Occupy Wallstreet...WHERE IS THE GOAL?

This really bugs the shit out of me!  Ever since the Occupy Wallstreet Movement has started, I have been talking with people, all kinds of people about what they think of this movement and what outcome is trying to be achieved.  Since the beginning I have been looking for a viable goal that was set down in order to be achieved.  No one has been able to tell me.  I have searched and searched for what it is that is actually trying to be accomplished because to me it looks like a bunch of people getting together to protest things they are unhappy with.  Now, I believe and agree that people have a right to be pissed with the way this country has been run for a very long time. 

We live in an atrociously hypocritical society and anything you believe to be clear gets lost in the media and political jargon.  As I have been searching for the answer to my Occupy Wallstreet quandary, the Occupy Wallstreet Movement has been looking for their own.  What I don’t understand is how a movement can get so unbelievably massive and create such an uproar without a specified goal in mind.  I just read this today and it finally answered my question. 

    “...he or she writes a letter of resignation from the American Dream and pledges allegiance to the 99% movement, the goals of which remain undefined even as it builds strength with every person who, as the Tumblr puts it, “gets known.”

This is from a popular site called “n+1” (http://nplusonemag.com/letters-of-resignation-from-the-american-dream?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+nplusonemag_main+%28n+1+magazine%29).  The article goes into further detail as to what this little section is talking about, but my point is the area in bold.

How do you set forth on such an incredible level with such fervent passion behind a cause that has no end result in mind?  This to me sounds like lazy activism, one thing that I cannot get behind.  I respect the passion and the fight these people are a part of of, only because I agree that the banking system and how different class societies are treated is fucked, but that’s as far as I go.  To not have an end goal, or at least an idea of an end goal, even if it changes quite a few times in the process, is ludicrous to me.  I am guessing that the OW Movement is hoping the system will just change if they holler long enough, but don’t they understand that a specified outcome, a goal set down and being sought after by all is much more powerful and would insight change at a much more exponential rate?  “United we stand, divided we fall” is not enough if we “unitedly” do not agree on what needs to happen and all unite to achieve a very specific goal. 

I have read the Manifesto that has been written, which I read had the entire goal laid out, but what I read was a ridiculous amount demands that no one, especially the people they are demanding from, are going to listen to.  The demands are vast and broad as hell.  Basically asking for a complete dismantling of the gov’t (which I don’t think is a bad idea...) but lets get a little realistic.  This isn’t going to happen, especially in this fashion. WHERE IS THE GOAL? The Specific Goal!  I want it laid out in writing, I want to see it posted on all of the banners and signs.  I want it to be the first thing out of everyones mouth when interviewed as to what the OW Movement is all about.

I propose that the protesting stop, the rioting stop and the ones who really want to step up and make a goddamn difference and change the way this country is run and operated, first sit down and create a list of what needs to be accomplished and, for sure at the very least, an ideal goal in mind. Without this, much more unnecessary violence and wasted negative energy is going to be produced and the message is going to become further lost and muddled as is already happening now.  Stop broadening and specify. I fear if this one thing does not happen, nothing will change and all will be for nought.

Peace love happiness and eternal curiosity
TJ

The Divided Brain

This is an incredible video about what has been lost throughout the ages.  It explains, rather quickly how the evolution of the human brain has been going against what we have always known and attained, yet befuddled and confused.  I suggest watching this a couple times and pausing to take in certain points because he moves fairly fast.

One Single Thought Starts Everything

Alright, so on a bus ride back from Baltimore yesterday, watching a doc called The Cruise.  The doc is all about this NYC Bus Tour Guide, incredible poet of a man.  He literally speaks in the most eloquent  vernacular of any human, blah blah blah, at one point in the film he said something about buddhists who believe in this ever shining light, endless love, whatever you want to call it and it got me thinking.  Some people will hear this statement and think, bullshit.   Others will hear it and think, yes I want that and I know it exists.  I thought about this for a while and realized, yes, both of these thoughts are true.

