Happiness is
a stringed balloon
tied to a kite
that flies so noon
Sadness is
a melancholy frown
that never looks up
and always looks down
Wisdom is
a tiny winged creature
that sprung from a worm
without the sermon’s preacher
Tiny ‘n Winged (1) Photo by Thomas Peace c. 2017
Tiny ‘n Winged (2) Photo by Thomas Peace c. 2017
To have a decent rapport with nature, one must perceive beyond the limited walls of an isolated self. To really be in harmony with nature, one must (first and foremost) be harmonious psychologically. A mind of inner dissonance (and lack of harmony) does not perceive holistically; it sees fear as something that it has, not as something that it is not (at all) separate from; it sees nature as being “over there,” not as something that it is not separate from. A mind of conflict, fear, prejudice, and inner distortion will often — even if it insists otherwise — perceive nature with fragmentation, indifference, and corruption. Likewise, a mind of conflict, fear, prejudice, and inner distortion will perceive other human beings with fragmentation, indifference, and corruption. To perceive beyond mere contamination the mind would necessarily have to be pure and unsullied. Is psychological purity what can be accumulated, by someone, over time?
Profound psychological purity is timeless; it is not the result of accumulation or mere cultivation. Accumulation and cultivation require time. To be pure, innocent, and spotless (mentally) does not take time. Time, psychologically, is a postponement, a delay, and it involves a gradual change, a gradual (possible) improvement. To perceive other life beings with (and “as”) that innocence does not take time. To look at others (and at nature) in the same old ways does require time; it is time, as the stored (accumulated past) that merely recognizes separate things, sees with (and “as”) separation, pigeonholes things, and exploits people and nature. Real passion, real love, real order is timeless and pure… unsullied. Its spontaneity, its freshness, its aliveness, is instantaneously perceptive without distortion. That lack of distortion is real love, not the spurious (small, self-oriented) kind. That lack of distortion is wholeness as non-fragmented perception.
To climb the high mountain, one cannot move far by carrying a lot of heavy baggage. Very many depend so heavily on their psychological baggage, such that they fail to perceive the real beauty that is there (that excessive baggage cannot take one to).
Somehow appealing (1) Photo by Thomas Peace c. 2017
Somehow appealing (2) Photo by Thomas Peace c. 2017
Here are very many nevers
each inexorably not together
There are ever few always
flying higher than the tall trees
?Why are there so many (shall be)s
striving for littlesome (maybe)s
?Why can’t feathers ask us why
when does wishing stop to try
?When did slow turn to fast
where did time change at last
In the deep of round no wonder
lightning cracks and speaks as thunder
As the toadstools dance and bloom
eons pass across your room
Zygotes form when gametes curve
wise blossoms flower beyond preserve
The wisdom of flowers (1) Photo by Thomas Peace c. 2017
The wisdom of flowers (2) Photo by Thomas Peace c. 2017
A mind without that false center — without that fictitious, dominating middle point — is (unlike most) highly aware and perceptive. There is, in such a person, no psychological radius from a center to a periphery. Most people cling to a fictitious center in one form or another. There is limited space — in such a mind — between the so-called controller (or center) and what it presumably controls. If the central controller is (in fact) just an image, which it is, then it is just another one of the thoughts and is not something that is purely genuine or real. (Do not make the mistake of becoming depressed regarding this; eternity and beauty can still exist for us, without the interference of fallacious centers.)
Oftentimes, when people think, they think in auditory terms which simulate their own (individual) voice (when talking). This internal (psychological/rather parasitic) voice mimics one’s actual speaking voice. It (one’s thinking) isn’t an actual voice; it is a copied template… a simulation. These simulations and their associated images presume (because of what they were taught) that they are being controlled by a legitimate center. This center, as was suggested, is another one of the manufactured images. The mind can function much better without the manufactured image of a center or central regulator.
Real (fundamental) compassion doesn’t often take place when a fictitious center sees others through (and from) a radius of distance and separation. A man or a woman without such a fictitious center exists beyond such a radius; then real compassion often manifests. Order of the mind does not exist as long as a fictitious center exists. Such a so-called center is associated with a false sense of control and dominance. A false psychological distance is involved with such a mind. False psychological distance often means that one’s relationship to fears, desires, plants, animals, people, and sensations is of conflict born out of fallacious separation. Fallacious separation is not of intelligent compassion… is not what will bring about real order and harmony in the world.
[Note: This little green plant was discovered growing — in the cold, snowy winter weather — within a small, lawn (crystal ball) solar light in our yard! All of the other outdoor green plants had already died from the bitter cold, but this one was still going strong in its little makeshift greenhouse! Nature always finds a way! 🙂 ]
Green plant growing in lawn solar light! Photo by Thomas Peace c. 2017
Once upon an if
possibilities happened
among all probabilities
entwined in dull securities
Twice upon a flower
within vase and water
away from fellow meadow bloomers
close to drunken baby boomers
Thrice upon a never
love’s blanket enfolds all
unknownst to feigning pretenders
beyond the cruel offenders
Countless upon an always
far from cold pugnacity
joyful in sublimity
splendid in divinity
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eternalfountainofyouth.com
Countless Upon an Always (1) Photo by Thomas Peace c. 2017
Countless Upon an Always (2) Photo by Thomas Peace c. 2017
Happy New Year! (even though there isn’t anything new about it) Hoping that the following year is full of insight, compassion, and care (radiating from all of us). 🙂
“If the moon, in the act of completing its eternal way around the Earth, were gifted with self-consciousness, it would feel thoroughly convinced that it was traveling its way of its own accord…. So would a Being, endowed with higher insight and more perfect intelligence, watching man and his doings, smile about man’s illusion that he was acting according to his own free will.” — Albert Einstein
Many people ardently insist and feel that they have “free will,” an ability to freely choose without being bound by limitations. They each think that some central agency (i.e.,dominator/controller), apart from the contents, is (somehow) freely acting. Thoughts and thinking involve physical processes within (and “as”) the brain, and these physical process are not exempt from the cause and effect sequences that our universe moves as. The very notion of will implies the power of control that the mind has concerning its own actions. If all of these actions are (inherently) reactions, however, that opens up questions concerning what is actually taking place. (Never feel, however, that conditioning and the lack of free will constitute some kind of get out of jail free pass or “excuse” to whip up; we are, each of us, responsible for helping the world to be orderly and pain-free.)
Did real (free) volition not exist in the worm-like chordates and fish that we evolved from but sprang into existence with us? May it, whether we refuse to see it or not, be that free will, in essence, is a concept that has little or no validity for our current mental states? Most of us, either consciously or unconsciously, cling to the notion of having free will. If the mind has control over its contents, who is the controller? Is the controller separate from what the controlled (psychologically) is? If the controller is not something magically separate, then that has an altogether different meaning and significance.
Sensitively perceiving (not merely conceptually) that most all of what we think and feel is totally conditioned and is part of a cause and effect continuum can allow the mind to come upon a new and vital challenge. Can the mind not merely continue to operate in (and “as”) the same old ways (of conditioning) but, instead, function and live (at times) beyond mere reaction? Real liberty and emancipation may come when the mind sees itself as totally conditioned (when it is conditioned) and deeply ensnared in (and “as”) cause/effect patterns and, then, changes (not through reactions, as in the past), but in a wholly different manner. Then there is a possibility of real order, insight, and compassion to function, beyond the norm. He who clings to prison bars forever thinking that he is free will never run disentangled from all the bondage.
Fungus on Fallen Oak (1) Photo by Thomas Peace c. 2016
Fungus on Fallen Oak (2) Photo by Thomas Peace c. 2016
When my dear uncle Lefty was in prison
he wasn’t keen about Loop Quantum Cosmology at all
He was much more interested in the thickness
of his cold prison cell wall
When my dear uncle Lefty finally left prison
he wasn’t interested in visiting me nor my uncle Ed
He was more intent on staying permanently stiff
and forever remaining dead
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[Note: The attached photograph is either of my uncle Lefty (who may or may not exist) or of a model of a Neanderthal at the Chicago Field Museum. Which is it? I won’t tell you, but i do have a big smile on my face as this is being written.]
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When my dear uncle Lefty was in prison
he’d secretly dig at his cell wall whenever there was loud thunder
When my dear uncle Lefty finally got out of prison
the digging was all conveniently done for him(as he was six feet under)
My dear uncle Lefty (1) Photo by Thomas Peace c. 2016
My dear uncle Lefty (2) Photo by Thomas Peace c. 2016
Merry Christmas to all of you two-legged, four-legged, and six-legged friends! 🙂
Santa is real… real love and giving! Anyone can be the Santa of others.
