on the subject of satori (understanding, comprehension) in zen buddhism, and trying to hold on or cling to this understanding, this spiritual awareness, this universal energy:

...the minute you grab the living thing, it’s like catching a handful of water: the harder you clutch, the faster it squirts through your fingers. There’s nothing to get hold of, because you don’t need to get hold of anything. You had it from the beginning.

source: Zen Bones by Alan Watts

From a recent podcast episode with physicist Sean Carroll:

Quantum Leap (with Sean Carroll) - Stay Tuned with Preet

"Time by the way is the most used noun in the English language, and it turns out to be true in almost all languages" - Sean Caroll approximately 30 minutes into the episode

also found this article which corroborates the claim

People are illogical, unreasonable, and self-centered. Love them anyway.

If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish ulterior motives. Do good anyway.

If you are successful, you will win false friends and true enemies. Succeed anyway.

The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway.

Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable. Be honest and frank anyway.

The biggest men and women with the biggest ideas can be shot down by the smallest men and women with the smallest minds. Think big anyway.

People favor underdogs but follow only top dogs. Fight for a few underdogs anyway.

What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight. Build anyway.

People really need help but may attack you if you do help them. Help people anyway.

Give the world the best you have and you'll get kicked in the teeth. Give the world the best you have anyway.”

― Kent M. Keith, The Silent Revolution: Dynamic Leadership in the Student Council

I don't want to come across as flippant or dismissive with respect to financial stability andor health insurance - as those are very important in their own right. Nonetheless, if you're reading this now I can assure you if you make a habit and practice out of consciously noting that which you're thankful for - you WILL notice a big, positive difference and may just be the difference between falling into (mental) depression, leading to (physical) immune system depression, leading to who knows what in terms of disease/ailment.

Right now I am so thankful for...

• the wind I hear now
• the grass I see
• the trees
• the birds chirping
• the body of water I'm seeing in the distance
• my family
• my coworkers
• this community
• dogs

This guy is one of my favorite artists and, I guess, people, really. I've met and hung out with him in "real-life" kinda sorta at a festival in the artist's tent.

He's also a stand-up comedian.

Anyway... this podcast episode (#83) is really good and will most definitely entertain and, like, help you. Seriously. If you have to, go to the end at about 1:10:50 or so and do the breathing with them there.

Did you know strengthening your calves can be an integral part of relieving back pain?

Strengthening your calves is easy, you just need to do calf raises! No weight required, just stand with your feed shoulder width apart and stand on your tippy toes. Start with 5 calf raises when you first wake up. Increase to 10 when too ez.

Congratulations, you are now on your way to relieving back pain 💜

(I’ve had 2 spine injections, so I know how debilitating back pain can be. If you have back pain, I really do feel for you)

Microgreens: All You Ever Wanted to Know

"These aromatic greens, also known as micro herbs or vegetable confetti, are rich in flavor and add a welcome splash of color to a variety of dishes.

Despite their small size, they pack a nutritional punch, often containing higher nutrient levels than more mature vegetable greens. This makes them a good addition to any diet."

Wanted to share the music I listen to for my morning meditation. It is based on the science of BioGeometry. The science behind BG is actually very interesting and highly recommend it to everyone.

Here is a snippet Intro to BioGeometry: " BioGeometry® is the patented science of using the energy principles of shape to qualitatively balance biological energy systems and harmonize their interactions with the environment. Balancing the activities of daily life, achieving harmony with our inner and outer environments, humanizing modern technology, and integrating science and spirituality is the work of the science of BioGeometry."

Here is the about for the track Sirius Odyssey:

"In the Ancient Egyptian temple science music was used to enter into resonance with the Divine laws of creation. Sound was an integral part of sacred ritua

Starting to go to the gym can be intimidating and overwhelming. Luckily, you don't need to deal with all of that to get started and all it takes is less than 5 minutes a day.

When you first wake up, do 5 pushups and 5 squats. That's it, no weights, no nothing. You can even do the pushups on your knees if you need to build up strength. Do them everyday and once it becomes easy, and trust me it will, increase to 10.

I guarantee you will start to see and feel a difference in just 2 weeks 💜