“Do good, for good is good to do. Spurn bribe of heaven and threat of hell.” — The Kasidah, Sir Richard Burton (aka Haji Abdu El-Yezdi)

“The end is near.” So they say. Have been saying. Will continue to say. It is our way, isn’t it? To want to know when the end is? And why is that, do ya’ think?

I have been listening and watching all this for at least 25 years, since 1987 when the hyped-up ‘great’ Harmonic Convergence began this 25-year countdown. A clock that has finally wound down (thank goodness!). But believe me, another clock will start up to replace it, one way or another. And we will be facing another ‘end-of-the-world’ or ‘spiritual rebirth’ scenario.

I think there are a couple of factors of why we paint ourselves in a corner with these scenarios. First, we fear the end of everything, because we think there is nothing after ‘the end.’ So, this unknown end cannot include us, because it is ‘the end.’ And second, fear seems to be a common fuel that our world runs on. If the powers that be can keep that fire stoked, then there will always be something else out there to fear. Another end of something we must stress out about. And stress and tension will always keep us down, keep us bound to a never-ending cycle of perpetual concern.

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“A good conscience is a continual Christmas.” — Benjamin Franklin

Of course, it’s that time of year again, when holiday cheer springs forth in gushes between friends and family, and yes even strangers, whether real or contrived in its intent or execution. Many times this involves overindulgence in substances we may only normally use in moderation at other times of the year. I for one gave up on all that activity years ago. However, I certainly understand its use and purpose. So, is there a point here? I think so …

Mostly though, this is just an observation on my part. I have watched many people over time use, overindulge, and abuse all types of substances that are supposedly partaken of to either make them feel better, drown their sorrows, or enhance social currency. There is no judgment here, as in my early life I was known for abusing all types of substances, both legal and not. Luckily I found a better way ‘to feel better’ and ‘feel high’ or how about ‘on top of my life in a better way’  that I don’t need those types of crutches. Ah yes, maybe there is a bit of unintended judgment here?

Well no, not really, for I really think, feel, believe, that there is a better way to get ‘those things’ we are trying to get from those substances. Life messes with us, throws us around, and can beat us down. So I think we are continually reacting to that, and continually trying to get back “up.” Then naturally, we try to find the easiest available ‘things’ to get back up there. And guess what; caffeine, alcohol, drugs, etc. are right there for easy consumption. I get it, but … for me, if I can find the time I feel much better taking an alternative action. And believe me, it isn’t easy, but oh my is it so much better for me. Obviously, in the end it is the decision of each of us what we must do, day in and day out when we are faced with these situations. It can be so easy for the ‘fast food’ solution. But is it the best, or even really useful or wise?

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“I am certain that I have been here as I am now a thousand times before, and I hope to return a thousand times.”– Goethe

Even though I have remembered parts of several lives over the years through deep meditation, I had often wondered what exactly do we do between those lives?

Well, I did have the fortunate experience in meditation a few years back to ‘remember’ something I did between this life and my last, as in something I had actually done on the other side between two lifetimes. To set this up, I need to briefly explain that this was not a normal meditation, if there is such a thing. And that where I was meditating was a very special place. Meaning that there are some places where certain spiritual harmonic devices (or configurations) have been built to enhance ‘spiritual flying’. I cannot at this time speak of them freely, as you could probably say they are in research and development, and not really accessible by the general public. No, it’s not top secret or anything, just a precautionary step to make sure people don’t hurt themselves using them. (Note: However, if you are especially curious about this I can put you in contact with the person who knows all about this and let him decide.)

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“RELAX! … RELAX … relax … squared.  What? … you may ask. The 90% solution. Say what …?” — Me

For you meditators out there (or for those whom aspire to) I’m doing something a little different today, and just write about some helpful meditation tidbits I’ve picked up along the way.

When I meditate I practice a specific set of techniques, usually in a fairly specific order (but not always). But I have learned, usually the hard way, that technique is only 10% of the solution.

The main thing that puts a dead stop to any progress in meditation usually is Tension, with a capital T. But isn’t that one of the main reasons we mediate? To relieve tension? And be able to relax? It is a bit of a catch-22. You meditate to relax, but you may be too tense to relax into meditation.

And then consider all the tensions in our modern world. We worry about all those little everyday things that are thrust upon us. Then we worry about what else could go wrong in our future. And then we worry about all the things that could go wrong with those close to us. And then we probably worry about some of the crazy things going on in the world that could affect … well, who knows? Maybe us, possibly others, but maybe not really. For our mind tends to find things to fret about, doesn’t it? Even when there really may not be that much to fret about.

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