Its only Pain...

This blog might be considered almost a trilogy with the past two blogs on "writing our own story" and dealing with depression or "losing hope". All enthralling stories (and lives) involve drama and anxiety of some kind or dark times dealing with PAIN.

PAIN typically is unpleasant, but often it serves a positive purpose. When we are children, it is pain that teaches us not to put our fingers close to the fire or stay out in they sun for too long. As teenagers, we learn the pain of rejection which forces us to consider how we will identify ourselves against "the crowd" and address our individuality. As young adults many of us learn the ill effects of overindulgence in recreational party activities which can bring head or body aches. As we grow older, we begin experiencing the loss of grandparents or parents which pain of loss reminds us of our own mortality.

In all these cases pain is the experience that teaches us and reminds us we are still alive and feeling. Without pain we would basically be zombies running around the planet without purpose or care...oblivious to the results of cause and effect as we make choices and pay the consequences of those choices.

Pain tells us when we have done something wrong. Pain warns us when we have stretched our physical limits beyond reason. Pain sometimes reveals to us how much we cared...often more than we consciously thought.

How we deal with or manage pain determines much of our success in this life. Some people get so caught up in their pain that they cannot think of anything beyond it while others run full blast through their literal or figurative pain as if it was not there. It is always admirable to us when we observe someone persevere or thrive on their pain. We have all witnessed the miraculous comeback of a sports figure who somehow plays and excels while injured...while others quickly crumble and give in to the pain as a debilitator. Some of us have a higher threshold than others when it comes to pain. It has been my observation...and experience...that when we decide to or are pressed to...we can accomplish a lot even during injurious periods of our lives. As the old saying goes..."mind over matter" sometimes works. Sometimes pain is a motivator...whether that is to succeed or to sometimes "get even".

Overall, pain is a good thing as long as we don't ignore it or allow it undo control in our lives. Usually we need to do something in reaction to pain. We have to rest or rehabilitate a body part that may be over-stressed by our activities. If we have a cough or unusual aches in our bodies, it is often a sign that it is time to see a doctor and find out what is wrong with us. We may need to give up some of our bad habits to escape pain.

When it comes to painful relationships, it is often times more difficult to be rationale or understanding about what is causing the pain. Sometimes we have unreasonable expectations of other people...holding them to standards they can never maintain. Other times we feel pain when someone we are attracted to do not reciprocate our interest. Like that blues ballad..."I can't make you love me if you don't...You cant make your heart feel something it won't"...

One could argue that a life without pain would be tremendously vacuous. Many sayings such as "no pain, no gain" support the concept that we cannot get ahead in life or relationships without taking risks. It is painful to lose money you risked in a business or investment. It is also painful to end up with nothing out of a relationship that you invested years in. While pain of loss in either sentiment is no fun...it can be very instructive as to what we should NOT do again. As long as we learn from pain and not let it overcome us, we will grow from it. Pain can be GOOD!

If we begin to understand and embrace pain as our lifelong instructor, we can then begin to push our boundaries either self imposed or imposed by others and push through the pain to self understanding and enlightenment. It is good to know our limits...and we will never know them until we push them and pain tells us where we are at. We will never know love or passion to any great extent until we have been through a number of relationships that helped advise us who was compatible and who was not. Some of us are gluttons for punishment, putting ourselves in the same situations or relationships time and time again. I guess that is one way of dealing with pain...but I might suggest that pain should not be a CONSTANT condition in life. There comes a time where you settle for your limits or put borders up against certain people or experiences in the future. Pain is often a choice.

After my last blog about "Losing Hope", I was instructed by a couple different people that many depressed people who are in pain have nothing to do with it. It seems to be hereditary in many cases and for some only controlled by pharmaceuticals. I accept this as fact, yet I still continue to believe in the minds potential to learn how to channel these emotions and control them to a certain extent. The pain is there...but the more we share it and try to understand it...the better chance I believe we have of dealing with and categorizing the pain. The sooner we recognize it for what it is...the sooner we can let pain do positive things for us...just as long as we don't totally succumb to an ideology that pain will always be with us...or also the opposite...that we should avoid pain at all costs. Both of those concepts can tremendously limit us in this life.

