No one has said that it is not noticeable how much personality and character pets have – we usual choose or bring one home based upon their individual characteristics that endear us to them. Yes, they do have a memory, or else training would be useless at all. Our dog Daisy is a little love-hog herself – she is manipulative, sneaky, dramatic, feisty, stubborn and even smiles when she’s happy. She is a very loyal dog and loves nothing more than to be close, have her belly scratched, or curl up in your lap. My question is whether animals have any real cognitive ability to “think”, recall any length of time, or experience heightened thought processes.
Their ‘love’ is based on an animalistic level – humans feed them, house them and provide company for them. Their loyalty is based upon their dependence of you – not that there is anything wrong with that. But unlike a human – who must love even when they are not being served, and who love on a higher, more complex and meaningful level – a dog/cat ‘loves’ the hand that feeds him/her and that is the basis for their devotion. Dogs at least are very sociable animals, and thus they enjoy attention and interaction with other humans and dogs.
I think we must be careful with the term ‘emotion’ when linked to animals for this term usually involves the soul as well. My belief is that God created humans in the “image of God” and thus with a soul; while animals are very wonderful things and to be enjoyed and protected by humans, I do not think they are existentially on the same level and thus cannot be fairly compared to them. Limited emotion in a human means that he/she is not living to their full potential…it is something that may be worked out through therapy, love, education and effort. Animals are limited simply because they are completely different creatures.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Response II to Anthropomorphism Question
I've been lectured to extensively on the limited memory of canines and their inability to recall given circumstances--such as urinating on the carpet.
I've been told that efforts to scold a dog for the release of its bladder is pointless--particularly if it doesn't occur immediately after the incident as they would not recognize their wrong-doing.
Personally, I do not believe this is true. Nor do I believe that they cannot experience similar emotions to that of man--though obviously not to the same extent.
Dog-lovers and cat-lovers alike appreciate their pets for the perceived emotion that we believe they translate. How many time have you heard about how much character a pet has, or how embarrassed they were after being scolded, or how sad they get when left alone? Are we imagining that emotion, or is it real? If you've ever bonded with a canine, lived with them and looked tehm in the eyes on a daily basis as you would your child, there is no question they experience emotion.
If one is going to argue that a canine has neither emotion nor memory of any substance, why then do we see animals get excited upon our arrival at home? Why then do they jump on us and lick our face? ---because they love us and are happy to see us! Why and how could they do this, if they have no memory or ability to express emotion? How then do they differentiate their owners from strangers or right from wrong?
To argue that a canine has no memory about urinating on the rug just 30 mins. ago, yet at the same time also acknowledge their ability to recognize and recall people seems a bit contradictory to me. What does the process we use in training our pets implement? Memory training, right? Much like in the rearing of our children. So how then can we say they have limited or no memory? How then can we lose our dogs for a month, then be reuinited with them and have immediate recollection of who you are? How then can a cat be completely removed from its environment yet find its way back?
Animals have a significant ability to remember as well as display emotion. Is it limited? Yes, but the levels of memory and emotion can and is limited in humans too!
To claim these attributes as non-existence in house pets seems a bit rediculous to me...
Response to Anthropomorphism Question
I’m sure you can guess what I think…that animals aren’t capable of higher thought. However, that doesn’t mean that they aren’t sensitive to pain, pleasure, fear or security.
I do think that Darwin’s speculation that “dogs in their old age might remember a particularly pleasurable chase and reflect on it. Or that a group of cows might just feel the loss of a herd member” is highly unlikely; every dog or horse trainer will tell you that when punishing after the animal acts out, you must swat or scold within three seconds of what occurred – otherwise they won’t remember and won’t understand why they’re being punished. As the article stated, even science says that they’re unable to think on a deep level and reminisce or recall something from the past. I think animals may have ‘emotions’ on their own level – such as horses getting depressed when isolated, etc. – but I don’t think they translate to the level of human emotion.
