Gavin Whyte's Blog, page 29
April 4, 2017
300 Words a Day - #3
What do you do with disappointment?
Do you allow yourself to be overcome by it, leading to a bout of despair and helplessness, or do you (can you) separate yourself from it, giving you and it space to breathe?
I've had a sting of disappointment recently.
It was my own fault.
I had expectations, and they weren't met.
Expectations...
Why do we have them? They are based on a process that's forever flowing; never stationary.
That’s not safe, nor wise.
Life is forever in flux.
It’s like a tree investing its happiness in summer.
Oh, look… what’s that?
A falling leaf.
Sorry, tree. You were foolish enough to expect summer to grant you forever-lasting happiness.
Trying to find happiness in thinking is just as futile.
Thoughts come and go, like clouds in the sky, and we only have ourselves to blame when they disappear with the wind.
The mind will do all that the mind does, and it’s up to us to let it.
Stand in its way, and good luck to you.
Resistance is suffering.
It’s laughable when we get all down in the dumps because life didn’t unfold the way we wanted it to.
Who is this we, this I?
The more I go looking, the more I come back empty-handed.
And yet, when expectations aren’t met, I say, “I am disappointed” not, “there is disappointment.”
No room to breathe.
Every time I experience bliss - and I mean true, blissful, present alertness, where everything that is is unconditional love - God - guess who’s absent…
Gavin.
No more individual me.
No more misidentifying with what isn’t.
Therefore, my suffering must start with me.
That is, with the thought of I.
Identification with the mind, with thought, is the root cause of suffering.
That’s it.
Identification with what isn’t.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Please visit my Facebook Page
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Image info
Do you allow yourself to be overcome by it, leading to a bout of despair and helplessness, or do you (can you) separate yourself from it, giving you and it space to breathe?
I've had a sting of disappointment recently.
It was my own fault.
I had expectations, and they weren't met.
Expectations...
Why do we have them? They are based on a process that's forever flowing; never stationary.
That’s not safe, nor wise.
Life is forever in flux.
It’s like a tree investing its happiness in summer.
Oh, look… what’s that?
A falling leaf.
Sorry, tree. You were foolish enough to expect summer to grant you forever-lasting happiness.
Trying to find happiness in thinking is just as futile.
Thoughts come and go, like clouds in the sky, and we only have ourselves to blame when they disappear with the wind.
The mind will do all that the mind does, and it’s up to us to let it.
Stand in its way, and good luck to you.
Resistance is suffering.
It’s laughable when we get all down in the dumps because life didn’t unfold the way we wanted it to.
Who is this we, this I?
The more I go looking, the more I come back empty-handed.
And yet, when expectations aren’t met, I say, “I am disappointed” not, “there is disappointment.”
No room to breathe.
Every time I experience bliss - and I mean true, blissful, present alertness, where everything that is is unconditional love - God - guess who’s absent…
Gavin.
No more individual me.
No more misidentifying with what isn’t.
Therefore, my suffering must start with me.
That is, with the thought of I.
Identification with the mind, with thought, is the root cause of suffering.
That’s it.
Identification with what isn’t.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Please visit my Facebook Page
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Image info
April 3, 2017
300 Words a Day - #2
I set off walking to the cinema. My wife was already there. She went straight after finishing work and got the tickets. It was a national holiday here in Taiwan, so all the cinemas were pretty much full up. Going to watch a movie on your day off proves to be a popular activity.
I was walking along the long bridge, towards the cinema. My backpack on and my earphones in.
The sky was clear and sprinkled with stars. The moon was out, too. Waning or waxing… I never can tell.
Straight ahead, in the distance, was Taipei 101. It looked to be at the end of the bridge, there to greet me when I arrived.
Scanning the urban landscape around me and looking at the city reflecting in the water below, I got a little nostalgic. I began to think about my life and all I had done and how everything had led to this moment, walking in Taipei to meet my Taiwanese wife.
What was I doing ten years ago?
What was life like for me back then?
How was I responding to it?
I was 23.
Was I happy?
I don’t think so.
I had just made what felt like back then to be the biggest decision of my life so far.
I had quit making music after 10 years.
I cried myself to sleep that night.
It was tough.
I had strived for 10 years and then realized I wasn’t being myself.
I was trying to be someone I wasn’t.
So I trusted my gut and quit.
It was the right decision.
Is there a wrong decision? Can we make a wrong move?
Throw it all in the mix and it’s going to come out somehow.
And no doubt we’ll be wiser for it.
Be brave.
Image from here
I was walking along the long bridge, towards the cinema. My backpack on and my earphones in.
