Being Happy


From a purely selfish point of view aside from adequately and comfortable surviving and succeeding in life, a fundamental goal is to be happy. I remembered watching this television program an episode devoted to answering the question, “Are you happy?’ The main character ran through the course of the show facing back to back annoying challenges holding off answering the question till the very end of the show which he finally admitted to being happy. The lesson here was the fight to come to grips with a truism. Happiness with variances and degrees different with each one of us, the goal of happiness from a core level is satisfying and worth all the crap that makes up the rest of whom and what we are. With that said, we want to be happy, need to be happy but then how do we reach this goal? Where do we start? How do we know that we chase after is what we need? What determines the factors and criteria that puts smiles on our faces and warms the heart?

“Yes, of course, I’m happy. It could be better, but all and all, I’m good.”

Truth is that if you believe in happiness, happiness is yours. Smile!!!

So quit with the negativity!!! 

I'll Remember You



When Jim Croce was alive, he wrote, sang songs, ballads. From my point of view they survived the test of time, a style reminiscent to who he was, unmarked by electronic manipulation, a-what-you-see-is-what-you get interpretation. Even when I lived near the labor camps in Delano, I'd play my radio and hear Elvis sing to his new wife Priscilla, Kui Lee's ballad, "I Will Remember You" lyrics that still give me goose bumps.

 

 Musicians at the time represented raw talent created life within their minds, bodies and spirits trading experiences. Some were handsomely rewarded; others just played their music. It was a time when Vietnam, civil unrest, corporate greed, and inequality filled the newsstands. As a baby boomer (sensei) who listened to Elvis, Beatles, Rolling Stones, Supremes, Temptations, Smoky Robinson and the Miracles, Wilson Picket, Sam Cook, Canned Heat, Santana, Iron Butterfly, Steppenwolf, Jimmie Hendricks, Janis Joplin, Cream, Deep Purple, Neil Diamond, and of course The Kingsmen who sang “Louie Louie” I remembered how each individual and group represented a specific niche, sound, personality, spirit, inner strength and core.

At 50 years old, I talk, dream, and (like what I’m doing now), listen to the “Oldies But Goodies”, and if motivated enough, write about it. I am not the person I was, rightfully so: Abused, battered and tortured, my strengths, weaknesses, intellectual pursuits, developments: The sum parts of a whole that builds this statuesque monument of universal presence (huh?). As a karate sensei, I don’t practice karate or kickboxing anymore; at least not like I used to: How weird is that? I can’t even run a quarter of a mile without my knees and back screaming “STOP YOU FREAKING IDIOT!”.

The story is that the mind is willing but the body says, “If you do something stupid like play a game of basketball with the young kids, you’re gonna hurt, and you’re gonna hurt big time.” For those of you hard core kick boxers and MMA cage fighters, I’d love to fast forward to when you’re my age and lets’ see how well you’re able to do something simple like getting out of bed, huh? Oh, by the way, I’m not even going to address you crazy skate boarders that for some intellectual reason need to have your balls crushed “ollying” down a stair rail so that you can impress the chicks. Trust me guys, if you somehow for some unfathomable reason do impress the chicks, you’re going to need healthy balls.

Free advice from the Baby Boomer Sensei.

In future blogs, I’m going to share with you how Qigong and Tai Chi were able to replace the “No pain, no gain” mantra with a “no pain…no good” workout that allows us baby boomers a way to stay healthy.

What do you think???

Stay tuned.

There’s this thing called DNA telomere. Basically it means that cells don’t regenerate like it used to when we took high school Geometry math classes from Mr. Roberson. Even then, way back when bell bottom pants ruled the world, we knew that 45’s and LP’s had a "scratch-life."

It’s the way it was.

God invented physics.

Who are we to argue with God?

This tells the story of one Baby Boomer Sensei. Pictures, videos, letters, old newspapers, and yes even high school yearbooks provide reminders of the who that walked the earth and contributed when sex, drugs and rock and roll were actually (perceived to be) safe (well, that’s what I thought). With that said, since I cannot sing nor dance my feelings, life’s treasures and scenes captured in these humble electronic pages are meant to teach, entertain and possible resolve some wounds of mediocrity and despair. The goal of this blog is to show that within an unorganized mind, organized and provocative thoughts and ideas.

