Meditation, Mind Control and Manifesting Desires – Discovering Higher Awareness
Posted by Robert Meyer in Hope and Self-Discovery, Personal Strategies on February 13th, 2010
You would think that relaxing and meditating for higher awareness would produce beneficial results for most people. Unfortunately, we discovered this isn’t true. In our own meditation experiences, we have suffered setbacks. We know a woman who committed herself to metaphysical teachings, but just couldn’t relax her mind and body enough to successfully meditate for more than five minutes—which of course limited her success.
What is Meditation?
What exactly is meditation? Well, here’s a simple definition for you. Meditation is a self-directed practice for relaxing the body and calming the mind. As you can see from the definition, the woman mentioned in the open paragraph obviously failed in her endeavor to meditate successfully.
Most people don’t possess the patience to relax and engage in an activity that seems to involve doing nothing. Critics of meditation seem to think that the meditator just sits there and vegetates. As we shall discover, these critics have no idea what is involved in the process of meditating. A person who engages in a daily meditation practice will tell you that he or she gains many mental, emotional, physical and spiritual benefits
How to Meditate
Here are some basic, easy steps for an enjoyable and successful meditation. Do the following in the order listed.
1. Sit in a relaxing position.
2. Eliminate all distractions.
3. Close your eyes.
4. Breathe in deeply through your nose.
5. Exhale slowly out of your mouth.
6. Continue the breathing exercise until your body feels relaxed. You can also still each part of your body individually. Toes, feet, legs, thighs, stomach, chest, arms, hands, fingers, shoulders, neck, face and top of head.
7. Visualize one object such as a candle flame and concentrate on it—and (or) chant a mantra such as AH, AUM or OM.
8. Allow thoughts to drift by as if they were puffy, white clouds in the sky drifting by.
9. Release all tension and negative thoughts from your being.
10. Achieving a state of calmness and peace.
11. Experiencing the euphoria of oneness with God, universe or existence.
Of course, you might find the above easier said than done.
Obtaining Mind Control
Steps 8 and 9 seem to be obstacles for most people. Unfortunately, the mind often runs amuck with uncontrollable thoughts. Bill Harris of Centerpointe refers to this unwanted activity as “Mind Chatter.” What he advises is to accept these unwanted thoughts by allowing them to come to the surface. He says not to fight what your mind produces, but to first accept these automatic thoughts so eventually, they just fade away or you release them.
Obtaining mind control means you accept the garbage your mind produces, then you allow these uneasy thoughts to permanently go away, resulting in you replacing them with positive life-enhancing thoughts.
Manifesting Your Desires
Manifesting your desires has almost become a catch phrase. Obviously, everyone wants to accomplish his or her goals and desires. So the idea, that you can just put your heart’s desires out to the Universe and they will fall into your lap seems quite appealing. Unfortunately, this is an illusion—a rather appealing illusion.
Let’s face it. The essence of all accomplishment is action. Certainly, meditating on your goals and desires and sending it out to God or the Universe is a necessary step, but you must follow it up with purposeful action.
Discovering Higher Awareness
Wouldn’t it be wonderful to discover higher awareness in the blink of an eye? Reading some of the inspirational works on metaphysics makes it appear that entering and remaining in the highest levels of awareness is the “end all” of spiritual development. A person needs to ask this question. Why am I here on this planet at this very moment? Isn’t the answer obvious? Well, here it is anyway. The reason you are here on earth is to live the life of a human being.
You’ve probably heard the old Buddhist proverb. What do you do before enlightenment? Carry water. What do you do after enlightenment? Carry water. I think we can conclude life means living, loving and reaching whatever heights of spiritual development you’re capable of obtaining.
Robert A. Meyer
The Libertarian Way
Economics and Freedom – The Wisdom of Human Action
Posted by Robert Meyer in Economic Wisdom, Personal Liberty and Freedom on January 16th, 2010
The most comprehensive, lucid and correct book on economic science is Ludwig von Mises’ Human Action. If you want to discover the reason for our economic woes, the answers reside in this great masterpiece. Unfortunately, the establishment denies the wisdom that Mises’ great work imparts to the seeker of logic and reason. Of course, that doesn’t prevent us from searching and discovering the power of sound economics.
Here’s a happy thought for you. If enough people understood the laws of economics, they could virtually eliminate much poverty and misery. Also, they would finally force the purveyors of economic mayhem, members of the political and financial establishment, to find honest work.
The title of Chapter XXXVIII of Human Action is The Place of Economics in Learning. Let’s allow Ludwig von Mises to enlighten us with the following excerpt.
Economics and Freedom
The paramount role that economic ideas play in the determination of civic affairs explains why governments, political parties, and pressure groups are intent upon restricting the freedom of economic thought. They are anxious to propagandize the “good” doctrine and to silence the voice of the “bad” doctrines. As they see it, truth has no inherent power which could make it ultimately prevail solely by virtue of its being true. In order to carry on, truth needs to be backed by violent action on the part of the police or other armed troops. In this view, the criterion of a doctrine’s truth is the fact that its supporters succeeded in defeating by force of arms the champions of dissenting views. It is implied that God or some mythical agency directing the course of human affairs always bestows victory upon those fighting for the good cause. Government is from God and has the sacred duty of exterminating the heretic.
It is useless to dwell upon the contradictions and inconsistencies of this doctrine of intolerance and persecution of dissenters. Never before has the world known such a cleverly contrived system of propaganda and oppression as that instituted by contemporary governments, parties, and pressure groups. However, all these edifices will crumble like houses of cards as soon as a great ideology attacks them.
