Self-confidence is knowing that we have the capacity to do something good and firmly decide not to give up.
-H.H. Dalai Lama

UPDATE I'll be on the radio at 2:1O PST / 5:1O EST / 10:1O GMT! Listen live at www.wlllradio.com call 434-385-9555 or tollfree 888-224-9809

I'll be on the radio again at 2:15 PST / 5:15 EST / 10:15 GMT!
Listen live at www.wlllradio.com
call 434-385-9555 or toll free 888-224-9809

Go confidently in the direction of your dreams.
Live the life you have imagined.
-Henry David Thoreau

When is the right time to get married? Whats the purpose of marriage?

Answered here:
http://su.pr/2AHuFx

Ask me anything

When is the right time to get married, and what is the purpose of marriage?
http://su.pr/2AHuFx

My new Q&A article: Should you live with passion or try to be calm all the time?
Buddha vs Tony Robbins:
http://su.pr/1GAGej

Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better.
It's not.
-Dr. Seuss

Best Life 2010 Day 26: The Vicar of Dibley

I got hooked on a show that was big in the UK (but totally unknown over here) called The Vicar of Dibley; brilliant comedy about on of the first female Vicars (Priests) in the UK.
I can't recommend it highly enough; you can get it on Netflix, so check it out!

My emotional ping pong is smoothing out with the change in the moon phase (as I knew it would); and needless to say I am thankful!

I know what Mr. Spock feels like during pon farr now (shout out to my fellow geeks, there!)

“Do everything with a mind that lets go. Do not expect any praise or reward. If you let go a little, you will have a little peace. If you let go a lot, you will have a lot of peace. If you let go completely, you will know complete peace and freedom. Your struggles with the world will have come to an end.

Someone commented, I can observe desire and aversion in my mind, but its hard to observe delusion.
You're riding on a horse and asking where the horse is! was Ajahn Chah's reply.

Just know yourself, this is your witness. Don't make decisions on the strength of your desires. Desires can puff us up into thinking we are something which we're not. We must be very circumspect.”
-Ajahn Chah

And remember:
Never give up, never give up, never ever ever give up.

B. Dave Walters
*National* Spirituality Column:
http://su.pr/8nfJgO
Relationships Column: http://su.pr/31ml0X
http://ping.fm/DyIKa

And what, Socrates, is the food of the soul?
Surely, I said, knowledge is the food of the soul.
-Plato

Best Life 2010 Day 263: Roller Coaster...of love...say what???

“Roller Coaster of Love” is an old Ohio Players song, but I prefer the red hot chili peppers version: http://ping.fm/OT7Dk

The reason why I mentioned it, is my emotions have been ALL OVER THE PLACE since the Equinox. Up and down, up and down; but I find that however I wake up is how I tend to stay the entire day; unless I take steps to face and change it.

I am also hearing from lots of friends and clients, especially those in the WORST relationships, are having big problems, too.

So, how do I deal with it?

First and foremost, I realize it's not 'me' who's feeling these things.
I may feel anxiety, but I am not anxious. I may feel frustration, but I am not frustrated.
The emotions are sensations, or information about my environment; but that doesn't make them 'true', understand?
I blame the planets, but I can just as easily blame hormones, work stress, or anything else; really it's irrelevant.
I experience certain sensations that I choose to accept or ignore.

Period.

“Why” doesn't matter. There's how I feel, and what I do about it.
Beyond that, it's bio-chemical brain chatter that will pass soon enough.

So there you have it: when something is bothering you, step back and realize it's not 'you' at all, but an emotional state that you are experiencing.
Look into it and see what it's trying to tell you, and act accordingly.

And above all else: keep moving.

And remember:
Never give up, never give up, never ever ever give up.

B. Dave Walters
*National* Spirituality Column:
http://su.pr/8nfJgO
Relationships Column: http://su.pr/31ml0X
http://ping.fm/FWJ69

Bigotry murders religion to frighten fools with her ghost.
-Charles Caleb Colton

Our prayers should be for blessings in general, for God knows best what is good for us.
-Socrates

Best Life 2010 Day 262: ?I had a good day, Daddy?

The last few days Charlene has been working, so it's been Lexi and I one on one; and most days after we take a walk, or her mom gets home, Lexi will look at me and say “I had a good day, Daddy”.

Little things like that are what make it worth getting up in the morning.

I've been pleased to get my spiritual practice caught up with my physical practice (since the Equinox); and just like going to the gym: this is the easiest it has ever been for me.
I guess that proves that the timing was right!

So far, Fall has hit southern california with triple digit heat (really hot, for my celsius using friends); so it's kinda like everything is backwards.

There's a big religious festival tomorrow that I was really looking forward to, and sad I missed last year; but here on the eve of it happening, something is telling me to sit it out.
I guess, I'm not going then; trust in the Force, I do!

And remember:
Never give up, never give up, never ever ever give up.

B. Dave Walters
*National* Spirituality Column:
http://su.pr/8nfJgO
Relationships Column: http://su.pr/31ml0X
http://ping.fm/G4JxV

An *excellent* article on how to think your way through any problem (no matter how big)
http://ping.fm/ETdu2

There is the good and the bad, the great and the low, the just and the unjust. I swear to you that all that will never change
Albert Camus

Best Life 2010 Day 261: Funny story

I wrote an article today about how you, personally, are responsible for World Peace: http://su.pr/2odUNc, and guess what?
It's my lowest read article to date.
Think about that...
Not that people didn't enjoy reading it...not even that they don't want world peace.

What was the problem, then?
I dropped the 'R' bomb: responsibility.

Almost no one wants to take responsibility for their own lives, much less the lives and well being of their fellow human beings; but there you have it.
Responsibility is the root of all power...since in the end, you can control everything in your life, or you can't control ANYTHING in your life.

I keep trying to find new ways to sugar coat, or put a positive spin on things; but in the end at some point we have to remember Law of GOYA, get off our collective butts, and actually DO something to turn our lives and this world around.

Since if we don't, this world and every living thing on it are pretty much doomed.

And remember:
Never give up, never give up, never ever ever give up.

B. Dave Walters
*National* Spirituality Column:
http://su.pr/8nfJgO
Relationships Column: http://su.pr/31ml0X
http://ping.fm/TPEEX

My new article about how you, personally, are responsible for World Peace:
http://su.pr/2odUNc

LOLOLOL
http://ping.fm/XL2t4

If a man is proud of his wealth, he should not be praised until it is known how he employs it.
-Socrates

No radio show this week!
But you can listen live next week to http://ping.fm/wd8bG and call in with questions!
888-224-9809 or 434-385-9555

Best Life 2010 Day 260: Journey Into Night

OK, that might be a bit dramatic; but today is the Autumnal Equinox, which means we are beginning the 'dark' cycle of the year.
I wrote an article about what it is, how it works, and how you can use it to improve your life (don't worry if you are reading this after the 22nd; the window is open for a few days): http://su.pr/6lAZlD

I, for my part, spent some time clarifying my long time goals (even though I know what I want, the exact details are always evolving). Then I sat down to pray to thank God for all the opportunities I've been given, and completely releasing any sense I might have of wasted time, or not lived up to my potential somehow. Since, one: I'm ahead of where I was, and two: God knew (and knows) my time table even better than I do; as long as I'm moving, I'm going in the right direction.

