|
|
By Tigmonk, on November 11th, 2009
-Quotation Wednesday
Many men go fishing all of their lives without knowing that it is not fish they are after.
~Henry David Thoreau
What are you after? Well, is what you are after, truly what you’re trying to discover? It seems to me often times we run around hoping to accomplish something that might fill our hearts, or give us a sense of pride that will seemingly make all things well; of course ultimately we fall short only to discover it’s not what we truly wanted. With all the commotion that goes on around us, it’s easy to get tricked into believing that what’s important to others, must be important to ourselves.
It’s almost as if we get plugged into a system or grid, and then are told to make the best of it; but internally we want nothing more than to reject what we’ve been taught, knowing it goes against our natural state of being. Be cautious where you cast your net, or better yet… make sure the one doing the casting, is you.
By Tigmonk, on November 10th, 2009
“Circumstance,” can become a major distraction as we move in our growth. It’s the lazy road to begin placing blame onto that which we believe we have no authority over, and with this I’m referring directly to those circumstances we have developed into a major crutch in and around our lives. We all have them, and by “all,” I mean you as well. We lean on these crutches, to avoid taking full responsibility, because taking full responsibility would mean reaching beyond our comfort zone, experiencing change, and exhibiting courage. Yes, it is these things we are most afraid of that keeps our heart firmly wrapped around fear. Let go of this control, allow yourself to be in its natural place by dissolving the lies we cling to.
What are, or what is, your crutch(es)? What excuse have you used, over and over again, that keeps you in a place of not creating or experiencing change; or continuing a cycle which you know serves a negative purpose. You see the funny thing is, you know what I’m talking about. However do you also notice the difficulty you have bringing them, or it, to the surface? Is it… that you are single? Is it… that you’re uneducated? Is it… you feel over weight? There are endless possibilities; what are yours. These are all just excuses, thought patterns that have dictated our lives for too long. Listen Carefully, if you desire for your life experience to change, in the direction of love, sooner or later you will see it as necessary to stop hiding behind your thoughts and labels. Take responsibility, your excuses and reasons are over used, and over rated.
By Tigmonk, on November 9th, 2009
It can be difficult to allow your spouse to be themselves, to allow her or him the freedom to discover life creatively. Have you ever given thought to such a thing? You can even go beyond the spouse and take notice of other relationships in your life, and how at some level you feel they should be doing what you believe is best for them. How do you know if this is you? Well, how often are you bothered by other people’s actions?
Allowing other people the freedom to discover life, is in some ways giving yourself permission to live your own. If you find yourself caught up in the drama that comes with projecting an external expectation, I would encourage you to realize that life does not come with a game plan that says all must follow the route you’ve taken. Learn to wish upon others, that their highest lessons be learned in their own perfect time. Allowing you the freedom to do what you can do, without the baggage of worry and false expectations.
By Tigmonk, on November 6th, 2009
-Funny Photo Friday-
Yesterday, on Facebook I made it known that I went and saw a new scary movie out called, “Paranormal Activity.” This movie is highly touted as being one of the scariest movies ever (yeah, marketing, I know lol). I myself am not a scary movie fan by any means, and rarely… rarely ever see them; I had thought it was very likely that I might end up cowering over in fear. However I made the decision to go for this very reason, because I was afraid and was curious about the preconceived notions I had.
In my opinion, in accordance with my personal taste and preference, the movie bombed and was not that scary. It was funny how big I made the potential fear out to be, as if forecasting the unknown as being soooo, soooo fearful. Do you notice that same pattern in your own life, believing from time to time that the unknown is terrifying, or facing your fears is too scary? I know I have, many a times. The majority of the actual fear we experience, is almost – if not all, entirely made up in our mind before we actually experience the moment we dread. With our past beliefs and experiences, defining what’s right and what’s wrong, good and bad, and funny or fearful, this all leads to our expectation of the future as it limits us from taking the steps necessary to make meaningful progress now. Below is a Facebook response to someone who asked “Why would you put that crap in your head, it isnt exactly edifying?”
My Response…
The only real power it has over my true being, is the power I allow it to have. I didn’t go into the situation with an expectation to carry it with me when I left. That would only create suffering. I knew it would be an experience, and only that, an experience. Everything else, is just commentary of the mind.
“Why would I put that crap in my head, it isn’t edifying?” What’s edifying, is what you take from it. Not the “it” in itself. If we see other “things” as edifying, then we chase that which edifies. Missing out on the opportunity to understand, the edification truly comes from within us, our ability to interpret life that is consistent with truth, with love. When you stop chasing, you realize what you’ve been searching for this whole time, which is your true nature.
We separate ourselves from our true power and authority, by placing the power in such things as movies, music, seminars, books, people, etc, etc, etc. We become trapped as we believe the wholeness of our being is weak, and our strength is “out there, rather than in here.” All the goodness you see “out there,” is truly an expression of the whole self you already are, we have just been deceived to observe otherwise.
Quick Note…
Yes, there is the sensation of fear that comes from the natural human reaction to protect oneself and preserve life; which is accompanied by an adrenaline rush. But remember, this is a reaction that only last for seconds, the continuous state of this human instinct is to created suffering; dragged out by our thoughts and expectations. People often times get addicted to this state of being because it makes them feel alive, giving them a sense of identity brought on by the excitement created; therefore they might chase it.
By Tigmonk, on November 5th, 2009
-Poetic Thursday
Do you ever find yourself being offended because others laugh hysterically at a joke that makes fun of a tragic situation; like 9/11, War, Poverty, Murder, Race, Abortion, etc, etc, etc? If so, then remember this poem, I wrote it just for you.