Bellcanto
I do think that Darwin’s speculation that “dogs in their old age might remember a particularly pleasurable chase and reflect on it. Or that a group of cows might just feel the loss of a herd member” is highly unlikely; every dog or horse trainer will tell you that when punishing after the animal acts out, you must swat or scold within three seconds of what occurred – otherwise they won’t remember and won’t understand why they’re being punished. As the article stated, even science says that they’re unable to think on a deep level and reminisce or recall something from the past. I think animals may have ‘emotions’ on their own level – such as horses getting depressed when isolated, etc. – but I don’t think they translate to the level of human emotion.
Bellcanto
Anthropomorphism: Are animal emotions valid or not?
October 24, 2008 by oregonsunshine
In the past, I’ve been an In-home Basic Obedience Instructor. I taught people to train their dogs. In the past year, I’ve been working towards getting my Certified Pet Dog Trainer certificate through the Association of Pet Dog Trainers. This has involved a reading list that seems to grow and change every year. The focus of the APDT is on positive training methods, which I agree with for the most part.
However, there is one subject that seems taboo amongst all the animal training and animal science community. Anthropomorphism.
American Heritage Dictionary defines this as:
an·thro·po·mor·phism (ān’thrə-pə-môr’fĭz’əm) n. Attribution of human motivation, characteristics, or behavior to inanimate objects, animals, or natural phenomena.
Do animals experience emotions like we humans do? Are animals capable of feeling love, loss, happiness and a myriad of other emotions? Or are we humans just trying to delegate our own emotions to other creatures? And if so, why?
It’s not unusual for a trainer to hear that an owner can’t get Little Fluffykins to do such-and-such because it hurts Little Fluffykin’s feelings or Mr. Twinkles peed on it’s owner’s brand new comforter out of anger at being left home alone all day. Or that Lightening the horse didn’t perform well at a show today because he was unhappy that his owner forgot his favorite treats or didn’t scratch him in the right spots, or whatever the magic button might have been.
It’s also not unusual for a pet owner to say that their pet loves them. Haven’t we all heard that Brutus loves his person? Is this really prescribing human emotions to our pets? Or are they capable of displaying emotions of love on their own?
So far, scientists from the animal community say that these things are simply not true. Animals don’t display emotions like people do. That Mr. Twinkles isn’t capable of enough higher thought to say “I’m going to pee on your comforter because you did ‘x’ and I’m mad at you”. Science explains the behavior as a dominance issue and that Mr. Twinkles is trying to say he’s top dog (or cat). And that Brutus isn’t really showing love to his owner, just that he is attempting to seek attention.
And then you have your extremes. The owner who swears that Mr. Twinkles was mad at her and that’s why it happened. And the trainers and behaviorists who say that animals don’t feel emotions, that people are the ones putting whatever emotion they are feeling off onto their animal.
How many of you have gone to the zoo and witness what appeared to be sad animals? The big cats that pace and pace? The orangutans that seem to be withdrawn and dejected? The ravens that are constantly searching for a way out? Are they or are they not experiencing real emotions?
In his book The Expression of Emotions in Man and Animals, Charles Darwin speculated that dogs in their old age might remember a particularly pleasurable chase and reflect on it. Or that a group of cows might just feel the loss of a herd member.
Jane Goodall was criticized for using human-like terms to describe chimps. She used the words “childhood”, “excitement”, “motivation” and “mood”. And as she says, “Even worse was my crime of suggesting that chimpanzees had ‘personalities’. I was ascribing human characteristics to nonhuman animals and was thus guilty of the worst of ethological sins-anthropomorphism.” None of these thoughts were popular. They still aren’t popular with the scientific community today.
To some extent, humanizing an animal is still considered a great insult to mankind. Humans are at the top of the food chain. Religion and science say that humans are the only species capable of higher thought. But is that really true? How much do we really know about all the forms of animal communication and how the animal brain(s) work?
Do animals really feel such emotions as love? Why or why not?
What do you think?
In the past, I’ve been an In-home Basic Obedience Instructor. I taught people to train their dogs. In the past year, I’ve been working towards getting my Certified Pet Dog Trainer certificate through the Association of Pet Dog Trainers. This has involved a reading list that seems to grow and change every year. The focus of the APDT is on positive training methods, which I agree with for the most part.
