Month: August 2019

Introductory Thoughts

There is always a lot going on in my mind and expressing my thoughts has always been difficult. So many times I will subdue my real thoughts out of fear that I would be criticized and judged. I really don’t know where to start, but as I begin writing, I hope my thoughts and feelings will flow and I will be able to express myself in an honest reflection of myself. I am sure many will not agree with my opinions and I welcome any comments and thoughts from others. I understand that there are many differing views and everyone has the right to their opinions.

I feel that one of the challenges we face in the world today is how people don’t respect the opinion of others if it differs from their own. They want their opinion not only heard and but accepted and embraced. They believe they are right and any differing opinions are wrong. That is when judgement gets applied and heated disagreements follow. “I am right, you are wrong”. Really? Can’t we listen and respect differing views? I am not saying we need to agree with differing views as we all have our opinions and perceptions, but what would happen if we listened and respected other’s views?

We all come from different backgrounds. We are in a world where many cultures are integrated. There are many different ways to look at situations and somehow, if we are to live in a civilized community, we need to learn to live together with the many different ways of life. There are Christians, Muslims, Jews, Buddhist, New Age, and Atheists. We have different cultures and a mix of nationalities all with their customs, beliefs and experiences. I hope as we discuss our thoughts together and share our feelings that we will learn from each other and become more united as a people and respectful of the many differing views.

My desire is that I can share my thoughts openly, receive honest input and develop a group that discusses many of the things that keep us awake at night, that is in our hearts and grow together in our diversity.

Kayaking on the Aurora Reservoir

Some of my favorite activities involve being in the outdoors.  I enjoy the mountains, hiking, camping, backpacking, and more recently kayaking.  I have always enjoyed being near the water.  I grew up in Northern California and loved going to the beach near Bodega Bay.  As a family, we would comb the beach for driftwood that would be washed down Russian River during the winter rain storms.  Also, I learned to surf in the cold waters of the Northern California ocean, wearing a wet suit.  I never did get very good at it but sure loved trying.

Anyway, this year I got a kayak and yesterday took it out to the Aurora Reservoir, just a few miles from my house.  I always get up early, so after strapping it onto the car, headed out by 8:10 in the morning.  Being only 10 minutes away, I was on the water by 8:30 AM.  It was a slightly cloudy, cool morning with little wind.  The water was calm, the crowds had not arrived yet and it was so peaceful on the lake.  I paddled across the lake and to an inlet, the water like glass, birds in the brush along the shore and perched on tree sumps in the middle of the inlet.  It was so very quiet and peaceful.  I would paddle for a while and then just sit and listen to the sounds, relax and reflect on the beauty around me.  The thought of how fortunate I am to enjoy this moment filled my soul.  Too often, I think I need to travel to enjoy some of the beauties of the earth when it is just around the corner.

The kayak is quiet as it glides across the water easily.  I was able to approach a bird sitting on a stump in the middle of the inlet without disturbing it.  I saw something move in the water in front of me and as I approached say a large turtle just before it dove down.  A few fishermen were in their boats or along the shore hoping for a morning catch.  As I glided near the shore, I caught a glimpse of a fawn laying under a tree.  Quietly approaching I was able to capture a picture without disturbing him.

After a few hours I headed back, having had an amazing time.  Was a beautiful way to start a weekend.

Never Too Late

August 19, 2019

Life is a journey in which we experience many emotions and feelings.  I’m reminded of a poster titled “How Are You Feeling Today?” that I had for my children with many different facial expressions representing the many feelings we have at different times.  

Some of them are: Exhausted, Angry, Frustrated, Happy, Hopeful, Surprised, Bored, Shy, Confident, Ecstatic, etc.  Feelings come from events in our lives and how we choose to have those events influence us.

We are constantly evolving and changing through our life’s experiences.  Some may say the experiences are either good or bad … but what does that mean?  I am basically a black and white sort of person, judging the events in my life as good or bad, and typically seem to dwell on the negative more than the positive.  But even experiences that appear to be “bad” may actually be good as one applies the events into their lives to enhance it.  Of course, one could also choose to be the victim if they don’t get what they want or perceive the experience as negative and builds barriers and negative thoughts around it.

I tend to do the latter and look at the negative aspects of my life’s experiences or events occurring around me rather than look at the good, the positive and enrichment the experience offers.

Feelings and thoughts are not one and the same.  To me, feelings come from the heart or soul whereas thoughts come from the head or brain.  Too often I get caught up with the brain; over analyzing, calculating, and judging if something is “good or “bad”.  But each of us has the ability to overcome the mind and listen to the heart, the spirit within.  That is when we allow our emotions to just be … where real peace comes and can help us overcome the negative influences that tend to bring us down.  My purpose is to find the inner me; to overcome the negative perceptions I have built around myself and experience the joy and happiness the world has to offer.  Through this blog, I hope to share my experiences, feelings and growth.

That’s not to say there won’t be moments of sadness, reflection. disappointment or anger.  Those too are emotions we all feel.  But turning those moments to growth, learning and developing oneself by overcoming the mind and letting the spirit within us shine will help us enjoy life.  Have I learned all this yet?  Not at all, but as I embark on this journey, I will share those thoughts, feelings, joys and pains, believing they will all be for my best interest and help me grow and walk my path with peace and dignity.  I have a lot to do … but, it is never too late to change, recognize, experience and appreciate the wonders of life on the path we walk.