1 Language, 1000 Meanings

Life is challenging, everybody knows that. I've known that for a long time but I didn't realise it as much as I do now that I speak more than one language. Actually, when I think about it, I notice humans have always used more than one language to communicate with each other. There are so many languages available, as animals populate the earth. We feel this need of sharing our perspectives about life, and I found 'that' tricky. Languages are about sharing meanings but... what is a meaning? It is an idea about something, of course. Usually, it's related to a feeling or a perspective that we want to express in some way. To me, that is one of the most difficult things to achieve in the world.

When you choose a language to explain what you mean, you're putting a barrier in front of you, but you're also building a bridge to be able to connect with others in some way. The problem with this is that you never know if people really understood what you meant when you were trying to express something, especially if it was something related to your feelings or abstract subjects.

My first language is Spanish, and I could say that people understand what I mean when I try to explain something in my own language. However, I have experienced moments in which I have communicated my ideas in Spanish and people were not able to fully understand them. Why? Because they might have assigned different meanings to certain phrases or expressions I have used to explain something.

Not only verbal communication is the problem but also nonverbal communication... things related to intonation, facial expressions and lack of attention are some of the key factors in relation to misunderstandings. It's all about what we think, and verbal communication is not easy to use to express our own meanings. Animals, however, have proved it's possible to communicate effectively with each other without using any kind of words (at least not human words). Amazing!

I'm writing about this because I have been living in Ireland for about 3 years and I still get confused about some expressions, phrasal verbs, and tricks of the language in general. English42.com *The home of online English* has helped me a lot with these issues, though. English42 provides online tools and lessons for students, foreign people like me, who need to improve their English skills every day. This is something I feel passionate about.

Culture is another factor that influences meanings, and although I feel more adapted to the Irish culture now, I still feel like another person when I'm communicating my thoughts in English. It's like another part of me has been born and it's growing every day, even while I write this post and try to communicate this particular meaning!

I recently decided to learn a little bit more about computer programming, and now I see clearly how we communicate with computers using another type of language: java, php, c++, phyton, etc are some of the coding variations. These languages are very complex! Humans care too much about meanings, on the contrary, machines do not care about what you mean... They care only about what you type in, and they expect "black or white" instructions/meanings. That's why developers tend to be so picky about the requests we make. They need to "talk" to the computer and ask her to do A or B using a weird kind of language.

Sometimes humans hide what we really mean using nice words. We mask our thoughts because we judge them, and we use certain words to make them sound better, but we don't even know if people got the message we wanted to (not even if they told us they did). However, sometimes we mean to say something positive, and people interpret it the other way around. It's crazy! Those sort of things are the ones that make this subject so complicated to me.

Despite all these "negative" facts about languages, I feel profoundly in love with them. I believe life is about understanding our own meanings and connecting with each other. It's also important to realise that everybody is trying to figure out the true meanings hidden behind verbal and nonverbal communication.

Published originally at - https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/1-language-1000-meanings-lady-jerez

Life goes on along with your identity...

I came to Ireland almost 3 years ago! I've spent 3 winter seasons here and this experience has turned my life around. I'm not longer involve with my birthplace problems as much as I was when I was living there. Now I can only hear what they tell me on Skype calls about it; read the news and pray for my family. I know Venezuelans are living a terrible experience with the current government ruling the country. Sadly, I can't do anything about it.

It hasn't been easy for me, though, living here I mean... Many people think I was courageous because I made the decision to emigrate my country to come to an unknown place like Ireland, more than 10 hours away from my loved ones. What they don't know is that I had always dreamt living abroad... However I've noticed that living your life so far away from home does change you. I've changed a lot. I certainly feel different about myself. I'm a 27-year-old lady who came to Ireland eager to explore the country and live this amazing European experience I had always heard of. I became an immigrant, which is nice at the beginning when you feel like a tourist. After that period of excitement something else comes. I can't describe it entirely, I'm not sure if it would be easy to write it down (even in Spanish). The thing is that I want to express my feelings from my new perspective in English. Have I changed? Am I someone different when I speak in English? Maybe... I'm not sure if I'm gonna get to the point where I feel as comfortable as when I speak/write in Spanish. I have several friends with whom I communicate in English, and of course being able of doing that is a wonderful experience. Beyond that, I have thousands of philosophical questions about my life here or anywhere else.

