Life is composed of needs, wants, and responses. Needs are at the core of our lives, and cannot be ignored. They are simple and intuitive. Our wants, however, can vary and collide with our needs.
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.
We need to breathe, but we do not need sex. We want sex. Even though it is a very strong and fundamental desire, it is not a need. We also want specific foods, so while nourishment is a need, eating snacks or what have you is only a want.
Responses, while meaningful, are just how we react to unexpected events in our lives. While it is good to be prepared, it is how we handle our needs and wants that seems to have the most influence on us.
The meaning to life of a person is beyond what is shared with all others. It is personal and unique, by this definition, and so is constructed from our unique wants. It is personal, intimate, and thus has meaning to us.
So, finally, the meaning to life is our dreams, achievements, interests, hobbies, and our personal relationships; our intimate environment.
Do you ever feel like you are not doing enough? Or that you are somehow not doing the "right" things?
Have you ever noticed how the larger part of your time is spent on doing what others want of you? Or how your main occupation does not reflect your dreams and ambitions?
If you nodded in agreement at any of the above questions, then you need to ask yourself, "What am I missing?"
And the answer is highly likely one or more of these three: Artistic creativity, volunteering with others, and going on adventures.
Artistic Creativity
Work does not only mean doing something for money. We often miss to notice that much of what we do is out of sheer joy. Playing games, organizing events, or helping friends out. Many things.
However, when we create something out of our own enthusiasm, regardless of others, a sensation of pride and achievement is manifest!
There are few things that we can do that satisfy our emotional needs, as creating out of sheer will does. A drawing, a sculpture, an accessory or device, and even just a brief text or recording.
Volunteering With Others
It seems that when nothing quite works for me, then I can always go and find someone else, even online, whom I can help and cheer. People appreciate kindness. And the amazing thing about it is that helping others, makes us feel achieving and positive, too!
It makes sense. When you help others, and improve their lives, then it creates a sort of promise of helping you in the future, and gives a feeling of security and comfort within your social circles.
Going On Adventures
When all else fails, go and do! Do not think. Do not plan. Do not seek understanding. Go, outside, or within, or even online, and seek new and exciting places, people, and ideas!
There is a misunderstanding, when it comes to achievements. Success is not only when we get the results we wanted. Success is also when things just work out, just because we kept on doing with a positive attitude and courage, even when there was nothing noticeable in sight, ahead.
So, to conclude, remember that there is always something to bring out to the world, regardless of circumstance or ideology. Keep on doing, keep on learning, and keep on having a blast, every day! :-)
What is motivation? This elusive, sneaky and inexplicable sensation that we simply do not want to do something, even though only benefit awaits us from doing it.
Hell ain't a place for a picnic :D
I would like to offer today a rare perspective on action. Positive action does not deny nor negate negative action. When we feel tensed about our lives, and seek something to do that would better us, it is often mistakenly viewed as an adding of a betterment. Instead, the removal of interference is often the necessary action for improvement.
We must first empty ourselves from the overload of daily life and the weight of responsibilities, in order to gain the ability to improve. Otherwise, we will turn overburdened and collapse under the load of activities and responsibilities we claim.
The next time you find yourself feeling perturbed about your inability to motivate yourself into doing something that you honestly think is a positive action - try to vacate some time and be unoccupied for a while. Enjoy some rest. In a trick of the mind, suddenly, you will feel energetic and uplifted enough to go about doing anything you wish. Unless, of course, you simply don't want to do it after all. :-P
I've always been a big fan of the philosophic and Buddhist practice of wondering about the origin of things. For example, before eating one will wonder about the origins and source of their food and drink. Where does it come from? Who collected it? Who prepared it?
Old Habits Die Hard?
I feel that this practice is extremely relevant to the understanding of the true meaning of all things in life. Many might question if their choices and practices are good or bad. The best way to get an answer for that, even if a personal one, is by learning and discovering the origins and processes things go through to reach us. Should I act in a certain way? Should I consume a certain thing? What is the meaning of life?
Yes. I feel that it is an easy way of attaining the meaning of life for each of us. Simply check about your life. If there is any dissatisfaction left after the research, then go ahead and check into the origins of your dissatisfaction! It's as simple as that. Eventually, clarity and purpose are always revealed. :-)
I don't know what's going on. My funny bone isn't working. I find myself without my regular intuitive and spontaneous humor. I write stories, but I can't really find the funny humor in them. I write posts, but I can't really think up anything funny to add.
I only get some rhetorical humor going on when commenting on Facebook.
A representative of the public, also known as a politician, is a person who requires a certain degree of experience and knowledge in the practice of sympathy.
“Leaders must be close enough to relate to others, but far enough ahead to motivate them.” - John Maxwell
Interests.
A contending or chosen social representative must never have any conflicting interests. There must be no profit or benefit to him or anyone in his personal circle. This requires all financial information and historical records to be publicly accessible.
Education.
