slowmotion moments

Happiness can be consistent. This is different from obnoxious cheerfulness or fabricated optimism. General happiness, the kind that we can experience consistently, means existing in a state of overall satisfaction for life. No, this does not mean dismissing the need for change or improvement. It doesn't mean pretending everything in our lives is perfect. It means existing. Just existing. And existing means consistent happiness because ultimately, things are in order. There's enough air for us to breathe, our thoughts are in our full control, the sun comes up every morning just as we expect it will, smiling at strangers is still strangely satisfying, and everything in and out of the world God has created is ultimately in order.

Sure, you might be in a tough spot right now, but step back for a moment and look at things through a bigger scope. Better yet, get rid of the scope. Just look at life, and yourself, for what it really is: Exhilarating, dimensional, and full. There's enough of every good thing. And you've got to learn to let yourself out of the scary box you store yourself in, and occasionally feel the whole of existence in and around you.

That's what a slowmotion moment is: Step out of the rush of things (because the world doesn't always have to be chaotic), and for just a moment, relish in the infinite capacities and sheer truth that life is made of. You're damn lucky.

weakness is your springboard.

I'm reading a wise book called "Courage to Surrender" (Tommy Hellsten.) His favorite topic seems to be weakness, which he claims is the basis by which we become strong. "We are able to grow only to the extent that we are willing to embrace our weakness." So stands corrected my former belief that we can only rise as high as we have sunk low. Truly, the severity of our weakness is insignificant. Our capacity to grow is catalyzed by two things: Consistently doing things that promote growth, and embracing the weaknesses that make us wonderfully human. First we recognize. Then we remain aware, then accept, and finally, embrace weakness, which is to say that we love ourselves purely for who we are. Then we have a springboard wherever we go.

four things.

There are four things I choose to be, in no particular oder:

Compassionate. Aggressive. Confident. Peaceful.


Compassionate, because nothing is more fulfilling than a life full of love. There is no quality or substance humanity needs more, craves more, and lacks more than love. So I choose to love.

Aggressive because life requires ambition. And nothing wistful. Aggressive, determined, focussed ambitions. Every night I can sink into the most restful sleep because I finished a day from which I sprang from my bed, committed to conquer the most dangerous parts of my world. And I do conquer. I'm driven by sheer willpower and life-aggression.

Confident because I know I am worth the world. I learn my skills, strengths, and unique abilities, and I know the existence of the universe is improved because of who I am. God created me for keeps.

Peaceful because we seek nothing more than peace. The greatest deeds and the foulest crimes are committed in the name of peace. And real as my imperfections are, goodness is the truer peaceful nature of me, just as it is for anyone. So I choose to be peaceful.

my mind in a rickety living room.

Welcome to the sitting room of my mind. This isn't a place to receive psychology, so don't expect that. And don't expect to be changed by the words you read; that's your own job. This is just a place to listen. Quietly. And maybe we'll find something together worth sitting on for a while. There are always thoughts and philosophies worth communal. Or maybe it will make us want to get out of this old, squishy chair and live more. Vibrantly.