Is individualism a necessary antithesis for unity to exist?
In the world of matter, opposites are necessary for existence to exist. Up needs down; in needs out; hot needs cold, and so forth. Therefore it stands to reason that individualism is necessary for unity to exist. Here is a novel practice to consider: Hit the pause button for a moment and consider the following the next time you are about to make a judgement-call about someone. Ask yourself, “What triggers me about that person?” The reality is, if it triggers you - it’s about you! We are not meant to be alike; we are meant to be individual strands, combined to establish a collective. Akin to a tapestry made from thousands of strands of silk, we human beings are designed to be individuals in order to fulfill our unique purposes - yet united to form a larger collective purpose. Separatism, schisms, and biases, are a result of ‘unity’ gone wrong. Personal opinions and preferences were designed within the framework of homo sapiens in order to evolve as a collective, not as a means to create an ‘us & them’ phobia. Debate is a platform to establish compassionate discussion, not a throne to rule over the opposition. It exists in order for individuals to consider an alternative view - not to divide and conquer the opponent. Sadly we witness the divide and conquer mentality in our lives from primary care-givers, such as governments, on a daily basis. Perhaps it’s time to shift the biggotory, phobia, and alarmist attitudes that have been portrayed throughout the ages and contemplate the alternatives? Why? I will leave it to that wonderful question I have learned here in the USA to answer for me.. Quote, “Well, how’s that working for you?” How is the bigotry, phobia, sexism, alarmist attitudes working for you folks? These days when I witness the opposite to my views (the bigoted, biased,sexist or racist people) I stop and hit the pause button & ask myself the question “why is it triggering me?” The answer is disconcerting - the reality is that these opposites exist in all of us (myself included). We as individuals have the choice to support the rights of all individuals to be themselves, even when their views or opinions are not in alignment with our own. When I hit the pause button I realize It opens my mind to a world of compassion toward both sides. I feel for the perpetrator and the recipient (because in every case they exist on both sides)…..so in order to let-go of judgement I silently offer metta to both. Individualism is a necessity for unity - but somewhere along the way our caregivers forgot to teach us the importance of the middle path. If it opens your eyes to the possibility of a better world, then why not discuss it rather than slam it?Next time you are about to slam someone for ‘being different’ why not go out on a limb and take the test to pause and say “why is that triggering me; who is villian and who is the victim"? The truth is, we hold both within us, but compassion opens the door to the possibility of change for the better. Therefore, as individuals we can unite ! ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Having undertaken studies for 4 years, and successfully fulfilled the criteria required, Paul is a certified Life Coach, certified Reflexologist, & certified Naturopathic Usui Shiki Ryoho Reiki Therapist, specializing in mindfulness-based practices; He is also a published author of a self-help series of books, and Podcast host of Mindfulness Mondays, currently on (I-tunes & Spotify). Paul offers 1-to-1 in-person services in Virginia USA, as well as Sydney Australia; and Life Coaching services are offered globally through various web platforms. Individually tailored tools and techniques are shared, to enable clients to develop a state of positive emotional awareness and behavior. For Links & more information on Paul Pettit & BMS Click HERE
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ARE YOU CREATING EMOTIONAL STRESS UNINTENTIONALLY - BY HABIT?
It's time to bring to the surface the dysfunctional social effects caused by the diminishment of co-regulation. Co-regulation is defined as "continuous unfolding of individual action that is susceptible to being continuously modified by the continuously changing actions of the partner". Or as I prefer to put it - “sharing time in person with another human being.” Whether it be leaning on the back tray of the ute (Australian term for work vehicle) with a mate; chatting over a cuppa (Australian term for sharing a coffee) with a friend, watching live sport with others, or therapeutic time with your life coach, IT IS IMPORTANT. WHY? Social interaction, in person, creates an environment where limbic resonance, empathy, compassion, comparison, and collectivism can be exchanged between individuals instantly, and in the most important of ways. NON-VERBAL COMMUNICATION Emotional energy is a natural function produced by humans. Our bodies enable us to register other’s emotional energy, and respond instantly - and without thought. In other words, words are not necessary to ‘feel’ the emotions of another human being. Neither written nor spoken words can replace body language, facial expressions, hand gestures, eye contact (and break-away), which are just a few of the external signs of human interaction; there are also energetic interactions taking place within each person, which are non-visual. WHAT WENT WRONG? Social media has been misinterpreted as a substitute for co-regulation. It’s time to wake-up folks; social media was crafted for commercial reasons - consumerism; and society has been sucked into the stream, creating an ever-diminishing pool of personal emotional stability which was previously maintained through co-regulation. The societal shift from in-person interaction to print, then to media, and then media-platforms (instagram, facebook, twitter, etc.) has caused significant damage to the emotional stability of the individual over time. Again, simply put, people are not receiving & offering interactive personal support in their lives; they are interacting SOLO via social media. Yes, social media can offer the opportunity for marginalized individuals to find a connection to a tribal membership, however the offset damage created by its existence is huge. It opens the floodgate for minority bigoted, racist, extremists alike. IS THERE A HAPPY MEDIUM? I believe there is. One of the practices I share is P.Y.W - W.Y.P. (Plan Your Work - Work Your Plan). If you choose to interact via social media, be intentional about the amount of time you choose to do so each day. Also be intentional about what you are seeking? How many times a day do you flick to instagram or facebook? Count them in a single day & you will be surprised at the number (10,20,30,40, more)? Have you ever gone onto social media for a ‘quick peek’ only to look up at the clock and notice 30 minutes has passed? How do you feel afterwards? Checking on social media platforms are habits, which can be replaced with proactive practices that will create emotional stability - “you will actually feel good at the completion of the practice” I have many emotionally feel-good practices I can share with you. Connection is a natural human emotion; it is how we survive. However the