A certain curriculum is expected of the politician. It is not enough to have general knowledge. The most critical contemporary topics must be well researched. In addition, topics of social conduct and historical failures and successes must be versed. A politician not only represents his public, but they also lead their public.
Experience.
Only through experiencing the hard facts of life, and learning how to cope with them realistically, can a representative be expected to be wise about their choices for the public. Each representative must pass a test of courage, wherein they will live for a month in the most poverty stricken conditions their public suffers voluntarily.
Profession.
Each representative has their own specialty. The social issues are always diverse, and for that there must be enough professional politicians to adequately solve those technical problems that arise. It is only expected that a political office that represents the natural environment, which puts emphasis on the welfare of the local animals and plants, should be led and populated by those with specific experience and knowledge.
Liability.
The life and well-being of the public is not a matter of play. If a selected representative is shown to be a failure, even though all requirements have been accounted for, then they must be replaced; for even a great expert can make great mistakes. The public must not let a politician have the interest of protecting their own status. Instead, those who already have an interest to replace the elected person - the contenders, must take responsibility over mistakes, and be elected whenever they identify a problem and offer a solution that the former politician could not handle.
Here is a little bit of an extra to add to your awareness. This documentary film shows footage from different countries around the globe, while discussing and reviewing the current state of mud houses. MUD HOUSES! That's awesome. No doubt, the film goes through the different techniques and shows examples, all the while interviewing those people and communities involved in the action. The examples are amazing. Yemen, England, Canada, Israel, Ghana, New Mexico, Thailand, and many more. Highly recommended. Yours truly. Hippie activist 2013. :=D
I have just finished reading the book Utopia (1516 by Thomas More), which I have gone through quickly in the past as well. It is essential for any modern day thinker to observe the changes that have occurred around us in history, and to see which of them do not change so much, while also acknowledging those changes that do not change at all.
In the story, More goes through crucial topics in every day social organization, such as finances and money (in which he debunks the need for coin and property); employment; corruption and unlawful law and judgement; and even goes at some length into politics and royalty.
Even though many ideas and topics in the short book of one-hundred and eighty three (183) pages seem to be irrelevant for modern day logic and need, it is without a doubt a testimony and clear example of the goals we are still aspiring to reach even today. Do not dismiss this important artifact from our past.
I post motivational quotes and meaningful sayings on my Facebook walk daily. I do this to promote positive thinking and understanding around me and all about. It is not a secret that how we design our environment affects how we perceive life. If we take care of things around us to the best of our ability, then each of us will enjoy satisfaction and the knowledge that most things actually do work out eventually. For those seeking motivation, here are some ideas: - Philosophical quotes about life. - Videos showing extreme feats. - Examples of personal success against the odds. Naturally, anything related to trees and animals works well too.
Meditation. The word has changed its' meaning quite profusely since the time of the ancient Greek philosophers. Originally, it held a wide meaning of taking time to ponder or think through. The idea was that knowledge is in itself the peak of realization.
Acariya Mun of the Thailand Buddhist Tradition.
Today, due to the expansion of Buddhist teachings around the world, meditation is used as a term for the action of being without disturbance. This new term disregards the value of knowledge, while emphasizing on the conditions necessary in order to obtain such knowledge.
I practice awareness meditation often. I value this practice and the Buddhist teachings and traditions. This has allowed me to be more aware of my life and environment. While more awareness also means more pressure to take responsibility, it is worthwhile and definitely recommended.
Want to try? Find a place where you are serene and have no disturbances at all. No people, no devices, no games and nothing else to draw your attention. Keep your attention calm and serene, and see how you feel after an hour of this practice. It is not important to keep any specific position, as long as your are not disturbed by this. I often switch from sitting to walking and so forth. Also, it is not important what you think or do not think about. There is no need to control anything, except for your surroundings and the choice to remain in that empty place. There is not even a need to set a certain amount of time for this practice, at all.
This blog marked the birth of a newauthor. Me. The excitement and opportunities ahead had motivated me, and got me to publish two wonderful stories in eBook format. The anticipation, and with it both success and failure, have put an odd discomforting vibe on my writing. I would like to share this experience here.
Some call it "writer's block", while others just see it as temporary mood swings. I accept the challenge my own mind has set, and am unwilling to simply bow down to inability. Even though I have tried music to alley the discomfort, there is a feeling of disinterest and lacking in my new books. It started with my Science-Fiction novel Future Value, and after disagreement with the horridly slow pace at which that book was half-written, I have moved on to my fourth book and the second in the Robert The Fail series titled the same with the subtitle "Losing To Trees."
In both cases I find interest in the story and characters, yet find myself disinterested in the writing itself. I have tried to simplify the methods I use to concoct my stories in the Word text editor to no avail. Now, I am forced to consider other methods with which to share my stories, beyond the default option of writing a hundred-page standard book.
I wonder if it's just winter taking its' toll on me.
