health

Woulda, Coulda, Shoulda (V3 P1)

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Inherently, within each and every one of us, is a template from which our lives will unfold. The base template is filled with human characteristics and includes a sprinkling of “extras” from the universal field. It is the proverbial clean slate. It is ours to change, edit, transform, progress from, regress from, beautify, desecrate, etc. Our free will allows us to mold that template into something beautiful and everlasting or terrible and decaying.

If we think about all of the alternative paths and meandering routes that we have in life, it is pretty eye opening. Spending some time before making those pathway decisions is crucial, for then and only then can we alter the template for better or for worse. Stagnation has no effect other than to maintain the present state of the template. Moving forward with perpetual molding of the template is the only way to change oneself. The question is, will the change be for the betterment or the worsening of the template.

Should we think of our lives deeply and consider not only what we would have done differently, but plan to take action to change for the better from here forward, we can really take command of our future and of ourselves.

The decision process from here forward, however, is clouded by two very distinct alternatives. One being what we could do – because of our freedom to act, speak and live; and one being what we should do – because of what we know deep down to be right, and just, and impactful for our souls and for the world.

We could use our time in pursuit of leisure, materiality, the finer things, making our social status envious to others, trying to fit in, trying to stand out, etc. These are the “coulda” items that so many of us are bogged down in for both the short term and the long haul. Life passes, memories and material accumulations are gained and enjoyed, but has anything really fruitful taken place?

Instead, can we not think about what we should be doing. Soul searching, praying, lending a hand, giving to others instead of receiving a perceived entitlement, building a base of hope for ourselves and those that we love, being a good example in all ways that we know really mean something, smiling and acknowledging others in our lives and others that cross our paths in life, trying to analyze world events by asking what is right for mankind and what is horrifically wrong, etc. We should be evolving in a positive manner, each and every day, and in doing so helping the world and mankind evolve in a positive manner as well.

We cannot do this by thinking of ourselves and living under the spell of surface things, but rather only by being selfless and living under the infinite glory of substance and righteousness. By doing so, we do not really sacrifice anything that we should be truly missing in our lives. By doing so, we will have everything that we truly want, need, and desire in our paths to spiritual evolution and true happiness.

Think about this. Because we can does not mean that we should. Because we should does not mean that in doing so, we will be missing out. In fact, we will inherit the earth.

KGM

 

From the Material World to the Spiritual World (V2 P2)

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backlit clouds dawn dusk

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Mankind -> Spiritual Beings -> Material Beings -> Spiritual Beings

The lust and longing for material/earthly possessions has decayed the innate spirituality of mankind and resulted in a world in which the goal and ambition of the vast majority is to accumulate brag worthy post-able moments and gluttonous portions of meaningless material possessions. There has been an altering of the moral compass to the point at which it no longer exists nor is monitored for balance in life. I fear that we are at or near a potential point of no return from which we will never regain our spiritual connection to the universe and to the All Powerful Creator (whatever name you assign to God). 

From all indications and historical perspectives, ancient mankind was a spiritual being whose purpose in life was mainly dictated by his or her belief system. Certain material possessions were necessary and sought after for survival sake. Leisure time, if any, was mainly committed to tribal or family bonding/training, communal rituals and worship, and spiritual reflection. The pursuit of knowledge and new skills was of the utmost importance and priority. The pursuit of happiness was normally a by-product of this and not a separate and exclusive act. A spiritual being’s pursuit of further evolution and of perpetual improvement was noble, respected and self-satisfying. 

Only when one becomes obsessed outside of the realm of spiritual fulfillment and evolution and covets material possessions and gratification does one begin to self-destruct. This is not a self-contained problem as it leads to negative influence over others. We are, after all, imperfect and subject to temptation and poor judgment. First one human at a time and then whole communities, kingdoms, nations, etc. 

One covets another’s goods and nothing positive can come of that as it only leads to jealousy, theft, destruction, and other escalated crimes. One covets another’s spouse or a non-willing potential partner who does not reciprocate with the same feelings. This can only lead to jealousy, depression, feelings of emotional deprivation, and more serious crimes of passion such as adultery, rape, incest, abuse, etc. I think you get my drift here. 

