With the arrival of the last movie of Harry Potter, one thing I notice is that it does not matter the century we are all, with its technological advances: people love to dream.
There are probably two categories of people in the case of those who are queueing to watch the movie. First, there are those who just want to enjoy and live nice moments. Fantasy and dreams have this magical spell on us all that makes us to forget whatever is happening around and live a life that is not ours. After the two hours or so of the film, we are back to the old routine. Fast, the effect of that experience goes away sending us back to the same former state (or worse).
Another category is of those who are doing different things in their lives. They are already living a dream, and so the movie is more like a kind of reassurance. It works as an impulse so that the dream gets stronger and stronger. These kind of people very easily identify themselves with the characters and even though they won't do magic all around... well, forget that, they WILL do magic all around, but not the kind you show in a movie. They will learn how to get better and change faster. The movie will be a school session for such a people.
Which category are you? Take care!
Friday, July 22, 2011
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Do you speak Globish?
Sometime ago, I've written about Globish, as it is probably the language I sepak when I think I am speaking (or writing English).
I am realising now that this is changing the way we all communicate. As Globish spreads its influence, not only the quality of English is changing, with less words and easy to understand, but also is pushing those who are English-speakers to change the way they talk.
And going beyond English, Globish has several others ramifications - two I have experienced in less than one month was Globuñol and Globugues.
It was an international meeting and a friend of mine was struggling a bit to translate someone's speech in Spanish into English. Reason: the lady was using a good and refined Spanish. So, beautiful words were virtually cut off and the translation was giving not much in essence, but with less sofistication and more understanding. Same happened to me in several occasions someone asked a question and I had to translated it into English - I have just cut the preamble off and concentrated in the question itself. That means, people who speak Spanish when relate to those who are English-speakers using their own original language, they must speak in Globuñol, as that will make it easier for translation.
The Globugues was worse - I am Brazilian, but I hardly speak Portuguese during the year. So, during my two weeks in Brazil, I realised I was using Globugues to communicated with others, restricting the words and meanings.
In all these cases and many more (like texting tks instead of thanks), communication is losing is façade, beautiful words and its decoration, focusing more in passing a meaning. In fact, paradoxically, our dialogues and talks are becoming richer with experiences.
I am realising now that this is changing the way we all communicate. As Globish spreads its influence, not only the quality of English is changing, with less words and easy to understand, but also is pushing those who are English-speakers to change the way they talk.
And going beyond English, Globish has several others ramifications - two I have experienced in less than one month was Globuñol and Globugues.
It was an international meeting and a friend of mine was struggling a bit to translate someone's speech in Spanish into English. Reason: the lady was using a good and refined Spanish. So, beautiful words were virtually cut off and the translation was giving not much in essence, but with less sofistication and more understanding. Same happened to me in several occasions someone asked a question and I had to translated it into English - I have just cut the preamble off and concentrated in the question itself. That means, people who speak Spanish when relate to those who are English-speakers using their own original language, they must speak in Globuñol, as that will make it easier for translation.
The Globugues was worse - I am Brazilian, but I hardly speak Portuguese during the year. So, during my two weeks in Brazil, I realised I was using Globugues to communicated with others, restricting the words and meanings.
In all these cases and many more (like texting tks instead of thanks), communication is losing is façade, beautiful words and its decoration, focusing more in passing a meaning. In fact, paradoxically, our dialogues and talks are becoming richer with experiences.
Saturday, June 25, 2011
In silence...
In an age where there is so much to talk about and many ways to do this, go into voluntary silence seems obsolete.
However, entering all the whirlwind of noise, the self started to lose its stability.
Thus the search for a practice of voluntary silence that for years was associated with religious traditions or some sort of monastic self-flagellation.
Worldwide, many of the busiest people are seeking voluntarily to practice silence, mainly through seminars and retreats.
What causes this and what is really the result?
Reasons
The incessant noise of the world has prevented people to make time for thinking and reflect on what really is happening. As human beings behind all actions and events there is something deeper, such as inner reactions, emotions, relationships and their impact, projections, etc.
Because of this, when what is happening behind, which is unknown, comes to the front, the person is not ready, and lot of unnecessary suffering comes.