However, there is one subject that seems taboo amongst all the animal training and animal science community. Anthropomorphism.
American Heritage Dictionary defines this as:
an·thro·po·mor·phism (ān’thrə-pə-môr’fĭz’əm) n. Attribution of human motivation, characteristics, or behavior to inanimate objects, animals, or natural phenomena.
Do animals experience emotions like we humans do? Are animals capable of feeling love, loss, happiness and a myriad of other emotions? Or are we humans just trying to delegate our own emotions to other creatures? And if so, why?
It’s not unusual for a trainer to hear that an owner can’t get Little Fluffykins to do such-and-such because it hurts Little Fluffykin’s feelings or Mr. Twinkles peed on it’s owner’s brand new comforter out of anger at being left home alone all day. Or that Lightening the horse didn’t perform well at a show today because he was unhappy that his owner forgot his favorite treats or didn’t scratch him in the right spots, or whatever the magic button might have been.
It’s also not unusual for a pet owner to say that their pet loves them. Haven’t we all heard that Brutus loves his person? Is this really prescribing human emotions to our pets? Or are they capable of displaying emotions of love on their own?
So far, scientists from the animal community say that these things are simply not true. Animals don’t display emotions like people do. That Mr. Twinkles isn’t capable of enough higher thought to say “I’m going to pee on your comforter because you did ‘x’ and I’m mad at you”. Science explains the behavior as a dominance issue and that Mr. Twinkles is trying to say he’s top dog (or cat). And that Brutus isn’t really showing love to his owner, just that he is attempting to seek attention.
And then you have your extremes. The owner who swears that Mr. Twinkles was mad at her and that’s why it happened. And the trainers and behaviorists who say that animals don’t feel emotions, that people are the ones putting whatever emotion they are feeling off onto their animal.
How many of you have gone to the zoo and witness what appeared to be sad animals? The big cats that pace and pace? The orangutans that seem to be withdrawn and dejected? The ravens that are constantly searching for a way out? Are they or are they not experiencing real emotions?
In his book The Expression of Emotions in Man and Animals, Charles Darwin speculated that dogs in their old age might remember a particularly pleasurable chase and reflect on it. Or that a group of cows might just feel the loss of a herd member.
Jane Goodall was criticized for using human-like terms to describe chimps. She used the words “childhood”, “excitement”, “motivation” and “mood”. And as she says, “Even worse was my crime of suggesting that chimpanzees had ‘personalities’. I was ascribing human characteristics to nonhuman animals and was thus guilty of the worst of ethological sins-anthropomorphism.” None of these thoughts were popular. They still aren’t popular with the scientific community today.
To some extent, humanizing an animal is still considered a great insult to mankind. Humans are at the top of the food chain. Religion and science say that humans are the only species capable of higher thought. But is that really true? How much do we really know about all the forms of animal communication and how the animal brain(s) work?
Do animals really feel such emotions as love? Why or why not?
What do you think?
Friday, October 17, 2008
Ray Ray LaMontagne
The obvious: I am a HUGE fan of Ray L.
The not so obvious: His newest album "Gossip in the Grain" is wretched.
This is not to say the music is necessarily bad. Ray is popular not only for his great lyrics, but his raspy, soulful, heartfelt voice. I like Ray for his unconventional recordings without too many extras; without too much production. That's what originally drew me to him.
His new album, however, is so over-produced and influenced by the studio, that one might not even recognize it as his. Was this his point? Is he trying to reach-out and expand his audience? Perhaps. But I liked the old Ray Ray better. The guy who had a passion for HIS music. The guy whose voice and music was unmistakeable.
I attended his live performance at the Strathmore Auditorium in Rockville, MD, this week. Live, his music was as expected--same old Ray. On the way home, however, I put in his new CD purchased at the show, and was...well...shocked! No more raspiness. No more "Ray." His voice was clean and smooth---Say whaaaa!? Digitally enhanced music is not what I was expecting, nor wanting.
Of the 10 songs on the new CD, I found just 3 that I could appreciate as the Ray I know. I hope he will get back in the studio to cut a new record soon, otherwise I'll be listening to and appreciating his oldies for a while---not that there's anything wrong with that!