[Interesting how Santa, when we were very young, was something to get excited about and cherish. Then, as we get older, many see Santa as being something rather spurious and unreal. This has connotations that spill over into spirituality and religion. Many people do not (really) feel that anything truly mysterious and magical (as a sacred phenomenon) can exist. Deep inquiry, in this regard, is often considered to be a waste of time by many. Disbelief can be as blinding as mindless belief; insight goes beyond these.]
Happy Holidays!
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To function only as mere secondary after-effects… what is that? Most of us always function as responses to stimuli… one response (or set of responses) after another. Thinking about things involves responses to stimuli. Recognizing things constitutes responses to stimuli. These responses are reactions. They are much like the reaction when the leg jerks after the knee is tapped with a soft mallet. Most of us are conditioned responses in a cause/effect continuum. Conditioned responses (as effects), occurring in (and “as”) a sequence, is time. Thinking is time; thinking and time are not two separate things.
Can consciousness function without merely always being one series of reactions (in sequence) after another? Can the mind be aware without merely reacting, recognizing, labeling, and without merely seeing from an image of self? Can a wise mind exist without constantly being a myriad of effects due to a myriad of causes? To answer these questions adequately, what will one do? Will one answer them by way of reaction?
Can thought, when it is not needed — and, oftentimes, it is not necessary — not habitually function in (and “as”) the mind? If it is thought that merely answers the aforementioned question, is the question being intelligently answered? Does love go beyond mere thought and time?
If one’s love is a mere reaction — formulated to get something in return, contrived to get some kind of result for one’s personal self — is it partial and, therefore, not profound and not very substantial at all? Love exists when the image of self is not. It takes time and thought to concoct an image of self (with all the associated desires and fears). Profound love is timeless.
Six-legged Santa! (1) Photo by Thomas Peace c. 2016
Six-legged Santa! (2) Photo by Thomas Peace c. 2016
When pristine order
spreads out to apparently be disorder
well,we’ll be in the disorder then
even though the spreading out
really is not separation
When the winged bird
spreads her wing feathers
well,we’ll be the flying then
even though the wing feathers
do not dwell as separation
When the present time
spreads out to apparently become the future
well,we’ll be the movement then
even though the past and future
do not dwell as separation
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[Note: We need to look at existence in totally new ways, ways that are intelligent (and no longer primitive) and that reflect real discoveries about reality and time. Time is not what we have preassumed it to be. One, personally, has realized this stuff decades ago. This, spiritually and philosophically, has very deep implications. It may very well be that the past is not just gone or that the future does not yet exist. Take the time to watch the video that is at the bottom section of this posting (following my photos), please. Additionally, there is a fuller version of this documentary; go to YouTube, and look up “The Illusion of Time, Full Documentary.”]
Well, we’ll be the flying then (1) Photo by Thomas Peace c. 2016
Well,we’ll be the flying then (2) Photo by Thomas Peace c. 2016
Many of us go through existence presupposing things and assuming so many things because of the way we were taught (i.e., because of the way we absorbed patterns from others). We need to question more. We need to question things deeply, wisely, and passionately. There is a real art to questioning. One can easily fabricate superficial questions that are not of great meaning and depth. However, asking essential (fundamental) questions concerning the very essence of life and existence…. is not what a lot of people engage in. Many are caught in a rut, and their lack of significant questions keeps them in that rut. Often, when such people ask questions, the questions are a mere reflection of the limitation that they exist in (and “as”). To be trapped in a morass and just remain there — without ever realizing that one is trapped — is a sad thing; such may be the lot of many.
We take for granted that experience and knowledge — which is the accumulation of patterns over sequential time — is the one and only modus operandi that all of us must function in (and “as”) in order to succeed and prosper. Few of us ever really question as to whether there is an additional alternative. Many who evolved to realize that there is value in quietness and silence have (for the most part, unfortunatly) made this so-called silence into another form of “experience.” Along these lines, people (for the most part) practice methodologies — given to them by others — to attain so-called quietness or silence. However, it may be that any methodology or practice devised to achieve silence — via following procedures — is erroneous, if sequential patterns (no matter what they are) cannot, when practiced, produce what is truly beyond time and sequential paradigms. It may be that calculated causes and effects cannot produce what is beyond mere “cause and effect.”
Experiencing things often is a good, prudent thing. The truly wise mind, however, also goes beyond mere experience, doing so without any effort or methodology. (Engaging in experiencing is largely habitual, and one does not always have to depend upon habits. Deep intelligence doesn’t always merely remain as habits.) Experiencing things (in the ordinary way) involves recognition, reaction, labeling, interpretation, categorization, and (often) opinion-making. Experiencing, for so many, involves the repetitive recognition of patterns via stored (old) memory. If this takes place (ceaselessly), as it does in so many, then the “old,” the “past,” dictates current consciousness; there can be no renewal nor alive freshness in a mind merely bound to the old past in such a way. Often, on the other hand, the wise mind newly (i.e., without dependence on the “old”) perceives (without psychological space between an observer and what is seen). Oftentimes, one can sagaciously look without mere separation, recognition, labeling, and reaction. Oftentimes, for example, one can joyfully walk where there are beautiful flowers, being fully aware of them just by simply (effortlessly) looking (and deeply seeing their shape and color), but one need not necessarily label them as being beautiful, need not codify them as being flowers, need not see them from a “center” that is separate, nor classify them as being of a certain species.
The intelligent mind that questions fundamentally and prudently often functions as “experiencing” and “labeling” precisely, accurately, and compassionately; such a mind also often effortlessly goes beyond mere experiencing. Sequential, fragmentary patterns, for such a mind, fade into the background and there is a wholeness beyond the fabrications of man, beyond mere acquisition, and beyond mere causality. (This may sound esoteric or exotic, but it is really very simple, involving real integrity.) There is real bliss when psychological fragmentation and piecemeal acquisition ends; ironically, those stuck only in the sequential patterns of experience remain there to often contend with inevitable monotony and boredom. One can try to escape the superficial in so many ways, by so many different experiences. However, one cannot escape the superficial via endlessly more of the superficial.
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[Note: The photo is of a Softshell Turtle. Their shells are soft and rubbery; they are very aquatic; they have pointed heads, are quite flat, and they are very elusive.]
Softshell Turtle. Photo by Thomas Peace c. 2016
I took Eternity out (on a leash) for a walk today.
Upon reaching a fire hydrant she, of course,
took forever to do her business.
I said, “Why on earth do you take so long to do your business?”
Eternity just looked at me (with her little head tilted at a cute angle),
without replying, with an inordinate stare that seemed to
permanently transcend time and the separateness of space.
Then, for what I thought was a brief moment,
the boundless leash started pulling me, ever so slightly,
and we went on and on.
We, as we went on, passed by a beautiful, enduring damsel
sitting, persistently, upon a non-evanescent ever-green tree.
Please remember that whenever you and Eternity go (or may have gone)
out for a magical walk, perhaps with a leash — wherever or whatever
you move (or had moved) through, no matter how far or short it is,
no matter how many places you visited — your consciousness hasn’t
really moved anywhere (other than where it always was).
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eternalfountainofyouth.com
In the Ever-green Tree (1) Photo by Thomas Peace c. 2016
In the Ever-green Tree (2) Photo by Thomas Peace c. 2016
There is an indelible energy that is safely beyond the conflict and turmoil of our world and universe. It is beyond the grasp of corruption. It exists beyond the time and space that involves competition, strife, friction, separation, and domination. For it to visit one, one must be of an innocence and emptiness that is not a result of what others have fabricated. Mere reactions, mere imitation, will never help it to manifest in oneself. Reactions and any form of imitation are part of the conditioned responses that are components of the cause and effect continuum of sequential time (in limited space). Its timelessness, its spacelessness is not what can be harnessed and captured by the limited concoctions of man. Any methodology to “get it,” including any organized religion or plan of philosophy… is likely highly erroneous, as it is beyond sequential methods, systems, and practices. It is too alive and immense for any dead system or calculated procedure to bring one to it.
It is not at all likely to come to one who is immersed in corrupt and antiquated psychological frameworks involving separation and conflict. A supposedly separate ego that (through a screen of concepts) sees itself apart from the whole of nature or mankind is not likely to be visited by it. A (non-global) mind that clings to man-made, separative countries and religions that (directly and indirectly) divide man against man will not likely be visited by it. A mind that thoughtlessly pollutes life or that indifferently harms life’s creatures will not likely ever be visited by it. Although many distorted minds have no real relationship with it, they pray to (images of) what they think — and were taught — it is. Not having an ego, it (of course) would not ever want to be praised or recognized in terms of devotion. Additionally, it may be that it does not readily bestow favors to those who pray or ask for benefits… since it may not (at all) be biased to favor intelligent-oriented species (who can ask for favors) as opposed to equally precious species (or individuals) who do not have the intelligence to ask for favors. Additionally, it would not likely interfere with a cause/effect universe that it is not a part of (nor the cause of). Too many, always remaining in (and “as”) their conditioning, have no actual relationship with it, yet they anthropomorphize it and project their corrupt attributes onto what they fabricated it as being.