Yes, indeed, they do exist.


Right on, groovy, Peace, love and Soul Train.

How To Grow Old Without Feeling Old

from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit



As you sit in the hospital waiting room, waiting for the baby to be born, you think back to the day when you had your first child. Now, here you are, looking forward to your first great-grand child. It's amazing how time flies by, and looking back can leave you feeling old! But just because you've got several decades behind you doesn't mean you have to feel old. Here's how to stay young in mind and spirit.

Steps

  1. Keep age in perspective. Never think of age as being anything but just a number. There are some things in life we have no control over, such as when we were born. Age is no more than a circumstantial detail, like the color of your eyes, or the names of your parents; it does not define who you are. There are other things that do--those things we do have control over, such as how we think and what we do.
  2. Live and enjoy each day. There is always something positive or something to look forward to each day. Enjoy the sun shining on your plants, or movies you are going to see. Look forward to reading a good book, or meeting with friends for lunch. If you feel lonely, go to the library. It is a great place to meet and talk to people who have a similar interest. Surround yourself with people, even if you might never see them again. You can do this at a supermarket, or even a department store or coffee shop.
  3. Don't waste your time thinking that you're too old to do this or that. As long as you have your health, you can do just about anything you find an interest in doing. If you have never used a computer, buy one! Learn how to use it. If you find it interesting enough, learn how they work and how to fix problems or to program them! You will find you have brought the whole world into your room, and maybe some knowledge that will save you from spending money and make you feel younger. Just learn new things that you haven't learned before, don't worry if it's too "young," nothing is.
  4. Take care of your body. Take vitamins and eat healthy. Exercise at either a gym or at home. Dance to the music on a CD, as moving your body is great exercise. Get a full physical and visit your dentist at least once a year.
  5. The exercise aspect is vital. Our bodies need to move. They need to be used to their full range and ability every day. Tai Chi is a good form of movement that will provide this whole body activity but it's not for everyone. Explore physical activities to find one that you enjoy, makes you feel good after practicing, and that you can do every day. Hiking and swimming are also excellent options.
  6. Don't look back. Don't worry about what happened in the past. Live just for today. The one thing that no one can change is the past. What has been is over and done with. The future has not yet come, so all we have is today. So enjoy today, let the past go, and plan for the future.
  7. Keep your mind alert. Do crossword puzzles, learn a new language, or take up a hobby you were always too busy for. Exercise an Open Mind. Become a volunteer editor on a website like wikiHow or Wikipedia. By volunteering time to a wiki you will meet other contributors online and keep your writing ability sharp, while helping others receive free knowledge.
  8. Keep up with the news. By doing this, you always will be able to converse with most people. Be up to date on what is new in politics, fashion, and/or in computers. Learn about the new methods of treatments and the new drugs available so you can advise your family members, who might need the information.
  9. Find ways to interact. Even with no close friends or family around, there are many opportunities to talk to new people. Strike up a conversation with people you meet in the supermarket. Greet people you pass on the street, and ask them how they're doing. You'll be surprised at how refreshed offering a kind word to a stranger will make you feel.
  10. Be Optimistic. Try to avoid thinking negative thoughts as it will get you no place except sadness. For example, trying to figure out why a mate died and left you alone will only bring tears to your eyes. Instead, remember all the wonderful years you shared, and how you both brought such wonderful children into this world. Go out with a smile on your face, and enjoy the rest of your life as best as you can. There may even be a new mate on the horizon. You never know!
  11. Do something different every day. The local newspapers usually have a weekly schedule of activities. Find one that you would enjoy and go for it! Perhaps the museum or a flower show might tickle your fancy this week.
  12. Join a group, club, or volunteer at a library or senior center. Take dancing lessons. Ballroom dancing is back, and just think of how great you would feel dancing the Cha Cha once again, as you did in your youth. Go to bingo night at your local community center. Meet with like-minded people, and help those less fortunate than yourself. Most of all, have fun doing it.
  13. Follow your dream. Look at something you always wanted to do or did on the side and love doing, ask whether it can become a new career. Many great painters didn't start till their sixties, seventies or eighties. Retirement income can become starting capital for a new independent business. The arts are a good direction in many ways because retirement income can support you while you learn the trade but there's no age discrimination involved.