Not only in the countries ruled by barbarian and neobarbarian despots, but no less in the so-called Western democracies, the study of economics is practically outlawed today. The public discussion of economic problems ignores almost entirely all that has been said by economists in the last two hundred years. Prices, wage rates, interest rates, and profits are dealt with as if their determination were not subject to any law. Governments try to decree and to enforce maximum commodity prices and minimum wage rates. Statesmen exhort businessmen to cut down profits, to lower prices, and to raise wage rates as if these matters were dependent on the laudable intentions of individuals. In the treatment of international economic relations people blithely resort to the most naive fallacies of Mercantilism. Few are aware of the shortcomings of all these popular doctrines, or realize why the policies based upon them invariably spread disaster.
These are sad facts. However, there is only one way in which a man can respond to them: by never relaxing in the search for truth.
Mises certainly understands the evils of government interventionism. Obviously, members of the political and financial establishment continue their insane march down the path of economic destruction. How soon do they reach the abyss of economic collapse?
Robert A. Meyer
The Libertarian Way
Experiencing Happiness – State of Mind, State of Being
Posted by Robert Meyer in Hope and Self-Discovery on January 9th, 2010
Let’s face it. We are living in difficult times. Economic crisis threatens to remove our wallets and purses from our possession and extract the remaining wealth we may still possess. Not only that, it chips away at our fragile peace of mind, throwing some of the pleasures we once experienced into the abyss of no return. What is the lone individual to do to salvage a pleasurable, rewarding life for him and his loved ones?
The Illusion
Too many people think that happiness is an external affair. They believe that events in their lives control how they think and feel. During these stressful times they arrive at the conclusion that happiness is a fleeting experience—something found in escapism or what I call irrationally selfish activities. They act in self-defeating ways— only worsening their situation.
The not-so grand illusion is expecting other people or things to supply you with happiness. Now I admit that pleasurable value for value relationships and the possession of material wealth should be enjoyed for all they’re worth. Tragically, there are innumerable cases of individuals blessed with these who sadly live empty lives. Happiness for them seems forever illusive.
Do I know something about illusions that you don’t know? Maybe, maybe not. However, I believe illusion-busting is possible. Happiness is not something you obtain through people and things. It is an internal affair. Happiness is a way of life.
Think It
Ask yourself this. Do you possess control over your thoughts—or do they race through your mind as wild, uncontrollable beasts? I guarantee that if you can’t control how you think—negative thoughts will gain a foothold in your mind. You surrender it to that beast of negativity and pessimism. Can lack of control over your mind result in personal happiness? I doubt it.
Feel It
Did you know that all of your thoughts result in you experiencing feelings about them? Positive thoughts eventually lead to positive, healthy feelings. If the beast of negativity and pessimism control your thoughts you will suffer uncomfortable feelings most of the time. Worry, fear, hate, anger, bitterness etc. become your intolerable daily existence. Feeling bad most of the time certainly won’t result in you feeling happy.
Act It
If you have relinquished control over your thoughts and emotions—your actions are probably ineffective if not downright self-defeating. When you exercise no control over your thoughts and feelings it is impossible to effectively control your actions.
Devilishly deceptive is the false belief you are controlling your actions, even though you are still manifesting unfortunate results. How frustrating! Success in life means acting in a purposive, effective manner. Daydreaming about all the good things that are about to appear in your life from nowhere, is a futile attempt to transform illusion into reality.
Conclusion
You may be thinking all of this sounds good in theory, but what about experiencing happiness, pleasure, success and peace of mind as a way of life. How do I go about doing that during a severe economic crisis—one that looks like it isn’t leaving us anytime soon?
I could tell you that there are esoteric teachings that lead you down the path of happiness and success. But really, truth is much simpler than that. Sure, you must make the effort to uncover some secrets of happiness. However, they’re not that difficult to find if you know where to look. I’m sure you know how exciting it is to discover secret hideaways.
Robert A. Meyer
The Libertarian Way
Praxeology, Objectivism and Unhampered Capitalism
Posted by Robert Meyer in Objectivist Ethics, Praxeology - Human Action on December 26th, 2009
In my article “Praxeology – The Science of Human Action” I presented the foundations of this vitally important science of economic theory. I also covered the axiomatic concepts of Objectivism. Although there are some differences in the epistemology (the theory and origins of knowledge) of Praxeology and Objectivism, they are closely inter-related. They both realize that all reasoning in the sphere of human action begins with the individual.
Ludwig von Mises and Ayn Rand are usually considered the “Dad and Mom” of Libertarian philosophy. Ludwig von Mises’ magnum opus “Human Action” is the Bible of praxeological reasoning. Ayn Rand’s great philosophical masterpiece “Atlas Shrugged” is the Objectivist Bible. Although, I’m not sure if she would react favorably upon hearing that I connected the term “Bible” to her integrated system of logic and reason.
Value Free
Mises believed that scientists should approach their subject free of value judgments. His idea was that once someone pollutes a scientific investigation with his subjective values he no longer acts as a pure scientist. I believe this has merit. However, Mises own student Murray Rothbard criticizes this approach. He believes the praxeologist should defend the social system of Libertarianism using both praxeological insights and Natural Law.
The great Mises circled around this dilemma by claiming he could utilize his subjective opinions as a citizen—and along with his praxeological insights support Laissez faire (unhampered) capitalism.
Mises also had some quarrels with basing any defense of the individual on Natural Law. He believed socialists and interventionists could twist Natural Law theory to support their own spurious social theories. He has a point. Still, I believe that one scientific system of ethics solves the problem. It is the rational system of Objectivism.
