Here in the Self Development section, I will post any articles that I deem helpful for ones own personal development, along with insights that I discover about myself. The reason for this is simply to offer an alternative perspective to those around me that may benefit from a different point of view. We all have room to grow as a person and can always offer something more. There is often many aspects of our internal workings that are overlooked or blamed on others, if we begin to look inside ourselves, the answer is there to understand.
Life is an extremely complex subject, like a river delta there are many tributaries that feed and lead off into many different directions. Some are calm, some are violent rapids, some pass through beautiful views and others contain dangers lurking beneath. There are also many tools that people use to filter or make sense of the pictures, sounds, images, feelings and experiences they encounter whilst travelling these many paths through life.
I am in no way planning to explore the many facets of these intriguing routes Continue reading →
I have recently taken an interest in the activity of Fish Farming due to issues prominent locally here in Tofino, BC, Canada. Many people are against fish farming due to research expressing how farmed fish are passing viruses to wild fish, thus reducing wild fish stocks. Those promoting the benefits of fish farming, express the need for this method based on the fact that we have overfished wild stocks, therefore presenting farmed fish as a more sustainable delivery method. To some extent, this is true, but not only do we have a plethora of issues with viruses and inhumane methods of rearing and killing fish, we have a whole different perspective that we should be looking at.
Population Control
I have had discussions with many people about what high level governments have planned. One of the subjects that must be on their agenda is population control. It is true that the population is skyrocketing and is most definitely an issue. It is, however, only an issue if society maintains it high level of consumption. Societies high level of consumption is necessary in order to keep a population ‘happy’. Only when the population is ‘happily consuming’ will they work harder, pay taxes and blindly enslave themselves to this system.
For this to work, this level of consumption and entertainment must be maintained. However, in order for this, it appears that governments and corporations have and are taking over the food supply systems.
Image courtesy of allskull.com
Monsanto is one example of a monopoly on food supply. Beef agriculture is another example. More large factory farms are used and people blindly support these businesses which drive natural organic farmers out. This in-turn forces people to rely on a food supply controlled by governments and corporations.
Fish Farming
Taking this into consideration, wouldn’t it be beneficial for governments to take over the fish supply too. If the only way one can obtain fish, is through a shop or supermarket, then what choice does a person have when the food supply is cut off?
Which way is this all going? As the world becomes more and more unstable economically, socially and politically, where are you going to obtain your food?!
Image courtesy of “Stuff your brain likes” Blog
It is time to take your life into your own hands and stop relying on governments and corporations to feed you. If you are an organic farmer, or small supplier, keep doing it. Research what food grows in your area and grow some, reduce your reliance on store bought food and research where it comes from. Reduce meat intake as it most likely comes from a factory farm or is ridled with antibiotics. It’s time to return to the natural way of life, as best we can.
Cancer
Cancer has been linked to a whole host of food stuffs, cosmetic products, cleaning products and industrial products. Doctors and researchers tirelessly work for a cure. We should not be looking for a cure of cancer, we need to focus on a prevention.
If our food supply contains chemicals, we are exposing ourselves to the risk of cancer or infertility, is this a part of the grand scheme of population control? If you havent even given that a thought then you are letting yourself down. What is THE most important thing for you? I woud say it would be your own health. So stay in control of it, you are what you eat, so eat healthy and reduce your exposure to chemicals.
Having just read the headline, “British soldier, shot dead in Afghanistan!” made me think a little bit.
Image courtesy of World at War Blogspot
First of all it makes me sad that people are being killed for the sake of war and the second thought it provokes is in regards to why the papers report this in this way?
By reporting it in this way it seems designed to spark enrage at the ‘opposing’ countries. It does not and should not matter whether this soldier is British, Australian, an Israeli or from Afghanistan, the point of the matter is, a person has been shot. It is no more important that he is British! Using headlines like this weights the article with an intention, an intention to harbor hatred or disgust for ‘the enemy’. It seems to belittle all other deaths of non-british soldiers! The same occurs in other countries’ headlines, they report how many soldiers of their nation have been killed. Why do we create this separation and detach the human element from these crimes of murder. Whatever nationality the person, they were still killed and it appears that government and media are trying to stir hatred in those countries in order to create support for these wars. Well here’s the news for you, your real enemy is the person sending these soldiers to war. It is time to realize this propaganda and to start seeing that innocent lives are being lost merely to appease governments insatiable greed for money, resources and world domination, all under the guise of ‘democracy’.