- Roses are red, violets are blue, nobody cares what you think, and that makes me laugh, how bout you?
The point; you have the potential to find in the above poem, whatever you search for. Regardless of the situation, there is the potential for humor and tragedy. It’s a dualistic world view that traps us into believing that there can be only one appropriate response. Usually people voice the appropriate response as the response they choose for themselves, naturally casting judgment on others who choose differently. The reality of it is, just because a situation carries humor, doesn’t mean it is not also tragic; and vice-versa. It’s like laughing at yourself for making stupid errors.
Listen to your internal response, when you experience emotions such as offended-ness, creating a weakness within, it’s a good sign that your not seeing the full truth and are being led by fear.
By Tigmonk, on November 4th, 2009
Is your interpretation of life, a Serious one? Do you often see yourself or your world as teetering on a thin line; sometimes believing that one wrong move and your world will come crashing down? This thought pattern creates tremendous anxiety and stress, as if you didn’t already know. “But Tiger, if you’re not serious about life, then you can’t be successful and make progress.” Have you ever given thought to the notion that man’s idea of success and progress is part of the problem/delusion? Do you understand that what is “wanting” to be created through success and progress, is not a thing, but an experience to create a feeling?
When I look at the abundant nature around me, the same nature that’s been here for millions/billions of years, I see a sustainability that’s not created through strenuous effort, or even a sense of urgency, but created rather by a playful curiosity that’s constantly creating a more beneficial song for the whole. I love when people draw comparisons to nature as boring and dull, as if man was here before her presence. Remember, human history compared to nature’s history, is no comparison at all, nature wins. When it comes to sustaining a peaceful existence, beyond all our perceived false wants, desires, and ambitions, I recommend taking notes from that which has the most ’successful’ experience.
By Tigmonk, on November 3rd, 2009
At anytime I cannot see the inherent beauty in what I observe or what I experience, I find it important to remind myself that even though the sun may hide behind a cloudy sky, it doesn’t mean it’s no longer present; I simply am not seeing it because my view is obstructed. Have you ever had such an encounter, where you came across something that used to be perceived as without beauty, only later to find it’s beauty penetrate your heart? Whether in people, places, or experiences, I’m sure you can think of something. Take time to remember such an occasion.
Just because we cant see it, doesn’t mean it is not there; and my friend, all things aren’t just with beauty, all things are beauty. If this troubles you, take heart, there is no life requirement that says you must see it as such. However, I do encourage you to expand on this possibility. Begin to ask questions that you are comfortable asking. Don’t feel as though you immediately need to see or find the beauty in such things as murder, or poverty, etc. Saying such things can be dangerous, I know, and I hope you understand the point I’m trying to make with the responsibility that comes with it. Can you see beauty in your partner where you once found disgust? Can you see beauty in death, how about suffering? Stretch yourself while speaking to the heart, and steer clear of a logic that’s based in duality.
By Tigmonk, on November 2nd, 2009
Other peoples place in time, their personal circumstance in now, is exactly where they need to be. It may be a minor taboo to see it this way, but in reality, in truth, it is the only way it can be. To say someone should or should not be where they are, is a complete contradiction to truth. To say someone should be smarter, should be prettier, or shouldn’t be so naïve, is to completely remove yourself from now, living in opposition to the moment.
Does what I wrote make sense, can you understand what I’m saying, without adding too many assumption? There is a beautiful simplicity in detaching our identity from the shoulds and should nots of our world; always searching to change something, believing how it is now is not how it’s suppose to be. Of course to the committed egoic mind, the one who see’s himself as separate from what is, there is no logic in my words… and if this is you, then you are exactly where you need to be, where you are now.
By Tigmonk, on October 30th, 2009
-Funny Photo Friday-
The News Media are like a corporate people police. They go around pointing out their perceived fallacies onto other people, trying to convince you to agree with them; “they’re trying to sell it.” Are you so easily suckered in, to spend time focusing on what you “think” people are doing wrong? Or are you more concerned with the positive impact you can share with the world?
Not saying the news is void of value, but if you find yourself as one who watches or pays attention to its content, I challenge you to see the truth in what I’m saying. The only wrong or right in our world, is the wrong or right we think exists; taking place in our mind, influenced by the road we’ve traveled. The next time you watch the news, or read a paper, remove the idea of wrong or right from within yourself, observe life and people without judgment, and see how crazy this form of communication may seem.
By Tigmonk, on October 29th, 2009
-Poetic Thursday
Of all that you are against,
of all that you oppose,
my friend be aware of this insanity
that makes the heart close.
It’s an “idea” that you protect,
not now, not truth, but only thought;
selfishly believing in the “should” and “should not.”
In all your arguments,
in all your confrontation,
do you not see that it is as real
as the battle between two nations.
All fighting to be right,
all fighting for control,
where has it left us,
I ask that you consult your soul.
By Tigmonk, on October 28th, 2009
When raising our children, are we more concerned with who they are now, or who we want them to be in the future? If you are a parent, like myself, I ask that we question the belief that says “Children are not yet who they need to be.” Meaning, their true purpose takes place after they leave home; therefore it must be my job to get them ready for such a date. All this “getting ready,” or anticipation of who it is we think our child needs to be, only gets in the way of truly raising our children.
Think about your own experience. With all the expectations others placed on you, how much of a difference has that made towards your personal well being. I’m not speaking of the exterior world we are so fond of… what car you drive, or how big your house is, I’m referring to the condition of your soul, your true self, not the facade. Are you at peace with life? Do you fully accept this moment? Do you have love for those you hate, do you have compassion for those who hurt you? Are you living in truth, or are you living in fear? Let go of the idea that your child must turn out a certain way, or you will be punished. There is no should, or should not, only what is. Namaste.