A libertarian who possesses the weapons of Praxeology and Objectivism has an undefeatable arsenal of logic and reason at his disposal.
Politics: Individual Rights and Capitalism
Praxeology (economic science) proves beyond a reasonable doubt that capitalism is the only social system that benefits the vast majority of individuals. Objectivism supplies capitalism with its moral foundation—with its spirited defense of individual rights. Objectivism is 100% correct in its advocacy of capitalism and individual rights.
Our current political system is corrupt and anti-life. Our “beloved” political and financial leaders unwittingly cause havoc to our faltering economic system. Years of government interventionism dealt our economy severe blows. Now it is on life support. And how does our economic “doctors” treat the patient? With the arsenic of massive bailouts—bailouts that guarantee the patient expires from a combination of dehydration and massive internal bleeding.
Metaphysics: Objective Reality
Objectivism is based on three axiomatic concepts: Existence, Identity, Consciousness. These are real and fundamental—although some “intellectuals” and mystics attempt to deny them. Try to visualize non-existence, non-identity and non-consciousness. It’s impossible. I have reached high states of awareness in my meditations—but I’ve never seen any evidence of anti-axioms.
Unlike some Objectivists, I believe a person can indulge in a spiritual practice and remain quite logical. Let’s say for instance that you believe in New Age Metaphysics. Successfully practicing this discipline requires that you never deny axiomatic concepts. It does mean you tap your intuitive powers. You meditate to better connect the two sides of the brain. Objectivism takes advantage of the reasoning side of the brain. Spiritual insights are the result of exploring the intuitive side of the brain. A marriage between the reasoning side of the brain and the intuitive side integrates the mind—and unleashes all its powers.
Epistemology: Reason
Objectivism states that reason is the only means for man to gain knowledge. Now we can’t deny—that without reason men and women would be no better off than savages—in fact, they would exist in a lower state than the savage would. Man’s power of reason created our marvelous civilization and freed people from the primitive forces of their environment. To deny the power of reason is to condemn men and women to a less than human existence.
I happen to believe a person can also obtain knowledge by using his intuitive powers. Of course, intuitive insights must never contradict the laws of Praxeology.
Ethics: Rational Self-Interest
Objectivism advocates that an individual should always act in rational self-interest. The philosophy of rational selfishness is the only one that corresponds to the nature of man.
The anti-life philosophy of altruism has failed miserably in practice. Why has it failed? Because it advocates selflessness and self-sacrifice. It denies the sanctity of the individual. It is antagonistic to rational self-interest. It poisons and slowly destroys any society that attempts to practice it, just as it is destroying the American Way of Life. It is the philosophy of Anti-Life.
Praxeology sets forth irrefutable economic principles. Objectivism imparts an ethical system based on Natural Law. As you can see the combination of Praxeology and Objectivism concocts a potent mixture of logic and reason that supplies a perfect defense for the social system of unhampered capitalism—the only social system that defends an individual’s right to life, liberty, ownership of property and the pursuit of happiness.
Robert A. Meyer
The Libertarian Way
Economic Cognition and Human Action
Posted by Robert Meyer in Praxeology - Human Action on December 19th, 2009
The pathway to liberty and freedom for all presents many marvelous teachings along the way; however two books stand alone in their comprehensive defense of unhampered capitalism and the philosophy of rational individualism, Ludwig von Mises “Human Action” and Ayn Rand’s “Atlas Shrugged.”
I am offering you a marvelous gift in this week’s blog posting—the final two paragraphs of Mises’ great masterpiece “Human Action.” In most books the final words signifies the end of the story, however in this case, Mises’ final words heralds either a new era of understanding, of personal liberty and freedom—or if his words tragically go unheeded, a future of dark days and nightmarish nights.
Now let’s look ahead to page 885 of “Human Action”—Third Revised Edition.
Man’s freedom to choose and to act is restricted in a threefold way. There are first the physical laws to whose unfeeling absoluteness man must adjust his conduct if he wants to live. There are second the individual’s innate constitutional characteristics and dispositions and the operation of environmental factors; we know that they influence both the choice of the ends and that of the means, although our cognizance of the mode of their operation is rather vague. There is finally the regularity of phenomena with regard to the interconnectedness of means and ends, viz., the praxeological law as distinct from the physical and from the physiological law.
The elucidation and the categorial and formal examination of this third class of laws of the universe is the subject matter of praxeology and its hitherto best-developed branch, economics. The body of economic knowledge is an essential element in the structure of human civilization; it is the foundation upon which modern industrialism and all the moral, intellectual, technological, and therapeutical achievements of the last centuries have been built. It rests with men whether they will make the proper use of the rich treasure with which this knowledge provides them or whether they will leave it unused. But if they fail to take the best advantage of it and disregard its teachings and warnings, they will not annul economics; they will stamp out society and the human race.
Do yourself, your loved ones and your children’s children a favor and discover “Human Action.” Every time I read from this delightful book my heart vibrates with joy—and my mind soars to the stratosphere of enlightenment.
Robert A. Meyer
The Libertarian Way
Demolishing the Myths of Existence – Discovering Pleasurable Value for Value Relationships
Posted by Robert Meyer in Government Tyranny, Hope and Self-Discovery, Pleasure and Ecstasy on December 12th, 2009
How do you view your existence? Do you see it from the perspective as you living life as a unique individual—or do you feel as if you are only part of a collective?
I presented the second question as not only a stimulus to open up your mind, but to also help you consider and maybe uncover your sense of life. Unfortunately, in order to confuse you or possibly to enslave you, altruists, do-gooders and world-improvers draw a sharp line between the two views of existence.
