You Mean Besides A good night’s sleep…

What Gives Me Energy!

The things I love to do. Ya, there are things that I do for me when I am my usual self and things that I do that for me when I am tired. It is good to be self aware in either case . I am happy to be of service.

I am my usual self or am I? I got up at 6:30 a.m. I was feeling pretty good, but I usually get up around 8. I don’t usually go for a fasting blood test, cortisol, I need to watch my step, I had an extra complicated blood test, I am still looking into it. My doctor asked me to give my email to the secretary, I tried but their phone system doesn’t take texting messages. I ended getting a follow up phone call. I think my email is too much, they probably got it wrong. I tried explaining it simply this morning. I did not love going for blood testing this morning. But I did feel pretty good.

My thing is to be of service, to me or others. It is one thing to collaborate and cooperate but I think it is kinda one or the other these days, I prefer to do both. Like being of service. Both work better. I actually like loving things I do but if I am self aware, I get energy both ways. The aversions I do give me energy because this is a good place to work on my problems. In this case being adverse to being in low energy states.

I love writing. That is why I am getting energy from doing it. I love hiking, guitar and music appreciation. I love curiosity, open mindedness, lifelong learning. It helps to know these things about myself and I just take it easy when I am feeling tired.

I try to eat, sleep and exercise and socialize. I like getting out a few times a day to walk or keep moving. It is what I call retirement: doing my best, doing no harm and living a better life. But we all feel tired and it is best for me to count the things I love and just be aware and act accordingly.

That’s all, time to get out for a walk.

The stoic, the mountain and the monkey mine…..

The old man says he knows his way up the mountain and he’s climbed it before, but he’s looking for a treasure in his monkey mind.

Who would look for treasure in the monkey mine?

What kind of anxiety brings you riches?

The body is holding onto anxiety. It is trembling and convulsing. How does the monkey mine stay so detached from its own body?

How can the old man afford to climb the mountain? He seems to understand his monkey mind. He seems to feel restless and anxious, but he does not know what to do.

He stays calm, still and quiet.

He remains with this exercise till the morning.

He is not well. He rest better and still sleeps well. His exercise is slow and easy but is progressive. He like to monitor his progress.

I am keeping an eye on the monkey mind.

I think he looks for three treasures. I will respond tomorrow.

The power to be is like a technology for living a better life……

A source of power in the world and technology is one product. I seem to use being here in society, but I am interested in the benefits of both. I like using power as a proper way to be, to inform the use of the technology in my life, a proper mindfulness and a better way to live.

This description of what I see or understand about living a better life is one snapshot.

This description of what I see or understand about living a better life is one snapshot consciousness is like the intention to be aware. It is a kind of frame for living today in the present. I struggle each moment to be of good intention with my conscious awareness.

Pragmatism and perception seem to have some common ground here for me to use mindfully in my own life.

Do you contemplate the way you live your life? I like to remind myself. It is my job, my one job to attempt to improve.

I am here. This does not happen slow enough for me. I am distracted and when I am able to witness being here, I learn how I can practice living better.

I do my best. I am like most people. I do my best because I am excited to live better, enjoy inner peace and I am grateful to be here.

I do no harm. I follow the rules which may seem safe to break. Like the rules might be fun to break but I am struggling with even the basic: doing no harm. It may not seem like a very big rule, but it is to me..

I am using the proper use of impressions. The rule to living better is the most complicated and difficult to use because it is the most powerful way to be for me. I think it is like a conscious decision to do what is the proper to live. I can’t seem to simplify it without appearing upside down with my reasonable nature, a kind of test for authenticity, to be myself to you as honestly as I can be.

Now you have an idea what I’m talking about and you can imagine being here now in the abstract much like the other premises and that’s my conclusion which is open ended and unending. It is more than I deserve in so many respects. It’s not so much a completion or an absolute. It’s more like a description to help thread the needle of life to help us or me to find my way through things in my life and to be in my life. I know it doesn’t really help anybody unless you want to do something with this for yourself. I am more than happy to do this for myself. I tend to think this is the only way to do or be just to find a way to thread that needle in my own life and I really think this must be what it’s like to practice the proper use of impressions to live a better life.

To be authentic with what is right or wrong with me: my intention is to notice how I decide and do my best, do no harm and test each conscious decision before I act, to critically think, be less impulsive a little more often by using good habits and let go of bad one. It is quite an accomplishment over a life time: 60,000 hours for sure!

I wish everyone well in the use of their personal philosophy.

Author or write a book about it!

One: character development of an idea I surely want to describe, but what is the best way monkey brain is this primal (enough?)epic (enough?)to the point (enough?)?

Two: thematic variations is adventure, a meaningful quest purpose meaning better life living?

Three: how is my perspective changed? I saw JRR token story as an epic, a journey, a better way to live entertaining?

Four: now I see myself as an author freedom is equal to work plus responsibility living is a duty in this sense?

I write to live better.

Five: symbolism and motif

Star:compass,direction, purpose, meaning,

Soul,monkey brain-searching for sobriety,

Soul and self personal philosophy, or monkey sobering up?

Homeostasis: compassion, simplicity, and patience as a personal philosophy for inner peace.

Be here do no harm. Do your best use the proper use of impressions

Six genre experimentation

Drama, surprise, sobriety, like Dharma or power of habit

Fantasy like Lord of the rings, exploring being human

Thriller utopia like Walden

Seven Reflexions: Epictetus Discourses and selected writings.

Eight. Cultural or societal, historical as in eastern mind versus Western mind.: a study in Taoist attitudes and ancient Greek attitudes.