Few are ever visited by it. Few are open and pure (beyond the desires and methodologies implanted within them by others). There is no “how” for getting it to visit one. Indeed, when one is truly wise, stable, joyful, and mindful (without constant measure and mere calculation)… then one does not spend “time” desiring its presence. Without effort, real awareness goes beyond falsities and delusive boundaries. Without those boundaries, reactions are not as prevalent (i.e, they lose their shadowy hold on one), superfluous (habitual) thinking ends, experiences are not merely depended upon for consciousness, space between things loses much of its significance, and the infinite is (beautifully) easier to perceive.
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eternalfountainofyouth.com
Bumble Bee on Purple Cone Flower (1) Photo by Thomas Peace c. 2016
Bumble Bee on Purple Cone Flower (2) Photo by Thomas Peace c. 2016
The steps to the train they know their name
The sign by the bus creates a big fuss
The gate by the tree bent its left knee
The red light in town gave a huge frown
The bite off the peach spoke each to each
The cat on the floor petted more and more
The letter to the friend had plenty to spend
The tree by the brook gave a sweet kindly look
The snail by the well some flowers did sell
The fossil on the stone held its own cellphone
The fear by the door drowned by the shore
The bouncing ball was a joyful dog at a wall
The fog around the house chased a wild mouse
The slicing of bread would soon go to bed
The white toilet seat had just enough to eat
The smiles on the train did not ever complain
The look at the crow had photographs to show
The creak in the floor opened the front door
The corn in the field depressed brakes to yield
The flowers in the yard toiled very hard
The pen in the hand helped to make the man
The wisdom and the tree had to go and pee
Trilobite Fossil Cheirurus sp., middle Ordovician age (1) Photo by Thomas Peace c. 2016
Trilobite Fossil Cheirurus sp., middle Ordovician age (2) Photo by Thomas Peace c. 2016
For many years, i collected and made 3D glass holograms. They are, i feel, superior to regular 2D photographs… since they also convey depth (without the need for wearing special glasses), not just the implication of depth. Holograms, though most people (when they see them) really love them, never became very popular. Depth in photography, like real depth in philosophy (i.e., the real “love of truth” pure philosophy), is rarely deeply appreciated by people. (By the way, the 2D surface of a properly made holographic film, when illuminated by a decent light source, projects images that appear as 3 dimensions.) As time went by, i personally made true (full) color holograms; true color holograms are very difficult to make. I would get my blank plates, to make images on, from Yves Gentet, whom Discover Magazine proclaimed to be the best photographer in the world. When making full-color holograms, i had to use multiple lasers and special dichroic glass filters… and everything had to be extremely precise, without any distortion whatsoever. It’s the same thing with true philosophy and the concomitant real understanding of one’s mind (i.e., real self-realization)… there must not be any distortion whatsoever.
When i was quite young, years before ever getting interested in holograms, i partook in one-on-one conversations concerning philosophy with Professor David Bohm, a world-renowned quantum physicist whom Albert Einstein wanted as an assistant. We had many very deep discussions (but never once were holograms mentioned). Then, years later, i was walking through a large mall with my wife, Marla, and saw some holograms displayed. I was hooked! I often visited the Museum of Holography in Chicago and was well known by Loren Billings who ran the museum. Loren and i had many great discussions about the holographic nature of the universe (including space and time). My book on philosophy deals a lot with time; it mentions holography in terms of its significance with regard to time and our human position. Now, remarkably enough, scientists — most all of the very best, top scientists (worldwide) — are saying that our manifested universe is quite “holographic” in its very essence. They are saying that the periphery of (not only black holes) but also of the entire universe behaves much like a holographic film… and that we are projections of what is contained on the surface of that film. They are saying that there is an exact copy of what we are, were, and will be, at that peripheral region. So, is that “surface” film more real than we are, or are we what is more real? They say: take your pick; both are legitimate. It may be that the past, present, and future are intrinsically enfolded into one another and are not at all separate. Years after collecting and making holograms, i found out who the scientist was who was instrumental in the initial development of this holographic universe discovery; it was (coincidentally) Professor David Bohm.
Interestingly enough, when one breaks a hologram (of a rose, for example) in half and illuminates it with another laser, each half will have an image (though not quite as clear) of the entire rose. Subsequently, break each of those halves in half… and each will have an image of the entire rose. The wise man, who transcends the fragmentary, superficial, illusory symbols of man, may deeply connect with (and perceive) much of the whole, whereas those who exist superficially see little of reality; they are looking at the broken borders and boundaries; the wise mind is perceiving the whole (beyond the breakage). (It’s a shame that so many write and blog about truth while, all along, they have not really seen much of anything… though they “think” they have.) Regarding holograms, the parallax nature that they inherently have is very incredible; in other words, for example, you can look at a hologram of an open umbrella being held, and if you bend your head down you can actually see the inside of the umbrella’s top (that you couldn’t see until you bent down as if it were an actual umbrella being held)! When you again stand erect, you see the very top of the outside section of the umbrella as you normally would. With a hologram of a box, for example, you can stand in front and see the side that is facing you; if you move to the left, you can see another side of the box; if you move to the right, you can see yet another side of the box. Of course, the universe is not some kind of giant hologram; it is living, dynamic, and much more than that. However, the holographic model can be useful to explain certain dimensions of it to others. Professor Leonard Susskind and other top scientists helped Stephen Hawking and others see that the holographic model had amazing potential, reality, and legitimacy. The implications of all this are profound, and they affect what man can penetrate into spiritually, philosophically, and actually; but not many people are perceiving this significantly. A few of us were seeing this long before the top physicists came up with their calculations; we were seeing much more than what the calculations could reveal.
[Note:
The following is a short 2D animation of one of my 3D holograms; it is of a floating “pear” with parallel lines behind it. Of course, the crude 2D animation does not come close to doing justice to the actual beauty and quality of the hologram. This particular hologram is a monotone green on black… but it (the “pear” image part) projects out into the viewing room at a very great and very impressive distance; you can move your hand through and around the pear… and it has very phantom-like attributes. (The pear seems to float out in the space of the viewing room, and the parallel lines go very deep into the wall.) Other holograms are of flowers, animals, and people… and they are very beautiful, some in full, natural color. (Additionally, please watch the YouTube video below.)]
Pearallel-lines Glass Hologram. Video by Thomas Peace c. 2016 See the YouTube video:
In the pursuit of color
levelheaded snapshots happened twice
at the heartflower of everything
feathered sirens sang their song
Simply sweet as nature’s grace
they nurture beauty and joy
far from apathy and indifference
implicit order moves along
Not overwrought with stilted lies
but beyond the obtuse pool
lone in the plush prairie preludes
pristine charm transcends war
Here as there is nowhere
beyond cold space’s creed
just as now always was
the flower’s passage widens perceive
The Flower’s Passage (1) Photo by Thomas Peace c. 2016
The Flower’s Passage (2) Photo by Thomas Peace c. 2016
I’ve written about timelessness in the past. Some people, one has noticed, have mistakenly abstracted that “timelessness” to be a static thing… an inert thing. On the contrary, the beauty of timelessness is not of the lifeless, the dormant, nor the comatose. Stagnant minds — as so many, unfortunately, are — cannot be in a relationship with it. It is too dynamic, too alive and energetic to be in direct relationship with the listless, cold, and lackadaisical.
Most of us never question things deeply and intelligently. Most of us never wonder about whether or not existing in (and “as”) patterns (and experiences, which depend on mere patterns) is the only way in which to go through life. Our religions, our politics, our everyday mundane routines in life are all based upon patterns and sequential cause and effect paradigms. Need one just be that? (If so, is one then merely a series of reactions? Merely existing as a series of reactions may be what stagnation is… may be what a kind of death is.) Most never ask about this. Most never go beyond the limited domain that was handed over to them. It’s like a fish bowl in the vast ocean… and the fish (within) never (ever) going beyond the confines of the bowl. That bowl, that we have accepted and remain in so diligently, is limited, is confinement. That limited bowl, for humans (who evolved from fish, by the way), consists of thought, fragmentary reactions, and conditioning. If you wish, stay there.
