Philosophy: Release through Knowledge

In life I search for freedom. In this sense of freedom I feel released; released from all kinds of societal pressures to fit into a certain mold. It has become a life long journey to consciously feel free no matter what my situation becomes however many people will find addictions to get this release. These addictions may show themselves through food, exercise, relationships, sex, drugs, alcohol and philosophy… yes philosophy is a search for release through knowledge. I had never quite thought of knowledge as a release but it certainly is. When I write I critically think about many different people’s opinions and life perspective. I become lost in thought, when I form new opinions and then I experience a sort of academic high. I feel the more I know the more I can live freely. However this is a falsity. To be truly free is to acknowledge death of the ego; to let that ego slide away in order to become present, humble and content. Freedom then becomes the constant practice of releasing the grip my ego has on my identity.

To feel alone

To feel alone 

We work so hard to feel anything but loneliness

We have what seems to be way too many avenues for people to get a hold of us 

But what are we left with at the end of it 

A cheap thrill, a good story, a hit of serotonin 

I can appear to have so many "friends" but I really want to know someone

Pain and Creativity

To be in pain seems to ignite creative fire but why and how? Pain is sometimes a tale of the heart, sometimes a tale from the physical body but always an expression of how we fit into this world. Pain means something is wrong, we must change our ways and move along. Pain creates growth, new opportunities and steers us towards our intended purpose. Pain allows us to create or find meaning for ourselves and others. Pain simplifies life. It takes away any significance given to silly drama. Pain is actually our best teacher and it guides us towards where to be at this time. Pain will take us to dark places only to realize our internal light will shine so brightly and allow us to find our way. Pain takes away any of the judgement we have towards ourselves and others. Ironically pain makes us extremely grateful. It makes us feel blessed for everything that is good in our lives. It makes us cherish the smallest things in life that we will start to deem miracles because really this life is hard to grasp and the only way to get through pain is to accept it. 

Another Love Curse

You went out outside and brought me a flower, I got scared as I lost my power 

I cannot accept as you took from the earth, could this be another love curse 

I'm not there, I'm not used to this 

If I commit to you what will I miss?

But I'll know the right person, one who accepts what he'll see

A person who looks deep within and fully accepts me 

Now here with you, I'm ready to fly away 

I'm ready to take off, you keep my fears are at bay 

You make me see what is not clear 

An accurate picture of what's in the mirror 

Speak Your Mind

Why are you pressuring me 

Where do you get the nerve 

Let me do my thing 

I don't want a husband to serve 

There's too many expectations 

I feel restricted 

I'm rather uncomfortable 

My breath is constricted

Please Just wait 

Take a step back 

This relationship thing 

I'm not feeling that 

Let's create some boundaries 

I need my space 

I'm too chicken to be honest 

I just try to save face 

I'm not being truthful 

I'm not honouring myself 

I'm going back to basics 

Where in solitude I find wealth 

No more planning 

I don't see the rush 

 I'm going to find my voice 

I can't keep being hush hush 

For This is me 

Take it our leave it 

 if you have a problem 

This isnt a good fit 

Im rather independent 

I can be slightly hasty 

I'm warning you now 

But There's more to see 

I don't want to talk 

I just want to play 

Any orders you have 

I will not obey 

I am afraid to lose myself 

Fear of a low ceiling 

I don't have the capacity 

To worry about your feelings 

Speak your mind 

Tell me your honest Opinion 

Otherwise this is painful 

Like crying cutting a onion 

I am not a mind reader 

But I'm open to say 

Perhaps it is now 

We split our ways 

Assume the best

Assume the best. Assume the best. Assume the best. Assume the best. Assume the best. Assume the best. Assume the best. Assume the best. Assume the best Assume the best.

It is so easy to create all kind of stories based on other peoples reactions, judgement, comments and if we allow ourselves to disconnect with who we truly are then we can assume the worst and allow these to affect us negatively. But if we stay true to our soul, to that deep inner knowing of our true self then these reactions, judgements and comments are like, "water off a duck's back", they just roll right off. We can then assume the best of every situation because we have been acting from a place of authenticity, courage and honesty and that's all anyone can really ask for!  

But when we do get that chance to communicate wouldn't it be beautiful and much more simple if instead of running away we would speak openly and honestly from that vulnerable place in our heart. Then while receiving conversation we listened attentively and took nothing personally. Let the practice continue!

Advice from a wide range of business professoinals

If you were to share advice with others what would it be?

1)      Read regularly. Close the gap by seeking knowledge.
2)      Invest in yourself.
3)      Do more for others than you do for yourself.
4)      Treat others how you want to be treated
5)      Work hard
6)       What people think of you is none of your business. Don’t live to please others, don't let them ripple your pond.. If you are living your truth some people are not going to like you and that’s ok!
7)      Be nice to everyone because you never know where you will run into them in the future
8)      Value your staff and build a culture they want to be a part of .
9)      Think long term/Act short term. Think globally, act locally.
10)   Have 1 day a week that is dedicated to your family and local community, ex. Shabbat in Jewish tradition.
11)   Listen/think before speaking. Take care of others, lift them up.
12)   Focus on the positives
13)   Take care of yourself first. The idea of you need to apply the oxygen mask to yourself first before you can assist others.
14)   Balance 
15)   Keep work and family life separate
16)   Love your family
17)   Equanimity. If you have a bad day at work don’t bring it home
18)   Don’t wait for things to happen, take action!
19)   Consider what you are doing and is it really that important or urgent?
20)   Don’t always live for tomorrow. Focus on what is! Enjoy what you are doing as things can change very quickly.
21)   Think about what are memories made of...then live that!
22)   Love fully. Whether it is a day or a month. What does it look like to give all your heart?
23)   Know and love yourself. What is it to sit comfortably in your own skin?
24)   Welcome competition
25)   Be Patient. This too shall pass.