People exist in their own world that they, we, all create for ourselves.  Folks who decide to believe in the undying love of the universe will exist in that realm of reality, and folks who find these other folks ridiculous and hippie loving buddhists will exist on that plain.  Both are totally right...in their own respect.  Get this...when you decide that something is real for you, regardless of what it is, it then becomes real.  You can decide you are worthless or you can decide that you are brilliant and the best thing that ever existed and if you believe whole-heartedly that either of these thoughts are real...they are.  What ever you perceive to be true, is for you.  So why not choose to believe in something that is incredible.  I’m not limiting this to the two examples above, this can be whatever you want it to be.  Some call it belief, some call it Psycho-Cybernetics, the fact is that this is how the world and the mind works. 

Now I’m going to delve a little deeper into this concept.  Everything that exists, and we call fact, starts from a single thought.  Let that ruminate for a second.  Everything that has ever existed or been made into reality came from a single persons mind who believed this thought to be possible or true.  From the wheel to modern day government. 

I’m going to use religion as an example.  I am not speaking against religion, so don’t get yer panties in a bunch if yer a Jesus freak, I like Jesus too...he seems like a great guy.  What I am getting at is that at some point in time, someone, a single person, had this idea of what God was, or where existence started, or about the afterlife, or however it began, but it did start with a single thought, a spark of interest to answer a question he made up in his mind as well.  Then this person pontificated on this thought and created a set of rules around a set of beliefs.  Then he decided to tell some people about it, and because he believed so fervently in these thoughts he had concocted, these other people ate up what he had to say because they probably were not as strong in their own beliefs and because this other person was so convincing.  They then decide to adopt his belief. This begins to give the initial thought and the man who created it power. This starts to spread exponentially, and at some point becomes so wildly believed that it becomes the normal thing to believe in.  It is then a religion and the man who first thunk it is given a position of power.  See how I didn’t get specific about any certain belief of any certain religion?  This is because it was simply a subject example that could have been filled in with anything.  The point I am making is that this is how rules and laws and religions and myths and governments and morals and ethics and...( I could keep going but I think I have made my point) come about. 

Everything starts from a single point and depending on how convincing someone is, either to themselves or others, is dependent on how well it will stick.  Rules begin as arbitrary wants, same with laws and the list of other points above.  With power comes the true sticking point. 

People in places of power can pretty much make anything they want happen because they are the creators of regulations.  But these places of power are created by the same thing.  One single thought that grows in the same way and tactics.

With all of this said, what is stopping you from achieving or creating anything?  Only your lack of belief that you can, that single thought of doubt in your mind.  It stops you from creating and achieving every other brilliant idea you come up with.  By erasing doubt, every other thought becomes possibility...this is how it has always happened and will continue to.  There is no other way.  It only takes a single thought to change everything. How far you choose to take it is solely up to you.  Think Bold, Be Bold, Stay Curious.

Peace love happiness and eternal curiosity
TJ

What is Missing?

I have continually struggled with a feeling of loneliness that I know many people out there can relate to.  It isn’t a sense of loneliness that comes from just being alone, more of a lack of purpose or direction; a void that no matter what I seem to do, how busy I make myself, goals I accomplish or friends I surround myself with, is never filled and at the end of the day when I am left with myself I still feel as though something is missing.

What is this feeling that human beings struggle with? How can people work all of there lives to attain what is looked at as success, whether it be a great job, making great money with a great family or maybe the ability to travel around the world doing the things I always dreamed of, and still not be satisfied? 

Satisfied...hmm?  Funny, this word, when you talk about your life.  Should I ever be satisfied?  If I ever did have this feeling, would it mean that I have “arrived”?  I don't believe arrival is an option, or even possible seeing as how we can always go further.  I don’t believe satisfaction is a very productive or active feeling and should be avoided.  Life is brief, if not fleeting, in the grand scheme of existence and when I find myself becoming satisfied I now acquaint this feeling with laziness. 