All of the isolated governments, all of the standard, separate religions and traditions of the world keep you there, in what is limited. Going beyond the limited doesn’t take time. However, they’ll be more than happy to give you oodles of methodologies (that take time).
Antennae on the lookout! (1) Photo by Thomas Peace c. 2016
Antennae on the lookout! (2) Photo by Thomas Peace c. 2016
Passionate lipstick Dreary clouds
Angry vehicles Bored jail bars
Smiling birthday cakes Careful tightropes
Dancing shoes Hungry enchiladas
Swearing beer bottles Patriotic flags
Sleepy beds Frightened darkness
Apprehensive boxing gloves Giggling lollipops
Complimentary babies Relaxed swimming pools
Melancholy psychiatrists Laughing balloons
Lost neighborhoods Generous donation containers
Indifferent guns Conversing ketchup bottles
Impatient intersections Whistling dogs
Proud properties Disappointed traffic tickets
Thirsty deserts Indoctrinated religions
Upset bronze medals Disenchanted politicians
Peeing fire hydrants Crying coffins
Thankful presents Listening walls
Reaching sandals Talented pianos
Lying used cars Flying flower blooms
Inquisitive computer screens Excited carnival rides
Nearsighted soup directions Farsighted oak trees
Insightful questions Stagnant presumptions
Bee & Bloom (1) Photo by Thomas Peace c. 2016
Bee & Bloom (2) Photo by Thomas Peace c. 2016
Fourteen novels, three short story collections, five plays and five works of non-fiction stand as a towering testament of Kurt Vonnegut’s ability to show us the fantastic in literature, and the extent to which books and writing can make us feel sublime. The man who brought us the terrific Slaughterhouse 5, which experiments in form, structure, as well as time and inter-dimensional travel, is rightly regarded as one of the greatest literary titans of the last 200 years.
And the man who has given us some of the finest, timeless advice on writing and reading has also provided some prescient advice on the way we should live our lives. Indeed, in 1988, he collaborated with TIMEMagazine to write a letter to the future population of Humanity, in the year AD 2088.
The purpose of the project was simple: to provide “some words of advice” to those living in…
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Comparing yourself to others is a two-fold process that usually involves measurement and techniques (involving duality) that are superfluous (and that may very well dull the mind). If many are immersed in dull habits, superficial behaviors, and limited perspectives, comparing yourself with them and then emulating them may, indeed, tend to make the mind act (i.e., react) similarly. Indifference, seen as normal and ordinary, easily breeds more indifference. A unique person, beyond all the lemmings, perceives beyond mere comparison and imitation; such a person is more inherently free (than those who merely absorb, internalize, swallow, and imitate the behaviors of others). Those who lazily internalize all of society’s values and traditions are not free (though they may, as a reaction, insist that they are); they are secondhand shadows of antiquated authority, old habits, and primitive patterns of the past. It’s easy to be secondhand. Then you don’t have to think or feel.
Very many compare, imitate, copy, fit in, get comfortable, stagnate, presuppose things that were poured into them, and do not ask deep questions. Why? The man or woman who truly goes beyond all of this may not merely be some dishonest, mischievous rogue, but (rather) may be a profoundly insightful, majestic, free, independent, and truly compassionate person. True compassion, true order, has little to do with following old authority, following stale customs, or following dead rules. Real order isn’t what merely occurs from comparing oneself to others and imitating others; real order comes from that timeless (i.e., eternal) action that is not mere reaction.
Away from the crowd. (1) Photo by Thomas Peace c. 2016
Away from the crowd. (2) Photo by Thomas Peace c. 2016
Within life’s is(this immortal love
shouldn’t have been)but joyfully was
beyond barbarism’s wretched hoopla
between time’s gobbledygook of because
Not shoddy(jaded)mentally faded
ifs chattering through imaginable maybes
Not ordinarily common in obdurate rigidity
witless whens and wishwashy crazies
Not apathetically apart from pristine forever’s nows
Not merely immersed in cool November’s leafy falling
though blind gravity pulls the weeping rain down
pompous and proud in its feigned bawling
Raindrops keep fallin’ on my head… (2) Photo by Thomas Peace c. 2016
Raindrops keep fallin’ on my head… (1) Photo by Thomas Peace c. 2016
If you are truly innocent and perceptive (without motive), the mystery of the universe will come to you (and pursue you)… you won’t have to seek it. Many others, out of boredom, out of groping for more, come up with methodologies for coming to the sacred. Unfortunately, their mechanical blueprints, their dead systems, their fallacious fantasies, make an impression on others… and more and more mischief and nonsense ends up getting hammered into others.
Having a humble, quiet mind is beneficial, as it enables perception to occur without being jaded and tainted by the fabrications of others. However, unlike what many believe, a quiet mind does not bring about that which is sacred and illimitable. That illimitability is far too dynamic to merely be brought about by way of silence (or by way of anything else). A quiet mind is important, but no petty actions, inactions, reactions, methodologies, systems, absurd prayers or incantations, practices, or fabricated schemes can conjure it up. Yet, it may visit a mind that is orderly, sane, innocent, living, and whole.
Beware of those who tell you exactly how to find it or who write or talk about their struggle to come upon it. It may not be a product of any methodology; it may not involve struggle or effort whatsoever. Order of the mind is not a mere calculated product; it is a living, profound thing. An orderly, living mind is not the result of some concoction or blueprint. The result of some dead blueprint or mold is not living. Any purposeful meditation generated or fashioned intentionally by the mind… is not meditation whatsoever.
Jumping Jack Flash (1) Photo by Thomas Peace c. 2016
Jumping Jack Flash (2) Photo by Thomas Peace c. 2016
An enlightened man — one of only a few in this
particular solar system —
walked across the street.
He didn’t particularly care much for the pavement;
it was hardened, callous (like many, uncaring people),
and it covered a place where there used to be
lush, living things of great (soft) beauty.
There was awareness of the distant, oncoming traffic, but
unnecessary thoughts were (intelligently) not there;
there was no center, no authority to
merely see with (and “as”) separation.
As the street was being crossed, a wren came flying by.
Awareness was that little wren… not something separate from it,
(not something seeing it as being separate).
After the crossing of the street, a few steps were climbed.
As the steps were climbed, a curious squirrel was seen in a tree.
Curiously, that beautiful squirrel climbed the steps,
though it never left the tree.
What U R 2. (1) Photo by Thomas Peace c. 2016
What U R 2. (2) Photo by Thomas Peace c. 2016
Thought and thinking, though very useful at times, is a form of resistance. Thought originated, in mobile creatures, such as invertebrate and vertebrate animals, in order to acquire and manipulate… and in order to struggle against and contend with (or dominate) other organisms. Most people, having evolved from (and “as”) the aforementioned developments, would tend to think that it is errant and reprehensible to suggest that one move beyond thoughts and thinking. When immersed in the framework and network of thought, it — for most, unfortunately — seems ludicrous to deeply consider going beyond that realm (that actually is what they exist as). In Socrates’ Parable of the Cave, those who believed in shadows and who took shadows to be reality — thereby existing as shadows — scoffed at those few who suggested perceiving beyond the shadows.
Most people are rigidly set in their ways; they will cling to these ways, in comfort, without question. They exist in (and “as”) fractional, symbolic thoughts and mental constructs. However, when you fervently accept limited ways, without question, you are what limitation actually is; you are of blockage and restriction… not something separate. The wise man (or woman) conversely, has perceptual range. In perceptual range is liberation, real freedom (not the phony, orchestrated appearance of freedom that so many cling to and think that they enjoy). The wise mind transcends boundaries; in doing so, mental constraints vanish, separation and hate end, confines of thought’s images disappear, and even the limitless may magically happen. When boundaries are truly transcended, one goes beyond mere robotic reactions (and all reactions are intrinsically robotic). Our reactions and inherited beliefs — which occur as conditioned responses — are what separates us, what divides us. In going beyond them, one is no longer of the fractional, conditioned ways that divide people; then one is global; then one is truly universal. Such a universal individual doesn’t merely belong to little, separative races, regions, or any one country; such a universal person doesn’t belong to one of the many fragmentary religions that separate people. Most people do not want to go beyond their inherited and accumulated beliefs; they would much rather cling to and fight over the reactions that they have absorbed from others. We can live in peace and harmony if we (worldwide) go beyond inherited beliefs and fabricated boundaries; however, many do not care about doing that. Beliefs (and primitive, separative identifications), for many, are more important than actual peace. In the light of perception, one stops fighting over mere shadows; for that to happen, one must see the shadows as shadows and transcend beyond them; or you can see what was promised in (and by) the shadows by others… and live in (and “as”) the shadows forever… forever clinging to them and forever fighting over them. However, is that really seeing?