Here’s what those treacherous enemies of liberty and freedom do to trick you into surrendering your individuality. First, they present you the stereotype of the rugged individualist who stops at nothing to rise to the top—stepping on anyone or anything that gets in the way. Consider this narrow point of view a myth. After all, how could you possibly accomplish anything without the cooperation of others? Of course, I guess you could somehow become an elite member of the political and financial establishment lying, cheating and stealing your way to power and prosperity.
In order to gain your “cooperation”, liberty-violators are devilishly effective at convincing you that you are a piece of society or a drop of water in the collective— and because of that, you are protected from the greedy individualist. The systems of communism, socialism and interventionism were supposed to be supportive of the common man, leveling the playing field so everyone possesses an even advantage.
Yeah, sure. That’s what you call “The Big Lie.” The anti-life social systems of communism and socialism brought mass poverty and starvation to the masses—while the deadly interventionist systems of the Western Economies, especially the United States, drag us kicking and screaming down the dark path of ruin and destruction.
Unfortunately, some conclude there is no reconciliation between the individual and society. Irreconcilable differences will always exist among people. War, hate and degradation are mankind’s destiny.
Well, here’s some exciting news for you. You can live your life as an individual, sacrificing your values to no one and still achieve that state of oneness that metaphysicians have dreamed about for thousands of years. You can live The Libertarian Way.
After all, competition and cooperation are two sides of the same coin. Where ignorance prevails, especially about the laws of human action—where religions are dogmatic systems of us vs. you, one pitted against the other—all the negative aspects of humanity control world events.
For the most part, competition sadly continues to be vicious dog eat dog. Too many people cooperate with others only from the narrow point of view of getting as much value as possible and giving little in return. Acting in this irrationally selfish manner guarantees we continue to sacrifice our children’s future and even our children’s children’s future. And of course, we will destroy our own chance of a life of pleasure and ecstasy—not to mention personal liberty and freedom.
Here’s the way it is. Once enough people understand the laws of human action and internalize timeless spiritual principles—the day of universal enlightenment arrives. The positive aspects of humanity finally prevail.
What happens is that rationally selfish individuals compete in the unhampered marketplace discovering effective ways and means of satisfying the consumers’ most urgent desires. Cooperation means working together and eagerly trading value for value. The social system of unhampered capitalism allows us to joyously expand our mental and spiritual capabilities.
Your exciting journey
Here’s something that should inspire you. The incredible journey of the body, mind and spirit begins with one individual at a time. It can begin with you.
Living The Libertarian Way means that you’re experiencing all the pleasures, joys and ecstasies of life. You are happily trading value for value. The more pleasure you give the more you receive. Both you and the person you’re exchanging value with believe they are benefiting from the relationship. This is a relationship that is both selfish and giving—no dichotomies here.
Most believe that selfish and giving are mutually exclusive ways of acting. How wrong they are. This is another illusion that has resulted in much misery and unhappiness. Giving and receiving pleasure is both selfish and generous. Give the best that you have to offer—and receive as pleasurably and as graciously as possible.
A perfect example of the above is a sexual relationship between two lovers. I know from my own relationships that the more pleasure I give to a woman the more pleasure I experience.
You can draw the conclusion that if one person is sacrificing and the other is benefiting—it definitely isn’t a value for value relationship. Eventually, the relationship hopelessly breaks down resulting in both individuals losing in the game of love.
Here’s something you can do. Discover what your values, fantasies and desires are—then go after them with gusto. I’m sure that you can find someone who will indulge you—a special person who also looks forward to experiencing his or her highest values, desires and fantasies. And that is what The Libertarian Way is all about—experiencing the pleasures and ecstasies life has to offer.
Robert A. Meyer
The Libertarian Way
Greed – The Good, Bad and Ugly
Posted by Robert Meyer in Economic Wisdom, Objectivist Ethics on December 5th, 2009
I’m sure you realize the majority of people consider greed an undesirable personality trait. They are not open to questioning the truthfulness of their belief. Why question something that is common knowledge?
They need to ask themselves these questions: When a person displays greed in his interactions with others is this an unquestionably bad trait for him to act out? Does greed always have undesirable social consequences?
Webster’s Third New International Dictionary (unabridged) has the following definitions.
Greed:
1. inordinate or all-consuming and usually reprehensible acquisitiveness for wealth or gain.
2. extreme or voracious desire especially for food or drink.
Unfortunately, altruists, do-gooders and world-improvers apply this rather negative connotation to businessmen (businesswomen) who are pursuing profits—as if becoming wealthy by the creation of wealth is inherently evil. Let’s put this nonsense away forever.
Methods of Acquiring Wealth
Basically, there are two methods to acquire wealth.
1. By productive effort. An individual or organization trades value for value.
2. By theft, fraud, violence against others, etc. An individual or organization extorts values from others.
Obviously, individuals who resort to criminal activities by stealing or extorting wealth from others use their greed in a negative manner. However, the most disastrous form of greed is expressed through that institute of violent compulsion and coercion—government.
Greed and Government – The Bad and Ugly
Do you realize the government has no wealth of its own? The only ways it can possess any is through the taxation of its productive citizens—obtaining it through inflation—or stealing purchasing power from its citizens by devaluing the currency.
I think you have to agree that ultimate greed rests with any entity that takes value from someone without giving anything of value in return. If you’re a producer of wealth, I am certain that you know this is the case.
If you are someone who obtains unearned “benefits” from the government—know that these are coming at the expense of wealth producing citizens. Innocent people are sacrificing some of their life and liberty to support you. If you don’t approve of slavery then you have to realize that it’s immoral for you to live at the expense of others by enslaving them to work for your needs and desires.