The sky was clear and sprinkled with stars. The moon was out, too. Waning or waxing… I never can tell.
Straight ahead, in the distance, was Taipei 101. It looked to be at the end of the bridge, there to greet me when I arrived.
Scanning the urban landscape around me and looking at the city reflecting in the water below, I got a little nostalgic. I began to think about my life and all I had done and how everything had led to this moment, walking in Taipei to meet my Taiwanese wife.
What was I doing ten years ago?
What was life like for me back then?
How was I responding to it?
I was 23.
Was I happy?
I don’t think so.
I had just made what felt like back then to be the biggest decision of my life so far.
I had quit making music after 10 years.
I cried myself to sleep that night.
It was tough.
I had strived for 10 years and then realized I wasn’t being myself.
I was trying to be someone I wasn’t.
So I trusted my gut and quit.
It was the right decision.
Is there a wrong decision? Can we make a wrong move?
Throw it all in the mix and it’s going to come out somehow.
And no doubt we’ll be wiser for it.
Be brave.
Image from here
April 2, 2017
300 Words a Day - #1
Why do I find it so difficult to commit to writing a blog?
Is it because I feel I don't have much to say?
Is it because I feel that people don't care about what I do have to say, so what would be the point in saying it?
Is it because I'm not passionate enough about the written word?
I thought I was...
Do I put too much pressure on myself to say something meaningful?
Should I just treat it as a writing exercise?
I'm reminded of Ray Bradbury in his book, Zen in the Art of Writing, where he advises the reader, to:
"Relax. Just write."
So here I am, writing about the possible reasons as to why I don't commit to writing anything on here.
Are blogs a dying form now, like CDs and magazines?
Let's try and care less about commitment and the expression that that commitment might or might not take.
Let's just write.
Write what?
Anything.
Like, 300 words a day?
Why not. Do it.
300 words a day about anything. Memories... stories... thoughts... poems...
We all have a mind that likes to dwell in the past and anticipate the future - there's plenty of writing material to be sifted through there.
You just have to do it.
Just write.
How about today, how many words have I written here, now?
226.
Okay. Not long to go.
It hasn't been that bad actually. I've quite enjoyed it.
A bit of a release, a venting.
I feel like I’ve achieved something.
Nothing like life’s little achievements to put you at ease.
What’s a big achievement, if not a group of little ones, all working in unison?
I wonder what 300 words I'll write tomorrow... don’t think about it.
Just relax.
And write.
And there’s my 300 words for the day.
Good.
Is it because I feel I don't have much to say?
Is it because I feel that people don't care about what I do have to say, so what would be the point in saying it?
Is it because I'm not passionate enough about the written word?
I thought I was...
Do I put too much pressure on myself to say something meaningful?
Should I just treat it as a writing exercise?
I'm reminded of Ray Bradbury in his book, Zen in the Art of Writing, where he advises the reader, to:
"Relax. Just write."
So here I am, writing about the possible reasons as to why I don't commit to writing anything on here.
Are blogs a dying form now, like CDs and magazines?
Let's try and care less about commitment and the expression that that commitment might or might not take.
Let's just write.
Write what?
Anything.
Like, 300 words a day?
Why not. Do it.
300 words a day about anything. Memories... stories... thoughts... poems...
We all have a mind that likes to dwell in the past and anticipate the future - there's plenty of writing material to be sifted through there.
You just have to do it.
Just write.
How about today, how many words have I written here, now?
226.
Okay. Not long to go.
It hasn't been that bad actually. I've quite enjoyed it.
A bit of a release, a venting.
I feel like I’ve achieved something.
Nothing like life’s little achievements to put you at ease.
What’s a big achievement, if not a group of little ones, all working in unison?
I wonder what 300 words I'll write tomorrow... don’t think about it.
Just relax.
And write.
And there’s my 300 words for the day.
Good.
November 22, 2016
A Little Old Fashioned Help
I know a lot of people think astrology is a load of nonsense, because "there is no scientific proof that planets effect us". I'm sure this would change if scientists saw feelings as proof.
The thing I've come to learn about the planets in our solar system, is that their effects are subtle (most of the time). And this subtlety will not be picked by those who are not sensitive to how they feel, moment to moment.
It takes an awareness to appreciate the planets' influence on earth and her inhabitants.
It's this subtlety that science doesn't have any patience for.
It's this subtlety that gets so easily overlooked by people who speak of astrology as utter rubbish, when those of us who feel different, know different.
I'm currently in the process of writing my new book and I'm finding it difficult. Really, really difficult. I can be going on for 20,000 words and then suddenly I hit a wall, and that inner-critic comes marching along and tells me everything I've written so far is a load of tosh - it doesn't help that I listen.