When one understands pain, one begins to understand people's escape into alcohol, food, drugs, sex and other such activities. While these habits can be addictive, I think many find those experiences to be the only way to get temporary relief...from their pain. I find it amazing how our institutions want to put people in jail...for simply trying to escape their painful realities. It is a travesty that our modern day institutional and even religious morality is to criminalize hurting people versus helping them. Sometimes its good to take a break from pain. So...in moderation...I recommend we eat, drink and be merry. After all...its only PAIN!

Losing Hope

I have had a couple friends over the years end their own lives at a fairly early stage in life. I have had other friends that have expressed that they went through periods...or periodically think about... ending their lives at their own discretion.

Decades ago I read some psychology books on suicide...cause and effect...symptoms...how to handle signs when you see them. I think I have forgotten some of the crucial points learned back then...but having dealt with my share of death this past year within my family and friends, I realize it is probably important to get back in touch with this subject and how I feel about it.

Many people who contemplate suicide are people who are terminally ill, or terminally depressed. I guess many people in our world fight depression all their lives. Many people are "manic depressive", more commonly now known as "bipolar disorder". I have met a number of these people throughout my life. Some of them you will never recognize their struggles unless you spend a long period of time with them. Some of these people are on what I call "happy pills"...pharmaceuticals that alter the state of the mind...chemical adjustment is how I see it. While it can be amazing to see the affect of such drugs and treatment, one still has to wonder what the origin of this condition is and if it can be treated by pure "will power" and reason. I'm sure it is easier to suggest it than to do it...but somehow I still believe we have a choice over time how our mind works and what we focus on. Some of us have more strength and predetermination to fight depression or negative thinking than others. Still, I have to believe it starts at early stages in our lives of how we were brought up to think about ourselves and the world around us.

There are also probably multi-generational attributes that contribute to causing imbalanced thinking that leads to imbalanced emotions. My experience is that thought leads to emotions versus the other way around...so theoretically we should be able to control our emotions...and actions stemming from emotions...if we have enough mind power and discipline to do so.

Of course, the other wild card when we observe these traits in others is that we often don't know their backgrounds or how they were raised. While we tend to be quick to criticize or down people with depression or mental disorders...my theory has always been that we have no right to judge these people in light of the fact we haven't walked in their shoes or been through the things they have been through. And at the end of the day, one can never totally know another person's emotional content apart from that which they are willing to share with us. Some people are very outwardly bi-polar while others hide it a bit more effectively. Still...I would suggest it is much more prevalent than most of us are willing to admit.

There are a number of options to us on how we can handle people in our lives who are depressive...or even suicidal. Here are just a few options to consider...and all have their reasonable pros and cons...

Ignore it and it/they will go away...we can elect to ignore and distance ourselves from people who exhibit frequent depression or mood swings. This is probably the "safest" route if we want to insulate ourselves from dealing with the fallout from these relationships...fights, arguments, irrational conversations, or ultimately dealing with their early departure from our lives.

I'm OK, You're OK...I read a book by that title in the 70s...and basically it encouraged us to view each other as humans and deal with each other in a "transactional" sense. This approach helps us understand each other based on perceived roles within ourselves of parent, child and other traits that never leave us even as we age. Some people never escape childish reactions to life. Many of us continue to sulk or withdraw like a child when things don't go our way. Unfortunately, this can lead to extreme self destructive, anti social behaviors that can cause much duress in this life. Sometimes we may need to continue dealing with the "child" within all of us.

