Silence and its incredible power

 

I am surrounded by the lack of silence: cars, people talking and shouting, music (don’t ask!)… So much, really... And yet, since I was a child, I used to be attracted to the simplicity of silence. It used to be healing, an opportunity to go beyond my present situation and even to feel different than I really felt, without pretending.

It is still an integral part of who I am, as it is present in my meditations, my work style and my reflection. It contributes to my wellness, my spiritual practices and my mental state.

So, for me it is not a tool; it is who I am, what makes me refining my silence again and again.

For other people, it is a tool and I think it is great. I remember reading about this Asian businessman who used to experience one hour of silence in the morning, every day. This was his way to clear his mind and prepare himself for the challenges to come.

It can be a tool for a person trying to gather their thoughts, an artist during inspiration or a mother thinking of a gift for her family…

A silence experience may be moments of silence, an hour or a full retreat, even a pause in life; silence changes the way our minds think. Even though silence will be present at my most important moments and for other people, only when they need, its power is unmeasurable.

If you don’t practice it yet, just try it out…

Silence…

Quo Vadis?

 

Where are you going? It is a very old question… and yet, so important for days like the ones we are living.

There is a general sensation of earth as a boat adrift, without a clear leadership and very little initiative from people in general. The leadership that exists is often restricted to a small sector and its influence does not spread, besides our leaders look like they need lots of help due to the complexity of the present.

In relation to people in general, I feel we are not taking advantage of this unique moment in history: we can all be leaders… of the self.

So instead of looking for people who would tell us where to go, what to be in the future and how to create a new world, it is our turn – yours and mine – to find that out.

So, ask yourself: where am I going? The answer will motivate you to give the first steps.

 

Quicksand and slow-sand

 

I was “playing” with the idea of a quicksand… OK, maybe it is not a nice image as per the general perception, if someone steps on a quicksand, they are swallowed by earth! That’s why the first rule is CHECK THE PLACE WHERE YOU ARE STEPPING.

However, if you do step on a quicksand, slow movements will help and the best you stay quiet, the hardest will be for the quicksand to take you in. Your chances of survival will increase by doing that.

Now, if we think about SITUATIONS as quicksand, we can extract a few lessons and turn it into a slow-sand, a process in which you are changing the pace of life and going deep.

Always be cautious. If you can foresee a bad situation coming, don’t step into it just like that; wait a bit, reflect, contemplate and meditate… If it is a quicksand – something that will swallow your energy, your potential, or your wealth – don’t step into it. Look for alternatives instead.

If you are feeling situations are already taking too much from you, slow your movements, that is, be more reflexive and contemplative. Take your time whenever you can and talk with someone you trust about what you are living. Don’t let yourself be dragged by circumstances.

Silence does three things when situations are like quicksand: 1) silence empowers and so your resilience increases; 2) silence clarifies what you are going through and, in this way, you are not afraid, and 3) silence heals since many times this type of environment may hurt you.

So, are you ready to convert the quicksand of your life into a slow-sand?

A trip to the infinite and beyond

 

Let’s travel far, far away…

 

Meditation is a first means to go beyond the world we live. It is not that we really go beyond, but our mind and thoughts take us much beyond our environment and the physical, mental and emotional experiences. This opens the door for the self to have a different understanding of life, so unique…

When we reflect by journaling or just sitting down, looking at the horizon, we allow our mind and thoughts to see the world from behind an invisible mirror. From our perspective, we look at reality, we understand it and we can even make decisions about it, but all the time from behind that mirror…

For this trip, we need to comprehend and live the difference between inner and outer experiences. Maybe they are correlated or not, interdependent or not, totally different or incredibly similar, they are not the same. Travelling to the infinite and beyond means, in this sense, to submerge in the inner experiences and to let your mind to take you to a different universe.

 

Come on, let’s travel!

We are almost there…

I imagine the car of time full of small children asking, “Are we there yet?”

And time, ever patient, replies with a smile, “Not yet!”

As humans, we’re always on a journey. Even when we’re not moving physically, we’re traveling along the timeline of life. “Are we there yet?”

I’ve been reflecting on this question and realized there are three significant destinations in life, three moments when we feel we’ve truly arrived. Let’s explore these moments together, perhaps it will ease some of the anxiety we feel in the car of time.