By Tigmonk, on October 27th, 2009
When all is done, and your seeking comes to an end, what you will discover is… You Are, What You Have Been Searching For. That is when the search will end. It is very common place in our culture to be obsessed with the search; as if things the way they are, are not okay. Of course, this is the way many of us feel about ourselves, that we must improve, the way we are is not sufficient, and all will be well once we are different. My friend, this is where we miss the point entirely. This approach is motivated by fear. Do not fear what it is you run from, do not fear what’s happening now, for if you do, there will be no power to face it. There will be no power to face now. You will only continue the search until you are tired of running.
For thousands upon thousands of years, man has been on a quest to improve life in accordance to how he sees fit. In the process, we have accomplished little and destroyed a lot. Our accomplishments have not been where it matters most, such as living peacefully, with harmony, and respect for all of life. It has merely impacted the way we go about our lives, not the way we live through our lives. With our effort to improve through control, we wrestle the ocean as if we controlled the tide. As with yourself, where you are here and now, is where the search ends. Confusing? Good. Now let it transcend the mind.
P.s. Searching for self, is like walking to find your legs.
By Tigmonk, on October 26th, 2009
Here’s what I know. When I “make fun” of other people with a sarcasm that criticizes, it is only done with an effort to build up myself; my ego self. This can be somewhat of a personal alarm, it tells me where my identification is. If I was more connected with truth, my actions and words would build up the other, rather than tear them down.
This can be difficult to do, especially in a work environment where gossip and sarcasm are the norm, however it is a vital step to take if we desire to go deeper. I’m going to be experimenting with some ideas to work through these challenges over the next few days, hopefully I will have some additional insights to share.
By Tigmonk, on October 23rd, 2009
Do you ever recognize yourself as in a costume, not in your clothes, but in your actual skin, your body? Seriously, what if the you, you think you are is more than just your body, the person you see in the mirror every morning. Well, it is. Our life struggle/suffering begins when we fool ourselves into believing, we are the costume. Just like this young man in the banana suit, he has become so involved with his false identity, that he actually sees himself as being reunited with his family. Wink wink.
When our lives become dictated by the emotions we feel, we are attached to this false reality; seeing ourselves as limited in the tiny box we call our head; this could be a definition of the ego. It’s the same insanity as identifying personally with your car. It gets you from point A to point B, just as your body does, but it would be silly to identify with it (even though some do, lol). Your body is just that, a vehicle, which is used by the greater “I Am.” Can you see this deeply? Can you see the nature of your being as being beyond your body, if so, investigate further. How are you limiting yourself by identifying with this insanity? Who are you really, beyond the banana?
By Tigmonk, on October 22nd, 2009
-Poetic Thursday
Slowly take a breath,
and discover yourself without regret.
Leave behind that which is behind,
and color your world with colors not found in the mind.
Our anguish for moments past,
are shadows that cannot last.
Hold dear the moment at hand,
for it’s only in now that you can perceive life as grand.
If you choose to remember,
remember for what it was,
an experience, a moment,
with nothing left in your hand.
By Tigmonk, on October 21st, 2009
Have you ever held the sensation of being scared because others might find you out, discover who you really are? The “you” you’d rather not have on display in public view. It’s as if we were hiding. There is a vulnerability there that I see as fragile, yet it keeps us from walking through the door. It keeps us from letting go. Letting go of the idea that opinions of others really dictate our value. Letting go of ideas that says “I’m not good enough.” Letting go, of self, of who it is we think we are.
Maybe to learn and grow through this fearful limitation, one must be willing to face what he’s afraid of. Could it draw you deeper into your despair, sure I guess it could, but at the same time there is potential for freedom. Eventually we will learn. What we might take notice of, is the decision within ourselves… to live in the illusion of self, or to consciously participate in the creation of true life?
By Tigmonk, on October 20th, 2009
Distraction, is avoidance. The Conscious self, is a participatory one. Is your life a distraction, keeping you from fulfilling a call? Or is it a conscious expression, moving with purpose in all of its motion? Do you keep your inner strength hidden, by avoiding challenges that could help you grow? Or do you move through fear, reaching out for new levels of understanding?
Not it, to go through life avoiding that which seems fearful. I feel this way because it’s my personal experience to avoid challenges where I know I might fail, consequently I remain stale, or sink further into my life of avoidance. So what, if you get rejected! So what, if people judge you. Big deal, if you lose a buck. What is it you are so desperately trying to protect anyway? You? Your Identity? You mean the beliefs you have about who you are? Why such a limited frame of reference? You are here to learn, not to avoid life to avert the ruffling of your own feathers. Don’t let your life, be a distraction from discovering the courage you know you are.
By Tigmonk, on October 19th, 2009
Whooooaaa! Wait! Stop. Can we take just a moment, and recognize the depth of our actions? Do you ever wonder how far your movements reach? When you buy something, you don’t merely just purchase an item, you also purchase a process. Are you aware of the systems you support? Not that they are good or bad, the question is are you aware? Don’t be so naïve to believe your actions only affect self.
We as human beings are a collective organism, just as in the body the function of one cell gives life to the whole. Do your actions support harmony among the whole, or are they selfishly motivated to fulfill an arrogant want? This life isn’t about you, or I, or them, it’s about all of us. Notice the steps you take, and ask yourself… “does this movement support life as a whole, or does it only support the small idea I have of myself?
