“Waking Life”, a plethora of philosophical ideas from various viewpoints.

The boogeyman is a legendary ghost-like monster that has no specific appearance and conceptions of the monster can vary drastically even from household to household within the same community.  He has simply become an amorphous embodiment of terror that resides in the mind of the believer.

So I ask again, what does the boogeyman look like to you?

This thought came to me while in the city last Friday.  I had a meeting at a hotel in Soho that normally has a doorman.  For whatever reason there wasn’t one when I arrived. Not that opening a door for myself is a big deal, it’s just when my expectations aren’t met, my mind tends to wonder.

I began thinking about all of the doors of opportunity that have been opened for me in the past and how I’m doing the same for others now.  The thought that stood out to me the most was regardless of who opens a door for you, it will mean nothing if you don’t choose to walk through it yourself.

Unfortunately I’ve seen too many people on my journey who haven’t understood that it is their sole responsibility to make that choice.  Often they looked for someone else to carry them over the threshold like the husband is to do for his new bride…and I’m not sure if that still really happens except for in the movies…LOL!!!

I know this might sounds really simple, but like most things in life…it is!  So I urge you…don’t become a master of  making the simple complicated.

As published in ‘The Age’ on Friday 02/13/09

As we witness the shocking brutality that Mother Nature is capable of, I ponder on whether or not there are any lessons for us to take.

The bushfires which have completely destroyed many peoples’ lives have sparked a new sense of community. On Tuesday I was at the bushfire relief centre in the town of Whittlesea trying to lend a supporting hand to our brothers and sisters affected by this mass destruction.

The people were in a state of absolute shock, many as though their souls had been injured or taken right from them. (more…)

“If you would be a real seeker after truth, you must at least once in your life doubt, as far as possible, all things.”

- fellow thinker,
Rene Descartes

Excerpt from As a Man Thinketh by fellow thinker James Allen

All that a man achieves and all that he fails to achieve is the direct result of his own thoughts.  In a justly ordered universe, where loss of equipoise would mean total destruction, individual responsibility must be absolute.  A man’s weakness and strength, purity and impurity are his own, and not another man’s: they are brought about himself, and not by another: and they can only be altered by himself, never by another.  His condition is also is own, and not another man’s.  His suffering and his happiness are envolved from within.  As he thinks, so he is: as he continues to think, so he remains.

A strong man cannot help a weaker unless that weaker is willing to be helped, and even then the weak man must become strong of himself; he must, by his own efforts, develop the strength which he admires in another.  None but himself can alter his condition.

It has been usual for mean to think and to say, “Many men are slaves because one is an oppressor; let us hate the oppressor.”  Now, however, there is amongst an increasing few a tendency to reverse this judgment, and to say, “One man is an oppressor because many are slaves; let us despise the slaves.”

Great video!  I thought it was very insightful as well as entertaining…HOWEVER I do want you to keep in mind a quote by fellow thinker Buddah which says, “Believe nothing, no matter where you read it, or who said it, no matter if I have said it, unless it agrees with your own reason and your own common sense.”

And for the record, I think this is very disrepectful to monkeys…LOL!!!

The influence of culture and environment can have an effect on our visual perception.  This theory was first explored by Robert Laws, a Scottish missionary working in Malawi, Africa, during the late 1800’s.

Take a look at the picture above.  What is above the woman’s head?  What you see will largely depend on where you live in the world.  After you have examined the picture, scroll down for a more detailed explanation… (more…)

By Elizabeth Landau
CNN

CNN) — Even in tough economic times, you may find yourself with a bit of cash to spare. You’ve been working hard, and you want to treat yourself.  Should you spend it on an experience, such as a baseball game or concert, or a material object?

Psychological research suggests that, in the long run, experiences make people happier than possessions.

That’s in part because (more…)

Lateral thinking is a term coined by Edward de Bono.  He defines lateral thinking as a method of thinking focused on changing concepts and perception.  Its about reasoning that is not immediately obvious and about ideas that may not be obtainable by using only traditional step-by-step logic.

Test your lateral thinking capabilities by answering the following questions.  (more…)

“I have often wondered how it is that every man loves himself more than all the rest of men, but yet sets less value on his own opinion of himself than on the opinion of others.” (more…)

A freaking great question by fellow thinker Chuck Palahniuk…

“If death meant just leaving the stage long enough to change your costume and come back as a new character…would you slow down or speed up?â€�

 

In this motion illusion, the brain’s reaction to the color contrasts and position of the shapes makes this static image appears to be moving.  Use this fact as an example of how somethings aren’t always what they seem and how some people can/will/do use this to their advantage…THINK ABOUT IT!!!