habitual behavior to substitute actual in-person connection with virtual connection is crippling us as a society. PUT AWAY YOUR DEVICE & SPEND TIME WITH OTHER HUMAN BEINGS, IN-PERSON EACH DAY - INTENTIONALLY. I have an office at home, however I also intentionally choose to have a mobile office, taking my laptop to various Starbucks locations throughout Virginia and Washington DC. (Embracing the intention of the CEO & Chairman Howard Schultz when he created the ‘third space’ stating, “Coffee is what we sell as a product, but it’s not what our brand stands for. Starbucks is about human connection and a sense of community inside our stores,”). I truly understand the importance of having co-regulation in my life, so I choose to commute by public transport to various ‘third space’ offices at least 3 times a week. I smile at people, I share a nod, I get to share the emotions of discomfort (rainy cold days) and comfort (warm snug Starbucks locations) alike. I say thanks to the barrister, and truly mean it! Sometimes a conversation with a ‘stranger’ takes place on my commute, sometimes not - but we share the space, and the energy of humanness. How comfortable do you feel turning to the person next to you on the bus / train / plane / or perhaps supermarket line and smiling, let alone striking up a conversation? So here’s the thing, do it tomorrow - just once, and see the difference it makes to you and to them emotionally. Just the smile (no words necessary) will trigger your brain to release the feel-good neurotransmitters—dopamine, endorphins and serotonin. P-Y-W, W-Y-P to act intentionally with media time (set specific times: example 10am, & 2pm for 15 minutes), and couple this with intentional smiles at ‘strangers’ and you will be amazed at where this takes you...physically & emotionally. DO YOU WANT SOME FREE PRACTICES TO REPLACE HABITUAL BEHAVIOUR? Then simply click here and ask me; I am here to share, because YOU MATTER TOO. ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Having undertaken studies for 4 years, and successfully fulfilled the criteria required, Paul is a certified Life Coach, certified Reflexologist, & certified Naturopathic Usui Shiki Ryoho Reiki Therapist, specializing in mindfulness-based practices; He is also a published author of a self-help series of books, and Podcast host of Mindfulness Mondays, currently on (I-tunes & Spotify). Paul offers 1-to-1 in-person services in Virginia USA, as well as Sydney Australia; and Life Coaching services are offered globally through various web platforms. Individually tailored tools and techniques are shared, to enable clients to develop a state of positive emotional awareness and behavior. For Links & more information on Paul Pettit & BMS Click HERE Congratulations!
When you finally let go, you found the elusive answer to "Who am I?" You had hit rock bottom; collapsed into resignation that what you were doing was searching for the answers’ externally, and after practicing your Practices for Months (if not years) you finally realized they are found internally; you reached the plateau of awakening, accepting that it is YOU who needs to love you. Success! You awakened to the reality that you are good enough. In fact you are perfectly perfect (flaws included). You began to view yourself differently, felt positive about being you, and thus begun to act differently. The actions you take these days result in positive outcomes, attract positive people into your life, and bring positive results into your world. Suddenly, because you view yourself positively, you now see the world through a different lens. So you say to yourself, “Holy cow, I need to share this with others so they too can experience this amazing opportunity.” Wait a minute…why aren’t they listening? What I am sharing can change their lives, but they aren’t listening? Does that sound familiar? HIT THE PAUSE BUTTON Ask yourself why you want to share this amazing gift? Because you care deeply about everyone else, right? Is this truly the reason? Really? Do you care so deeply about others that you are prepared to let go? Think about it. The paradox of awakening is in full swing yet again. Yes, you are awake, you feel fulfilled at last, and therefore you do not want to lose this elated state-of -being. But isn’t this simply the next level of suffering? You now hold a desire to maintain the emotion of happiness that you are feeling in this new elated state-of-being, and therefore you are clinging to it. If you desire for something to be different to what it is, or you desire for something to remain permanently as it is, you suffer. Both are one in the same. I have lived this lesson time and time again... each time I think I have ‘made-it’, I am back at the starting line. However, it’s not all bad news folks. Each time I am at the starting line, I am also on the next rung of the ladder, and, each rung is a step higher than the previous. Each rung is a new starting line. I can look back to where I was and realize that I have advanced. How many rungs to the ladder? Well actually that question is what is holding you back from letting go. Each time I realize I want things to remain as they are currently, I become more awake to the realization I am suffering by not letting go. So I let go, and move up another rung. WHAT ABOUT WANTING OTHERS TO AWAKEN? Desire at any level is suffering. If I desire for loved ones to become enlightened to what is possible, I am suffering (because I am wanting something to be different than what it is). However, if I simply BE ME, and serve those who seek, then I am serving - not suffering. In order to best serve, I choose not to be a pond of knowledge, but rather a stream that accepts every bend as a new beginning. I let go, and flow. Each bend in the stream, or each rung of the ladder, leads to growth. It does not matter which metaphor you use, it is a step toward home (Nirvana, Happiness, Heaven, call it what you like). THE GIFT Many years ago I was offered a gift by my Guru; “You be you - the rest will be taken care of.” I initially thought he was referring to Paul (there is the ego sneaking-up again), however I now understand the ‘You’ to which he referred was not just directed at ‘me’. He was referring to everyone. Be you - Let go of the now, then let go of the next-now, and then repeat. Here endeth suffering. THE MESSAGE: Your job is to be YOU. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Having undertaken studies for 4 years, and successfully fulfilled the criteria required, Paul is a certified Life Coach, certified Reflexologist, & certified Naturopathic Usui Shiki Ryoho Reiki Therapist, specializing in mindfulness-based practices; He is also a published author of a self-help series of books, and Podcast host of Mindfulness Mondays, currently on (I-tunes & Spotify). Paul offers 1-to-1 in-person services in Virginia USA, as well as Sydney Australia; and Life Coaching services are offered globally through various media platforms. Individually tailored tools and techniques are shared, to enable clients to develop a state of positive emotional awareness and behavior. For Links & more information on Paul Pettit & BMS Click HERE In a previous blog, I shared my thoughts on the age-old question, "Who am I?"