By Tigmonk, on October 16th, 2009
Last week I had a rough Friday, and consequently I found the universe providing what I had on my mind. Lol. Alcohol. Being someone who rarely, rarely drinks, I found myself in an interesting situation. Before fully engaging, I made a decision. “If I go forward, I will do so without guilt.” I also thought about the idea of putting my all, into whatever I do. I spent some time drinking and playing board games with some adult friends and my wife (who doesn’t drink), before the night was through I found myself nearly unconscious praying to a porcelain god (the toilet). Nauseous, Inebriated, Confused, and flat out overly drunk. I gave it my all.
Why my declaration to move forward without guilt? Because feeling guilty would imply I’m doing something wrong or bad, and “wrong and bad” are only ideas, not truth. The truth, was that my actions would have a consequence, as all actions do, and I fully accepted what the consequences might be before I moved forward, and if I didn’t know what those might be, I knew I was about to learn. As I ferociously puked my brains out, I remember thinking, “wow, I’m totally not guilt tripping myself right now, I accept this moment for what it is and now have a deeper understanding of why I choose not to drink.” …and then I passed out on the bathroom floor.
P.s. If I moved forward with guilt, my mind would have been busy in an illusion, and I would have been less available to learn from the experience.
By Tigmonk, on October 15th, 2009
-Poetic Thursday
Forgive you might, this moment of hardship.
Forgive this day, what has come and the future’s fate.
Celebrate the choice to forgive,
for it gives freedom to those who do not wait.
What would it mean, to forgive the mind for free?
Can you calculate a cost, to just listen, be still, and be?
Decide right now, if you wish, if you choose, if you desire,
let love guide the moment, not resentment, gossip,
or a mind convinced it has become a lier.
Forgiveness and honesty, are one and the same;
for truth knows of no wrong, no lesson in vain.
Be honest with truth, and forgive the mind;
for it wanders afraid, fearful of what it might find.
Forgive this day,
even before it begins,
for what you will learn has the potential…
to bring peace with an infinite end.
Approach this sunrise knowing all is well;
it is, I promise, even the illusion of time will tell.
By Tigmonk, on October 14th, 2009
In our lives, we all have things we tend to run to with the hopes of escaping our mind; be it food, hobbies, drugs, t.v., etc. It’s not about escaping now, it’s about escaping our thoughts in now. Did you ever notice this? It’s not the actual moment you run from, but the thoughts you have about it. Do you notice how you react to your thoughts, as if they were actually true? You start thinking about tomorrow’s failures and create anxiety, you think about yesterday’s hardships and suffer, or even have thoughts about now and create pain.
A thought, is much like the blinking of your eyes; it comes and goes without effort, however somewhere along the line we’ve learned to attach tremendous meaning to our thoughts as if they were actual truth, rather than just an occurrence. Next time you find yourself wanting to run from your thoughts about now, about the past, or about the future, attempt to understand that they are just thoughts, not reality, and the only meaning they have is the meaning I give them. Even if you do run, accept it, and be aware of what’s taking place. Rather than running from your mind, learn to make peace with it.
By Tigmonk, on October 13th, 2009
Are you aware that as a child you developed beliefs about reality and yourself? Based on your experience as a child you learned the process of giving meaning to events. When mom or dad yelled at you, you gave it a meaning that often times equated your own value and worth. When ever they showed disapproval, you might have saw it as a reflection towards who you were as a person. Not to mention all the beliefs you gathered about money, appearance, success, confidence, etc, etc, etc. But can you honestly say any of these interpretations, past or present, are true.
You may not be consciously aware of it, but on a subconscious level these past beliefs very much shape your life creation today. You’ve built a hard drive system that has painted a picture of “what life is,” and who you are. The discomfort you experience in today’s world, the cycles of torment you may be experiencing, are based on a belief structure developed over many years. Because of this, its subtle nature, you are completely unaware of its affect, and go on believing… “well, that’s just life.” To see through this illusion, one should understand that any event from your past, inherently has no meaning, it only contains the meaning you’ve given it. Your past, no longer truly exist, it’s gone, what’s left is your attachment to it through memory. Take time and give events from the past a new meaning, consciously see through the lie you have repeatedly told yourself; and create life anew.
By Tigmonk, on October 12th, 2009
Did you know that in some cultures men disregard the woman’s breasts when deciding their level of attractiveness; some see it as completely irrelevant, but see the back of a woman’s neck as the determining factor. The point is… the environment you grew up in, has shaped the most intimate wants and beliefs you posses. Think about all the things you “think” you must have, question the beliefs you hold so strongly, can you be certain that this is even you that’s wanting or believing so badly.
Do you ever find yourself being troubled with life “now,” because you don’t have what you’re wanting or believing so badly? Think about all the advertisements you’ve seen in your lifetime, well structured pieces of media solely designed to make you believe you are without, unless you have what it is they offer. If you have children, then you know what I mean. I bring this up, with the hopes you might recognize some subtle difference between the real you and the ego. Next time, ask yourself… “is this me really wanting or believing, or is it an idea I have been sold?”
By Tigmonk, on October 9th, 2009
I’m sorry, you might have me confused with someone else. In this moment it is not my desire to motivate anyone, nor is it any interest of mine to help you feel better about the “I” you have created. If you’d like to get your self-esteem boosted, I’d recommend looking elsewhere. If you’d like to unlearn all the non-sense and remember your true nature, then stick around. Freedom; Not Identification.
By Tigmonk, on October 7th, 2009
 The internal or verbal statement…”if only,” implies a need or desire for control. It says that life as it presents itself now, is not sufficient or is lacking. If only I won the lottery, things would be better. If only I could change, my life would be more fulfilling. If only I didn’t have this illness, then I could be whole. If only I could be happy, than things would work out. If only… If only… If only. Sorry, I’m not going to comfort your disillusioned desire.
