Enjoy Your Trip.

Can I call it art or was I just having fun?

Enjoy your trip.

Flowers do well with some fertiliser.

I am getting ready for I know I must go.

Into the low land to make the flowers grow.

No baggage allowed on this trip I am told.

You can’t take it with you, money or gold.

View of Mt Warning on my way to Sydney.

 You should always practice traveling light.

Unnecessary baggage is never right.

Why do we cling to possessions in life?

That’s the cause of our troubles and strife

Traveling light carry on baggage 56x36x23 cm.

 Possessions weigh you down and slow your pace.

This is the greatest problem for the human race.

Giving, sharing, relaxing and letting go.

We should practice, that is one thing I know.

Enjoying the early morning.

 It is a one-way ticket don’t miss the bus,

Because of baggage and needless fuss.

Do not grasp and cling to life in this way

Experience life’s joy, make it a holiday.

A great way to greet the day.

 It does not matter if you walk or go by plane.

It’s the path you choose that makes it joy or pain.

Kindness, caring, hugs and maybe a kiss,

Is the way to fill your life with mostly bliss.

A golden flower like a gold sun rise.

 

The destination is not the important thing.

It’s how much joy and happiness you bring.

When your travels are over, you may feel like a rest.

I don’t know but whatever happens it will be for the best.

Surprise a sun rise with not a cloud in the sky.

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Love Can Hurt.

Bondi Beach International Yoga Day.

Deep thought Meditation.

Of course Jack was there.

One  concentrates on a word or a phrase. Analysing it to find deeper understanding. I call this meditation deep thought meditation.

I missed out on the sunrise I went to see but got this surprise.

By the way I’m dictating this into my iPad and it doesn’t always understand exactly what I’m saying when I said “I called this meditation deep thought meditation” it wrote ‘I call this meditation stupid thoughts medication’. Proof reading is a must.

It was World Peace Day according to Siri.

Back to the focus of today, I was focusing on the word attachment. I understand the universal truth that all things are subject to change. I have given it the deep thought treatment. Looked at it from all angles, everything is in flux, all things are passing. Children grow up, cars dent, I cannot think of anything that in time does not change.

Some children grow up, others just grow.

Understanding that change is the nature of all things we are less wanting and clinging. We realise becoming too attached to things is the course of much unhappiness. Wanting and clinging to impermanent things can never bring lasting happiness

Bondi Beach what a good place to meditate.

To meditate on attachment by giving it the deep thought treatment. What do we mean by attachment? Adding a tail to the donkey or in the sense of affection or fondness? It is natural for a mother to have an affectionate attachment to her baby. An infant needs this close attachment of trust. The baby will interact with other people while mother or the person they have this attachment to is within sight. But if that person leaves the scene the baby will be stressed. So attachment is natural.

A baby Buddha in a florist shop.

Things change the baby grows physically and its social circle expands. A child finds a circle of people to trust. As time passes, the baby becomes a child with an ever growing circle of friends and interests to explore. Change is the nature of all things the child becomes a young adult. Changing with the interaction of every person and thing encountered, every sensory encounter has an effect, building a unique character.

We are all unique.

Meditating on attachment we realise all this change causes worry for the loving parents.

Same florist shop.

Love is not always a joy, love can hurt. This is an example of the unsatisfactory nature of things the Buddhists call dukkah, where love can causes pain. Love is very much subject to change when outside influences become involved.

An example of puppy love.

You may agree with Siri (the iPad ) that this is stupid meditation. Then go no further than meditation on the breath it is very beneficial to your health. By calming the mind your stress level drops and stress affects every bodily function. Alfred E Newman was not Mad when he said “What me worry?”

Why not be a little crazy.

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The Old Boys.

South Burleigh Surf Club.

The old boys get together.

Activity at the surf club.

Once a month I get an email to say The Boys will be meeting at the South Burleigh Surf Club, if I am not on walkabout with Pauline. I get on the muscle machine and ride down and there they are looking just like the blokes on the birthday card Rex gave me for my 83rd.

Some of the old boys.

The manager said there is 2000 years of wisdom sitting at our table. The day he said that one of us was absent there was 8 of us on deck. “8×8=64, add the zero and we got 640 years at a rough estimate you are about1300 years out.” said Trevor.

My 83rd birthday card.

No calculator required, we are from the days when your change was counted out into your hand and your brain got a workout every time you pulled out your wallet.

Seen from the club.

There actually is a lot of knowledge sitting at our table these men have forgotten more than teenagers of today have learned.

What a buzz.