You may wonder why the government is growing and expanding its sphere of influence at an unprecedented rate. Wonder no more. Most politicians and bureaucrats possess an insatiable greed for unearned benefits, immorally living at the expense of others. Their puny, evil minds know that no matter how unproductive and destructive their activities are—they can always rape and plunder the productive citizen with more taxes and inflation.
Webster’s definition of greed definitely applies to these perpetrators of theft and injustice. They have a voracious desire for unearned wealth—your wealth. In addition, they force you to pay the bill when they satisfy their gluttonous desires for food and drink. Washington DC attracts altruists, irrationally selfish people and party animals of all stripes.
Greed and the Businessman (Wealth Producer) – The Good
I’ll admit that my threshold for what I can withstand is tested when I hear people criticizing honest businessmen by calling them greedy—and disparaging the social system of capitalism.
Now I agree that businessmen who stand in the banquet line of unearned benefits for government favors at the expense of their competitors deserve to be attacked for their avariciousness. These predators are no friend of capitalism.
The businessman who succeeds on his own merit deserves honor and respect because he is a wealth producer. He creates values when he satisfies the consumers’ most urgent desires. He is their benefactor.
To call an individual who trades value for value greedy is a gross misapplication of the term. Here are some premises for us to consider. Let’s say the businessman lives for his own sake, creating and producing just to please himself. Let’s even state that greed motivates his every action. Now let’s ask this question. Can anyone logically claim that this involves extorting values from others? If the consumers approve of his activities then he profits. And he has every right to make as much profit as the market will bear.
We can prove beyond any doubt that when a businessman in a capitalistic system profits—all benefit from his productive effort. He earns the profits he so rightfully deserves and the consumers have more of the goods and services that improve the quality of their lives. A secondary effect, although the businessman might consider this his primary motivation, is he also acquires the satisfaction of indulging in productive effort.
*The politician and bureaucrat acquire their wealth through theft and extortion. They produce no wealth. They survive by confiscating it from productive citizens and consuming it—or by supplying unproductive citizens with lavish gifts in the form of money and (or) political favors. Is it any wonder that our economy is on the verge of collapse?
To refer to an honest businessman as greedy is immoral and unjust. To call a politician or bureaucrat greedy is much closer to the truth.
*In all fairness, I am sure that somewhere in the universe there may be politicians and bureaucrats motivated by that which is right and just. Ron Paul and a handful of others are rational and honest. It would be nice to know where the rest of them are hiding.
Robert A. Meyer
The Libertarian Way
P.S. For weekday news stories that explode the lies and deceptions of the establishment visit The Freedom News Blitz Blog Monday thru Friday. Of course, our archives are accessible 24/7.
P.P.S. It’s quite possible you believe the two party system exercises a deadly stranglehold on our economy. Here’s an enlightening article 21 American Political Parties that aren’t Democrats or Republicans that might give you hope for a better tomorrow.
The Circle Game
Posted by Robert Meyer in Hope and Self-Discovery on November 28th, 2009
During difficult times, people often allow discouragement and hopelessness to derail them from the many joys of life. Life for them resembles a never-ending ride on the treadmill of boredom, frustration and despair. Of course, since our economy is run by a political and financial establishment obviously dedicated to creating economic mayhem and eventual collapse, it’s understandable why a person could very well fall into the pits of misery and hopelessness.
Let’s visit Joni Mitchell’s great song The Circle Game to see if we can discover the necessary wisdom and enlightenment for continual happiness and success.
“And the seasons they go round and round
And the painted ponies go up and down
We’re captive on the carousel of time
We can’t return we can only look behind from where we came
And go round and round and round in the circle game”
Are we captured on the carousel of time, experiencing fleeting moments of joy, thrilling to victory one day only to reel in pain the next—until we finally take that one last ride when the painted pony ascends and descends for the final time?
Birth and Death?
It’s time for us to indulge in some metaphysical speculations. I have to state that none of this possesses the proof of a praxeological theorem or an Objectivist principle. What I’m attempting to do might amuse Ludwig von Mises and Ayn Rand—or annoy them. Anyway, let’s have some fun and possibly experience some enlightenment.
It appears we are born only to eventually die. In the interim we exist, with only God, the Universal Mind or whatever knowing for how long. Did you know that some mystics say we actually choose our birth and eventual death? Many Buddhists believe we are firmly caught on the wheel of birth and death until the day we resolve our karmic issues. Others say that since we are eternal beings, death is an illusion of lower consciousness. I guess if death is an illusion, it’s possible birth is also an illusion.
Are we born only to someday die? I believe there is more to it than this discomforting thought. My meditations allowed me many insights in the nature of existence—and the possibilities of other worlds. Quantum physicists claim that energy never dies; it is only rearranged or transformed. Madonna sings about being a Material Girl and she is no doubt having fun, but the truth is that we are energy. Still, I am unable supply you anything definite about what happens to us after we ride the final cycle.
Life—The Cycles of Youth
Many people wish they were captured on a carousel rather than running the treadmill of enslavement. If only they could safely jump off and live the life that vaguely resides in the recesses of their minds. Once during the times of their youth they flavored their lives with dreams and fervently believed their fantasies would someday transform into their reality. They assumed they would experience their most sublime desires, not realizing that other urgencies and commitments would too soon relegate these to the unattainable. If only they could instantly turn back the hands of time and easily slip into dreams and fantasies of days gone by. Now they discover they no longer know how to rediscover lost dreams. All that is left is their fading memories. If they could see through the eyes of a child again—the pure and innocent child they once were.
