Author: Scott

The ego is nothing more than a set of habits. As soon as we grasp this fact we can set about changing, then eventually dropping the habit of ego just like any other unhealthy habit.

Quitting smoking, drinking, or drugs, or even unhealthy eating are all EASY compared to dropping the habit of ego. Most people think they ARE their ego. So, anything that diminishes the ego can make a person feel like they’re going to die.

But, it’s a big lie. The habit of ego can be vanquished just like other bad habits. Breaking free of ego is like the man drowning in three inches of water. To save himself, all he had to do was stand up. Freedom from ego is already here and ours for the taking. All we have to do is wake up.

The only political ideology I subscribe to is a healthy distrust of asymmetrical power & hatred of its abuse.

I vote the anti-bully ticket.

Lignin, the stuff that prevents all trees from adopting the weeping habit, is a polymer made up of units that are closely related to vanillin. When made into paper and stored for years, it breaks down and smells good. Which is how divine providence has arranged for secondhand bookstores to smell like good quality vanilla absolute, subliminally stoking a hunger for knowledge in all of us.

Perfumes: The Guide

Be still in God, meditate with him; do not be angry because of the man who succeeds with his evil ways, and gives effect to his bad designs.

– Psalm 37:7

When people offend us, we must reach deep down into our compassion and respective levels of training and consider big mind and our natural state. The analogy on which I rely heavily, daily, are “birds in nature.” Some birds are smart looking and acting, some seem sinister and predatory, others are nasty, greasy scavengers. And, some are downright goofy with their wild plumes, and squawking, and strutting antics.

The point being is though we’ve all had various reactions to these kinds of birds, they don’t make us angry and want to harm them! Why? Because, they’re just birds! It’s natural to have diversity in nature which is always tolerant and inclusive. Right? Well, until it’s not. But, that’s another subject for another time.

As an example, when I’m in a restaurant and some bedazzled,
big-heiress wannabe is rude to a waiter or squawks on their cell phone for the room to share, I’ve used this birds in nature technique to dissipate my frustration and indignation. I just smile and look at them like the foolish creatures that they are.

Because, in reality it’s just my ego that’s being offended by these “birds” whether they be predatory, a scavenger, or simply a goofy loon. And, ego isn’t me.  Ego isn’t even a real object. Ego is just a series of habits which can and should be broken.

Whenever I find myself feeling strongly negative about ANY group, I try to take a step back and study just how far tolerance and inclusiveness goes and I try to remember that in the real world, the natural world, what’s good for the goose is good for the gander.

And, it’s not always just the crows that cheat, steal, and lie.

People must develop compassion and intellect equally. Otherwise we risk being kind-hearted rubes or mean-spirited experts. Intuition and analytic acumen are equally important, because the transcendent experiences of life are immeasurable, whereas for physical survival we rely exclusively on measured things.

The afternoon sun reflecting
In snowflakes blowing from the trees,
Glistens beyond a million diamonds
And reminds me of the unmeasurable wealth,
That is mine merely by being its witness.

– DSK

I attended a funeral for a friend’s Dad yesterday. I rarely go to funerals for various reasons, but I really wanted to go to this one. I admired the man who passed away and I really like his son.

You can tell a lot about a man who’s died by the good character and attitude of his son. I saw pictures of the man when he was younger, noticed and appreciated the resemblance and qualities he shared with his children.

For a moment I watched my friend, the son of the man who passed, and thought of my own boys, wondering who would be looking at them when they attend my funeral. Morbid as that thought might sound to some, I smiled.

I smiled because if they admire my boys like I admire my friend and think of me as I think of my friend’s Dad, I will have really done something.

I just want to leave good vibes and waves behind me when I go. Happy children are the finest kind.

People aren’t objects to be manipulated and exploited. They are merely multiple variations of you. So, get control of yourself and treat other people as you would treat yourself.

And, while you’re at it, start treating yourself better, too. Now that I think about it, there’s no way you can ever hope to treat other people right if you don’t like yourself first. So start there.

There’s nothing new here. Nothing to debate. Everyone knows what to do. It’s just a matter of whether or not you want to keep on ignoring it.

Wake up. Freedom is yours for the taking.