#90 Mineral Spirits – Impermanence and Feeding the Spirit

Fox — David Frederick Riley

We were in the Art District of Old Town Scottsdale. It was hot, but not unusual for Arizona in the slightest. The dry heat blanketed us like a transparent shawl and the subtle wind kept us cool momentarily while we stopped by a few galleries. Each one had a theme and a personality. 

Whether it was a sculpture, painting, or photograph, each piece of art left a piece of its soul on the canvas it chose to imprint on. Art has the uncanny ability to allow us to escape and enjoy the beauty as it was meant to be enjoyed. No words, no thoughts, and no other action needed except to pay attention. 

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#90 Luck – Finding Extraordinary in the Ordinary!

Photo by Dustin Humes on Unsplash

When someone wins the lottery or survives a head-on collision we call it luck. 

The human species has an interesting way to paint stories to tell a narrative of beating the odds. 

If you are reading this and not in the hospital trying desperately to beat cancer, you could also be beating the odds. 

If you had clean water, a hot shower, and a few meals today, then you’re lucky. 

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#89 Ego – Acknowledging Acknowledment

Photo by Orkun Azap on Unsplash

The Ego. 

It’s sensitive, invisible, and invites itself without notice. 

It’s a derivative of our personality that seeks self-importance. 

In other words, the ego wants acknowledgment. 

It’s a puppy that does tricks and expects a reward. Everyone has this puppy. 

When I acknowledge others, wanting acknowledgment, all that really means is that their puppy needs more training. 

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#88 Beginners Mind – Flowing water never goes stale

Photo by Jon Flobrant on Unsplash

Ancient Aboriginals have a rich culture centered around family, nature and tradition. 

In Tasmania, Aboriginal warriors would often paint their faces. 

A painted line on the forehead represents the self. Lines on each cheek represent the knowledge one attains in life. The portion where the cheeks meet the nose is intentionally left blank. 

The blank area represents the knowledge one has yet to attain in this life. 

A researcher and Psychologist from the National Institute of Aging noted that personality traits change little after the age of 30. In short, people are set in their ways, and change of any kind is limited. 

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