Psychologist Professor Richard Wiseman has designed and constructed a large-scale multi-media space that aims to calm even the most stressed out of minds. To help promote the University of Hertfordshire’s Health and Human Sciences Research Institute Showcase, Wiseman reviewed the scientific research into relaxation, and has created what is being billed as ‘The world’s most relaxing room.’ During the Showcase, which runs from 21-24 October at the University’s de Havilland campus, groups of up to ten visitors at a time will be invited to enter this large and unusual space, lie on soft matting and rest their head on lavender-scented pillows. In each fifteen minute session, people will be bathed in a calming glade-like green light, listen to a specially composed soothing soundtrack, and look at a completely clear artificial blue sky.

“The pace of modern-day life, credit crunch, and financial crisis is making many people feel very stressed and so we have created this space to help them relaxâ€�, noted Professor Wiseman. (more…)

This is an article from independent.co.uk that I found to be very interesting and unfortunately quite long (you all know that I’m not much on reading…LOL).  With so many points presented, I decided to post the article in it’s entirety. 

Doctors can now tell us which habits may extend our lives – and just how much extra time they give us.
By Roger Dobson

People who are happy, having an active sex life, and who avoid debts, outlive the miserable, abstainers and the poor, as do chocolate eaters, churchgoers and vegetarians.  New research shows exactly how many years longer people can live by adopting healthy behaviours – from stopping smoking and losing weight to eating less meat and being positive.

A Harvard University study that monitored 600 people for 60 years shows that seven lifestyle factors are key to determining how well we age – avoiding alcohol abuse, not smoking, having a stable marriage, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, developing good coping mechanisms and pursuing education.

“Successful ageing isn’t simply a matter of genes or fate. (more…)

One of these McDonald’s hamburgers is from 2008 and the other is from 1996.  Can you tell the difference between the two? (more…)

These wooden bicycles can be found all over the world (I wonder why not so much in the United Sates). These handmade bikes are often larger-scale scooters that you sit on. Made with whatever wood can be found, they use small wooden home-made wheels covered with discarded rubber rims. Forward movement depends on the rider pushing with their feet. (more…)

I’ve come to learn that our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but we are responsible for who we become.

This past Sunday, I took my daughters to Hot 97’s Summer Jam 08.  As I sit here in a moment of reflection, the quote by Sigmund Freud pretty much sums up my experience…”I cannot think of any need in childhood as strong as the need for a father’s protection”.

It’s clear that technology has made its mark in our daily lives.

When I saw this picture, it made me think about how advancement in technology is defined as smaller and faster…which I’m sure is an approach that the ladies aren’t in agreement with.

I find it quite amusing that with all the new conveniences of technology, we seem to have less time. We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We’ve learned how to make a better living, but not a better life. We’ve added years to life, but not life to years.

Could there be a technology breakthrough that would allow us to slow down and actually enjoy life more…oh wait, there is…the power to use the greatest computer ever made…OUR BRAINS!

Having fun shouldn’t stop when you become an adult.  One should maintain their childhood while accepting responsibility…and a secret to having fun is staying in the moment!

It’s the age old question, is a person more a product of their nature or their nurturing?  I’ve come to the conclusion that people are more a product of their nature.

I believe this to be true because who we are begins with our nature and it’s the individual’s nature that dictates the response to the nurturing.

Parking at the amusement park…$12

Bungee jump…$45

Having your picture put up on the Internet after you shit on yourself on the jump…PRICELESS!

Remember that just because others do it doesn’t mean that you should.  Think it through folks, think it through!

I had the recent honor of speaking on a panel at North Carolina Central University to discuss W.E.B DuBois’ “The Talented Tenth” theory.  One of the topics covered was the negative influence of the media and artists of today.

After further reflection, I think it’s my responsibility to offer a solution to this matter.  Especially since I’ve been in a position to create many images which are now in the market place for the last 12 years.

Please understand this…the media and art is not based on reality.  It has not, and will not, EVER be based on reality.  It’s based on very creative people coming up with very creative methods to sell either an idea or a product.  And no matter how creative, by default the creativity is limited by the person who comes up with it.

I think a solution is to never believe anything, no matter where you read it, saw it or heard it, unless it agrees with your own common sense.  This way you’ll have complete ownership of how the influence will affect you.  And I’m confident that most people won’t choose the negative ones…right?

I’m not sure of the exact date of this ad, but I’m sure it’s before Hip Hop.  So for all those who keep saying that my beloveth Hip Hop is responsible for the misogynistic views of today…think again my friend!

