Keep your truth

**The truth will set you free... Do your part & let the Universe dish out revenge...

Hope

Sick world we live in, really; just think about how much we continue to destroy and hurt our fellow man. Out of fear, out of jealousy, out of greed, out of hate. We all are reflections of ourselves, the good side, and the bad side; the 'ying-yang' of our deep and sometimes broken personalities. Love is quickly losing it's worth and meaning because we humans are forgetting what 'Love' really is, what 'Love' really means. Hurting others is essentially only hurting ourselves. We are drowning ourselves in lies and make-belief instead of dealing with the root of the problems…and so they grow; grow into gigantic forests of disappointment.

Life isn't fair. People die. People suffer. And sometimes hard work seemingly does not bring just rewards. But if we don't have hope in life, we may as well be dead. Hope reminds us that we have something to live for and that we still have purpose. We may not know the exact reason just yet, but everything is revealed in divine time. We must accept our disappointments in life, in others and in situations but we must never lose hope. "There is a crack in everything, that's how light gets in…" [Leonard Cohen] Therefore without the stinging falls, upsets and failures we would never be able to truly see with eyes of truth. Life takes on new meaning when we are awake to truth.

Quit blaming yourself. You must remember that there is evil. And there is goodness. And that before greatness, evil forces are set against you. True success doesn't come easily. And if it does, your life loses meaning. Those that betray you, sabotage you and drag your soul in the mud, are only hurting themselves, they have no power over your destiny. So pick yourself and breath warm resilience. You can cut all the flowers, but you can't keep spring from coming [Pablo Neruda]. They cannot stop you, they will not stop you, they only set themselves up for making their world darker, with more sadness, more confusion and more fear. 

My darlings, use that pain, and create something beautiful. Something inspirational for those who suffer more than you. For those who are helpless, without vision, without voice, without hope. When you're at the end of your rope, tie a knot and hold on [Theodore Roosevelt]. We must hold on for dear life, a better life, one full of optimism, one full of nurturing, one omitting despair. 

Evil might be strong, young, powerful and seemingly beautiful. But it's an illusion. Because what they give out they ooze and are filled of - ultimately killing themselves slowly - a slow sick burning - yearning to learn to love again…take pity on them, for they know not what they do…

Bless-up!

Love Jair

Truth

“The truth was a mirror in the hands of God. It fell, and broke into pieces. Everybody took a piece of it, and they looked at it and thought they had the truth.” - RUMI

Every Man for Himself

It’s funny how life is; and the paths we take over and over again until we see the trail that we’ve somehow missed before. In life we do not get consistent results and we do not always find things cool to the touch; we are constantly tested so that through our life experiences we will find new truth and re-assuring lessons that will infuse within us abundant joy and eternal gladness.

When you are not free and are riddled with fear, dumbfounded by malevolent words and discouraged by nasty ways; remember that prayers are always powerful. A prayer is not something that needs to be shouted out on the mountain tops or done in some sort of special ritual way. It is, simply, becoming one and having closeness with your creator. Spending time when you feel low or otherwise to just check in and give thanks or ask for guidance. Prayer is a wonderful way to have a personal conversation with the Universe/God. It is by doing this that you are connected to the heavenly truth and comfort and with that truth you become free from the selfish ways of man.

More and more we see our societies being greedy, selfish and spiteful in their words and actions. Instead of uplifting, sharing and loving, we compete, push-away and show off. Since when is it of good character to trample on the dreams of others? Such funny times we live indeed; that we break down and fight against each other instead of being humble and rising together. When they laugh, ridicule you and say they love you but certainly don’t mean it – let them be – don’t listen to their un-kind words – rebuke their slander and fear they try to impose on you and make a decree to do just the opposite; to use your talent and desire for joy; for positive change; for peace; for love; for truth; for glory! For using your treasures in this way is the most fulfilling; the most stimulating to your hearts; and in turn you will be blessed in sound body and mind. J

Be complete; become whole, by plugging in to the beauty of nature, the beauty of the Universal love and joy that only your heavenly creator can activate access to. It is within you, within all of us and prayer is what helps this power to flow. So flow my darlings, and mirror your love and respect for yourself also to your fellow man, we are all on paths, trails and the ultimate journey to truth, understanding, trust and ALL the love you yearn but don’t get enough of on planet earth! J

Bless-up!

