which is of high character and merit over the base and self-serving is not only a quality of leaders and achievers but of those who experience greatest personal joy and self-actualization. Give into control.
If you find yourself constantly at struggle, life is a continual series of difficulties and downs, please, be kind to yourself and turn inward for comfort, solace, then deliver that peace to the world.
Lemuel Gulliver: "The moments I have had, the marvels I have witnessed, the wonderful truths I have seen. You see, when night falls and you close your eyes to sleep and dream, I have seen the things that you can only dream about. I have been there. I was lost at sea for a long time. But I have been there. Oh yes. All the way and back."
Are you Lemuel? taking on your fears, confronting them, living your dreams? Or have you stayed safe at home in comfort with the familiar all you life? If so, growth awaits. Don't die with regrets. Other than family and loved ones, they're the only thing you'll leave behind that you wish you hadn't.
Lemuel Gulliver: "The bestial Yahoos fight for no reason all. While we on the other hand fight for very good reasons, such as, well, our enemies are weaker than us or we desire all their land."
Ah, another week in the pride and vanity of the world. Solitude now, and I go deep, allowing eons to flush the temporal, transitory want of the world. I am refreshed, renewed, empowered. Bring on another week, I am eternal again.
Full of your money, titles, letters, degrees, "friends" and hangers-on, you revel in your pride. Yet when the net is taken away and you fall, you are not buffeted nor ready for the horrific, stinging darts born of the complete emptiness inside.
Life is difficult. Be forgiving. Begin with yourself, for how can one forgive others without beginning here? It's like trying to be an excellent coach before learning how to play. And play you must.
I have taken on demons, surpassed and made fear a friend. I have run from many, now stand toe to toe with any and all. I have gone from silence to tender, firm sincere expression, so that on my death bed I will be able to say "I have loved and been loved. All is well. All is well."
Let's Think and Learn and Love . . .
Love and humility is strong and eternal. Indifference and aggression weak and fleeting. Give into the eternal.
If you rely on school / college for your education, what do you do after those 16 years?
Education is individual not institutional
Ever have your college survey you on usefulness and quality of education? I didn't think so.
Your arbitrary education in school and college is so unfocused and unsound it's actually hurting more than helping. Education is only good if you understand its limitations, are accountable for its use as an end product, and even if a school is accredited there's no promise that what you'll learn is practical and necessary in the real world. Not only is most education forgotten and wasted, it's unfocused, unspecific to you, the consumer, and accepted with little thought as to its use or overall worth.
"I want to reconcile the violence in your heart / I want to recognize your beauty's not just a mask / I want to exorcise the demons from your past / I want to satisfy the undisclosed desires in your heart. " Muse, "Undisclosed Desires"
Where do you begin on your path to success? Success being the maximizing of your unique talents, abilities, and gifts. Begin with books, for they are the light to the world of humankind. But like a child you must leave their comfort zone at some point to practice what they preach in the world--your greatest and often most harrowing experiences, but put into practice bear fruits of temporal and eternal worth.
It's easy to know what to do, but difficult to "do" when confronted with the difficulties and trials of life.
Random ponderings . . .
It is the self-focus of humankind that we all must wake up to; unfortunately for most, unless tragedy hits home, few if any ever consider the great misfortunes of the greater part of the world. The limitation or abundance of your outward focus determines how successful you'll be in life, meaning the finding of true joy.
NLP, affirmations, & other oddities are superficial & aid one minimally. First you must develop character. Go deep. Find time to meditate, pray, & be alone. Here is where the true individual is found. No amount of intelligence, talent, hope, desire or gift can compensate for the self-sabotage of poor character. Look to the headlines for examples of the mighty who have fallen as such.
"During the struggle they will pull us down. But please, please let's use this chance to turn things around. And tonight we can surely say that together we are invincible." Muse, "Invincible"
Want to be a leader? Spend the time preparing yourself: character, success principles, knowing yourself and humankind, etc. Then your time will come. Don't have $$ for a marketer to get you there? Tried to position yourself but nothings come yet? This is a part of the trial, test of a leader. What you do in the worst of times builds your presence for the best of times.
Be careful of hucksters who are merely good marketers, taking your money and leavening you no better off than before you took advantage of their "unique, divine gift."
No one cares how much you've accomplished, how awesome, tough, or amazing you are. Learn humility & give. You'll get more than you need here, attention seekers.
Now, the children away, I luxuriate in the solitude. Yet hours pass and the solitude turns to confinement . . . and I want. Upon their return, showered with kisses and stories of adventure and discovery . . . I luxuriate in the commotion. Yet hours pass and the joy turns to petty confrontations of selfish want . . . and ...I step in. Now, I wish for the children to be away. Ah, parenthood!
Great sadness and trials abound around the world. It is difficult to manage your own, never mind that of others. Yet this is our purpose for being. To lift others in time of need, for what lasts? Only those deeds eternal from the heart. Begin here. This is your eternal heart start.
You've read your books, paid your gurus and found success. Yet because of a sharing of equal, unlimited ignorance of humankind you eventually lose your money or even gain more, it matters not. For you still find no joy. You, like most, have followed the wide path and ignored the wisdom of the quiet, still voice within. Our only guru.
The Lightness of Being . . .
I'm not concerned about all hell breaking loose, but that a PART of hell will break loose... it'll be much harder to detect. George Carlin
She got her looks from her father. He's a plastic surgeon. Groucho Marx
I never forget a face, but in your case I'll be glad to make an exception. Groucho Marx
My education was dismal. I went to a series of schools for mentally disturbed teachers. Woody Allen
Money is better than poverty, if only for financial reasons. Woody Allen
I don't want to achieve immortality through my work... I want to achieve it through not dying. Woody Allen
I can't listen to that much Wagner. I start getting the urge to conquer Poland. Woody Allen
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Top-level comments on this article: (6 total)Thanks Jeff, great article!Best.....eThanks .....e. Peace!
Life is great, and fun, and not a 'trial by fire' as many think. Very well done, especially the quote at the end about Wagner. Great stuff.Got to love Allen. I like his statement on cheating on a philosophy exam where he did so by looking into the soul of the student next to him. Thanks for reading.
I like this piece a lot. Lots of very good wisdom gathered there.Thanks Joyce for taking the time to read. God bless.
You're on your way to a very inspiring book. Good luck with it!Thanks Brianna. Always trying to snuff out the dark with the eternal light. Peace!
I appreciate your writing :)Thanks Marc.
Thanks Jeff. I'm wrestling with just about everything brought up in your 5 pages! Drat. It is so divine to read something other people have written about quality of life, challenges and truth and to be reminded that this quest for a meaningful life has had and still has great merit for others. Plus it's easy at times for me to utterly lose my sense of humor, but you pressed the on button for me in that regard also! You've been a beacon for me today. Thanks a mil.Thanks Jennifer. In this regard, I've only done my job. Glad it lifted. Peace!
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