When the world, in general, seeks instant gratification and material happiness it can only lead to bad things as some will seek and find (if only temporarily) and others will aspire and come up empty. The class system and its inherent division of humans into groups based upon various man-made scales glares upon those within and those without. Nothing that should be important, respected and attained is sought after in mass and the spiritual growth of man-kind is stunted and even reversed over the course of years, decades and centuries. 

I, me, mine – give me, get me, look at me – look at this person or that house, oh how I want it, how I have to have it… 

How close to the edge have we as a human race ventured. All that is great is within us and is provided to us. Everything else, outside of true necessities, is mindless and wasteful clutter that takes our focus, attention, time and robs our spiritual being of its true purpose in this life – evolution and further development.

How can we all save ourselves from what seems to be in store for man-kind? We have to turn within and forge ahead with “collective spiritualism”. Individual purpose must be restored and then as a collective group we must strive to turn our attention (thoughts, prayers, actions) towards the greater good. And that must be redefined for us as a race of fellow humans. 

Take a deep breath. Understand that all can be as it should be. Dedicate yourself to making an individual choice to move towards spiritual development and evolution and away from lust, greed and a state of coveting all that is not ours. Self-control over self-gratification at any and all costs. It all starts with a prayer and it starts with you.

 

Prepare for Massive Change in Mindset (V1-P21)

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forest-pathway-beautiful-brown-path-rain-89658974 The year 2017 is winding down. All of the past experiences of this year and of our lives to date have culminated in shaping your present outlook of yourself and of the universe outside of you. Are you fully satisfied with who and what you have become?

Take these final weeks of the year to cleanse your mind of the clutter and nonsense that only serve in slowing you down and perhaps even keeping you from reaching your goals and objectives. Refocus on the core belief system from which you hope to live your life on a daily basis (short-term operating focus) as well as on a life long perpetual improvement basis (long-term strategic focus). Shed or reshape from this core the principles that no longer fit with becoming the greatest person and spiritual being that you can become in this lifetime. Add or fine-tune to this core the beliefs and traits that will further your cause towards a continuous improvement process of the self.

Pray, meditate, enjoy the simple pleasures around you. Prepare your mind, body and spirit for a year of great change and progress. The journey is eternal. This life is but a small parcel of your spiritual quest in totality. Yet, it is of great importance and the choices you act upon will be very significant in your hopes of making the best of what this life represents for your spiritual growth.

Dig deep. Practice soul-searching excursions through which you emerge with a more clear and determined focus to keep moving forward. Onward and upward. Elation awaits you as you become more clear on what role your spirit possesses in this universal masterpiece of which we are all a part.

KGM

 

Summers End – Day at the Beach (V1 P20)

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The gentle pulsating and relentless sound of the surf. Wave after wave. It is one of the most relaxing and hypnotic of nature’s portfolio of beautiful and meaningful sound.

I long for it rarely, but once under its spell I vow to myself to not let the separation between this beach visit to the next be more than minimal. Sometimes life works out and other times not so much, but it is always worth the wait.

The time for me here is fleeting, as I write this. My family dreads but embraces the final last few hours before our departure back to our home – 6 1/2 hours away by drive. We try to finish with a flourish, but the knowing of the impending end of our trip is somber. But the memories seep out and stories in stories on the way back home and they become lasting and impactful. Our daughter has grown up from a kindergartener to a 7th grader with stops each summer along the way at this Michigan respite. She has the alluring call of the small lakeside town in her veins now and perhaps will until she has children and can share this place with her family.

There is a time and a place for all of the things that comprise our lives. And the times for get away family time, vacation from the work and school life, a respite for body and spirit, are all probably chosen with care and planning. As they are precious and make up a minority of all the time on our schedules. We have and will continue to choose this place. For all of the wants, needs and desires that it fulfills with flying colors. We come, we savor, we depart and we yearn for the next time(s).

I, of course, love my family. I love the down time that we can share together. I know that they also enjoy these moments. It is one of the ties that binds us together as a family.