Jair J

La dispute

If there’s anything to guarantee besides death in this world is that one is guaranteed to be alone with one’s thoughts. “Yeah babe! It’s just you and me babe; you and those thoughts that roll around in your head!” Everybody’s got some; distinct and significant to the individual. Through my readings, it is said that your thoughts don’t always have to be a bad thing; what we need to do though is differentiate between the good and the not so good; it is also understood that because of continuous circumstances within one’s life specific thoughts would generally bombard the mind.

No rocket science here; but because of our hurdles and stumbles there is no need to accept, retire or be bitter in life. Life goes on! Move along with it darlings. Remember, despite its sham and drudgery, it is still a beautiful world – so be un-afraid to truly live, to truly face the suffering, and to allow yourself to heal! When we hold on to hurt brought on by another it does not amount to any good; it only holds us back from our blessings. Let your low days and moments be the fuel to rise up and continue moving forward with pride, with grace, and with whispers of hope. Let your thoughts be light, let your thoughts be of truth, let your thoughts be all you wish them to be – and smile that indeed one day they will materialize! J

I will leave you with a lovely quote that reminds us that what we witness and abide with in life does not make who we are – but only hark to strengthen our steps and our spirit! J

“When another person makes you suffer, it is because he suffers deeply within himself, and his suffering is spilling over. He does not need punishment; he needs help. That is the message he is sending.” – Thich Nhat Hanh

So my darlings, learn to forgive your fellow man; for as they say; they know not what they do. They also are on a journey of self-discovery, of truth, and hopefully of resilience! Be that light and pass it on with that unique and radiant elegance – only you know how to carry as you do! J

Bless-up!

Jair J

**Vous manquez de France, vous manquez ma doux-doux!

Teachers

Rarely do we ever ponder on what is the job of a teacher? A person that teaches us Mathematics and Literature? A person that inspires us with poetry? A person that introduces us to worlds outside of our own? But what about teachers that are patient and loving; those that provide comfort and healing to humanity? Jesus was a teacher. So was Siddhartha. Mohammed, Moses, Confucius, Gandhi, to name a few. These prophets or teachers taught mankind how to live peacefully with one another; about humility, compassion, and most important of love. They reminded us to have faith and to be brave in the adventure of life.

We don’t need to be Regan in ‘The Exorcist’ to prove that we are all possessed by human diseases of the mind. Jealousy, envy, hate, dis-respect; and the list of hurtful things we do to our brothers and sisters; this is why we must hold fast to the teachings of the prophets, who lived by example.

Don’t listen to the negativity; don’t listen to the ones that hate; listen to the voice of truth; the one that will always bring you to peace, comfort, and joy! J

You Will Meet A Tall Dark Stranger

This delightful 2o10 Woody Allen film displayed fine talent across the board, and not only that, but a belly-full of laughs and insight that what’s staring you across the way in another window, might not be the answer to your current life situations.

Woody delivers again! How good he is at what he does. Expertly written and directed by a man whose had decades of practice at bringing thought-provoking and relevant issues to the silver screen; Allen once again strikes gold with this endearing and increasingly convoluted tale.

Dadsy recommended and awfully stirring at that; I’m quite happy to have had the pleasure of finally snagging this film at a DVD shop at my last international excursion. Antonio Banderas, Josh Brolin, Anthony Hopkins, Gemma Jones, Freida Pinto, Lucy Punch and Naomi Watts all had me rolling with laughter because after all, after tragedy has passed, it’s good to see the comedy also. Predicting the future is a talent for some gifted few, but it is wise to know that the future can change at any given time, because based on our current choices and unpredictability in life, our path can be altered at any time. J

You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger solidified the instability of the plans we make in life and that we should really just stop trying to monitor, rule and control everything we do. Stop and smell the roses for crying out loud! Find a solution to the current life situation and don’t stress about it because guess what? You’ll overcome this obstacle too. So enjoy! Be nice. Communicate the truth. And love! Don’t settle and when you find the one that makes your heart pitter-patter a bit faster, hold on and hold true. J If they don’t feel the same, well then, you can’t force them, you can’t force anything in life for that matter, so loosen your grip and let the chips fall where they may!

