Shane Eric Mathias's Blog, page 2

Dangerous Weather Further Legitimizes Climate Change Scenario - What Will We Do?

Climate change is a cunning beast, laying low, giving us pause to again become complacent or dust off our denial. Then it happens, Texas suffers its 3rd Hurricane in a decade, the 5th since 2000 and by all estimates, Harvey, being the worst, characterized as a 1 in 1000 year event.

Now, as I write, another hurricane, "Irma" is bearing down on the Florida coast. Poised to hit the Caribbean islands first, with possible catastrophic damage occurring to Florida by Saturday - As Houston just begins to dry out and assess the damage and the Federal Government struggles to find the resources to begin rebuilding that city and helping its residents. Soon Florida may need the same assistance, putting a tremendous strain on our already unstable economy.

Today, I heard that London, England has been protected by a series of massive walls, called the Thames Embankment, to keep the River from inundating the city, as it did in 1928. They also realize, that by 2050 or so, it will need to be amended to adjust for the rising waters caused by climate change. How is it that we as individuals can deny a reality which compels entire cities and nations to spend billions.  

Many other metropolitan areas are bracing or preparing for what they deem to be an inevitable threat that will devastate its coastal communities unless something is done. Even as our President chooses to deny the existence of wildly accepted science painting a doomsday scenario unless we all act to address the underlying causes of climate change.

It is daunting I know. The challenge is so massive it almost boggles the mind. But so was WWll and Polio and so many other cataclysms that threatened to challenge humanity's future. And yet, with collective action and the help of our government, we met and defeated these adversaries. Why is it we feel so apathetic in the face of this threat?

I think I have an answer and it strikes at the heart of what we as a nation, as a culture, have become. Lazy.

And I point not the finger only to others, but also to myself. I love the internal combustion engine in my car. Do I want to replace it with an electric vehicle that gets me where I'm going, for sure, but without the excitement of 6 cylinders exploding an air / fuel mixture inside a hermitically sealed chamber and sending the resulting energy to the back wheels via a series of gears turning inside a marvelous mechanism called a transmission? Electrons flowing down a wire and turning an electro-magnetic motor bores the heck out of me.

Would it in fact make some small contribution toward addressing our looming crisis, by keeping just a little carbon out of the air? Perhaps. It's complicated. Because the electricity I would use to charge that vehicle's batteries would have to be generated somehow. Depending on where you live, that electrical generation may be driven by solar panels, or also natural gas or even coal. Granted, when power is centrally generated and sent out via an infrastructure like an electrical grid, it is more efficient and less polluting then having that equivalent energy produced by an internal combustion engine burning gas. But is that enough to really make a difference? Maybe, if the shift was on a large enough scale. 

Yet, consumers are tepid on electric vehicles. They accounted for barely 2% of auto sales in the last year that was analyzed. And as a result, the essential vehicle charging stations are not being built to support and serve that small demographic. And when they are put in, the ugly interference of capital interests rears its ugly head yet again: Different electric car manufacturers and different charging station interests are devising proprietary equipment to serve primarily "their" customers. So if you drive up in a Nissan Leaf for an example, you may not be able to charge from a station that was built for a Tesla or a Prius. This corporate-centered mentality will leave many EV owners stranded and they know it. So, what seemed like a good, socially progressive idea is once again corrupted by greed.

So what about Solar Panels; Composting your waste; Growing a garden to become less reliant on wasteful industrial farming; Planning your week to make fewer trips, or walking instead of driving, whenever possible; Turning off lights that aren't needed, Wearing warmer clothes rather than heating the house to a toasty 80 degrees. 

Would these things make a difference? I'm not sure. And that is what sets this crisis apart from the others I mentioned: Nazis are an enemy you can see. Polio was clearly contagious and therefore, biological. But climate change is far more complicated and the truth is, we are all culpable in some way, shape or form, by continuing to remain in denial or presuming there is nothing we can do or worse: Knowing we can do something and still choosing not to.

If you're with me on this, then consider what I have done. I decided to inform myself about the problem. I purchased Al Gore's new book "An Inconvenient Sequel, Truth to Power".

It the book, he clearly describes the what Climate Change is and what's behind it. But rather than being a doom and gloom story, the information offers a ray of hope. That hope arises from the fact that what we have been doing seems to be having a positive effect: The concentration of heat-trappng gasses in our atmosphere has not risen for the last 3 years. Additionally, new technologies that are currently being developed promise to reduce our carbon footprint, rather than just reacting to it. And though I have not finished reading his compelling work, I do hope to discover ways that I can make a real difference in my own life, even as I remain firmly ensconced in my comfort zone. 

 

 

Let me know your thoughts and what you and or your community are doing to address climate change

Mark Reynolds

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

An Inconvenient Truth - We Should Not Ignore

You cannot go even one day without reading or hearing a news report related to our changing climate. The reason for this is that the ripples we have set in motion are building more rapidly than most imagined possible. 