Tips

  • Continue to do things you used to do -- biking, camping, swimming, dancing, or canoeing. You can still do them!
  • The difference between a spry "oldster" and a non-spry "oldster" is phenomenal. Stay flexible and sprightly by walking 20 minutes a day and re-think that elevator. Stairs are a wonderful thing. So is yoga class.
  • Select one character trait to work on for the year, for example, overcoming a short temper, becoming a better listener, etc.). Then, next year, when you look back, you'll feel really accomplished; you're not the same person!

Warnings

  • See your doctor at least once a year. If you don't, you may regret it. Preventive testings are available, but you can't get them if you do not visit your doctor for a check-up.
  • Visit your dentist at least once a year, more often if needed. Gum disease and cavities can cause physical illnesses, so take care of your teeth, floss daily, brush twice a day, use a water pic for stronger gums. Every thing you do to make yourself healthier will add one more year of good health to your life.

Related wikiHows


Sources and Citations

Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Grow Old Without Feeling Old. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

How to Meditate

How to Meditate in Qigong Safely and Effectively

from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit

Most people can't wait to practice Chinese Qigong, but they don't know meditation is just a prerequisite of any Qigong. If they fail to reach a state of meditation before the practice, they will get hurt, more than it will strengthen your body.
Here is the way to meditate safely in Qigong. Better late than never.

Steps

  1. Find the Blance point of your body
    • This center usually lies in between the navel and heart. Sit or stand up straight. Keep the body aligned along a center line: head in line with the spine, bodyweight over the hips. Find one's stable center and stay balanced when moving the arms overhead, forward or backward. Feel rooted in the earth with your body sunk and centered, and both of your feet solidly in place on the earth. Strive to be relaxed, soft, and supple as you align and center your whole body. In yourself, in your practice in your body, make Heaven and Earth one, connected, aligned.
  2. Focus your Eyes Inside your body
    • Keep your eyes active and focused on Qigong practices, or just concentrate on one single thought. In order to achieve a perfect state, you have to make full use of your eyes during Qigong practice. Your eyes will lead your thoughts, while your thoughts will build your mind. You may as well cultivate the Third Eye to discover (feel)the 1001 Eyes of All the Sensory Gates of your own body, spoken mind, senses, experiences, and the Tao. Dive into your true self, and light every darkness inside you.
  3. Head Up
    • Keep your head up. Keep your head high and in line with your spine. You can do certain exercise to help you make your head, neck, and upper back muscles stronger, coordinated and flexible. Listen up, and perk up the head and ears. Lift the top of the head to the heavens, square the head over the neck and back, and allow the shoulders to relax and fall. This will help your Chi get gently tuck. Then you need to look forward, try to stay fully present here and now, be alert, show a soft smile, keep your head up, stay focused, concentrate as needed, and hold the asana of The Dignified Head of the Buddha.
  4. Balance Your Mind
    • Settle down your mind, cast off unbalanced and irrelevant thoughts, and find its spiritual Middle-Chi. Draw your vital energies (Qi, Prana, Ki) towards that balance center.
    • In meditation, get down to the Qigong now.

Tips

  • These 4 steps will help you find the way to meditate.
  • IF you still fail to get rid of all distractions, I feel obliged to recommend you go to Howto Achieve Meditationto Find you Chi and Meditation to get the detailed info.
  • The main goal of Qigong is to produce a state of Qi harmony and a stability that embraces spirit and body, so keeping your peace of your mind is the key.

Warnings

  • Try to be alone when practicing Qigong except in a Qigong class.
  • If a friend pushed on your shoulders while doing Qigong, would you remain stable, balanced, firm, rooted, upright, and in full control. Don't become unbalanced.

Things You'll Need

  • a Qigong book or supervisor

Related wikiHows

Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Meditate in Qigong Safely and Effectively. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.