I always find that I rush, too, instead of just taking my time. I have so many ideas that I can't wait to get started on them, but I can't do that until this one idea is done with... and so often than not, that inner critic says "Leave it. Start on something else. Your other idea is better. Your other idea will be easier."
(That last one is seriously hard to ignore!)
What's all this got to do with astrology?
Because since I was around 15 I've been reading my daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly astrological forecasts, and the help and advice I've received has been priceless.
Now, the astrologer I started to read all those years ago was Jonathan Cainer. I used to check his website religiously on a night, because that's when the forecasts would be updated for the following day. Now I have his app on my phone. But the thing is, he moved on (passed away) earlier this year, and now his nephew, Oscar, has taken over.
I don't think I'm alone in being a bit unsure as to how well he could fill his uncle's very large and impressive shoes.
But I'm glad to say he has, and continues to do so in a very similar and eerie fashion.
This was what I read the other day, and it was one of those times when I felt like it was written just for me. And please keep in mind that I was pulling my hair out trying to write my book.
CONSIDER THE SISTINE CHAPEL. WHEN MICHELANGELO WAS ON HIS BACK, SUSPENDED IN THE AIR, WITH A PAINTBRUSH IN HIS HAND, HE WAS NOT, WE HOPE, UNDER A DEADLINE TO GET IT ALL FINISHED BY TEATIME. HE WAS CREATING SOMETHING STUNNING, ENGAGED IN A PROCESS THAT NEEDED TO TAKE AS LONG AS IT NEEDED TO TAKE. THE RESULT WAS A MASTERPIECE. NOW, ABOUT YOUR CURRENT UNDERTAKING. IS IT NOT EQUALLY IMPORTANT IN ITS OWN WAY? AS MERCURY AND SATURN ARE ABOUT TO BE CONJUNCT, ALLOW IT TO TAKE THE TIME AND FOCUS IT DESERVES.
And now I'm doing just that and feel all the more better for it.
Thank you, Oscar.
Gavin
****
Find me on Twitter
Find me on Facebook
Please check out my books on Amazon (.com) (co.uk)
The thing I've come to learn about the planets in our solar system, is that their effects are subtle (most of the time). And this subtlety will not be picked by those who are not sensitive to how they feel, moment to moment.
It takes an awareness to appreciate the planets' influence on earth and her inhabitants.
It's this subtlety that science doesn't have any patience for.
It's this subtlety that gets so easily overlooked by people who speak of astrology as utter rubbish, when those of us who feel different, know different.
I'm currently in the process of writing my new book and I'm finding it difficult. Really, really difficult. I can be going on for 20,000 words and then suddenly I hit a wall, and that inner-critic comes marching along and tells me everything I've written so far is a load of tosh - it doesn't help that I listen.
I always find that I rush, too, instead of just taking my time. I have so many ideas that I can't wait to get started on them, but I can't do that until this one idea is done with... and so often than not, that inner critic says "Leave it. Start on something else. Your other idea is better. Your other idea will be easier."
(That last one is seriously hard to ignore!)
What's all this got to do with astrology?
Because since I was around 15 I've been reading my daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly astrological forecasts, and the help and advice I've received has been priceless.
Now, the astrologer I started to read all those years ago was Jonathan Cainer. I used to check his website religiously on a night, because that's when the forecasts would be updated for the following day. Now I have his app on my phone. But the thing is, he moved on (passed away) earlier this year, and now his nephew, Oscar, has taken over.
I don't think I'm alone in being a bit unsure as to how well he could fill his uncle's very large and impressive shoes.
But I'm glad to say he has, and continues to do so in a very similar and eerie fashion.
This was what I read the other day, and it was one of those times when I felt like it was written just for me. And please keep in mind that I was pulling my hair out trying to write my book.
CONSIDER THE SISTINE CHAPEL. WHEN MICHELANGELO WAS ON HIS BACK, SUSPENDED IN THE AIR, WITH A PAINTBRUSH IN HIS HAND, HE WAS NOT, WE HOPE, UNDER A DEADLINE TO GET IT ALL FINISHED BY TEATIME. HE WAS CREATING SOMETHING STUNNING, ENGAGED IN A PROCESS THAT NEEDED TO TAKE AS LONG AS IT NEEDED TO TAKE. THE RESULT WAS A MASTERPIECE. NOW, ABOUT YOUR CURRENT UNDERTAKING. IS IT NOT EQUALLY IMPORTANT IN ITS OWN WAY? AS MERCURY AND SATURN ARE ABOUT TO BE CONJUNCT, ALLOW IT TO TAKE THE TIME AND FOCUS IT DESERVES.