Even though a child is captured on the carousel of time, he doesn’t look back with regret or live with fear of the future. Now is all that matters. All the child’s fun, fears and learning experiences are happening now.
Imagine this. On a warm summer’s day, a boy idly sits at the bank of the stream, lazily casting his hopes for a catch, not worrying about a thing. At the same time, a young girl is naturally playing house, arranging all her dolls, doll clothes, toy furniture, props, etc. into her fantasy of the happy family. She doesn’t see this as an event that takes place in the distant future when she has entered into the pains and joys of womanhood. It is a current event happening during this precious moment.
Do you remember a time when only the moment mattered? Life was a series of moments—experienced and savored one at a time. The painted ponies kept going up and down. Another cycle is completed. It is the New Year, another year of hope and of exciting experiences, which included your first boyfriend, your first kiss, the time you matured enough to make love for the first time—at the same time a frightening and ecstatic experience never forgotten.
Do you ever experience remembrances of your senior prom, when you clumsily pinned a corsage on your date—a blossoming young woman who took your breath away? How about the cool fall evening at the Friday night football game when you sat in the bleachers and snuggled up to your date for warmth and companionship. Sometimes you cared if your school won the game and sometimes you didn’t, because all that mattered was the exciting boy or girl next to you. You embraced the cycles of life. The 50’s group the Four Lads sang “We will have these Moments to Remember.”
The Cycle Becomes a Treadmill
Ah, the bliss of Holy Matrimony, the wondrous day when you and your love consumed your wedding vows. A new era was beginning. The painted ponies were going up and down in pleasure and delight. You enter your marriage with a fervent hope for the future—a future blessed with everlasting happiness and love.
Let me send you to another time and place. The day comes when a precious child is born of the sacred union between you and your eternal love. You all live in your first home—a starter home you cherish because you filled it with love. Do you drown in nostalgia when you remember your first important place of employment and your subsequent promotion?
Then one day something unexpected happened. What’s strange is that you can’t pin down the exact time it occurred. Maybe it was gradual. You suddenly realize it has been a long time since you heard the music of the carousel and rode the painted ponies; in fact you can’t remember the last time you ran and jumped on the carousel with anticipation of a joyous experience. You are now on a treadmill, an endless cycle of walking and running. The days, weeks, months and years go by as before; you swear they are actually accelerating faster than before. Some of your hopes and dreams came true and you have fond memories of them. Sadly, others seem as if they were empty desires, smoke rings of no substance or credibility. If only you had conceived your dreams and desires with wisdom.
Many of your dreams and desires vanished into the dustbins of time. You wonder why you allowed them to carelessly disappear. You lament “Now I am stranded on a desolate island of suffering and despair? Can anything rescue my abandoned hopes and aspirations, freeing me from a life that is less than it could be?”
Chained to the Treadmill of Despair
A time may arrive in a person’s life when he or she discovers that he or she is living a life of many illusions, “looking through a glass, darkly.” Why else would life seem like a never-ending run on the treadmill of pain, suffering and frustration? The individual believes he is unable to jump off and even if it was possible to do so, he lacks the energy and motivation to move a single step.
Once an individual abandons his dreams, desires and fantasies, he relinquishes his power. The subsequent feeling of emptiness causes him to look outside of himself in order to regain what he has lost. And what does he find? He finds that he is now controlled by the illusory power of others. He escapes in hours upon hours of television, which quickly becomes his new master. He adopts second hand values that he can no longer distinguish from the sublime values he once held. He allows other to do his thinking and supply him with their pseudo-philosophy born of illusion. Finally, he discovers he is permanently chained to the treadmill of his despair. At least he believes he is. Can he ever awaken from his self-defeating nightmare?
The Final Cycle?
Fortunately, some do wake-up and realize they have been sleepwalking or walking around blind. They happily discover that they didn’t permanently relinquish their power; in fact they still possess it. It resides within who they are. They finally see reality for what it is. Their eyes brighten up and their spirit soars.
In their awakened state of mind, they see how easily they can get off their treadmill of delusion and once again eagerly jump on the carousel, swiftly mounting the painted pony. Yes, the painted pony still goes up and down, but they realize it is raising them to a glorious future—the same one that they had so often dreamed and wished for during their youth. The fact that their beloved painted pony will someday ride the final cycle and go up and down for the last time no longer causes fear, uncertainty and despair. They realize that the final cycle in this life is actually the beginning of a series of new cycles in an ever-expanding universe of exciting, unknown adventures.
Robert A. Meyer
The Libertarian Way
Eliminate Hopelessness and Despair by Taking Heart in a New Day
Posted by Robert Meyer in Hope and Self-Discovery, Personal Strategies on November 21st, 2009
The holidays are upon us. A season of joy and renewal are for many a time of hopelessness and despair. Of course, a glance at our social and economics problems only reinforces their debilitating feelings of pain and sorrow.
Have you thought about those unfortunate people who awaken in the morning desperately hoping the dreams of joy and happiness residing somewhere deep in their subconscious somehow renewed them, only to unhappily discover that only their suffering and despair has been renewed? Maybe you are one of them. Anyway, they sadly lament “My God, another day without hope, another day of suffering through the same old drudgery without any prospects of pleasure or satisfaction.” They hopelessly wonder if anything will ever make a positive difference in their life.
If you are one of those unfortunate souls, my heart goes out to you. However, did you know it doesn’t have to be that way? It is possible for you to create a world that is vastly different from the one you are currently suffering through.
Enya sings the following verse from the song Once You Had Gold.
“What is the dark shadows around you;
Why not take heart in the new day?
Ever and always. Always and ever.