There were those who saw this day coming and tried to warn us, but most of us just figured the problem would get solved somehow. Well here we are and though there are positive movements in the works such as the Paris Climate Agreement, there are those in power who are seeking a political and or economic benefit to withdrawing the support of the United States of America in a global solution. 

But we are fortunate to have Al Gore, who has been attempting to get our attention to the power of this building crisis at least since 2006, with the publishing of his first book: An Inconvenient Truth

Read on to learn more about the history of this movement and how you can now get involved and involve others in real and lasting change. 

I recall reading  "An Inconvenient Truth" Vice President Gore's first book on the climate crisis, when it came out in 2006.

For many, this may have been their first awareness of a mandate for environmental action But, many other prominent voices over the last two-hundred years have attempted to capture our attention to the inevitability of crisis we now face.

Notable among those were James Lovelock and his powerful series of Gaia books, "Gaia" being the ancient Greek word for Earth.

 

 

 

 

 

Long before that, the unlikely activist Rachel Carson shook the world into a renaissance of transcendental fervor with her brilliant work "Silent Spring".

Her thorough research and compelling message began a movement so strong, it resulted in the enactment of The Endangered Species Act, of 1973. Signed into law by a Republican, President Nixon.

I am proud to say that I have witnessed these courageous acts during my lifetime and in my own way, woven each leader's message into the fabric of my own life.

But never has a leader in the Environmental Movement taken on such a challenge as Mr. Gore.

Recruiting concerned citizens from all over the globe to be ambassadors advocating for our Planet's future, which of course is Humanity's future.

I am delighted to have an opportunity to join one of my heros in the field of science to truly bring this juggernaut of climate change to a halt.

And now you can too!

There has never been a time more critical than now, but it will take the actions of every soul to reverse what has been indisputably created by our own hand.

The Earth and Humanity need a Health Plan, a new, powerful campaign for true and lasting change and a leader to take us there.

The time is now, the leader is the Nobel Laureate Al Gore and the vehicle is the Climate Reality Leadership Corps. Sign up today. Win the right to brag to your grandchildren that you were a change-maker, when it counted. The future is truly in our hands.

Get on board and join us. We need you today.

A Reader Asks: "Does Money Bring Happiness?"

About a decade ago, I had recently sold my parents��� home. It had been paid off for years and so the proceeds were entirely profit. I had the better part of a million dollars in the bank.

Other than that, my life was a mess. I had many health problems, I was entangled in a legal issue that threatened to curtail my freedom and I was in a loveless marriage that was disintegrating. I feared that the proceeds from my parents��� home would become fair game for my wife���s lawyer once we began divorce proceedings.

Based on the dollar amount in my bank account, I could buy any car I wanted, I could take multiple trips around the world, I could relocate to a tropical island and live like a king for the rest of my life. But, given the reality of my health and legal problems, I was forced to stand and fight for my future. And as it turned out, much of the money did in fact go to satisfy legal issues, to pay for divorce settlements and to cover my living expenses during that time when I was too encumbered by such problems to hold down a job. I managed to save enough to put a down payment on a home.

I now live on a fixed income, but I have learned to manage my money in such a way that I can live as I please and even set aside money for travel. I am in a wonderful relationship, stay busy with creative projects and gardening. I am happier than I have ever been and it has nothing to do with how much money I have.

The point here is, when one aspect of a person���s life is viewed out of context,
it distorts how the reality of their daily life is perceived. 

Here is a general rule about money and happiness that applies to all of humanity

It is essential to have just enough money to not worry about how bills will be paid or how to keep your belies full.

Below that line, stress and worry rob us of the emotional freedom to be happy. Above that line, many of the things that bring happiness have nothing to do with ���more money���.

I have known several millionaires and many with 6 figure incomes. Here is what I have observed:

��� They continue to work in spite of having plenty of money. Why? Because a healthy human spirit seeks opportunities for achievement and recognition. They need a purpose; a reason to get up in the morning and be useful or of value to others.

��� They question whether friends are sincere, or just hoping some of that wealth will rub off on them. So they often associate with other rich people who don���t need their money. But those relationships are often shallow and superficial.

��� Satisfying relationships often elude them. Wealth often creates dangerous liaisons. Wealthy persons are constantly approached by attractive interlopers, seeking a ride on their coat tails. These ���gold diggers��� can be very seductive, feigning affection while developing long-term plans to feather their nest at the expense of others. Money brings all kinds of young and beautiful people into your sphere that may not have the best of intentions. 

��� They struggle with how to raise their children. Spoil them with free tuition, cars, travel and homes, or compel them build character through tough love, by teaching them the skills and discipline necessary to succeed on their own?