And in keeping with turning over this new leaf, my direction is bed!
I am getting up early to meditate and work out!

And remember:
Never give up, never give up, never ever ever give up.

B. Dave Walters
*National* Spirituality Column:
http://su.pr/8nfJgO
Relationships Column: http://su.pr/31ml0X
http://ping.fm/voVpd

guys with great personalities but not my type of physical appearance keep coming into my life. i love their personality, but i'm just not attracted to them. should i compromise and be with these guys? how much weight should i put on physical appearance?

Answered here:
http://su.pr/1TFFP5

Ask me anything

My new Q&A article: "I know great guys that I'm not physically attracted to, what should I do?"
http://su.pr/1TFFP5

I am in a long term relationship. I have become friendly with a guy from work who I know is gay and I am finding myself attracted to him physically. He openly flirts with me and i flirt back. Ive never had feelings for a man before but im so curious ???

I wrote an article about the concept of 'emotional cheating' previously that applies here: http://www.examiner.com/relationship-in-los-angeles/is-it-ever-possible-to-love-two-people-at-the-same-time

Since the guy in question is gay, I assume he isn't actually interested in a romantic relationship, so chances are it's not HIM you are interested in, but the *attention*.
Chances are, he makes you feel beautiful and special in a way that your current significant other does not; quite simply he gives you a tingle in your tummy.

My suggestion is let your boyfriend know that you are feeling a bit neglected, or at least not very special and work together on what he can do to make you feel more valued.
Do NOT tell him about the guy at work, that will only make him miss the true message.

And if he doesn't how you feel and what you need, send him here: http://www.examiner.com/spirituality-in-national/understanding-mrs-right-or-traveling-to-venus

Ask me anything

Why today's Autumnal Equinox is important, and how to use it to deepen your spiritual practice and improve your life!
http://su.pr/6lAZlD

Mindfulness of oneself cultivates wisdom.
Mindfulness of others cultivates compassion.
-Stonepeace

Best Life 2010 Day 259: Enough is Enough

I've been feeling irritated lately.
Time is passing so quickly, and I haven't been making the best use of mine.

I shared with you a little while ago how today is yesterday's tomorrow; but I have become aware on how much more I really should be doing to achieve my goals.

In the past, I would develop some huge new program for myself which I couldn't keep up with and end up doing nothing; so this time I am approaching things quite differently.

First and foremost, I am approaching my goals as my JOB.
Not something optional, but something that absolutely *has * to happen.
Second, I am determining what time to wake up, and the order of importance of the things I need to do in the day. I am am not approaching it like a 'to do' list, since to do lists don't work for a variety or reasons.

And of course I am applying my own advice about how to set up your days (remember this: http://ping.fm/Hsy4D )
I'll keep you posted!

UPDATE: I actually wrote this hours ago, but I got up to go to the gym tonight rather than skip it tomorrow due to a scheduling conflict.
Patience...discipline!

And remember:
Never give up, never give up, never ever ever give up.

B. Dave Walters
*National* Spirituality Column:
http://su.pr/8nfJgO
Relationships Column: http://su.pr/31ml0X
http://ping.fm/3KPVq

I have lost the will to live.I don't know when I wake up or sleep.I am not suicidal.I am just not interested in anything.I know all things I could do to help my situation but the will to do them is just not there.I do not wish to study,work or meet people

It sounds like you are depressed.
You don't want to die, but you don't really want to live, either!
I wrote an article about this exact feeling:
http://www.examiner.com/spirituality-in-national/depression-or-why-so-serious

Ask me anything

Cell phone numbers go public this
month; call 888-382-1222 from your current cell phone and get included on the National DO NOT CALL list.

It takes a wise (wo)man to discover a wise (wo)man.
-Diogenes

Best Life 2010 Day 258: Alive and Well!

I didn't realize 3 days had snuck by since I last made an entry!
The biggest news, is I have (finally) decided on what my next book will be about.

You may be thinking: “but he already said what his next book would be about”, but whatever idea you might be thinking about I put a pin in for a variety of reasons. Ultimately I decided to focus on building up my following, since I'm not really interested in writing another book that only a hand full of people ever actually read.

A few days ago, however, it came to me in my meditation that I should contact my old Buddhist meditation teacher and offer to write a book for him, since very little of his school's teaching is available in English (Vijja Dhamma Kaya, Thai Buddhism). He was overjoyed by my offer, and so the ball has started rolling very quickly on making that project happen.
I have about 8 weeks until the baby is born AND the probable date of the next time I go out on the road, so I'd like to make a lot of progress in that time, if not finish it completely.
Considering I wrote my last book in 20 days once I buckled down to make it happen, 2 months shouldn't be too much of a stretch.

Everything else is moving along right on schedule my workouts have gotten to be TOUGH though; by 10 pm I can barely keep my eyes open (hence the lack of blogs, and hence me going to bed now!)

More articles and videos coming soon!
You are great, and I love you!

And remember:
Never give up, never give up, never ever ever give up.

B. Dave Walters
*National* Spirituality Column:
http://su.pr/8nfJgO
Relationships Column: http://su.pr/31ml0X
http://ping.fm/JG5O5

Christ in Islâm Traditional sayings and stories attributed to Jesus taken from Islamic literature.
http://ping.fm/CDhND

Foolish, ignorant people indulge in careless lives, whereas a clever man guards his attention as his most precious possession.
-Buddha

It is under the greatest adversity that there exists the greatest potential for doing good, both for oneself and others
-H.H. Dalai Lama

The presence of fear means only that fear is present, and nothing more.
-Suzanne Segal

Best Life 2010 Day 255: The Gospel according to (all kinds of people)

GREAT workouts this week!
I made some changes that would enable me to shorten the time spent in the gym and by extension be able to hit it a lot harder, which has worked out quite nicely.

I am still working my way through the Book of Q (still awesome) and learning more about various forms of early Christianity (also awesome) which is helping inform my own world view and beliefs.

It's also been amazing to me how close the (actual) teachings of Jesus parallel the teachings of Buddha (90%) and most other major world religions (70 -85%).

Such wonderful ideas; wouldn't it be neat if we were to start applying them?