Please, Ray Ray, stick to your roots. Keep the Digital Studio manipulations in the hands of the singers that really need it. We want YOUR voice, not a computer's interpretation of it.
http://www.expressnightout.com/content/2008/10/ray_lamontagne_you_are_the_best_thing.php
The not so obvious: His newest album "Gossip in the Grain" is wretched.
This is not to say the music is necessarily bad. Ray is popular not only for his great lyrics, but his raspy, soulful, heartfelt voice. I like Ray for his unconventional recordings without too many extras; without too much production. That's what originally drew me to him.
His new album, however, is so over-produced and influenced by the studio, that one might not even recognize it as his. Was this his point? Is he trying to reach-out and expand his audience? Perhaps. But I liked the old Ray Ray better. The guy who had a passion for HIS music. The guy whose voice and music was unmistakeable.
I attended his live performance at the Strathmore Auditorium in Rockville, MD, this week. Live, his music was as expected--same old Ray. On the way home, however, I put in his new CD purchased at the show, and was...well...shocked! No more raspiness. No more "Ray." His voice was clean and smooth---Say whaaaa!? Digitally enhanced music is not what I was expecting, nor wanting.
Of the 10 songs on the new CD, I found just 3 that I could appreciate as the Ray I know. I hope he will get back in the studio to cut a new record soon, otherwise I'll be listening to and appreciating his oldies for a while---not that there's anything wrong with that!
Please, Ray Ray, stick to your roots. Keep the Digital Studio manipulations in the hands of the singers that really need it. We want YOUR voice, not a computer's interpretation of it.
http://www.expressnightout.com/content/2008/10/ray_lamontagne_you_are_the_best_thing.php
Editorial Influence
The Washington Express should be ashamed for printing such disgraceful jargon about the length of McCain's arms (Oct. 17,2008). see: http://www.expressnightout.com/content/2008/10/candidates_reveal_themselves_in_final_de.php
The paper's complete disregard for vetting such insensitive commentary displays the obvious political leaning and favoritism of the rag and its complete lack of editorial tact.
Aside from the recent decline in articles about Amy Winehouse--something I knew I could always count on at least 3 days a week-- the other very consistent and noticible trend in the Express, and many other network and paper media outlets (including the Presidential Debates), is that Sen. Obama's name is always referenced first, with Sen. McCain second. Either I'm crazy or my elementary school educators misled me into thinking that "M" comes before "O." Not to mention McCain is a senior Senator as opposed to Obama's mere 1+ year(s) actually "working" in the Senate. In which case, let's not make it so obvious that Obama is clearly getting preferential treatment from the vast majority of the media.
Pick up a newspaper, or log on to CNN.com, and what do you see? Obama, perhaps with a minor mention or thumb size picture of McCain next to Obama's 8x10. What do you say we stop feeding Obama's already super-inflated ego.
Why not give equal treatment, access, and exposure to both candidates during an election cycle as opposed to mearly promoting one candidate over another. Is there no longer any responsibility on behalf of the press to report fairly, to be balanced, to report realities rather than printing one-sided articles? Let's be fair and let the people determine who they want in the Casa Blanca; not allow Hollywood money and the media to determine the election.
How about equal access and an unbiased perspective of both candidates...? Nah...because that would be the right thing to do.
The paper's complete disregard for vetting such insensitive commentary displays the obvious political leaning and favoritism of the rag and its complete lack of editorial tact.
Aside from the recent decline in articles about Amy Winehouse--something I knew I could always count on at least 3 days a week-- the other very consistent and noticible trend in the Express, and many other network and paper media outlets (including the Presidential Debates), is that Sen. Obama's name is always referenced first, with Sen. McCain second. Either I'm crazy or my elementary school educators misled me into thinking that "M" comes before "O." Not to mention McCain is a senior Senator as opposed to Obama's mere 1+ year(s) actually "working" in the Senate. In which case, let's not make it so obvious that Obama is clearly getting preferential treatment from the vast majority of the media.