And now I'm doing just that and feel all the more better for it.
Thank you, Oscar.
Gavin
****
Find me on Twitter
Find me on Facebook
Please check out my books on Amazon (.com) (co.uk)
November 21, 2016
Back to the Blog!
Over a year ago I said goodbye to this blog, but then my website went down and I had nothing else, other than my Facebook author page, to write lengthy pieces on. And I don't know why, but there's something uninspiring about writing long posts on Facebook. Even when I'm on LinkedIn, I never feel that inspired.
So recently I've felt that maybe, just maybe, I'll start this blog up again. I've kept a handwritten journal for years, so maybe it'll just be an extension of that.
The thing about a blog is that you have to write stuff on it, or else it's just a... something that's not a blog.
And seen as though I'm going through the testing process of writing a new book, I thought hey! Why not try the whole blog thing again and record all the blood, sweat and tears involved, so other writers can feel better when they've got sweat in their eyes?
It stings, I know.
I'm with you.
So I'm just going to roll with it, no pressure, and see where it takes me.
See you soon.
Gavin
Follow me on Twitter and I'll follow you back.And please Like my Facebook Author page and I'll Like yours too.
So recently I've felt that maybe, just maybe, I'll start this blog up again. I've kept a handwritten journal for years, so maybe it'll just be an extension of that.
The thing about a blog is that you have to write stuff on it, or else it's just a... something that's not a blog.
And seen as though I'm going through the testing process of writing a new book, I thought hey! Why not try the whole blog thing again and record all the blood, sweat and tears involved, so other writers can feel better when they've got sweat in their eyes?
It stings, I know.
I'm with you.
So I'm just going to roll with it, no pressure, and see where it takes me.
See you soon.
Gavin
Follow me on Twitter and I'll follow you back.And please Like my Facebook Author page and I'll Like yours too.
October 12, 2015
Exciting News!
SUPER EXCITING NEWS!
The book that people have been saying is:
"A gem of a book - reminiscent of the Tao of Pooh."
"Very inspiring & uplifting."
is FREE!
Just follow this link.
AND THAT'S NOT ALL!
People have also been raving about this book, saying:
"I really loved every word of this book."
"What a super book!"
"One of the most moving, uplifting and enlightening books I've read."
WELL...
IT'S ALSO FREE!
JUST FOLLOW THIS LINK.
(it's also free with various other ebook distributor like NOOK, KOBO and SCRIBD)
The book that people have been saying is:
"A gem of a book - reminiscent of the Tao of Pooh."
"Very inspiring & uplifting."
is FREE!
Just follow this link.
AND THAT'S NOT ALL!
People have also been raving about this book, saying:
"I really loved every word of this book."
"What a super book!"
"One of the most moving, uplifting and enlightening books I've read."
WELL...
IT'S ALSO FREE!
JUST FOLLOW THIS LINK.
(it's also free with various other ebook distributor like NOOK, KOBO and SCRIBD)
September 5, 2015
We're on the Move
After some thought I've decided that I'm no longer going to keep this blog up and running. Instead, every post that I would've normally posted on here is going to be posted on my homepage and/or my Facebook author page. I'm only going to be posting things of a spiritual nature that contribute to helping you see who you really are and therefore diminishing fear and anxiety (especially when it comes to death and dying). I look forward to seeing you on any of the links below. Homepage Facebook Author Page My Twitter Page Feel free to get in touch with me if you have any questions. Thanks to the thousands of you for stopping by - your company has been much appreciated. Happy traveling. G. Whyte
August 16, 2015
Robert Lanza - Life After Death
I've had a fascination with death and dying ever since I was a child.
I know we don't die, that our fear is unnecessary, that we grieve our way to sickness through our ignorance.
That is why articles like this make me smile.
http://www.robertlanza.com/does-death-exist-new-theory-says-no-2/#zVdmbuempw8pKwBR.01
www.facebook.com/gavinwhyteauthor
I know we don't die, that our fear is unnecessary, that we grieve our way to sickness through our ignorance.
That is why articles like this make me smile.
http://www.robertlanza.com/does-death-exist-new-theory-says-no-2/#zVdmbuempw8pKwBR.01
www.facebook.com/gavinwhyteauthor
August 6, 2015
Grab some Happiness & Honey for FREE!
The book that has been called "Charming and inspirational" is now FREE on Amazon.
Make sure you stop by and grab yourself a download of Happiness & Honey before the weekend.
Amazon UK Amazon (.COM) Facebook Twitter
Make sure you stop by and grab yourself a download of Happiness & Honey before the weekend.