Emergence beyond patterns (1) Photo by Thomas Peace c. 2016
Emergence beyond patterns (2) Photo by Thomas Peace c. 2016
We’re all a part of the spectrum of holistic light
and just like the color yellow will never
permanently fade and disappear from that spectrum
each of us (including all life forms)
will never permanently disappear
With all the colors of life’s palette (life’s rainbow)
with all the dimensions of living light
we are there
There will always be yellow
and though yellow (and green) may fade now and then
they will always be there
Of Yellow and Green (1) Photo by Thomas Peace c. 2016
Of Yellow and Green (2) Photo by Thomas Peace c. 2016
Happy Halloween… and here’s a huge, new threat to horses! Remember, however, nothing is quite as scary as the presidential campaign in the U.S. around now! Ahhhhhhhhhh!
A Huge New Threat To Horses! Photo by Thomas Peace c. 2016
Do you take up residence in the antiquated, fabricated, and absorbed patterns of man? Or are you sagaciously swifter and more dynamically prudent than that, where they can’t (no matter how hard they look, with their old-fangled ways) ever find you? Though it’s really not a mere place, are you where they can’t ever know you? Concrete images of self are much of what they cadaverously exist as. Concrete images of self are what they taught you to absorb, and such images and devised schemes of inner dominancy are petrified and calcified. The solidified, isolated center of inner self-ish-ness (which really isn’t a center at all) is endorsed and condoned by ruthless others (who, themselves, absorbed from conditioned others). To go beyond conditioned ways, significantly, requires that the mind shed its primitive caterpillar/chrysalis ways and, instead, soar (as a fresh butterfly) free from all the inertness.
The beautiful butterflies and the colorful flowers of this marvelous earth are not separate things. Please don’t merely yank the flowers out of the soil and shove them in cold vases; please look at them where they grow (and connect with them). Please don’t net radiant butterflies and coldly stick them in framed wall-display-mounts; please enjoy them as they vibrantly fly (and please soar higher too). Please don’t try to isolate yourself in a dark, dead little corner (of self, of “me”) and think that you are somehow separate from (and different from) the living whole. Please blossom and open up your wings beyond mere stagnant (enclosed) ways.
We are each other (1) Photo by Thomas Peace c. 2016
We are each other (2) Photo by Thomas Peace c. 2016
I’ve got eight legs
you’ve got two
I’ve got eight eyes
you’ve only two
You run from us
and scream
but we’re much
more afraid of you
You with your overpopulation
and polluting ways
are ruining this planet
We aren’t
With your hitting hatred
and your many armaments
you mindlessly march in armies
We don’t march in any
So on Halloween
or on any other dark night
don’t run from us in hysterics
It’s all so blatantly ludicrous
Jumping Spider (1) Photo by Thomas Peace c. 2016
Jumping Spider (2) Photo by Thomas Peace c. 2016
Tradition has seemed to keep us safe up to a certain point. Many of us cling to tradition in one form or another; most cling to many forms of tradition. Many of us have our own special religions, nations, customs, leaders, priests, gurus, and methodologies… and to these, we ardently cling. It has seemed to give us comfort and security by doing so. With traditions, you don’t have to think much; tradition will have done that for you. Most people really like that; it is far easier to let others do the thinking for you. These others, however, have done the very same thing… (absorbing old habits from those whom they’ve similarly copied). What we’ve inherited may be — unless we prefer to stick our heads in the sand as so many do — a lot of primitive nonsense that tends to separate and divide people globally. (Where is the real security in that?!) Each one thinks that his (or her) traditions, systems, ways, and areas are so very special and so much better (than that of the “others”). We do this and end up with conflict, divisiveness, and wars. Again, where is the real security in that? We become so comfortable that we allow the bureaucrats to continue polluting the world with fossil fuels, pollute our bodies with junk foods, and our minds with hate, fear, and antiquated ideas… while we don’t peacefully request change and don’t partake in significant alternative action that is beyond conflict and mere reaction. Profound enlightenment never occurs to the mediocre mind that remains in the rut that indoctrinated others have dug.
Besides these outer traditions, we cling to (and “are”) inner traditions. When inner, crude, primitive traditions are warped, distorted, unbalanced, awry, common, and fractional… they reflect this disarray into the world. Then we overpopulate it, abuse it, and mindlessly contribute to conflict while this fragile world and the beautiful animals upon it suffer the consequences. We can do better. However, the old ways are deeply ingrained in us (and “as us”), and the time for change is long overdue. On a brighter note: We — some of us, at least — can change, blossom, and transcend all of the mediocrity.
********************************************************************************************************
[Note: The nights have been getting cold, and this young Bullsnake came through the front door into our house. I took it near the river bank on the property and released it in an area with a lot of fallen leaves (where it could dig into to find needed warmth). However, before releasing it, a few pictures (of course) had to be taken. (The second photo is with me holding the snake in one hand and taking a photo of it with the other hand.) Steven Irwin, whom i miss dearly (since he passed away), was a superb naturalist who often (on his excellent television nature series) would reveal his deep love of nature. He often shared the same sentiments that i have concerning snakes: They are beautiful and spectacular creatures if one looks at them without prejudice and old-fashioned beliefs. Steve’s premature passing was a loss to nature; he was a true champion of nature. Bullsnakes may look a little bit like Rattlesnakes, but they are non-poisonous and they do not have a rattle at their tail end. Many people thoughtlessly kill them when they see them, which is a real shame. All you have to do is grab one a little way up from the tip of the tail and take it to where you would like it to be released. They are beautiful creatures that eat mice, rats, voles, and other pests, and they are totally harmless to man. We’re so glad that our little friend stopped by!]
Bullsnake. Photo by Thomas Peace c. 2016
Holding a Bullsnake. Photo by Thomas Peace c. 2016
Childhood time is a magical time)
and it’s all about magic (really)
life is
It’s so beautifully full of magic
life is
And youthful joy is that wonderment
and that feelingcloseto
sweet immortality
So many adults lose those wonderous moments
drink to their bitter depression
and go through the motions without
ever being alive
?Why do they stop asking questions
?Why do they with starched faces
cadaverously walk right past joy and beauty
I don’t ever want to grow up
I don’t ever want to grow up
I don’t ever want to grow up
Childhood time is a magical time
and it’s all about magic
(really
Silver-Spotted-Skipper (1) Photo by Thomas Peace c. 2016
Silver-Spotted-Skipper (2) Photo by Thomas Peace c. 2016
True perception involves seeing the whole in a sensitive way without the contamination of isolated (taught, habitual) images. Distortion occurs when the supposed (but false) whole is seen fragmentarily through a mental screen of conditioning. For instance, it is in vogue to say that “I am one with the beauty of nature”… or to identify oneself in a special connection with magnificent, towering trees or a breathtaking mountain range. One fragmentary image, however, identifying itself with other images… is what it is: a sequence of fractional image making. (Few, by the way, identify themselves with people who are mentally or physically handicapped or with disappearing coral reefs; maybe if they observed them without a mere fractional center… more good things would get done). Real wholeness exists beyond the boundaries of thought. These boundaries include the fallacious center that feels in control of what are considered “subservient thoughts.” Thought/thinking projects this center as being separate from other thoughts and as being separate from what is perceived (through the screen of thought); this center has (and is) an essence of separation. Real wholeness does not put a separative, isolated image of a (fallacious) center on a psychological pedestal; real wholeness does not have a supposedly central image that merely identifies itself (at times) with other chosen, select images — like breathtaking mountains — while (at other times) it purports to be domineering over “other” images (whether they be internal or external) from a distance.
Most people don’t care deeply about true or deep perception; they have accepted crude, mundane ways, (and they continue to perceive through — and “as” — these mundane, superficial ways, without going deeply beyond them). In these banal, mundane ways, most inevitably get bored and feel unfulfilled, which is (obviously) due to clinging to the old and stale. They continue to cling to the old and stale ways, and they are afraid to let them go. Untold many, over centuries, have each relied on and believed in a domineering and manipulative center that is (supposedly) in charge of the rest of thinking… and the world remains in crisis; deep harmony rarely emerges out of distortion. The irony in this, unfortunately, is that most will not care to delve into this and transcend the fractional center; yet it is this very so-called center (because of its unnecessary friction and conflict) that keeps them in psychological isolation that is dull, lonely, distorted, second-hand, deceitful (and that is not dynamic while it creates a space of limitation that directly leads to boredom and inner sorrow). The serious mind that sees the falsity of such a center is, on the other hand, joyous, harmonious, original, whole, and beyond deep deception. Falsities are not just in some of the age-old, infantile beliefs of man; they go to the very essence of what consciousness entails. Transcending them is true liberation and bliss… not all that phony stuff.
