Life in the LongWhiteCloud

Men generally have two propensities, intelligence with action and emotion with stagnation. Research into EFT (emotional freedom techniques) gives insight that confrontation with an observer can knock one out of an emotional barrier or problem avoidance pattern. Psychology would call it a state-change, can be generated by a change of circumstance or environment and is facilitated by action. EFT is based on action, self-ownership to overcome mental blocks. This energy is sourced from within, not externally. The therapist just acts as a facilitator to bring it out. Relationships work like this also, negative experience creating negative impression, avoidance and resentment. How to combat this? Create positive new experiences and break out of the rhythm the mind it set to. State change and action. The mind is a machine and needs training the same way the body does to work properly. In summary EFT is a discipline to help control the mind from the many influences, or effectors which lead i...

Anxiety. Moving in with new people in a community setting, for the goal of developing more in Krishna Consciousness. Leaving a comfortable flat, with convienient location I'm forced to rethink my priorities. My fear holds me back from making this brave decision. Will I regret it? Will i get ripped off? Is it a foolhardy move, from a logic standpoint? Then I must ask, what will I gain, through priceless memories with the guys of the ashram, and what is the worst that could happen? Okay I could get evicted, have to rearrange my situation. So I'm still alive right? Priorities. Living with devotees, how important is it? Priority for comfort and security or living with devotees? Up to priority. Material priorities are not as big for me now, I have changed. I need the guidance and help from. Fear, landlord, something goes wrong? Will I lose caravan? Unlikely. But if it happens it happens, this is my move and I'll be brave and take a leap. Doubts again. I will be left in a ba...

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness That most frightens us. We ask ourselves Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you  not  to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small Does not serve the world. There's nothing enlightened about shrinking So that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, As children do. We were born to make manifest The glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; It's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, We unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we're liberated from our own fear, Our presence automatically liberates others - Marianne Williamson

The last few months have exposed me to a very different culture, changing my habit and thought much. Right now I have a crossroad: embrace this philosophy and work hard every day to fit it in my life, or coast and continue as I was, with the loft. Since life is short the only real option is 1. As I go I will learn more of my dharma, and things will become more clear. Muddy water over last year has cast clouds over work and career choice, doubt crept in mind. Acting to please others and hide from truth in heart. I yearn to cast away old attachments and ways of fitting in without looking at true nature and purpose. I struggle with comparing myself to role models, being critical of my current effort and level. But I must see that these role models have their own dharma and strength, I can take inspiration. Just as from a good musician, inspiration can happen, and push my skill higher. Bhakti is a lifestyle to follow, with ideals, outside focus is allowed. Guilty feeling is pointles...

To do more you need to be more... But in which direction should you focus? The muddy waters of business and entrepreneurship... or simple living with a focus on values, non-material growth and music writing? I'm pretty certain attempting both would be unwise, I've split myself in opposite directions before... The physio/health therapist I am working to be, does it prevent me from greater achievement and more fufilment with music? Whatever the cause I must be disciplined, focused and split my time till the years end. Share what you have, keeping talents close is selfish, good things must be shared with others, create memories, what is life otherwise? Death in my mind, I've got only so much time... October has begun... Spring is in full swing, and I'm feeling more distant from what I used to be. I don't feel the need to be accepted by everyone anymore, that's just a waste of time Walking down the road, crossroads everywhere I go Winds of change blow fr...

Having time off lets you reconnect with routine practice like yoga, meditation when the business of term stress and commitment can disrupt this a little. Getting back into my morning routine is essential for my health.  6:00am: Get up 6:30am: Yoga/meditation 7:00am: Breakfast, Daily plan Discipline is at the heart of routine, so its the best place to start. Discipline/Responsibility = Liberty. By sticking to commitments you gain more control over other areas of life. That's a fact. By sticking to a vegan diet you gain liberty by knowing your doing something for the planet.  By reflecting on experience you gain valuable hindsight otherwise missed. Making commitments and sticking to them are the basis of life and growth. Core values give you a standard to live by, keep you giving your best and protecting you from the many pitfalls coming your way. Without these we are just puppets blowing in the wind, shaped by the elements around us. I realise I made a mi...

I've been struggling this week. After festival for the future I've been exposed to inspiration, its only natural I now want to act, do more. But my circumstance requires me to think smaller, not bigger. Going back to study was never an easy choice. But the outcome affords me with more freedom It's been said before but you can't quit on a commitment if you have no better alternative. So I continue to desire the result. The work is irrelevant, it must be done and endured. It is a test of reslience, this degree, returning to study. Will I cope or cave to the pressure and give in? My music is a crucial creative medium to keep the mundane work bearable. Giving back to the community and environment adds meaning to life, and nourishes the soul. The loft provides me with knowledge to see truth in the world and avoid the numerous trappings of life. Life is a song, finite with a rise and fall. Dance and sing or watch and listen