Self Discovery

Finding purpose begins with self discovery. To discover why we are here, first we need to better understand what we are. We are many things. We are a species, a race, a nationality and an individual. We are also more than things. Things are made of matter. We too are made of matter. Because we have consciousness, awareness of self, we believe we are more than matter. Matter is anything that has mass and occupies a volume. Albert Einstein's 'theory of relativity' led to many amazing discoveries, including the relationship between mass and energy. He explained that mass and energy are transmutable. We are familiar with the equation E=mc2. In physics, mass-energy equivalence is the concept that mass of a body is a measure of its energy content. All things are made of energy. Therefore, we are made of energy. Our physical bodies are made of energy. This is science. It is considered a scientific truth.

We are more than our physical bodies. Each individual is composed of three very unique components. We are body,mind and spirit. Not only is our flesh made of energy, in eastern philosophy, the human body as a whole is a system of energy known as chi. Chi energy plays a major role in our human existence. Everything from our physical health to our emotional well being is related to this energy. The cycle of giving and receiving energy is a part of everyday life. Sometimes this energy can be expressed as attention. When we give attention to someone, we are giving them energy. Depending on the type of attention we are giving, the energy can be positive or negative. Our physical bodies need energy from food, water and oxygen. Our spirit bodies also need energy. Most people struggle to obtain energy from others.

Receiving attention from others can be accomplished in many ways. From childhood, we learn to attract attention through trial and error. When a child learns to use the toilet, he is praised. This positive energy feels good. When he associates the joy of being praised with the act of using the toilet, the act is reinforced. If he is not praised for using the toilet, there is no motivation to do so. If the only attention he receives is the disappointment or punishment of not using the toilet, than that energy is what he learns to attract. Positive energy is preferred. In its absence, negative energy is accepted. As long as there is a source of positive energy available, the negative source will be avoided. If the negative energy is the only energy available, behavioral patterns are developed to receive this energy instead. The method used to receive energy as a child becomes the primary way of satisfying our need throughout life.

As we develop, we find other ways of getting energy. The universe is filled with limitless energy that we can tap into. By learning to connect with this energy, we can become self sufficient and do not need to compete with others for their energy. When we do not depend on energy from others, we can become a source to share. This sharing can bring great joy.

What ways can you think of that people use to get energy/attention from others?

Finding Purpose

Ever since man has been aware of his own existance, he has asked, "Why am I here"? Since I was a young child, I have asked the same question. In search of an answer, I have studied many religions, philosophies and cultures. Some suggest that we are merely toys of a supreme being, being played out like a game of chess. Others say we are here by chance. Many believe we exist in an organized universe, while others believe our universe is chaotic and grows unpredictably. Some live day to day believing the purpose of life is not meant to be known until the body dies. Some just accept a meaningless existence, believing that when the body dies, there is simply nothing left.

Although we have learned what we know from others, we each have the ability to accept or deny the information we receive. No one can convince us of a truth we do not wish to believe. I have chosen to share my thoughts and feelings with you, not to persuade or convince you to adopt my beliefs, but to offer them as possibilities. You might choose to do as I have done with the books I have read; incorporate what feels right to you to develop your own spiritual truth.

The Human Experience

The Human Experience is based on a qoute from Pierre Teilhard-Dechardin.

"We are not human beings having spiritual experiences. We are spiritual beings having human experiences."

That inspired me to write the following poem:

We have created many vehicles
to transport us from one place to another.
However, there is one vehicle
greater than any other.

A gift we were each born into,
Each is unique,
as the spirit which lives inside.
We each experience differently
from the variety of opportunities
our bodies provide.

A gift received without a warranty,
no one knows how long
they will wear their shell,
but time is not important,
as long as it's worn well.

To make the most of the time we have,
each in our own way,
is all that we can do.
Nothing physical will ever see eternity.
This we know is true.

The time we share with others,
and even the lessons we learn alone,
enrich our spirits with wisdom
that without our bodies
never could be known.

First blog

Visions are like objects in the distance. The closer we move toward them, the more clear they become. -- Author unknown

Today I took another step toward creating my dream of being a professional writer. I took my fathers advice and started this blog. This is a forum where I can openly express my thoughts. I look forward to sharing my experiences with you. I will be posting segments from the manuscript I am currently writing. I would love to hear feedback and suggestions.
Thank you for checking it out.