Sharing (1) Photo by Thomas Peace c. 2016
Sharing (2) Photo by Thomas Peace c. 2016
Let’s give a prize…
to those who were too crass and uncaring
to ever open their eyes.
Let’s provide a splendid, gold citation…
to those who radiated endless cruelty,
increased suffering, and needlessly caused frustration.
Let’s mindlessly vote for an unhinged, sick sociopath with an unstable mind that divides us…
who snarls that the polluted, unhealthy environment is balanced,
and that all of the dying coral reefs are quite healthy and marvelous.
Let’s cheapen the whole…
be ordinary, separative, comfortable, selfish,
and take a long, indifferent stroll.
Let’s thoughtlessly add more and more pollutants and superficial experiences to the fire…
and when this tiny world burns to the ground,
Let’s wait until the very last day to deeply inquire.
*************************************************************************************
Note:
[I love spiders. The real (deadly) thing on this planet (except for a few) walks on two legs, not eight.]
Halloween Surprise. Video by Thomas Peace c. 2016
That nameless, eternal immensity that is beyond mere labels and symbolic words, rarely presents itself to humans. Too many of us are of violence, separation, distortion, and fallacies to be open to visitation from that enormity. Our psychological demarcations, which promote false, separative, supposedly dominant centers (i.e., the many obtrusions of “me” and “I”), tend to nullify any possibility for that boundlessness to be revealed. Mental superficiality and illusion negate clear perception. A false center builds a wall around itself and there is nothing much seen beyond the limited confines of that wall. Too many of us have accepted limited viewpoints, patterns, boundaries, and methodologies… and to those we cling. Fortunately, it is beautifully possible to emerge through the rigidities of miseducation and stiff falsities.
Fruiting Bodies (1) Photo by Thomas Peace c. 2016
Fruiting Bodies (2) Photo by Thomas Peace c. 2016
The honest poem,beyond all the mumbo jumbo,
in a purgative way,tersely flushes out the detritus of words
exposing them for what they really are…
fractional representations that are inherently second-hand
The genuine poem,beyond all the gibberish and hogwash,
in a laxative way,wisely purges out the putrid,stale simulations
suggesting to,instead of dwelling in mere crappy accounts,
go and holistically perceive as if for the first time
Butterfly Flight (1) Photo by Thomas Peace c. 2016
Butterfly Flight (2) Photo by Thomas Peace c.2016
My wife and i never had kids (because the world is way overcrowded with humans as it is), but we are concerned about them deeply. If i had only a few short moments — or a bit longer — to tell a child what to care about, in life, here is what i would likely say:
Mistrust everything anyone has ever told you about truth… and find out for yourself.
Go beyond the dead symbols that they provided; be intelligently empty, stay young, and don’t lose your innocence (as so many adults do).
Don’t just look through the screen of what was taught; use thoughts often, but go beyond them.
Love the whole and not merely a few isolated parts.
Let effortless silence be your oasis from internal patterns that were planted in you by others.
Help others (so-called other life forms) to go beyond suffering.
Help (and care for) Mother Earth; she is all we have, and many are making her sick.
Ask serious questions beyond merely comfortable answers.
Don’t be ordinary (even if it is more comfortable and easy to be ordinary).
Never lose that youthful feeling of eternity (that most adults have lost long ago).
Perceive with (and “as”) dynamic emptiness without a mere center.
Look without mere separation between you and what is perceived.
Perceive with a warm heart, not merely (as so many do) with a cold mind.
Note:
[These are fish in a large pond in our area. There is a small creek that flows into the pond, and the fish love to hang out by the mouth of the creek to get oncoming food and to enjoy the current. I like how one of the fish — unique, with the purity of white on its head — in the top section of the video is (especially) enjoying a burst of water current, creating surface swirl! There were many more fish than what is seen in the frame.]
Fish of Gold. Video by Thomas Peace c. 2016
Wonderfully then
came upon now
beyond images of “I”
beyond everything anyhow
Magically beyond wish
floated limitless dying
finishing dead symbols
in an alive not just trying
Sweetly far from measure
burst a timeless moving
not of stale thoughts
not of physic’s proving
Beyond the Sedentary Way. (1) Photo by Thomas Peace c. 2016
Beyond the Sedentary Way. (2) Photo by Thomas Peace c. 2016
When we are violent and mentally formulate an ideal of nonviolence, we set up an “idealistic image” for the center of self (which is itself an absorbed, learned image) to strive towards. That “idealistic image,” being a fabricated construct of the brain, is a symbolic pattern that is not — much the same as the image of an isolated (controlling) center — real (other than being a fabrication of the mind). It may be far more prudent to give attention to the actual violence as it is occurring (without merely looking at the violence with separation and imagery). Then violence is not merely something that you have; it is what you actually are. Then you are not separate from the violence. Giving all of your energy to understand it may require that it be seen without a fallacious center trying to do something about it from a distance. In this, there would be no distance of space, nor any distance of time; (there, in other words, would be no spatial distance between a fabricated “center or ego” and the violence… and there would be no psychological time for the fallacious “center” to “have” to try to get rid of the violence.) Superfluous ideals of nonviolence need not (necessarily) be manufactured; if they were, they likely would create space, time, and conflict in the mind, sway attention from the actuality of violence, and would likely tend to support a false (isolated) center that focuses away from the learning, understanding, and true relationship regarding violence; a false center is (in itself) a form of violence; it is a man-made (isolated) image (that projects indifference, separation, and conflict).
Instead of being aware of violence and deeply learning about it (and therefore fundamentally going beyond its many ways), merely mentally saying (with that old, procrastination trick) that one will be “better” in the future involves (the space of time). The false center additionally forms (space) between itself and so-called others. This space and the space of time (psychologically) are intrinsically the same in many respects. Intentionally hurting so-called “other” life-forms is a form of violence. Jealousy is a form of violence. Envy is a form of violence. Racial prejudice is a form of violence. Indifference is a form of violence. Violence exists in many formats. If one fragment merely tries to get rid of another fragment (that is seen with separation)… then conflict continues (in one form or another) and the mind remains immersed in violence. Most have no true relationship with others and no true relationship with violence; so the violence continues (in society) as it does.
Eastern Amberwing. (1) Photo by Thomas Peace c. 2016
Eastern Amberwing. (2) Photo by Thomas Peace c. 2016
once upon a twice
wings folding unfolding
here within the universe’s
folding unfolding
twice upon a once
universes folding unfolding
here within the wings
folding unfolding
Pearl Crescent (1) Photo by Thomas Peace c. 2016
Pearl Crescent (2) Photo by Thomas Peace c. 2016
*********** This writer would just like to say, “thank you!” to those of you who have been liking and/or commenting on my posts, while being open-minded about it. Of course, to go beyond the superficial, one goes beyond my photos; we are well aware that many are merely satisfied with the photos; it’s not (fortunately) just about the photos. A lot of what is written here, we know, is way beyond the norm; thank goodness for that! Many of the best scientists have said that reality is likely way different than what we have been lead to believe up to this point… way different than what we can imagine. (That is for sure!) I am very appreciative of those of you who stick with this and continue to read, even though, at times, it must be very difficult to swallow or stomach. I’ve always deeply cared about the truth, no matter how uncomfortable the answers may be, no matter what was revealed. Those who do the same, this movement deeply admires. (Truth is beautiful, and there are real treasures if one is open, independent, passionate, honest, and not afraid to go beyond the primitive, antiquated ways.) Too many of us are like clay that (over time) hardens after it has been molded by (equally desiccated) others. *************
Thinking — as a process — is fractional and sequential. Thinking involves a sequential series of patterns; these patterns are always symbolic, limited, and (unless rare insight occurs, influencing them) merely dependent on banal, past memories and ordinary experiences. Patterns, in a sequence, constitute time; thinking and time are not two separate things. Experiencing, in most minds, is dictated — as to how it takes place and manifests — by implanted, past memories. When, as it does with most people, a learned and supposed static self-image seems to be claiming (from a supposed psychological distance) to have control and be dominant over moving, rearranging, sequential, symbolic thought-patterns that thought/thinking considers such a self-center to have power over via managing and authoritatively manipulating… deception takes place. If the supposed central image is not — in reality — central at all, and if it is merely another one of the images (which it is), then things are not as they appear and there must be a significant paradigm shift; otherwise, all kinds of misbehavior and distortion occurs.