I SUCK, you SUCK...this was George Carlins parody spiel on the same theme. Basically his mode of thinking is that we are all ****ed up in one fashion or another. A majority of people are NOT in control of their own destinies... but maybe...just maybe...the people who end their lives at their own time and way are actually the most brave and strong...even in their weakness. I do think that people who take their end into their own hands are saying something to the rest of us. Basically, I always read it as I have had enough of you...or "I don't care anymore". The "I don't care" starts with self...and then transfers to others.

All in all, I think it extremely sad when someone takes their own life. With a terminal disease, I can definitely understand and accept the persons decision. When it is simply based on loss of hope, well, I actually feel disappointment and anger at the person.

I recently lost a friend who was younger than me who finally submitted to and ended his depression drastically. I had seen SOME signs that he was stressed and a bit out of sorts with a number of circumstances in his life, but I had no idea he was up to what he did. Upon hearing the sad news, I was at first shocked, then sad, and at the end...even at his funeral...angry with him that he would do this. His wife and family apparently had no forewarning of his intentions. This person was in my opinion an attractive man, wonderful personality, liked by everyone I knew in common with him. Yet, apparently he was struggling with some quiet demons and in the end lost all hope of overcoming them.

It appears a classic example of suicidal people. Those who TALK about doing it probably won't. Those who quietly contemplate or secretly fantasize about doing it are the most likely to follow through. Of course, he no longer has to care or worry about what I or anyone else thinks or feels about it. I don't think he believed in a "beyond", so I don't think he had any illusions or fantasies about some life "on the other side". The way I read it is he preferred the nothingness or mystery of death over the challenges, pains and pressures of the life he knew. Even with the people closest to us, we never quite know for sure what they are thinking or feeling sometimes. Perhaps we never know when a positive or good word...even a gesture or a hug...might bring renewed meaning and hope to someone near to us. If it would be that simple, I would be glad to hug my friend for hours or days if it were to be enough to see him through whatever dark storm he was going through. But alas, he never asked me for help or a hug...and I never thought to offer it.

Ultimately, I think life is about maintaining faith and hope in a positive future. I think it is about hoping and believing in the best of people versus always looking at their dark side or weaknesses. And finally, it is about staying true to ourselves so that we never lose our self definition of goodness and positiveness that can better get us through those sometimes "dark nights".

I am glad my friend is no longer suffering...but I am still angry at the waste when I think of all the joy and meaning he brought to his friends and family...which will be no longer.

Writing our own story...

Not all of us are writers or storytellers...but all of us are living a "story" in the fabric of our daily lives and decisions. The question remains whether we are living our own story, or someone else version of OUR story.

I have been reading "A Million Miles in a Thousand Years" by Donald Miller in which the author describes his journey of reinventing himself by writing his own story through more imaginative self-inspection or analysis. He effectively describes in the book how he becomes more responsible and effective in managing his life and keeping perspective after discovering the ability to write and imagine his own story through daily life decisions and gaining perspective.

As usual, a book such as this challenges or confirms some of my own experiences in life. In a discussion with some friends yesterday, it was interesting to discuss how our lives are affected by our reactions or interactions with others. Some of us choose to live somewhat hermetical lifestyles while others live to mix it up or even compete with the people around us. Some of us compete for attention, some for accolades or praise, and some just feel an innate need to lead and influence. Many are never in touch with what makes them tick in the social order of things, but most of us have a few guesses as to what type we are and why.

Most stories, or "dramas", involve putting ourselves in extreme situations of decision, anguish or challenge. Most good stories involve elements of risk and danger. While most stories end happily in the library, we know that in real life most do NOT. At the same time, most normal people aspire to some level of higher success or affect in the world they live in and realize that it involves taking risks and "roads less traveled" to live a good story.

I have been saying in various ways over the life of this blog that I think the level we reach in life is directly proportionate to our combined efforts and our potential. Some of us are OVER achievers...going far beyond what anyone ever expected us to amount to. On the other hand, most of us live with a constant sense of remorse or disappointment with our status in life, regrets over loves or fortunes lost, and having lost any sense of zeal for changing our lives as they exist. It is much easier to make excuses or place blame than to push on towards the dreams and ambitions we have had for ourselves.