It was during this period of self-evaluation, contemplation, and meditation that an inner question arose. "Why do I want to live longer"? Sharing this question is the intention of this Blog, ‘Beyond the who am I?’ The Sciences. Western Science provides sufficient evidence-based research to clearly state that epigenetic practices are a reality, offering those who choose to live mindfully the opportunity toward longevity in life. In 2015 I collapsed, and was diagnosed with dysthymia. Western sciences answered the question as to why I collapsed. Then Eastern practices answered the question “how do I move forward?” A medical professional explained the mental disease I suffered to me with clarity. With the knowledge of 'why' I was experiencing dysthymia, I made a conscious decision to stop the out-of-control spiral associated with anxiety & depression, which was obviously self-caused. I stopped the blame-game, and began to take responsibility for my own actions. I stopped looking outward for answers, and instead started looking inwards. For decades I had carried a few too many extra pounds. I had been punishing my body through eating processed foods, drinking alcohol, not exercising routinely, and most definitely over-working. (This seems to be a very common theme in today's societies). I was gradually deteriorating, and totally ignoring the early-warning signs. I had also exposed myself to a relationship full of tension and toxicity, for the greater part of my adulthood life. It dawned upon me that any & all of the reasons associated with my state-of-being were due to my internal environment, not my external environment. I had totally dropped-the-ball on my mindfulness Practices that I had practiced in my early twenties. Having travelled overseas to China, Mongolia, Indonesia, Vietnam, India, Nepal, and Thailand, I was well aware of the amazing gifts of eastern tools & techniques for emotional & physical wellbeing....I had just become lazy. It turns-out that dysthymia was actually a gift from my Guru. It woke me up ! Nowadays dedication toward mindfulness lifestyle practices (exercise, nutrition, sleep, meditation, breath-work) has once again paid huge dividends to my emotional and physical state-of-being. The more I practice, the better I feel, and thus the more I practice. I have reached the point where I now feel physically and emotionally stronger than ever before in my life. It was while writing this article it suddenly dawned upon me that I have not had the need to seek medical assistance since 2016 - for anything!!! This in itself might sound ho-hum to some people, but considering I am turning 56 years of age tomorrow, I find it amazing. How many other 56-year-old males feel at their peak, I wonder? These days, when the physical signs of ill health begin to form I listen to my body, and allow it the time and space to do what comes naturally - to self-heal. So here I am, growing older, and finally perhaps wiser. I listen to my body, my mind, and my soul. In fact, I don't simply listen to them I embrace them wholeheartedly. I prioritize my day to work-around this amazing gift (Anamaykosha), as I move forward on my journey. I have also begun to practice metacognition, with the intention of influencing my genes (epigenetic) environment. Why not live healthier, and for longer? The next question is why do I want to live longer? The simple answer, I have found my Life’s purpose & aligned it with my Life’s work. I discovered the pathway to happiness, and now I teach others this amazing gift. In the East, I am an Upa guru; in the West a Life Coach. I do not want this journey to end; I want to share it with as many people as possible, who have been gifted with suffering (the pre-requisite necessary to start the journey). And there are Billions of them out there, not just millions. Currently I serve 1 to 1 with those who seek, however there is an opportunity in the waiting that will enable me to serve the masses, when the time is meant to be thus. Feeling this in my core, recognizing this gift as a reality, and remaining calm and focused while time plays its role, is all a part of my journey. For this I am grateful. My question for you, is why do you want to live longer? Who am I; and Where do my thoughts come from?
From the time Homosapien Sapiens arose, some of the greatest scientists have pondered and philosophized these questions. The Mind Western Sciences clearly explain the functions of the body, however, until I immersed myself into Eastern Practices dating back thousands of years, I could not answer the question "who am I", or "where do thoughts come from?" After more than 4 years practicing Eastern techniques in the art of letting go (of control & desire), both answers were gifted to me. The answer to Both are the same: Both answers are the same. "Where do thoughts come from"? When consciousness activates neurological tissue, it creates the mind. The mind is the conduit of thoughts. (Dr Joe Dispenza) "Who am I?" Not who is 'Me' (the thing I call self), but who am 'I' The answer is the same as where thoughts come from...consciousness. The Self Asking (self) who am I? You will discover 'I' is not 'me'. Within this vessel called (self) there is an essence. This essence is 'I'. When we pause and consider "who am I ", we begin to awaken the knowledge that 'I' am not 'me'. Me, (my self) am constantly changing in line with the laws of natural attrition. ME grows, matures, ages, and deteriorates. Each second, minute, hour, day, week, month, and year, (me) is evolving as it moves toward the conclusion of its cycle (death). Yet "I" remain constant. I is the essence; energy; light-source; God (call it what you choose) that is the constant, within (self). I has been, and will be, forever constant. Unlike (me), it has no beginning - middle - end. It does not age. Omnipresent, omnipotent, omniscience; it is all things, connecting all things. Doubtful? Ask yourself how many times have you thought, or have spoken, the words… "I knew it was wrong ….." "I cant believe that came out of my mouth…" "I just wasn't thinking ….." So Who is doing the questioning, and Whom is doing the answering? Awareness With awareness on your side (consciousness), me can be guided - by I. All one has to do, is bring awareness to the forefront .....this is where "I" resides. Practice To bring awareness to the forefront, calm the mind; stop the repetitive thoughts on loop - those conditioned thoughts that have been impregnated into you since childhood ( there are thousands). Can you sit for even just 60 seconds without thoughts hounding you? There is an answer......showing those who seek the answer is my life's work, and my life's purpose. SUB Ek. Paul J Pettit WE ARE ENERGY…
SCIENCE has qualified & quantified an electromagnetic field (Biofield) that surrounds our body. Our natural biofield - the electromagnetic energy field surrounding a person, combined with the earth’s natural gravitational field, automatically pulls results toward us. In other words, we attract what we portray. Consider a magnet attracting metal, by pulling the metal toward itself. This is a basic explanation of how the gravitational field & our own electromagnetic field attract matter to us (matter). Strictly speaking, matter doesn't attract matter; the gravitational field caused by matter forces the other matter to come closer. This attraction occurs 24/7 in nature, & without any effort on our behalf, which is why it’s imperative to be aware of what you “think”. WE PRODUCE CHEMICALS… Chemicals in our body are produced by what we “think” (Physiology 101), thus fueling the (Biofield). The biofield then attracts what it portrays. When we ‘think’, we are potentially creating a new result, with unlimited possibilities within the quantum fields. THINK NEGATIVE & IT IS YOURS. I invite you to ask yourself why things seem to go wrong sometimes, and then when they do, they compound? This occurs because ‘matter’ is being drawn forward in alignment with your thoughts, which are