 

Here is the philosophy I live by with regard to money and happiness:

Rather than worrying about creating ever larger pot of financial resources, learn to live well within the resources you have. Chances are you���ll sleep better, have stronger, more meaningful relationships, higher quality children, more sincere friendships and ultimately a happier life than many who are burdened by heavier wallets.

-Shane Eric Mathias

Can Traveling Be an Important Part of Your Happiness Strategy?

Indeed it can and should!

 

A big part of the frustration with modern life is the routine and monotony of repetitive activities that seem to do little, in and of themselves, to provide anything of value: 

��� Alarm clocks

��� Commuting

��� Toxic people and work environments

��� Eating on the run

��� Paying bills

To and from work, we might listen to stories on the radio that leave us with the impression that the world is falling apart. All of this has the effect of dulling our senses and immersing us in a shroud of fear that keeps our internal defense mechanisms in a perpetual state of readiness. 

We lose an appreciation for the little things that restore joy and remind us to be grateful. 

Travel can be a way to reset our mind and body, indeed our very life. We once we have arrived at our destination, we set our own schedule. Very often we hand over responsibility for transportation to someone else, whether it be a train, a taxi or an excursion operator. We can sit back and take in the scenery. 

The new sights, sounds, smells and experiences broaden our awareness to the wider world and our imagination is rediscovered. Curiosity, wonder and awe are rekindled as we behold the depth, diversity and complexity of different lands, cultures and history. 

To learn more, read Wes' article on Travel Local. Peruse the site and be led by your curiosity to different journeys you might plan for the future. Bon Voyage! 

-Shane

What is Meditation and Is It For You?

When I was young in the ...well, let's just say sometime in the last century, meditation had a different meaning and perceived purpose. Even though more traditional Eastern Meditation traditions had been in existence and use for thousands of years in Japan and India, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi (1918-2008) brought to the West a practice called Transcendental Meditation or TM that involved the repeating of sounds and or phrases among other things, inducing a trance and placing one in a sort of Altered State of Consciousness. 

The practice was taught by certified trainers, requiring individuals to undergo a course of study that was set up by and generated profit for Maharishi Yogi. But that is another story. 

Coincidentally, or not, this was also a time when many young people were experimenting with "mind expanding" drugs, like LSD, Psilocybin Mushrooms and Peyote and reported experiencing hallucinations such as being out of the body or having an "Out of Body Experience". Whether intended or not by Maharishi Yogi, Transcendental Meditation became a vehicle to step out of your life, out of your physical body to experience a parallel reality, beyond the material world. 

Sadly, many who used drugs alone or in combination with TM never returned from their "trip" as the drug fueled journey became known. The overdosed or ended up with debilitating brain damage resulting from a lack of oxygen as their tongue slid back into their throat and blocked their airway. 

Eventually, that zeitgeist slowly passed along with the defining events that gave rise to it and the icons of that generation that popularized it. Maharishi died in 2008 and a new form of meditation began to appear in grass roots publications, marketplace posters and radio shows. Zen Meditation. Zen is a style of Mahayana Buddhism that originated in China during the Tang dynasty. From China, it spread to Vietnam, Korea and then Japan, where it became known as Japanese Zen. 

Zen Meditation or Zazen

Unlike TM, the intent of Zen is not to leave the body, but rather to be fully contained within it, allowing the consciousness to drop below the level of thought to the more primitive and authentic sensory level. Genuinely experiencing the world in all of its diversity without judgement. Though it is advised that one be guided by an experienced teacher or Sensei to fully understand the practice, it does not require one to join or pay an organization to learn the techniques. 

Zen also encourages the study of Buddhist teachings and and meditation practice, as it applies to the individual, their relationships to each other and the world at large. These are described respectively as Sutras (Teachings) and Sangha (Community).

The use of mind altering drugs is strongly discouraged, as it interferes with one's ability to perceive the world as it is: a critical strategy that puts us in touch with the truth of our life and allows us to make lucid choices that support freedom rather than attachment to people, things or situations. 

Like TM however, traditional Zen meditation does require a commitment of time and effort. One is encouraged to set aside a place in their home where they will construct an alter. The alter can be as simple as a comfortable place to sit, (either on the floor or a chair that promotes good posture), a candle, some incense and an image or statue that reminds us of our connection to "BuddhaNature". Meditation sessions should be practiced at least once daily, preferably in a quiet, clutter free space, apart from distractions. 

This practice comprised a profound part of my life for several years during my thirties. I attended twice weekly Sanghas and practiced at home. Though I always found it difficult to sit still for the required 20-40 minutes, I can say without reservation that the experience, the teachings and the challenge taught me much about myself, the importance discipline and Self Mastery. 

I do believe that understanding the teachings is an important component in the discovery of your own BuddhaNature. Here is a book that I recommend to get you started: Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind. And attending a local "Zendo", if there is one in your area, is a great way to learn how to apply those teaching to your life. 