In a few weeks, I will be taking my oldest son on a different kind of trip to a vastly different place. We will celebrate his 30th birthday. I hope our love for each other grows as we share this time together. I hope that he will take part of me with him as I share my time and fatherly wisdom, as best I can, with him at this milestone of his young life to date.

All is good at the tail end of summer.

KGM

Personal Values/Mission Statement (V1 P15)

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what-your-mission-26684732Much time is spent by businesses, some successful and some not so much, on defining and attempting to do business by CORE VALES. Money, time, energy and much soul searching is spent on trying to do just that. The ability to do this successfully generally results in profit, employee retention, and passionate customers. The failure of one or both of these objectives will generally lead to declining business results, negative workplace energy, fragmented company culture, and a confused and dwindling customer base.

How much time have you spent on defining and living by your core PERSONAL VALUES? Have you a personal MISSION STATEMENT? Are you succeeding in this life task?

One must break down those core values that they wish to represent to themselves and to others. It is okay and also it is essential to a system of perpetual improvement to include aspirational values. Those consist of those values that one does not yet have in their tool belt as a functioning human – but that one aspires to one day obtain and display. Think. Reflect. Dwell on all of the qualities that you would like to exude as both a physical and spiritual being.

Your core group of values can be few in number or it can be extensive. The key is that they make up the “you” that you are striving to become. This set of personal core values will change over time as one evolves along their life’s journey. You should never be fully satisfied and should constantly try to improve. But you should still take great satisfaction upon attaining and exuding each of your personal core values.

Celebrate your personal and spiritual growth. This spurs on continued and greater success as you aspire to be more. Never stop challenging yourself to keep improving. Never shy away from defining a true aspirational value for yourself. Never surrender to the fear of failure.

This can be as simple as “Be respectful, have a strong work ethic, and have faith”. It can be as broad or detailed as you would like it to be. It is yours to shape and mold throughout your life. Define it, embrace it, and live by it.

Periodically review your personal values and personal mission statement. Celebrate it. Add to it and modify it to reflect the “you” that you are now, at this moment, striving to become.

It is one of the most important things that you will ever do. Don’t shuffle it off to some future date. Embrace this task and just do it. Your life’s journey requires it and your evolution as a spiritual being will continue to benefit from this exercise.

KGM

 

 

 

Note to Self – Be On Time (V1 P14)

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time-lost-cannot-be-regained-text-remember-antique-pocket-watch-64486583Some words to live by: Be on time.

Respect your time as well as the time of all others. Do what you must in order to always be on time. If you must get up earlier, leave sooner, add buffer time to your planning – whatever you must do and whatever works for you, you must do it. Force yourself to always be prompt and ready when the time has arrived to be, do, or say somewhere or something.

By not doing this, you are making a statement to yourself and to others that you do not care enough about the person or event, or both, to do what is necessary to be there on time. This is truly a toxic statement and will only result in hurt feelings, negative energy, and a loss of respect in you and what you represent to the world.

Embrace your responsibility to be on time. Be confident that it is beneficial and will be a positive element for you to participate and be present. Accept the small sacrifices that you may have to make as character building and TAKE PRIDE IN BEING ON TIME.

Just a light thought to end on. Yesterday was Ringo Starr’s 77th birthday. Ringo, as steady a drummer as there ever was, is referred to by Joe Walsh as “a human metronome”. Truly, one who took pride in being “on time”. Happy Birthday Ringo! Peace and love, as he always says.

KGM

 

Precious (First Thing in the) Morning (V1 P13)

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foggy-sunset-tree-landscape-early-morning-fog-nature-trees-grassy-hills-91988378Embrace the day. Seize the day. Awaken with passion. All of these may seem like meaningless sayings – but they hold truth and powerful sentiment towards how you face not only the coming day but life itself.

Think about your daily routine. The hours that you may spend getting ready to go somewhere (work perhaps), commuting to and from somewhere, taking part in activities that you are responsible for (as a parent, student, co-worker, interested party), etc. There are hours spent refueling your body through food and drink. There are hours that sleep requires each day to rejuvenate you and provide you with proper rest. There is not a whole lot left in a day when you factor in all of the items within your fixed and variable daily routine.