Brian was in on the business side setting up computers and printers from the early days. Al is our photography expert been professionally in the game and in on digital cameras when they first came on the market. He is a expert on Photoshop. Every one of the Boys is a store of information. My specialty is picking the right people to associate with. My advice is pick your friends carefully.

The op shop pre-loved shirt.

I am wearing a shirt with camels on it and Rajasthan India, “Have you been to Rajasthan Jack? “Says Brian “no I’ve been to the op shop.”

My Grand son Michael flying a kite in front of the surf club.

I am pleased to let everyone know I do my bit for conservation and buy second hand.

More old blokes heading to Broadbeach Blues Festival.

There is a lot of light hearted conversation about current affairs and technology. With a bit of concern for each other’s wellbeing. “You are looking a bit thin Jack isn’t Pauline feeding you.” “No it is the bike, it needs a new engine.” They are full of wise cracks. “What are you on about?” I ask. “Are you hard of hearing?” “No my ears are ok except I left them at home.”

The Festival runs for four days.

I should wear my hearing aids because I miss a lot without them and I do not realise I am speaking too loud.

There is dancing in the street.

 Like some people do on their mobiles phones, they hardly need a phone, they shout so loud they could be heard in Rajasthan.

S. Burleigh from Ambience Apartment building.

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Seize the Day.

‘Carpe Diem’ – Seize the day.

Carpe Diem.

Going for it.

Enjoy the day, do not fritter it away. Not to appreciate what you are given is an insult to the provider. Be grateful for all the priceless gifts that have been given to us free of cost.

“Just do it!”

The ocean and the beach are far better than any man-made pool to bathe in. Be grateful for the fresh air, the blue sky, the sunshine and the sandy beach.

A walk in the park.

The world is vast with so much to see and do. No matter where you are there are wonders to behold and things to enjoy. Do not waste your time on status symbols. Spend your time wisely.

“But pleasures are like poppies spread,

You seize the flower the bloom is shed;

Or like the snow fall on the river,

One moment white then lost forever.”

Robert Burns, From Tam O’shanter.

‘Waking up this morning, I smile,

Twenty-four brand new hours are before me.

I vow to live fully in each moment and look at all beings with compassion.’

Thich Nhat Hanh. Incidentally he has another book out called “Savour“ I enjoy all his writing.

Fit and healthy.

If one does not appreciate their body they will not be able to enjoy all the many blessings to the full. If man does not appreciate all natures gifts they will diminish. This is our opportunity to seize this day with loving open arms.

Walk the dog or take the tots.

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Just do it.

Greeting another wonderful day.

The heading for a previous post was, “Go before you go.” It is not a reminder to visit the toilet before you leave on a journey, although that is a good policy. I meant it as a reminder that life is like a candle in the wind. Any moment life’s journey could be cut short. So do not procrastinate, act now, go and carry out those ideas, dreams and plans without delay. Do not delay, this could be your only chance, strong and gusty winds are always a possibility.

On his way to greet the day.

To travel and experience is only one shallow aspect of this warning about inaction. There is a down to earth quote, buried in my jottings; I will dig up for you. “If I have anything coming to me, now is the time to slip it to me, because I cannot read my tombstone when I am dead.” Never miss an opportunity to show your appreciation. Spend precious time with the ones you love. The people around you need to be told of your love and admiration.

A good way to start the day.

Displayed on a T-shirt were these words “Just do it.” A lot can be read into those words. We can intend to do all kinds of wonderful things and do nothing. It is wise to not say hurtful nasty things. But it is unwise not to pay complements when they are due and neglect to communicate kind thoughts. Better than kind words are kind actions, just doing that will make a difference in friendship and the world around us will improve. If enough people adopt this idea it is possible the world at large will become less turbulent and may become free of greed, hate and war.

Still doing it.

I often write cryptic words, or words that are ambiguous. I wrote “Go before you go.” instead of “Go today don’t delay.” As a heading that would arouse curiosity I endeavor to attract many followers. Not to make money or to gain fame as an ego trip for me. I want to try and share some of the joy and contentment I have found. Things I have found that allow me to smile and appreciate the beauty of this fantastic, ever-changing world. Life is a magnificent ride if we know how to travel. I could find writing this blog hard work or as a challenging way to pass on some useful knowledge. I look on this blog as a pastime to convey some helpful tips to making life a joy.

They are just doing it too.

The effect I make may be insignificant, but if everyone put a little more effort into being a better person the effect would be immense. The drip would soon fill the glass and our thrust for peace would be a reality. The irony of the effort I put into my writing is I am benefiting, growing and learning, keeping up, to some extent, with the fast changing technology of today. Good deeds have a boomerang effect, like karma both our good and bad actions come back. Try out my ideas, just do it, and see if it works. With practice I am sure it will be beneficial.