Can you honestly see how your desire for control, is a form of being against that which you don’t prefer? Can you honestly see how this separates you from what is, which is this moment? On the flip side, can you see how when you’re seemingly in complete control you might feel a sense of pride, or accomplishment? Hmmm… interesting, something to think about. No wonder the desire to attain it can be so strong. However all illusion, is fleeting. So how does one overcome being in control? Hehe. You can’t. Only the ego wants to get rid of something. Obviously, that would be trying to control your controlling.
By Tigmonk, on October 7th, 2009
I would imagine the ability to flow with life is something that many desire; maybe desired most at times when one seems completely out of control. What does it mean, to “be in the flow?” Maybe it’s an underlying peace that has no expectation beyond knowing that all is well; and not just a knowing, but also as an experience that reflects this understanding. An experience where life seems to magically work out, where synchronicity is the norm and we become one with the river of life. Does such a place exist? Yes it does, however it is not a place to get to, or attain, it is an environment that exist now and can only be realized, not sought after.
Most people see themselves as separate from the river, as they frantically row up stream. Is it no wonder we can become so tired of life? My friend it is simply a matter of control, not to gain more of it, because honestly you never had it to begin with, it’s about releasing the idea that you must be in control. Control of what? Whatever you feel needs to be controlled. So how does one function without control? Well, how does a flower bloom without strenuous effort? Does the wind not carry the bird? Does life not have the potential to carry you? “But wait…! What about what I want, what about what I need to have… or need to be… what about my dreams?!” There you go again, swimming up stream.
By Tigmonk, on October 6th, 2009
When you observe life with fear, you see others, self, and the world around you as lacking something. As if the way it is, is not sufficient and in serious need of an overhaul. Granted, you can see love within your desire to fix something, because you care, but at its core there is a separated world view based in fear; you can recognize this because you will find that as you love you also hate. Again, not right or wrong, just what you perceive. With this perception, life can never truly be whole, because what you see is based on an interpretation and believes there must always be duality. Therefore, the mind will continue to show you a world and self that’s divided, constantly showing you “through interpretation,” why what you believe, is the way it is.
This emptiness we feel (not quite whole), is not an emptiness within our “me,” or our “idea” of who we are, it is in the perception we offer up to reality, or truth. Because it is in most cases a contradiction to what’s true, or what’s really present, we sense the contradiction within ourselves and tend to interpret it as “missing” something. So the challenge we are presented with, is being able to see reality as it is, rather than how we believe it must be or should be. As we do, the wants we have that are only there to fill a void, fade away. You will begin to recognize your true nature in everything you see, an underlying presence of acceptance within all things; where nothing must change, it can only be allowed to.
By Tigmonk, on October 5th, 2009
Is your home life consistent with the life you present to the world? Do you put on a smile and hide your anger, only waiting to express it when you get home? Do you try and convince the world you are fine, and then go home and cry hoping things weren’t the way they were? Do you pretend life is wonderful, when you’re honestly overcome by fear? What are you hiding from?
I’m not hear to tell you, I’m here to ask you to question it. Is there a facade that you feel must be lived up to when you are away from home? Why? What do you think this creates within yourself, to believe who you are or what you experience, is not acceptable? Hmmm, what does this say about the acceptance you have for yourself? I’m not saying it is good or bad, to wear your heart on your sleave, 24/7. I’m simply asking you to take notice of the contrast, and contemplate your acceptance or non acceptance.
By Tigmonk, on October 2nd, 2009
For god’s sakes man, it’s just a water balloon!
One of the greatest gifts we can learn, is how to keep things in perspective. When we are without this ability, we can end up experiencing emotional torment because we see reality not based in truth, but based in exaggerated fear. So how can one learn to practice more sanity as we view the world around us? The first step is to not resist the fear you experience, if it’s present, then let it be present. Then when you find yourself calmed down, reflect back and spend some serious time understanding the illusion of what you experienced. You will probably find that your reaction obviously wasn’t logical, no worries, and it’s okay because you most likely won’t be able to bring healing through focusing on what is the logical response. Just recognize fully how your response was based on ideas and beliefs, rather than truth.
Secondly, take time to visualize in detail and silence how you would prefer to react next time. As you do, in your visualization make an effort to experience the emotions that comes with it. Create in your mind and heart, the vision of what you desire, and then if in the future you are still not able to make progress – repeat the lesson. Yes, it may take time. Thirdly, what also might help is to bring tremendous humor to the situation. Visualize what scares you as being funny, if you are honestly freaked out by water balloons, see the balloons as being filled with whipped cream and landing on someone who irritates you (in a light hearted fashion). If what scares you is connected to a painful experience in the past, remove yourself and see it from a third party perspective while creating compassion and humor. This can help to break the mental patterns we are so familiar with, opening up new opportunities to see Love.
By Tigmonk, on October 1st, 2009
Can you understand how environmental influence can create behavior that’s out of alignment with compassionate love? Think of the fear and hatred created towards the jews via the influence by the nazi army and other special interest groups, millions of people fell in line and joined the desire to rid themselves of a race of people solely because of opinion. What about your own hatred towards others, or just plain old non acceptance, is this a conditioned idea or belief?
The point is, next time you see someone and your brain scrambles to find reasons to fear them or hate them, think twice, or three times, or as many as it takes to realize what you despise about them is based only on a collection of thought, not truth. Not to mention, if it is an action they perpetrate that offends you, it too could very easily be there own reaction to environmental influence. So… where’s the compassionate love man? The good news is, if you go deep enough you will find that love needs no cause to be present. You may also want to recognize, that other people and organizations (shhh… government & religion institutions), want to create division between people to serve their own interests. Don’t fall prey to their trap, be your own person and willingly seek love in all situations.