Sometimes I feel that my identity is not longer defined by my country ideals or anything related to my "Latin personality". The Venezuelan people I know here are leaving the country looking for new opportunities. Laws for Latin American immigrants are not as friendly as you might think. My connection to Venezuelans is slowly reducing to online chats and phone calls. So I have ended up making new European friends instead.

I'm still figuring things out. Nevertheless, I think life is a unique journey from which I still have a lot to learn from. My true identity seems to be more related to my essence than to my personality after all. Moreover, my spiritual beliefs are the ones shaping the new way I define my true self now .

Small Things that Define the Course of your Life

There certain kind of things that have impacted my life. I'm writing about this because I don't want to forget those things. I want to remember them forever. I want to be proud of the life I have had and the learnings I've achieved.

There  are so many things that leave a mark in your life that you barely notice them. In my case, the first one I remember is the idea of a God. 90% of my family is catholic so I adopted this idea since I was a child, then I changed it radically and things began to make more sense. I've already spoken about this topic in one of my first posts, but right now I want to talk about those smalls things that change your life little by little.

I'm not an old woman who wants to teach what life has taught her. I'm not a young lady either, even if I look like one. I'm a person who likes to know more about life. To me, every day is a mystery; breathing is a mystery as well as speaking and thinking. But why? Why do I find mystery in everything? Why do I see everything like a piece of magic? I don't know, but I like it. I like (in some way) to know that I'm living on a planet where nobody can really answer why we are here... There are so many theories about it but none of them are 100% certain. We are blind in relation to the truth but we have the privilege to live here and figure it out by ourselves; maybe through cultures, religions, philosophies, job positions etc. In my opinion, the truth can only be found in our heart... that's my path.

Now I'm just gonna list some of the things that have helped me to do that (not all of them are strictly spiritual but have served their purpose in my life as well):

1. - Guardian angel contact
2. - Flying in dreams
3. - New Age readings
4. - Practising meditation
5. - Advertising/Marketing
6. - Social Media
7. - Online Marketing
8. - Fundraising for charities
9. - TEDx Talks
10. - Hoponopono
11. - Zen philosophy
12. - Tao philosophy
13. - Iching
14. - Ireland
15. - English learning
16. - Spirituality in my dreams
17. - El Ser Uno
18. - Gnostic learnings
19. - Massage
20. - People: Jodorosky, Sergi Torres, Matías de Stefano, Drunvalo, Enrique Barrios, Alejandra Casado, Montse Hurtado, Claudia Estrella Muñoz, Realidades Alternas, Emilio Carrillo

 and I'm sure I could keep counting!

Some special quotes from special people I have met:

- Love is the only rule that guaranty happiness.

- Your consciousness can take control of your own mind.

- It's ok to make mistakes because we're gathering experience.

- We're afraid of not knowing why we are alive and try to avoid the true.

- The problem is our interpretation of things using only our language.

- Kindness is the most important thing to learn in life.

- Dance and sing in spite of your problems.

What is the flame? (exercise)

It seems like a stupid question, but in fact the question is not as important as it appears... I'm going to ask you a few more questions:
- Can you focus on the flame and the question for a few minutes without thinking about other things?
- Have you noticed that you're always thinking about something and that is almost impossible stop it?
- Do you realise that you're thinking about the past/future most of the time without being aware of it?

We believe this the way we are: people who is meant to think all the time... but the reality is that we are not really in charge of our thoughts (that doesn't mean we can't be in charge)... otherwise we would be able to stop our thoughts whenever we want. On the contrary, we live our lives in automatic, until we die and have to start all over again. At some point we need to wake up; and when we discover that, we need to train. We need to remain awake. We need to be able to master our thoughts from our consciousness (inner-self or presence). This topic is not related to any kind of religion, but it's about what almost every religion and philosophy have been trying to understand through several masters from all over the world. Our consciousness is the path to elevate ourselves to another (better) dimension; and the only way to awaken it is to be in contact with it.

This starts practising meditation. This starts observing the candle and asking yourself: What is the flame? Do this without thinking about anything else; but don't worry if you get lost in your thoughts while doing it, just come back to the presence as soon as you notice you're not aware of the moment. This is a gnostic exercise you can practice everyday for around 10 minutes and then you can adjust it as long as you want to. It will give you peace of mind and more control over your thoughts without blocking them. Remember thoughts are just a tool of the soul; we need to learn how to use them from our own consciousness and not from our egos.