But Is Meditation For You? 

You cannot know whether you have the temperament to sit quietly for an extended period of time. It is far more challenging that you can imagine. And if your life is complicated by kids and crazy schedules, you may find it hard to create the time and space for such an indulgence. But if you can, I encourage you to try. Just making the effort is worthwhile. And give it some time to filter down into your daily life. The results are not immediate. You may begin to notice yourself being less reactive in traffic, work and or relationship situations. You may discover you are more creative in problem solving. You may also notice, as I did, a deep inner artist that is suddenly beckoning to be unleashed. That is the inner YOU waking up, anxious to express the new perceptions and sensations that are now appearing on the horizon of your consciousness. 

You May Already Be Meditating and Not Know It

Though meditation purists and teachers may disagree strongly with me, I have discovered that I attained many of these same benefits in activities I was already doing. It may be that the activity itself is less important than the intensity of focus you apply to it. The concept and emerging science of this focus is called Mindfulness. 

At first, this Mindfulness must be intentionally practiced, as you may have previously held the assumption that "multitasking" is the most effective way of living. But thinking about and doing many things at once undermines your ultimate desire to do everything as well as possible. And more importantly, of gaining peace and insight from even the most mundane of tasks. 

One such task that puts me "in the zone" is Gardening. I don my work clothes, assemble my tools and immediately begin to feel a oneness with the plants and animals in my midst.

Through my hands, I feel the dirt and the texture of the plants; through my nose, the scents of soil and plant materials wafts into my awareness; the heat of the sun warms my back, as I witness the co-creation of my own biosphere.

I become lost in the process and time becomes irrelevant. I am immersed, I am absorbed, I am experiencing Mindfulness. 

Other activities which give rise to this state of mind for me are abstract painting, woodworking, making jewelry, cooking and yes, writing. Even using words and processing ideas taps into a deeper part of my consciousness and that centers me. Grounds me in my body. Creates a sense of being exactly where I belong. As my Sensei (Teacher) used to say: "In this only Moment".

Each moment becomes a oyster of opportunity. And within that oyster are many pearls that nourish us in subtle, profound and unseen ways. 

A word of warning

If you, are like most of us, you have demons buried deep in your subconscious. Demons from past relationships, disappointments, perceived failures, etc: What we can call collectively, Emotional Pain. When you meditate, you open the door on the long imprisoned feelings and they begin to rise to the surface. This is a good thing! But it may be disquieting and cause you unexpected discomfort. It's Okay, this is part of the cleansing process. A process that will result in more mental clarity and inner peace. For though you may have believed those feelings and memories to be forgotten forever, they still arise though your dreams and insidiously effect your perception of and reaction to the outside world. 

Conclusion:

You owe it to yourself to explore the world of Meditation and Mindfulness and discover the activities that put you in the zone. This one effort can profoundly change your life for the better. 

For more information, start by checking out the many resources available from Ticht Naht Hahn

For questions, comments or to republish any part of this article, please contact the author at:

semathias@yahoo.com

Namaste,

Shane Eric Mathias 

What Are "Alternative Facts"?

A new salvo in the war of words between
Donald Trump, his staff and well���. everyone else. 

You���ve no doubt heard yesterday���s comment by KellyAnne Conway to Chuck Todd on NBC���s ���Meet The Press���, The comment was in response to Todd asking why Sean Spicer was sent to the White House briefing room to meet with the Media (what we used to call ���Reporters���), and asked, presumably by the President to float a bold faced lie in response to reports that Trump's inauguration was poorly attended.  ���The crowd was the largest ever. Period���. is how Spicer characterized it. Which was of course revealed as false seconds afterward across the globe, with images streaming on Twitter, Facebook and everywhere else, comparing the sea of Humanity attending Obama���s inauguration with the anemic turnout for Trump���s big day. 

Conway defended Spicer's comment by saying it represented "Alternative Facts". And consequently, she revealed that she, her boss and apparently the entire Trump administration are comfortable with projecting a sort of ���parallel reality��� , as long as the goal of obfuscation, subterfuge and distortion is achieved. 

Is that what we have to look forward to for the next 4 years? If so, we had all better bone-up on the meaning of ���The Absolute Truth���  and learn to recognize when stupid, careless or malevolent individuals are trying to pass off some facsimile there of.  

What is the Truth?

Liars, scam artists, people with borderline personality disorders and apparently some politicians will try to convince us that there are various versions of The Truth. So, let���s be clear: The Truth is absolute. There is only One Truth. There may be people���s opinions about what that Truth is, but the fact remains, there are lies, versions, deviations, fictionalized accounts, people���s beliefs and then, there is The Truth. 

Now, the Truth may be revised, when new FACTS are presented, but again, there are FACTS and then there are, the now infamous inversions called, ���Alternative Facts���.