A dominating center that — in reality — is not truly dominating and not, in any way, central… creates a tremendous amount of havoc for the (unfortunate) mind miseducated to contain (and “be”) such an array. The havoc involved manifests as needless inner friction, inner conflict, fabricated space, needless dominancy, false glorification, and needless separation. When one segment claims to be dominant and “in control” of other sections (from a fallacious distance)… inner tyranny, friction, struggle, and pseudo-power-control materialize; these often manifest (outwardly) as conflict, outward dominance, and violence in the external world. Additionally, such a false center inevitably leads to the cultivation selfishness, jealousy, and competition; it fosters inner self-aggrandizement, indifference, and isolation. The supposed center is considered permanent, most important, and lasting, while the other thoughts and feelings are considered subservient, more or less temporary, and as something to be used. Surgeries on the corpus callosum within the brain, resulting in two fields of consciousness, are indicative of the falsity of a permanent center. Yet, psychiatrists and psychologists still promote antiquated methodologies which continue to constrain the mind into practices promoting a fallacious center.
A true and intelligent paradigm shift would transcend these false bonds and conceitful ways. A genuine, beautiful psychological transformation would occur when the mind acts — not merely reacts — as a whole without false separation and delusive, fallacious space. Then, when reflection takes place, one is not something separate from the reflection; then, when compassion occurs, one is not something separate from compassion. Since so many thoughts are fractional, limited symbols… the holistic mind would often intelligently go beyond them; the whole is more than the sum of the parts. In this, no crude, dominating part would exist to stupefy, tyrannize, manipulate, or intervene. In this lack of friction and loss of falsity are bliss and integrity. In such wholeness, wisdom manifests, eternity manifests.
Looking Downward (1) Photo by Thomas Peace c. 2016
Looking Downward (2) Photo by Thomas Peace c. 2016
When this WHAT IF
rumin
8ed on what MIGHT BE,
a
f
ear
interrupted and re
main
ed
as some
thing unpleasant
2 be elimin
8ed
by what considered
itself
2 besomewhat sepa
r8ed from the
f
ear
that thought thoughtithad
& also con
sidered it
self
separatefrom(&controlling)
images projecting the
possible future
& also
separate from the
whole of
time
toc
tic
Mommy Shortlegs. (1) Photo by Thomas Peace c. 2016
Mommy Shortlegs. (2) Photo by Thomas Peace c. 2016
It is good to be proficient in life; it is good to be adept at getting things done (and then resting afterward). Merely getting things done for oneself alone (or merely for some small, immediate family) may be rather small-minded and narrow in outlook. Similarly, getting things done while concomitantly harming the environment may also be rather petty and narrow-minded. A wise, highly aware, dynamic mind is compassionate, considerate, and does not put itself first. It gets things done while loving the whole… not loving some silly little self-image or merely those who care for (and reward) that self-image.
Inner proficiency — in (and “as”) the mind — is to exist without needless conflict, without needless friction. A mind full of limited, separative notions and perspectives (internally) is a jumble of friction, clutter, disorderliness, and disarray. Such a disorderly mind will consist of many fractional images and ideals, all of which are limited, symbolic, partial, and which reinforce isolation and separation of a so-called “center” as being (supposedly) in charge of the “other” thoughts, (conflicting ideals and desires), and images. When the mind is jealousy manifesting… jealousy is what you are; it is not something that some fictional center “is having.” How can a learned — though fictional — and concocted center efficiently and proficiently get rid of the jealousy, when (all along) the center is an accumulated delusion whose very isolated manifestation supports feelings such as jealousy? Inner separation and segregation extend from an internally disorderly mind into the outer world; indifference, conflict, hatred, jealousy, war, ruthless competition, and exploiting others are often results.
A beautiful mind of the humility of emptiness and of intelligent wholeness, with real inner order and with inner images in a harmonious relationship with each other, beyond delusion, will express itself in the external environment in ways that are cooperative, compassionate, considerate, wise, environmentally sound, empathic, and non-fragmentary.
Resting in the holographic universe. (1) Photo by Thomas Peace c. 2016
Resting in the holographic universe. (2) Photo by Thomas Peace c. 2016
Upon which this once became a twice
and twice became trillions
because why not and many so between
floating eternally silently divine
Happily nothing within when’s nowhere
devoid of stale musts rotten shoulds
placid endlessly wondering alive always
beyond savage ugly and hurtful war
one little how. (1) Photo by Thomas Peace c. 2016
one little how. (2) Photo by Thomas Peace c. 2016
Far too many of us are afraid of being nothing. We do not like to dwell on the subject of death; we are terrified about death. Of course, this posting does not appertain to trying to end oneself physically; doing so would be extremely foolish, irrational, and very non-harmonious. Being nothing psychologically, however, is another thing completely. Being nothing psychologically, at times, throughout the day and night, is prudent and sane. Most of us, unfortunately, are in fear about being nothing psychologically (because of miseducation, lack of awareness, and dependency on superficial things and deceptive concepts).
To be empty internally, devoid of effort and devoid of images and patterns of thought and thinking, frightens many people. The main function of thoughts/thinking is to solve problems. However, even when there are no problematic occurrences manifesting, most of us go on perpetually thinking anyway. We are caught in the habit of thinking; we are the habit of thinking. All thoughts, however, are mere fractional tokens or symbols for things. As such, they are inherently rather metaphorical and emblematical and thus are rather stiff and bereft of real life… much like mere numbers or road signs. Yet, because of the way we were miseducated, we cling to them and worship them. Ironically, most of us cling to these stale (rather unalive) images, and we are afraid of letting them go. Of course, thoughts are very necessary. It is great to often use them sensibly and reasonably. However, as we’ve said many times, they are merely tools. Everlastingly clinging to stiff and lifeless symbols is not really “alive,” nor is it awake and dynamic in the profound sense. Even when there are no problems, we fabricate problems. Some of us will do anything to avoid emptiness and nothingness. However, clinging to the limited is deceased in itself and is not real living. (By the way, in physics, the emptiness or nothingness that exists — as empty space — is never merely just stagnant; it is full of fluctuating quantum fields, dark energy, and all kinds of dynamic activity. The silent, empty mind, too, is tremendously dynamic in its own way.)
Psychological nothingness is not pettiness, is not smallness. The truly empty mind is beyond the stale patterns concocted by man; that involves great intelligence. Far too many are caught in (and “as”) those stale patterns (and forever remain there). Psychological nothingness often goes beyond ordinary experience, because ordinary experience is merely recognition by the known. The truly empty mind is not, even during the day, merely caught in perceiving through (and “as”) the old screen of accumulated patterns. That old screen is largely of separation and conflict.
Mayfly next to its empty exoskeleton. (1) Photo by Thomas Peace c. 2016
Mayfly next to its empty exoskeleton.(2) Photo by Thomas Peace c. 2016
When i first laid eyes on you
it was love at first sight
Then i got to know you better and realized
that we have so very much in common
You relish eating delectable meals
(So do i)
You love to smell the nearby,splendid wildflowers
(So do i)
You love the songs of the joyful,little birds early in the mornings
(So do i)
You like to watch beautiful horses sprightly prancing around
(So do i)
You love to roll around in the sweet,textured mud
(So do i) (Well,at least i did when i was your age)
You dislike being bossed,bullied,and pushed around by heartless people
(Same for me)
As time went by,i became even more enamored with you
Rumor had it,though,that you might be liquidated by carnivorous others
(That played heavy on my heart) I was looking forward to seeing you again
but not (being myself a long-term vegetarian) between
someone else’s two slices of bread
It is a shame when others dismiss you as
merely being a swine
We are all hoggish in our lives in
one form or another
***********************************************************************************************
This poem is dedicated — with much respect and fondness — to Jinx. Jinx was a bus driver at the school for the multiply handicapped where i worked as a teacher. In warm weather, i would often take my sack lunch to the beautiful river that was right on the school property… and eat my lunch on the banks, watching the river go by. Jinx would often be there fishing during his lunch break; he would release any fish that he caught. Jinx, when he found out that i was a vegetarian, told me that he had been the owner of a pig farm for many years. Then, one day, he decided to give it all up, because it seemed wrong to be raising them for slaughter. Jinx became a vegetarian. Quite some time later, after i had switched over to another school, i found out that Jinx died. Jinx was driving through Chicago. He had seen a house on fire and heard screams from children inside the house. Without hesitation, Jinx ran into the house in an attempt to rescue the children. Jinx died in that fire. He is a true hero (and he had real love).