Great lessons can be learnt from this ridiculously insane situational romantic comedy. Entertaining to say the least, but stuffed with a recipe of not getting ahead of yourself and throwing in the towel in fear and creating things harmful by being impatient. We are confused human souls, but all is not lost, for we all meet a tall dark stranger, and when that person is revealed in brilliant light, it’s up to you to decide on whether it’s worth your precious company or not! What do you really want? The choice is up to you…

5 Stars Allen – Rock on! J

Hereafter

There's something about Europe. There's something about the music…the people…how old it is…and the romance…something about love. There's something about life, and also about death. About the beauty that lives within all of us and the connections that stir if we allow it to be. The joy that radiates when it's right, the sadness that envelopes us when we feel loss and the truth that is the truth, that will always be the truth.

Clint Eastwood, a man that brought us American Western classics, with his charm, raspy voice and good-looks, swooning of many of our mother's hearts, and admired to our father's for his gun-slinging and brave ways; also now in his mature years continues to wow us, the children turning into adults, at his grand capability to captivate us with his story techniques; not only with his acting, but his writing, his directing and musical scores. We all know of Million Dollar Baby (2004) that showed where determination can take you and pivoted Hilary Swank into Hollywood's finest. Gran Torino (2008) which received 7 acclaimed nominations and 15 prestigious awards with some pretty hefty subject matter; well here is another beauty with much more controversial subject matter and it is expected that for a topic that we human beings still refuse to speak about that it would be such a hush-hush even among the film critics. Hereafter 2010 made me cry; not just with sadness but with incredible joy at the way Mr. Eastwood was able to combine historical events and the lives of strangers altogether explaining both life and death and in such a free way. Going where many fear to go and allowing skeptics to witness a glimpse of the truth within our grasps if we would only take time out to know it.

The soundtrack was adapted from the Lullaby of Sia Furler written by Samuel Dixon and Sia Furler. Although it made less than half back in America of its $50,000,000 budget, it grossed $103,800,000 worldwide. In this film the audience was given a vision of the next world, not just for our American star Matt Damon who plays George Lonegan that has the special gift, but we also follow Marie Lelay in France, played by expressive Belgium-born Cecile De France, as well as Marcus the small boy played by Frankie and George McLaren whom in my opinion stole the show with his placid and pining eyes.

A fine job done by the international crews, Warner Bros (America, Germany, France); as well as exceptional performances by all of the film's actors; one that I shan't forget along with native California born and bred American superstar Clint Eastwood!

Quite a delightful film if you're open to feel something out of the ordinary. Something real, something true, something that is and will always be. J

The Way of Love

While doing some light reading on some one of my nights, I saved this in my mobile telephone to remind me of the truth. So that no matter how badly cars try to run me off the road, and get me off my path to my destiny and dreams, that I will stick strongly and attentively to these words. I know that staying on the right track and not giving up in my dreams, will bring me closer to my destination becoming a true reality. The truth is promised to you, and I, and there is no need in thinking negatively or giving up; otherwise you just might miss out on one of the greatest moments/opportunites of your life! You're almost there ... pat yourself on the back. Your team of angels and the heavenly realms are rejoicing, they see and hear you; will you be silent and listen to them? Will you continue believing?

"...if I speak in tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing...

...love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away...

...when I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I resoned like a child When I became a man, I gave up childish ways. For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known. So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love..." :)

** My final thoughts:

Without love you have nothing -- therefore you don't even have life.

Continue spreading love and joy to all you meet, and you will attract more of that into your life.

Do not dwell in your past and do not worry about your future; now is the most important moment. For surely, it is easy to let the mind wander, but if you have un-wavering faith in the truth promised to you, you only need to take the next steps in the dark, knowing full well, that a path will be lit for you to follow; leading you to recieve all your heart desires in divine timing. Sometimes it's difficult, the road is unforgiving and you have many questions as to why things happen the way they do. Continue serving and giving without question, never put a question mark where the Universe has answered you with a full-stop. The time is now, the rewards are soon; you're almost there...with everything in life, add love to it; don't try to eliminate it. It is the greatest lesson and the main purpose of your mission here on earth...