The first hours of the day provide the best opportunity for you to actually “own” a portion of your day. It is yours. It is the BEST time for quiet reflection, meditation, private thought, and prayer. It allows for an endorphin boosting walk, run, stretch or swim. There is not much, if anything, going on around you in the way of distraction and interference.

What is going on? Sunrise, sounds of nature around you beginning to buzz as animals greet the day and plants glisten in the dew, the beautiful chimes of a nearby church clock signaling the early hours of the morning. All things to take in, to be thankful for, and to admire in their morning habitat.

I like to rise now at about 5:00 AM. This may seem late for some and too early for others, but it works for me. I get outside and take a 20 minute walk or run. Prayer, dreams remembered, and other reflective thoughts run through my mind between short bursts of pure silence and observation of the beauty around me. The world seems like a different place at this hour as traffic is scarce and the pressures of yesterday and/or today are not really at the forefront of my mind. This is my time. It is all about what I choose to make of it and it seems to provide me with a mega boost of energy and positivity.

I follow this up with about 15 minutes of stretching, a shower, and then off to the office. I am now usually heading out earlier than before I began this routine, in a much better mood to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead of me, and feeling physically, mentally and spiritually recharged.

There is something magical about the morning. All of its secrets are there for you to partake in – it unmasks itself before you and lies quietly at your feet. It has no choice.

Embrace the day by enjoying the early hours of the morning. It will be a positive change in your life and you will truly enjoy these precious hours that belong only to you.

KGM

 

One Step at a Time (V1 P12)

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612014766The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. Baby steps. Slow and steady wins the race. Dip your toe in the water. All of these are meant to show the importance of just beginning and not being overwhelmed by the sometimes overwhelming enormity of the task at hand or of reaching your goal. Just get started – one step at a time.

I have been discussing with some of my readers their past challenges of becoming locked up because they have looked at the final destination as so far away and potentially so difficult to navigate that they fail to make steady progress. It is vital to remember that the journey is sometimes never ending and that successful spiritual evolution is not reaching the final destination but rather making steady and perpetual progress as a human.

Start slowly and focus on your core beliefs – that which is most important to you. Work slowly outward from this inner circle and act upon your inner thoughts that guide you and walk you from A to B. If it is physical manifestation that makes up part of your life’s journey at this point in time – realize that doing something, anything, no matter how small will take you to a place a bit closer to point B. Any progress in the space between builds upon itself and will make it easier to take the next step(s). Progress will produce results that will be noticed and that will propel your mind, body and spirit into the positive acknowledgement that you are making inroads towards achieving your goals.

Similar to the placebo effect – you, having witnessed progress no matter to what extent, will be feeling positive about the progression from Point A to Point B and will exponentially build upon that progress. Your belief that you will get there will parlay the real results to date into exponentially greater results tomorrow. Faith, belief, positive thought, prayer – all powerful stuff, to be sure.

Always move towards your goal. Be in a state of perpetual improvement. Shoot for the stars and even if unattainable you will have made inroads on a path between yourself and the stars and the space between will be noticeably and forever changed.

KGM

 

Confessions of a Dying Man (V1 P11)

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man-praying-27977497From the moment that we exit our mother’s womb and begin our life outside the womb – our physical life here on earth – we are dying. Physical life is finite. Whether you believe that it is a one and only experience or one of multiple reincarnated physical existences, it is a finite experience that comes to an end when we experience our physical death.

What does dying mean to me? It means different things at different stages in my life. In my early years through my twenties – it was something so far off of my daily radar that I doubt if I spent five minutes a week dwelling on it. Now, in my early fifties, it is something that inevitably comes closer each day and yet is not as feared as it was in my thirties/forties. My preparation for the inevitable physical world death experience is to embrace “this” life as much as I can while I still can. And in doing so, to prepare my spirit for the next realm and whatever it may hold for “me”.

My priorities have shifted over the years. My intent now is to evolve my spirit as much as possible in this lifetime and in doing so making a true impact on those that I love. I have worked from within a series of concentric circles – like the rings of a tree – from the inside to the outside. Focusing first on my core circle, my closest group – God/Higher Power, spouse/children, mother/siblings, etc. – and then working outwards to friends/other family/community/co-workers, etc. Through a perpetual series of self-assessment I try to make sure that I am evolving in a positive manner and making an impact on my life, the life of those closest to me, and others through acts of kindness and being genuine and sincere in my thoughts, words and actions.