And remember:
Never give up, never give up, never ever ever give up.

B. Dave Walters
*National* Spirituality Column:
http://su.pr/8nfJgO
Relationships Column: http://su.pr/31ml0X
http://www.google.com/profiles/bdavewalters

An interesting take on the "problem of Paul" and the formation of Christianity:
http://ping.fm/NsoiS

"I am telling you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you".
-Jesus Christ

When reason ends, then anger begins. Therefore, anger is a sign of weakness. (HH Dalai Lama)

If subconscious anger had a parallel in Buddhist writings, it would have to do with what is called mental unhappiness or dissatisfaction. This is regarded as the source of anger and hostility. We can see subconscious anger in terms of a lack of awarness, as well as an active misconstruing of reality.

If there are sound reasons or bases for the points you demand, then there is no need to use violence. On the other hand, when there is no sound reason that concessions should be made to you but mainly your own desire, then reason cannot work and you have to rely on force. Thus, using force is not a sign of strength but rather a sign of weakness. Even in daily human contact, if we talk seriously, using reasons, there is no need to feel anger. We can argue the points. When we fail to prove with reason, then anger comes. When reason ends, then anger begins. Therefore, anger is a sign of weakness."
from 'The Dalai Lama, A Policy of Kindness'

When reason ends, then anger begins.
Therefore, anger is a sign of weakness.
-Buddha

I'll be on the radio again today at 2 pm PST / 5 pm EST / 10 pm GMT!
Listen live at http://ping.fm/7cr7R !

Best Life 2010 Day 253: I Keep It Cool

Another great day; things are starting to get back on track.

I had to streamline my workouts a bit, since the volume was getting to be so high I couldn't finish...which does more harm than good.
So I cut it back to just 3 exercises per session that I give the proper intensity, and I already like the results. (/flex)

I'm about 25% of the way through The Lost Gospel (The Book of Q and Christian Origins) and I have to say it is GREAT.
It always makes me sad how few 'Believers' put in any effort to understand their religions in terms of the history and culture they came out of.
After all, if you have a clearer idea of the world the Jesus/Buddha/Muhammad/etc. grew up in, then you'll have a better idea of what shaped their ideas and how they would communicate those ideas, and how the people of the time would have heard them.

Since it's easy to open up a holy book, read it and decide what you think it means; but *what the person who wrote it meant * might be TOTALLY different.
Oh well.

And remember:
Never give up, never give up, never ever ever give up.

B. Dave Walters
*National* Spirituality Column:
http://su.pr/8nfJgO
Relationships Column: http://su.pr/31ml0X
http://www.google.com/profiles/bdavewalters

To be angry is to let others' mistakes punish yourself.
To forgive others is to be good to yourself.
-Master ChengYen

Best Life 2010 Day 252: Return to active duty

Ok...return to active *Daddy * duty!
Charlene went back to work today, so it was just me and Lexi all day.
We went out walking and running errands; I spoiled her with donuts and pizza (believe me, she burned the calories on the walk!), so a good time was had by all.

An interesting thing popped up on my Facebook fan page while I was typing this blog; someone wrote:
“Always wonder about so much emphasis on forgiveness.
Does forgiveness mean license to repeat the same saga
Of crimes, perversion, and abuses
For such is what is understood
In eternal repeating history of humanity”

To which I responded:
“Quite the opposite.
If there were more forgiveness, there would be less crime, perversions, and abuses in the world.
Carrying grudges and desiring retribution is what causes wars, conflicts, pain and suffering.

Forgiveness is the one thing that takes all that away.”

I've used this quote again and again, and it keeps getting truer every time:
“Holding on to anger with the intent of harming someone else, is like picking up a hot coal with the intention of throwing it: you are the one who gets burned”.
-Buddha

There's a difference between justice and retribution.
Justice is coming no matter what we do, in this life or the next.
Retribution is justice's evil twin, and the root of so much pain in this world.

Think about it, how many wars would we have in this world if we weren't preoccupied with taking something from someone else, or worried that they were going to try and take something from us?

We could have world peace right now, in an instant, if everyone chose it.
But we don't, and won't any time soon, since so many people can't let go of the past.

A shame, really.

And remember:
Never give up, never give up, never ever ever give up.


B. Dave Walters
*National* Spirituality Column:
http://su.pr/8nfJgO
Relationships Column: http://su.pr/31ml0X
http://ping.fm/rDsWH

Waaaasuuuuuuuuuuuuuup?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OkDPM5j_6hk lol

Play

Ask me anything

Waaaasuuuuuuuuuuuuuup?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OkDPM5j_6hk
lol

Play

Ask me anything

Waaaasuuuuuuuuuuuuuup?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OkDPM5j_6hk
lol

Play

Ask me anything

Waaaasuuuuuuuuuuuuuup?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OkDPM5j_6hk
lol

Play

Ask me anything

Book of Changes IV: TAO, WITHOUT ORIGIN

IV

TAO, WITHOUT ORIGIN

The Tao appears to be emptiness but it is never exhausted. Oh, it is profound! It appears to have preceded everything. It dulls its own p. 13 sharpness, unravels its own fetters, softens its own brightness, identifies itself with its own dust.

Oh, it is tranquil! It appears infinite; I do not know from what it proceeds. It even appears to be antecedent to the Lord.

Opened are the gates of immortality, you that have ears to hear, release your faith.
-Buddha

Best Life 2010 Day 251: I have discovered my mission!

I realize what it is that I am meant to do:
“Liberating People Through Knowledge and Love”

Everyone is trapped by something, be it mental, physical, spiritual, economic...or just being stuck in the past.
What I do is help people get free from that.

It seems simple when I say it, but I've spent quite a lot of time trying to figure out what ties all my interests together...and that's it!

And remember:
Never give up, never give up, never ever ever give up.


B. Dave Walters
*National* Spirituality Column:
http://su.pr/8nfJgO
Relationships Column: http://su.pr/31ml0X
http://ping.fm/cYfMd

Ive met a great guy who is a Muslim. He wont date me cause I am not Muslim. I know he likes me. I am 20 and I want to do the right thing, my friends say I should convert (majority are also Muslim). My family will not be happy if I do it.

Answered here:
http://su.pr/6akz2p

Ask me anything

Q&A article: should she convert to Islam for the sake of a man?
http://su.pr/6akz2p

Lived together 11 years, no sex in yrs, he moved out and says he was thinking on coming back. Communication is fine when I talk about my faults, but when we talk about how he makes me feel, it's all fighting. How do I communicate my needs ?

Answered here:
http://su.pr/4dtmKS

Ask me anything

My new Q&A Article:
He won't listen to me, how can I communicate my needs?
http://su.pr/4dtmKS

Who, What, Where, When, & Why?