Pick up a newspaper, or log on to CNN.com, and what do you see? Obama, perhaps with a minor mention or thumb size picture of McCain next to Obama's 8x10. What do you say we stop feeding Obama's already super-inflated ego.
Why not give equal treatment, access, and exposure to both candidates during an election cycle as opposed to mearly promoting one candidate over another. Is there no longer any responsibility on behalf of the press to report fairly, to be balanced, to report realities rather than printing one-sided articles? Let's be fair and let the people determine who they want in the Casa Blanca; not allow Hollywood money and the media to determine the election.
How about equal access and an unbiased perspective of both candidates...? Nah...because that would be the right thing to do.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Holy Moly ------It's the 70's Playlist!!
Until my recent resurgence into the fabulous world of Pandora.com, I had forgotten how truly awesome (I know, I'm talking like a young Hipster Doofus) music was in the 70's. Accordingly, here is a brief listing of some of the best to come out of that very special decade:
1) Bluer than Blue - Barry Manilow
2) The Old Songs - Barry Manilow
3) I'd Really Love to See You Tonight - England Dan & John Ford Coley
4) Close to You - The Carpenters
5) Laughter in the Rain - Neil Sedaka
6) Can't Smile Without You - Barry Manilow
7) Without You - Harry Nilsson
8) Your Song - Elton John
9) Sometimes When we Touch - Dan Hill
10) Without You - Air Supply
11) Hard to Say I'm Sorry - Chicago
12) You Are - Lionel Richie
13) Sailing - Christopher Cross
There are soooo many more, but I think this initial playlist will help you get started reminiscing along with me. Enjoy!
1) Bluer than Blue - Barry Manilow
2) The Old Songs - Barry Manilow
3) I'd Really Love to See You Tonight - England Dan & John Ford Coley
4) Close to You - The Carpenters
5) Laughter in the Rain - Neil Sedaka
6) Can't Smile Without You - Barry Manilow
7) Without You - Harry Nilsson
8) Your Song - Elton John
9) Sometimes When we Touch - Dan Hill
10) Without You - Air Supply
11) Hard to Say I'm Sorry - Chicago
12) You Are - Lionel Richie
13) Sailing - Christopher Cross
There are soooo many more, but I think this initial playlist will help you get started reminiscing along with me. Enjoy!
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Winning and Losing Strategies
I just ran across this helpful yet simple advice from relationship coach Dr. Terrence Real and thought I'd share...here are some of his strategies for relationship empowerment...
The five losing strategies:
• Being right
• Controlling your partner
• Unbridled self-expression
• Retaliation
• Withdrawal
The five winning strategies:
• Go after what you want
• Complain constructively
• Listen and respond generously
• Empower one another
• Cherish what you have
The five losing strategies:
• Being right
• Controlling your partner
• Unbridled self-expression
• Retaliation
• Withdrawal
The five winning strategies:
• Go after what you want
• Complain constructively
• Listen and respond generously
• Empower one another
• Cherish what you have
Monday, September 29, 2008
Quotes on Love
Perhaps love is the process of my leading you gently back to yourself.
- -- Antoine De Saint-Exupery
Dost thou love life? Then do not squander time, for that's the stuff life is made of.
- -- Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790)
- -- Antoine De Saint-Exupery
Dost thou love life? Then do not squander time, for that's the stuff life is made of.
- -- Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790)
Thursday, September 25, 2008
The True Emotional Power of Music
In case you haven't noticed, I've been posting a lot more about music lately than anything else--which is somewhat a departure of the original intent of this blog. But is it really?
I've always enjoyed music. My tastes range from the soft and subtle lyrics of mi francaise amoré Madeleine Peyroux to some of the great impressionable rock ballads, from Kenny Rogers and Lyle Lovett to hard-core Metallica. Throw in some classical and a little indie punk to the tune of Kate Nash and I'm definitely a well-rounded music and lyrical fan--though far from an aficionado.
But, having said that, I've never really been a live concert type of fellow--until now, that is! I've seen more concerts in the past year than in my entire life and I've gotta say, I'm diggin' that!!!
