Life On A B-I7

Stoic Thought of the Day — Day 130

We are advised by the Stoics to be understanding and patient with other people. The person we are dealing with may not have grown up with the same advantages that we have. The more tolerant and patient we can be, the more helpful we can be. Isn’t that our true responsibility? I admit to failing at this goal more often than I would like to admit. The goal is to keep trying. My desire for myself and for my country is to keep striving in this direction. It begins with our speech and it extends to making sure those we choose to lead us also are also striving in this direction.

Sucked in Again

I got sucked into Substack again. I know better. At some point I’m going to have to remove that app from my phone. But today was another lesson in restraint. Believe it or not, I’m getting better at restraint even though today’s events wouldn’t necessarily lead you to that conclusion… Someone wrote a long piece about Trump’s speech today on the subject of Black History Month. The gist of the piece was that Trump talked about himself instead of about Black History Month. The speech was given before an assembly of black leaders and dignitaries. Oh well, nothing new here really. What was interesting were the replies on Substack. One person in particular was critical of anyone taking exception to Trump’s behavior. That person accused anyone that did not agree with him as having “TDS.” (Trump Derangement Syndrome.) Okay, I probably qualify as deranged, deranged about a lot of things. When it comes to skiing and cycling, I’m pretty deranged, I also have a tendency to be very particular about my bourbon, probably to the point of derangement, but I think when it comes to political analysis, I’m looking through a pretty clear set of lenses. Sorry, I digress. Getting back to the subject at hand, Substack posts, I had to chime in. Against my better judgement I replied. Before I tell you what I said, take note that when I post on Substack (the very few times I have) the posts show under my name “Brad Adkins.” Most posts are written by people who use pseudonyms rather than their real names. That’s the world we live in to be sure. That said said, I replied:

I don’t wear a mask and I use my real name. I prefer to think of myself as having TDNS rather than TDS.

If you look up TDNS you won’t find any references, I made it up. So for your edification I’ll spell it out, and I mean this in the kindest possible sense. TDNS stands for “Trump Does Nothing Syndrome.” That’s a bit of an understatement, I should have said, TDNTMAGA.

My 401K Is Up

Your 401K might be up, but at what cost?

Is it worth it to be told Obama Care is bad and a better replacement is coming… and you’ve been hearing that for 9 years?

Is it worth it when the press and television are being censored at the insistence of the President of the United States?

Is it worth it when your First Amendment rights are being trampled?

Is it worth it to have a para-military organization deployed to American cities and the National Guard Federalized to provide immigration enforcement?

Is it worth it to have American citizens harassed and detained without a warrant?

Is it worth it to have American citizens murdered by agents of the federal government?

Is it worth it when you have a president that has more time for selling his personalized merchandise than he has for working on legislation to fix the problems he complains about on a daily basis?

Is it worth it to support a political party that does nothing else but provide financial enrichment to America’s most wealthy business people?

Is it worth it to support a political party that blames the opposition for every woe they can contrive with no solution other than saying the we alone can fix it?

And consider this if you will, what evidence do you have that says your 401K would not have done as well, or even better, if you had voted differently? There is more to life than money. Sometimes we need to make choices that will help our brothers and sisters, even if it means we won’t profit quite as much from the stock market as we might have hoped.

The Power of a Mantra

The word mantra in Sanskrit means “sacred utterance.” Using a mantra is settling and can provide the ability to focus on what we need to move forward. It can also block what is working against us. In short, it can give us a path to clarity.

Healthy Elixers

These recipes are good for heart, organs, and brain.

Drink this in the morning

Boil for 10 minutes

• 1 cup Water
• 1 Beet Root washed, chopped
• 1 slice Ginger
• Juice of 1 Lemon

Drink this in the evening

Boil for 10 minutes

• 1 cup Water
• 1 Green Apple washed, chopped
• 1 stick Cinnamon
• 3 Tbsp Tumeric

I Feel Better Today

I went to whitehouse.gov and submitted the following on the contact form there:

“I have voted Republican in the past. I do not approve of the immigration enforcement tactics or policy as currently managed by President Trump and his appointees, including Kristi Noem. I believe the current operations of ICE are unconstitutional and criminal. I’m writing to ask you to cease and desist all ICE operations immediately and apologize to the American people for the harm you have done to America: Harm to her own people and harm to our country’s reputation as viewed by citizens of other countries around the world.”

I had to acknowledge the following disclaimer:

These messages are being captured and archived in compliance with the Presidential Records Act or the Federal Records Act.

Not only has President Trump documented my personal opinion as an official presidential record, if there is any confusion about how I feel, he can always look here to resolve any doubt he may have. That made me feel better too.