 

Let’s start at the end. Death is a moment we are all destined to meet. Whether we face it consciously, joyfully, or with fear, it’s the ultimate conclusion to our journey. The car of time eventually leaves us somewhere final, somewhere special.

How do you perceive this inevitable conclusion from where you stand today?

 

Now, let’s rewind to the first time we met our own sense of “I”. That moment when we realized our individuality – separate from our family, our community and the world around us. It was the beginning of understanding our uniqueness, the moment we started to notice differences and learned how to navigate them. It was like raising a flag at the summit of a mountain early in our human journey.

From what you remember, what was it like for you?

 

Now, EVERYBODY in the world has a… how should I call it? A moment of truth… Many years ago, a friend shared a powerful analogy about life: What if everything you’ve been through was a training? This is the moment when life clicks; suddenly, you see how your experiences, choices, struggles, and triumphs were interconnected. Memories, regrets, reasons, love, and peace, all come together to form a clear picture.

What was your moment of truth?

The last plane…

The images of the Khwaja Rawash airport during the evacuation in Kabul, Afghanistan, are still present in the minds of many. A few of us had friends or relatives there, but for most people the sensation has come from an overwhelming feeling of sharing with our fellow human beings, which made many feeling as if they were the ones in despair, trying to be evacuated.

I hope all goes well for the people who got to flee the country, for those who stayed back and my peaceful vibrations for those who couldn’t and their families.

Reflecting upon it, many years later, I understand that without realizing, many of us are going to have a last plane in life, a moment of decision so brutal and critical that will split our lives in two or more timelines. After it, you won’t be the same person anymore.

Maybe it was your marriage – it does not need to be something bad.

Perhaps when your first child was born… or when they left you.

Out of this reflection, I ask myself 3 questions:

• What does it happen when the last plane is available? There is pain coming due to the attachment to all that can’t be anymore, but many positive emotions emerge at the same time. The best would be to focus on the positive and let that heal the pain.
• Is it possible to prepare for that last plane? Some would argue that is what we have been doing in our lives previous to that event. It is as if we have been training for that moment. In this way, we can check and see if we are ready to leave ALL we have now and embrace a total new existence. It means skills and aptitude, but also attitude and awareness.
• So, am I ready for the last plane and if not, which training do I need to be better prepared?

One day, maybe out of the blue that last plane will come to take you, me and us away. It will take off and after that, we will be in a totally different place… Until then, let’s keep training!

Do you live in the past?

Is it a fashion or the desire to listen to old music is growing more than it was expected? Just browse around internet and you will see it is a reality.

With the pandemic, nostalgia is in and not only in terms of music; many people can´t stop thinking of the old times of 50, 30 or even 5 years ago! By the way, I am listening to some wonderful songs of the past right now…

You know, if you really like those things of the past, why not? There is nothing bad about reliving some wonderful experience, memory or reinventing whatever you went through… as long as you don’t start living there.

Maybe you don’t like the present, but you do live NOW and when you try to live in the past, you are probably missing so many opportunities.

A deep reflection is that whatever I lived in the past that left such wonderful memory in my heart – and a song is playing, which used to be favorite of a person I won’t be able to see anymore, I haven’t even been able to say goodbye – I can still live now as memories of that wonderful person, her words and wisdom and her good wishes towards me flood my mind (not my eyes, not my eyes!).

Instead of going to the past, I bring the past to this time and live that beautiful energy in my life without delay; therefore it is like feeling her presence everywhere I go, because I am using those memories here. In this way, the past helps me to create an even better future in which I know she won’t be present, but part of my life will be her legacy.

Changes when you are not well…

Often, change comes from the small tragedies in life. A few times, from the big ones.

Most of the changes in our lives, changes that we generate, come from something bad or inadequate that is taking place.

Very few changes happen when all is OK… and yet…

Many years ago, when I was still living in Santiago, Chile, a very wise yoga teacher gave a class, from which I remember very well a point related to this subject: she was saying if someone is well, that means they have more possibility to change and grow as a person. The well part can be that the person has a good position, respectable finances or a decent family situation, which can be reinvested and turned into a leverage for personal change. Instead, when the individual is not well, it will be difficult to keep pace with the change.

So, if you feel great in most of the areas of your life, this is the moment to change! Do it now!