Bless up! :)

Jair

Perspective

I've been wanting to write about this topic for quite some time. How shall one truly appreciate or respect something they have differing perspectives; or a skewed point of view?

Let's take this first example; what does truth mean to you? Some say, that truth hurts, according to Improv experts, they say that truth is funny, others swear that speaking the truth only backfires? But I find that it may depend on what exactly this truth is.

Life is all about different perspectives, how is it that an elephant be afraid of a minute mouse? Some of you may think, "Oh but that's a story!" Well, how is it that adults are afraid of spiders? (I'm one of those, and it isn't because of the size, but maybe the fact that they've got multiple legs and EIGHT eyes!!!) Which is more superior? The elephant or the spider? Or are the mouse and human in fact equal?

Christians believe to have just a mustard seed worth/equivalent of faith, and it can certainly move great mountains or create grand miracles in one's life. So is it possible then also to have little money and try to feed an orphanage? For some, that's bullocks! And for others they can see it happen with brilliant budgeting skills!

Another example still, some people greatly dislike policemen, they groan in disgust if they see one nearby y, or make donut jokes. Yet when people are in danger's way or a victim of some unexpected dilemma, the policemen are the first people we expect to give us remedy!

The elderly are using up our tax money and our time. They drive slowly, they speak slowly, and they're suddenly senile and unworthy, thanks to one, two many wrinkles. But these are people just like you, who've worked hard their entire lives, and been married successfully even through the World Wars, Great Depression and Civil and Racist Wars, and all they get from their social security to survive on each month is $135.43 cents, which can't even cover lodging at a room in a senior home, medical assistance or a decent meal.

All days one should be grateful. For life, sunshine, or rain that waters our mountains, shelter, decent health, a job that pays the bills. However even on the greatest days, some days just turn out tremendously fanatical! One can only try their best to keep it together and still wear a smile, when their flight crew is arguing, when the captain says we don't have any water for our 4 hour flight, and you have to work first class, and everyone wants coffee, and they're upset they didn't get their first meal choice, when some people have no food at all. Or when because you're from another country of different languages and speech patterns, a disgruntled passenger mimics you by saying, "Excuse me darling, don't you ever tell me that it's not your fault!" while waving their index finger two feet away from your face. Then someone asks what did you do on your layover, asking if you went shopping and expecting this kind of fun and grandiose experience, when you know you used your last penny to bail your sister out of an enormous ticket. And, to add icing on the cake, just when you're thinking things are looking up because a man compliments you and says you should be a model, and you say, thank-you but my passion is writing and I study film, they respond with, "Listen, your life would be so much easier if you were a model. You're so beautiful and all men want is regular sex and cooked meals…in fact I'll make it simpler for you, they want a 'hoochi-mama' and a mother, so just tell them line up and take a number!" And he goes on to guffaw and stare at you like a pin-up doll for the rest of the flight wearing with a nasty grin.

Its days like this you can't have a melt-down; its days like this you've got to have a strong and positive perspective. Remember to have a reaction that pacifies and doesn't stir up more of what you're trying to get away from.

And you ask how? How can one possibly hold it together when, they just ripped a large hole in their stocking/pantyhose in the beginning of the day and everyone onboard is angry because they're going to miss their connections to Hawai'i? How do you keep it together when that summer course you've been planning to attend at NYU for months gets cancelled because your car breaks down and now you have to use the money to fix the car instead of furthering your education and dream career? How do you keep it together when the person you loved and married, cheated on you and had a child with a stranger instead of you? How do you keep it together when you give someone new a chance despite you being fearful of hurt and rejection and then after many months of bliss, the person suddenly disappears?

My darlings, we keep it together by remembering that whatever we go through is a lesson; a test and luckily not the final. It's a prerequisite to see how resilient, compassionate, loving and understanding we can behave in times of great stress.

So even if you are the one that sends someone poetry or an animated heart sms to brighten the one you fancy's day. Or perhaps you've been pleasant and fair and someone lashes out in an aggression-filled attack. And maybe if someone flirted with you incessantly to get your attention and you send them love and appreciation by giving them a box of chocolates and they say that it was delicious but they rather have less communication between the two of you because you seem too passionate. You wonder how will you ever keep it altogether!