The next time you read about a soldier from your country being killed in a foreign country, think about all those other people being killed, ask yourself why and also spare a thought for the terrible state ones head must be in in order to kill someone. Why do our governments create this situation? Why do they treat human beings as fodder? And why belittle someone’s death in order to build ‘patriotism’ and support for a war that is always unnecessary?
What emotions are stirred inside you by this type of headline – are you supportive of wars, is there truly a need for war and what is your opinion of the true reasons countries are engaged in war?
This video is North Korean Propaganda, that actually seems to really hit some valid points! It truly makes you see how the Western cultures of consumerism have been used to exploit and enslave entire populations. I laughed out loud when it shows you the reactions of people “rejoicing” because they just won “consumer goods” or bought a phone!
A worthy watch, there are more parts to come, I suggest you subscribe to the YouTube channel to see what follows.
Are we ALL victims of psychological warfare, by our own leaders. I certainly think so. Even more so with recent actions by the Harper government in Canada. They are losing grip on society as methods are being uncovered and they are finding it ever harder to conceal their draconian, underhand procedures to dumb down the population. It’s time to stand up and ask questions that matter. It’s time for the people to pave the way, not for the seedy, greedy “elite” to destroy this planet for their own gain. Get involved in the dialogue, do something to make yourself heard and make a difference in the direction of Humanity. If you are not here to contribute, then what are you here for?
I would love to hear your views below in the comments section – thanks for contributing!
In regards to the recent goings on around the world, with Bank Transfer Day, various market crashes, talk about further crashes, the potential withdrawal of Germany from the EU, issues with Greece, Italy and the conversation surrounding ethical investments, I have really hit a worm hole when it comes to decisions surrounding all this.
So first of all, Bank Transfer Day happened. It was the movement of money from big international banks, who invest in all sorts of unscrupulous activities, to placing it in the trust of local community credit unions. Simple, and I feel a worthy move. There are rumours of the big banks having lost millions of dollars in this move. Continue reading →
Awaking before sunrise, to join a field of outdoor dancers moving to the sound of Kamananda, was to be how my Sunday began.
Watching the sunrise whilst dancing to Random Rab, was how it slowly developed.
At 9am, the filmmakers workshop began, one of the few workshops I had originally intended to attend.
As I learned that it was a group involvement and was to begin with an introduction of oneself, I instantly became nervous, but realized that as I mentioned before, to put yourself in a position that makes you uncomfortable whilst it is related to something you love, will yield instantaneous results.
So now I was excited.
I have often had ideas of filming someone or asking someone a question on film and making mini documentaries, but fear always strikes me down. Too concerned on how it may turn out. Well this was to be the answer. The facilitators from selva rica were firm believers in just going for it. So we did.
The group split out into two, one half was to film a narrative and the other half, the one I chose to be in, was to ask questions documentary style.
We went out there and I got involved asking people questions and realized how simple and easy it was. People want to talk to you!
This lesson has taught me to just go and do it. Don’t be too concerned about the results, just do it. It builds confidence and skills.
One half of the video can be found below. The documentary part will be following sometime soon.
Thirst - the narrative video – filmed in 30 minutes, with no preparation – Enjoy!
I am known for my hatred, or should I say, non-acceptance, of the musical genre, dubstep. This was one element of the festival that I was not too excited about.
A few weeks back, I read a story of a spiritual teacher highlighting a very interesting point. They explained that it is not the actual ‘thing’ that upsets you, but your reaction to it. This really does simplify the process of allowing peace into your life. Whilst sat listening to dubstep, I made this realization and decided to release my reaction to the dubstep. All of a sudden, my hatred and tension released and the music simply just became that; music.
After a good nights sleep in our rented tent, we awoke to find breakfast. All the food stalls were supplying organically grown produce, mainly vegetarian and some raw.
The food was delicious and highlighted the importance of good food. Reducing the consumption of meat is not just a craze or a fashion, it is a healthy and more sustainable way to live.