Those with a Conservative and or Republican political persuasion will read my words and presume I am only pointing out this incident to further beat down and delegitimize their chosen leader. First of all, nothing I could say or do would further that cause more than Trump���s own words and those of his staff. But no. My intent here is to use this incident to point out that I, like many trusting people of conscience, have been victimized by unscrupulous individuals who operate from one Machiavellian mindset: 

���Whatever it takes to achieve my goals is right and just. My needs and desires exceed those of all others and I will have my way, regardless of who suffers���.

It is just this mindset that has empowered murderers, corporate thieves, terrorists, dictators, rapists, gold diggers, wife beaters and other scum of the Earth to subject their innocent and unfortunate victims to their particular brand of evil. 

I have struggled to understand this departure from civilized behavior and have concluded that those with integrity, compassion and empathy for others will never be able to fully wrap their mind around what makes this sort of creature tick. But I do believe that I have deduced one trait they all share, one unspoken credo that they all live by:

���If you���re stupid enough to fall for this shit, then you deserve to suffer���.

If you agree with me that there may be even a little veracity in that statement, then you have a responsibility to yourself and loved ones to be on the lookout for these imposters, obfuscators, liars and manipulators. They are all around you, not just in our political system, but lurking behind a telephone, making unsolicited calls; coming to your door, using this or that excuse to gain your confidence; on the used car lot; in the courtroom; on television; radio, as well as everywhere on the internet. You must be on the lookout for these predators, just as the Gazelle must constantly be wary of the lion or hyena.

So to conclude: When you hear anyone, especially someone who presumes to lead others, allow a phrase like ���Alternative Facts��� to fall nonchalantly from their lips, rest assured, there will be other half truths, outright lies and deceptions to come. 

"When we turn our back on the enemy, that is when we are most likely to we feel the cold thrust of the knife".

-Shane Eric Mathias

 

The Sad Facts About the Pursuit of Happiness

Fact: Most people cannot say that lead happy lives.

Though they may find happiness in fleeting moments, their relationships, work and personal lives leave them feeling empty.

Fact: Much of the well-intended research and content on happiness doesn���t help.

Because it relies too heavily on platitudes, koans, and nebulous spiritualisms. These lead one to believe they are, for whatever reason, incapable of unwrapping some thinly veiled, secret knowledge. Eventually frustrated, they turn away and stop seeking, stop listening. Perhaps resigning themselves to the nihilistic message: ���Life is hard and then you die���. 

Why is this?

Because the entire concept of happiness is has been distorted: Confused with states of mind like nirvana, elation, bliss, etc. And while a happy life certainly sets the stage for these fleeting emotional experiences, the expectation that anyone can render themselves completely immune from the difficulties of modern life causes humanity to seek solace in all kinds of destructive behaviors like: experimentation with drugs; meaningless sex with multiple partners; spending sprees that run up the credit card balance; addiction to foods; dangerous adrenaline producing activities like street racing, skydiving, rock climbing and so on. Activities that eventually may lead the participants farther from their ultimate goal. 

That is not to say that all fun is bad. Certainly not. But fun that carries with it a high degree of risk, tempts fate and threatens to destroy any chance of a life balance that might actually lead to a set the stage for happiness to thrive. 

Chasing that perpetual high as if we could actually catch it is like trying to run toward the horizon. The closer you get, the more it retreats from you.

How should we view happiness to bring it into greater alignment with reality?

Step out of our lives to take a broader view of the human condition. Our parents, teachers, mentors and counselors bored us to death by admonishing us to reflect on how many other people are so much worse off then ourselves. And though this can easily be written off as a pointless intellectual exercise, it is actually useful to consider the many millions of other innocent men, women and children without a place to call home, without healthy food or clean water, without basic sanitation or freedom from violence. 

Losing perspective of this robs us of a basic fact: 

That it is truly difficult to find happiness when we are hungry, thirsty, have no shelter, or ability to bathe ourselves. And yet, happiness survives.

Even among the most oppressed, when their basic needs human have been denied away, suddenly happiness is discovered in a simple drink of cold water, a safe, warm place to sleep, a nutritious meal with friends and family or a cease fire that raises a hope of peace. 

Yet, for you, here at home, dealing with life in the fast lane, that seems of little comfort when you lose a job, when a primary relationship fails or suddenly ends, when your health takes a turn for the worse, when unexpected expenses threaten to impact you financially. These do indeed lead to real emotional trauma. 

But what can lead to greater comfort is to move the set point at which we choose to be happy. When you assume that food, shelter, water and safety are guaranteed and a matter of entitlement, these things no longer bring happiness. Therefore, we unwittingly place our set point beyond those basic needs. ���Yes, I am safe, warm and healthy, so what? I don���t have ______________ ��� (fill in the blank). We are unable to recognize all the we DO have and find gratitude in that.