As a reward for reaching out, I received a text containing contact information. The photo of the President can best be described as a mugshot. (That could be considered wishful thinking I suppose.) It probably came straight out of his “Mugshot Trading Card” collection that he has proudly hawked as part of his personal profiteering efforts.

Types of People

Einstein once said:

Weak people seek revenge.
Strong people forgive.
Intelligent people ignore.

I recently got into a discussion on Facebook over a post. I received a message from someone that was upset by what I had said. I responded by trying to explain why their position was wrong. The conversation did not go well. I then responded and told the person I loved them anyway. The conversation ended when the person responded again, I choose to delete that response without reading it.

I guess that means I’m weak and strong and intelligent…

There is one more lesson in this story, there is no arguing with stupid people… For the record, that last sentence probably means I’m weak despite my best efforts to pretend otherwise.

Living With intention

Here are, in a few words, are some guidelines for living. There are many ways to live with intention. Our job is to find the ways that work best for us. Living with intention frees us to experience the things in life that are beautiful, and dismiss those things that are distractions. Keep these things in mind throughout the day.

1. The best breakfast is no breakfast.
2. Do not speak negatively about yourself.
3. You are needed by someone.
4. You will find peace in stillness.
5. Keep your thoughts private unless there is a purpose in sharing them.
6. Eat two meals a day, eight hours apart.
7. Drink water.
8. Avoid snacks.
9. Shower at night instead of in the morning.
10. Exercise.

Moral Crisis

There is a moral crisis in American. Nothing else can explain why 77 million Americans voted for Donald Trump. If you tell me it’s because his leadership is the reason why your 401K is doing well, I rest my case.

Cats

Cats are Buddhist Monks in disguise.

Living With Intention

Here are, in a few words, are some guidelines for living. There are many ways to live with intention. Our job is to find the ways that work best for us. Living with intention frees us to experience the things in life that are beautiful, and dismiss those things that are distractions. Practice these things upon waking and when retiring at night.

When you wake in the morning, say to yourself:

1. I have control of how the day will unfold and how I will perceive it.
2. What is my goal for today, and what actions will that goal require.
3. I will accept those things that fall outside of my control.

Before lying down to sleep at night, say to youself:

1. Nothing is required of me. The day is complete.
2. I am safe in this moment.
3. I allow my body to let go which gives my mind permission to follow.

Worry

Thank you “Daily Buddhist.”

Noise

Life is bigger than the loudest thing in the room. Constant immersion in the latest news will lead us away from peace, caring, and love.

Life

Sports can often be viewed a metaphor for life. Sometimes you have to pass the ball back in order to move it forward. I apologize for my bad passes.

Weakness or Strength?

Sadly, I can’t smoke pot. I can’t inhale anything that is not clear of particulates. This makes me weak. An anomaly. I admit that. Someone relegated to the chromosomal scrap-heap of history. But perhaps, just perhaps, that gives me an advantage. Perhaps that forces me to think more reflectively. I ask you to consider my words. I don’t care who you are. If you consider, even minimally, my thoughts, I am humbled. (Of course, the less you’ve smoked when you do so the better…)

Remembering Alex Pretti

A poem by National Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman.

We wake with no words,
just woe & wound.
Our own country shooting us in the back
is not just brutality; it’s jarring betrayal;
not enforcement, but execution.
A message: Love your people & you will die.
Yet our greatest threat isn’t the outsiders among us,
but those among us who never look within.
Fear not those without papers,
but those without conscience.
Know that to care intensively, united,
is to carry both pain-dark horror for today
& a profound, daring hope for tomorrow.
We can feel we have nothing to give,
& still believe this world waiting,
trembling to change.
If we cannot find words, may we find the will;
if we ever lose hope,
may we never lose our humanity.
The only undying thing is mercy,
the courage to open ourselves like doors,
hug our neighbor, & save one more bright, impossible life.

This poem brings tears to my eyes.

The execution of an American citizen legally carrying and disarmed before he was shot 10 times in the back while being restrained without resisting should be enough for any American, Christian Nationalist or Goth Tattooed Barber, to say enough is enough. The President of the United States is a bigoted, narcissistic, megalomaniac. If you follow him, you need to ask yourself, is this really the teaching Jesus would have me follow? (Or, if you don’t believe in Jesus, how about any decent human being?)

TM Mantras for Self-Practitioners

These mantras were taken from Wikipedia. They are not “official” TM mantras but they are similar in spirit and practice to a mantra you would be given by an official TM instructor. The purpose is to provide a soothing sound that you can use to help you settle into a deeper state of consciousness without prompting your mind to draw images or thoughts during practice. Choose a sound the works best for you.