creating the chemicals within your body, powering the biofield, to produce negative energy. The biofield (Like a magnet) then draws the corresponding energy (which is a property of matter) toward it. “Think negative - draw negative toward you.” So next time you are thinking negatively, take a moment to consider if this is the result you want to keep drawing toward you? WE CAN DEVELOP OUR MIND When you want to develop your body you exercise particular parts of your anatomy; so it stands to reason that if you want to develop your thoughts …...you do likewise. There are tools & techniques (practices) that exercise & develop the mental muscle called the brain. The brain is the transformer of energy & chemicals that produces the biofield - which draws outcomes toward you. When you learn to control the brain (in particular your thoughts) then you learn to influence outcomes. WE CAN INFLUENCE OUTCOMES. The outcomes in our everyday life are not random - they are results of energy being drawn toward energy. The simple, but not easy, solution is to “think positively”, and thus positive energy within matter will be drawn toward the corresponding positive energy within matter (you). CAUTION. It’s important to know the difference between positive and pleasant, as well as negative and unpleasant. Thinking positively does not equate to thinking pleasant thoughts. Thinking negatively does not equate to thinking unpleasant thoughts. You are capable to think positively about an unpleasant thought, and vice-versa. We are each capable of awareness of thought (metacognition), and therefore capable of accepting a thought (even if unpleasant) and allowing it to pass; or choosing to change the thought, through taking a positive proactive action. "We can change any thought, because we own the thought." This is a key element to successfully navigate toward preferred outcomes in life. (More information on HOW to achieve the ability to influence outcomes in your life is available upon request). ABOUT THE AUTHOR Having undertaken studies for 3 years, and successfully fulfilled the criteria required, Paul is a certified Life Coach, certified Reflexologist, & certified Naturopathic Usui Shiki Ryoho Reiki Therapist, specializing in mindfulness-based practices; He is also a published author of a self-help series of books, and Podcast host of Mindfulness Mondays, broadcast on (I-tunes & Spotify). Paul offers 1-to-1 in-person services in Virginia USA, as well as Sydney Australia; Life Coaching services are offered globally through 1 on 1 coaching programs, using individually tailored tools and techniques to develop a state of positive emotional awareness and behavior. For Links & more information on Paul Pettit & BMS HERE In the year 2015, I made a conscious decision to change my Life.
Having spent some 30 years creating a life of financial stability, I realized there was a major piece missing. ENJOYMENT. INITIAL EXCITEMENT. Do you recall the emotion of excitement you felt when you scored your first goal in business? Perhaps it was your first job, your first client, or your first promotion? Do you remember how it felt to achieve, from your own self-effort? I wonder if, like me, you were unaware at the time of this success that your body/brain physiology had produced hormones - flooding your body with feel-good emotions, unknowingly creating a craving for more? Yes, the desire for growth is a natural part of evolution, however if left unchecked it can become your enemy – it can become counterproductive to your success & your happiness. Why? DISSATISFACTION. I invite you to ask yourself truthfully…when did Life become less fun for you? Do you recall the exact moment in time, or did the feeling of dissatisfaction creep up on you, like it did to me? HOW DID I REDISCOVER HAPPINESS? So how did I rediscover happiness? I returned to the level of enjoyment that had led to my first success in business - “I did what brought me Joy.” Taking purposeful steps to remove myself from ownership in a multi-million dollar business, to start afresh, was simple but not easy. Dealing with cognitive dissonance; old thought patterns; habitual responses; negative reactions from those in my life; looks of disbelief; and the huge one…FEAR, were all steps on the journey to where I am today. These days I LOVE MY LIFE, because I returned it to the level of enjoyment I knew exists. For the record, I am just an ordinary person, who consciously decided to start viewing things from an extraordinary position. Nowadays, sharing the pathway to happiness is my life's work, and my life's purpose. I understand there is plenty of room for everyone, and it is my duty to share what I have been gifted. “You too can find happiness, ask me how" Paul J. Pettit. For more information on the practices I share to enable you to BE YOU, use This Link. Here you will find practices I share - tools & techniques to gently guide you forward toward emotional stability, one step at a time.
Paul currently offers 1-to-1 in-person services in Virginia USA, as well as Sydney Australia; Life Coaching services are offered globally through 1 on 1 coaching programs, using individually tailored tools and techniques to develop a state of positive emotional awareness and behavior. More information on Paul Pettit & BMS HERE In line with my commitment to my teachers who shared with me, I am dedicated to “Learn to learn, in order to teach others to learn to teach” “This Month I have accepted a request to support another torchbearer. www.establishmindfulness.com There are many paths available, may you find yours.” Paul J Pettit ISN’T life interesting; we tend to spend so much time, effort, and money acquiring things, for what we perceive as “necessary” or for pleasure, yet in truth we never actually own them?
Whaaaat? Think about it; that house, car, property, jewelry, clothing, etc... If you truly owned them wouldn't you be able to take them with you at the end? When you leave your body and move on toward wherever you believe your heading, can you take your 'stuff ' with you? POSSESS YES, OWN NO. Items, or ‘things’, are matter, which is subject to the laws of time & space. For a fleeting moment in time we possess each moment, and the associated matter (the things we experience), but we do not own it; time passes, as does matter. All things have a beginning - middle - end. All things return to the root. Therefore, is it not true to say we do not own that which has been acquired, we only possess it in each moment? Things, including self (the thing I call me), are temporary awareness in each current moment, until the moment passes. Therefore, is it not true all things noticed, sensed, acquired, (thought of as owned) shall pass? WE ARE NOT OWNERS - WE ARE CARETAKERS. If we do not actually own, then perhaps we can find happiness in the knowledge we do not have to fear loss? Surely one cannot lose something you do not own? Through possessing (rather than owning), we can thoroughly enjoy the 'each moment' as it occurs, with a great appreciation that it is temporary, not permanent. By ‘not-owning’ you are free to consider yourself as a caretaker, as opposed to owner; you have the opportunity to enjoy each present moment, marinate in it, savor it, REST in it. R.E.S.T. is the acronym I use for the practice to Remove Emotional Stress and Tension. I invite you to practice the option of possess, rather than own, for just a single day; and notice the release of tension from your world. View everything as temporary, including people, things, and self. At the conclusion of your day write 3 things for which you are grateful, having been aware that you were [or are] the caretaker, not the owner. We are all caretakers; this is why we say “TAKE CARE” when we say good-bye..... With Love & Respect Paul J. Pettit. For more information on the practices I share to enable you to BE YOU, use This Link. Here you will find practices I share - tools & techniques to gently guide you forward toward emotional awareness, one step at a time.