By Tigmonk, on September 30th, 2009
Trying to control your child’s belief structure, is like trying to control what foods they like best. What’s double the fun is watching parents use fear to get their children to conform, “well if you don’t believe this way, then, ummm, you’re going to hell.” It seems to me that people who desire to control others, even their children, are people who feel the most unease within their own life. Of course this tends to be the reason they cling to such insanity, is because of their own insecurities within themselves; and by “trying” to control others, they gain a sense of control about themselves, which of course is an obvious illusion.
You know what contributes to children being the beautiful creations they are, is their ability to release ideas and beliefs and move freely with creativity; allowing them to overcome fear and make new discoveries by not being bound by one ideology. So stop it. Stop trying to plan your child’s eternal life when you don’t even have a grasp on your own life now. To defend your belief so strongly, is only to prove you have no faith. Stop shoving your beliefs down your child’s throat and think about the possibility that they are here to teach you, not the other way around. Guide your children, by allowing them to discover life freely, and safely, while you watch and learn how to not forget the child within yourself.
P.s. Stick to what you know, not to what you believe.
By Tigmonk, on September 29th, 2009
External Knowledge is not something to be attached to, and by external knowledge I mean any information that comes from the exterior of your being. This also includes ideas and beliefs since often times these are only past down or recycled pieces of information. It is at times very tempting to cling to such information because our desire for truth can be so strong. Let me point out passionately, truth cannot be found in the mind. As I’ve said many times, emotion and thought are a tool of your life experience, kind of like how your refrigerator can be considered a life tool. How silly it would be to approach our freezer and say, “who am I?”
When referencing the mind and emotion for truth, all it is able to do is offer up information which it has already been exposed to. It can become very convincing considering it knows our desires very well. It does it job by providing answers, but don’t mistake those answers as truth. Real truth is beyond anything you read, hear, or experience, at best they can only be pointers to truth, or doorways which are meant to be walked through, not as parking spaces. As with what you read in my writing, it is only meant as a guide for some, hopefully showing a path which may lead to your awakening.
By Tigmonk, on September 28th, 2009
 It’s not uncommon to recognize one’s own pain and tearfully desire an alternate experience. We wonder why it must be this way, why must our thoughts torment us, why must we at times feel like a prison surrounds our entire being. Because of this we feel our true nature hides behind a veil not knowing if it will ever be fully realized. In this moment, the only recommendation I have, is to find within yourself a serious effort to see beyond what has covered our eyes for so long.
It seems that all I can say, is within this sea of uncertainty lies a stillness that waits to be recognized. The sensation is likened to that of resting in the eye of the storm, regardless of what goes on around you, the greater sense of who you are, the truth of who you are remains steadfast and unshaken. There can be seen a flow that has no expectation beyond what’s real, independent of thought and emotion. It can be difficult to describe with words, it is beyond the ability of the mind to comprehend.
By Tigmonk, on September 25th, 2009
Marriage. The word by itself has no meaning, it is absolutely meaningless. Without an interpretation from the mind of man, it might as well be considered squiggly lines on a piece of paper. It only comes alive once you add to it your life experience; what you’ve been taught, what you’ve seen, and the time you’ve spent pondering its role. The large majority of us have accepted tradition as truth, as if what has always been must be right for you. Consequently, as you venture on you may find that reality contradicts your expectation, meaning… it’s not working how you thought it should, and you tend to question the experience rather than your own belief. Most “ideas” of marriage, are not aligned in truth, therefore it creates suffering. Need evidence of this… what is the divorce rate, and for those who stay together, how many couples are truly and “honestly” satisfied with their relationships? (Beyond the false vale they show the world.)
The questions is not, what is the right meaning? The question is… what is true, beyond what I “think” should or shouldn’t be true? The value of this union, is up to you to discover. I am not going to be the one to define it for you, then it would just be another “idea” you could attach yourself to.
By Tigmonk, on September 24th, 2009
 How you choose to respond to circumstance, plays a significant role in your experienced outcome. At first glance, it would appear that the response I’m speaking of is that of an external nature; however the difference maker is the internal interpretation you offer up to the universe. On the surface one might see this statement as referring to your emotional reaction, as if the only correct response is one of complete tranquility. You may find comfort in knowing this is far from the truth. What it comes down to is your state of consciousness. Are you divided? Are you resisting what is? If so, I would imagine it as being very difficult to see much of anything working out to your highest advantage.
Rather than trying to force yourself to react in a loving manner, learn to understand the love already present in your experience. Doing so, will allow your reaction to be natural and without conscious division. If you are mad, be mad. If you are sad, be sad; all the while knowing that somewhere love is fully present. When we resist what is, our ego declares that “what is” doesn’t have a right to be; a declaration in complete contradiction to truth and reality. Even if we don’t understand the chaos behind the circumstance, there lies an organization that knows all is well. To be against, to be in opposition, will only drag out your undesired experience.
By Tigmonk, on September 23rd, 2009
Do you ever find yourself thinking with frustration… “I just want to feel better, I just want to be happy, I don’t like feeling this way and I want it to change.” Does this idea of “feeling better,” drive the decisions you make in life? I ask, not because it’s wrong, but because it’s very telling of your life focus. It’s one thing to appreciate the feel good moments, and it’s a completely different thing to avoid the perceived negative ones. If you truly desire to understand truth, or to be… (dare I say) enlightened, at some point one must get over the idea that it will be without pain.