Life has its ups and downs.

The most important person in your life is the person you are with right now. Pay them attention, show them you care. The most important thing you are doing is what you are doing this present moment. Do not ignore this opportunity give now the importance it deserves. It is these moments that make up your life. To hasten to a future occasion, often only to be disappointed, is to waste the experience of the activity you are engaged in. It is easy to get lost in the past or long for a coming event and not realize you are missing the importance of now. We rush through life wanting and longing for an unknown future experience. Stop and realize we are hastening to the same unavoidable unknown final outcome. Realize life is the appreciation of the opportunity you have to live to the best of your ability now.

A wave from Pauline.

I know nothing but what life’s knocks have taught me and what I have read and learnt from recognized authorities, following good roll-models, avoiding bad influences and choosing carefully what I read and watch on TV and the movies. That is how our character is built on the experiences we encounter. If you absorb negative rubbish you will suffer. If you make an effort to improve yourself in body and mind by following ethical, educated, wise and caring people you will learn and improve and find life a joy. Now you know how I do it, all you have to do is take my advice, just do it.

a refreshing way to start the day.

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Who is suffering?

Bougainvillia beautiful flowers painful thorns.

Franklin Park Hobart.

Some people do not understand when I say “You can be in pain but there is no need to suffer.” Let me explain this so you will understand. Our thoughts have power over our feelings. If we can control our thoughts we have control of much of what is happening in our life. Our thoughts influence our actions. If we dwell on unsavory thoughts those thoughts lead to destructive actions.

Convict window now part of Salamanca Market.

It is said that after practicing doing something for twenty days it becomes a habit. If we constantly have negative thoughts, it becomes a bad habit that leads us to bad actions. We must become aware that as we think so will we act. To be mindful of our thoughts we can correct those negative thoughts and turn our life around for the better. If we let our mind run wild, filling our head with all kinds of wild thoughts, from outside distractions and past  experiences, we have lost control of our thoughts.

A cold hard lion.

A chain reaction then takes place. Our random thoughts lead to random actions and we have lost control of our life. It all comes down to awareness of our thoughts and mind control. How can we control those thoughts that constantly fill our mind? Like static on the radio interfering with the enjoyment of our program. This is what is called the monkey mind. Irresponsible, active, mischievous thoughts like monkeys swinging around in the jungle of branches in our brain.

Haer no evil, speak no evil. see no evil and guess who?

Metaphorically speaking, take control of the jungle full of wild creatures. Calm those animal-like thoughts in the jungle of your mind. This is done by becoming aware of our thoughts and practicing mind control. I find the best way to do this, is by regularly practicing breathing meditation till it becomes a habit. When meditation becomes a habit it can be called upon any time you are under stress or pressure. You will be mindful and the calming technique of a few deep breaths, to stabilize you, will be all that is needed.

Buddha In Hobart C B D.

When you first begin trying to concentrate on your breath in meditation, you will be distracted by invasive thoughts. This is the first step in your awareness of how distracting your thoughts can be. Do not let this put you off, just focus your attention back to your breath. You may use any of a number of methods. You could count each inhalation and out breath as one breath and count to six and then start over from one again. Another method is to follow the breath, as you think in with good out with stress. There are many variations on breathing meditation, find one that suits you and practice it.

The ripples will deminish in time.

To know and not to do is still not to know. All the knowledge is useless without putting it into practice. Practicing meditation you become aware of the constant monkey mind chatter. With practice you learn not to allow them to play in the jungle of your mind. You become mindful and aware. You can then take control of your life. By practicing you learn to focus on what is important to you. You calm down, your concentration improves and your whole outlook is better. Be mindful and aware; come back to focusing on your life giving calming breath.

Calm reflection.

To understand the full meaning of my words “You can be in pain but there is no need to suffer.” You need awareness of your thoughts and have mind control over them. You must not dwell on pain by complaining about your pain and misfortune. When you do this you are reinforcing the negative and the pain, this is suffering.

The way out of pain and suffering.

Get your thoughts back on track. Think of the doughnut not the hole. Think companionably of others less fortunate than you. Instead of suffering do something constructive as a diversion. Concentrate on taking those essential life giving calming deep breaths. Realize in time all things are subject to change. Both the pleasant and the unpleasant will inevitably pass. No one can escape this universal truth; we are all subject to pain. Some suffer and complain others bare the pain and get on with the only life they are blessed with.

Autumn leaves on the path.

A shaman said to me “Think less and do more.” We are all in pain if we think about it. Do not suffer do something constructive.

The end of a perfect day.

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