If you want to understand more please read my article: Observing beyond our minds
Please share this post if you find it useful; feel free to leave your comments as well :)

Observing Beyond Our Minds

Recommended Book

We have no clue of who we are... We pretend to know though... Personally, I can't understand when we forgot who we really are. There are so many philosophies and religions trying to figure all out. I'm sure I haven't explored all of them, but each one is trying to convince you of something. That's why there are so many atheists in the world. I guess they are tired of believing (even of themselves). Anyway, the questions remain... Who are we? Why are we here? Everybody has to create its own theory; others just live in autopilot without thinking too much about it; without being conscious of themselves (almost like zombies) until they die and the cycle starts again in another body.

At least we know that energy can't be destroyed; and that we are made of energy... For me there's no doubt about it!

I've discovered that meditation is not a religion, in fact it is just a way of connecting with your inner-self. So it works even for atheists! I believe that this is the only way to discover the true about ourselves. If we have been living for so many years in different bodies, learning and doing the same things over and over and over... I believe it's time to break the cycle understanding that We Are Not Our Minds, we are someone or something else behind them. What is it? I definitely want to learn more about this mystery; and I invite you to do the same if you want to be free of your own desires and suffering.

First step, observe yourself everyday and each time you can. You can have the power of conciousness if you like; but you have to train hard. It's not going to be easy but I think it is going to be worth it.

Good luck traveller!

Things you may have never imagined about friendship

Friends: Those people with whom we've been sharing moments in our life; they come and go. Some of them stay for a long time; some of them don't. You know when it's a true friendship when even though they are not sharing everyday with you, they stay in your mind, in your memories, and in your heart as well.

I mean, these people have been part of your life; and you've been part of theirs (circumstantially but for real). You're both human beings and understand each other (at least most of the time). However this is something we should develop with every human being, isn't it? We are sharing the planet; we're sharing the oxygen, the oceans and everything that surround us; but we choose a group of friends or a specific person. I don't know why. Maybe we're not totally integrated as human beings.  Maybe we have big egos and we carefully choose our friends. We don't want to get hurt; we know it could happen; we know we've been hurt; we know we could hurt them.

In a way, I think this is a signal of the lack of evolution we're passing as human beings. We're full of envy, jealousy, sadness, arrogance, so many negative things. However, I know that deep inside of us we're only afraid. We forgot to love unconditionally. We're afraid of getting hurt. We started to wish for power and we forgot about our humans brothers and sisters. We forgot even our environment as part of our home. The nature around us is falling apart because of the contamination, the globalisation and the wars we invent to gain power.

What's wrong with us? I know this is a difficult question to answer when we're the first ones imposing our wishes to others; wanting to be better than others; and still we call ourselves "social" beings. I think is not the same to have social relationships that to care about the people around us. We should care more about everyone, but we know that not everyone care about us. So we do the same; we classify people; we choose the "best" ones etc. It's understandable but I believe it could be better than that you know? We could develop honest love between each other. We could have a better society.

I'm writing about this because when you're living abroad, your closest friends are not longer physically with you; and you see everybody trying to make new friends. I'm in the same spot; but I've been thinking about it and I'll do my best to find goodness in all the people, including those who doesn't seem to cover the expectations of my ego. That doesn't mean I'm going to stay with negative people but I'm going to care more about humans in general, even those who I don't know and probably never will.

7 Tips to Overcome Sadness

Sometimes I wonder what about the things that keep us alive. From the things that distract us to the things that we believe are the reason of our life... Do we have to have a reason to keep going? Well, we need to have it, if not our life would turn out meaningless I guess.

We as human beings have always had dreams. Dreams that are commonly related to money, love, sex, entertainment, etc. However if we don't have the things we wish for, we end up angry or depressed. So the only thing we want is to be happy through any of our desires. The problem is that it's not that easy because the mind doesn't seem to be pleased enough with anything. It's always wishing new things over and over and over. Happiness seems so ephemera sometimes, but I want so share seven things I do to overcome this strange feeling:


1- Training your mind by observing its thoughts as (only) symbols created by our society.
2- Breathing and stretching your body through yoga or any other type of exercise (even walking).
3- Listening to the type of music you enjoy the most. Preferably a positive one.
4- Watching a touching movie or profound documentary.
5-  Helping someone; perhaps listening to someone who needs it.
6- Feeling the feelings, let them pass without getting attached to them.
7- Sharing with the people you love. Tell them how much you love them.