I currently offer services of Naturopathic Reiki in Virginia USA, as well as Sydney Australia. I offer Life Coaching services globally, through 1 on 1 coaching programs, using individually tailored tools and techniques to develop a state of positive emotional awareness and behavior. More information on Paul Pettit & BMS HERE WHAT AM I TRYING TO GET DONE?
Hey, stop Running and start walking... What is it about life that drives us relentlessly toward running-around frantically, to get that certain “thing” done? What is it that we are trying to get done? I invite you to stop whatever you are doing and take the next 60 seconds to ask yourself this simple, yet not easy, question: “What am I trying to get done?” I’m not talking about “what am I trying to get done in the next hour, the next day, week, month, or even year”, I’m asking you to question yourself regarding your life’s purpose. What are you trying to get done? What is your intention? You can, quite easily, fall into the trap of stating what your current roles are in life, but that is not the question I am asking...Allow me to share with you what I discovered not so long ago. I am a husband, a co-provider, a father, a stepfather, a brother, a son, an uncle, a work colleague - and the list goes on... However, these are roles, they are not who I am, nor what I am doing. When I stopped and asked what am I trying to get done, it hit me that I was trying to finish 'things'…but why? So I could get on with the next 'thing'? Society will give you many reasons why we "have to" finish things, but who the heck knows where that thought came from in the first place? And why is it necessarily correct? Let’s put that thought aside for just a moment, and explore some good news. THE GOOD NEWS “What am I trying to get done?” The good news is, like many things of late, I found the answer is actually the reverse of what I tended to believe to be truth. In other words, if you cannot answer this opening question, or perhaps you can answer it - but the answer is with uncertainty, then you are in a position of awakening. However, if you feel you can answer that question with absolute certainty, then perhaps you are in a position that is out- of-control? What??? Let me clarify my message. When we truly hold an intention without certainty of the How or When our intention will unfold, we own the What - or to put it another way, we own the intention. But if we think we have absolute control to create the What (the intention), without the uncertainty of the how or when, then we are delusional - we are stating that we have control of our external environment. “Here’s the thing folks - we don’t.” It has been shown to me time and time again that THE ONLY, absolute only, environment in which I have control is my internal environment; my thoughts.... What I think, is all that I can control. I can influence and be influenced by external environments, and other people’s opinions, however I cannot control, nor be controlled, by external environments, or other peoples opinions. Any other person, their opinions, or their actions, cannot control me ...without my consent! (And this is a critical piece, the “without my consent”). In other words, if my thought is not equal to that of the external circumstance, I am in the position to be in control of it, and the result of my actions. WHY IS THIS SO? Because nothing can appear from its own periphery! Why? Don’t take my word for it, ask science... Is it possible for a Universe to appear from anywhere but it’s own center? Astronomically, the answer is no. Nothing can appear from its own periphery. Things appear from the Center, and grow outward, not the reverse. Therefore, whatever takes place, universally, biologically, psychologically, spiritually, and so forth, do-so from the inside-out. How does knowing this theory fit into our daily lives? Well, for starters, let’s start by removing the inaccurate belief we have been passing on for generations. Generation after generation has expressed the need for children to stop making themselves the ‘center- of - universe’. I now understand that telling children that they are not the center of the universe is incorrect. I have chosen to take a stance on this. "The the dysfunction stops here...." My belief is that not only are our children the center of the universe, all of us are the center of the universe. ALL ROADS LEAD TO ROME Rome considered itself the center of the universe, hence the saying “ all roads lead to Rome.” This was because 'all roads' lead outward from Rome. Back in the day, this may have been considered true; however as we develop knowledge, we understand that there is no geographical center in the universe, of which we are aware, therefore I put it to you that we each are the geographical Center of All things. The center is contained within each and every one of us, because the center is the ‘what is’.... It is the thing of which we cannot explain by the limited vocabulary we possess. IT cannot be described, because it is greater than all things known to man. Having researched in-excess of 30 religious beliefs, I now see that there is no singular IT; because all things are the One It. The truest center from which all things come and all things return, are the same. In order to comprehend this message, over millennia, man has found the necessity to label the thing they believe is IT. I have no problem with any label you choose, however I would ask that you are willing to say, as I am, “ I do not know for certain, therefore I am willing to be open minded - in order to broaden my platform of knowledge.” Can anyone say for absolute certain that what they state is 100% correct and beyond doubt? There are as many variations available on what the IT is, which is believed to be the answer, as there are as many variations on what IT isn’t. Personally, I am wary of any belief system, governing body, science, teacher, or practice, which states with certainty “This is the correct way.” My intention in life is not to seek the answer; it is to broaden my platform of knowledge, in order to grow. Up-to-date I have found no conclusive certainty about certainty, other than nothing in life is certain. (How’s that for a paradox). I choose not to seek one answer of certainty, because to me, there is none… of which I can be certain. For me, chasing the answer, and finding the answer, would be a conclusion; and this I do not believe exists, other than in the natural law of existence - which is true unto itself. To me, finding answers is not something which we look into; it is something from which we look outward. It is experiential knowledge, gained from doing that which guides us from within – that which we feel we wholeheartedly have a need to do. That which comes from our Center. THE LESSON STARTS WITH THE TEACHER So I invite you to ask yourself, in your current relationships (with children or others): Are you leading by example, or dictating with what you deem as certain? To answer truthfully, ask yourself these 3 simple questions:
I invite you to stop running, stop looking, and start seeing. In conclusion, I ask those who follow my Blogs to read that which I offer as opinion; nothing more, nothing less. I share with my clients a simple truth, as I know it to be: "You alone are the only one who can decide if it works for you, and therein is the truth." Because IT is found within you, not externally. God -Guru - Self (All are 1) With Love & Respect Paul J Pettit. For more information on the practices I share to becoming YOU, use This Link. Here you will find practices I share - tools & techniques to gently guide you forward toward emotional awareness, one step at a time.