Yes.
And by yes, I mean...*no*.

Ask me anything

Do not overrate what you have received, nor envy others. He who envies others does not obtain peace of mind.
-Buddha

Book of Changes III: Quieting People

III

QUIETING PEOPLE

Neglecting to praise the worthy deters people from emulating them; just as not prizing rare treasures deters a man from becoming a thief; or ignoring the things which awaken desire keeps the heart at rest.

Therefore the wise ruler does not suggest unnecessary things, but seeks to satisfy the minds of his people. He seeks to allay appetites but strengthen bones. He ever tries by keeping people in ignorance to keep them satisfied and those who have knowledge he restrains from evil. If he, himself, practices restraint then everything is in quietness.

I have a new hero!!!:
http://ping.fm/S18O9

Best Life 2010 Day 250: 250 Days and Nights

So I finished “Reading Judas” and it was *awesome*.
Such an interesting look at how Christianity came to be.
We are usually lead to believe that there is this single definition of what it means to be “Christian” but the fact is, there is no such thing. Just like there are different views and denominations now, there were different views and denominations then. Even all the Disciples couldn't agree on who Jesus was, and what he meant; so how can we expect to all agree now?
Like I said, just fascinating.
I have a few I want to read, but I THINK next up is the Lost Gospel; but maybe it's “the Hidden Wisdom in the Holy Bible”; hmmm...decisions, decisions!

It's been really interesting re-examing what it is that I believe; especially since I've been exposed to SO MANY different things over the years that I hold to be “true”, but are sometimes directly contradictory.

I have discovered what it is that I am supposed to do in this world, and in reality I knew all along that it was the thing I am best at:
take in tons of information, process it, and put it back out in a way that people can understand.

So that's what I do, and what I am going to keep doing; I guess that's why they call me Waltepedia (thanks Shilpa, lol)

And remember:
Never give up, never give up, never ever ever give up.


B. Dave Walters
*National* Spirituality Column:
http://su.pr/8nfJgO
Relationships Column: http://su.pr/31ml0X
http://ping.fm/ztHDw

In criticizing, the teacher is hoping to teach.
That's all.
Bankei

Best Life 2010 Day 2049: Cursed Voyage

As you may know, I am usually very passionate and respectful of all things Native American. My Great Grandmother was half Choctaw / half Chickasaw (which where I get my cool eyes from).
At any rate, I am down for the People. Today, however, I went onto an Indian reservation (and I won't say what Tribe/Nation it was) and I INSTANTLY felt uncomfortable. I don't know if these people are ancestral enemies of mine or something, but everything in me felt yucky the whole time I was on their land. Even when I drove down into their valley, thick fog covered everything; it was like driving into the Land of the Lost or something.
Strangest thing.

I got up and out at 5 am like I said I would to go down there; the race was fun and it was good PR for us, but I ended up leaving early; and thankfully, too!

Before I go, I'd be remiss if I didn't post here the status message I put up on my Facebook profile in honor of 9/11:
Never forget that the true lesson of 9/11 is the terrible cost of hatred, ignorance, intolerance and greed in this world.
Violence and terror never have, and never will never accomplish true and lasting positive change.
Only love, knowledge and understanding can accompish that.

And remember:
Never give up, never give up, never ever ever give up.


B. Dave Walters
*National* Spirituality Column:
http://su.pr/8nfJgO
Relationships Column: http://su.pr/31ml0X
http://ping.fm/ym7ID

Book of Changes II: SELF-DEVELOPMENT

II

SELF-DEVELOPMENT

When every one recognizes beauty to be only a masquerade, then it is simply ugliness. In the same way goodness, if it is not sincere, is not goodness. So existence and non-existence are incompatible. The difficult and easy are mutually opposites. Just as the long and the short, p. 12 the high and the low, the loud and soft, the before and the behind, are all opposites and each reveals the other.

Therefore the wise man is not conspicuous in his affairs or given to much talking. Though troubles arise he is not irritated. He produces but does not own; he acts but claims no merit; he builds but does not dwell therein; and because he does not dwell therein he never departs.

Men always want to be a womans first love - women like to be a mans last romance.
-Oscar Wilde

Best Life 2010 Day 2048: Pre-Game Show

I spent the day getting ready for my road trip tomorrow; gotta get up at 5 am to be down south for a show at 8 am. Tonight's going to be an early night!

I've been reading “Reading Judas” by Elaine Pagels and Karen L King; a WONDERFUL book; gives a really interesting picture of what it was like in the early days of Christianity and all the challenges the people faced.

I enjoy it, because it shows me that the basic problems and questions we have in our lives are as old as human kind; there really is nothing new under the sun.

The major difference is, if we make a mistake, no one comes in our house to kill us and our family. No being sold into slavery, no being fed to lions.

Kind of keeps your problems in perspective, doesn't it?

And remember:
Never give up, never give up, never ever ever give up.

B. Dave Walters
*National* Spirituality Column:
http://su.pr/8nfJgO
Relationships Column: http://su.pr/31ml0X
http://ping.fm/naeyF

MICROSOFT VERSUS APPLE (LOLOLOL)

Three Apple engineers and three Microsoft employees are traveling by train to a conference. At the station, the three Microsoft employees each buy tickets and watch as the three Apple engineers buy only a single ticket.
"How are three people going to travel on only one ticket?" asks a Microsoft employee.
"Watch and you'll see," answers the Apple engineer.
They all board the train. The Microsoft employees take their respective seats, but all three Apple engineers cram into a restroom and close the door behind them. Shortly after the train has departed, the conductor comes around collecting tickets. He knocks on the restroom door and says, "ticket please." The door opens just a crack and a single arm emerges with a ticket in hand. The conductor takes it and moves on.
The Microsoft employees saw this and agreed it was quite a clever idea. So after the conference, the Microsoft employees decide to copy the Apple engineers on the return trip and save some money (being clever with money, and all that). When they get to the station, they buy a single ticket for the return trip. To their astonishment, the Apple engineers don't buy a ticket at all.
"How are you going to travel without a ticket" says one perplexed Microsoft employee.
"Watch and you'll see," answers an Apple engineer.
When they board the train the three Microsoft employees cram into a restroom and the three Apple engineers cram into another one nearby. The train departs. Shortly afterward, one of the Apple engineers leaves his restroom and walks over to the restroom where the Microsoft employees are hiding. He knocks on the door and says, "Ticket, please"...

Personal note: I do use a Window-based PC, but....