According to the Toltec wisdom we are the creators of our own life (dream). Us as a society contribute to live in the same dream. I believe that all of this is just a cosmic excuse to develop our inner self; because at the end, our body dies and we have nothing more that our own energy or soul, travelling around the universe as part of it.

Issues with our job, family and friends are just short term creations; but we worry so much about them. That's the way humans have decided to dream since a long time ago. I feel that the time has come. We need to wake up and change the dream (Changing Hell for Heaven)

However it is so difficult to explain this with words, as they are only symbols created by artists (human beings) practising. The truth doesn't have any language. The truth is pure mystery; and sooner or later we'll have to discover it inside of us.

Once again I recommend reading the book: The Fifth Agreement by Don MiguelRuiz. Read my previews post to understand why - http://lewrl.blogspot.ie/2014/06/the-truth-about-truth.html

Thanks for reading; and leave a comment if you want.

The Truth About The Truth

All the things that you believe become the window that you use to perceive the world. Everything else is a lie. Literally if you don't believe in something it becomes a lie. So, it's really important to constantly review (and not necessary believe) your believes because they define your type of life. You can be living in your own heaven or hell. Everybody is dreaming its own world through their believes in spite of their personal circumstances; so everyone has a choice. However, the truth is always going to be the truth and nobody can explain the truth using a human language; because it's always going to be distorted.


If you want to read more about this... I recommend reading "The Fifth Agreement" by Don Miguel Ruiz. You can find it in Spanish and English as well. Namaste!

10 Crazy Ways to Love Yourself

Finding the right point between self-esteem and self-effacement is not easy. However, it's something you can master if you work hard on it. First of all I would like to mention 5 things to take in consideration if you want to reach the goal. (I'm still working on them).

1- Awake the conciousness of your own thoughts and feelings about yourself.
2- Notice that people can flatter you the same way that they can criticise you.
3- Listen to other's opinions about you without identify yourself with them.
4- Only *you* can decide your own value, even if it's true or false to others.
5- Love yourself desperately without bragging; try to keep it in secret.

When you love yourself you accept everything about you and try to be better everyday. Of course there's no need to mention this to everybody. In fact some people believe that if you love yourself too much, you'll become egocentric... so keep it in secret.

There are so many books about establishing the perfect relationship with others (specially your lover) and that's ok until a certain point. Focusing too much on what you want to receive from your partner can be exhausting. You need to focus on covering your own needs and wishes because only *you* know exactly what you want... so no more expectations :) That's happiness.

Our society has taught us differently: You have to find someone that can fulfil your needs etc. I mean, of course this is something that comes naturally when you're in a relationship; you care about your partner and he/she cares about you (including needs and wishes) but they are not there to guess everything you want (or miss from your childhood). To me, the concept of the half-orange has been misunderstood. You don't need to be completed by other. You are a human being that can fulfil your own needs (with help accepted) enjoying life with the person you love at the same time; but you are your own half-orange.

Love yourself in crazy way: 1- Dance alone and enjoy the music. 2- Get naked and make love to your own body. 3- Look for the things you wish to receive and get them. 4- Buy flowers to yourself (if you're a woman; or not). 5- Walk around your city alone and enjoy the views. 6- Work out and flatter your own body. 7- Eat your favourite meal alone. 8- Listen to a mantra and feel the energy inside of you. 9- Discover that you're not alone when you are with yourself. 10- Say *welcome* to the person you like in your life (as a lover) and teach him/her all the things you have learned.

It doesn't matter if you don't look like and actor or a top model. You need to find the special points about you. The points that nobody else has. I know it is difficult with all the media and advertising convincing us to be like somebody else. Don't let them decide who you are. Only you can decide that. They just want to sell things through stereotypes of beauty. Feel free to be yourself and to love yourself in a crazy way. I have just started.

You're Made of Energy & You'll Never Die

Everyday you have to deal with the uncertainty of life... You can make plans and think about your future so carefully; but you never know for sure what's going to happen. Uncertainty however, it's not a coincidence or a product of randomness. I believe that everything happens for a reason; like John Lock said in "Lost" (the American TV show). Moreover I would say: Everything happens for a Good reason (to teach you something). Even if the cause or result of your actions could be tagged as bad; and even if you don't understand why (at least in this life). I don't believe in destiny; but I certainly believe in a superior force that is taking care of us.