The bottom line on this theme for me is...it is in the hands of each of us to continue writing and changing the story of our lives per the script that we envision or desire. We can either go on living according to the script OTHERS have formulated or convinced us to play within...or we can start writing and living our own "screenplay" of life.

The power of words...whether spoken or written...are that they can move others and/or ourselves to focus on change or the ideas that will bring change. If we never think or speak to each other about our dreams or ambitions, it is highly unlikely we will ever achieve them. Speaking or writing it, believing in what we said or wrote, and then acting on those ideas are key to making the most of ourselves in our relatively short existence.

I believe it is possible for us to influence or control the conversations we have in life. We can choose to spend all our time with fools...or we can pursue and seek those with active brains and ambitions that match or exceed ours. We can go into conversations with an agenda of our own, or simply follow along the often vain and empty conversations of others. I think influential people tend to pick and choose their conversations carefully...and usually lead versus follow in those conversations. THEY are writing the story...and bringing other characters into their story for their own purposes and reasons. There is a certain art to this kind of living.

It is for each of us to examine our potentials...then realistically plan and take action to reach the goals we have in life. It is a beautiful thing that these goals and ideals can be as different as the individuality we each possess. The saddest observation to me is when you see someone who was a great "writer" give up and quit writing or pushing. These people are already as dead and useless to this world as those already on the other side. Their obituary has already been written.

Epilogue...from "A Million Miles in a Thousand Years"...

...regardless how passionate the Utopianists are, I simply don't believe utopia is going to happen. I don't believe we are going to be rescued. I don't believe an act of man will make things on earth perfect, and I don't believe God will intervene before I die. or for that matter before you die. I believe instead, we will go on longing for a resolution that will not come, not within life as we know it, anyway.

USA versus emerging markets...

This article on new developments in the BRICS emerging markets should be read by anyone who cares about the USA or dollar based investments. In case you don`t have time to read the whole article, just focus on this quote...

A world-shaking event occurred this week in the global financial arena, and its impact will be felt for years to come. It will yank the wind straight out of the U.S. dollar’s sails and force a fundamental de-valuation of assets down to emerging-market levels.

Five leading nations — Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa — are starting their own financial system with a development bank funded exclusively by their nations.

They aim to establish an easy convertibility of currency (the real, ruble, rupee, renminbi and rand, respectively) and a focus on building long-term business relationships among themselves.

I have been writing and opining for the past 4 years now on the decline of the USA as an economic and military superpower. In my opinion, we are seeing a decline so quick and pervasive, few can see it for its size and speed. It is like a meteor heading straight towards the heart of our country...yet very few see it coming. Of the politicians running for President in the USA, only Ron Paul has alluded to this article and other such factual concerns.

I know many of my friends and family back home do not share the sense of alarm I have about our country`s security. More than once I have had people close to me say "well, if America goes, the whole world goes down the tube with us". For those that feel that way, I can only beg you to reconsider such simplistic thinking. Consider the historic demise of all former empires...from Rome to Great Britain. Do you really think the world would end without the USA?

If the current trends continue and the US dollar keeps tanking...you will be locked within your borders with no freedom...or money...to roam. Foreign powers and investors will buy us out at pennies on the dollar. Your debts will double almost overnight against foreign currencies. You will not be able to invest in foreign concerns...even if the SEC allowed you to...because you won`t have enough money. Gas will be $8-$9 per gallon...but a much smaller portion of the population will be able to afford it. America will be exporting more cars than it sells domestically. Have you seen the recent strikes and revolts in England and France, Italy and Greece? (probably not) Those will be nothing compared to the violence and revolt you will see in the USA by the working class. Our government is already sneaking new laws and plans into the books to authorize military actions against its own citizens. You don`t think they see this possibility coming?