ODD SIGNS (lol)

Sign in a Laundromat:
AUTOMATIC WASHING MACHINES:
PLEASE REMOVE ALL YOUR CLOTHES WHEN THE LIGHT GOES OUT

Sign in a London department store:
BARGAIN BASEMENT UPSTAIRS

In an office:
WOULD THE PERSON WHO TOOK THE STEP LADDER YESTERDAY PLEASE BRING IT BACK OR FURTHER STEPS WILL BE TAKEN

Outside a farm:
HORSE MANURE: 50p PER PRE-PACKED BAG, 20p DO-IT-YOURSELF

In an office:
AFTER TEA BREAK STAFF SHOULD EMPTY THE TEAPOT AND STAND UPSIDE DOWN ON THE DRAINING BOARD

On a church door:
THIS IS THE GATE OF HEAVEN. ENTER YE ALL BY THIS DOOR.
(THIS DOOR IS KEPT LOCKED BECAUSE OF THE DRAFT. PLEASE USE SIDE DOOR.)

English sign in a German cafe:
MOTHERS, PLEASE WASH YOUR HANS BEFORE EATING

Outside a secondhand shop:
WE EXCHANGE ANYTHING - BICYCLES, WASHING MACHINES ETC.
WHY NOT BRING YOUR WIFE ALONG AND GET A WONDERFUL BARGAIN?

Sign outside a new town hall which was to be opened by the Prince of Wales:
THE TOWN HALL IS CLOSED UNTIL OPENING.
IT WILL REMAIN CLOSED AFTER BEING OPENED.
OPEN TOMORROW.

Outside a photographer's studio:
OUT TO LUNCH: IF NOT BACK BY FIVE, OUT FOR DINNER ALSO

Seen at the side of a Sussex road:
SLOW CATTLE CROSSING.
NO OVERTAKING FOR THE NEXT 100 YRS.

Outside a disco:
SMARTS IS THE MOST EXCLUSIVE DISCO IN TOWN.
EVERYONE WELCOME

Sign warning of quicksand:
QUICKSAND.
ANY PERSON PASSING THIS POINT WILL BE DROWNED.
BY ORDER OF THE DISTRICT COUNCIL.

Notice sent to residents of a Wiltshire parish:
DUE TO INCREASING PROBLEMS WITH LETTER LOUTS AND VANDALS
WE MUST ASK ANYONE WITH RELATIVES BURIED IN THE GRAVEYARD TO DO THEIR BEST TO KEEP THEM IN ORDER

Notice in a dry cleaner's window:
ANYONE LEAVING THEIR GARMENTS HERE FOR MORE THAN 30 DAYS WILL BE DISPOSED OF.

Sign on motorway garage:
PLEASE DO NOT SMOKE NEAR OUR PETROL PUMPS. YOUR LIFE MAY NOT BE WORTH MUCH, BUT OUR PETROL IS

Notice in health food shop window:
CLOSED DUE TO ILLNESS

Spotted in a safari park:
ELEPHANTS PLEASE STAY IN YOUR CAR

Seen during a conference:
FOR ANYONE WHO HAS CHILDREN AND DOESN'T KNOW IT:
THERE IS A DAY CARE ON THE FIRST FLOOR

Notice in a field:
THE FARMER ALLOWS WALKERS TO CROSS THE FIELD FOR FREE, BUT THE BULL CHARGES

Message on a leaflet:
IF YOU CANNOT READ, THIS LEAFLET WILL TELL YOU HOW TO GET LESSONS

Sign on a repair shop door:
WE CAN REPAIR ANYTHING.
(PLEASE KNOCK HARD ON THE DOOR - THE BELL DOESN'T WORK)

Sign at Norfolk farm gate:
BEWARE!
I SHOOT EVERY TENTH TRESPASSER AND THE NINTH ONE HAS JUST LEFT

Spotted in a toilet in a London office block:
TOILET OUT OF ORDER.
PLEASE USE FLOOR BELOW

Knowledge is a treasure, but practice is the key to it.
-Unknown

In case the 50% off sale link I posted yesterday didn't work for you:
http://www.peacelovemoney.com/

Best Life 2010 Day 2047: Labor Day Sale Time!

It's been about 5 months since my last sale, so I decided to put my book, coaching, PDFs and MP3s up for sale 50% off until September 13th; so if there is something you've been waiting to purchase, now is the time!
Http://www.peacelovemoney.com

Remember that break I mentioned needing?
Tomorrow I have to get up at 8 am, and Saturday I have to get up at FIVE AM to drive down south for a show.
Oh well, gotta make hay while the sun shines!

I also wrote a new article about how to let a guy know if you are interested, and how to figure out if he's interested in you: http://su.pr/3cZS9J 

Now I have to hurry and do a few more things before I go to bed (and sadly, I'm not even tired yet); this is what happens when you stay up late watching Battlestar Galactica!!!

And remember:
Never give up, never give up, never ever ever give up.

B. Dave Walters
*National* Spirituality Column:
http://su.pr/8nfJgO
Relationships Column: http://su.pr/31ml0X
http://www.google.com/profiles/bdavewalters

I'm around great men in my apartmet complex and work. Friends say that I should just "talk" to these men, but how? How do you start a conversation with someone without being creepy, and how do you keep the conversation going? I run out of things to say!

Answered here:
http://su.pr/3cZS9J

Ask me anything

How can I tell if a man is attracted to me or just being "nice"? And how can I obviously show a man that I'm interested in him without coming off as skanky?

Answered here:
http://su.pr/3cZS9J

Ask me anything

Does God decide morality or do humans decide what is right and wrong?

God absolutely has a sense of Law / morality, but I think it gets massively distorted as it filters down to the human plane. 'Right' and 'wrong' tend to be labels thrown around by people who are trying to tell you what to do...who quite often are doing as bad or worse behind closed doors.
I recently wrote 2 articles about that:
http://www.examiner.com/spirituality-in-national/homosexuality-virginity-guilt-and-sex-or-does-god-want-you-to-wait-till-marriage and http://www.examiner.com/spirituality-in-national/pornography-masturbation-and-sin-oh-my

Ask me anything

My new article answers 2 questions:
How to let a guy know you are interested, and how to know if he is interested in you
http://su.pr/3cZS9J

I've been seeing someone for almost a year. I'm happy he spends time and does all the things a boyfriend should do, yet still calls me his friend. Should I be happy with this or keep pressing for a more official title which I really want. Help!

I wrote an article about this very thing:
http://www.examiner.com/relationship-in-los-angeles/he-loves-me-but-he-doesn-t-express-it-the-way-that-i-want-him-to

Ask me anything

"Silent" and "listen" are spelled with the same letters.
-Unknown

Labor Day Sale!
50% off my book, coaching, programs, and MP3s through 9/12!
Everything you need to change your life!
www.peacelovemoney.com

Hatred and intolerance never accomplished anything positive.
We condemn "Burn a Koran" Day! http://bit.ly/aNMuAn Pls RT

If your aim in life is nothing; you can't miss.
And you can't win
-Unknown

The Book of Changes #1

I

WHAT IS THE TAO

The Tao that can be understood cannot be the primal, or cosmic, Tao, just as an idea that can be expressed in words cannot be the infinite idea.