We can't understand the power of the universe if we think that we're part of a random process of evolution. To me, the universe itself is a type of god; a miraculous force that have created everything we know and don't know. It's not part of any religion, but it hold us as a collective conciousness, even if we don't recognised it. Some philosophisers say that we are just dreaming; and that when we wake up, we're going to be more intelligent souls, expanding our potential to the unknowns levels of the cosmos.

Usually people live their life on automatic pilot, without thinking too much about the future of their souls (just worrying about their human life). I'm not that kind of person. I mean, of course I have worries about material things, but I've also been thinking about the nature of my soul since I was a child; even though my parents were common Catholics members... I always went beyond the things they believed; and now I understand why. This is not our only life; we reincarnate; and I know that this is not easy to understand or accept. We are too attached to our human ego and logic mind. However, I have confirmed it... I've been reading books about different philosophies; and I've also had some dreams and revelations. Everyone has its own time to discover this. I may have been living in this body only for 26 years, but I'm sure that I've been living in this planet (using other bodies) for more years that you can imagine.

We are energy; and if you believe that energy can't be destroyed, sooner than later you'll believe that this is not our only existence. There are so many cosmic levels waiting for us. I really wish to pass this level as soon as possible. Don't get me wrong... Life in earth is beautiful, but after what I've experienced through meditation and dreams, I think the next level it's going to be magnificent.

If you want to follow this path of conciousness, then I recommend reading books related to: New Age, Gnosticism, Zen, Metaphysics and Rosicrucian philosophy; or any other that your heart choose.

Good luck!

Having a job is just a cosmic excuse! Do you know why?

Everybody has to have a job. It's obvious, you need money to survive; at least in this kind of society, whether you like it or not. It doesn't matter if you're not a materialist; you need to eat and cover your needs, don't you?

When you finish school and you start thinking about what are you going to do during the next years of your life; you don't realise the importance of this decision. You can be a doctor, a lawyer, a programmer, a dancer, a musician, a journalist, a designer... So many roles to choose, and you have to decide the best one, according to your skills and desires.

After all, you choose and start your own path. Then, when you're looking for a job position, the first thing you want to know is the salary and benefits the company is offering. However, I think that beyond that, you need to be aware of how do you feel when you're in their offices; how do they treat you; and how can this position help you to be better than now. Moreover, how can you help them to reach their objectives. It's the same if you're starting a new business or a freelance activity; the most important thing is to realise that beyond the salary and everything, your life is all that matters. You as a soul that is living in a human body; working for a company or charity; establishing your own business; and even as an unemployed. The goals are the same: Being aware of your inner self; learning new things, enjoying new experiences and helping others every time you can. 

Everyone has a special door waiting to be open by the right person; that door is going to show you a way to enjoy happiness. Don't hurry up trying to open the wrong doors; just follow your sixth sense and open the right door. It has been made for you and only you can feel it.

Don't forget that the universe uses these human circumstances to help you (and others around you); to be better; to be good; and to find inner peace as a way of happiness. But remember, it's better to be completely aware of ourselves during this process of life, and not on automatic pilot as we tend to.

It's time to wake up! It's time to live our life consciously; here and now!

Why do we make everything so complicated?

Everybody is trying to have a meaningful life and perhaps my obsession is to think about it all the
time. I think that in my case is worst because I'm a woman; and we tend to over think things, whether we like it or not...

So

The secret of happiness: Living and enjoying the present without suffering... 

But

How can you stop suffering? How can you forget your worries about the past and future?

Well, I believe that meditation can help you; but only if you put into practice what you have discovered through it. Don't control your thoughts they say; just observe them. However when you are in a difficult moment is almost impossible to focus on your inner-self and silence without feeling your own emotions. Perhaps you can hold your thoughts but your emotions are still there, aren't they? Buddhists might say: Let them be but don't hurt anybody with them. Just observe them and be apart from your own ego and emotional personality.

Anyway, it's suppose to start getting better after a few years of discipline related to your spiritual practice. You're goal is to guide your mind and align it with your inner-self; but first of all you have to accept its images and let them go with extremely patience and kindness. That's what they say. Personally, I recommend doing yoga as way of practice to take control over your body and thoughts.