My appreciation for music has grown exponentially in that time, and I've truly embraced the true emotional power of music. It is amazing how much can be pulled from your soul and how much you can be inspired (or saddened for that matter) when you connect with a tune. But, regardless of the positive or negative emotion that comes from hearing a given song, it is still remarkably powerful nonetheless.
Fortunately for me (and all of us) there's plenty of it out there. For a sample of the music that I find most powerful on a personal level (with the exception of the Llama song--that's just plain silly!), please see the sidebar on the right.
I will certainly be posting more of my favorites--especially those that I really connect with. Did I mention I love Pandora!? Such a great way to finely tune and feed your musical mood of the moment.
I've always enjoyed music. My tastes range from the soft and subtle lyrics of mi francaise amoré Madeleine Peyroux to some of the great impressionable rock ballads, from Kenny Rogers and Lyle Lovett to hard-core Metallica. Throw in some classical and a little indie punk to the tune of Kate Nash and I'm definitely a well-rounded music and lyrical fan--though far from an aficionado.
But, having said that, I've never really been a live concert type of fellow--until now, that is! I've seen more concerts in the past year than in my entire life and I've gotta say, I'm diggin' that!!!
My appreciation for music has grown exponentially in that time, and I've truly embraced the true emotional power of music. It is amazing how much can be pulled from your soul and how much you can be inspired (or saddened for that matter) when you connect with a tune. But, regardless of the positive or negative emotion that comes from hearing a given song, it is still remarkably powerful nonetheless.
Fortunately for me (and all of us) there's plenty of it out there. For a sample of the music that I find most powerful on a personal level (with the exception of the Llama song--that's just plain silly!), please see the sidebar on the right.
I will certainly be posting more of my favorites--especially those that I really connect with. Did I mention I love Pandora!? Such a great way to finely tune and feed your musical mood of the moment.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Friday, August 29, 2008
Soul Mates & Twin Flames
Read this today and thought it was well worth sharing...
Soul Mates & Twin Flames - by Arianni Masters
Relationships are the most challenging and the most rewarding aspects of this life. The more intimate the relationship the larger opportunity for growth we are given. Relationships are mirrors for us to learn more about ourselves. There are three different types of relationship mirrors. One is the mirror of who you were. This mirror gives you the opportunity to see how far you have come, the chance to experience the karma that you have already cleared. So don’t get caught up in this relationship worried about why it is coming back at this time, thank it and let it go.A second type of relationship is the one that is mirroring where you are now on your path. If an issue or person has an emotional "charge" to it, then you still have work to do. This mirror is the hardest to look at because it reflects the things you have not yet finished in your karma. These are the things that we are the most blind to.The last type of relationship is the one that mirrors your potential. This allows you to have a glimpse at who you could be, if you wanted to. This person is usually someone that you idealize and put on a pedestal.So look at your various relationships and see which group they fall into. By knowing this you will gain insight into yourself. Self understanding is the entire reason for these mirrors, not to ‘fix’ the other person, but to look at yourself.Now there are two additional overarching categories of relationships that people always want to know about. The questions go something like this: "Is there a perfect mate out there for me?" or "Will I meet my Soul Mate?" These areinteresting questions.The entire reason for most relationships are so that you can work on your spiritual self and your karma! So with that said, the more you clear up issues for yourself, the more you ARE the ‘right’ person, the more you will attract the person you are looking for.Soul Mates and Twin Flames are not the same thing. Soul Mates are other souls that have agreed to connect with you on this planet for a purpose. In some cases it is to clear up karma, in other cases it is to finish unfinished business, and for some it is to accomplish a particular goal together. These relationships may bea joy to be in or these relationships may be a pain in your life. Either way they are here for a reason.When Soul Mates first meet they sometimes feel as if they already know each other. They may feel very familiar to each other. Soul Mates can have a beautiful relationship together, but it will take work. Soul Mate relationships may last a lifetime and others may only be for a particular purpose and be temporary. You can have more than one Soul Mate in a lifetime.Twin Flames are very different and very rare. Twin Flames are two people in two separate bodies that share the same Soul. Twin Flames meet each other in their first incarnation so that they remember the soul frequency of the other being. They are then usually reunited on their last time to this planet. If Twin Flames meet before they are ready they can be the total opposite and not at all compatible. When Twin Flames meet and are ready for each other, it is the most enjoyable experience possible on Earth.At this point, Twin Flames are almost identical. They truly compliment each other and it is a hardship for them to be apart. As an outside observer it is sometimes hard to distinguish the two people. They also have a very strong bond and often have telepathy with each other. Their lives even before meeting eachother have many parallels. Again, meeting your Twin Flame is very rare on this planet.So, all relationships serve a purpose and should be honored and appreciated for what they have to offer you in your personal spiritual growth. Thank the person and the experiences for all that you have had the opportunity to learn and clear. Know that ALL relationships are sacred, because they bring us closer to the Light of All That Is.