Well, don't be afraid of giving up your control…remain mindful, share unconditional love, and remember the truth, but please darlings, let go! Just put your trust in the other person and whatever the situation is, for although their actions of life's situations may be unkind, unforgiving and upsetting. You are gaining your greatest lessons yet! Whenever someone is closer to greatness, obstacles are thrown in their way to try to make them give up or go off course. Stay on course my darlings; you're almost at your reward. Understanding that all you went through and had to go through was just to make sure you could withstand a higher altitude of surprises.

What perspective will you have when you're dished life's absurdities? For things fall, shatter and spill all over, but what shape does the liquid bear? Does it bear a heart shape by any chance? Do you sometimes have strangers remind you what a great person you are? Does a baby smile at you when you pass by? Do animals become more playful or follow you around? These are reminders that you are loved, by the Universe/God and by others you are too busy to recognize. To them, you are the world! A unique and precious being of light and love, their shoulder they'd be honoured to have you cry on, their hands, wanting to hold and give you warm strength and love…

Carry a positive perspective, remember the truth promised to you, stay on track, and always, always have compassion and unconditional love…

Bless-up! J

Jair

ENERGY

Watching 'The Secret' always lifts my spirits, always reminds me, to keep on the path and envision, believe and trust the truth that is to be...

** ENERGY - Positive Vibrations! Only one person is responsible for your joy, and that person is you! Man becomes what he thinks about. Learn to become still. Energy flows, like the river goes, energy flows where attention goes :))

Freedom

Freedom means many different things to many different people. Some people think of others enslaved, but I think of a mind that is enslaved; a mind trapped by constraints of worry, negativity and anxiety. How can we free ourselves from this? I have been in a silly state lately, not being able to shake off worry about things beyond my control; and I knew I had to write about it when I'd found the answer. It didn't come easy, but after meditating on it, and breathing and clearing my mind, I was given many answers through life, friends, and yes, some good ole' Khalil Gibran. He wrote in one of his stories 'The Cry of the Graves'; "…I shall no longer require this raiment, nor do I wish my soul to suffer in the narrow house of a criminal…And all the servants did likewise and joined the crowd whose faces radiated joy, symbol of Freedom and Truth…" And after reading this particular line; not that I wasn't taught this before, I at that moment, remembered that once one has an awakened heart, to truth, then they are free from worry, they are able to speak the truth and feel and be lighter, they are able to recognize what is healthy and what isn't, and they are able to be that more jolly on a day to day basis. When they have an awakened heart, they know that every moment indeed is a joyful blessing. When we are free in mind, we are free in spirit, we are free to not be bound with rope and broken down in a dark prison like a criminal. For we aren't criminals for having emotions and feelings, so why then must we suffer?

We need to free ourselves, and our thoughts, and realize that we mustn't hideaway and think we are unworthy because we do not have control. We should perhaps be happy, in knowing we actually do not have the burden to carry, we can be carefree in knowing that 'you weren't brought this far, if it wasn't meant to be', therefore only good can come from this, so onwards we go! All the doubts in between have no place here; but only your intuition and trust in the Universe giving you the best outcome in the most perfect timing.

Forget the material things; they carry the most weight. Forget about what the world deems perfect to be; they aren't you. Forget people who try to mess with your mind and bring you down instead of lifting you up; they aren't helping you see the bright side, of the lessons you learn and literally hold your head under the water. You know you need to come up for air, yet you settle there, allowing your precious air bubbles to leave you.

A dear friend said to me today; "You know, there are so many different kinds of love. And yes love is the greatest thing, but it's not the only thing. And if one love isn't working out, then focus on another kind of love…it works for me!" And yes it is the truth. It seems to many that if you don't have what you want, when you want it; the little girl or boy in us begins stomping and pouting, having a terrible tantrum, because they believe that their problems are the greatest in the world. But there are other little boys and girls suffering far worse than you can imagine. So many broken and sick people, so many lost. We have little control over love and circumstances; one must surrender, and re-focus on the other things they do love and of circumstances we can make positive change to. And if that happens to be work; then so be it. But don't ever forget the birds singing…the butterflies that fly past you…and the people who've been there for you always; there for you, even when it hurts them when you are hurting too; yet still they are at your side, wanting to just kiss you and make it all better, dreaming of smiles to land upon your face. For if you take them for granted…one day my darling, they'll be all gone…you never miss someone till you realize their worth…appreciate them now…

He loves me, he loves me not, you can't force nobody to love you!