If we walk with this desire to avoid what we fear, then consequently we will never reach deeper levels of understanding about ourselves and the world within us. We simply will not grow, we will walk an unconscious life empty of the courage we admire in others. The peace we seek, is accompanied by a journey which may not always feel good, which may at times be uncomfortable, but ultimately satisfying to the soul. From my own experience, when peace underlies the deepest heart ache, what can be seen is a deeper sense of love. When one lives in truth, all emotion, is an extension of grace.
By Tigmonk, on September 22nd, 2009
This idea of wanting, I find tremendously engaging. How many things or experiences have you wanted with a passion, only to find yourself wanting something else shortly after you got what you wanted? Seriously, have you thought about such things? Do you see how there may be a connection between the desire of wanting, and the sense of lack that can fill the heart? To tell the universe you want, is to tell the universe you are without; in addition, it is also to say you are separate. It’s an amazing conditioning that takes place, to believe in a reality where the void is filled through fulfilling a desire.
If all is one, then the reality is “you are.” Allow there to be no need to want, only the experience to be. Tell me this 7 years ago, and I too might consider such a statement boring, uneventful, and lame. Chasing an experience or a physical item, is a declaration that says the present moment is not enough and I must be other than what I am now, I must have other than what I have now; keyword… must. This is not in alignment with reality, since all that is able to be, in the present moment, is what is. Discover your wants, not as separate from your infinite “I,” but rather the reality of what you are.
p.s. I’m not criticizing those who “want,” or have desires; also I’m not telling what one should or should not do, I’m simply questioning my own intent with an effort to understand more fully the void we are all familiar with.
By Tigmonk, on September 21st, 2009
Unfortunately we’ve been sold an idea that mankind’s ultimate state of being is free from pain, and until we reach that state we remain unenlightened and far from who we really are. This idea is completely and utterly incorrect, when it comes to truth. Freedom to be who you are, is freedom to be who you are right now, in your pain or in your pleasure.
This human experience is one that involves whatever it is you’re going through. The next time your experience seems tough, allow it to be so, and in your allowing seek new perspectives rather than trying to control the event. See your experience independent from emotion, see it as having no meaning, then see it with total acceptance and understand its right to be present.
By Tigmonk, on September 18th, 2009
“When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be.”
-Lao Tzu
When I ponder the idea of what I might become, as I let go of what I am, I’m reminded of a consistent joy that underlines any pain I may experience. This concept of joy, is not one that goes without pain, but is one that sustains a sense of peace throughout any experience I may have; whether it consists of pain or pleasure.
Unfortunately we’ve been sold an idea that mankind’s ultimate state of being is free from pain, and until we reach that state we remain unenlightened and far from who we really are. This idea is completely and utterly incorrect, when it comes to truth. Freedom to be who you are, is freedom to be who you are right now, in your pain or in your pleasure. Truth is, right now, regardless of how you feel. True reality, who you truly are is always present, we cannot be at a distance from it, we can only forget its truth.
 In the roles we play as we spend time on this planet, it involves that of mind, emotion, and feeling; it is part of the experience. To deny the experience of, or to see how you truly feel in the moment as not worthy, is the attachment I speak of. To let go of what I am, is to let go of this idea that I should feel differently than how I feel now. How you feel now, is truth. How you desire to feel, is preference. To become what I might, is to be who you are now, with sincerity and transparency, understanding the feeling, thought, or emotion as something experienced, not as the “me” we have become so fond of.
Are you free enough, to feel sad when you feel sad? Are you free enough to be happy when you feel happy? Are you free enough, to experience life while you are here?
By Tigmonk, on September 16th, 2009
Letting Go of Self, – Lou Tzu -part 2
“When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be.”
-Lao Tzu
Hope you enjoyed part one of this series called “Letting Go of Self,” we received some fantastic feedback and I am so excited to continue on (here are some recent comments on that post). What you will find below are some quick thoughts I had with regard to “How to Let Go.” What I hope to do, is throughout the day add ideas to this list. I encourage you also to search within yourself and leave comments with some of your ideas on this subject of how to let go.
Also, if you have any questions with regard to something on my list, feel free to ask or add insight in the comment section below. A reminder, if you are on Facebook, you can use the Facebook Connect feature at the bottom of the page to share your comments and this insight with your Facebook friends.
How to Let Go of Self
- Understand the difference between thought and identity.
- When times are good or bad, understand that you’re ideas of “good and bad” are only relative to your experience. In reality it is neither, rather it simply just is.
- Much of our “holding on to” is attached to yesterday and tomorrow, which in reality, don’t truly exist. If you can change it, change it; if you can’t than don’t. No need to worry.
- Accept that life will never be without a challenge. To believe anything otherwise, is to be disillusioned.
- See your difficulty as a lesson and not a malfunction.
- When “ego thoughts” arrive, step outside them rather than trying to suppress or ignore them.
- Find peace in the unknown. If you knew everything, than everything would be boring.
- Forgive yourself, for allowing the mind to wonder.
- Overcome a small or large fear.
- If you are holding back or suppressing emotion, you’re holding on to an idea of self. True freedom, is “freedom to” feel, not “freedom from” emotion.
By Tigmonk, on September 14th, 2009
“When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be.”
-Lao Tzu
Is it not true, the place of our greatest growth stems from a great challenge. Also, it’s common that our greatest challenges are the times when we are most unsure. I know for myself, when all seems lost I tend to gain tremendous insight into the reality I am a part of. Why is this, and why is there the experience of so much pain during this process?
Challenges tend to force us into questioning our reality. Through the questions we ask, at times we must lay down everything we think we know to be true. As we release these “ideas,” it creates an opportunity to realign ourselves with a greater understanding. However we see that it is very common to experience emotional torment during these moments of transition, even to the point where the pain becomes too much to bear and we give in, where we retreat from the potential of discovery back to our place of comfort; only to see the challenge resurface with the arrival of a new season.