Happiness is something everyone should have and an abundant amount, but many people search for a feeling of satisfaction in place of true happiness which is why many people, including myself, often feel this emptiness or hole that never seems to be full.  Reason being, satisfaction cannot occur in ones life permanently, because life itself is impermanent. 

Our ability to grow and continually learn more about ourselves and this life we live is ever expansive and this hole that exists within us all is somewhat of a black hole. A Black hole is the most powerful energy in the universe. Inside of us, this metaphorical black hole is always feasting upon our experience with such force and power that not even our “light” can escape its pull.  I speak of light as our inner most being, the part of us that is pure and whole.  We are limitless and we as a species yearn for something much deeper than just survival.  Our spiritual needs far surpass what most are willing to put into finding them, yet this is what matters most.  Not religion or even God if you don’t like to think of it this way, but your spirit; the part of you that will live forever and gives you purpose.  At the end of the day, everything you have accumulated, all your possessions, your family, your status, mean nothing if you do not feel at home within your self.  The only way to do this is to always feed this black hole that continually needs to be satiated. 

You may never know all there is to know in this life, but if you continue the search and follow your heart into the unknown you may become one of the few that begins to understand your true nature.  Only by doing this will you ever find true happiness, for true happiness lies in the unknown, just on the other side of comprehension.  It is not the satisfaction that will give you lasting happiness, it is the anticipation of attaining peace that makes your soul smile...for they are one in the same. 

It is scary and it should be, but worth the journey and continual questions.  You must have pure faith and the utmost inner confidence to set forth on this path, but know that it is in you already; all you need to to is learn to unleash it. 

I have created a guide, a road map to the inner most part of you that is unafraid and confident to take this leap forward in your life. Everyone, regardless of where you are or think you are in your life will benefit from the information.  Whether you feel confident now or not, there are certain aspects of life and self that most never ponder, but are essential to live into your brilliant potential.

There are steps to be taken that can open parts of you that you may have been too fearful to face before, but I will show you how you can learn to live through them and be excited to do so. 

I wish you all wonder on this epic journey and look forward to the awakening that your being longs for. 

“Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood” - Marie Curie

Fortune's Fool

Let me ask you a question.  How much time do you think you have spent in envy of another person?  Really think about this.  Do you consider yourself a jealous person?

This is a pattern I have struggled with in my life. I don't as much anymore because I have chosen to try and figure out what this negative feeling is. I like to have a drink or two with my negative patterns so I can get them to open up and tell me why they hang around. 

Let me preface this real quick- I talk a lot about things I have chosen to see and take control of in my life. Constantly turning previously negative thoughts and patterns around, so as to 1) truly understand what it is that makes me feel this way and 2) find out why this is how I choose to deal with my life.  In doing this I find ways to control and change these patterns so I can move on and grow into a better person.  I in know way believe that I have permanently rid myself of any of these things.  I am an angry motherfucker much of the time.  It's one of my biggest flaws, yet I realized this aspect of myself many years ago (due to the help of many friends around me) and constantly check myself when I feel this coming on so I can turn that energy into a more productive pattern.  I write hoping that what I have found may help others to change their patterns, not to boast that I am better and have figured it all out because I haven't.  Though I am better than you...just kidding...kind of.  With that said...
 
Jealousy is simply the want of another persons happiness manifested into negative energy.  You must realize that jealousy has no good outcome, and will only hinder one from achieving. Wanting the good things that happen to others is human, everyone wants to be happy.  But hating someone because of their happiness or success is counter productive. If you involve yourself in someone else’s life in such a way, it will only invoke pity and self-flagellation.  Get over it!!

Think about this, your best friend applies for the same position as you in something, could be anything; a job, a play, whatever.  Now, how do you feel if he gets the position over you?  Mad, happy, confused because you felt that you were better qualified and/or more deserving? 
Granted, I am sure many of you would be happy for your friend, but what if you weren’t?  What if it pissed you off?  Why do you think that someone getting something you want would make you angry?  This works in all other scenarios as well, jealous lovers for example.  Why do lovers become jealous of one another...because they are afraid that they are either 1) not getting the attention they deserve from their lover because their lover is giving it to someone else, or 2) someone else is giving the attention to their lover that they should be giving.  Both result in anger derived from someone else’s happiness.  If you were happy and honest in this situation you wouldn't feel jealousy, so there is a bigger problem.  Jealousy becomes the excuse to not figure out the true issue and to pawn it off on someone else rather than looking at yourself or each other and being honest.