As my Trinbagonian people say: "What is to is, must is, it can't are!" And if you've been there, given your best and you still feel ignored, then…Peace out!

"Monkey say cool breeeeeeze!"

Bless up!

Jair

Now

Many people ask why make sacrifices for 40 days. They ask, "Are you religious?" They turn their noses up and point fingers and say silly things like, "For Lent, I'm giving up Lent!" That's all fine; everyone is entitled to their own point of view. And just because one enjoys the challenge of being disciplined, or understands the value of sacrifice and will-power doesn't make one religious. Sure the real reason for Lent is the remembrance of the Prophet Jesus, whom Christians deem the Messiah who came to teach us about the Universal Love and about how we should live and to treat everyone with love and respect. During the Lenten season, before his death on a cross he meditated and fasted for 40 days and nights in the wilderness/desert to become closer to the Supreme Being/his father to ready himself for what he had to do for mankind. During the time of fasting and self-retrospect, our eyes are opened to truth. We realize our self worth and value; about gaining fulfillment by helping those in need and spreading love and giving to the less-fortunate. We realize that nothing is as it seems. I remember sitting in the cockpit one day, and one of the pilots and myself were chatting and gazing at the smooth clouds whizzing past beneath us, and I said, "It looks so soft and lovely…" And he says, "Yes, some of them are, but some will shake you up real bad!" And isn't that the truth. Nothing is as it seems, but with love, you shan't have any fear in your life!

I must admit re-activating my facebook account, and having so many friends welcome me back, licking my lips of 'real' syrup after making a delicious pancake breakfast, and jammin' to some lovely Caribbean music in my car after a long day's work, really made my heart smile in a great way. But after my third bite of chocolate, and discovering the one I fancied had time to update his facebook profile and not even message me as he said he would; that being rid of these things in the first place wasn't that bad. It was somewhat more freeing, because with my simpler, non-sugar, no facebook life, I was given enhanced intuition and creativity, I was able to tune in with those around me and I knew that to continue like this I would be able to move forward with my career, life and relationships! I became a Brand New Me! A me that was aware of the true love and joy which is all found in the Universe, and not in the things people cling to, to make themselves feel better temporarily.

That was the relevance of Lent, and that was the relevance of sacrifice and soul-searching. But here I was, back into the green valleys with lots of water to drink and some dimpled distractions (ha ha); back to the world that would make Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King and Mahatma Gandhi weep, as what they fought so hard for was still being deteriorated and lost because of man's constant greed and ever-creeping divisions. And then I thought; could it not also be a challenge of living within this world, and staying grounded, yet also able to practice, and share my knowledge and truth with those that I meet. Spreading the message and encouraging and inspiring others. For to sit and focus on my breath alone everyday for the rest of my life, would be wonderful, however rather selfish; I can do both, for I become a greater student and teacher living amidst all people, the good, the bad and the lost, just as Jesus did (befriending prostitutes and tax-collectors); for we aren't to judge, only to love, for we are all reflections of each other, on different paths, to learn different lessons and ending at that place beyond life and death. J

After focusing on my breath today, the word, 'NOW' was given to me…and how funny and fitting that in the animated version of the Beatles video: All You Need is Love, that I was inspired to add to this blog. The word 'NOW' appears and I believe my message was; 'Now you know the Truth'. Thank-you Jah-Jah for teaching me…continue to lead me! J