If you have shared the same or a similar experience in your writing, please share it as a comment. :-)
This is an update to my previous Olive Oil Lamp post. On your left you will see a simple photograph (webcam) of me holding one of my DIY olive oil glass jar lamps. :=D Daddy is so proud!
Basically, I use a rather wide thick-glass jar, cut some white cotton sock for a wick, and bend some steel wire to hold that wick in place above the oil. Beautiful. Utsukushii. I have this smaller one for my room - a lovely hand warmer and atmosphere setter, and another bigger one for my outdoors camp. The lid is used to kill the flame, while it also keeps the smoke inside as it dies.
It seems that many of us have lost the secret art of inspiration. In the past, artisans and craftsmen had an abundance of natural environment and quiet in their daily life. The sounds of water, animals, and the wind had reigned the cacophony of their lives.
Just as the painter needs a brush and a canvas, so does the writer need his own tools of the trade. In a similar fashion to a painter that chooses his studio or a special location for his painting, so does the writer need his special locations that would induce concentration and help his creative flow. For example, I benefit from the parks and remote locations in my suburban area away from the city.
Sometimes, though, it is not possible to find a comfortable and accessibleremote location. For this, music can be our atmosphere, and assist in the writing process. When I do workout, I prefer good rock or metal music to encourage me. On the other hand, when I do something as immobile as writing, I require quiet and soothing music. I enjoy tracks from "fantasy" and "celtic" themes.
Had to add that "practical guide" part there :=P What? It gets results.
Anyway, today I want to share with you, my dear readers and blog-followers, my secret methods for authoring a book. In order to reduce technical issues when writing a story, I have devised so far two methods that speed up my creative writing flow, and minimize the effort necessary in maintaining concentration while writing an entire story.
One, is my Book_Template file. I didn't want to shift between different programs/interfaces while writing a story, so I had to figure out how to implement my ideas using only Word 2012 or any other interface. Therefor, before I write my story I first fill-in a template file with the following:
Title, Subtitle & Summary. These allow me to choose a topic and general theme for my story. The summary specifically allows me to note down any important ideas that I want to include in the storyline.
Main Characters, Secondary Characters, Miscellaneous Characters & Locations. These are short lists I keep in my template, so I can keep an eye on all those details, and change them in an organized fashion. This keeps me from obvious errors, and also helps me order my characters and locations. This order helps for referencing inside the story.
Chapters, Sections & Subsections. I divide my story into titles. Every chapter is split into several sections. Every section is split into several subsections. This allows me for a consistent storyline, which is also very easily manipulated. Also, using the titles as a reference, my writing-flow is more steady. This reduces distractions dramatically and builds up self-confidence while writing.
The second method is a simple Headingmanipulation in my story file. I have been using it with my current book, Future Value, and I am very pleased with the results. Under the View tab in Office 2012, it is possible to reveal the Navigation Pane. Then, I simply copy my template into the story file, and edit it so that each chapter, section, and subsection are set as a Heading in their according levels (Heading 1/2/3). Other titles are kept as a Title or Book Title heading, so they do not crowd my Pane. This allows me to add content directly under my titles, and it also allows for amazingly easy navigation within my story. I find this method more efficient, than simply checking back with my template file after every two or three paragraphs. :=)
TIP: One of the awesome things with headings is that the author can select all content that is of a certain heading, even Normal text, and immediately apply any action to it. Even remove all Normal text with a single button press!
Dr. Ivan Joseph in his TEDx talk "The Skill of Self Confidence", shares a lesson learned the hard way. In life, we get plenty of negative feedback from our surroundings. Whether it is people - those closer to us or strangers - or simply life itself disagreeing with our opinion.
The skill we each must develop, in order to grow as people and take care of our most important needs and wants, is confidence in ourselves. Be it as a single person, "I am confident in myself all the way," or be it as a group or team, "We are confident in ourselves and our shared ability and responsibility."
I have learned my own self-confidence the hard way. I pushed against shove, and often did so only when push came to shove. Learning to trust yourself and your own intuition and feelings takes effort and time. The best way, that I recommend, is taking on challenges every day. Regardless of the sense in those tasks, we all must challenge our abilities and ideas in order to grow. Just as important, we must do this so that we don't wither and eventually wilt.
Getting inspiration from the small project of Dungeon Blitz, both Iand a good friend decided to make an old dream come true - and make an Online Multiplayer Roleplay Action Game (OMRAG? lol).
Making a simple Flashscroller with cartoon graphics and animations seems like the most reasonable choice for a team of two. We are both without funding, but we try to make up for that with (part time jobs) enthusiasm and dedication! He is more the artist type, and I am definitely a programmer and technical person. While we are both doing Flash tutorials, I am attempting to put into action a simple server and client.
There seems to be a variety of options to choose from for such a project these days; something that makes this easier and quicker. Flash Professional has become a powerful tool, and I only need to tweak a sample server, and insert the client code into my own project. I intend to have a basic version to show this upcoming week, and you can definitely expect to see it here. ;-)
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