No-one can promise a dream for you.
Time gave both darkness and dreams to you”
Just the beauty of the song is enough to unleash a person’s most sublime feelings and emotions. The wisdom is timeless.
The Dark Shadow
Tragically, many people live their lives with the dark shadow as their constant companion. They unwittingly surround themselves with darkness, replacing the brilliant light they once so eagerly and so innocently shined forth during their fleeting days of happiness. The gloom and despair generated by the dark shadow now envelops their whole being.
Has the dark shadow become your constant companion? If so, you are no doubt suffering much pain and torment. Woe and sorrow are yours to keep if the morning sun that rises so gloriously in the east doesn’t dispel the dark grey of your existence.
Have you asked yourself why it has to be this way—or are you too depressed to think about it? Maybe the pain from self-analysis or introspection outweighs any benefits you might gain. At least that’s what you believe. I can honestly state from my own experiences that what you believe is a self-created delusion. Underneath your pain and suffering is a beautiful person, an enlightened soul who would love to soar with the eagles to the heights of an endless sky and sing songs of inspiration with the angels.
If you are involved with a person who feels this way, it is quite frustrating because you know if they would only open their heart, mind and soul, they would begin seeing through the illusions that control their life—and begin releasing the blocks and obstacles to the joy and happiness they so desperately need.
Taking Heart In A New Day
If you can’t take heart in a new day, you cannot possibly hope for a day of joy, pleasure and ecstasy. Without heart, there is no hope and no chance for the feelings of fulfillment that result from a successful day.
Ask yourself these questions. When the alarm goes off in the morning do you automatically wish you could return to your slumbers and escape the stark reality of your existence—of your meaningless life? Or do you happily think about your mission in life and bubble with excitement about all the steps you can take that move you closer to your ultimate goals and desires? Do you joyously anticipate some of the pleasures you will indulge in today? Do you realize that even the little things in life are experiences you can delight in?
Did you know that it is possible to regain your power or to rediscover the power you thought was forever lost? You may believe others possess all the available power, since they seem so adept at using it against you. That’s an illusion irrationally selfish power-seekers want you to believe. The power you need to transform your life into your dreams, desires and fantasies is within you. You own it. Yeah, it’s likely that you thoughtlessly extinguished its once dazzling fire of magnificence, but fortunately it is also possible for you to re-ignite it.
You might be asking how it’s possible to accomplish the seemingly impossible task of re-igniting the brilliant flame of hope and inspiration. Well, here’s how you do it. You take heart in a new day. Your first reaction might be “yeah, sure.” Let me tell you this. There are many effective methods to help you take heart in every new day.
Creating Your Own Dream
Enya is correct. No one can promise a dream for you. You must create your own dream. You probably know what your fantasies, goals and desires are. It should be obvious that it is up to you to manifest them. If you are waiting for a knight in shining armor or the manna from heaven to fall in your lap you will be sorely disappointed. Obviously, most people have enough difficulty creating and manifesting their own dreams. They certainly aren’t concerned about yours, unless, of course, yours and theirs are intertwined. If you want to attract beautiful, spiritual people into your life you have to shine forth the beauty of your spirit—the beauty you nurture and cherish with all your heart.
You can create the life you desire. You can do it. Here are several immediate steps you can take.
1. As soon as you awaken in the morning force yourself to smile and begin stretching your arms and legs. Feel the power your body possesses.
2. Meditate at least 24 minutes every morning. This is one minute for every hour of the day.
3. Begin an exercise program. Take up Yoga. Do whatever helps you feel better.
4. Get off the television, junk food cycle. You know that they go together to form a deadly combination that destroys your fantasies, dream and desires. Read books that stimulate your mind and spirit. Listen to the music that expands your deepest, most sublime emotions. Eat healthy foods. Your body needs the correct combination of fats, carbs and proteins.
5. Finally, love your values with all your heart. If your highest values seem elusive, it’s up to you to capture them.
Yes, tomorrow is a new day. And tomorrow will be today—a day of hope—and maybe a day of _________________________________. You fill in the blank. You decide.
All you have to do is take heart in a new day, and the day may very well return the favor and supply you with your heart’s desires.
For a comprehensive, easy to understand and pleasurable philosophy of life that helps you discover how to take heart in a new day click here.
Robert A. Meyer
The Libertarian Way
In Search of Enlightenment – Avoiding the Pitfalls
Posted by Robert Meyer in Hope and Self-Discovery on November 14th, 2009
You probably realize how difficult the search for truth and enlightenment can be. In fact, the path most often seems impassable, causing many discouraged souls to give up without further effort. An enlightened teacher may have hundreds or even thousands of students—but only a small percentage obtains a glimpse of all the possibilities that could so delightfully unfold before them.
The physical world of everyday reality presents many challenges to all who reside on our planet. Just look at our current financial catastrophe, which obviously was created by unenlightened individuals. Unfortunately, some are so unaware of what may exist beyond their immediate awareness, they only believe what is within their narrow range of vision—and some aren’t even aware of that. They never become equipped to handle the concerns of the past, present or future in an effective manner. They live what Henry David Thoreau calls “lives of quiet desperation.”
The enlightened individual resides in a higher state of awareness. But unless he has achieved the absolute highest states of enlightenment—the resistance and opposition he encounters from others negatively affects him.
Following are the four stages of awareness beginning with the stage of the uninitiated. Of course, there are many more stages than this—possibly an infinite amount—but in order to simplify matters we will cover only four.
Let’s take a journey into the metaphysical realms.