• Shama (pronounced “SHAH-mah”)
• Len (pronounced “EE-ehm”)
• Enga (pronounced “ENG-gah”)
• Kirim (pronounced “KEE-rim”)
• Shirim (pronounced “SHEE-rim”)

Transcendental Meditation (TM) is a simple mantra-based meditation technique introduced by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in the 1950s​.

Repeat your chosen mantra and let thoughts come and go as they please. (This is the opposite of Mindfulness.) Practice for 20 minutes twice a day, typically soon after waking up and again later in the day. The first practice of the day is recommended before coffee or breakfast. Sit comfortably, set a timer if you prefer. Relax and breathe before starting the mantra. Begin by letting the mantra work its way into your mind naturally. When your practice is finished, keep your eyes closed and allow yourself to slowly return to your day. If you find your mind carried off by thoughts during your practice gently remind your mind to return to the mantra. This is a natural part of training your mind to settle and meditate. No two practice sessions are alike, it’s best to approach a session without expectations.

The benefits of this meditation are achieved by regular practice. Journaling after a practice session is optional but may have additional benefits if you are the sort of person that enjoys writing. Don’t worry if you are doing it “right” or “wrong,” the key is to be consistent and do the best you can, after all, that is why it’s called “practice.”

What’s Wrong with Book Clubs?

It’s certainly okay to pick up a book simply for the pleasure involved. I find myself taking a slightly different approach. I prefer to read with purpose. A lot of people in book clubs aren’t reading with purpose. What does it mean to read with purpose? Not all books were written for all people to pick up at any time. Your brain and hence your reading experience will benefit most when you read material your mind says you need now. Pick and choose what you are craving at the moment, even if it’s not a work your neighbor tells you is a “must read.” The question then comes down to, how to read with purpose? The short answer is, read what you are curious about at the moment.

One way to do that is to read books around a topic that you are interested in. This approach will help you to link knowledge and absorb what you are reading more deeply. This could even mean bypassing good books, or even leaving some books unfinished, that’s okay. Life is short. Dedicate the time you have for reading to a higher purpose. There is no reason to read a book that does not have something that increases our knowledge or gives us some insight that we are seeking when we reach the end.

Now that I have that off my chest, I will say I occasionally attend my neighborhood book club meeting. I don’t do it for the reasons stated above simply because the group is usually not reading works I would have chosen. I do it to be a good neighbor. Interaction of this sort is another form of nourishment, it’s just not one that feeds my curiosity or enhances my knowledge of myself or some topic that is exciting to me.

Wait List

I’m on the waitlist for Adventure Cycling’s 50th Anniversary North Star tour. That is the epic ride from the home base of Adventure Cycling, Missoula Montana, to Fairbanks Alaska.

That ride is a 61 day self-contained adventure over paved and gravel roads covering 2,800 miles. Not for the feint of heart. This would be the culmination of a touring career. If I don’t make the waitlist I’m planning to take on the ride solo.

Maps

Some say using Apple Maps is a sign of weakness. I’ve heard this from loved ones and also from my neurologist. I contend that using Maps is a way to make driving more fun. It allows me to focus on the road, the surface conditions, the curves, the behavior of the cars around me. It also, gives me the freedom to observe the scenery around me! I just have to say, give it a try, you just might find, like I have, it improves your driving experience, both from a safety and from an enjoyment perspective.

I don’t think there’s any real reason to drive without maps. YMMV.

Meditation Journey Begins

This morning I meditated for twenty minutes before my little shrine here at my writing desk. I call it a shrine but I’m not really invoking any deity in this practice. I’m just trying to get in touch with myself. This is a relatively new routine, but already I’m feeling comfortable with it. I was going to take up TM, but my engagement with the local TM instructor here in Central Oregon left me uncertain if the two of us should proceed. So, as a result, I’m striking out on my own meditation journey with high hopes that I know as much about my body and its needs as someone that doesn’t know me.

ICE

Let’s get ICE off our streets and into our beverages.

I’m not making light of our situation. ICE is focused on rounding up the wrong people. Illegal immigration is not a felony. There are plenty of felons in Washington D.C. that should be arrested and brought to justice before we get obsessed with illegal immigration.

Conspiracy

The only conspiracy in America is the conspiracy by the current administration to convince Americans that there are conspiracies in America.

George Orwell put it succinctly in the novel “1984.”

”The Party told you to reject the evidence of your eyes and ears.”

To see the truth takes discernment and willingness.

Stoic Thought of the Day — Day 129

There are three question that we should keep foremost in our consciousness throughout the day:

1. Desire. Are we letting it dictate our actions?
2. Impulse. Are we acting impulsively or for the right reasons?
3. Reason. Are we using reason to guide our actions?

Stoic Thought of the Day — Day 128

Look at the world around you and seek out that which is good. Once you notice the good around you, acknowledge it. This will free you from the evil that would otherwise weigh you down.