Not A Peep-All Person

we tend to evaluate people based on their outward representations of who they seem to be

what "education" or degrees they may have, what objects they own, how adept they are at some esoteric skill

we equate material "accomplishment" with human worth, often neglecting to appreciate the underlying qualities that are admirable

while it is our acts that most explicitly reveal our nature to others, it is not our acts that define our nature

appreciating people for who they are, and not what they do, allows us to experience the true spirit of others and to see every person as valuable and remarkable

lesson: there's much more than what's seen.

I appreciate you Devan and Alex

Do I Make Myself Clear?

the cell membrane is a semi-permeable structure that selectively regulates the intake and release of materials into and out of the cell

it uses sensory systems to determine when deficiencies and excesses are present and receptors to ensure that proper transport occurs and equilibrium is maintained

if any part of the system is compromised, inaccurate messages are sent regarding the needs within the cell

the spirit operates according to a similar network

our emotions and intuition notify our spirit about what needs to be attracted or repelled from our being in order to maintain its health

however, when our sensory systems are weakened--by negative thoughts, desperation, poor health--we may incorrectly perceive our needs

we may invite toxins into our spirit that we believe at the time will satisfy our condition

it is important, especially in our weakened states, to work toward Clarity in order to be very careful about what we attract into our sphere

lesson: be selective.

I appreciate you Marianna

Whole Note-Half Rest

in music, "playing the rests" is as important as playing the notes

it is the silence between the sound which gives it shape and definition

in life, it is the gaps between the action that define it

it is only once action has ceased that it is complete

we can benefit greatly from taking the time to experience the silence between the sound of the action of our lives

sound on top of sound, without clear space in between, results in nonsensical discord

lesson: take a break.

I appreciate you silent pauses

Critical Condition

tough love is one thing

but it can lead down a slippery slope to abusiveness

when we love someone very strongly, we want to see that person perform at his highest

and we become very passionately driven to make that happen

when we want something so badly, and we don't see it happen, we often become very frustrated and impatient and push harder, not from a place of love, but from a place of contempt

and rather than motivating our loved one, we begin to break that person down

judgment and condemnation create an environment of shame and insecurity, which impedes one's ability to advance himself

an atmosphere of patience and unconditional loving support is conducive to the development of the confidence and drive necessary to achieve

lesson: push forward, not downward.

I appreciate you foolish mistakes

Conversion Therapy

emotional forces are the most compelling motivators of humankind

they are a powerful energy, which can't be blocked or destroyed

what we can do is redirect them

we do it all the time

though, quite often to the disadvantage of ourselves and our community

it takes you an hour to make a typically-fifteen-minute trip home

naturally, you're frustrated

someone greets you at home completely innocently and you respond aggressively, directing frustration from an uncontrollable situation toward an uninvolved bystander, likely offending that person

in the same way, we can redirect the extreme passion behind our frustrations and pain toward a positive, creative outlet

engaging in an activity that requires problem solving and critical thinking is more than just a distraction

it is an opportunity to channel seemingly senseless feelings and impulses into constructive exploration and discovery, leading to a feeling of accomplishment and control

some of the most beautiful music was inspired by the most unbearable heartbreak

it is when we are most aware of our emotions that we are able to thoroughly tap into a source of passion of which we may typically be unaware

and it is passion that translates a good idea into a brilliant product

lesson: let the unfavorable work in your favor.

I appreciate you Art