Soul Mates & Twin Flames - by Arianni Masters
Relationships are the most challenging and the most rewarding aspects of this life. The more intimate the relationship the larger opportunity for growth we are given. Relationships are mirrors for us to learn more about ourselves. There are three different types of relationship mirrors. One is the mirror of who you were. This mirror gives you the opportunity to see how far you have come, the chance to experience the karma that you have already cleared. So don’t get caught up in this relationship worried about why it is coming back at this time, thank it and let it go.A second type of relationship is the one that is mirroring where you are now on your path. If an issue or person has an emotional "charge" to it, then you still have work to do. This mirror is the hardest to look at because it reflects the things you have not yet finished in your karma. These are the things that we are the most blind to.The last type of relationship is the one that mirrors your potential. This allows you to have a glimpse at who you could be, if you wanted to. This person is usually someone that you idealize and put on a pedestal.So look at your various relationships and see which group they fall into. By knowing this you will gain insight into yourself. Self understanding is the entire reason for these mirrors, not to ‘fix’ the other person, but to look at yourself.Now there are two additional overarching categories of relationships that people always want to know about. The questions go something like this: "Is there a perfect mate out there for me?" or "Will I meet my Soul Mate?" These areinteresting questions.The entire reason for most relationships are so that you can work on your spiritual self and your karma! So with that said, the more you clear up issues for yourself, the more you ARE the ‘right’ person, the more you will attract the person you are looking for.Soul Mates and Twin Flames are not the same thing. Soul Mates are other souls that have agreed to connect with you on this planet for a purpose. In some cases it is to clear up karma, in other cases it is to finish unfinished business, and for some it is to accomplish a particular goal together. These relationships may bea joy to be in or these relationships may be a pain in your life. Either way they are here for a reason.When Soul Mates first meet they sometimes feel as if they already know each other. They may feel very familiar to each other. Soul Mates can have a beautiful relationship together, but it will take work. Soul Mate relationships may last a lifetime and others may only be for a particular purpose and be temporary. You can have more than one Soul Mate in a lifetime.Twin Flames are very different and very rare. Twin Flames are two people in two separate bodies that share the same Soul. Twin Flames meet each other in their first incarnation so that they remember the soul frequency of the other being. They are then usually reunited on their last time to this planet. If Twin Flames meet before they are ready they can be the total opposite and not at all compatible. When Twin Flames meet and are ready for each other, it is the most enjoyable experience possible on Earth.At this point, Twin Flames are almost identical. They truly compliment each other and it is a hardship for them to be apart. As an outside observer it is sometimes hard to distinguish the two people. They also have a very strong bond and often have telepathy with each other. Their lives even before meeting eachother have many parallels. Again, meeting your Twin Flame is very rare on this planet.So, all relationships serve a purpose and should be honored and appreciated for what they have to offer you in your personal spiritual growth. Thank the person and the experiences for all that you have had the opportunity to learn and clear. Know that ALL relationships are sacred, because they bring us closer to the Light of All That Is.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Monday, August 25, 2008
Don't Bother Me, and I'll Return the Favor!
I'm a sports fan. I love the World Series, the Super Bowl, the Stanley Cup Finals, the Little League World Series, Ultimate Fighting, the Olympics, and March Madness.
But for me, the game and "sport" of National/Presidential Elections ranks above them all in intensity and excitement.