I believe the hindrance here, is not in having challenges but in being afraid of letting go. The pain, or emotional torment originates from fear of the unknown. We fear the unknown, because we fear not knowing ourselves. We have attached our identity to the thoughts in our head, believing that what we think is who we are. The mind itself, is not an identity, as with the brain it is only a tool -as with the body, it is not who you are but only an instrument to carry out an experience, or an expression.
If we allow our identity to be defined by our tools, then we will find ourselves clinging to our ideas as a source of substance to who we are; which are not truth, but only thoughts which pass through the mind. If then this is the situation, our identity is made up of our ideas, then when we lay down those ideas in essence we feel we are laying down ourself; into the unknown. Our resistance to this process, creates the pain we experience.
The solution then is not to resist your resisting, but to enter in with new eyes. It is not something to control, but something for the heart to understand. Be okay, with not knowing.
This question of identity, as it’s contemplated by the mind of man, has its foundation in the idea that the “I” is separate from all that goes on outside the body; and our social conditioning has been based on such an understanding.
What are your thoughts on identity, and how it relates to this quote by Lao Tzu? I’m also interesting in hearing additional interpretations on how this quote or insight served you.
This coming Wednesday, I’ll post some additional thoughts on actions we can take to assist us in letting go, so we are available to receive more of who we might become.
By Tigmonk, on August 6th, 2009
It appears we that fight on the soil of our brother’s land, is the same one who fights a battle which takes place in our own mind. How different, is this conflict? What’s to be said about each battle, whether it’s over there across the sea, or the place that receives this message. Does one person’s decision to condemn another, add to the spite that fuels the flame? Is the fiery battle that rages across the distant soil a manifestation of what we have created in our collective mind?
Can we choose to see differently? Please.
By Tigmonk, on August 5th, 2009
Do you really think dis-honesty goes unnoticed? Whether you believe those around you know or not, who is the one really being lied to? Are we worth so little, that we can not be honest with ourselves? It’s an interesting state of being, to feel as though you deserve less than the whole truth in life.
When we are in a place of consistent dis-honesty, don’t be surprised if you see your world slowly drift apart. Yes, it may seem to be advantageous in the short term, but as you continue, the false reality you’ve purposefully created will surely fall.
By Tigmonk, on August 4th, 2009
I wonder about the depths of mind, the deepest parts of consciousness. It is our most present self, and the least understood. When the mind is busy, the heart becomes cluttered. How ever can we “know,” with all the noise within us?
It is my suspicion, that our running thoughts, run in a direction we could do without. Are we at the mercy of this pattern? Yes. Until we choose otherwise. To change it, do what you can. Find time to be silent in mind; and experience progress as you learn to go deeper in your heartfelt understanding.
By Tigmonk, on August 3rd, 2009
There is a very big difference between complaining and growing. The difference maker – is there a search for a solution? As we describe the things we are upset with, uncomfortable with, or whatever, are we also looking for a solution based in love?
By Tigmonk, on July 30th, 2009
Many people try and numb their mind by watching TV for 6 hours a day, or surrounding their awareness with pointless activities that serve no positive value for the collective whole of mankind; not because they want to, but because they have pain in their life, and haven’t yet taken responsibility for it.
What have you not taken responsibility for, and how does this choice keep you from reaching new levels of living?
By Tigmonk, on July 29th, 2009
Mental clutter affects the hearts ability to guide oneself to their truest form of existence. I believe the vast majority of the collected information by the common man is of a low energy and is hindering us as a global society from experiencing an authentic and consistent joy that most would call true happiness.
By Tigmonk, on July 28th, 2009
Have you ever noticed at times when you’re feeling down, the focus is on a very small aspect of self. As if your entire identity was made up of the inadequacy you see. In times of joy, the perception grows to include love towards self, life, and others; which is the higher ‘I Am.’
What do you choose to see? How narrow is your perception of self and life?
By Tigmonk, on July 24th, 2009
Okay, tell me this; have you ever had the thought, that the world is a stage and all the people around you may not actually be as you are, and you are the only one truly playing this game called life. I find it to be somewhat of a logical thought, considering it would be impossible to prove otherwise; that anyone or anything truly exist outside your own conscious awareness.
This may be a fun exercise, to see if you can prove to self, that I or anyone else actually exists as you do outside of your own mind. Maybe you are all there is, maybe I am only an imagination of sorts in your 3D game. lol, you can’t prove otherwise. With this as a possibility, what then becomes your motive for living? Do your desires change? Hmmm. Interesting.
By Tigmonk, on July 23rd, 2009
There are so many possibilities of what “could be” true. Have you ever felt like you were so overwhelmed by the possibilites of what’s real? Whether it’s science, religion, philosophy, politics, right and wrong, etc, etc, etc, there are simply too many options for one person to choose between them all.
Maybe rather than trying to decipher all of life’s mysteries, we would (or I would) be better served to focus on what’s possible this very second, in now. What would be consistent with love, for me; what is my potential in this moment? It probably isn’t wise to cling to the information put out by another, but create my own information through experiencing each moment fully; rather than searching with hopes someone else has the answer.
|
About the Site Author/Creator  Tiger Singleton
a.k.a. Tigmonk & Paw
With a unique style of writing that can be considered wise and playful, Tiger communicates truth in a way not often seen in today’s world. Certainly some find his words and thoughts to go beyond left field, but for others they find a deep level of compassion, love, encouragement, and forgiveness.
Tiger is 28 years old, currently living in the beautiful Southern Oregon Valley with his wife of 7 years and their 3 daughters.
|
Comments are closed 