You're living a spiritual experience in a human body; and after you master the Buddha state you're suppose to continue your path to the next level of existence (hopefully a better one). Meanwhile enjoy the road of life, feel and spread the universal love you have to offer.

Also you can follow the 4 agreements of the Toltec Wisdom if you want to be happy during this weird process of spiritual evolution:

It has been recently published the 5th agreement:

BE SKEPTICAL, BUT LEARN TO LISTEN:

Don’t believe yourself or anybody else. Use the power of doubt to question everything you hear: Is it really the truth? Listen to the intent behind the words, and you will understand the real message.

Life is so simple and sometimes we make it so complicated.

I hope you can use all these tips to find you're way out of suffering.

We only need to be awake; concious of our inner-self; out of the matrix.

A Simple Way to Change The World... So Easy!

A few days ago, again, I found myself thinking about my mission on earth. Suddenly an interesting ebook in Spanish came to me: The Dawn of Love! would be the translation (I think) by Daniel de Wishlet.

After reading it, I realised that the meaning of our life is something as simple as the process of learning how to love; and also being able to feel love in our heart; spreading its energy all over the world. It's not only about the kind of romantic love that we all know; although that's a start. Love is pure energy; and it's something that we all have to develop more.

Another book that talks about this is Amy The Kid From The Stars by Enrique Barrios (I read it also in Spanish). It's a story that seems to be written for children. However, it's pretty serious about the way of life on earth and other planets along the universe; explaining a lot of things about the evolution of humans through the power of love we all have inside. I truly recommend this book as well.

I know this doesn't represent news at all. It has been well known that love is the only rule that Jesus Christ left us when he decided to simplify his message so many years ago. However, something woke up on me after reading The Dawn of Love. It's so important for us, as humans, to wake up and start living our life feeling love (universal and personal) in our life, feeling happiness and joy; finding and spreading that feeling is our goal. Perhaps then, we're gonna find our way out to the next dimension of spiritual evolution.

For now, I want to share with you a few songs about love. Enjoy!

Thanks for reading Lewrl :)

Is your mind living in the time you think it is?

Holyrood Park - Edinburgh, Scotland

All the things that we experience in life are kind of overwhelming. We live thinking and feeling; thinking and feeling; thinking and feeling; over and over and over again... It's like an infinite cycle of thoughts and emotions that lead us to take actions that become causes and effects (without asking to us if we're ok with them). However, all these things happen in a period of time that is always changing; we call them past, present and future...

We are suppose to live in the present, aren't we? Well, we think we're living in the present; but the truth is that our mind is always pulling our thoughts and feelings to the past or future. When we are thinking about the past or the future we are not longer living in the present; as simple as that. Also, when we are not thinking (or worrying) about the past or future, we tend to forget what are we thinking about. Some times the mind flies too far away; and our body remains empty; waiting for us to wake up; like when we are dreaming at night. In my opinion this is not the meaning of living in the present: we really need to understand that we have the power of being concious of ourselves at any time; not thinking about the past or future; not living in the limbo; but here; right now; in this precise and eternal moment.

A little bird at the Edinburgh Zoo

When we realise that we are *alive* every second of our life; and that we are not just our thoughts or feelings; we have reached a major level of consciousness; we're not longer in automatic pilot living our lives like a robot or something like that; we're owners of ourselves; we guide our instincts; we control our mind and emotions; we're not longer slaves of our own body (the vehicle of our soul), ego or personality; we discover that time is eternal; that time is a constant always changing the things around us but never inside of us. In that way we'll be awake of the life that lives within us! This is the purpose of meditation; beyond religion and philosophies; it's a way of living in conciousness and joy.

This it's not easy to achieve of course. In fact, it can take us ages to reach this state of mind; but for me this path is well worth it. If your goal is to find happiness for you; and your family; and the world we live in; then this path is also for you.  Remember that you're allow to fall and rise as many times as you need; we're all on the same path. Welcome!

Personality, Ego and Essence in One Life!

Everyone has a specific kind of personality. Some people say that the personality is just a mask we use to show who we want to be in the eyes of others. The ego is a part of us that suffers, envies, criticises and lives based in emotions and thoughts. It's common to think that our personality and ego make us who we are. Everybody knows and accept that; but why am I writing about it?