If you are not feeling great in most of the areas of your life, and yet the change is taking place or it is necessary…

Do your best to adapt to the situation you are living, don’t struggle or fight against the change.

Discern and find a way to overcome at least the subtle effects of a harmful change, by finding the maximum cooperation from others.

Train yourself and prepare yourself for that change.

Meditate a lot, reflect a lot… Spirituality works very well to help you in overcoming the obstacles that come along with the change.

Learning the art of thinking

You are thinking right now. Maybe you haven’t realized, but you are. All the time, even when you are asleep.

Thinking is something everyone does, but the ART of thinking is not.

Art means the various branches of creative activity, such as painting, music, literature, and dance. But it is also…

Art is to perceive reality in a different way, so it becomes a gate towards a new dimension, a definition that breaks the meaning and opens to something beyond.

The reason is that the art of thinking is to think in a creative way and observe reality in such a way that changes the way it affects the person. For instance:

• I am so sick that I can’t even get up. By being EMPATHIC, I can turn those thoughts into a possibility of healing… I am sick and I can’t get up. It is fine, but can I do anything? Maybe I can train my thoughts to be more positive, I can meditate more or I can learn a new language while I am in this position.
• What should I do? My boss is horrible and my job is horrible… My life is horrible… By applying CREATIVITY, the art of thinking can change it into… I am not happy with my job, so let me learn something different; I am sure I can find an alternative. In fact, this is a wonderful chance for me for change, let me embrace it.
• My life… what will happen? I don’t know where to go, I feel I am just moving with the waves. In this case, the art of thinking means REFLECTION, a deep reflection. My life… what will happen? It is an adventure and everything I have lived up to now, it certainly contributes to whatever I will face in the future. And how much have I lived! Life has given me so many treasures!

Think with art, in a different way, and the world will be different to you.

Nothing is permanent, all is eternal

Think of nothing as being permanent…

And your sorrow will fly away…

And your problems will vanish with the sunset…

And your obstacles will look so small…

 

Think of everything as being eternal…

And you will be aware that your victory is eternal…

And you will learn that all you do inspires others…

And you will realize your obstacles are there as lessons to be learnt…

 

By doing that, instead of sorrow, happiness will come in.

And instead of getting worried by problems or obstacles, you will celebrate your victory or learn the lesson.

And most important, you will be a hero, a heroine that will inspire many others to realize that nothing is permanent.

All is eternal.

Profit and loss in the business of life

Profit and loss are part of business life and a good businessman or businesswoman know how to manage them. Now, if we consider for the sake of reflection that life itself is a business, let’s ask ourselves: what is going on with THAT business?

First, your PROFIT means all that you think, speak or do that gives something valuable to your life. REFLECTION makes you understand the real value of everything, small or big. That means it is not only the big charitable acts; for instance, when you smile at someone and make their lives better, the value of your own life increases.

But LOSSES also give you something valuable because when there is a loss what remains is what you really are… In fact, the main subproduct of a failure is the recognition of the real self. So, whenever you stumble in life, focus on the self: your own peace, the love that is inside, all your virtues and inner powers.

Then, check that your profit is big and your losses are being seen with the right perspective. You will feel you are the best in the business of life.

A scholarship in the University of Life

A scholarship is given according to a set of criteria, like merit, diversity or inclusion, athletic skill and financial need[1].

Now, many people consider life as a university – I am included in it. So, what are the criteria in this University so anyone get a scholarship?

Probably the main criterion is effort and endeavor. In my experience, life does reward when someone goes beyond their limitations.

The second criterion is their contribution to the community. I feel EVERYONE contributes something to their community – family, neighborhood, city, country and the whole world. According to that, a reward is waiting for them.

A third criterion is their energy and vibration. Seriously, it is extremely important what others spread around, even though it is invisible.

And the scholarship? A few examples:

• Help will come when the need is there.
• Basic needs will be fulfilled.
• There will be an abundance of opportunities.
• Angels will come on the way, that is, people who will extend a hand or will teach an important lesson.

What are you waiting for? Inscriptions for a scholarship in this unlimited university are open.

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[1] According to a definition in Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scholarship

 

The sunset of a life

We all know when sunset is coming… The Sun is above us, but it is a certainty that it will set. The same is for life.