Pride Begone

While hiking in the beautiful 'Pacific Palisades' in Malibu California the other day, with my visiting and insightful French friend, it dawned on me how self-centered we humans can be. We were admiring the mountains at one point, in between heading steadily towards the top, as we were told there would be a lovely water-fall found at the end. And he shared with me an experience he and his friends had while hiking a mountain in Geneva, Switzerland; he said that it was there for his first time he had actually heard his echo in a mountain, and not only once, but 7 times. This story stayed with me; I found it quite extraordinary to not only hear yourself once or twice but actually 7 times in a row, and as he described surrounding them. I wondered also, what did he shout so that he could identify his echo, and he had said that it was simply laughter. This story not only brought a smile to my face, but got my imaginative writing-gears churning as well. J

You see, it is one thing to love yourself, to have self-worth, to have self-respect, and to treat your body and mind healthy and positively; but then there's the other side of the spectrum, which some, adopt mostly or fully quite easily, those attributes of arrogance, self-centeredness, pride, and lack of thoughtfulness. The prior are encouraged, but the latter should be greatly disheartened.

Despite mankind being able to accomplish, build and create many great technologies and accomplish outstanding feats, we still must remember that we are not 'all', or the most significant beings on the planet. We do not 'rule the world' or have control over all things and we must remember that just because we are wonderful, the world does not revolve around us, and everything isn't either about us. It is a big world, and an even larger Universe and we are not the creators of the grander scheme of things. So when you begin thinking, "Why is this happening to me?" or "Why are people doing this to me?" We must take a step back and in turn ask ourselves, "Why am I reacting this way, because of this situation?" or "Why am I allowing something to completely envelope my life and make me upset?" Always try to see the brighter side, don't over-exaggerate, or over-react, which we are many times guilty of. Don't take things so personally, for other's have their own feats as well.

Remember that we are all connected, like the rivers that flow into the vast ocean, and despite our differences we are all reflections of each other at different learning stages through-out our life. You are no better than your fellow brother or sister and to think otherwise is to be judgmental and downright haughty. Therefore, let go of your pride and say how you truly feel, speak the truth and trust in the truth that is given in return; for you receive what you give (not necessarily from the same people – so never expect that either). Don't ever doubt the Universe/God with a question mark, where he has put a full-stop. For, we for the most part are blind, un-willing to be open to the truth which we don't usually see straight away. We must be humble enough to be guided along our journey in life. When you struggle against the truth, you will always be miserable; it is better to walk one step at a time, at a steady pace with faith than instead violently swimming upstream, almost drowning to say, "Look at me, I'm doing what I want!" The problem here is…what 'you want to do', and 'what you need to do'. We all have strong desires, but not always for the right reasons. Find out what it is you 'need' to do versus what you 'want' to do; and usually when you begin doing what you 'need' to do, you end up doing what it is you 'want' to do! Be of service, and find out how you are able to give back to your fellow man through the desires you hold in your heart. Not only will this bring you deep-rooted satisfaction and fulfillment, but also joy in knowing that you will be accomplishing both love for yourself as well as your fellow man; being aware of the reflections in your life. J

And in conclusion, if you happen to not get any of this [ha-ha] or find it dull or un-interesting, remember to just laugh at yourself. Laugh at yourself every day, don't take yourselves too seriously, you can only do so much, and you are exactly where you're supposed to be in this moment of time. Look in the mirror and make a silly face, enjoy a baby's babble, and old man's slow tale, or witness a dog simply wagging not only his tail, but his entire bum! J Know that you're surrounded by your heavenly team, who's always a step ahead of you, only wishing for you to reach out to them so that they can continue to spread goodwill and joy to you, or perhaps simply echoes of laughter, to remind you that they're there for you always as well! J

Bless-up!

Jair

Pain vs Pleasure

I've often pondered about suffering, and about how much is too much, or perhaps, what would be the right dosage for different kind of people. One of my heroes Mahatma Gandhi said that 'Suffering brings you to Greatness'; and also, 'You can chain me, you can torture me, you can even destroy this body, but you will never imprison my mind'. He was a man who stood up for his people peacefully. Another hero, Nelson Mandela, who said that ' There is no passion to be found planning small – in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living', and also, 'When the water starts boiling it is foolish to turn off the heat'. He had to withstand 40 years in prison away from his family and life because he had to abide by unbelievable rules of people who had invaded his country. The great prophets themselves went through suffering before achieving the ultimate bliss/blessings. Jesus, the Messiah (my great,great,great,great,great x 100 great grand father :)) was mocked and belittled, stripped of his clothes and whipped and made to walk the streets wearing a plaited crown of thorns and carrying a heavy cross. He ended up being nailed to it in front of an entire community. Siddhartha, turned Buddha with a good enough upbringing, learnt about suffering and pain when he made his way out into the world, eating only a leaf a day and having a drink of water, only when it rained. Scoffed by his fellow friends on the path when he realized that life was about the middle path/way; and tempted when he was coming close to achieving Nirvana. And Mohammed, who was a diplomat, philosopher and person of divine action for his people, went through his own share of suffering, orphaned at an early age and worked hard most of his life as a merchant, until he completely surrendered his life to God/Allah and began having revelations about life.