Regardless of your political view of the refugee crisis now playing out on the world stage, refugees are forced to leave their homes, families, language, cultures, foods, memories, everything that has made them who they are. They are forced to start over, forced to learn a new language, to get used to new customs and foods, forced to find new housing, to learn how to drive or how to use the bus. So many things that we take for granted they must struggle and fight to attain, while coping with the emotions of being displaced, pushed out, reliving the horror of loved ones who disappeared or were lost to violence. And yet, they go to school, they learn the language, they find work and often start businesses. And yes, they somehow, once again, find happiness. 

Now let���s look at your situation: 

You say you���re unlucky: You have a bed, food in the refrigerator, a place to bathe and hopefully your health. These are not small things. In the overall human experience, these account for 99% of our needs. And you are lucky to have them.

You say you���re misunderstood: We are all misunderstood. No one can truly know us except ourselves. Seek not to receive understanding and compassion from others, seek it instead from within. The most you can do is deal fairly with others, honestly. Speak your desires and intentions clearly and the rest is beyond your control. Your happiness arises in this area from knowing that you have integrity. That you have treated others as you would wish to be treated. 

You say things are hopeless: Life is unpredictable and is full of surprises. I have read about and experienced being at an extremely low point in life when serendipitously, the arrival of a new idea, a chance opportunity or an unexpected meeting turned everything around. Hope is a faith in the energetic productivity of life. Look around you. Everywhere you see life emerging and thriving. Yes, there is violence and destruction, but there is also cooperation and creation happening everywhere in the cosmos. Your responsibility is to remain open to that inevitability. If you see life as a wave, dipping and rising, ebbing and flowing, then you know there will be low and high points. You must accept that as a reality of life and not place a value judgement on it. Good, bad, right, wrong, etc. 

 

If we were to say that dark is bad and light is good, then we would curse the night sky. But it is precisely because of that darkness that we can see the light emanating from stars light years away.  

So to conclude: Happiness does not arise from the sum total of things that are happening to you, but rather from who you are, what you choose to believe and what you make happen. Happiness also arises from laying down a firm, integrated foundation. By that I mean consuming in moderation; keeping emotions in check; getting plenty of rest; evaluating, pruning or nourishing our relationships to others; keeping our channels open for knowledge and wisdom to stream in; cleaning, organizing and maintaining our personal space. And most of all, not undervaluing, but rather having gratitude for the simple, yet fundamental building blocks of human life: health, food and shelter. When all else seems against us, we can still find happiness in the knowledge that we will ride out the storm and use that time to prepare ourselves for the moment when Nature���s cycles carry us aloft again. 

Shane Eric Mathias

 

Be Kind to Your Future Self

If you've read my book or various articles I've written on habits that lead to a happy, successful life, you'll find organization and predictability as recurring themes that set the stage for mental and physical well being and therefore, a firm foundation from which happiness can grow.

But how do we create this firm foundation for ourselves when the world around us is indeed, so unpredictable?

While it is true, there are some aspects of human life that are beyond our control, but most respond quite well to our intervention. That is, if we learn and employ habits that demonstrate compassion and respect for our "Future Self".

We may not be aware of it, but much of our day is mindlessly spent in self-sabotaging activities that undermine our future safety, success and happiness. Here are some examples:

��� Stretching an extension cord from a wall to a space heater that spans a traffic area in your home. thoughtlessly setting yourself up for a future accident.

Solution: Plan a route for the cord that will heat the desired space, while remaining safely tucked under furniture or adjacent to baseboards. 

��� Going on a spending spree for gifts or personal items and thoughtlessly placing those purchases on a credit card. Only later, when the bill comes, does the reality of that indiscretion hit home, knocking your budget for rent, food and other expenses out of whack. 

Solution: Plan ahead for needed or desired items by placing a few dollars a week into reserve. For an example, start in June, socking away money for Christmas gifts. 

��� Letting laundry, dishes and clutter pile up in bedrooms, hallways and the garage. Convinced you lack the time to clean and put things away in a timely manner, you spend mental energy attempting to ignore the accumulating mess. You're eventually forced to deal with the piles when friends or family call to request an impromptu visit. 

Solution: Wash dishes after meals, keep bathroom counter tops clean and organized; spend 1 minute cleaning the bathtub ring after a soak; deal with bills and other documents at least once a week, keeping files up to date and desks clear of clutter. 

��� You feel disliked or misunderstood by family, friends and associates. Isolated and alone, increasingly unable to relate to those in your midst. As you review the past year, you recall being angry and unrestrained in your dealings with others. You've come to the realization that your frustration and dissatisfaction with life has caused you to lash out and drive important people away from you.

Solution: Maintain business and personal relationships in good standing. Clear up outstanding debts, work to resolve disagreements, stay in touch by phone or email for no particular reason, reach out, letting loved ones know how important they are. 