Nine: co-creation, co-collaborators, co-creators, familiar philosophy, habits attitudes lead to innovations, expansion and existing ideas like personal philosophy, eastern, and western melding together, compassionate, nonviolence, and self-care through solitude and personal philosophy

10: reader engagement I am asking you to think critically here with an open mind curiosity intention, to live a better life be here do no harm do your best being engaged and express. What if anything will foster a deeper connection, community and engagement with a form of self expression using the proper use of impressions?

So this is a taste. This is a challenge. This is a way to be to figure out what’s up here with the living of abetter life and it’s just 10 things that could be written into books but I’ve condensed it down into 10 ideas you know to reflect on it as a passionate endeavour and it’s a start…..

Three women artists 

These women were all celebrated and popularized in the 80s, but seem to have been marginalized by society. What happened to these areas in society to cause such a reversal? But first, who were the women?

I’m thinking about Luba and Suzanne Vega and the lady who did rise up from the parachute club!

Fantastic!
Amazing!
Simply inspirational!

My Business Card

I am not plugging this company, but I got this done at Vista Print. I used my company logo, name and email. On the back side it is the same except I used my business phone number in place of the email. I like the card stock shape or rounded corners. The type and colour is good. I am unsure whether to design a new one next year, I have been attempting a redesign each year. This is a personal preference to give out this hands on method to communicate my contact information.

Covid Debacle

I have a personal philosophy and so should the government of the world. I like the description of conduct unbecoming for this very reason. Be here,do your best, do no harm and practice the proper use if impressions, the two experts on the link below seem to embody the principles I am following in all of my affairs and understand the need to return to these kinds of value based living principles. I usually say to each their own as well.

My interest is selfish, I enjoy my life more living with a good personal philosophy amid the crazy covid debacle. It is good to see our leaders are facing the problem head on asap.

Please listen to the John Campbell link below.

Trying to correct wrongs!

Let’s help the people harmed by the pharmaceutical industry mistakes asap. There is lots of room for improvement with public trust.

Celebrating Canada Day: A Dialogue on Unity and Compassion


On this Canada Day, we reflect not only on our Canadian identity but also on our shared humanity as citizens of the world. In a dialogue with Epictetus, we explore how celebrating our diversity can promote understanding and compassion globally.

Dialogue:

Student: Epictetus, I am happy to be a Canadian citizen today. But how can I celebrate Canada Day as a citizen of the world?

Epictetus: As your mentor, I commend your appreciation for your citizenship. To celebrate Canada Day as a citizen of the world, consider the following:

  1. Reflect on Shared Values: Acknowledge the principles of peace, tolerance, and respect that underpin not only Canadian identity but also our shared humanity. Reflect on how these values connect you to others, regardless of nationality.
  2. Embrace Diversity: Engage with the diverse cultures and communities within Canada. Celebrate the richness of different perspectives and traditions, recognizing how they contribute to the global tapestry of humanity.
  3. Acts of Kindness: Use this occasion to perform acts of kindness. Small gestures can create ripples of goodwill, embodying the Stoic principle of justice and promoting harmony among all people.
  4. Mindful Celebration: While festivities may abound, approach them with mindfulness. Enjoy the celebrations but also take moments to reflect on the broader implications of your citizenship and how you can contribute positively to the world.
  5. Educate and Advocate: Use this day to learn about important issues affecting not only Canadians but also people around the globe. Engage in conversations that promote understanding and advocate for justice and compassion.

Conclusion:
As we celebrate Canada Day, let us embrace our shared values and recognize the potential for unity among all citizens of the world. By fostering compassion and a nonviolent stance towards global issues, we can contribute to a more harmonious and understanding planet.

Call to Action:
Join me in reflecting on these principles and consider how you can embody them in your daily life. Together, let us celebrate this day not only as Canadians but as global citizens committed to compassion and unity.


This is a prompt to journal about the values that are present in the world today. Happy Canada Day!

Living The Good Life


My Personal Philosophy

At the core of my personal philosophy lies a commitment to four essential values: to be present, to do no harm, to strive for my best, and to practice the proper use of impressions. These guiding principles shape my interactions with others and the way I navigate life’s challenges. I believe that being fully present allows me to engage authentically with the world around me, fostering deeper connections and a greater understanding of myself and others.

My philosophical outlook has been significantly influenced by the teachings of my mentor, Epictetus, particularly through his work, Discourses and Selected Writings. Epictetus emphasized the importance of internal control and the distinction between what is within our power and what is not. This perspective has deeply resonated with me, reinforcing my belief that my responses to external circumstances are far more important than the circumstances themselves. By focusing on my reactions and thoughts, I can cultivate a sense of inner peace and resilience.

The purpose of my life, as I see it, is to embody my core beliefs in daily practice. Each day presents an opportunity to align my actions with my values, allowing me to live authentically and purposefully. This alignment not only enriches my own life but also positively impacts those around me, as I strive to do no harm and contribute positively to the community.

In decision-making, I rely heavily on the principles outlined in my core beliefs and the wisdom of Epictetus. This framework serves as a compass, guiding me through complex situations and ensuring that my choices reflect my values. By adhering to these principles, I am reminded to act thoughtfully and to consider the implications of my actions on others and myself.

Ultimately, I define success and happiness as a continuous practice rooted in my core beliefs. It is not merely an outcome to be achieved but a journey of incremental learning and growth. By applying the teachings I have internalized, I strive to transform theoretical understanding into tangible practice in all areas of my life. This ongoing process allows me to cultivate a deeper sense of fulfillment and purpose, reinforcing my commitment to personal development and ethical living.

In conclusion, my personal philosophy is a reflection of my values, experiences, and the teachings of Epictetus. By being present, striving for excellence, doing no harm, and properly managing my impressions, I am committed to living a life grounded in purpose and integrity. Through this practice, I hope to continually learn, grow, and contribute positively to the world around me.