Last week I went to a Gnostic meeting that allowed me to realise this; but also to remember more than ever, that we aren't just ego an personality. We have an essence, we have a soul. It doesn't matter if you have a particular religion or if you don't believe in God. The truth is that we have something else that guides our bodies and intents to appear when the ego and personality are "sleeping". Specially in those moments when we are in silence, thinking about the meaning of our life, playing music, dancing, painting or doing any other artistic or cultural activities that in some way connect us with something greater: Our Essence.

The ego can participate actively in our dreams, which are a reflect of our way of living, thoughts and perhaps hidden emotions. However, we can reach our essence through the world of the dreams. This could be a way of answering important questions about our life or connecting with spiritual beings that exist on a higher level.

Anyway, A few days ago I decided to do an online course of dreams. I'll be sharing some of the things I learn from it. Perhaps on my next post. For now, I let you with a question:

Who is reading this post? Your personality, ego or essence?

Starting from ourselves!

What's Above the Silence?

<2nd Tuesday of April 2014>

There is silence... Among all the voices around you... There is silence... The kind of silence that makes you think about your life and your purpose on earth and... There is silence... Even when everybody is talking, including your own mind... There is silence...

Some people find silence a little bit scary. They don't want to stay with their own thoughts in silence because it's too much. It's better when you talk to others and have fun with them; when you forget that your mind is talking all the time above the silence. Others find quite pleasant talking to themselves almost in automatic pilot. They are lost in their self-talking; believing that silence is something external, when it is exactly the opposite. Perhaps we all have been in both sides.

It's extremely difficult to avoid thoughts, isn't it? So, who is in charge? You, or your mind? If You are in charge, then who is commanding the voice talking in your mind? Another You? Well, that's the dilemma. The only way to figure this out is paying attention to your own thoughts. Don't talk with them and follow this two exercises (some people call them meditation) that I practise every time I can for just a few minutes:

1- Try to catch your next thought asking to your mind: What's gonna be your next thought? For a few seconds your mind is gonna stop. Like if you were trying to misleading it. Keep asking the same question to it and you'll see.
2- Breath profoundly and stay alert to your next thought. At some point a thought is gonna appear. Observe that thought. Where is it coming from? If it's You who is thinking about that, who is observing it?

For me, Life is just a Cosmic Excuse to teach us something bigger than we think. It's not about money, family, power or anything else. It's about what change inside of us during the process of thriving. In some way everything is just an illusion; an illusion that teach us Love, compassion, patience, forgiveness... All this things are inside of us. I don't believe that we die with them. I believe that we'll reborn with them for a greater purpose. A purpose that is in our soul and that some day we'll understand.

This is not about religion, this is about the universe and being part of it. Enjoy the path and find the way out whenever you're ready.

Learn From More Than One Religion - 3 Zen Stories

Zen is a school of Mahayana Buddhism note that developed in China during the 6th century as Chán. From China, Zen spread south to Vietnam, northeast to Korea and east to Japan. The word zen can be approximately translated as "absorption" or "meditative state" (according to Wikipedia).

Butterfly - Origami by Lady Jerez

I'm not a Buddhist... However I like some of the ideas that Buddhism has. I'm not an expert about it but somehow I've been practising Buddhism without realising it. My family is 100% catholic, so it would be a big deal for them to understand my new believes. I mean, I still believe in Jesus Christ and all his teaching. I still believe in the Virgin Mary, although I think that she was a metaphoric Virgin. I believe in love, compassion and other catholic principles that I don't regret. But I still think that all religions have something to teach you because of their master's life. We should learn about all of them and don't get stuck in one. At the end of the day we all pray to the same God, including those who don't believe in any God, they still pray in secret.

Butterfly - Origami by Lady Jerez

Anyway, the point is that the Zen way of living has been coming to me for a long time; books, people, music, articles, products, food, you name it! I see these things as signals. Not of becoming a Buddhist, but learning from them, raising my energy, empowering my soul. That's why I want to share some of the best Zen stories with you . Everytime I read them, I feel that each one could be part of a different religion. 
It doesn't matter what you believe, only what you feel and how you act.

1-Temper
A Zen student came to Bankei and complained: "Master, I have an ungovernable temper. How can I cure it?"
"You have something very strange," replied Bankei. "Let me see what you have."
"Just now I cannot show it to you," replied the other.
"When can you show it to me?" asked Bankei.
"It arises unexpectedly," replied the student.
"Then," concluded Bankei, "it must not be your own true nature. If it were, you could show it to me at any time. When you were born you did not have it, and your parents did not give it to you. Think that over."