Conclusion: Our lives, like our cars, homes and pets, require ongoing maintenance. By attending to these various aspects of our lives, we are in essence extending compassion to ourselves in the future, as well as the present.

Conversely, by ignoring or deferring tasks until "later", we force ourselves to cope with an even bigger problem when it is much less convenient. 

It can sometimes seem as if life is overly complex and unmanageable, but in reality, we have much more control over how our daily lives play out than we often assume.

By developing good "organizational hygiene" we ensure that our lives hum along like a well-tuned engine.

When we no longer have to waste our energy dealing with emergencies, those personal resources can be spent on creative, fun and spontaneous activities that contribute to a happy life. 

-Shane Eric Mathias

 

Alone For the Holidays? It's Okay. And Here is Why

If you're like me, you have a very small family, or your family lives far away and you unfortunately see them less than you'd like. As a result, holidays, like Christmas and the New Year can seem especially cruel. Images of families, happily sharing meals, opening gifts together, laughing and rejoicing in each other's company stream across our television screens and flash from our computers, causing us to feel that we're somehow flawed if we find ourselves alone at this time. 

But in contrast, I can tell you, having known people who are expected to attend the same family gatherings year after year, many secretly long to curl up alone by the fire and read a book. They may be surrounded all day, every day, by people at work and at home and when that holiday vacation rolls around, they'd rather be anywhere but at Aunt Susan's stuffing their faces, feeling bloated and listening to the same mind-numbing stories and bad jokes.

So understand, first and foremost, there are many who would envy your solitude. Try to appreciate this as a time to reflect on the passing year, a chance to imagine how you'll create new opportunities for yourself in the year that's beginning to appear just over the horizon. 

Yes, there may be pain

Yes, the reasons for your solitude may be painful and complicated. I understand that, having spent several Holidays alone. It seems to be the time when we feel most intently the absence of those we love, or have loved. And like me, you've probably had to hold it together all year, in spite of your personal challenges. Hold it together for work, for family or maybe you just stoically refused to let it effect you. But now, here you are. It's just you and the undeniable reality of your life, as it currently is. Your solitude at this inauspicious time is forcing you to confront your demons. Don't push it away. Let the tears flow, have a good cry, feel the pain and understand that on the other side, will be healing and renewal. 

When you think about it, it's not unlike the Natural cycle of the seasons. In Winter, animals slow down or hibernate, plants become dormant and shed their leaves. The sky becomes dark and rain cleanses the land. All in preparation for Spring, when new life looks only forward, remembering not the somber days past. 

We are part of Nature. As such, whether you believe it or not, we also have seasons. Some are colder and harsher than others. Many bring abundance and warmth, but we have little control over when stormy weather will once again descend We must accept that there will be painful or lonely times. Remember, stars can only shine when the sky is dark. You too must know darkness to know light.

It is a natural, normal transformative process and when you emerge, as the butterfly does from her chrysalis you'll have more clarity, greater self awareness and a renewed sense of purpose and connectedness. 

 

Here is an excerpt from one of my other articles on "The Essential Power of Solitude".

"To co-opt a term from the digital world, solitude allows us to "download" the raw images, feelings and thoughts from our complex external lives and process them into usable data, creating and updating a matrix through which we become increasingly efficient at extracting lessons and knowledge, that eventually season into wisdom.

For most of us, from the moment we awaken, until we return to sleep, our lives are filled with activity. The health of our social spheres and indeed our very survival depend on us being present and intentionally aware during these activities. But that intense focus and busyness must be punctuated by intervals of silence and solitude, otherwise, our mind never gets a chance to catch up, to remain continually acquainted with our evolving sensations and experiences. We miss out on the rich consciousness building kernels of understanding that eventually add up to personal growth.

It would be like eating, for the shear pleasure of taste, but then having the food pass through us undigested, gaining nothing from the nutrients locked within. While your digestive system can function just fine on the run, your mind cannot. It needs rest and time to update it's circuits. And this can only be accomplished during periods of solitude". 

So use this time to enjoy and gain inner peace from your solitude. Yes, you may be alone, but take inventory of all that is still right in your life: you have warmth and shelter, you have food in the fridge and you have your health. You are better off than a great many other people struggling all day, every day across the globe. Focus on that, give thanks and prayers for others less fortunate.

Be well, 

-Shane

 

How to Be Happy - The Quick Start Guide

I know from experience that the last thing an unhappy person is likely to do is read a book or a lengthy article on how to find happiness. That is why I decided to cover the major points here, so you can get on with the business of living, rather than just reading about it.

So here we go.

Here are the major key areas of your life that need to be maintained and functioning well in order for happiness to grow.

Love 

A. Self Love - This is more important than familial or romantic love. You must stop focusing on what you believe others think of you, or what you have been told in the past, as often, those judgements arise from the speaker's self loathing. Spend time alone, steeped in an activity like walking or gardening (something that allows the mind to wander) and talk to yourself. That's right! Have a conversation about what makes you unique and special (trust me, there is something) and learn to love and cultivate that. Love is contagious. When you love yourself, others will also find you more interesting and attractive. 