Following breakfast I attended a chakra opening workshop, which used forms of yoga to activate the seven main chakras. Again, with an open heart and mind I fully submerged myself in the workshop. One part of the workshop involved finding a partner with which to work the heart chakra. The facilitator explained that this particular activity is one to open the heart and improve relationships.
I found a male partner, we placed our hands on each others’ hearts and looked directly into each others eyes whilst taking deep relaxing, trusting breaths.
It was unbelievable the connection that this created. Taking a complete stranger and sharing this intimate experience really does open the heart and emphasizes compassion. You are able to see yourself and truly feel the depth of a human connection, embracing my fears of judgement and allowing this moment to absorb into my field of consciousness.
Without having said a word to one another, this previous stranger and I; now had a profound connection . The simple art of allowing this to occur without judgement seemed to enable each of us to open to the experience and feel each others space and develop confidence.
The workshop progressed to a group activity involving five separate smaller groups chanting a different tone or beat. Each group chanted their particular routine and then slowly intermingled, continuing to chant as we all walked among each other. This developed into a highly energized coming together of power and connectedness. The energy I felt during this exercise was intense and very difficult to explain.
The entire experience was very special and highlighted the importance of human connection, the presence of a higher energy and the depth of human experience.
We are much more than a physical body and a set of circumstances, you simply need to learn to connect to that depth.
The idea of going to Envision fell at our feet, in the form of an email from a friends’ friend. We decided to book a shuttle from Mal País to Uvita, in order to complete the journey in one day, rather than taking two days on the public transport. This was definitely the right idea, a relaxed journey on an air conditioned bus to Montezuma, followed by a speed boat ride with about fifteen other people across to Jaco, then another bus direct to the festival in Uvita.
On face value, the festival to me, didn’t look too much like ‘my thing’. It was what I would call a ‘hippie festival’. It combined workshops throughout the day with music throughout the night. I had researched the music before going and didn’t really find anything I liked that much. There was maybe one or two workshops that looked cool, but I really wasn’t too fussed about them.
On the surface, I was not bothered about going, but something deeper down was intriguing me about it, there was a part of me that felt it necessary to attend. In recent weeks I have noticed that when I do something I am uncomfortable with, positive changes occur. So, I remained open and secretly excited.
On arrival, I was thrown in at the deep end, intense heat, many ‘hippies’ and a dusty cart ride into the festival (see picture). This was the unknown, my ‘hippie’ initiation. I set off into the festival with the intention of releasing judgment and opening my heart. After all, I was already part hippie, I haven’t washed my hair in a month, I haven’t eaten meat in a few months and the clothes I was wearing had been on my back for the last few days. I was ready. (humorous disclaimer: my use of the word hippie here, is simply in order to conjure up a stereo type and is not loaded with any malice or negative intention)
After meeting a bunch of nice people, pitching my tent in the field and finding a $20 bill on the grass, I felt that I had been welcomed into my surroundings. We walked around to find all structures were sustainably built from bamboo, including numerous organic food stores. It was obvious from the beginning that this was not simply a music festival, but a gathering of conscious intentions. What seemed at the beginning to be a long day ahead, was infant an excellent journey to a place I now knew I had to be.
Staying open to the unknown has allowed me to embrace this first day and as you will find out; much more.
Life can be challenging, that’s for sure. Some people have it easy and some extremely difficult. Everyone however has the strength to make their own choices and to do this must truly connect to who they are.
One minute people tell you to live your passions and to focus your attentions in one area, after all nothing can be achieved without attention and determination. The next minute however, you are advised to introduce balance into your life and to give things a break!
“But hang on a minute!” you say, “I thought I was supposed to live my passions and do what is important to me?”
Yes, this is true, but maybe all your passions require equal attention?
It can be hard to remain focused on all passions, I can liken it to planting a number of seeds. Perhaps you plant five seeds, they all need taking care of, but maybe all in different ways.
Maybe you neglect one, or over water another. Maybe one requires less water than another, but you go ahead and give it the same anyway. This can result in a lot of dead plants. You need to now how to cultivate each passion, if only there was a label!
The only observation I make here, is learn how to nurture your seeds, stay awake and focused, stand back and look at all your plants and understand what attention they all require and deserve.