At some point, we all reach our sunset point and it comes in this way:

We first realize life is on the other side. The mid-life crisis or just a complex series of changes in our lives, sometimes our bodies, makes us realize things are changing and fast. The best thing to do is to check our dreams and work on them very fast.

When we count years by Christmas and New Year… Well, I wouldn’t be so dramatic, but there is a point during or after the life on the other side period that we start to realize time differently. In fact, many of the things we used to love, we just appreciate now, and life is balancing in the rope of a routine. It is time to find something new, like being a volunteer.

And then, retirement! It should be a time for rest, but it represents an end for a big part of our lives. Ironically, at this era, less and less people are really retiring, but the mentality of this is the end is still around. So, what to do, living in pajamas from now on? Volunteer is a wonderful opportunity, with no limit in terms of age, but this is also the time to go back to your old dreams and live them, finally.

Then, it comes that point, that moment in which the car is not working anymore. It is that time when even to get up is a huge effort and it seems at last sunset has come. It is the time for packing up, forgive and rest deeply; but, more than everything, admires the beauty of the sunset of the great sun of your life.

The creation of legends

Once upon a time, there was a person who wanted to be better. Much better. So, one day, a great wonderful day, he or she departed from their zone of comfort and decide to travel through that pathway they never thought they could.

Many trials and obstacles came on their way: dragons and dangerous men, lions and creatures that should only exist in the imagination.

And then one day, a great wonderful day, they reached their destination, and it was all they thought it would be.

 

When you start to change yourself, ignoring all odds against you, you start to become a hero, a heroine, a true legend.

It is a long journey and not an easy one, but with an excellent attitude, a powerful awareness, lots of courage and many tools, you will end this change process, and your objectives will be fulfilled.

 

So, every time your energy is down, fear is knocking hard at your door or things don’t go the way you would expect, remember: it is just part of the journey.

You are THE hero, THE heroine.

You are the legend that will be told in the future.

Running away from the world, without… running away!

Have you ever had the desire to just RUN AWAY FROM EVERYTHING?

Maybe on a very cloudy Monday or after a horrible meeting?

Perhaps when you felt betrayed by another person or you lost that thing you liked so much?

Or it was some bad news about your health, or…

Many years ago, a friend of mine did exactly that. The last time I saw him, it was entering some country and he was in very bad shape – burnout was starting to show! Eventually, he left everything behind and started a new life.

However, fast forward a couple of years and he was back to his old life…

Running away is not a final solution. It is possible we go, carrying with ourselves the reasons of distress.

So, here is an idea: maybe, we can run away… without running away!

For instance, when I meditate, it is as if I go somewhere else, very far from here. That is the feeling and the perception, it works because it is meaningful.

These are a few things I know people have done to run away, without running away:

• To work as a volunteer during their holiday period.
• To take one year out to change career.
• To travel to a jungle, to learn more and to enjoy nature.
• To be part of a group of people and to do things that are completely different than their careers or normal life.
• To learn another language.

 

So, next time you think about running away, ask yourself: what can I do to experience something meaningful that is nothing to do with my current life?

Finding a good job

Jobs, gigs, an employment…

For some, it is some sort of slavery… for others, it is a way of realizing the true potential.

What is it for you?

OK, there are some places or careers that shouldn’t exist, either because they are very underpaid or useless. But there is a way to make those meaningful.

There are other jobs that make you feel the best in the world… they can be made even more meaningful.

First, align your job with your VALUES, those qualities you don’t write into your curriculum, but they are what will link whatever you do with what you are. It does not mean you have to leave it, but reflect upon how to include them into your activities.

Second, what is your PURPOSE in life? If you are working, but that is not making your purpose clearer or greater, then you won’t find full satisfaction. If that is the case, it is time to rethink your work position, career or attitude; there is something wrong. Don’t leave it, just think, reflect and act.

The last thing is your FUTURE VISION: can you see how this present position contributes for you in terms of fulfilling your aim and goals? Part of the reason work is unfulfilling is the fact that you don’t realize how it fits in the picture of your life… Think of it, there is always something you can learn or assimilate even from a very bad job.

You do this and whatever you work will be good for you and for others.

When it is better not to change…

There are several reasons to change and I think you are a person who likes, or at least WANTS to change, right?

But there are a few reasons to NOT change, even though situations are pushing you to do that.