When we get into silence, we have the ability to see what is happening behind and take action before it's too late.
Impact
In addition to the clarity of what is really going on, silence also heals on many levels. By being silent, physically and mentally, you have the time needed to reach conclusions in your own life and create a major change.
The other impact is to allow an "internal closet organization". It is a time to check what is happening internally, plans and projects, life as it is. Without silence, the cabinet will have to last disorganized until life decides that the individual needs to take time and forces him to do so.
Methods
There is no single way to remain silent, from complete silence to the silence of "speaking as little as possible", or just experience silence in mind.
It all depends on the effects the person wants to make in his/her life, time and energy available to be invested.
Conclusion
It is fundamental to set aside time to experience the silence, as it helps to understand the reasons and choose the correct method to experience it.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
What to do if something bad happens?
There are so many bad things that can happen to any of us, small or big. Question is: what to do?
Do you remember Charlie Brown and the guy with a blanket? That was his natural solution, just hold on his blue blanket and he felt safety. All problems went away just like that.
However, we have grown up, leaving our "blankets" behind. We are mature and experienced, we are supposed to know how to deal with situations now. No need of a "blanket".
No need?
In fact, all of us need something that gives us confort and safety. We all need something that generates in our hearts hope and the sweet and almost innocent feeling of bliss. We need a "blanket", probably an internal "blanket".
Inside ourselves there is something special and powerful. Something that can be accessed anytime. It is an inner space where safety is there and it is ours. All the time. We don't need something external, we just need that comes from within us. Happiness is a thought away...
Do you remember Charlie Brown and the guy with a blanket? That was his natural solution, just hold on his blue blanket and he felt safety. All problems went away just like that.
However, we have grown up, leaving our "blankets" behind. We are mature and experienced, we are supposed to know how to deal with situations now. No need of a "blanket".
No need?
In fact, all of us need something that gives us confort and safety. We all need something that generates in our hearts hope and the sweet and almost innocent feeling of bliss. We need a "blanket", probably an internal "blanket".
Inside ourselves there is something special and powerful. Something that can be accessed anytime. It is an inner space where safety is there and it is ours. All the time. We don't need something external, we just need that comes from within us. Happiness is a thought away...
Monday, May 30, 2011
The difficult side of travelling
I am not the biggest traveller in the world. I am not one of these guys who can count their miles, or end with lots of Platinum and Diamond Traveller Cards - in fact, I've just got a Gold one... but that is it!
However, after so many years travelling, I can say it is not easy and it is not becoming easier, as it should. Comfort, punctuality, company (during the trips), service on board, etc. are all factors that you can count will worsen along with the years.
Security is also a point - it fluctuates a lot, and you never if they will want you to strip your belt, or not. More advanced airports in more advanced countries spend a lot in security education curve - videos, hiring friendly people (the one in Madrid gets my high marks with their friendly Latin-american crew) and new machines. But for the passenger, that means to have to learn something new, even though it is a few minutes, after a wonderful 10-hour flight compressed between two very large, boring or intense people. Not nice, really.
I feel spirituality, specially meditation, helps me a lot to go through these trips which quite often turns into real nightmares. Whatever you chose, try something that enlightens you and makes the trip a worthwhile and wonderful experience, rather than something to avoid. And, by the way, avoid murder books - it may inspire you....
However, after so many years travelling, I can say it is not easy and it is not becoming easier, as it should. Comfort, punctuality, company (during the trips), service on board, etc. are all factors that you can count will worsen along with the years.
Security is also a point - it fluctuates a lot, and you never if they will want you to strip your belt, or not. More advanced airports in more advanced countries spend a lot in security education curve - videos, hiring friendly people (the one in Madrid gets my high marks with their friendly Latin-american crew) and new machines. But for the passenger, that means to have to learn something new, even though it is a few minutes, after a wonderful 10-hour flight compressed between two very large, boring or intense people. Not nice, really.
I feel spirituality, specially meditation, helps me a lot to go through these trips which quite often turns into real nightmares. Whatever you chose, try something that enlightens you and makes the trip a worthwhile and wonderful experience, rather than something to avoid. And, by the way, avoid murder books - it may inspire you....
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Putting values aside...