Why would you be angry at someone else’s happiness? Doesn’t it seem a bit backwards?  I mean seriously!  Why do human beings find pain and disdain through someone else’s happiness?

It is because, on some conscious or subconscious level, they are not happy with themselves.

Lack of confidence and self awareness run deep in our society, especially in America.  Sure, this is an awesome country and we are more fortunate than many others in the world, but we take advantage of our fortune rather than allowing it to be a given, accept it for simply what it is and move toward higher goals.

If you look upon good fortune with great satisfaction, then you take control out of your hands and put it in a power greater than you.  Well guess what folks, there is no power greater than you and fortune is simply happenstance.  Some look upon it as God, but God doesn’t care about you anymore than he/she does about anyone else and bad things happen all the time, so that must be God as well.  God does not discriminate and also gives you the power of choice.  Even if you don’t believe in God, you still have the same choices, so there are no excuses or arguments to be made here.  The minute you give fortune the reins and fall prey to the happiness it sets upon you, that is the minute it will steal your horses and leave you with only your unprepared self.  Don't be fortune's fool.

It is in the moments of wealth and prosperity that one should be preparing for destitution.  I am not only talking monetary or material, but spiritually more so. “It is in times of security that the spirit should be preparing itself to deal with difficult times” - Seneca. Do not let fortune catch you unprepared and make you its bitch.

This deals directly with jealousy as well, for jealousy comes from wanting someone else’s fortune.  I say, cast all fortune aside and look upon it as nothing other than a blessing that will neither make nor break you, it is simply another moment in time.  Take it for what it is and put no weight on it.  In doing this you will relieve yourself from want and attachment to a single moment and learn to see others happiness and good fortune in the same manner.

You are in control, don’t lose sight of this fact.  The minute you put it in someone or something else’s hands, you give up on guiding your own life. You are the captain of your ship! Choose to choose!!!  Ambiguity results in nothing because you do not allow yourself to fail or succeed, therefor you do nothing.

Find the confidence to take control of your life and never let someone else’s fortune or happiness make you think less of yourself, they are no different than you.  We are all made of the same material and biological structure.  As unique and brilliant as you are, you are not a “snowflake”.  The people you see everyday have the same fears, needs, wants and capabilities as you, so if they can...you can.

TAKE CONTROL OF THE REINS OF YOUR LIFE RIGHT NOW!!!!

Don't be like this Guy

I am just getting started with this site and what I want to build it to become.  Jumping into such a vast ocean of information and competition within this subject matter can be daunting.  I continually wonder how I am going to compete with such established people and sites. But as I read the many emails I get from the many different sites and people I follow on the internet, I read one by a man named Elliott Hulse which reinvigorated my spirit and reminded me why I started this in the first place. 

Now Elliott is a strength coach as well as personal development coach that I trust and continually find inspiration in what he has to feed me because he tends to see most things on the same plain that I do.
Jumping to the point, there is a lot of shit and bad advice out here in the interweb, told to you by many people with smiling faces and bleached teach with a lot of letters after there name who regurgitate the same shit about "feeling good about yourself" and my personal favorite to laugh at, "the top 10 things to do to instantly boost your confidence".  Some of them include; dress nice, smile, good posture, walk fast, sit in the first row.  Sit in the first row! You gotta be fucking kidding me!  This is the shit that people are buying into and it makes up so many of the blogs and websites that are followed by thousands of people!  Now you may ask, "if thousands of people are following, then they must be doing something right?"  Wrong! 