Sure, the world has grown drunk on America`s consumerism...both in selling to America`s thirst for oil, gas, precious metals, new houses, new cars etc...and at the same time many of these countries are adopting some of America`s spendthrift, carefree attitudes for consuming wealth. And absolutely, if America went "down" tomorrow, there would be tremendous global repercussions economically and otherwise. Yet, at the end of the day my observations are that many emerging countries are already picking up where America has left off and are starting to create more independent markets on a larger scale than America has done in the recent past. They will simply plan, invest and sell OUTSIDE of the protective USA market(s). This will force Americans to "buy American"...because they won`t be able to afford any foreign goods.

Please consider for a minute the immensity of the BRICS nations mentioned in the previously mentioned article... "BRICS nations represent nearly half the world’s population. Two of them are already among the top five economies in terms of purchasing power parity...". A wise person should consider how quickly this combined half of the world`s population could replace Americans as the "nouveau rich" consumers. They have already replaced us as manufacturers and producers!

I tend to think a majority of the problem in the USA is the isolated, insular image of our country we Americans have produced. We continue to drink the false pride of institutionalized patriotism tied to religious fervor. We continue to be infatuated with the "rich and famous" sport-stars and Hollywood celebrities who make millions off of our fantasies...without realizing how many of THEM are going bankrupt or losing so much of their profits to increased taxation or overspending. Most of us have never been outside of the USA...and many of those that have always look at other countries through the distorted eyes of our Western Civilization. Yes, it has been a wonderful run in America...but we are currently playing a losing game, especially when we continue to back the losing policies and false "leadership" of our current representative government and their rich minority of supporters.

As I continue to say to those few who will listen..."Globalization" is here to stay. America cannot legislate or even militarize its defenses sufficiently against the competitive landscape that is coming. The next step will be our loss of military dominance...which we are quickly using up on causes in the Middle East, Afghanistan and the false "drug" and "cultural" wars we are fighting...and losing. If you realize the importance of the fact that these BRIC nations are selling each other the latest technologies, including fighter jets and NUCLEAR submarines to build their own military complexes...America can no longer keep up economically to sustain its military dominance over so many foreign powers. This will be especially so if we continue to spend on the over 1000 foreign bases that are of questionable strategic importance or constitutional relevance. It is time for America to get away from offensive positions...and pull back into a more defensive, border protecting, cost saving strategy militarily. We need to rev up our economy...not our military. If a world war flared up today, I am not convinced America could meet the demand and dominate as we did in WW2. Ours is not the same America. I believe some of our leadership in America understand this and this is a big reason why we have not gotten more involved in Syria, Libya and have been trying to keep Israel from attacking Iran. Some of us know the truth about our limited capabilities.

The world is changing rapidly...and those who don`t change with it will soon become irrelevant. I will not accept becoming irrelevant without a fight. We need some new reality therapy in American government and financial circles. We cannot continue letting the "few" destroy the fundamentals of capitalism and freedom for the sake of their own greed and lust for power. The arrogance of our American leadership is at an all time high...and yet these same people seem to have very few answers to the BIG questions facing our country. Most of them want MORE power, MORE regulations, MORE socialism while many of these emerging economies are "eating our lunch" in the international arena.

Wake up America! We need more friends internationally...not more enemies. You cannot look down upon the Latins, Asians, Indians and Russians any longer. You need to make them "brothers" instead of "others".

I end with this video by Bill Maher which while a little dated, helps underscore the reasons the USA is falling behind while emerging markets over run us...

A few words from Richard Russell

(From THIS Richard Russell...who has been writing and correctly predicting market swings for over 50 years. One might also glean understanding from his website articles HERE...)

After reading some recent quotes and descriptions about Mr Russell, I have decided to forward some of his contemporary thoughts on where our markets are at...and the mistakes the USA government is making in leading our people down the WRONG path of correction.

There are not many opinions with the depth of experience and knowledge behind them as those of Richard Russell.

He’s been studying “the language of the markets” for more than half a century.