I currently offer services of Naturopathic Reiki, Reflexology, and Life Coaching in Virginia USA, as well as Sydney Australia. I also offer Life Coaching services globally, through 1 on 1 coaching programs, using individually tailored tools and techniques to enable the client to develop a state of positive emotional awareness and behavior. More information on Paul Pettit & BMS HERE “THE DISCOVERY OF PURPOSE IS FOUND THROUGH SEARCHING THE INNER REALMS OF SELF” THERE IS A WAY… 道 德 經 BODY, MIND, & SOUL THE PATHWAY TO PURPOSE The Pathway To Purpose (TPTP) starts with awareness.
THE FIRST AWARENESS - ANTITHESIS What is Antithesis you ask? Antithesis is opposites. The universe requires antithesis, in order for existence to exist. Antithesis (opposites) are vital in our lives - Hot needs cold; up needs down; left needs right; pleasant needs unpleasant (and so forth). Without one, we cannot have the other. There are thousands upon thousands of examples of antithesis existing everywhere we look in nature. Sun & moon; day & night; high temperature seasons & low temperature; predator & hunted (just to mention a few). These opposites exist because nature is the perfect law unto itself. When we pause and recognize what nature offers unconditionally, despite mankind’s continual interference, we can grasp the necessity for antithesis to exist for the survival of All things, not just our own survival. DOES ANTITHESIS EXIST WITHIN US? Yes; in order for us to survive we need opposites. The most obvious reason - If we did not recognize danger, we would not survive. Therefore it is essential for us to differentiate between what may create harm or decay, and what will enhance survival. WHERE DOES ANTITHESIS EXIST WITHIN US? The Body: Some obvious body opposites are the left limbs v right limbs; left ventricle v right ventricle; left eye v right eye; left lung v right lung. However, there are other less obvious energy-related opposites, which are shared in the practices of TPTP. The Mind: For simplicity, at this point, let’s refer to the mind as the brain (the functioning piece of the mind). Interestingly, over millennia, humans have embraced the development of the left hemisphere of the human brain (which has developed exponentially) creating a greater ability to think logically. However, somewhere along the journey we forgot to highlight the importance of developing the opposite side - the right hemisphere (in particular the limbic system located in the temporal lobe). This larger portion of the brain has the capacity to store massive amounts of information (both explicitly & implicitly) which dictates our body’s emotional responses (feelings). TPTP shares practices designed to enhance this essential part of ourselves. The Soul: At this point let’s refer to the soul as your intuition, or that inner gut-feeling you get sometimes - that instinctive piece within you which can change your mind in a split second from doing, to perhaps not doing, something. Antithesis exists in the Soul also, which I will highlight later in this blog. TPTP shares practices designed to enhance this essential part of ourselves. THE SECOND AWARENESS - SYNTROPY With the understanding of the principle that antithesis exists, let’s look at the vital role of syntropy and it’s opposite - entropy. SYNTROPY: Anatomically, Syntropy is a state of being which produces a clear signal physiologically between your brain and body. It enables enhanced order to exist. Psychologically, it creates calm emotions, and reduces stress. ENTROPY: Psychologically, Entropy is a state of being, which if left unchecked, produces levels of stress and overwhelm; physiological chaos; a state of disorder. Entropy is our inner fuel gauge. When our overall energy (physical, emotional, and spiritual) is becoming low or depleted, entropy warns us we need to recharge the batteries. HOW DOES SYNTROPY / ENTROPY EFFECT US? Science has revealed that energy exists in all matter (including us), and whenever any system undergoes a change, it is because it was subjected to a form of gradient. It may be a temperature gradient, a concentration gradient, pressure gradient etc, and the gradients are the cause of change. It could be a change of flow in either mass or energy, or perhaps both. Recognizing entropy as it occurs in ourselves, is akin to recognizing the fuel gauge of a motor vehicle - highlighting the depletion of the energy running the vehicle (fuel). When entropy is generated, it represents a deviation from an ideal process - a loss in potential to extract useful energy. When we live an unchecked lifestyle, we open the door to overwhelm, stress, anxiety, depression, and a raft of dis-ease. Whereas, psychologically, syntropy is the holistic model integrating the whole person. As far as health is concerned, the more energy we have available to maintain our overall self, (Body - Mind - Soul) the greater the chance of a fulfilling lifestyle, physically & emotionally, and the greater the chance of natural longevity. Active participation in the process of enhancing your overall health and well-being are vital to sustain a healthy life. THE THIRD AWARENESS - ACTION THE PATHWAY TO PURPOSE ( Practices which guide you to recognize - understand - take action). In 2015 I changed my life. I began painstakingly, yet joyfully, reviewing a cross-section of translations of some thirty religious & non-religious practices alike, and coupled my findings with modern day sporting, business, and highly acclaimed spiritual, practices in order to create a simple, accountable, program for achieving purpose in life. TPTP combines Western Sciences with Eastern Philosophies:
My Journey, thus far 55 years of life in this body, has guided me toward existentialism; acquiring self-knowledge (cognitively & experientially) through self-effort. Comprehending how Western Sciences & Eastern Practices, when aligned, creates an individual’s pathway to purpose & meaning, enables me to live the lifestyle I choose. My life's work & life's purpose are now in alignment, and I choose to share this practice (TPTP) with those who are becoming aware “there is more to life than what has been happening up-to-now.” When you are aligned (physically-emotionally-spiritually), you ‘flow’ through life in all you do. No longer will you battle to get results; nor will you view things as ‘happening to you’, rather than ‘for you’. In Flow, you will lose the victim status created by the ego’s desire to be associated as ‘some-thing’, or perhaps some ‘thought’. You will start to replace ego by acquiring knowing (cognitive learning) & knowledge (experiential learning). These combined self-effort practices lead to an understanding that this thing I call ‘me’ is an ever-changing envelope of DNA, which is essentially made up of 3 separate pieces: Body, Mind, Soul (BMS). By aligning these 3 individual pieces of BMS, we become whole; we become drawn toward that which fills your very essence. WHAT