And yet this ineffable Tao was the source of all spirit and matter, and being expressed was the mother of all created things.

Therefore not to desire the things of sense is to know the freedom of spirituality; and to desire is to learn the limitation of matter. These two things spirit and matter, so different in nature, have the same origin. This unity of origin is the mystery of mysteries, but it is the gateway to spirituality.

Best Life 2010 Day 2046: Apparently I need to take it easy.

So, my workout was incredibly hard today; arguably harder than it should have been. And I've had a lot on my mind lately, apparently more than I thought I have.

It all kind of dawned on me as I was sitting here trying to think of a topic to write an article about, and something told me 'just go to bed', lol; so it looks like I'll be in bed by 10:30 or so!

I did get some great books at the library, though: “Misquoting Jesus, the story behind who changed the Bible, and why”; “Reading Judas, the Gospel of Judas and the shaping of Christianity”; and “The Lost Gospel, the book of Q & Christian Origins”. (See a pattern? LOL)
A friend of mine was complaining about how hard their reading for a University class they were taking...it so happens I read the same thing last week for fun; LOLOLOL.

I could really use a break, like a vacation or something; but that's not coming any time soon. Oh well, working hard isn't so bad when you enjoy what you do as much as I do!

And remember:
Never give up, never give up, never ever ever give up.

B. Dave Walters
*National* Spirituality Column:
http://su.pr/8nfJgO
Relationships Column: http://su.pr/31ml0X
http://ping.fm/vMhZt

I always find it very hard to ask people for help, even if it is for something very small. Is it a control thing?

I wrote an article about this very thing: how to accept help from others, and allow abundance into your life:
http://www.examiner.com/spirituality-in-national/q-a-how-do-i-accept-help-from-others-and-allow-abundance-into-my-life

Ask me anything

How would you describe your personality?

Awesomely loving, or lovingly awesome; not quite sure.

LOL

Ask me anything

AT LEAST AS HARD AS YOUR BAD HABIT

I was driving Suzuki Roshi. My friend in the backseat, with cigarettes in his shirt pocket, asked about Zen.
"Zen is hard," Roshi said. "It is at least as hard as quitting smoking."

"To Shine One Corner of the World: Moments with Shuryu Suzuki: Stories of a Zen Teacher Told by His Students" (Edited by David Chadwick)

Courage is the mastery of fear,
not the absence of fear.
-Mark Twain

Best Life 2010 Day 2045: 14,000 pounds

Got your calculator handy?????
I did 70 lbs x 5 reps x 5 sets x 8 exercises. That means I moved *14,000 pounds* or 6,363(.6363636363636363636363636364) kilos in about 15 minutes or so.

/Flex hehehehehe.

I also managed to write THREE (3) articles today:
Two relationship Q&A articles: "he says he loves me, but isn't 'in' love with me; what does that mean?" http://su.pr/1BshZO
And
"We just broke up and he's already moved on, what should I do?" http://su.pr/5NlO5U

And a new spirituality article on how to conquer the Universe, and what it takes to do it: http://su.pr/29wn0f

and did I mention...I did a new video????
http://ping.fm/7ZUX0

So, it's good to be back in the swing of things, pumping out content along with pumping the iron, hehehe.

I still have a long way to go, but it's good to feel like I'm making progress again. And I mean that in every sense of the word(s)!

And remember:
Never give up, never give up, never ever ever give up.

B. Dave Walters
*National* Spirituality Column:
http://su.pr/8nfJgO
Relationships Column: http://su.pr/31ml0X
http://ping.fm/2Sozp

My BF and I just recently separated. Recently a friend stated she had to tell me something my BF told her husband. My heart dropped to the floor and ask if he's in another relationship already. Does this mean I still Love him and have feelings for him?

Answered here: http://su.pr/5NlO5U

Ask me anything

I recently had my boyfriend say to me that he loves me, but he's not in love with me. What message is he trying to tell me?

Answered here http://su.pr/1BshZO

Ask me anything

Q&A article: "he says he loves me, but isn't 'in' love with me; what does that mean?"
http://su.pr/1BshZO

My new Q&A article:
"We just broke up and he's already moved on, what should I do?"
http://su.pr/5NlO5U

My new article on how to conquer the Universe, and what it takes to do it:
http://su.pr/29wn0f

I read you're article and the new translations, i see nothing new.Where is the difference between organized church?Was Jesus married in ur opinion?Do you claim all of Pauls teaching are false?Do you believe in hell?

I recently wrote an article about what I think about Hell which you can find here: http://su.pr/26Jv5U
Regarding the translations, read them side by side with with the King James, NIV, or any other one and you'll see the difference(s).
5 Gospels is a lot of material; obviously some verses vary more than others.

Yes, I believe Jesus was married to Mary Magdelene, and had at least one, and possibly as many as 3 children.

I go back and forth about what I think about Paul; but what I do know is Peter was the 'rock on which Jesus built his church'; and he and Paul did *not* get along.
Take that to mean what you will.

And, as for the 'differences with the organized church', I'm not sure what you were looking to see there.
Everybody claims to believe in the 'loving Jesus'; just very few actually try to emulate him.
It's much easier to control people with 'hellfire and damnation' than it is with 'love one another as your Father in Heaven loves you'.

Ask me anything

If you give what you do not need, it isn't giving.
-Mother Teresa

Hi Dave, is it ok to have a kiss knowing nothing if he really wants to have a relation with me & just because I love him?

Answered here:
http://su.pr/2ODSVF

Ask me anything

My new Q&A article:
Is it OK to kiss a guy if you aren't in a relationship?
http://su.pr/2ODSVF

Best Life 2010 Day 2044: What to say, what to do?

So...I was going to shoot a new video today, and I drew a complete blank on what to talk about...any suggestions or requests????

Today was a strange day.
Last night I just couldn't sleep; I'm not sure what time I finally went to bed, but the sky was already light blue outside so that should give you a hint.
I'd already agreed to get up early with Lexi so Charlene could sleep in, but I ended up promptly going back to sleep on the couch once I had Lexi setup downstairs for the day. Even once Charlene woke up, I went back to bed for much longer than intended, which put the whole day out of whack.

By the time I came home from the gym, it was already time for dinner!

I *did * write a new article about Jesus Christ, his life and his teachings that I am rather proud of, though:
“Jesus is not a jerk; Or, the man, the myth, the legend” http://su.pr/1uEKfd

You know I mentioned before wanting to do deeper spiritual stuff, but having to face the fact that most people don't actually WANT deeper spiritual stuff; I think I've found a happy medium that I'm going to be applying.
Still, that article came out of me the way it wanted to come out; those are things I've wanted to say for a LOOOOONG time.