Although I wasn’t there, I’m confident this ad refelcts the mindset of an INDIVIDUAL who wanted to connect with the general population.  Nothing more than that!  Now ask yourself, did this ad work and more importantly, why?

If you don’t like the ideals being presented, simply put yourself in a position to change them.

I think the best way to fail is in the act of trying.  It’s the journey where the lessons are learned, not the destination.

When you approach a situation with a flexible mindset, it will…uhmm…I can’t front.  I really don’t have anything thought provoking to say about this picture.  When I saw it, I simply thought…now that’s the kind of flexiblity in life that’s sure to make a good wife!

 

I’ve learned the best advice is given when the person asks what you’re attempting to do BEFORE they give it. It has never made sense to me when someone would just give advice without first inquiring about your wants. That makes about as much sense as someone giving you directions without them knowing where you’re heading.

I’ve been known to take things a little too literally myself, so this article appeals to me on some level.

BELGRADE, Serbia – A Serb farmer used a grinding machine to cut in half his farm tools and machines to comply with a court ruling that he must share all his property with his ex-wife, local media reported on Thursday.

Branko Zivkov, 76, told Belgrade daily Kurir he had been ready to give his wife Vukadinka her equal share of everything earned during their 45-year marriage, but was furious at being asked to give away half his farming equipment.

Instead, he bought a grinder and cut in two all his tools, including large items such as cattle scales, a harrow and a sowing machine.

“I still haven’t decided how to split the cow,” he told the newspaper.  “She should just say what she wants — the part with the horns or the part with the tail.”

I recently heard someone say (not sure if it was on TV or not) that a person starts thinking about leaving their relationship at the half way point of the total length of the relationship.  That would mean this farmer could’ve been looking at his wife like she was recurring cold sore, on the outside upper lip, on prom night for 22 1/2 years!

With this being true, do you think this is why the “I want half” rule is generally applied?

In the constant pursuit of obtaining your destiny, you’ll find that the line between persistence and harassment becomes extremely blurred.

 

The concept for this page came to me during a career day presentation at a middle school in New Jersey.  In the mist of the Q & A session, I found myself fascinated with the motivational posters above the chalk boards.  They actually motivated me to create my own version of what could be in every class or locker room in the world.  >>> (more…)

Lin Chi Yi-Sen founded one of the most influential schools of Buddhism after the Sixth Patriarch Hui Neng. For centuries his followers were the leading Ch’an (Zen) Buddhist masters of China.  In the twelfth century, his teachings spread to Japan and formed the Rinzai School of Buddhism.

Lin Chi rejected the religions conventions of Buddhism and the philosophical and scholarly approach to Buddhism teachings.  In his approach, Lin Chi stressed spontaneity, absolute freedom and emptiness:

“Many students come to see me from all over the place.  Many of them are not free from their entanglement with objective things. I treat them right on the spot.  If their trouble is due to grasping hands, I strike there. If their trouble is a loose mouth, I strike them there.  If their trouble is hidden behind their eyes, it is there I strike.  So far I have not found anyone who can set himself free.  This is because they have all been caught up in the useless ways of the old masters.  As for me, I do not have one only method which I give to everyone, but I relieve whatever the trouble is and set men free.”

“Friends, I tell you this: there is no Buddha, no spiritual path to follow, no training and no realization.  What are you so feverishly running after? Putting a head on top of your own head, you blind idiots!  Your head is right where it should be.  The trouble lies in your not believing in yourselves enough.  Because you don’t believe in yourselves, you are knocked here and there by all the conditions in which you find yourselves. Being enslaved and turned around by objective situations, you have no freedom whatever, you are not masters of yourselves.  Stop turning to the outside and don’t be attached to my words either.  Just cease clinging to the past and hankering after the future.  This will be better than ten years’ pilgrimage.”

This is in response to Hillary Clinton claim of “misspeaking” regarding her trip to Bosnia.  I’ve come to realize there is confusion on the difference between misspeaking versus making stuff up.

Misspeaking is calling your wife by your mistress’ name.  Making stuff up is telling your wife that you didn’t have sexual relations with her.

Get the difference?

I think this is a great example of the power of perspective and why it’s important to make the necessary efforts to see things as they truly are.  This really applies in regards to dealing with the media. We are constantly being hammered with the extremely limited perspectives of others. (more…)

Some of my most doubtful moments are when I strive for excellence because I know mediocrity is only needed.

Can you find the baby in this pic?  It took me less than 10 seconds!