The first thing is when you are trying to adapt to another person’s way of life. Of course, if you are a partner or a room-mate, then both will have to adapt, but many times, it is a one-way expectation, and that is not right. Create a dialogue with the other person and check how both of you can adapt to each other or alternatives.

The second reason is when the changes that are expected from you won’t benefit you. There are cases when they will benefit others; check how to do it in such a way you don’t feel a loss. But, in general, if something is not beneficial to you, don’t do it. Talk with others and see how you can accommodate, without losing that which is precious in you.

Third, when the changes that are expected from you won’t benefit others, similar to the second reason. There are cases when they will benefit you; check how to do it in such a way others don’t feel a loss. But, in general, if something is not beneficial to others, avoid doing it. Talk with others and see how both sides can accommodate, without losing that which is precious for them.

Now, if you are not fully convinced of any change, reflect upon it. Maybe it is the method you don’t like or the possible outcome; by reflecting and realizing, it is possible you can change or you can reach the conclusion you won’t follow that particular change.

A last advice: you are your own leader. Don’t react, don’t change because situations change and don’t try to make others change. Reflect, meditate and understand before promoting a change in yourself.

What is the difference between what we think we are and what we REALLY are?

Your mind is like a studio: scenes take place, emotions rise, decisions are taken, lots of joy… But as in any studio, what is happening there is not necessarily… real… For instance, if you see a news anchor reading today’s news, you wouldn’t know what is going on around them as lots of people moving in a rush, confusion, cables all over; nothing that reflects the elegant person you are watching. And let’s not talk about the fact that maybe they are not well-dressed off-screen frame… Hoping they ARE dressed.

Now, let’s say you are going to work and your mind starts to show images of how things will be there, mixed with the commuting and, of course, yesterday night fight with your partner and the fact you are still using an old cell phone. But of course, that is not the reality you are living and even though a part of it is real, most of the things are not.

So, when you or I think about the self, it is just a piece of the reality, and there may be a huge difference.

Beyond the frame of mind there may be talents, skills, values, virtues and powers you don’t even imagine! They would be so useful to solve that problem at work or family, to give a different perspective on what is going on in the world, and much more.

What we REALLY are is there, beyond what we think we are and it is very, very deep and beautiful, powerful and gentle.

By meditating, contemplating or reflecting, you can break the frame of your mind and experience the whole thing. When you do that, naturally those things you find there will become part of your life. After all, they are already part of life, you just don’t know it…

Walking and moving on…

It's another year and you're still out there... walking and following...

I remember one of my favorite Brazilian songs, Tocando em frente, particularly a few verses:

Penso que cumprir a vida – I think to fulfill life

Seja simplesmente – It is just a question of

Compreender a marcha – Understanding the walk

E ir tocando em frente – And move along

Perhaps we have had fantastic and exotic dreams.

Maybe we had fabulous plans.

It may be that the route we have designed was different from the one we follow today.

And yes, a lot of whom we are today is not exactly what we envisioned.

But this is the path we are on and if we look closely, we will see something…

We will see the possibility of having new dreams and planning something new.

We will notice the landscape of our life, what a beautiful landscape that every day greets us and takes leave from us.

And the reality we are, we really are, is exactly the best of ourselves.

Keep walking…

New Year 3 – Self-empowerment...

You may not know, but the reason you fail to fulfill your purest and highest resolutions for this new year is that you lack power.

Power is what makes you overcome the different barriers that life usually places on us. It is therefore important that you generate a routine of self-empowerment. I share mine as an example:

• Every day I wake up to experience raja yoga meditation for almost an hour. Meditation may not be your thing, but there are several things you can do such as praying, reflecting or walking in the middle of nature, with a clear purpose.
• A short while later, I study daily; it is a spiritual class which objective is to give me elements to change my life and live it better. Instead of receiving news, usually bad, focus on receiving a knowledge that uplifts you.
• During the day, I meditate and reflect on the daily class or other similar sources of knowledge; it is important for me to maintain this state of consciousness. Looking for the continuous flow of knowledge that uplifts you is fundamental in your work, even doing breaks for your self-improvement.
• An important thing I found out and included in my routine is to serve others in some way. Volunteer service generates an enormous amount of power.
• Finally, I OBSERVE MYSELF DAILY; I see what I could change and find out what I couldn't. Self-observation, even if it is not followed up with decisions or changes, may transform reality.