I truly know that I have a place in this world, that my actions and words can change my life and further the evolution of my spirit, that others will play a role in this evolution – I just have to listen to the signs, that intent will morph into manifestation and my life’s purpose will unfold before me – it has no choice.

As a dying man – I am a seeker, a practitioner, a perpetual learner, a curious student, a willing teacher when applicable, a being of light. I see all others as demonstrating or having the ability to demonstrate these same traits and characteristics. One only has to look within in order to find the way, the truth, and the light.

I am excited for this physical experience, grateful for it, know that I am blessed to experience it – but know in my heart that the enduring and everlasting life of the spirit is the more sacred and blessed experience. For this I cherish the thought of my life’s quest. I look forward to the next state of my spirit life with anticipation while also doing all that I can to make this physical life’s purpose a successful and fruitful one. I get off track, to be sure, as my striving towards perfection is an unattainable peak from which the space between allows for many trials, travails, pitfalls, distractions and “human error”.

My confession includes being human and with fault, being less than perfect, falling short in many areas and during many times in my life, hurting others when I have fallen short, hurting myself when I have fallen short. All part of dying on the vine – withering while trying to evolve. I feel refreshed that I have been able to self-acknowledge many of these “sins” of my physical life and feel as though the furtherance of my spirit at each point of reflection on these faults has brought me to some sort of inflexion point.

Is it strange to embrace the next spiritual existence while in the midst of the current physical existence? My yearning and hopeful continuous evolution feels like a launch pad from one to the other. My daily prayer, reflective thought, mantras, meditation, etc. has brought me to the point at which I now reside.

I confess to not always knowing the way, but I continue to ask God to show me the way. I confess to less than stellar behavior at times in my life, but I continue to break down the walls of my ego and see that it is ok to not be right and to admit to being wrong and ask for forgiveness. I confess to being stubborn and insistent for less than good reasons at times, but I am willing to change and embrace the universe and its continual signs and guidance in order to do so. I open myself up to the infinite and abundant knowledge of the universe and ask that I be allowed to partake in all of its wisdom in order to take me through my life’s journey in the most “productive” manner.

Specific to this life’s journey and to the evolution of our spirits – the eternal quest: If you have words of wisdom, of encouragement – please send them my way. If you need some positive reinforcement and I can assist you in any way – just let me know. Ask and you shall receive.

The end point of this finite physical life is unknown to me and to you. It will come, however. From birth to death and then to the space between – embrace it all.

KGM

 

Seek and You Shall Find (V1 P10)

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businessman-against-starry-sky-mixed-media-silhouette-night-85416533 Question: What is it that you are looking for? Define that and begin or continue the quest to find it.

Remember (V1 P1), we look and feel the way that we want to look and feel. If it is a physical health transformation that you seek, you have got to identify the required changers and then execute or implement them. If it is an emotional or spiritual transformation that you seek, you must clear the negative obstacles, live a positive and self-fulfilling lifestyle and make smart choices that will enable you to perpetually improve.

If you truly want to make a change in your life than you will do it. There is no substitute for proper rest, an organic and nutritious diet, moderate exercise, prayer, quiet reflective thought, meditation and for being kind. This recipe will sow the seeds for both physical and emotional/spiritual transformation.

There is no end to this pursuit as one can and should strive to improve, in all ways that matter to them, throughout their existence. To be in a state of perpetual improvement will leave no regrets in your wake. Onward and upward, as they say.

Look out your window and focus on one item that represents, even in some small way, the beauty and power of what has been bestowed upon us. Revel in its true nature. Thank that Higher Power that you relate to in your spiritual existence as the All Powerful. Quiet thought, a prayer of thanks, a feeling of subtle elation that we are all part of something bigger than ourselves – focus, be grateful, and realize that you will find your way and your true purpose.

And, best of all, feel the joy that is inevitable when you admit and truly believe that it is within your power to manifest, seek/find, evolve to that place that you are looking for. God is for all to share.

KGM