Saturday, May 14, 2011

We are designed to be in relationship


“Can’t we all just get along?” became a rallying cry after riots broke out in 1991 protesting the beating of Rodney King by police officers in Los Angeles. Yes, we can get along. In fact, the majority of the time we do! In relationship stories, conflict and confrontation get far more attention than cooperation. 

But in reality, our willingness to cooperate is what has allowed us to live and flourish among each other for hundreds of thousands of years. We live and believe the old sayings of “there is strength in numbers,” and “two heads are better than one.” 

Think of how many times during the course of a day you cooperate with another human being in kind and courteous ways. You do it all day long as you drive in traffic, deal with customers, and live with family. Most of the time, you never consider that anyone could be more or less worthy than you are.
  
When we are actively engaged in a relationship with another, we are physically and emotionally healthier.

Sunday, May 8, 2011

This is NOT a test: This is it!

No not, the Michael Jackson movie. But a movie none the less in a sense. Our imagination is  as many have described, like a screen with our consciousness playing on it. As a songwriter, I have those experiences all the time of imagining something or more accurately hearing the soundtrack to an experience I have had or having in my life. 

Sometimes, we wonder "Have I hit a brick wall?" I'm happy AND it's just these last five pounds or it's all I can do think of to receive the raise. You've done the work, read the books, saw the counselor, went inside, prayed for help outside and there is still this "one" thing.

Guess what this is not a test from your emergency broadcasting system this is your life in real time if there is such a thing. Regardless, you are happening now. I am happening now.

I have several friends who have jobs and livelihoods where every day they feel a sense of purpose-they are inspired. Some people I know, are inspired because they know exactly what that looks like in their mind and are waiting to experience it. Some have dreams so big, it's hard for them to fathom doing anything else and are doing all they can to make their dreams come true. But as soon as any of this feels like pushing or fighting up against something, the inspiration turns into frustration.

The orthodox way of dealing with frustration is to DO, ACT, PUSH, RUN. Do anything but be still in the moment. But I would suggest to do just that. Allow the mind to quiet, and come from a place of peace. You may wonder, will you receive an answer, is this your"lot?" This is when it is time to abide in the stillness, be at peace with the silence. However you are to proceed, may come in such a slight whisper that it surfaces at the most unexpected moment in your conscious thought.

Since this life is not a test (to my knowledge)  instead of living a movie where this one thing still exist in your life. Be Still. Instead to spending more energy pushing against it, be still. Allow the stillness to be as still as the coldest of nights. Abide in that stillness and in that peace for a while. And rewrite the script on a blank screen having left all the remnants behind of the old movie reel.

You've seen it happen before in your life. Something always breaks through. 
I Love you, Bukeka