We wonder then if pain and pleasure go hand in hand. One of my favourite, if not finest mythical poets from the 13^th century, the Persian, Jalal al-Din Rumi, who later settled in Konya Turkey, wrote most attractively about life, yet he was able to also capture feelings of dread and doubt that often times went along with it. Khalil Gibran, also, from the East, but this time Lebanese heritage, spoke of truth within the Universe, saying that both pain and pleasure flows in the same stream together. For if we drink and have a merry time, however drink in excess, then we receive pain the next day and feel ill. So in other words we actually bring it upon ourselves. Therefore, perhaps we should always succeed carefully and cautiously and with a steady pace. On the other hand, if we did not feel pain, how would we strengthen or build our character? How would we purify ourselves and become more spiritual and soul-searching? We all strive for happiness, but would we be able to express ourselves fully if we didn't withstand pain and suffering?

I believe, based on my readings, lessons from my father and experiences in life, that after immense suffering and pain, one becomes happy to know of the maturity/strength and clear vision one is given after being able to withstand and or become resilient. It also gives you the opportunity to surrender and change your attitude because we achieve spiritual insight or spiritual truth.

So you may be in limbo, (by the way, just had to say that 'limbo the dance' was created in non other than the lovely twin-islands of Trinidad & Tobago J) and unsure of how long this amount of suffering will last. One hundred years is like one day in the spiritual/heavenly realm, therefore we must garner patience, there is no time-limit to success or adoration. Mr. Nelson Mandela was sentenced to life imprisonment from 1964 to 1982. He was then moved to another prison until Febuary 11^th 1990, when 4 decades later he was finally set free; and this man can still smile and have hope. He can still love people despite others that hated him so much and treated his people so badly. The sweet, meek , mild and jolly Dalai Lama is another great man who despite treachery, violence and betrayal of his people and his land, he is still able to show others genuine love and be of service to others which brings him joy. If they are able to have patience and belief in their dreams after such an extended amount of time,( in the Dalia Lama's case, he is still waiting), then who are we to complain and pout and stomp around.

Do not compare yourself to other people, whom in your eyes may be doing better than you are; everyone has their own path, and their own problems, therefore, be grateful for your path and your plan and have faith that you too will be able to achieve greatness.

I will leave you with a lovely little story I came across once, and I hope it is as effective for you as it was for me; feel free to include man/woman as you see fit; remember nothing in life is permanent, so enjoy:

THE STRAWBERRY STORY

A woman/man is running from a tiger that's chasing her/him. She runs through the woods until she gets to the edge of a cliff. The tiger is still behind her, so she climbs down a vine. The tiger reaches the top of the cliff and paces back and forth, licking its chops. Midway down the cliff, hanging onto the vine, she sees another tiger below her, pacing back and forth, licking its chops. As, she's hanging there, two mice come out and start gnawing on the vine. She tries to shoo them away but they won't go.

Just then she sees, growing out of the face of the cliff in front of her, a wild strawberry. She picks it and eats it. It's delicious.

According to Bhagavad Gita:

"The contacts of the senses with the sense objects give rise to the feelings of heat and cold, and pain and pleasure. They are transitory and impermanent. Therefore, [learn to] endure them, O Arjuna."

And Marquis De Sade:

"It is always by way of pain one arrives at pleasure."

"So the path may be treacherous, long and unfair, but during this daunting bit of voyage, you find beauty, truth, trust and love, which if you never made the journey, you would never know they in fact existed!" J -- By Jair Ananda Massiah.