IS THE FIRST STEP IN TPTP? Understanding I am not my thoughts. When we realize a ‘thought’ is nothing but an unprocessed sentence in our head; we understand we can actually hit a pause button and gain time to become aware of our thoughts. Take the next thought you have, and ask yourself “is this thought true?” Is it? Or is the thought something which has popped-up from past experiences, and you are placing it into the present moment? Thoughts are created from present circumstances, but they are generally created to encourage the body to move into a state of survival. This is driven by the brain’s inherent nature to survive at all costs. Test it out for yourself. Write down the next 5 thoughts you have. What are they asking you to do? Perhaps one is saying, “stop reading this blog post?” If so that is because the brain believes it has survived up to this point, so do not venture into unchartered territory, as it may be dangerous = survival mode. There are many, varied, steps in the practice of TPTP, which is the reason I call it a pathway; offering step-by-step guidance through the realms of physical, emotional, & spiritual existence. Through TPTP I discovered my purpose in life, which is to share the knowledge I have acquired from my teachers. Importantly, it is not my intention to force my beliefs upon anyone. If you have any doubts toward TPTP, then perhaps now is not the time for you; however, if you feel just a twinkling of awakening reading this, then perhaps your mind is opening to the possibility that what we have been taught up until now, by our caregivers and community, is not necessarily accurate - or indeed it may be totally inaccurate? As mentioned, My purpose in life is to share the pathway of knowledge, which I have acquired both cognitively and, more importantly, experientially. The practices I share have altered my direction in life, from dealing with the depths of dysthymia in 2015; I am now living among borderless realms of unlimited potential - emotionally, physically, and spiritually. As Ralph Waldo Emerson shared, If you too hear the whisper inside which you alone can hear, drawing you forward toward a ‘better way’ of living - rather than simply existing, then perhaps this is the pathway for you? For more information on TPTP, use This Link. Here you will find practices I share - tools & techniques to gently guide you forward toward emotional awareness, one step at a time.
I currently offer services of Naturopathic Reiki in Virginia USA, as well as Sydney Australia. I offer Life Coaching services globally, through 1 on 1 coaching programs, using individually tailored tools and techniques to develop a state of positive emotional awareness and behavior. More information on Paul Pettit & BMS Here SOME BACKGROUND INFORMATION ON THE RESEARCH: FROM THE ZOROASTRIAN FAITH (APROX. 2000 BCE) CAME THE VEDIC RELIGION. Evidence suggests that the Vedic religion evolved in two superficially contradictory directions; one evolved into elaborate, expansive, and specialized systems of rituals, while another questioned all of it and emphasized abstraction and internalization of the principles underlying ritual and cosmic speculation within oneself. Both of these directions influenced Taoism, Buddhism & Hinduism (as well as Jainism). A commonality shared by Buddhism & Hinduism is the inclusion of Upanishads (central philosophical concepts & ideas) of Vedas. Allow me to offer my brief overview of Buddhism & Hinduism in order to highlight their commonalities of Sub Ek.- or Oneness. BUDDHISM: The basic teachings of early Buddhism, which currently remain common to all Buddhist practices are: The Four noble truths: Existence is suffering (dukhka); suffering has a cause, namely craving and attachment (trishna); there is a cessation to suffering, (nirvana); and there is a path to the cessation of suffering (Astangika-marga), which is the eightfold path of right views, right resolve, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration. Buddhism characteristically describes reality in terms of process and relation, rather than entity or substance. There is a distinct view of cause & effect in Buddhism, in which living beings are in a perpetual cycle of birth-and-death, where rebirth is directly influenced by one’s physical and mental actions (karma). This cycle ceases through transcendence (nirvana). “Blowing-out of the flame (of individual desires & causes of suffering)” Meditation and observance of moral precepts are the foundations of Buddhist practices. The Buddha (Siddhartha Gautama) was recorded as sharing the 5 Skandhas, as shown in the Anatta lakkhana Sutta. The upshot is, he taught the following: We think the 5 Skandhas are us, but they are not the real us. They are just guests that we have mistaken to be the host. They are but temporary visitors (guests), which come and go — but they are not the real Sages of the house (the host). The 5 Skandhas can be described as the psychophysical self. It’s the body/mind complex that we usually consider to be our “selves” — it’s what we usually take to be “me”. As I understand this teaching; our thoughts and emotions (part of the 5 skandhas) all flow into the Mind and they also flow out of the Mind — they all arise and cease within the Mind: Therefore because they arise and cease, because they flow in and flow out — they are impermanent — and so they are like mere guests. It is the Real Mind, the True Mind, which plays host to these thoughts and feelings, which arise and cease within us. I am the awareness — “that which is aware”, “that which knows” which plays host to my thoughts and feelings which arise and cease within. Simplified, it is “The Awareness” of your thoughts, which is the true essence of ‘You’ not the actual thoughts themselves. When we think the 5 Skandhas are we, because we think our thoughts and emotions are we — we are establishing a false sense of self in something, which is not. The 5 Skandhas is a false self, also called the small self or small mind. Today this is often referred to as The Ego. A word of caution; The Anatta Lakkhana Sutta teaches the 5 Skandhas is not the real us. This indicates my ordinary mind and body is not the real me, or your everyday mind and body is not the real you. The Anatta Lakkhana Sutta does NOT say there is no ‘self’ Interestingly some practicing Buddhists share the thought Buddha indicated there is no ‘self’, however I have not found any evidence as to this being the case; In fact I have found the contrary. The Buddha introduced the concept of Anatman: no permanent soul, no independent self. Unfortunately some scholars are pleased with making shortcuts, so instead of no PERMANENT self, they say No-self, careless of the ambiguity they are creating in the mind of others. Another statement of shortcuts is: self is an illusion, while the correct concept is PERMANENT or INDEPENDANT soul or self — this is an illusion. To offer clarity on the teaching of