From Nothing to Something

This is what came to me on how reality can be 'summed up' as I walked in my park this morning.

In the beginning, there was nothing, then after awhile, nothing got bored, and so it became Something! 

This was the beginning of creation as some people would call it.

Then, Something got lonely, being faced with this existential question of how it could be all there is, when it simply was not even anything before.

And so, It split.  This divine sole Consciousness became many, so that it might experience itself in its many different forms, and so the painful existential question would not haunt It anymore, and so It would feel Love.

And so, since everything and everybody that exists, has existed, and will exist are all a part of this original One consciousness, everything and every person's life follows the same progression from 'nothing' to 'something'.

What is 'nothing', and what is 'something'?  I guess, it depends on one's perspective...

However, it is generally agreed by the 'light' side of things (as opposed to the 'dark' side), that progression into 'something' infers that 'something' is of spiritual matters ~ becoming more loving, and realizing more and more than one is a part of the whole, and is connected to everything and everyone else.

But darkness and nothingness still and will always have a role to play in this cosmic drama, for without 'nothing', we would never know the contrast, delight, and beauty of Something.

Time for Reflection

Hi there, it's been awhile.

Ever seem to think you are certain of which direction you must go in, or which love interest is 'the One'?  Well, this is where I have realized I have been the last year and a bit.  I guess these 'certainties' gave me motivation and drive, but it also was the instigator for a massive financial debt and heartbreak.  What I am trying to say is that PRIDE is not always a good thing.  Really, balance in one's life, using ALL of the faculties of one's being (critically thinking, listening to one's heart, being humble, etc.) is the way to go, and not living in a fantasy world.

I guess that's it (figuring this situation out as I write).  Living in a fantasy world ~ something I've done most of my life.  Not anymore.

If you want your reality to be a fantastic dream, you better not spend all of your time (and money) in that fantastic dream, but WORK to make that dream a reality.

I'm getting there.

I'm back!!!

From South Africa, that is.  My second time there!  Last time was 2006. 

AIDS 2016 was a blast!  Met an amazing group of people from Uganda.  Southern Time's pathway has direction now.

Get ready, my core team is formed, the hunt for band-mates is on, and T's appearances on Earth are about to begin!!!!

The Human Condition Part I

What is it?  Something that characterizes and defines humanity's existence, what we ponder, what we do, what we hate, and what we love.  In fact, I think this is what the universe(s) is all about.  Or, at least as far as how much we can see from our current perspective here on earth.  I think this, because I look at all that we know about the universe so far, and I don't see anything more spectacular or interesting than life and love in it.  Could this be what 'reality' is all about ~ awareness?  Not that I don't think 'lesser' life-forms have some form of this awareness, or even 'inanimate' objects such as rocks and seas, but that in sentient beings like ourselves, the question of existence is forthrightly put forth.  Why?  The only answer/scenario I can imagine is that 'in the beginning' there was nothing, after a while, nothing got extremely boring, so out of nothing, came something.  As in the Jewish tradition, Yaweh, or the 'great I AM'.  Nothingness asked, "why?"  Something answered, "why not?"  If this was the case, what did/does this entail?

Privilege

What is privilege?  Dictionary.com gives a few definitions ~

1. a right, immunity, or benefit enjoyed only by a person beyond the advantages of most: the privileges of the very rich.

 

2. a special right, immunity, or exemption granted to persons in authority or office to free them from certain obligations or liabilities: the privilege of a senator to speak in Congress without danger of a libel suit.

 

3. a grant to an individual, corporation, etc., of a special right or immunity, under certain conditions.

 

4. the principle or condition of enjoying special rights or immunities.

 

5. any of the rights common to all citizens under a modern constitutional government: We enjoy the privileges of a free people.

 

 

So, basically, as I see it, where one has a relative advantage over another in some way or other.  I have been personally 'privileged' in my life to have the opportunity to have light shone on my own privilege, to be made aware of what relative advantages I personally have over many if not most people in this world.  I am white, male, in good health other than the hiv thing (which doesn't really effect me anymore) and the disability in my legs, a citizen of the First World with all the privileges that entails (I don't have to work if I don't want to). 

 

But I have other privileges that are perhaps not so outright apparent that with my growing awareness of them, I am imbibed with an incredible responsibility to use them wisely for positive change.  I was raised by and am still the beneficiary of an extraordinarily loving and caring mother.  Something which many people in this world do not have.  And because her nurturing and guidance throughout my life, my mental and musical acuity is quite sharp, and my state of mind is rather sane, now.

 

I say 'now', because even though I went through harrowing and hellish times with the professor and the following years after being diagnosed with HIV the love from my mother I experienced in my early childhood pulled me through.  But even that hard, horrific time I see as a privilege, for I relate to those who've gone/are going through such times.  I have an awareness that enriches my life now like never before.  I've come to know my privilege, and have discovered I have more than I ever thought I did. 

 

Privilege as I see it is very relative.  My advice to anyone thinking they've got it tough is to look at their life and see what they do have.  You might be surprised.

 

"There are people so poor, that the only thing they have is money."

Why Do Victims Become Victimizers?

Another topic that's been on my mind for many years.  Quite often people who have been abused in some form or another end up abusing others in a somewhat similar and/or dissimilar way.  Why is this?  As in all things, abuse is relative and viewed and felt from one's personal perspective.  I think the abused may go down this path to one degree or another in order to understand what the thinking behind their perceived abuser's intentions and motivations, heart and mind were.  Because we are one, we are at a loss when someone or something takes actions towards us, that we perceive as abusive, would ever do such a thing.  Even if we might do or have done something similar or just as 'bad' to another, if done in a different context, style or degree, is perhaps where the real confusion lies?  As it is said, "people often hate in others what they hate in themselves".  And being taken out of one's comfort zone may be in some cases what really frightens.  I am sure there are many reasons why victims become victimizers, the possibilities of choices one can take is endless.  And, unfortunately, it is so easy to become jaded.  You would hope after being abused one would never want to abuse another, but sadly, that is somewhat wishful thinking.  People are complex.  Everyone has demons to exorcise and will abuse another indirectly or directly, subconsiously or consciously, intentionally or unintentionally to one degree or another.  What is common sense to me though, is that both victims and victimizers should be shown the utmost and utter compassion.

Because We are God

Because We are God
I am not afraid to die
Though this ego identity may cease to exist when this body dies
Consciousness which comes from the same single source that all consciousness comes from
Will never die

Because We are God
I have compassion, respect, honor and love for all faces of God
All forms of life, all people, how 'good' or 'bad'
Including myself

Because We are God
Is what I believe those like Jesus
Were really trying to say

Because We are God
Life has meaning
I know what Love is


Because We are God
We trudge, step by step
This daily path of sorrow and troubles, joy and insight
Always as we are
~

Feel free to add to this your 'Because We are God' thoughts. Email me them at t@southerntime.ca. If they are in the same spirit, I will post them within this blog.  I will too from time to time as inspired.  Comments are welcome too.