Miss Piggy (1) Photo by Thomas Peace c. 2016
Miss Piggy (2) Photo by Thomas Peace c. 2016
Order of the mind is a sane, truly intelligent person’s responsibility. Real order involves integrity and purity. How can the mind remain pure if it is merely sullied by the old-fangled values and archaic systems of the past? One must have a clear, untarnished mind. For that to occur, it may be that one’s mind must be open, young, and beyond mere influence. Only profound silence beyond old systems and methods can do that. That means not merely depending on others. That means not merely depending on inner thoughts… that were likely implanted in one by (and “as”) others. That means not merely depending upon time. (Psychological and so-called spiritual methodologies — dreamed up by man — stem from the past and require time.) Timelessness involves existing beyond one’s inner conditioning (a conditioning that is the accumulation and extension of the old patterns of others). Most of us habitually depend upon others; most of us are afraid to stand empty, alone, and open. “Standing alone” goes beyond psychological security and imitation. Many go through life imitating and copying; fear has a lot to do with it. For many, it is far easier to copy others and “go through the motions,” rather than to independently perceive and think for themselves. (And their so-called leaders are often mentally unsound.) Too many of us are second-hand human beings.
Real perception, empathy, and compassion, emanates from a superb, selfless mind that is beyond mere imitation and dependence. Real compassion comes from the heart; it does not emerge from a robotic mind that merely imitates and follows orders. In real compassion comes real action (not just reaction). Reaction belongs to imitating, conditioning, and second-hand minds (many of whom are indifferent and puppet-like).
Red-Spotted Purple (1) Photo by Thomas Peace c. 2016
Red-Spotted Purple (2) Photo by Thomas Peace c. 2016
When i was a child, i was the scissors, the paste, the glue, and the papers.
We were instructed to (each one of us) cut out a small paper kite and attach it to a big pegboard on the schoolroom wall. The teacher stated that whoever learned their multiplication tables to a certain level would be allowed to raise their kite higher to a corresponding level. I cut my kite into a grotesque shape. Our teacher asked me why (while i was good at art) i made my kite so distorted and “out of shape.” I told her that i did not want to have a nice kite that would appear to soar higher than the kites of all of my friends. I refused to learn the multiplication tables. I remember, at that young age, thinking that my teacher was very crude and unrefined for asking us to compete in such a way against each other. After a couple of weeks, the teacher allowed me to learn the multiplication tables without having to place my kite on the bulletin board. Years later, as a young adult, i visited (and worked for 6 wonderful months) in Perth, Ontario, at a magical place called “Family Pastimes.” They, at Family Pastimes, are caring vegetarians who make and sell cooperative (non-competitive) games. Play together, not against each other. When i was a child, i was the ringing of the school bell, the giggling of boys and girls, and the accordion-like, crushed paper coverings for plastic straws.
[Familypastimes.com]
64 flower stigmas, more or less. (1) Photo by Thomas Peace c.2016
64 flower stigmas, more or less. (2) Photo by Thomas Peace c.2016
Many of us value rather cadaverous things. So many value fancy possessions and excessively large houses that they are fond of showing off to others. It is likely, however, that the intrinsic intelligence of the vast universe doesn’t give a rat’s behind about fancy possessions and elaborate, ostentatious houses. Real value is in what is free… like integrity, compassion, and pristine, uncorrupt perception. However, so many of us were miseducated to neglect those “deep and profound” things and, instead, were taught to chase after rather superficial things that must be “earned and acquired over time.” (They are valuable-garbage-things; in other words, they are “valuable,” but they are — if you are of deep perception — essentially worthless garbage.) Aspects of the real beauty of integrity, compassion, and uncorrupt perception are that they are beyond the greedy clutches of grasping and “earning” and so are (in a big way) beyond time. Most people chase after the contrived, superficial shadows while failing to see the true value in what is timeless and alive. They are caught — while the real jewels of life elude them — in showing off their dead, shadowy treasures to each other… trying to impress.
Before i retired, i had, as one of my students, who — though having mental retardation and though being severely multiply handicapped, including being blind and having paraplegia — had a great sense of humor and a very caring disposition. He never displayed any hatred or malice toward anyone. He often stated, “I love everyone.” He never displayed any pretentious behavior; he never — though handicapped, he was more gifted than most of the other students — flaunted his abilities, and he never wanted much, but he was always happy, always joyful and caring. He would always joke around a lot — he was a great member of our Royal Order of the Moose Club (similar to the Royal Order of Racoons on the Honeymooners show) — and he would often laugh and be zestfully living. He recently passed away. I spoke at his funeral service to those who attended. Many attended… because he was so genuine and pure. He was my teacher (in a big way too); i learned a lot (about goodness and about value) from him.
Miseducation magnifies false values, portraying them to be precious. It also often overemphasizes competition rather than joyful cooperation. Real education goes beyond false values and transcends separation, vanity, conflict, pride, imitation, racism, hatred, competition, environmental indifference, and fractional perception.
[Note: Many years ago, when i was young, i visited, worked at, and spent a lot of time (6 months) at Family Pastimes in Ontario, Canada. The people there live in a marvelous, very beautiful rural area (with wild bear and beavers), are vegetarians, and they make and sell cooperative (non-competitive) games. They have been making and selling exclusively cooperative games for over 40 years. Check out their website sometime; you will be glad you did! www.familypastimes.com]
Spicebush Swallowtail (1) Photo by Thomas Peace c. 2016
Spicebush Swallowtail (2) Photo by Thomas Peace c. 2016
Upon this earth a here transpired
between all rabbits and everything inspired
Miraculous rambling after the tidings of dawn
beyond bourgeois commercials that boringly yawn
You’re not the world around you,you’ve learned assuredly
but seeing yourself apart perverts so luridly
To blossom past superficial darkness quite superb and transcendent
not the separative space of a shadowy pretendant
Part of the blossoming. (1) Photo by Thomas Peace c. 2016
Part of the blossoming. (2) Photo by Thomas Peace c. 2016
Please don’t go through life merely sullied with the ideas, beliefs, and opinions of others (including what you may think mine might be). Wash yourself clean of all the ideological debris and perspectives of others. Otherwise, you may go through life contaminated, and the contaminated and mentally tarnished cannot see clearly (without distortion). Most see with (and “as”) distortion, which may not really be seeing at all.
Some will agree with the aforementioned statements; then they will inevitably go on adhering to the patterns and edicts of others. To perceive without contamination is an arduous thing; it may go way deeper than most of us (incorrectly) assume. For instance, many of us assume that there is a central regulator or “I” (i.e., “me”) that is in “control” over our “internally possessed thoughts” and “internally acquired feelings.” Few deeply and effortlessly realize that the “I” itself (along with concomitant feelings of “having” control) are (in themselves) no different than the other accumulated thoughts and feelings. This “I” is often seen as separate from the so-called “other” psychological images observed; it is habitually viewed as being “in charge”; few (including many psychiatrists/psychologists) consider that the “I” is itself another one of the thoughts in a conditioned series. Can one conditioned thought (psychologically separated… and projected as being different) truly be in control of the other conditioned thoughts? Many of us consciously, or unconsciously, accept separation and conflict (as the internal norm)… and we inevitably exude this out into society (which ends up in conflict and disorder). We can be better than the norm. We can blossom with (and “as”) real understanding, real intelligence.
Cone Flower in the process of blossoming (1) Photo by Thomas Peace c. 2016
Cone Flower in the process of blossoming (2) Photo by Thomas Peace c. 2016
What is oneself?
Is one a vibrant, compassionate movement involving wholeness and integrity?
Or is one a fractional collage of mundane symbols,
stale ideas, and bourgeois reactions?
Is one a radiant, superb dynamic that exists as freshness and real change?…
Or is one a secondhand repeater of stagnant thoughts
and antiquated ideas?
Is one free like a splendid, magnificent butterfly?…
Or is one a jaded prisoner of static miseducation
and barbaric, indoctrinated values?
The listless chrysalis always bursts into gliding
if it leaves the secure confinement
of its own limited space.
Female Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (1). Photo by Thomas Peace c. 2016
Female Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (2). Photo by Thomas Peace c. 2016
Love is not of limitation. It is endless; as such it goes beyond the rather false boundaries concocted by man. Too many of us exist — not wholly, not globally — in fractional modes that inevitably contribute to friction, conflict, war and separation in the world. Too many of us cling to separative religions, governmental groups, isolated (fictional, man-made) regions, and old, polluting routines and addictions (which we merely accept). These things are an extension of our inner fractional and disjointed psychology. Too many of us think that there is a separate center that is internally apart from what is perceived. (A so-called separate center inevitably projects selfishness; it is folly and it is deception.) Too many of us were miseducated and we apperceive and function through (and “as”) this separative miseducation. This can change. The world can become whole, safe, and clean. For that to happen, each of us is responsible for getting the mind whole, safe, and clean. Clean means unpolluted.
Damsel in distress (1) Photo by Thomas Peace c. 2016
Damsel in distress (2) Photo by Thomas Peace c. 2016
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