no permanent self, I invite you to view your own current physical identity as an envelope of DNA, containing energy of life, and powers within the mind. This unique physical envelope (self) changes over time, decays, and eventually reaches complete disintegration forever. However, the inner energy of the envelope — some call the soul, energy, light, or perhaps awareness, — does not vanish, but rather enters into a rebirth. So, to be attached to oneself as a permanent personal individuality in this lifetime — is an illusion. It is an illusion because attachment to something constantly changing is the product of mistaken thinking, based on ego. In other words the thing called ‘me’ is in constant change during every single second which passes. The ‘me’ a second ago is no longer here (the current ‘me’ is here). When you look at a photograph of your ‘self’ at the ages of 5, 15, 25 and 35, are you the same? No. You recognize the previous version of ‘You’, however this is no longer who you are, because you are the one looking at you. Therefore Buddhism, as I practice it today, does not deny we have an identity from birth, presented in an envelope of ever-changing DNA carrying your current self; but One should be aware that any belief of an own isolated individuality is a product of ego. Ego does not understand that it will vanish forever, so it creates an idea of fixed individuality, the “I AM…” Because this fixed individuality is incorrect, it is important to recognize the ego (the small mind), and be aware of its desire to control. When you associate yourself as being identified with a ‘thing’ or a ‘thought’ (this is me), (this is who I am), you are witnessing the Ego When one understands we (the envelope of DNA) are born to change, each second of each moment, you will begin to realize this cycle is completely out of your control — and it’s time to Just Let Go, be the best version of you in each present moment, and follow the path to which you are drawn. So where does Sub Ek (All ONE) come into play in Buddhism? Buddhism encourages individuals to explore all that is revealed, and draw upon that which resonates with them as being truth. It encourages the youth to chase the follies of false hope, desiring to find happiness in all avenues, leading, eventually, to the true place where it resides; “the only way out is in, said the Adi Yogi.” Through walking the individual path, one discovers they are in fact not alone, nor are they an individual as such, but rather a single strand in the united tapestry of All Things (All strands), which collectively piece together as ‘The One’. * There are a great many books available on Buddhism, which can expand upon this enlightened ‘way of life.’ HINDUISM: To the outsider, Hinduism may seem complex, but the core beliefs of Hinduism are actually quite simple to comprehend. Hindus believe there is only one formless Supreme God, Brahman. When Brahman has form it is paramatma. This is almighty God, whose three main forms are Brahma the creator, Vishnu the sustainer, and Shiva the destroyer. Hindus pursue knowledge of Truth and Reality for moral order and right action; which is promoted through tolerance of All Things (herein we immediately see evidence of Sub Ek). Hindus worship a variety of gods and goddesses who personify aspects of Brahman. They take pilgrimages to holy sites, celebrate festivals throughout the year, and believe that time is cyclical. Hindus acknowledge that, at the most fundamental level; God is the One without a second — the absolute, formless, and only reality known as Brahman, the Supreme, and Universal Soul. Brahman is the universe and everything in it. Brahman is formless and limitless; it is Reality and Truth. This pantheistic religion equates God with the universe. Yet Hindu religion is also polytheistic, populated with a myriad of gods and goddesses who personify aspects of the one true God. This permits an infinite number of ways to worship, based on one’s individual beliefs. Some of the Hindu gods and goddesses include Brahma the creator, Vishnu the preserver, Shiva the destroyer, Ganapati the remover of obstacles, Rama, Krishna, Saraswati, Lakshmi, Durga, Indra, and Hanuman, just to mention a few. Hinduism is not an organized religion; it has no single, systematic approach to teaching its value system. Nor do Hindus have a simple set of rules to follow (like the Ten Commandments or Abrahamic laws). Indeed local, regional, caste, and community-driven practices influence the interpretation and practice of beliefs throughout the Hindu world. Whilst freedom of practice is present, a common thread among all variations is the belief in Brahman, and adherence to certain concepts of truth, dharma, and karma, coupled with belief in the authority of the Vedas. The key difference between Buddhism & Hinduism is found in what Westerners often call The Soul. In Buddhism the term anattā (Pali) or anātman (Sanskrit) refers to the doctrine of “non-self”, that there is no unchanging, permanent self. This is one of the seven beneficial perceptions in Buddhism, and along with dukkha (suffering) and anicca (impermanence), it is one of three Right Understandings about the three marks of existence. The Buddhist concept of anattā or anātman is one of the fundamental differences between Buddhism and Hinduism, with the latter asserting that atman (self, soul) exists. Whilst this discrepancy exists, both Buddhism & Hinduism teaches, “All Things are interconnected, all are One.” THE ANSWER TO FINDING FREEDOM THE PATHWAY TO PURPOSE Similar to Buddhism & Hinduism, I discovered Taoism; and thus, after 3 years of studying and researching, including the key information of religions as shared by other researchers, I was introduced to what I believe to be a major piece of the guide toward an understanding of how Oneness exists in All Things (Sub Ek), which, once experienced, is beyond any form of success I have previously encountered. It is important to keep in mind, the teachings of THE PATHWAY TO PURPOSE (TPTP) are an offering, a rich guide, to All Things being both, a-part-of and reliant-upon each other. And while I include practices of The Tao Te Ching, which has been attributed to Lao Tzu (meaning old Sage), stemming from somewhere between 400 BCE and 600 BCE, there are numerous other tools & techniques involved in (TPTP). For more information on how to undertake practices of TPTP, use This Link. Here you will find practices I share - tools & techniques to gently guide you forward toward emotional awareness, one step at a time.
I currently offer services of Naturopathic Reiki in Virginia USA, as well as Sydney Australia. I offer Life Coaching services globally, through 1 on 1 coaching programs, using individually tailored tools and techniques to develop a state of positive emotional awareness and behavior. More information on Paul Pettit & BMS Here Paul J. Pettit. |
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