Having said that, I respect others' needs of seclusion, and desire to be left alone and not bothered during their preferred sporting events. I do not call just to say hello , to "check-in", or have a liesurely chat in the middle of the 4th quarter or the ninth inning. Accordingly, I would hope for the same respect during my big event.
However, as luck would have it, while I am lucky to hear from any of my family members once or twice in any given 12 month period, I can assure you, with absolute confidence and irony, that I will be bombarded with rando phone calls throughout my weeklong-once every four years-event; the conventions. Puhlease people!
I love my family and friends, but this really is not the time for chit chat. I have political merits to consider!
But for me, the game and "sport" of National/Presidential Elections ranks above them all in intensity and excitement.
Having said that, I respect others' needs of seclusion, and desire to be left alone and not bothered during their preferred sporting events. I do not call just to say hello , to "check-in", or have a liesurely chat in the middle of the 4th quarter or the ninth inning. Accordingly, I would hope for the same respect during my big event.
However, as luck would have it, while I am lucky to hear from any of my family members once or twice in any given 12 month period, I can assure you, with absolute confidence and irony, that I will be bombarded with rando phone calls throughout my weeklong-once every four years-event; the conventions. Puhlease people!
I love my family and friends, but this really is not the time for chit chat. I have political merits to consider!
Quote of the Day
“What is interesting about self-analysis is that it leads nowhere…” --Anita Brookner
Pretty Bubbles...
My Mom used to sing me a lullabye called "I'm forever Blowing Bubbles." The song was written in 1917 by Jaan Kenbrovin.
Here is a version of it sung by the Merry Macs. While my mom toned it down significantly from this uppity version to make it more agreeable to a sleepy-eyed Baby-G, it is still a nice version of the song for those virgin ears...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fBiSd9R9YUA
Enjoy!
Here is a version of it sung by the Merry Macs. While my mom toned it down significantly from this uppity version to make it more agreeable to a sleepy-eyed Baby-G, it is still a nice version of the song for those virgin ears...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fBiSd9R9YUA
Enjoy!
My Dad's Favorite Song...
I spent some time interviewing my father a while back. He --like me--is a very private and personal man, but I determined that there was a lot about him even his children didn't know, and I hoped to obtain as much personal information about him as possible so as to have a record of his life.
Among the many questions I asked him, were: Who was his first kiss? Nicknames as a child? what he collected as a child? Who his favorite relatives were and why? Etc., Etc.
Then, because of my love for music, I asked about his favorite song of all-time.....?
His response:
For the Good Times - Mr. Ray Price
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XIEnSEIOa30&feature=related
Awe....I love my Pops...
Among the many questions I asked him, were: Who was his first kiss? Nicknames as a child? what he collected as a child? Who his favorite relatives were and why? Etc., Etc.
Then, because of my love for music, I asked about his favorite song of all-time.....?
His response:
For the Good Times - Mr. Ray Price
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XIEnSEIOa30&feature=related
Awe....I love my Pops...
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Wedding Toasts
Quite often I am moved by the toasts given at weddings by parents, best men, or bridesmaids. It is remarkable the endearing and heartfelt things people can come up with to help a couple celebrate their big day.
At a recent wedding I attended, there were two such toasts that I thought were quite remarkable, and warranted sharing.
First, from the best man: "Love grows over time, so my toast to you is: Let this day be the day that you love each other the least."
Then from the uncle of the bride: "Find that one person that M.E.L.T.S. you. M=High Morals; E=Ethical Standards; L=Listens; T=Takes Care of You; S=Sees You for Who You are and Appreciates Everything About You. I'm glad that each of you have found the person that Melts you...."
At a recent wedding I attended, there were two such toasts that I thought were quite remarkable, and warranted sharing.
First, from the best man: "Love grows over time, so my toast to you is: Let this day be the day that you love each other the least."
Then from the uncle of the bride: "Find that one person that M.E.L.T.S. you. M=High Morals; E=Ethical Standards; L=Listens; T=Takes Care of You; S=Sees You for Who You are and Appreciates Everything About You. I'm glad that each of you have found the person that Melts you...."
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