B. Optimize your Relationships - Having lots of friends, whether on Facebook or in the flesh sounds great, but it is of little real importance. Having one or two friends you can trust and that truly love you is priceless. Weed out the part time, "fair weather" friends and focus on strengthening those connections that are truly worth saving. 

When it comes to family, it becomes a little harder. Just because you're related doesn't mean you like each other or are compatible. Parents, siblings, spouses, even children can drain our life energy through manipulation, interference, meddling, jealously and anger. To find true happiness, you must distance yourself physically and emotionally from these individuals. It may not be easy, but not doing so perpetuates the bad behavior. When you finally put up that wall, those family members who mistreat you will find someone else upon whom to focus their vitriol. And you will find a new "Freedom" and peace of mind that rests on courage and self-determination.

Health 

A. Physical Health - Being in the best possible physical health is essential preparation for happiness to flourish. For each person, this may mean something different. Many of us struggle with chronic diseases such as arthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure, etc. Sometimes, it is our behavior that causes these maladies to arise and take hold. When that is the case, doing what is needed to eliminate these dis-ease, factors from our lives will make more energy available to improve or just live our lives. 

Work on reducing excess weight, improve sleep habits, learn about and practice wholesome eating habits, reduce stress at work and home by changing jobs if necessary and establishing good lifestyle habits. 

B. Emotional Health -  It is not an overstatement to say that most of us have emotional health issues. Some hold us back and limit our joy and others can be serious, life threatening patterns. Many of these emotional patterns arise in childhood. Left unchecked, they follow us into adulthood, interfering in our self esteem, relationships and with achieving success. Though it may seem counter-intuitive, spend time alone, reading, listening to videos and podcasts on various aspects of human emotions. Your inner mind (subconscious) knows where healing is needed. By strolling through a bookstore, surfing videos and other resources on human emotions, you will find yourself attracted to certain subjects and areas of study. Follow those and be led instinctively toward healing from the inside out. The progress will be slow, but eventually permanent and life altering. Invest time in your Emotional Life and reap the dividends of a clear mind, at peace.

Freedom

Freedom and Purpose are less tangible components of your happiness strategy, but no less important. It is this "mysterious quality" that keeps people from understanding or working on these areas of their lives. Don't let that be you. 

Freedom is essentially anything that keeps you from reaching your full potential. Sadly and all too often these limits are self imposed. Examples of that may be: lack of confidence, or fear of failure; choosing to stay in relationships that do not serve you and that drain your personal power. Another big problem is laziness - not overcoming inertia. But laziness is usually something else in disguise. More often than not:fear. Overcome the fear and the energy to address challenges will be easily ignited. 

Other Freedom robbers are the expectations of others. "You must marry this or that kind of person". "You must finish school and begin your career as (fill in the blank)". "You must run the family business or take care of your brother". Whatever. You catch my drift. It may be counterintuitive, but most barriers to our freedom, involve us not choosing to be free. It may not be easy, it may feel selfish and cruel, but in reality, by holding yourself back, you are encouraging those who oppress you to remain stuck in their dysfunctional pattern. If you choose freedom of thought, freedom of love, freedom of passion, those who depend on your failure, will need to find alternative means of meeting their needs. That very action may also lead to their growth and personal empowerment. This is how self care benefits you and everyone around you. Even your detractors. 

Purpose

This is what everything else leads up to. This is the rarefied air at the top of the summit, the frosting on the cake, the meaning of life, whatever metaphor seems to fit. When you have organized and optimized the preceding branches of your Happiness Tree, you will have the space, time and energy in your life to discover and follow your passion. This is a human birthright that few ever get the opportunity to exploit. Henry David Theoreau said: "Most [people] lead lives of quiet desperation and die with their song still inside them".

Whether Nature, the Universe or God intends for us to find our purpose and leave our world a better place, is really not important. The truth is, having structure in our lives, a driving passion, a reason to get up in the morning, gives our life meaning. It makes the journey more interesting and satisfying. It gets us engaged in the world around us, puts us in contact with like-minded people, expands our mind, improves our health and ultimately, makes us happier. If we do end up leaving the world a better place, great! 

That's it! You've completed the Quick Start Guide to Happiness.  Before you write it off as too simplistic, I challenge you to evaluate these 4 areas of your life: Love, Health, Freedom and Purpose and do all you can to optimize them. I guarantee you that this process will result in a better life and greater overall satisfaction. 

For more resources please avail yourself of these other great resources:

��� SEMathias.com
��� The Happiness Tree book
��� Wonderlust.com
��� Mind Cultivation.com
��� The Art of Wellbeing

-Shane Eric Mathias

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