I also wrote another article about whether or not it's OK to kiss a guy you aren't in a relationship with (don't blame me, it's the question someone sent into http://ping.fm/LZHAY lolol:
http://su.pr/2ODSVF This one might take a few minutes to load; if you get an error message from the Examiner.com try again in a few minutes.

And remember:
Never give up, never give up, never ever ever give up.

B. Dave Walters
*National* Spirituality Column:
http://su.pr/8nfJgO
Relationships Column: http://su.pr/31ml0X
http://ping.fm/9Lzmv

My new article on Jesus Christ; what he taught, what he was like, and why it's important:
"Jesus was not a jerk"
http://su.pr/1uEKfd

Don't be afraid of showing your feelings, be afraid of regretting it when you don't.
-Laura Springer

Best Life 2010 Day 2043: The Jesus I never knew.

Here's how I spent my holiday weekend so far!
I watched the following documentaries:
Jesus and Socrates
Why Thinking Christians Should Become Platonists (which I shared)
The Mind of the Demiurgos(Maker-God)Drawn from the Unfolding of Creation
And
Direct understanding and attainment of Buddhahood

So, a little light weekend viewing.
BUT
I got the *coolest * book today; it's called “The Five Gospels, What Did Jesus Really Say” by 'The Jesus Seminar
http://ping.fm/vbrr1
Basically a committee of 150+ scholars got together to try and reconstruct and retranslate the Gospels based on the earliest available manuscripts available. It captures things like how Mark was written more for the common person, full of street sayings and colloquialisms, whereas Luke was written by a far more educated person, who was a much better writer of literary Greek.
Like any translation it's got it's critics, but I think it is GREAT.

So there you have it; give me a few days off and I spend it waist deep in religious studies and metaphysical thought.

Do I know how to party or WHAT?????

And remember:
Never give up, never give up, never ever ever give up.

B. Dave Walters
*National* Spirituality Column:

http://su.pr/8nfJgO
Relationships Column: http://su.pr/31ml0X
http://ping.fm/xkAgg

NON-VIOLENT PARENTING

Dr. Arun Gandhi, grandson of Mahatma Gandhi and founder of the M.K. Gandhi Institute for Non-violence, in his June 9 lecture at the University of Puerto Rico, shared the following story as an example of "non-violence in parenting":

"I was 16 years old and living with my parents at the institute my grandfather had founded 18 miles outside of Durban, South Africa, in the middle of the sugar plantations. We were deep in the country and had no neighbours, so my two sisters and I would always look forward to going to town to visit friends or go to the movies.

One day, my father asked me to drive him to town for an all-day conference, and I jumped at the chance. Since I was going to town, my mother gave me a list of groceries she needed and, since I had all day in town, my father ask me to take care of several pending chores, such as getting the car serviced. When I dropped my father off that morning, he said, 'I will meet you here at 5:00 p.m., and we will go home together.'

After hurriedly completing my chores, I went straight to the nearest movie theatre. I got so engrossed in a John Wayne double-feature that I forgot the time. It was 5:30 before I remembered. By the time I ran to the garage and got the car and hurried to where my father was waiting for me, it was almost 6:00.

He anxiously asked me, 'Why were you late?' I was so ashamed of telling him I was watching a John Wayne western movie that I said, 'The car wasn't
ready, so I had to wait,' not realizing that he had already called the garage. When he caught me in the lie, he said: 'There's something wrong in the way I brought you up that didn't give you the confidence to tell me the truth. In order to figure out where I went wrong with you, I'm going to walk home 18 miles and think about it.'

So, dressed in his suit and dress shoes, he began to walk home in the dark on mostly unpaved, unlit roads. I couldn't leave him, so for five-and-a-half hours I drove behind him, watching my father go through this agony for a stupid lie that I uttered.

I decided then and there that I was never going to lie again. I often think about that episode and wonder, if he had punished me the way we punish our children, whether I would have learned a lesson at all. I don't think so. I would have suffered the punishment and gone on doing the same thing. But this single non-violent action was so powerful that it is still as if it happened yesterday. That is the power of non-violence."

Let everyone sweep in front of his own door and the whole world will be clean.
-Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe

Best Life 2010 Day 2042: Raising pulses

One thing that I know that upsets me (if I let it), is when things don't work.
Especially computer problems, since I know a thing or two about fixing computers. It's almost like when things don't work, I am personally offended!
So, I have to be careful to keep my head about me when fixing technical issues. Like today, my internet connection just went out. One second it was working, next minute it wasn't. And yet, it was *still * working on another computer.
So I had to keep reminding myself to breathe, and relax. That I'd figure out what was going on and fix it, and if for some reason I couldn't, it wouldn't be the end of the world. Even though I fixed it eventually, it really had a chance of ruining my whole night...if I'd had let it. In the end, it's nothing to get my pulse raised over; really *nothing * is worth getting your pulse raised over. Things come up, and we deal with them, no big deal. That's a little process called:
Life.

After all, if you can't stand these minor obstacles and inconveniences, how can you expect God to bless you with more? Since a more successful career means more challenges, a bigger house, a bigger family, a bigger bank account, all mean more challenges.

Think of what you're experiencing now as the test run for what's to come.
The question is, will you pass these tests, or keep having to repeat this level for the rest of your life?

And remember:
Never give up, never give up, never ever ever give up.

B. Dave Walters
*National* Spirituality Column:
http://su.pr/8nfJgO
Relationships Column: http://su.pr/31ml0X
http://ping.fm/rkV5P

Faced with the choice between changing ones mind and proving that there is no need to do so almost everyone gets busy on the proof
Galbraith

Best Life 2010 Day 2041: Left it all on the field

As promised, I got started on my new series of articles:
My first article in a new series of 'deeper' spiritual truths: "Higher Truths; Or, digital spirituality II" http://su.pr/1z6yd9

My new article on 'hell'; if it's real, who goes there and why: "God is not a jerk; Or, to hell with you (?)" http://su.pr/26Jv5U

I feel good about it so far; we'll see what ends up happening.
In the meantime, I hit it hard this week; worked out every day and continued exceeding my own expectations.

I figured out what I want, and my new strategy to get it; just have to keep moving!

Everything is on schedule going into this glorious holiday weekend!

And remember:
Never give up, never give up, never ever ever give up.

