Ride And Abide

Today's post backgrounded by "On My Own - Ulrich Schnauss" (Sorry the video is not *actually* a video...) Today I was informed that I would be receiving a raise with my recent promotion.  I am not surprised that I am getting a raise, as it seems only natural that I would, but... my excitement of my new job was not hinged on the financial aspect... period.  So, a raise: well that's kind of awesome. Anywho... that's not what this post is about (but it kind of is...) "Stop "chasing happiness".  Be who you are and chase that." -- I am trying to process what that means in execution.  After spending a significant portion of my adult life trying to fill my life with distractions to mask unhappiness, I am left with some good memories and even more resentment.  I did some cool shit, to be certain... but now left to my own devices and a more grounded approach to life, I am no longer seeking BMWs or a big house.... I just want to mountain ...

Ataraxia (pronounced AT-uh-RAX-ee-yuh) is Greek for “undisturbed” or “untroubled.” It’s a kind of inner peace – the ability to remain calm despite fear, anger, sadness, or stress. A person who with strong ataraxia has mastered the emotions and can rise above the ordinary difficulties that we all encounter in life. Ataraxia is the ultimate form of “keeping an even keel.” http://philosophyterms.com/ataraxia/ This too shall pass... a constant that has not changed throughout my life.  Regardless of the immediate stress that occurred in the past, they are all history and are all-but-forgotten now. This is close to what I see when I attempt to meditate. It might seem odd that my vision is dark and ominous... but... that's where my head goes.  Back to the mountains near Cooke City, MT... with a storm rolling in. 

"Wherever you go, there you are..."  --  Confucius (maybe?) I like that particular quote... but... ;-) So.. the way I had interpreted the saying: Don't fret too much about the change you hope to see in yourself.  KNOW that it is possible to realize that change.... because the change you are seeking, is already there. I do enjoy reading other interpretations.  Some seem rather motivational: "Mindfulness  means  paying attention [to the world] in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgmentally."   --  Jon Kabat-Zinn And some.... seem rather negative: " It means that if you don't like yourself, or you haven't made peace with yourself for things you've done in the past, you will be dealing with that baggage forever." From Galadarling.com " No matter what -  YOU are  the Thing  you  bring  wherever you  travel. " --  From quora.com Perhaps I will create ...

I'm glad a place like REI exists.  I imagine I could get my outdoor/adventure gear just about anywhere... and possibly for less money.  But, REI just seems to get it "right".   I like their stores, the "membership program", the dividends, return policy, environmental advocacy, humanitarian advocacy, etc... Anyhow, the "What's your but?" campaign struck a chord today and as a result I just finalized and booked my solo trip to Costa Rica.  (Mostly finalized anyhow..) I have had a few buts recently... and most of them have simply not come to fruition, generally been a huge disappointment, and effectively a waste of time/energy and in hindsight; regrettable.  Oh well though.  Onwards and such! I'll spend the next few weeks piecing together an itinerary.  With the Flight, Car, and hotel reservations out of the way, I'll piece together some idea of things I "must see".  Otherwise, I don't really care what happens for th...

“Beware that, when fighting monsters, you yourself do not become a monster... for when you gaze long into the abyss. The abyss gazes also into you.” ― Friedrich Nietzsche Today I found myself pondering mindfulness.. Regarding the quote above:  A tough line to straddle, to be certain.  I think it's tough to be objectively critical of the world around us, while not being angry and want justice (or vengeance is likely more apt). I'm not sure I believe in an "Illuminati" or some secret organization that is controlling the masses.  But, I do believe in Plutocracy and Oligarchy and that we are being played.  Not always for "evil" however.  Example:  look at the lines for a newly released Apple product, or for Black Friday (which seems to have toned down).  The control of our desires and "needs" (I say needs because they are really "wants"... but we're convinced otherwise). The media has seemingly been playing us: http://www...