Total Obliviousness to Higher Awareness – The Uninitiated
You would think that with all the pain, suffering and frustration most people suffer, they would eagerly search for a higher state of awareness—one filled with joy, pleasure and ecstasy. Tragically, most are unaware that there are higher states of existence to reach, so they never attempt it. They believe happiness is something found in the world around them, supplied by things and other people. It never occurs to them to search for happiness where it actually resides, within who they really are. Obviously, these lost souls are the uninitiated.
Now some of these people realize something is missing from their lives so they seek out the guidance an organized religion—one that promises salvation after death—that is if they follow some strict doctrine or dogma. In order to keep these people in line, the church leaders threatened them with eternal hellfire or some other unpleasant punishment if they don’t submit to a “higher” authority—as if there is greater pain and suffering than they are already experiencing.
What is strange is much of the so-called dogma is supposed to be based on the teachings of Jesus Christ. This is peculiar because Jesus said “Most of mankind is asleep.” And indeed most people are.
When an enlightened one attempts to communicate with the uninitiated he has the double burden of feeling their suffering (an enlightened person is highly empathetic) and having a sudden twinge of frustration (although he quickly gets over it). Sadly, he discovers they are unteachable and unreachable. In fact, they are resistant to anyone who attempts to free him or her from their illusions. They actually oppose him and in some cases they torture and kill him. Now that’s a solution! Kill the one who sees through illusion so you can perpetuate your own illusions and delusions.
The uninitiated walk around blind and deaf, with their eyes and ears closed. They have permanently shut their mind down. They don’t realize they exist in a dream state. The enlightened individual thinks that maybe someday they will awaken from their long sleep and realize they were only dreaming—experiencing a series of unnecessary nightmares. However, it probably won’t occur in this lifetime. So tragically, they must continue suffering in their obstinacy and ignorance.
The Seeker Who Fails To Follow Through
Let’s say an individual becomes aware he is missing a piece or many pieces of the puzzle. He begins searching for something that could make a difference in his life. He (She) thinks there must be something that can free him from suffering and frustration so he searches and searches. Unfortunately this person never sticks to anything long enough to learn the lesson. He is like The Seeker in the song by the Who.
“I asked Bobby Dylan.
I asked The Beatles.
I asked Timothy Leary.
But he couldn’t help me either.”
Unfortunately, this individual is similar to the overweight person who jumps from one diet plan to another. I once knew a lady who changed diet plans every 2 weeks until she became discouraged and frustrated from her lack of success. Then she would go on a hamburger, fries and ice cream binge. Not surprisingly, she would gain more weight and become depressed. Finally, she would pull herself together and repeat the same cycle once again, with the same dismal results.
A person can’t expect to meditate for only a few weeks and suddenly gain enlightenment. Higher awareness is a lifetime pursuit, requiring continuous efforts of meditation, residing in the higher states, positive knowing, overcoming obstacles and challenges—and everyday enjoyment of all the pleasures and ecstasies life has to offer.
I’m not sure what happens to the unfulfilled seeker. Does he or she live a life of quiet desperation? Does he receive some satisfaction from his seeking? Or does he accept the way he is with some glimmer of awareness and happiness?
Guru Dependence
Guru dependence sometimes actually results in regression. Here’s what happens. Some discover what they believe is “the answer”. And in many cases it is a higher level of awareness. They also discover an enlightened teacher of this expanded state of awareness. The teacher or guru helps them uncover many truths that are hidden from the uninitiated. You could call these seekers quite fortunate.
“When the student is ready the teacher will appear.” I’m sure you’ve heard this saying. Some sayings end up as worn-out clichés. Fortunately, this statement is true. Many times I was at a crossroad, experiencing some uncertainty and frustration when suddenly the right teacher or book appeared. Happily, I continued on my journey of enlightenment.
A serious problem arises when the student becomes dependent on the teacher. A truly enlightened being doesn’t desire “guru status.” His most urgent desire is for the student to learn—then move on to the next lesson. Unfortunately some students are so enthralled with the teacher they are unable to cut the connection. They don’t realize that in order to be reborn into a higher state of awareness they must cut the “umbilical” cord. They must ascend.
The higher teachings speak of not forming possessive attachments. Becoming attached to a guru violates basic metaphysical law. I know you come to love your teachers and sometimes it is difficult to move on. However, the next higher state of existence only becomes possible when you let go—and that means letting go of your dependency on your teacher. Anyway, he or she will always live in your heart and soul. The memories never fade away because the teachings are yours for eternity.
Higher Awareness – Achieving Universal Harmony
In the amazing Pathways to Mastership course Jonathan Parker says “When we talk about being in harmony, we are talking about the realization of the oneness within the universal mind, going with the flow, offering no resistance at all and not forming possessive attachments along the way—that would be universal harmony.”
How wonderful to reach this higher state of awareness. What is delightful is that there are always higher states to aspire to. The universe is rapidly expanding into eternity—and wondrously your mind and spirit can expand along with it. You know, we can imagine all the possibilities of this existence, but can we envision what awaits us in other dimensions and existences? Ah, the thrill of the unknown.
I have caught glimpses of these during my meditations and sometimes in my dreams. I definitely discovered something of importance, the place where I want to someday go, once I complete my mission on earth. However, for now I am excited about all the pleasures and ecstasies that await me in my current awakened state of awareness. Life on our great planet has its rewards, if only you open your eyes and ears and activate your body, mind, and spirit.
I hope someday we meet on the journey.
Robert A. Meyer
The Libertarian Way
P.S. For weekday news stories that obliterate the delusions of the political and financial establishment visit the Freedom News Blitz Blog Monday thru Friday. Of course, our archives are accessible 24/7.