“The primary trend is down,” Russell told a select group of friends and investment professionals recently.

In the end, Russell believes that no matter what Obama and Bernanke do, the primary trend will have its way. The bear market will continue until it “has fully expressed itself.”

“What would you do if you were suddenly in a position of power in the United States?” asked one of the guests at the recent gathering.

“Nothing,” replied Russell.

“I’d do nothing. I’d let it happen. I’d let the bear market do its work.”

But that’s not what President Obama – who’s just over half Russell’s age – is doing.

Obama wants the government to act. And this means tax, print, spend and legislate.

Prop up failed automakers. Stuff money into zombie banks. ‘Stimulate’ with pork-laden spending bills.

This year’s first ‘stimulus’ plan has conspicuously failed to create the millions of jobs the president promised. Reports indicate that the White House is now working on yet another stimulus’ to spend even more money out of an empty pocket.

Of course, Obama plans to print trillions of fresh new dollar bills to pay for it all.

Obama doesn’t remember the Great Depression. Richard Russell does.

We should start listening more to people like Richard Russell versus CNN, Bloomberg, FOX and other networks who exist almost solely to support the status quo New World Order of business and economics.

The "new" Liberal thinking is that governments can control the carnage that are sometimes caused by pure market conditions. The USA has been trying to do this since before Franklin Roosevelt's "new deal"...which was supposed to be a "temporary" emergency measure to protect the USA from the devastation and effects of the "Great Depression". While many of its measures have "worked" for over 70 years...we are just now starting to wake up to the realization of the cost and what kind of society and financial system this has brought into effect.

There are now very few fundamental FACTS that drive the world markets. Markets are now totally manipulated by emotion...centralized control of money systems...government bailouts and manipulations out of the public dole...and basically a "few" bankers and politicians in the world controlling and manipulating most of the world markets.

There are many examples of hording taking place...whether it be food or oil...and there are many examples of redistribution based on the failings of these manipulated markets to naturally perform and generate competition. Competition has now become a "bad" thing...and corporations and governments now conspire together to capture and control markets for their own self interests. THIS is what is killing capitalism...and yet some of these same players in the game are DOWNING capitalism as an old or unfair theory for economic development. Let us realize that capitalism truly is dangerous...for those who control markets and DON'T want competition.

I have come to the realization that the rest of my life will be spent fighting an uphill battle against the tyrants and controllers of the economic New World Order...which seeks to manipulate everybody using the basic theory of "for the common good". These people are TRULY evil.

Class is not about wealth

I have been thinking recently about who are the "classiest" people I have known in my life. I have been fortunate to have traveled extensively and experienced a wide wide range of people from all walks of life. I have known poor people with tons of class...and some very rich people with none at all.

Lets define "class" for a minute. The "informal adjective" definition is "of high quality, integrity, status, or style". Obviously you don`t have to have lots of money to have integrity, status, or even style. Sure, money can help one have the "appearance" of success and "style"...but to me pure class comes from WITHIN. It is about character and values more than appearances or heredity.

I am constantly challenged to live up to some of those values that came from my family and roots. I did not come from wealth...but my Scandinavian grandparents who partially raised me came from generations of agricultural backgrounds. They had very little formal education...but had taught themselves English and excelled in reading and keeping up on current events. I was continually encouraged to read and take music lessons even though the cost of books and lessons were a hardship many times. The class my single mother showed as probably the first divorced mother in our neighborhood during the early 60s was also an example of "keeping your head up when fate is throwing you a curve"...and even now as a busy productive widow...she serves as a continual lesson to me on "class". Even in her poorest years in my childhood, she always dressed to the "nines" and took care of herself. She never took drugs, drank or "ran around" in her divorced years. By maintaining her "class" even during very difficult times, she earned a much better marriage the next time around with my stepfather...who also taught me many lessons on how to live with "class". Nothing flashy. Nothing extravagant. Just quality living full of quality investments, vacations and the simple pleasures of fishing, raising Christmas trees and great outdoors experiences.