Is it me thinking and probably imagining here, or Mr. Obama just guaranteed another term?
Let's see... intervention in another country (Lybia)... Osama bin Laden... and boom! The old recipe for a president to be renewed in the White House. Looking back, we can see with Mr. Bush a similar fact - perhaps this is why Obama's caricature is quite similar to the Bush's ones.
What about the reason he was named for the White House? That big change, a new USA?
It seems quite human nowadays to have values, pursue them, but put them aside when the time of decision comes. We could call it compromising your values, or negotiating with them.
But then, if you sell your values, what really remains there? Is it enough for others to trust you?
Deep thought is: did I compromise my values, perhaps sometimes?
Take care and think before electing anyone in these times of uncertainty.
Let's see... intervention in another country (Lybia)... Osama bin Laden... and boom! The old recipe for a president to be renewed in the White House. Looking back, we can see with Mr. Bush a similar fact - perhaps this is why Obama's caricature is quite similar to the Bush's ones.
What about the reason he was named for the White House? That big change, a new USA?
It seems quite human nowadays to have values, pursue them, but put them aside when the time of decision comes. We could call it compromising your values, or negotiating with them.
But then, if you sell your values, what really remains there? Is it enough for others to trust you?
Deep thought is: did I compromise my values, perhaps sometimes?
Take care and think before electing anyone in these times of uncertainty.
Sunday, May 8, 2011
The secrets of happiness
If I use the title The Secrets of Happiness, I am sure I could get a big group together to listen to my voice, my ideas and hope they would serve them.
However, what if I think there are only two ways (REALLY) to find out about those secrets?
The first path, I would call The Path of Resignation: you just GIVE UP, and enjoy the happiness of this moment. The world has enough to give you happiness, it is just a question of looking for it.
The second path, The Path of Effort, it is for those who did not GIVE UP, and are still trying to find a sublime happiness, something they won't lose ever.
If you have plenty of money, good health and a good shape (face, body, etc.), you are quite entitled for the first path - why to look for something you already have? However, it is good to remember that most of the things that give us happiness one day won't be there for us. And in a world with so many changes, to rely on something external is to rely onto something that is not going to be there tomorrow.
If you want to thrive for real happiness, there is always a good opportunity, considering happiness as something you already have, it is inside you. It is a spiritual approach, and it comes from a very disciplined mind, a good heart and a deep desire to connect the self with himself or herself, and with a Supreme Soul. However, sometimes it is very hard to keep that connection in a world with so many changes and things happening all over.
Maybe... just maybe... you can take as much happiness can come from outside, and you can still connect yourself with that inner happiness that will never end. I think it is possible. Also, along with this approach, you can think of yourself as a donor of happiness - when you access that happiness inside the self, just allow it to overcome you and spread all over the place, and when you experience the happiness the world gives you, just share with others, making them happier.
The Path of Happiness, comes from outside, comes from inside.
However, what if I think there are only two ways (REALLY) to find out about those secrets?
The first path, I would call The Path of Resignation: you just GIVE UP, and enjoy the happiness of this moment. The world has enough to give you happiness, it is just a question of looking for it.
The second path, The Path of Effort, it is for those who did not GIVE UP, and are still trying to find a sublime happiness, something they won't lose ever.
If you have plenty of money, good health and a good shape (face, body, etc.), you are quite entitled for the first path - why to look for something you already have? However, it is good to remember that most of the things that give us happiness one day won't be there for us. And in a world with so many changes, to rely on something external is to rely onto something that is not going to be there tomorrow.
If you want to thrive for real happiness, there is always a good opportunity, considering happiness as something you already have, it is inside you. It is a spiritual approach, and it comes from a very disciplined mind, a good heart and a deep desire to connect the self with himself or herself, and with a Supreme Soul. However, sometimes it is very hard to keep that connection in a world with so many changes and things happening all over.
Maybe... just maybe... you can take as much happiness can come from outside, and you can still connect yourself with that inner happiness that will never end. I think it is possible. Also, along with this approach, you can think of yourself as a donor of happiness - when you access that happiness inside the self, just allow it to overcome you and spread all over the place, and when you experience the happiness the world gives you, just share with others, making them happier.
The Path of Happiness, comes from outside, comes from inside.
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