2-A Cup of Tea
Nan-in, a Japanese master during the Meiji era (1868-1912), received a university professor who came to inquire about Zen.
Nan-in served tea. He poured his visitor's cup full, and then kept on pouring.
The professor watched the overflow until he no longer could restrain himself. "It is overfull. No more will go in!"
"Like this cup," Nan-in said, "you are full of your own opinions and speculations. How can I show you Zen unless you first empty your cup?"

3- In the Hands of Destiny
A great Japanese warrior named Nobunaga decided to attack the enemy although he had only one-tenth the number of men the opposition commanded. He knew that he would win, but his soldiers were in doubt.
On the way he stopped at a Shinto shrine and told his men: "After I visit the shrine I will toss a coin. If heads comes, we will win; if tails, we will lose. Destiny holds us in her hand."
Nobunaga entered the shrine and offered a silent prayer. He came forth and tossed a coin. Heads appeared. His soldiers were so eager to fight that they won their battle easily.
"No one can change the hand of destiny," his attendant told him after the battle.
"Indeed not," said Nobunaga, showing a coin which had been doubled, with heads facing either way.

If you are interested in more stories like these, please visit http://www.101zenstories.com/

If you want to learn more about Zen, look up your nearest Dojo. Also you can investigate by yourself like me on the internet and find your own way of learning alone.

Why You Shouldn't Help Only Your "Good" Friends?

Everybody have or have had friends... When you're a child you start making friends without realizing it. The social contact is something almost unstoppable. You need to interact with others in a way that you can learn from them and teach them as well. It's good to have someone else with who you can share things about this phenomenon that we all have in common: Life.

Your parents and relatives are your first friends; you don't have other option neither. Still, they are really important in your social and personal life. Moreover, they are gonna be like that forever. So, you have to get use to it. However, what about your other friends? Do you feel that you have real friends or just acquaintances? Do you think that friends are circumstantial only? Do you believe in truly friendship between a woman and a man without involve any romantic or sexual aspect? What do you think friendship is? Would you be friend of someone that doesn't help you? Does friendship has to be mutual? Is friendship really for free or you have to pay in some way for it?

It seems that every relationship, including friendships, need to have two cooperatives parts. Perhaps a truly friend would be willing to help you at any time if you are willing to help him or her. After all you're friends, you support each other always, don't you? A good friend always make you feel good or listen to your problems without judging; and even when you loose contact with them, or your relationship is not the same, you'll always remember them with happiness; all the things you two did together, besides all that learning, no matter what happens, it's gonna be with you forever... Beautiful isn't it?

Well, I was thinking about it and it's interesting why we don't do the same for people that is not willing to help us, or people that don't know us, or perhaps people that have hurt us... My question is Why? Is it necessary to do something good only for our friends because someday they are gonna be "good" enough to pay us back? It scares me...

Matthew 4:55 Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.

That doesn't mean that make friends is a egotistic thing; perhaps it's just an agreement of mutual support between similar people helping each other (without any contract terms). Anyway, having friends is a responsibility, whether we like it or not. We need to be there for them and do everything we can without any excuse. We have to be happy to help always!

On the contrary, you can help your "enemies" without being their friends, you can spread love to everyone without feeling responsible of anything. It's a free way to help others without even knowing them.  An you know what? you don't need to expect that they help you in the future, but perhaps they'll do it anyway. I guess that's something we can't change about our specie.

Paddy's Festival 2014 - Dublin, Ireland

This weekend was the Paddy's Festival in Dublin, and because it was my first experience celebrating it, I couldn't write my sacred weekly post :( Anyway, have a look at the parade at least! 

 See you next week with new words (I hope)...

Meanwhile, read my other old posts, maybe you haven't read them all! 

Hey, I got you!

Is there a creator? Scientists talk about it... (with M. Freeman)

Everything has a divine order. The magic of life is unbelievable but legitimate. All the things are perfectly connected like it was a miracle. The harmony of life is undeniable and beautiful. Your life is a perfect match of chromosomes in action. Scientists haven´t discovered the true nature of life in this world. There are several theories and investigations about time, the beginning of our world and human life itself. They are trying to understand what could be the cause of our existence as we know it. Is it possible to really know?

Today I want to share with you a documentary (TV show) that presents all the doubts and answers that science has related to life and even the existence of God. Don't miss this opportunity and watch the video now!