Amazon UK Amazon (.COM) Facebook Twitter
July 31, 2015
The Book that came via Meditation
I'm pleased to announce the ebook release of my children's picture book, My Grandad's Hiding Place.
It's a short story to help parents explain to their child what has happened to a loved who has passed away.
I wrote it in 2012, when I was living in a Buddhist Centre (Vajrapani Buddhist Centre in Huddersfield). It was an old derelict church before they completely transformed it and helped it "reincarnate" into its current state.
Being a tenant there, I had access to the World Peace Café and the main gompa (meditation room). I would often sit there on a night, reading, writing or meditating; it was a very peaceful place to be.
One day, whilst meditating in the gompa, an idea for a book flashed into my mind. My eyes shot open and I for about ten seconds, I sat there reflecting on the idea.
I ran to my room, turned on my laptop and started writing My Grandad's Hiding Place. In less than half an hour, I sat back and looked at it. There it was, my first children's picture book - but without the pictures.
Not long after that, an old friend asked me how my writing was going. I told her about My Gandad's Hiding Place and that I was currently looking for an illustrator for it.
'What about Laura Skilbeck?' she said.
Laura was an old friend from school. When I say 'friend', I mean we hardly spoke two words to each other in nine years of being in the same year at school.
'Didn't you know she's an illustrator?' said my friend, in response to my frown.
I did not know Laura was an illustrator.
Later that day, I contacted her through FB and, after a brief introduction (where I reminded her who I was), I told her about my children's book that was currently crying out to be illustrated.
Thankfully, she was keen from the offset, and when I sent her the book she absolutely loved it and wanted nothing more than to illustrate it.
When she showed me her ideas I couldn't believe how well they complimented the writing. Her style is so childish - it's perfect! She really managed to capture the emotion in the words through her drawings. It's like she can easily tap into her inner-child and express it - a unique ability.
Once the illustrations had been completed, we tried getting it published the traditional way but to no avail. "We like it, but it's just not what we're looking for right now", was the typical reply we received.
So we tried literary agents - but the same thing happened.
I had already published three of my own books on Amazon, so I thought why not try the self-publishing route for My Grandad's Hiding Place?
That's when I discovered Amazon's Kindle Kid's Book Creator, which made the process super easy.
At the moment it's only being released as an ebook - but in time I will release it as a paperback.
I hope you manage to read it and are moved by its message.
HomepageFacebookTwitterAmazon (.CO.UK)Amazon (.COM)
It's a short story to help parents explain to their child what has happened to a loved who has passed away.
I wrote it in 2012, when I was living in a Buddhist Centre (Vajrapani Buddhist Centre in Huddersfield). It was an old derelict church before they completely transformed it and helped it "reincarnate" into its current state.
Being a tenant there, I had access to the World Peace Café and the main gompa (meditation room). I would often sit there on a night, reading, writing or meditating; it was a very peaceful place to be.
One day, whilst meditating in the gompa, an idea for a book flashed into my mind. My eyes shot open and I for about ten seconds, I sat there reflecting on the idea.
I ran to my room, turned on my laptop and started writing My Grandad's Hiding Place. In less than half an hour, I sat back and looked at it. There it was, my first children's picture book - but without the pictures.
Not long after that, an old friend asked me how my writing was going. I told her about My Gandad's Hiding Place and that I was currently looking for an illustrator for it.
'What about Laura Skilbeck?' she said.
Laura was an old friend from school. When I say 'friend', I mean we hardly spoke two words to each other in nine years of being in the same year at school.
'Didn't you know she's an illustrator?' said my friend, in response to my frown.
I did not know Laura was an illustrator.
Later that day, I contacted her through FB and, after a brief introduction (where I reminded her who I was), I told her about my children's book that was currently crying out to be illustrated.
Thankfully, she was keen from the offset, and when I sent her the book she absolutely loved it and wanted nothing more than to illustrate it.
When she showed me her ideas I couldn't believe how well they complimented the writing. Her style is so childish - it's perfect! She really managed to capture the emotion in the words through her drawings. It's like she can easily tap into her inner-child and express it - a unique ability.
Once the illustrations had been completed, we tried getting it published the traditional way but to no avail. "We like it, but it's just not what we're looking for right now", was the typical reply we received.
So we tried literary agents - but the same thing happened.
I had already published three of my own books on Amazon, so I thought why not try the self-publishing route for My Grandad's Hiding Place?
That's when I discovered Amazon's Kindle Kid's Book Creator, which made the process super easy.
At the moment it's only being released as an ebook - but in time I will release it as a paperback.
I hope you manage to read it and are moved by its message.
HomepageFacebookTwitterAmazon (.CO.UK)Amazon (.COM)