This is cookie cutter, blase, bullshit that sticks because most people are sheep and want to fall in line with the constantly repeated advice of the masses, so they can fit in and feel apart.  Well, that my friends isn't confidence.  That's called becoming a drone to others ideas. That is the weakest path to find confidence, I call it "Fakin' it till you make it" in my book which takes makes up a whole 1 1/2 pages.  My point is, this is not going to do shit for you if you don't take true, extreme measures to change your internal workings.  Mind, body and spirit.  You can't put on a blazer and a tie and become George Clooney, doesn't work that way.  George "Motherfucking" Clooney is a confident beast who built his career and stature through years of mistakes and bad choices till he finally figured out the right ones to make...and he also happens to look good in a suit and tie, doesn't mean you will too. 

You gotta be you; the unique, badass self you were born with regardless of how you think you are perceived by others, because here's the real deal.  What other people think or say about you doesn't change a damn ounce of who you are.  "They" can talk all goddamn day long about what they think about you, but until you decide to let their opinions infiltrate your self image and badassery, nothing changes. 

The one thing that is constant about true confidence is that it is unique to everyone.  Get whatever image you have in your mind of "what confidence is", and erase it completely.  Then focus on the optimal image of yourself and begin to build.  You are only as strong as you imagine yourself to be, there is no limit to that imagination. Point being, stop listening to others so much. Stop listening to me. The only person you need to listen to is yourself.  So listen deep and don't be afraid to make mistakes, all the badasses of history followed the beat of their own drum and all of them stayed true to their inner self.

Stay Curious my friends.


Peace love happiness and eternal curiosity
TJ

Taking Control of your Imagination

Think about yourself from a purely scientific stand point.  You are made up of energy, just like everything else in existence.  This is a fact that cannot be argued.  Everything is energy; different molecules co-existing and forming with each other to continually create newer forms of energy.

Now imagine your mind, literally your brain-energy.  There are billions upon billions of firing synapses that consist in this space in your head, through these blasts of energy the imagination is born. Your imagination is what you perceive as your reality.  By this I mean that the imagination is not just meant for daydreaming or artistry, you use it in everything thing that you do.  In order to move your body, you imagine your body moving first.  You may not consciously imagine it now because you have conditioned yourself to be able to do these everyday movements without thinking, but this only became possible by use of imagination. 

Before you could walk, you watch others do it and your body goes to work to figure out how to make this happen for yourself  Your imagination goes to work and you see yourself in your mind accomplishing the moment of standing, then moving and then your body goes to work to make this a reality.  Everything starts in the imagination.  Therefore, everyones reality is based in their imagination. Everyones reality is different, it’s unique to the individual.  What you believe, or imagine, to be true IS true...for you.   You create this daily, strictly from your imagination.

Now lets get a little more specific dealing with the self image.  You currently have an image of yourself based solely in your imagination.  Throughout your life you have accumulated, from both outer and inner influences, what you perceive to be true about yourself.  Good or bad, it’s there and that is what creates your self image.  Now think about this. You are in charge of your imagination.  You create it based off of your thoughts, which can be and much of the time are involuntary, but you can control these thoughts, or your imagination if you will, and turn them into whatever you want.  So why not choose to imagine yourself as something phenomenal?  There is no reason to have a low or bad self-image, because all that is happening is by your own choice of thoughts and imagination.  Just like imagining yourself to walk, you can imagine the optimal self, whatever that is to you.  When you focus on this image, your body goes to work to make this your reality and you literally become this image in the visceral world.  Having a high or low self image takes the same amount of time and energy, so why would you choose to have a low self image.  It is a choice, you may not think it is, but I am telling you 100% that however you perceive yourself is your choice.  It is not the people around you, or your environment, it is solely yours.  Only when you allow these outer influences to convince you of something does it become your truth, but you choose to believe it first before it becomes you.

I could rant about this forever, it is what I am really passionate about, but for purposes of brevity I won’t because I wrote an entire book on it.  I will be giving the book away for free soon, so keep an eye out if this sparks your interest.  I systematically explain how to go about altering your self image in it.  It’s not difficult, but persistence and patience are key.

Till then...stay curious my friends.

Peace love happiness and eternal curiosity
TJ