Having class to me now is how one has defined themselves based on the circumstances they came from. I have met rich people who look down on anyone else that does not have their luck or success. Many of these people inherited riches which apparently gives them license to be arrogant, boastful or egotistical. I have never understood that reaction to "inherited" wealth. Sure, one should/could be grateful...but not suddenly arrogant and egocentric.

Most of the people in my family have made their own way financially in this life. Our family values were based on hard work, independence and correct thinking. Not meaning one is right all of the time, but thinking in perspective about yourself in balance to the big picture. Taking pride in what you do and the progress you make...and yet willing to stop and help someone else who needs a hand or a gift. My classy grandparents never made much in this world, but their door was always open to extended friends and family who almost daily stopped by for "coffee"...which more times than not turned into lunch and/or dinner. Their picture should be in the dictionary to represent the meaning of the word "hospitality". They didn't have much, but they always found a way to buy quality food...or do quality things with what they had for others. I don`t find many in today's world who practice or remember the true art of "hospitality".

Our family is not necessarily affectionate physically or even verbally. Yet, at the core of our traditions is an openess to all of humanity...not threatened by race or creeds of others. There is a strong tradition of "knowing who you are"...and not feeling competitive with others about getting attention or having "things". It was more about who you are and what you do. Not some emotional trip based on materialistic gains. Every once in a while I have to remind myself of these traditions I came from...so as not to get caught up in the social pressures of comparing myself to the masses or base my life on materialism.

Yesterday we saw the movie "Iron Lady" where Meryl Streep does a great job playing the historic role of Margaret Thatcher. One of the best quotes of the movie that struck me was when Thatcher went to the Doctor while struggling with Alzheimers and the recent loss of her husband. When the Doctor asks for the third time "how are you FEELING?"...Ms Thatcher says...

“What? What am I ‘bound to be feeling?’ People don’t think anymore. They feel. ‘How are you feeling? No, I don’t feel comfortable. I’m sorry, we as a group we’re feeling….’ One of the great problems of our age is that we are governed by people who care more about feelings than they do about thoughts and ideas. Thoughts and ideas. That interests me. Ask me what I’m thinking.”

For me, class is about "thinking"...and thinking quality thoughts. Real class is being positive while surrounded by negativity. Real class is about humility even in the midst of success and winning. Real class is not about how much you have, but what you do with what you have. Real class is how you relate to someone less fortunate than yourself and measuring people not for what they have accomplished, but for what they have survived. Real class sometimes demands going against the grain of common consent. A classy person holds their head high and stays focused on their objectives even in the midst of extreme chaos or being attacked from all sides.

Most basically, real class is about who you are, not what you own.

Jesus is a Verb...not a Noun

This interesting song by Guatemalan artist Ricardo Arjona states a number of points (in Spanish) that I have been trying to make on this blog over the years about religion.

The fundamental point is that, no matter what your fundamental beliefs are based on, it is not a bad ideal to emulate or live the recorded teachings of Jesus. The idea of true faith to me is how that faith impacts real life and action. To just believe in a religion so "you won`t go to Hell" or to give one a mystical insurance plan for a future life if you screw up in this one...that approach to belief comes up very empty to me.

To think of Jesus as a verb...(i.e. "any of a large class of words in a language that serve to indicate the occurrence or performance of an action, the existence of a state or condition") versus a noun ( a word or group of words that refers to a person, place, or thing ) is quite revolutionary and fundamental when you really consider it.

Most religions worship an image, historic books, concepts and dogmas. True faith as Jesus tried to present it 2000 years ago was more about action and BEING. If we are to fundamentally accept this difference, then what you SAY or THINK is not nearly as important as what you DO. Without action, there is no reality. Without right thinking, there is no reason or rationality to what you believe. To just STATE something is so does not MAKE it so. The essence of "spirit" is in BEING.

When you think of faith in this way...who are you really?