B. Dave Walters
*National* Spirituality Column:
http://su.pr/8nfJgO
Relationships Column: http://su.pr/31ml0X
http://ping.fm/lc5UP

My new article on 'hell'; if it's real, who goes there and why:
"God is not a jerk; Or, to hell with you (?)"
http://su.pr/26Jv5U

My first article in a new series of 'deeper' spiritual truths:
"Higher Truths; Or, digital spirituality II"
http://su.pr/1z6yd9

You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late.
-Ralph Waldo Emerson

Best Life 2010 Day 2040: Yesterday's Tomorrow

I don't remember if I mentioned this (since I don't read my old blog posts) that it recently came to me in my meditation that I needed to get a move on. The 'someday' I was planning for is today; and that today is yesterday's tomorrow. If I'm not careful, it will be 20 years form now and I'll have 2 daughters (or more) in college and nothing will have changed for me.

I say no.

Up until now, I've kind of held back or watered down what I really wanted to say in my articles and videos, since I wanted to be able to reach the largest number of people, but the catch 22 there is by trying to reach everyone you reach almost no one.
So starting now, I'm going to start saying the things I REALLY mean, and let the word reach who it's supposed to reach.

I'd have written the first on today, but the site was down for maintenance; to tomorrow it is.

My first title: “God is not a jerk; Or, to hell with you (?)”

And remember:
Never give up, never give up, never ever ever give up.

B. Dave Walters
*National* Spirituality Column:
http://su.pr/8nfJgO
Relationships Column: http://su.pr/31ml0X
http://ping.fm/jg8ty

STILSON'S LEAP (from a book of which the title I lost)

On a grey day in late November 1941, a squadron of Spitfires was flying back towards Britain across the English Channel. The sky was low, with few breaks in the clouds. They had just broken up a formation of enemy bombers and, while most pilots were now low on fuel, all would make it back safely to the base if luck held.
Then flames leaped out from beneath the cowling of the commanding officer's plane, and thick, black smoke spewed from his exhausts. The whirling propeller slowed, then froze, and his aircraft, trailing smoke, began hurtling down towards the sea.
The cockpit canopy slid back, and the commanding officer tumbled out. His parachute opened. The others watched him drift down through the wind and silence towards the ocean, which splashed and foamed below.
Dropping lower, they saw him hit the sea, then, supported by his life-vest, rise up and swim away from the entangling parachute lines. He waved them off, but awkwardly, as if he were injured. Despite his signal, they circled over him until their fuel was dangerously low. They would wait for his life raft to bob up to the surface before they left him.
But the raft never surfaced. A shard of metal had torn it, perhaps - or a bullet had pierced it, or the flames had destroyed it. No matter. Without a life raft he could never survive in those cold waters.
The other pilots radioed his position over and over, though several were flying with almost dry tanks.
The new acting squadron leader knew there was nothing more they could do. It was his job to bring the squadron home. Cursing the foul luck that had caught them so close to home, he gave the order for them to continue back to their base.
But a man named Stilson, ignoring all orders to leave, and refusing to acknowledge any radio contact, only gained altitude while still circling over their downed commander. At three thousand feet, Stilson's canopy slid back, the graceful green-and-brown fighter arched over, and Stilson tumbled from the warmth and safety of the cramped little cockpit, falling free.
His parachute blossomed above him, as he floated down towards the foaming sea. The sun broke through the clouds, and a mile away his empty plane ploughed into the waves, kicking up a long plume of rainbow spray, and, settling in the water, sank from sight.
The other pilots saw Stilson float down, strike the choppy, glinting surface of the Channel, sink, then come frothing up into the sunlight. They saw him cut loose from the shroud lines and kick free of the sinking chute. They saw his inflated raft pop up to the surface, saw him pull himself in and paddle over to where the commander was still struggling feebly in the bitterly cold water. They saw him haul the officer into the tiny raft with him. On their next pass - their last - the others saw both men bobbing in the life raft together. Next, the clouds closed in, obscuring all.
The others all made it back safely - just barely. They filled out their reports and waited. No word came. In the morning the sky was peaceful and clear, and they flew over a bright, blue, calm, sparkling sea.

But no trace of either man was ever found.

When you judge another,
you do not define them,
you define yourself.
-Wayne Dyer

Best Life 2010 Day 2039: BATTLESTAR GALACTICA!

I know I'm * way * behind on this one, but I've recently started watching Battlestar Galactica (to help prepare me for a show pitch)...and this show is frakkin AWESOME.

Today was good; I got up and out to the gym early again.
I've been enjoying the process; this is the hardest I've ever worked on working out. I kinda kinked my neck and shoulder, so I may sit out tomorrow. Or at least take it easy; I guess we'll see how I feel tomorrow!

I've decided on a new direction I am going to go with my spirituality column and All About You; should be very interesting.

And remember:
Never give up, never give up, never ever ever give up.

B. Dave Walters
*National* Spirituality Column:
http://su.pr/8nfJgO
Relationships Column: http://su.pr/31ml0X
http://ping.fm/RB61Z

BALANCING EFFORT AND PATIENCE

There is a story about a young man in Japan who wanted to be the greatest martial artist of the land. He thought that to reach this goal, he must study with the best instructor, who lived many miles away.
One day he left home to go study with this great Zen teacher. After travelling for several days, he arrived at the school and was given an audience with the teacher. "What do you wish to learn from me?" the master asked.
"I want you to teach me your art and help me become one of the best martial artists in the country," the young man replied. "How long must I study?"
"Ten years at least," the master answered.
The guy thought, ten years is a lot of time. I want to get his done sooner than that. I don't have that much time. Certainly if I try harder I can complete this task quicker. So he asked the master, "What if I studied twice as hard as everyone else? How long would it take then?"
"Then it would take twenty years," replied the master.
The guy thought, 'That's even longer! I don't want to spend twenty years learning something. I've got other things to do with my life. Certainly if I tried really hard I could learn it much quicker'.
So the student asked again, "What if I practised day and night with all my effort, then how long would it take?"
"Thirty years," was the master's response.
The young student became confused and wondered why the master kept telling him it would take longer.
He asked the master "How is it that each time I say I will work harder, you tell me that it will take longer?"
"The answer is simple. With one eye focused on your destination, there is only one eye left with which to find the way," the master said.

(Another way of saying this is, "With half your attention on your goal, you only have the other half to focus on the work." Any endeavor takes effort, but it also takes patience. If we have one without the other, we get off balance. with only effort, we try and try but get frustrated when we do not see results as fast as we would like. Or we get burned out and tired very quickly. With only patience and no effort, we never really put our full attention to a task. We never give it the commitment we need. This is as true with school work as it is with a meditation practice as it is with sports. in the story, the master knew that the student had enough effort; what he needed was to balance that effort with patience.)

"Just say Om! - A Teenager's Guide- Your Life's Journey" (Soren Gordhamer)

We say we waste time, but that is impossible. We waste ourselves.
-Alice Bloch